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Looking back in Wonder, Philip Hainsworth, p76-7
Dear Bahá’í Brother,
Your letter to our beloved Guardian, dated February 23rd, has been received, and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf. Regarding the various matters you asked his advice and opinion about.
It is not surprising, in view of the gloom overhanging the entire world, and in conjunction with their run-down, exhausted state due to war conditions and present circumstances of life in England, that the British Bahà’is should sometimes reflect the state of their countrymen! It is a pity; and they should certainly try, as believers, to be cheerful and radiant; but he feels the greatest sympathy for them, and considers that when their present achievements are assessed in future, people will give them a double measure of praise for having done so much when they were least fit to do it. The spirit of determination, and their perseverance, are truly outstanding.
Just because some people have lost their vision of the Cause, or never had a proper grasp of its implications before entering it, and leave the fold, should not cause undue discouragement. There are bound to be such cases, and although every moral support should be given them if they still wish to withdraw, they fall off - as you said - like withered leaves from the Tree of the Faith, and do it no real harm.
He likes to be provided with facts by the friends, when they ask his advice, for although his decisions are guided by God, he is not, like the Prophet, Omniscient at will, in spite of the fact that he often senses a situation or condition without having any detailed knowledge of it.
As to your own plans, he feels that you should not leave Nottingham at present, where you are not only needed by the local Community, but where you have a store. He suggests you make a serious effort, through devoting more time to your business, to getting it on its feet, and at least in a condition to dispose of, if you don’t think it worth continuing.
He is very anxious to have the pamphlets in African languages gotten out - both the one Mrs Preston was to see to, and the one you mention you can get done, at least the translation, by an African. He suggests you write Mrs. Preston, and urge her to get the Swahili one done quickly (he himself has heard nothing from her at all), and you make suitable selections for a small pamphlet to be sent to your African acquaintance and translated into Chinyanza. He is delighted at the prospect of having this done, as our publications are now translated and printed in 50 languages, two are being translated into 12 additional languages. One of these 50 is Tegrinia, an African tongue.
He urges you to never feel discouraged, or that you have in any way failed in your services; on the contrary you have done a tremendous lot of work for the Cause since your return to England, and he is very happy over your accomplishments, and assures you he will pray in the Shrines for the solution of your problems and the fulfilment of your heart’s desire.
With Bahá’i love,
R. Rabbání.
Dear and valued co-worker,
I wish to assure you in person of my everlasting gratitude for the historic and magnificent work you have achieved in recent years - a work of which I feel truly proud. You should be happy, grateful and confident, and persevere in your great task, which the Beloved, f feel sure, will continue to bless and guide. The spirit you have imparted to the friends afíer your return from the Holy Land has been responsible for the success you achieved. May the Beloved sustain you in your high endeavours.
Your true and grateful brother; Shoghi
1948-03-04 to Philip Hainsworth re state of the world etc
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