Advent of Divine Justice
Bahá'í Publishing Trust, Wilmette, Illinois 60091

Copyright 1939, © 1963, 1967, 1984, 1990
by the National Spiritual Assembly
of the Bahá'ís of the United States
All rights reserved. Published 1990
Printed in the United States of America

06 05 0 4 03       9876
First pocket-size edition 1990

Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Shoghi, Effendi.
      The advent of divine justice / by Shoghi Effendi.Ð1st pocket -sized ed.
            p.   cm.
      ISBN 0-87743-228-7 (pocketsize).ÐISBN 0-87743-195-7
(hardcover).ÐISBN 0-87743-196-5 (softcover)
      1. Bahai FaithÐNorth AmericaÐMiscellanea.   I. Title
BP355.N7S48   1990
297'.93'0973Ðdc20
90-38516
CIP



Cover design by John Solarz


CONTENTS

      With the approval of the Universal House of Justice the editors have eliminated the subheadings added to the first edition of The Advent of Divine Justice in 1939 and have, instead, prepared a table of contents based on the principle of identifying themes, section by section, that appear in the book.

Preface ix

Overview of the North American Bahá'í CommunityÐIts Successes, Responsibilities, and Glorious Future 1-16

The Health of the Community 1-2
The Crises Affecting the Bahá'í and Non-Bahá'í Worlds 2-6
The Unique Station of the North American Bahá'í Community 6-11
The Prime Mover and Pattern for Western Bahá'í Communities 6
The Torchbearers of the Cause 7
The Spiritual Descendants of the Dawn-Breakers 7
The Cradle of the Administrative Order 8
The Achievements of the American Bahá'ís 8-11
The Tasks Lying Ahead of the American Believers 11-15
The Spread of the Faith in the Western Hemisphere 12
The Spread of the Faith around the World 12-13
The As Yet Unnamed Mission of the Future 13-14
The Opportunities of the Distant Future 14-15
Bahá'u'lláh's Promised Aid 15-16
The Importance of Daily Exertions 16

Call for the Acquisition of Virtues Needed to Equip the North American Bahá'ís to Fulfill Their Destiny 16-43

A Warning about the Shortcomings of North Americans 16-20
The Importance of Utilizing Inherited National Virtues and Qualities 20
The Importance of Purging Inherited National Flaws 20-21
The Cultivation of Spiritual Qualities Essential for All Teaching Plans, Temple Projects, and Financial Plans 20-43
Introduction 20-23
Rectitude of Conduct 23-29
Chastity and Holiness 29-33
Freedom from Prejudice 33-41
SummaryÐWeapons for Regenerating the Bahá'í and Non-Bahá'í Communities 41-43
Call for the Fulfillment of the Material Aspect of America's Task, upon Which Depends Future Successes 43-72

The Challenge of the Temple 44
The Challenge of Teaching 44-72
Universal Participation 45-46
The Urgency of Teaching 46-49
Prerequisites for Successful Teaching 49
Prerequisites for Pioneers 49-50
Individual Initiative 50-51
Considering Opportunities and Planning Methods for Expansion and Consolidation 51-52
Working with Administrative Agencies 52-53
Making Teaching the First Priority 53-54
Teaching Minorities 54-56
Winning Homefront Goals 56-58
Winning Foreign Goals 58-68
Administrative Preparation for Teaching 59
Individual Preparation for Teaching 59-61
Assurances of Aid 61-62
Establishing Foundations for Local and National Institutions 62-65
Translating Literature 64-65
Finding Souls of Receptivity and Capacity 65-66
Appeal for Self-Supporting and Deputized Pioneers 66-68
The Importance of Collaborating with Bahá'í Institutions and Native Believers 67
The Importance of Self-Supporting Pioneers 68
Tribute to Women Pioneers 68-69
Appeal to Youth to Help Win Goals 69-70
The Special Importance of Panama 70-72
Assurance of the North American Bahá'í Community's Success in the Unfoldment of 'Abdu'l-Bahá's Tablets of the Divine Plan 72-85

'Abdu'l-Bahá's Assurance of North America's Destiny 73-74
Shoghi Effendi's Faith in the North American Bahá'ís 74-75
Passages from the Writings of Bahá'u'lláh to Aid in Discharging Multiple Tasks 75-85
The High Station of the People of Bahá 75-77
The Greatness of the Day of God 77-80
The Regeneration of Human Life 80-81
Warnings and Counsels about the End of an Age 81-82
The Paramount Importance of Teaching 82-85
The Destiny of America 85-91

Index 95


      PREFACE

      From the earliest years of his ministry as the divinely appointed Guardian of the Cause of God, Shoghi Effendi conferred upon the Bahá'ís of North America a very special bounty in addressing to them a series of inspiring and challenging messages, carefully delineating the tasks they were called upon to discharge, and emphasizing the relationship of these goals to the fulfillment of their destiny as the chosen instruments for the execution of the Divine Plan of Abdu'l-Bahá.
      Of all these communications, perhaps the one most directly related to the life of the individual Bahá'í was The Advent of Divine Justice, written in 1938, in which the Guardian set forth the spiritual prerequisites for success in every activity for the advancement of the Faith. Special emphasis was placed not only upon the imponderable factors associated with the inner life of the spirit, but also upon the human and social relationships which must be cultivated and made an integral part of the daily life of every Bahá'í.
      Describing with amazing accuracy the basic ills afflicting the American body politic, as well as indicating the probable course of world events which were destined to create new challenges and opportunities for the American nation, Shoghi Effendi in this portentous message clearly defined the role the American Bahá'ís would be called upon to play in the years ahead.
      At this time, when so many of the prophetic utterances of both 'Abdu'l-Bahá and Shoghi Effendi relating to America have a deeper meaning and significance than ever before


in their impact on the activities of the American believers, it is particularly befitting that a new edition of The Advent of Divine Justice be made available, providing the opportunity for every Bahá'í to glean from a careful study of its pages a clearer understanding of the true purpose of our Faith, of America's spiritual destiny, and of the manner in which the individual believer is called upon to contribute to the achievement of this destiny, both on the homefront and in foreign fields of service.

ÐPAUL HANEY
Bahá'í World Center
Haifa, Israel
November 1968

      INDEX

'Abdu'l-Bahá
      example set by, in overcoming prejudice, 34-35
      quotations from
            on abstinence from alcohol, 33
            on America, 6, 85-86, 91
            on assault of Cause from all sides, 6
            on assistance from God when teaching, 57
            on darkness of error that battles light of Divine Guidance, 6
            on freedom from prejudice, 37-39
            on good character, 25-26
            on ills that will multiply and gloom that will deepen, 88-89
            on justice, 28
            on Movement of the Left, 89
            on North American believers, 73-74
            on Panama, 70-71
            on Peter, 46
            on teaching all races and backgrounds, 54-55
            on tests and sufferings that will befall Bahá'ís because of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, 42
      will of, launched teaching campaign, 48
      writings of. See Tablets of the Divine Plan
Administration. See Bahá'í Administration; World Order, New
Africa, South, 9
Alcohol, abstinence from, 30, 33
America. See North America
Art, moderation in, 30
Asceticism, 33
Assistance. See Protection and assistance
Australasia, 68
Australia, 9

Báb, the, 18
      power of, to transform backward people, 18
      quotations from
            tiny ant may, in this day, unravel the Qur'an, 46
      writings of, are repository of Word of God, 49
Báb’s, dawn-breakers, 18
Bahá'í Administration. See also Seven Year Plan; World Order, New
      America's contributions to, 8, 11
            local and national constitutions framed, 9-10
            recognition of institutions by authorities, 10
      diversity of minorities in, should be encouraged, 35-37
      justice must distinguish, 27
      laws, principles, and ordinances must be adhered to, 26-27, 63
      rectitude of conduct necessary in, 26, 27
      teaching
            Assemblies should consider methods of, 53
            Faith must be implanted in virgin territories, 56
            institutions are vehicles for dissemination of Faith, 44-45
            machinery of, should run smoothly, 52-53
            must be done through administrative bodies, 48
      unity between agencies of, 2
      Universal (International) House of Justice, 14, 22, 27, 28-29
      world order evolving within, 7, 41




Bahá'í community of North America. See also Canada; Pioneers and pioneering; Teaching; Youth
      accomplishments of, 8-11
            administrative, 8, 9-10, 11
            are a chapter in Formative Period, 10
            endowments, 10
            holy shrines safeguarded and extended, 9
            infinitesimal compared to tasks ahead, 11
            North American Bahá'ís champion Bahá'ís of other countries, 10
            pioneers, 9
            schools, 9
            teaching, 11-12
            Temple, 8, 11
            translation and publication of Bahá'í literature, 9
      Bahá'u'lláh's utterances concerning, 75-85
      character of. See also Character
            must be cleansed from defilements it seeks to remove, 42-43
      destiny of, 6-7, 20, 43, 72
            'Abdu'l-Bahá's description of, 73-74, 91
            accomplishments and blessings depend on improving character and developing spiritual factors, 20-22
            American Bahá'í community will go from strength to strength, 75
            cradle of New World Order, 6, 8, 41
            goal is glorious, 13, 15-16
            pattern for future Western Bahá'í communities, 6-7
            perfection of spiritual qualities will prepare for establishing World Order, 41
      duties of, 11-15
            beginning to unfold, 11
            cultivating spiritual qualities 20-43
            daily exertions, 16
            failure in, must not be permttted, 74-75
            God-born Force must be used to exploit opportunities, 47
            purging national flaws, 20-21
            sacrifice, not death, is, 7
            teaching, 11-13, 48, 56-57, 63-64
            world crises must not interfere with, 72-73
      health of, 1-2
      persecutions and tests of, 7-8, 41-42, 82
            ostracism is magnetic power, 42
            reinforce proclamation of Cause, 42
            by various denominations, 15
      protection of. See also Protection and assistance
            by invisible Hosts, 16
            by Providence, 2, 6
      station of. See also Bahá'ís
            champion-builders, 15
            prime mover of future Western Bahá'í communities, 6-7
            spiritual descendants of dawn-breakers, 7
            torchbearer of light, 7
Bahá'í community worldwide. See also Character; World Order, New
      future of, 14-15
      Islamic countries will recognize Assemblies, 14
      must be cleansed from defilements it seeks to remove, 43
      persecutions and afflictions of, 3-6, 41-42, 82
            enemies will be fierce, 16
            [in Germany], 3, 9
            in Holy Land, 4-5
            [in êrán], 4, 5
            [in 'Ishqábád, Russian Turkistán], 3, 5
            leaders and hosts of world are assaulting Cause, 6
            ostracism is magnetic power, 42
            reinforces proclamation of Cause,
      protection of. See also Protection and assistance
            preservation of Bahá'í Holy Places, 5
            by Providence, 2, 6
      stages of development of, 15. See also World Order, New
            Bahá'í Commonwealth, 15
            Bahá'í state, 15
            Formative Period, 10, 43, 71
            State religion, 15




      tests and trials demonstrate solidarity and consolidate strength, 2
      world crises affect, 2-3, 5-6
            battle between darkness and light, 6
Bahá'í literature
      Nab’l's Narrative, 18
      translation of, 9
Bahá'í revelation
      defense of, in literature, confers honor, 84
      power of, 46-47, 60
            God-born Force, 46-47
            greatness of this Day, 77-80
            regenerative, 80-81
Bahá'í schools, 9, 53-54
Bahá'í Temple (Holy Land), 14
Bahá'í Temple (Ishqábád, Russian Turkistán), 3-4, 5
Bahá'í Temple (Tihrán), 14
Bahá'í Temple (Wilmette, Illinois), 11
      dependencies of, erection of, 14
      final phase of, 1
            exterior ornamentation to be finished, 44
      greatest contribution made by West is, 8
      teaching linked to, 12, 44
Bahá'í youth. See Youth
Bahá'ís. See also Character
      rewards of, 78
            depend on daily exertions, 16
      station and blessedness of, 75-77, 79, 84
            North American Bahá'ís are spiritual descendants of dawn-breakers, 7
Bahá'u'lláh
      aid from, 15-16, 75-85
      army of, 42
      power of, to transform backward people, 18
      quotations from, 75-85
            on catastrophes facing the world, 81-82
            on deputizing pioneers, 67
            on enjoying benefits of earth, 33
            on freedom from prejudice, 37
            on greatness of this Day, 77-80
            on justice, 27-28
            on moral rectitude, 23-25, 30-32
            on regenerative power of His revelation, 80-81
            on rewards of pioneering, 68
            on showing friendliness to all, 65
            on teaching and pioneering, 45, 50-51, 57, 60-61, 67, 76, 82-85
            on tests and trials, 82
      Revelation of. See Bahá'í revelation
      trials and tribulations of, 28
            purpose of, was to sanctify mankind, 32
      World Order of. See World Order, New
      writings of
            are repository of Word of God, 49
            Kitáb-i-Aqdas (Most Holy Book), 14, 27
Balkan States, 9
      will remain discontented, 88
Baltic States, 9
Believers. See Bahá'ís
Bible, mysteries of, 58
Blacks. See also Racism
      compared to pupil of eye, 37
      teaching of, 54-55
British Empire, 9
Bulgaria, 68

Canada, 55, 56, 58, 68. See also North America
      future of, 58
Cape Horn, 89
Central America, 49-50. See also Latin America; Panama
Character
      of American people. See North America
      of Bahá'ís
            adherence to laws, principles, and ordinances is necessary, 27
            conduct must reflect spiritual attributes, 26, 29
            essential virtues must be developed, 19, 20, 22, 26, 43
            faults must be weeded out, 20-21
            must be cleansed from defilements they seek to remove, 42-43
            must be distinct from that of American people, 16, 19
            must make daily exertions, 16
            perfection of spiritual weapons, 41
            words and deeds must not differ, 25




      color is of no importance in evaluating, 37-38
      deeds, 24, 25
            power of one righteous act, 24
      light of a good, 24
      of people to whom a Prophet appears, 17-19
      a race of men incomparable in, will be raised up, 31
      spiritual qualities
            'Abdu'l-Bahá describes, 25-26
            asceticism is not among, 33
            Bahá'u'lláh describes, 23-25, 30-32
            blessings depend on development of, 22
            chastity and holiness, 22, 23, 25, 29-33, 41
            courtesy, 25
            detachment, 23-24, 31-32, 60
            dynamic force of example demonstrates, 30
            equity, 25
            fair-mindedness toward enemies, 27
            freedom from prejudice, 22, 23, 33-41
            honesty and truthfulness, 23, 24, 25, 26
            justice, 23, 25, 27-29
            moral rectitude in social and administrative activities, 22, 23-29, 41
Chastity, 19, 22, 23, 25, 32, 41
      asceticism, 33
      chastity and holiness, 29-33
      companionate marriages, infidelity, and promiscuity forbidden, 30
      purity and, are great ornaments, 32
Child, spiritual, 52
China, 50
Christ, 17, 57, 79
Civilization. See also World Order, New
      crises of, 2-3, 81-82, 87-89
            Bahá'ís affected by, 2-3, 5-6
            Bahá'ís must not be affected by, 72-73
            catastrophic upheaval, 11
            convulsions, 2, 88
            death-pangs, 11
            eyes shall stare up in terror, 60
            from Force of God, 46-47
            most great convulsion, 81
            prepare world for Most Great Justice, 27
            skins of men shall creep, 60
            unforeseen calamity, 81
            winds of despair, 88
      current state of, 47
            'Abdu'l-Bahá describes battle between darkness and light, 6
            fortunes of nations and peoples are becoming interwoven, 59, 88
            simultaneous processes of chaos and order are part of Plan of God for this planet, 72-73
      decadence of, 2
            corrosive influences, 2
            immorality and licentiousness, 19, 23, 29, 41
            irreligion, 5, 47
            lawlessness, 19
            materialism, 19, 29, 47
            nationalism, 47
            political corruption, 19, 23
            prejudice, 19, 23
            racism, 19, 23, 33-41
      excess of, is source of evil, 31
      Faith is sole begetter of New World Order, 7
      Movement of the Left will acquire great importance, 89
      regeneration of, 80-81
Conduct. See Character
Costa Rica, 71
Courtesy, 25
Cradle of New World Order, 6, 8, 41

Dawn-breakers, 18
Day. See also Bahá'í revelation
      greatness of this, 77-80
      power of this, 46
            regenerative, 80-81
Deeds. See Character
Detachment, 31-32, 60
      from silver and gold, 23-24, 32
Drugs, abstinence from habit-forming, 30

Egypt
      Civil authorities of, will recognize Assemblies, 14
      wretchedness of Israelites in, 17



El Salvador, 71
Enemies, honesty and fair-mindedness toward, 27
Eskimos, 54, 55
Example, dynamic force of, 30

Fanaticism, 5
Force, God-born, 46-47
Forgiveness not as important as justice, 28-29
Formative Period of Bahá'í Faith, 10, 43, 71
French Empire, 9

Germany, 9
      community silenced in, 3
      potentially powerful center, 5
Golden Age of Cause of Bahá'u'lláh, 20. See also World Order, New
Greenland, 55
Guatemala, 71

Handmaidens of God, 32, 33. See also Women
Holiness and chastity, 29-33
Holy Land
      abasement of Israelites is over, 55-56
      Bahá'í Holy Places
            preserved, 5
            safeguarded and expanded by North American Bahá'í community, 9
      crises in, 4-5
      erection of Bahá'í Temple in, 14
Honduras, 71
Honesty and truthfulness, 23, 25
      toward enemies, 27
      even if dying from hunger, 24
      truthfulness is foundation of all human virtues, 26
House of Worship. See Bahá'í Temple

Indians, American, 54, 55
International House of Justice. See Universal (International) House of Justice
êrán (Persia)
      civil authorities of, will recognize Assemblies, 14
      decadence of, at hour of revelation of Bahá'u'lláh, 17-18
      erection of Temple in Tihran,
      persecution of Bahá'ís in, 4, 5
      slow but steady infiltration of ideals of Faith in, 42-43
'Iráq, civil authorities of, will recognize Assemblies, 14
Irreligion, 5, 47
['Ishqábád, Russian Turkistan], 3-4, 5
Islám, Bahá'ís must acquire knowledge of, 49
Islands of the Pacific, 9
Israel. See Holy Land
Israelites
      abasement of, is over, 55-56
      misery of, 17

Japan, 50
Jesus Christ, 17, 57, 79
Jews
      day of abasement of Israelites is over, 55-56
      decline of, 17
      teaching of, about Bahá'í Faith, 54
Justice, 23, 25, 27-29
      forgiveness is less important than, 28-29
      Most Great, 27
      principle of Divine, is great and transcendental, 27
      reward and punishment are twin pillars of, 28

Kitab-i-Aqdas (Most Holy Book), 14, 27

Latin America, 9, 13
      American nation likely to develop closer association with, 90
      importance of, in shaping world's destiny, 59
      may develop into center of agitation, 87
      Panama, importance of, 70-72
      pioneers to, 59-62
            Bahá'ís of independent means sought as, 68
            can be deputized, 66-67
            foundation of administrative institutions to be laid by, 62-64
            language and customs should be learned by, 49
            must keep in touch with Inter-America Committee, 67
            permanent residence should be established by, 66
            rewards of, 68




            should mix with all people in friendly manner, 65-66
      teaching of Faith in, 58-68
            Inter-America Committee, 59, 67
            is an offensive against powers of darkness, 59
            literature, publicity, and other means to be used in, 64
            translation of Bahá'í literature for, 64-65
[League of Nations]
      dawn of Most Great Peace, 88
Left, Movement of the, 89
Liberty, lights of, flicker and go out, 5
Literature
      defense of Bahá'í revelation in,
            confers honor, 84
      moderation in, 30
      translating, 64-65
Local Spiritual Assemblies. See Bahá'í Administration

Manifestations of God
      appearance of, comes in midst of moral and spiritual degradation, 17-19
      Báb, the. See Bab, the
      Bahá'u'lláh. See Bahá'u'lláh
      Jesus Christ, 17, 79
      Moses, 17, 79
      Muhammad, 79
      Prophets are fruits of Trees of Divine Revelation, 80
      Prophets have announced and longed for this Day, 77-78
Mankind
      equality of, 37
      incomparable race of men will be raised up, 31, 85
      oneness of, 38
[Marie, Queen of Rumania]
      Royalty, 9
Marriage
      companionate, 30
      infidelity in, 30
Mashriqu'l-Adhkár. See also Bahá'í Temple
      in central Asia ['Ishqábád, Russian Turkistán], 3-4, 5
      dependencies of [in Wilmette, Illinois], 14
      in Tihrán, 14
Materialism, 19, 29
Mexico, 71
Minorities
      Bahá'ís must safeguard rights of, 35
      discrimination in favor of, 35-36
Moderation, 30
Morality. See Character
Moses, 17, 79
Most challenging issue [racial prejudice], 33
Most Holy Book (Kitáb-i-Aqdas), 27
Muhammad, 17, 79

Nab’l, 18
National Spiritual Assemblies. See Bahá'í Administration
Nationalism, 47
Negroes. See Blacks; Racism
New race of men, 31, 85
New World Order. See World Order, New
New Zealand, 9
Nicaragua, 71
North America. See also Bahá'í Administration; Bahá'í community of North America; Canada; Civilization; World Order, New
      character of people of, 16, 19-20. See also ills of (below)
            virtues, 20, 85-86
      destiny of, 72
            'Abdu'l-Bahá describes, 6, 73-74, 85-91
            American nation moving toward destiny even if unaware of Source, 86-91
            center from which waves of spiritual power will emanate, 62
            throne of Kingdom of God will be established, 62
      Ills of
            immorality and licentiousness, 19, 23, 29, 41
            lawlessness, 19
            materialism, 19, 29
            political corruption, 19, 23
            prejudice, 23
            racism, 19, 33-41
            weapons against, 41
      immediate future of, is dark, 88-91
      Latin America and, closer association between, likely, 90




      movement of, toward entanglement in affairs of the world, 86-91
      virgin states and provinces must be taught about Bahá'í Faith, 58
      war and
            future war may purify American nation, 90-91
            reactions to [World War I], 90
Nudism, 30

Old World Order. See Civilization
Opium, 30

Pacific islands, 9, 50
Palestine. See Holy Land
Panama, 70-72
Peace. See also World Order, New
      Most Great, 29, 88
      racial unity will bring, 39
Persecution. See Bahá'í community of North America; Bahá'í community worldwide
Persia. See Iran
Peter, Apostle, 46
Pioneers and pioneering, 1. See also Latin America; Tablets of the Divine Plan
      American believers must carry Divine Message, 13, 74-75
      arising to pioneer
            difficulties of, 57
            God will assist pioneers, 57
            importance of, if projects are to be put into effect, 56
            individuals should not wait for encouragement to begin, 50-51
            prerequisites for, 49-50
            self-support, 66, 68
      Bahá'u'lláh's counsels concerning, 50-51, 57, 60-61, 65, 68, 75-76, 82-85
      behavior of pioneers
            keeping in touch with responsible agencies, 52-53, 67
            learning language and customs, 49-50
            unrestrained as the wind, 50-51
      deputization of pioneers, 66-67
      to Latin America. See Latin America
      North Americans are scattered over globe, 9
      preparation for, 49-50
      station and rewards of, 61, 68
            dispersal of message will establish American community on throne of everlasting dominion, 13
      women's contributions to, 68-69
Point Barrow, Alaska, 89
Politics
      corruption in, 19, 23
      nonparticipation in, 26
Prejudice, 33-41. See also Racism
      discrimination in favor of minorities, 35-36
      freedom from, 22, 23, 33-41
            'Abdu'l-Bahá's utterances on, 37-39
            Bahá'u'lláh's utterances on, 37
            every differentiation must be obliterated, 35
            must be cultivated, 36-37
Prophets. See Manifestations of God
Protection and assistance
      aid to those who aid Bahá'u'lláh, 76
      angels, 60
      assistance from Almighty, 57, 62
      Bahá'í Holy Places preserved, 5
      Bahá'u'lláh assures Divine, 84
      Concourse on high, 61
      God will assist pioneers, 57
      hosts of Divine inspiration, 61
      invisible Hosts, 16
      Providence, 2, 6
Puritanism, 33

Qualities, spiritual. See Character
[Queen Marie of Rumania). See [Marie, Queen of Rumania]
Qur'an, 46, 49
      mysteries of, not unraveled in some American states, 58
      quotations from
            one grain will bring forth seven sheaves, 57

Race of men, incomparable in character, will be raised up, 31, 85
Racism, 19, 33-41
      'Abdu'l-Bahá's comments on, 37-39, 54-55
      'Abdu'l-Bahá's example concerning, should be followed, 34-35
      all colors are acceptable to God, 37-38




      Bahá'u'lláh's utterances concerning, 37
      diversity should be cause of love and harmony, 38-39, 54-55
      eating into vitals of society, 23
      enmity between races may end in bloodshed, 39
      freedom from prejudice, 22, 23
            importance of overcoming prejudice, 34
      most challenging issue, 33
      obligation of both races in resolving, 34, 39-41
            Negroes, 40
            whites, 40
      race is least of all distinctions, 38
      races are as flowers of a garden, 54-55
Rectitude of conduct, 22, 23-29, 41
Revelation. See Baha't revelation
Righteousness, 24
[Roosevelt, Franklin D.], 89
[Root, Martha]
      unsupported, humble Bahi'l, 8-9
Royalty, 9
[Russian Turkistán]. See ['Ishqábád, Russian Turkistán]

Scandinavia, 9
Schools, Bahá'í, 9, 53-54
Seven Year Plan (first) (1937-44), 1, 11-12, 56. See also Pioneers and pioneering; Teaching
      completion of, will lead to more work, 12-13, 73
      exterior ornamentation of Temple to be finished during, 44
      foundation for next generation of Latin American believers will be laid during, 62-64
      furtherance of, by both institutions and individuals, 50
      goal of, is at least one center in each republic of Western Hemisphere, 12
      is initial stage of Divine Charter of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, 73
      most decisive stage of, 58
      teaching aspects of, 44-72
      women's accomplishments during, 68-69
Society. See Civilization
South Africa, 9
South America. See Latin America
Spiritual Assemblies. See Bahá'í Administration
Spiritual child, 52
Spiritual qualities. See Character

Tablets of the Divine Plan, 7, 12-13, 14
      excerpts from 13, 55-56, 57-58, 61-62, 65, 70-71, 73-74
Teaching, 44-72. See also Latin America; Pioneers and pioneering; Seven Year Plan
      'Abdu'l-Bahá's advice on, 54-56
      'Abdu'l-Bahá's Will launched course of, 48
      administrative agencies must be used in, 52-53, 67
      administrative preparation for, 59
      in America, 57-58
      Bahá'í Temple linked to, 12, 44
      Bahá'u'lláh's utterances on, 45, 57, 60-61, 65, 75-76, 82-85
      countries and groups to which special attention should be paid, 54-56
            U.S. and Canada, 57-58
      during daily activities, journeys, and holidays, 53
      Divine assistance in
            aid to those who aid Bahá'u'lláh, 76
            from Almighty, 57, 62
            angels, 60
            Bahá'u'lláh assures, 84
            Concourse on high, 61
            hosts of Divine inspiration, 61
      establishing foundations for future local and national institutions, 62-65
      Hands of Ascendancy and Might will arise to subdue people, 85
      importance of, 53-54
      individuals should not wait for encouragement to begin, 50
      methods of, 51-52
            dignity in, 51
            direct and indirect, 51-52
            embrace all races and backgrounds, 54-56




            friendliness and kindness to all, 65-66
            nurture spiritual child, 52
            proselytizing forbidden, 66
            use example of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, 52
      minority, 54-56
      opportunities for
            because of world turmoil, 47-48
            current, may never recur, 48
            future years will give other, 13-15
      participation in, must be universal, 45-46
      preparation for, 49-50, 59-61
            administrative, 59
            memorize Bahá'í writings, 49
            study history and teachings of Bahá'í Faith, 49
            study history and tenets of Islam, 49
            use Bahá'í schools to enrich knowledge, 53-54
      results of, will be harvest predicted by 'Abdu'l-Bahá, 53
      rewards and station of those who promote Bahá'í Faith, 75-77, 78, 79, 84
      stimulating other Bahá'ís to do, 54
      success in, not related to education or social standing, 45-46
      translating literature, 64-65
      urgency of, 46-49
      winning foreign goals, 58-68
      winning homefront goals, 56-58
      women's contributions to, 68-69
      youth, possibilities for service by, 69-70
Temple. See Bahá'í Temple
Tests and trials
      Bahá'í community's, demonstrate solidarity and consolidate strength, 2
      Bahá'u'lláh's counsels concerning, 82
      crises of a decadent age, 2
      persecution. See Bahá'í community in North America; Bahá'í community worldwide
Translating literature, 64-65
Truthfulness. See Honesty and truthfulness

United States, 57-58, 68, 87-89, See also North America
Unity
      between agencies of Bahá'í community, 2
      all humans are equal, 37
      all humans come from same source, 38
      in diversity, 54-55
      purpose of justice is, 28
      of races, 33-41
Universal (International) House of Justice, 14
      formation of auxiliary branches and subsidiary institutions, 14
      justice is associated with, 28-29
      laying foundation of, 22
      symbolizes rectitude of conduct, 27
      will be guardian of Divine Justice, 22
Universal participation, 45-46

Weapons for spiritual regeneration, 41
[Wilson, Woodrow]
      tragically unappreciated, 88, 89
Wind(s)
      of despair, 88
      unrestrained as, 60
Wine
      forbidden, 33
      of the love of God, 33
      Mystic, 33
Women
      contributions of, in establishing Faith, 68-69
      handmaidens of God, 32, 33
      [Martha Root is] unsupported, humble Bahá'í, 8-9
World, crises of. See Civilization
World Order, New
      birth pangs of, 11
      bright future no previous age can rival, 43
      establishment of
            Bahá'í Faith is sole begetter, 7
            birth from womb of travailing age, 2
            racial unity will be assurance of peace, 39
            rearing of, depends on purging ills, 21
            spiritual qualities are weapons for, 41
      federalism, 88
      Golden Age, 20




      is shell of world civilization, 7
      Most Great Justice, 27
      Most Great Peace, 29
            dawn of, 88
      North America is cradle of New World Order, 6, 8, 41
      stages through which Faith must pass, 15
            Formative Period, 10, 43, 71
      Tablets of the Divine Plan and, 7
World Order, Old. See Civilization

Youth
      conduct of, must be chaste and holy, 22, 30
      contributions of, 22
      possibilities for service by, 69-70