The world with the
various calamities that have befallen it, will be completely ravaged and its
civilization demolished, if the Baha'is do not come to its help and embue it
with the spirit that Baha'u'llah has brought to the, world. The economic
factions, political parties, national hatreds, racial prejudices, and religious
antagonisms, will continue to bring about devastating wars until the spirit of
the Cause permeates the heart of man, and its universal teachings pull down the
existing barriers. Let us be reminded of our duty by the misery we see around
us, and arise for the prosecution of our noble duty.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a letter dated 24
November 1931 written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to the American National
Spiritual Assembly; quoted in a letter dated 1 July 1984 from the International
Teaching Centre to the Continental Board of Counsellors in the Americas)
