Let us pray to God that in these days of world encircling
gloom, when the dark forces of nature, of hate, rebellion, anarchy and reaction
are threatening the very stability of human society, when the most precious
fruits of civilization are undergoing severe and unparalleled tests, we may all
realize, more profoundly than ever, that though but a mere handful amidst the
seething masses of the world, are in this day the chosen instruments of God’s
Grace, that our Mission is most urgent and vital to the fate of humanity and,
fortified by these sentiments, arise to achieve God’s holy purpose for mankind.
- Shoghi Effendi (From a message dated December 2, 1923; ‘Letters from the
Guardian to Australia and New Zealand’)