Indeed this fresh ordeal that has, in pursuance of the
mysterious dispensations of Providence, afflicted the Faith at this unexpected
hour, far from dealing a fatal blow to its institutions or existence, should be
regarded as a blessing in disguise, not a "calamity" but a
"providence" of God, not a devastating flood but a "gentle
rain" on a "green pasture", a "wick" and
"oil" unto the "lamp" of His Faith, a "nurture"
for His Cause, "water for that which has been planted in the hearts of
men", a "crown set on the head" of His Messenger for this Day.
- Shoghi Effendi (In the handwriting of Shoghi Effendi, appended to a letter dated 20 August
1955 written on his behalf to the National Spiritual Assembly of the United
States, published in "Citadel of Faith: Messages to America
1947-1957", p. 139; The Compilation of Compilations, vol. II, Opposition)
