O thou intimate
companion!
The flame of reformation is ignited in the heart and soul of
Persia and the spirit of every real reformer is longing for better conditions.
For Persia is sick and is suffering with intense agony. But the children of the
East are abiding under the shade of the banner of discord and are completely
heedless and veiled. Now, what remedy can be applied? The sick Persia is flying
away from the physician; nay, rather that thirsty one is depriving himself of
the sea of the salubrious water of health. Therefore, this exiled one has found
no other alternative than to turn his face towards the West and raise the
melody of the Kingdom; for to a certain degree the insight of the people in
those parts is open and they are familiar and associate with reason and
understanding. When Joseph found that his envious brothers and his jealous
relations and friends were heedless and unmindful, he unveiled his face in the
market of the Egyptians so that in exile he might destroy the foundation of
strangeness and raise the banner of unity. Therefore, it is the aim of this
exiled one, that, God willing, he may become the Herald and carry the glad
tidings of the Kingdom to the empires of the West. Perchance the splendor of
the Beauty of the real Joseph - the Most Great Name - May my life be a
sacrifice to Him! – may shine from the countries of the Occident; and I beg of
God that the glances of mercifulness may assist.
I hope that the bounties of the True One may become realized
in thee, but it is conditional upon thy serving the Real Master and living in
accord with the manners and behavior of the real Baha’is and showing the utmost
sincerity and beauty of intention.
Upon thee be the Glory of God!
(Signed) ‘Abdu’l-Bha Abbas
(Star of the West vol, 2, no. 10, September 8, 1911)