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                  |  | Unfolding Destiny | Pages 18-19 |  |  | Letter of 9 December 1923
 
My dear Mr. Simpson,
 |  |  
	| 1 | Your short yet encouraging letter was gladly received by our 
dear Shoghi Effendi just yesterday evening.  He felt very pleased 
indeed with that spirit of hopefulness which your letter 
conveyed, and he eagerly hopes that in the days to come nothing 
will mar the brightness and optimism of his English brethren 
and sisters over in the West. |  |  
	| 2 | Your references to the commemoration meeting held in 
London, brought back with all its painful sadness recollections 
of that one night.  In a calm and quiet night, brightened by the 
silvery rays of the moon, gathered `Abdu'l-Bahá's sorrow-stricken 
faithful ones, to commemorate the night of His last 
farewell.  On the cistern by the Tomb sat His fervent servants; 
below them flickered the dying lights of Haifa, and above head 
shown in full magnificence the star bespangled heavens.  It was 
in the mid-watches of such a night that with sorrow and fervour 
the servants turned unto their dear Master so near and yet so far 
away; and with a deep feeling of that bitter loss they supplicated 
help and guidance from their Lord.  A word or two from Shoghi 
Effendi made them feel the Master nigh, and made them realise 
as never before that it was only in following in His steps, and in 
living the life that He had, that we can prove our faithfulness to 
our Master's Cause.  It was indeed a night of meditation and 
prayer and we missed you all so much. |  |  
	| 3 | We are receiving encouraging news from almost everywhere, 
such as Italy, Germany, China and Australia; and as you will 
have them more fully in the circulars of the Spiritual Assembly, 
I had hardly need make mention of them here. |  |  
	| 4 | Shoghi Effendi's earnest hopes in England are very great, and 
I am sure that the sincere and true-hearted efforts of his fellow-workers, 
will spread the principles of this great Revelation as 
never before.  Hard though it be to get access to the more 
intellectual circles in England, he firmly believes that through 
persistence, the obstacles will be soon overcome and they, with 
their own accord, will welcome you in their midst, turning a 
sympathetic ear to all that you have to share with them.  May 
these high hopes be realised.... |  |  
	| 5 | [From the Guardian:] 
My beloved brother, |  |  
	| 6 | My deepest admiration for your indefatigable exertions for the 
success of the Cause.  I will always remember you in my prayers and 
await eagerly your personal letters.  I welcome any suggestions and 
further particulars regarding the conference on the Living Religions 
within the British Empire. |  |  
	| 7 | Your brother, |  |  
	| 8 | Shoghi |  |  | 
 
 
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