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Arohanui: Letters from Shoghi Effendi to New Zealand
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Pages 32-33
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(23) April 29th, 1933
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Dear Bahá'í Sister:
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Shoghi Effendi wishes me to thank you[+E8] for your kind
letter of March 16th 1933, as well as the enclosed article
which has been translated by Mr. Paul into the Maori language.
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The Guardian has already written Mr. Paul and expressed
to him his deep appreciation for the service he has
rendered to the Faith, but especially to his own people who
through the means of such literature will be acquainted with
the teachings and will receive the light of guidance brought to
the world by Bahá'u'lláh.
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I believe the Guardian has already intimated his approval
of this pamphlet and the desire that the friends in Australia
publish and circulate it among the Maoris.
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As regards the passages in the sacred writings indicating
the wrath of God; Shoghi Effendi says that the Divinity
has many attributes: He is loving and merciful but also just.
Just as reward and punishment, according to Bahá'u'lláh, are
the pillars upon which society rests, so mercy and justice may
be considered as their counterpart in the world to come.
Should we disobey God and work against His commands He
will view our acts in the light of justice and punish us for it.
That punishment may not be in the form of fire, as some believe,
but in the form of spiritual deprivation and degradation.
This is why we read so often in the prayers statements
such as "God do not deal with us with justice, but rather
through thy infinite mercy." The wrath of God is in the administration
of His justice, both in this world and in the world
to come. A God that is only loving or only just is not a perfect
God. The divinity has to possess both of these aspects as
every father ought to express both in his attitude towards his
children. If we ponder a while, we will see that our welfare
can be insured only when both of these divine attributes are
equally emphasised and practiced.
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In closing may I express the Guardian's loving greetings
and best wishes for the progress of your work in serving
the Cause.
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Yours ever sincerely,
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Ruhi Afnan
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[From the Guardian:]
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May the Almighty bless your efforts, deepen your understanding of the essentials and distinguishing features of
His Faith, guide your steps, and aid and assist you to extend
the range of your activities and services.
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Your true brother,
Shoghi
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