O maid-servant of God! The circumstances will be severe for
every thankful servant (i.e., believer in the Teachings) in those boundaries
and countries. The people shall arise against you with the most bitter hatred,
opposition and envy. Swords of persecution and curses shall be thrown at you by
all the nations. The wind of tests and trials shall fiercely blow and thereby
the weak trees, which are not firmly rooted in this wonderful vineyard, shall
be uprooted. But the trees which are strong, thriving and green will be
strengthened, their branches extended, their leaves opened, their appearance
beautified and their blossoms and fruits increased. I ask God to make thee one
of those firmly rooted trees and an extended branch in this most great
vineyard, and to make thy heart like unto a cup overflowing with His love in
every assemblage. Verily He is the Powerful, the Generous!
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, vol. 2)
