Convey the wonderful Abha greeting to the believers. Chicago, in comparison with the cities of America, was in advance and numerically contained more Bahais, but when the stench (vile odor) of the nakazeen [Covenant-breakers] was spread in that city, there was a stagnation. The Cause in other cities of America is progressing day unto day, but Chicago is stationary. Therefore, strive that the sweet fragrance of the Testament and the Covenant may become diffused, the nostrils of the spiritual ones become perfumed, the banner of Ya Baha’u’l-Abha be unfurled and the tent of the Oneness of the world of humanity be pitched. Then ye shall observe that Chicago has become the Paradise of Abha. These few nakazeen cannot accomplish anything worthwhile. The utmost is this, that they will be the means of the drooping of the believers of God in that city. A person deprived of the spirit of the Covenant is sentenced as dead. The dead surely disintegrate. Therefore, breathe the spirit of the Covenant and the Testament as much as ye can in the hearts, so that the souls may progress day unto day and obtain a new exhilaration.
Upon thee be Baha’u’l-Abha!
- ‘Abdu’l-Baha (From a Tablet; Star of the West, vol. 4, no. 10, September 8, 1913)
