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Viewed in the light of past experience, the inevitable result of
such futile attempts, however persistent and malicious they may be,
is to contribute to a wider and deeper recognition by believers and
unbelievers alike of the distinguishing features of the Faith proclaimed
by Bahá'u'lláh. These challenging criticisms, whether or not
dictated by malice, cannot but serve to galvanize the souls of its
ardent supporters, and to consolidate the ranks of its faithful promoters.
They will purge the Faith from those pernicious elements
whose continued association with the believers tends to discredit the
fair name of the Cause, and to tarnish the purity of its spirit. We
should welcome, therefore, not only the open attacks which its
avowed enemies persistently launch against it, but should also view
as a blessing in disguise every storm of mischief with which they
who apostatize their faith or claim to be its faithful exponents
assail it from time to time. Instead of undermining the Faith, such
assaults, both from within and from without, reinforce its foundations,
and excite the intensity of its flame. Designed to becloud its
radiance, they proclaim to all the world the exalted character of its
precepts, the completeness of its unity, the uniqueness of its position,
and the pervasiveness of its influence.
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I do not feel for one moment that such clamor, mostly attributable
to impotent rage against the resistless march of the Cause of
God, can ever distress the valiant warriors of the Faith. For these
heroic souls, whether they be contending in America's impregnable
stronghold, or struggling in the heart of Europe, and across the seas
as far as the continent of Australasia, have already abundantly demonstrated
the tenacity of their Faith and the abiding value of their
conviction.
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