All the sufferings the German believers have endured are not in vain; they now see before them many, many of their fellow-countrymen ripe to receive the Message of Bahá’u’lláh, which, some of them, in the past, would never have listened to for a moment. Now is the time to teach the Cause of God in Germany as never before; in spite of the hardships you are all undergoing, you must be active in building up new Bahá’í Assemblies while the people are still seeking some spiritual food. We do not know what their spiritual condition will be like in the future when their physical lives are once again more stable and secure—so we must seize this golden opportunity, and make every sacrifice to rapidly spread the Divine Message in Germany now. He will pray for you all, that God may bless, aid and guide you.... [From the Guardian:] Dear and valued co-workers: I was deeply touched by your message, and I greatly value the sentiments you have expressed, and the efforts you exert for the promotion of our beloved Faith. I will pray for your success from the depths of my heart. Rest assured, and persevere in your high and meritorious endeavours. Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi LETTER OF 22 FEBRUARY 1947 22 February 1947 Dear Bahá’í Friends: Your letters dated Sept. 24th, Oct. 1st and Nov. 12th, 1946, have all been received, as well as the interesting reports you enclosed with them, and our beloved Guardian has instructed me to answer you on his behalf. He was delighted to see that such large study classes are being held in Esslingen, and that so many people are becoming students of the Faith. The German believers must concentrate all their efforts on teaching the Cause, as at the present time there are many truth-seekers; in the future it may be more difficult to reach the people. The Summer School was also a great success this year, and our Guardian was very happy to see so many attended and that the activities of the Bahá’ís are now receiving public approval, after so many years of persecution! You may be sure his loving prayers are offered for the success of your devoted services to the Cause of God.... [From the Guardian:] May the Spirit of Bahá’u’lláh sustain, guide and bless your meritorious efforts, aid you to render notable services to our beloved Cause, and consolidate its new-born and God-given institutions, Your true and grateful brother, Shoghi LETTER OF 26 FEBRUARY 1947 26 February 1947 Dear Bahá’í Friends: Your letter to our beloved Guardian, dated Sept. 25th, 1946, was received, as well as the minutes of your meeting of Nov. 2nd and 3rd., and he has instructed me to answer you on his behalf. Regarding the question of Herr Jörn: Smoking is not forbidden by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá; He advises against it for reasons of health, but we have no right to prevent anyone from smoking. But drinking and the use of drugs are strictly forbidden and the Bahá’ís should obey this command.