It is not sufficient to number the souls that embrace the
Cause to know the progress that it is making. The more important consequences
of your activities are the spirit that is diffused into the life of the
community, and the extent to which the teachings we proclaim become part of the
consciousness and belief of the people that hear them. For it is only when the
spirit has thoroughly permeated the world that the people will begin to enter
the Faith in large numbers.
(From a letter dated 18 February
1932, written on behalf of Shoghi Effendi to an individual believer; The
Compilation of Compilations, Vol. III, Promoting Entry by Troops)