Progress in Persia
In Persia, where, unlike its ill-fated sister nation Afghanistan, the pace of reform has been wisely regulated, the salutary effects of the progressive regime established by its enlightened ruler are not only reacting upon the social and economic structure of its society, but are being increasingly felt by the mass of the followers of Baha'u'llah in that land. The welter of controversy into which the drastic reforms of a determined government, aiming at the gradual secularization of the State, has plunged a revolting clergy, has afforded our Persian brethren their long-desired opportunity to pursue untrammelled the course of their spiritual and humanitarian activities. The deportation of a considerable number of Muslim ecclesiastical officials, amongst them the heir of that notorious and bloodthirsty Mujtahid of Isfahan, "the Son of the Wolf," has served to clear the ground for the extension and consolidation of Baha'i institutions. Already, as reported from an outlying center in the province of Yazd, a leading but fair-minded Mullah has, upon the discovery of the specific prophecy of Abdu'l-Baha regarding the forced abandonment of the traditional headdress of Muslim clericals, acknowledged the Divine origin of the Baha'i Faith, embraced its truth, and openly enlisted as an active supporter of its institutions (171:1)

End of Quote