A New Approach to Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era/Text

A New Approach to Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era

Proofread onceReturn to PDF view

[Page i] A NEW APPROACH TO BAHÁ’U’LLÁH AND THE NEW ERA

(Prepared by National Programming Committee)

1948 - 1949 1949 - 1950

Bahá’í Publishing Committee Wilmette, Illinois

1949 [Page ii]

A NEW APPROACH TO BAHÁ’U’LLÁH AND THE NEW ERA

(Prepared by National Programming Committee)

1948 - 1949

1949 - 1950

Bahá’í Publishing Committee

Wilmette, Illinois

1949 [Page iii]

A New Approach to the Study of BAHÁ’U’LLÁH AND THE NEW ERA

Shoghi Effendi has stated that Bahá’u’lláh and the New Era remains the basic text to acquaint the seeker with the facts and truths essential to an understanding of the Bahá’í World Faith.

The aim of this course is to help every believer to easily conduct a successful fireside study group for inquirers based on the text and a few accompanying stories, questions, and suggestions.

The first four chapters of the book may be taken toward the end rather than at the beginning of this study. Many find this more successful.

Listed also are the suggestions for gift pamphlets to be presented at the end of each lesson. The student should be encouraged to build a library of pamphlets first, and, if the interest is sustained, a library of books later on. The New Era is for class reading, but a lending library of such books as Portals to Freedom, The Chosen Highway, Foundations of World Unity, Hidden Words, The Promised Day is Come, This Earth One Country and others, could be established at the third or fourth class meeting. CONTINUE TO GIVE GIFT PAMPHLETS THROUGHOUT THE COURSE. Order them well in advance.

HINTS FOR THE TEACHER

Things To Do

1. At the outset of the lesson, ask what was most striking about the pamphlet of the week.
2. Read slowly the list of questions for the new lesson, allowing time for thought. Do not permit any answers to be expressed at this time.
3. Launch into the reading or description of the chapter material.
4. Be sure that the students participate. It is preferable that they pass around the readings of the direct quotations of the Founders of the Faith.
5. Highlight the reading or discussion now and then by using stories. This lends warmth and interest.
6. Discuss any points of general interest; hold to the subject of the chapter.
7. Always close the lesson on a happy note; some form of promise of the solution for today, either individual or social.
8. Distribute or read the questions again; this time call forth the answers from the students. Occasional true and false tests may be used.
9. Summarize the high points quickly; let everyone help.

Things to Avoid

1. Avoid random talking on unrelated subjects, and monopoly of discussion by any one student.
2. Do not speak scornfully of other faiths. The teacher may well present their positive contributions as stepping stones to world faith.
3. Replace unpleasant, heated arguments with kindness, courtesy, and cordiality.
4. Do not allow discussion to unduly prolong the lesson. At least one chapter should be covered in every lesson.

[Page 1]

CHAPTER 1 — THE GLAD TIDINGS

Suggested gift pamphlets: Faith for Freedom Religion Returns

Questions for discussion: 1. What is the reason for a Prophet’s appearance in the world? (p. 1) 2. How would you recognize a Prophet? (p. 2) 3. In your estimation, would humanity move forward more certainly today with or without the help of such a spiritual genius? 4. Compare the cycles of the world’s greatest religions to the seasons of the year. (p. 6) 5. What are some of the signs of a new day? (p. 5) 6. Why are the Spiritual Teachers of history persecuted? (p. 8-9) 7. What is the true mission of Bahá’u’lláh? (p. 7) 8. Which of the principles of Bahá’u’lláh do you judge to be most important for peace? (p. 7) 9. Which of these principles can we see receiving organized attention for the first time today? 10. Why is peace on a world scale now possible for the first time?

Power of Moses

Moses established the religious law and the civil law; these gave life to the people of Israel, and led them to the highest possible degree of civilization at that period.

To such a development did they attain that the sages of Greece came to regard the illustrious men of Israel as models of perfection. Such an one was Socrates, who visited Syria, and took from the children of Israel the teaching of the Unity of God and the immortality of the soul.

— Some Answered Questions, 17-18

Glad Tidings for the Jews

Dr. A. Fishel, Jewish Professor of the Oriental Institute, Hebrew University, on his return from Persia, Iraq and Kurdistan, stated to the ‎Ita ITA‎ (Jewish News Agency) that a mass conversion is predominating among the Persian Jews. Whole communities turn to Bahá’ísm, the religion of Persia...

Therefore it is interesting to find that Dr. David Starr Jordan extended the hospitality of Leland Stanford Jr. University to the great Protagonist of the Bahá’í Cause, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, during the year 1912, and introduced Him to the student body and faculty in words from which the following excerpt is taken:

"It is our fortune to have with us...one of the great religious teachers of the world, one of the natural successors of the old Hebrew Prophets...I now have the great pleasure and the great honor also of presenting to you ‘Abdu’l-Bahá."

— Bahá’í World, 1930-32, 481-515

Muhammad Asleep in the Desert

We always love the story that one of our first great American essayists wrote in his Sketch-Book.

It is a strange power that sweeps through the world when a prophet arises. Muhammad was lying on the desert sands, one time, with his sword at his side. Along came one of his enemies. He said, "Ho, ho, look! Muhammad, the prophet, asleep, and his sword at his side, I will kill him." The man came ‎up took up and took‎ the sword and raised it over Muhammad and said, "Prophet Muhammad, who is going to protect you now?" and raised the sword to kill him. Muhammad awakened from his nap with serenity and smiled at the man holding the sword over his head and said, "God will protect me." The man looked down; he had the sword and Muhammad had nothing [Page 2] but God.

He looked at that face; he looked at those eyes and he saw the light in that face. He felt the power shining from that body; he dropped the sword in consternation. Muhammad serenely arose and took the sword and said, "Now, who is going to protect you?" "Alas, nobody," said his enemy. Then Muhammad handed him the sword and said, "Then from Muhammad, the Prophet, learn to be merciful," and he gave the enemy his sword. The enemy turned around and said, "Muhammad, I will be one of your disciples because anybody that has the courage to trust God like that must have more behind him than human power.

Bahá’í Magazine, August, 1926, p. 147

"Many a night", continues Nabil, depicting the living of those self-oblivious companions, "no less than ten persons subsisted on no more than a penny-worth of dates. No one knew to whom actually belonged the shoes, the cloaks, or the robes that were to be found in their houses. Who ever went to the bazaar could claim that shoes upon his feet were his own, and each one who entered the presence of Bahá’u’lláh could affirm that the cloak and robe he then wore belonged to him. Their own names they had forgotten, their hearts were emptied of aught else except adoration for their Beloved...0, for the joy of those days, and the gladness and wonder of those hours!"

God Passes By, 134, 135, 137

Power of Christ

Afterwards Christ came saying, 'I am born of the Holy Spirit." Though it is now easy for the Christians to believe this assertion, at that time it was very difficult. According to the text of the Gospel the Pharisees said, 'is not this the son of Joseph of Nazareth whom we know? How can he say therefore, I came down fromheaven?"

At last they crowned him with the crown of thorns and crucified him. But Christ, while apparently in the deepest misery and affliction, proclaimed: 'This Sun will be resplendent, this Light will shine, my grace will surround the world, and all my enemies will be brought low.' And as he said, so it was: for all the kings of the earth have not been able to withstand him.

Some Answered Questions, 20-21

England Receives the Glad Tidings

On the following Sunday by the invitation of Archdeacon Wilberforce (Chaplain of the House of Commons and Select Preacher before the University of Oxford) ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at the close of Evening Service addressed the congregation of St. John's Church, Westminster. As the published record of the meeting states: "The Arch-deacon had the Bishop's chair placed for his guest on the chancel steps and stand-ing beside him read the translation of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's address himself. The con-gregation was profoundly moved and following the Archdeacon's example knelt to receive the blessing of the Servant of God.

The Promise of All Ages, 15.

America Receives the Glad Tidings

His talk, at first apparently desultory, gradually shaped itself toward some distinct point, which, however, He kept veiled until the end. I wondered what was coming. When it came it was like a thunderclap.

"Think of it!" He said, "Two kings were dethroned in order that I might be freed! This is naught but pure destiny.

I looked toward Dr. Grant. Instead of the skeptical expression I had expected to find, I saw that he was strangely moved. He had been listening, still with that expression of tender deference, his head slightly tipped to one side, looking, as he has each time I have seen him in the Master's presence, singularly young, singularly softened but now there was a visible stirring of his soul through his face.

"And now," ended the Master, rising to His feet with the action of a king, "you here in America must work with me for the peace of the world and the oneness of humanity."

‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s First Days in America, 25. [Page 3]

BAB: THE FORERUNNER

Suggestions for gift pamphlet: Bab’s Address to the Letters of the Living

Questions for discussion: 1. What conditions prevailed in Persia when the Bab appeared? (p. 14-16) 2. Compare His life with the life of Christ. (stories) 3. Compare His martyrdom with the martyrdom of Christ. 4. What does the term "Bab" mean? (p. 16) 5. Can you speak of one of His spiritual teachings? (p. 27) 6. Can you speak of one of His social teachings? (p. 28) 7. What were the innate characteristics of the Bab? (p. 17 and stories) 8. For whose coming did He prepare the people? 9. Do you think that His life indicates that He was more than a forerunner?

Innate Knowledge

(told by the Aunt of the Bab) "The Child came to us when He was four years old. From the first He was quite different from other children, so wise, gentle and serene. When He was seven years old He was taken to the school of Shaykh ‘Abid. The schoolmaster came to my husband and said: 'The fees thou givest for teaching Ali-Muhammad I can accept only as a present. He has no need of my teaching!'" - The Chosen Highway, 77

The First Disciple

On that very day, a few hours before sunset, whilst walking outside the gate of the city, his eyes fell suddenly upon a Youth of radiant countenance, who wore a green turban and who, advancing towards him, greeted him with a smile of loving welcome.

He embraced Mulla Husayn with tender affection as though he had been his intimate and lifelong friend.

"I have heard Mulla Husayn repeatedly and graphically describe the circumstances of that remarkable interview: The Youth who met me outside the gate of Shiraz overwhelmed me with expressions of affection and loving-kindness. He extended me a warm invitation to visit His home, and there refresh myself after the fatigues of my journey. I prayed to be excused, pleading that my two companions had already arranged for my stay in that city, and were now awaiting my return. "Commit them to the care of God," was His reply; "He will surely protect and watch over them." Having spoken these words, He bade me follow Him. I was profoundly impressed by the gentle yet compelling manner in which that strange Youth spoke to me. As I followed Him, His gait, the charm of His voice, the dignity of His bearing, served to enhance my first impressions of this unexpected meeting.

"We soon found ourselves standing at the gate of a house of modest appearance. He knocked at the door, which was soon opened by an Ethiopian servant. "Enter therein in peace, secure," were His words as He crossed the threshold and motioned me to follow Him. His invitation, uttered with power and majesty, penetrated my soul." - The Dawn-Breakers, 52-54

The Proclamation

"I sat spellbound by His utterance, oblivious of time and of those who awaited me... All the delights, all the ineffable glories, which the Almighty has recounted in His book as the priceless possessions of the people of Paradise these I seemed to be experiencing that night...

"He then addressed me in these words: O thou who art the first to believe in Me! Verily I say, I am the Bab, the Gate of God, and thou art the Babu’l-Bab, the gate of that Gate..." [Page 4] "Excitement, joy, awe, and wonder stirred the depths of my soul. Predominant among these emotions was a sense of gladness and strength which seemed to have transfigured me. How feeble and impotent, how dejected and timid, I had felt previously! Then I could neither write nor walk, so tremulous were my hand's and feet. Now, hoever, the knowledge of His Revelation had galvanised my being. I felt possessed of such courage and power that were the world, all its peoples and its potentates, to rise against me, I would, alone and undaunted, withstand their onslaught. The universe seemed but a handful of dust in my grasp. I seemed to be the Voice of Gabriel personified, calling unto all mankind: "Awake, for lo! the morning Light has broken. Arise, for His Cause is made manifest. The portal of His grace is open wide; enter therein, 0 peoples of the world! For He who is your promised One is come!"

The Dawn-Breakers, 62-65.

His Wisdom

One day, while seated with the Bab in his private garden within the court- yard of his house, the Mu’tamid, taking his Guest into his confidence, addressed Him in these words: "The almighty giver has endowed me with great riches. I know not how best to use them. Now that I have, by the aid of God, been led to recognize this Revelation, it is my ardent desire to consecrate all my possess- ions to the furtherance of its interests and the spread of its fame. It is my intention to proceed, by Your leave, to Tihran, and to do my best to win to this Cause Muhammad Shah, whose confidence in me is firm and unshaken. I am certain that he will eagerly embrace it, and will arise to promote it far and wide."

"May God requite you for your noble intentions," the Bab replied. "So lofty a purpose is to Me even more precious than the act itself. Your days and Mine are numbered, however; they are too short to enable Me to witness, and allow you to achieve, the realization of your hopes. Not by the means which you fondly imagine will an almighty Providence accomplish the triumph of His Faith. Through the poor and lowly of this land, by the blood which these shall have shed in His path, will the omnipotent Sovereign ensure the preservation and consolidate the founda- tion of His Cause. That same God, will, in the world to come, place upon your head the crown of immortal glory, and will shower upon you His inestimable blessings. Of the span of your earthly life there remain only three months and nine days, after which you shall, with faith and certitude, hasten to your eternal abode." The Mu’tamid greatly rejoiced at these words. Resigned to the will of God, he prepared himself for the departure which the words of the Bab had so clearly foreshadowed...Serene and confident, he winged his flight to the Great beyond.

- The Dawn-Breakers, 212-214

His Mercy

Muhammad Big is reported to have related the following account to Haji Mirza Jani: "So we mounted and rode on till we came to a brick caravanserai distant two parsangs from the city. Thence we proceeded to Milan, where many of the inhabitants came to see His Holiness, and were filled with wonder at the majesty and dignity of that Lord of mankind. In the morning, as we were setting out from Mian, an old woman brought a scald-headed child, whose head was so covered with scabs that it was white down to the neck, and entreated His Holiness to heal him. The guards would have forbidden her, but His Holiness prevented them, and called the child to Him. Then He drew a handkerchief over its head and repeated certain words; which he had no sooner done than the child was healed. And in that place about two hundred persons believed and underwent a true and sincere conversion."

The Dawn-Breakers, 236 [Page 5]

Effect of the Báb on His Gaolers

Approaching the gate of Tabriz, Muḥammad Big, feeling that the hour of his separation from his Prisoner was at hand, besought His presence and with tearful eyes begged Him to overlook his shortcomings and transgressions. "The journey from Isfahan," he said, "has been long and arduous. I have failed to do my duty and serve You as I ought. I crave Your forgiveness, and pray You to vouchsafe me your blessings." "Be assured," the Báb replied, "I account you a member of My fold. They who embrace My Cause will eternally bless and glorify you, will extol your conduct and exalt your name." The rest of the guards followed the example of their chief, implored the blessings of their Prisoner, kissed His feet, and with tears in their eyes bade Him a last farewell.

The Dawn-Breakers, 236

Martyrdom of the Báb

As soon as the cloud of smoke had cleared away, an astounded multitude were looking upon a scene which their eyes could scarcely believe. There, standing before them alive and unhurt, was the companion of the Báb, whilst He Himself had vanished uninjured from their sight. Though the cords with which they were suspended had been rent in pieces by the bullets, yet their bodies had miraculously escaped the volleys... "The Siyyid-i-Báb has gone from our sight!" rang out the voices of the bewildered multitude. They set out in a frenzied search for Him, and found Him, eventually, seated in the same room which He had occupied the night before, engaged in completing His interrupted conversation with Siyyid Husayn. The Báb told the farrásh-báshí, "Now you may proceed to fulfill your intention." The man was too much shaken to resume what he had already attempted. Refusing to accomplish his duty, he, that same moment, left that scene and resigned his post....

On the same wall and in the same manner, the Báb and His companion were again suspended, while the regiment formed in line to open fire upon them...

The very moment the shots were fired, a gale of exceptional severity arose and swept over the whole city. A whirlwind of dust of incredible density obscured the light of the sun and blinded the eyes of the people. The entire city remained enveloped in that darkness from noon till night.

(Sir Francis Younghusband's "The Gleam," pp. 183-4) "Thus, in only his thirtieth year, in the year 1850, ended the heroic career of a true God-man."

The Dawn-Breakers, 510-517 [Page 6]

CHAPTER III - BAHÁ’U’LLÁH THE GLORY OF GOD

Suggestions for gift pamphlets: He Has Come to The Nations Mission of Bahá’u’lláh

Questions for discussion: 1. What worldly wealth and honor did Bahá’u’lláh scorn for the privilege of becoming a follower of the Báb? 2. Compare the two years which Bahá’u’lláh spent in the wilderness with a similar retirement which Jesus chose. 3. Why was the term "Bábí" changed to "Bahá’í" after the declaration of Bahá’u’lláh in the Garden of Riḍván? 4. What effect did Bahá’u’lláh have upon His followers? 5. Recount briefly the story of Professor Brown's interview with Bahá’u’lláh. 6. What was Bahá’u’lláh's mission in the world? 7. Why did not the Message of Bahá’u’lláh reach America during His lifetime? 8. Which of His personal characteristics impress you most? 9. How did He affect the people around Him?

Give one of the following stories to each class member to read aloud.

Dream of the Father of Bahá’u’lláh

When Bahá’u’lláh was still a child, the Vazir, his father, dreamed a dream. Bahá’u’lláh appeared to him swimming in a vast, limitless ocean. His body shone upon the waters with a radiance that illumined the sea. Around his head, which could be distinctly seen above the waters, there radiated, in all directions, His long, jet-black locks, floating in great profusion above the waves. As he dreamed, a multitude of fishes gathered around Him, each holding fast to the extremity of one hair. Fascinated by the effulgence of His face, they followed Him in whatever direction He swam. Great was their number, and however firmly they clung to His locks, not one single hair seemed to have been detached from His head, nor did the least injury affect His person. Free and unrestrained, He moved above the waters and they all followed Him.

The Vazir, greatly impressed by this dream, summoned a soothsayer, who had achieved fame in that region, and asked him to interpret it for him. This man, as if inspired by a premonition of the future glory of Bahá’u’lláh, declared: "The limitless ocean that you have seen in your dream, O Vazir, is none other than the world of being. Single-handed and alone, your son will achieve supreme ascendancy over it. Wherever He may please, He will proceed unhindered. No one will resist His march, no one will hinder His progress. The multitude of fishes signified the turmoil which He will arouse amidst the peoples and kindreds of the earth. Around Him they will gather, and to Him will they cling. Assured of the unfailing protection of the Almighty, this tumult will never harm His person, nor will His loneliness upon the sea of life endanger His safety."

- The Dawn-Breakers, 119, 120 [Page 7]

The Youthful Teacher

One day, in the course of one of His riding excursions into the country, Bahá’u’lláh, accompanied by His companions, saw, seated by the roadside, a lonely youth. His hair was dishevelled, and he wore the dress of a dervish. By the side of a brook he kindled a fire, and was cooking his food and eating it.

Approaching him, Bahá’u’lláh most lovingly inquired: "Tell Me, dervish, what is it that you are doing?" "I am engaged in eating God, he bluntly replied. "I am cooking God and am burning Him." The unaffected simplicity of his manners and the candour of his reply pleased Bahá’u’lláh extremely. He smiled at his remark and began to converse with him with unrestrained tenderness and freedom.

Within a short space of time, Bahá’u’lláh had changed him completely. Enlightened as to the true nature of God, and with a mind purged from the idle fancy of his own people, he immediately recognized the Light which that loving Stranger had so unexpectedly brought him. That dervish, whose name was Mustafa, became so enamoured with the teachings which had been instilled into his mind that, leaving his cooking utensils behind, he straightway arose and followed Bahá’u’lláh. On foot, behind His horse, and inflamed with the fire of His love, he chanted merrily the verses of a lovesong which he had composed on the spur of the moment and had dedicated to his Beloved. "Thou art the Day-Star of guidance," ran its glad refrain. "Thou art the Light of Truth. Unveil Thyself to man, O Revealer of the Truth."

The Dawn-Breakers, 117, 118.

The Beginning of the Persecutions

From Shimiran to Tihran, Bahá’u’lláh was several times stripped of His garments, and was overwhelmed with abuse and ridicule. On foot and exposed to the fierce rays of the midsummer sun, He was compelled to cover, barefooted and bareheaded, the whole distance from Shimiran to the dungeon already referred to.

All along the route, He was pelted and vilified by the crowds whom His enemies had succeeded in convincing that He was the sworn enemy of their sovereign and the wrecker of his realm. Words fail me to portray the horror of the treatment which was meted out to Him as He was being taken to the Siyah-Chal of Tihran.

As He was approaching that dungeon, an old and decrepit woman was seen to emerge from the midst of the crowd, with a stone in her hand, eager to cast it at the face of Bahá’u’lláh. Her eyes glowed with a determination and fanaticism of which few women of her age were capable. Her whole frame shook with rage as she stepped forward and raised her hand to hurl her missile at Him. "By the Siyyidu sh-Shuhada, I adjure you, she pleaded, as she ran to overtake those into whose hands Bahá’u’lláh had been delivered, "Give me a chance to fling my stone in his face!" "Suffer not this woman to be disappointed," were Bahá’u’lláh’s words to His guards, as He saw her hastening behind Him. "Deny her not what she regards as a meritorious act in the sight of God."

The Dawn-Breakers, 606, 607, 608.

The Dungeon in Tihran

"All I now proceed to relate what befell the remaining companions of the Báb, those who had been privileged to share the horrors of the confinement with Bahá’u’lláh. From His own lips I have often heard the following account:

"All those who were struck down by the storm that raged during that memorable year in Tihran were Our fellow-prisoners in the Siyah-Chal, where We were confined. We were all huddled together in one cell, our feet in stocks, and around our necks fastened the most galling of chains. The air we breathed was laden with the foulest impurities, while the floor on which we sat was covered with filth and infested with vermin. No ray of light was allowed to penetrate that pestilential dungeon or to warm its icy-coldness. We were placed in two rows, each facing [Page 8] the other. We had taught them to repeat certain verses which, every night, they chanted with extreme fervour. ‘God is sufficient unto me; He verily is the All-sufficing!’ one row would intone, while the other would reply: ‘In Him let the trusting trust.’ The chorus of these gladsome voices would continue to peal out until the early hours of the morning. Their reverberation would fill the dungeon, and, piercing its massive walls, would reach the ears of Násiri’d-Dín Sháh, whose palace was not far distant from the place where we were imprisoned. ‘What means this sound?’ he was reported to have exclaimed. ‘It is the anthem the Bábís are intoning in their prison,’ they replied. The Sháh made no further remarks, nor did he attempt to restrain the enthusiasm his prisoners, despite the horrors of their confinement, continued to display. - The Dawn-Breakers, 631, 632.

First Stirrings of Revelation

"One night in a dream," He Himself, calling to mind, in the evening of His life, the first stirrings of God’s Revelation within His soul, has written, "these exalted words were heard on every side: ‘Verily, We shall render Thee victorious by Thyself and by Thy pen. Grieve Thou not for that which hath befallen Thee, neither be Thou afraid, for Thou art in safety. Ere long will God raise up the treasures of the earth-men who will aid Thee through Thyself and through Thy Name, wherewith God hath revived the hearts of such as have recognized Him’"...

"During the days I lay in the prison of Tihrán," are His own memorable words, "though the galling weight of the chains and the stench-filled air allowed Me but little sleep, still in those infrequent moments of slumber I felt as if something flowed from the crown of My head over My breast, even as a mighty torrent that precipitateth itself upon the earth from the summit of a lofty mountain. Every limb of My body would, as a result, be set afire. At such moments My tongue recited what no man could bear to hear." - God Passes By, 101.

In Baghdad

"So intoxicated were those who had quaffed from the cup of Bahá’u’lláh’s presence," is yet another testimony from the pen of Nabíl, who was himself an eye-witness of most of these stirring episodes, "that in their eyes the palaces of kings appeared more ephemeral than a spider’s web...The celebrations and festivities that were theirs were such as the kings of the earth had never dreamt of."

"I, myself with two others," he relates, "lived in a room which was devoid of furniture. Bahá’u’lláh entered it one day, and, looking about Him, remarked: ‘Its emptiness pleases Me. In My estimation it is preferable to many a spacious palace, inasmuch as the beloved of God are occupied in it with the remembrance of the Incomparable Friend, with hearts that are wholly emptied of the dross of this world.’"

His own life was characterized by that same austerity, and evinced that same simplicity which marked the lives of His beloved companions. "There was a time in ‘Iráq," He Himself affirms, in one of His Tablets, "when the Ancient Beauty...had no change of linen. The one shirt He possessed would be washed, dried and worn again."

"Many a night," continues Nabíl, depicting the lives of those self-oblivious companions, "no less than ten persons subsisted on no more than a penny-worth of dates. No one knew to whom actually belonged the shoes, the cloaks, or the robes that were to be found in their houses. Whoever went to the bazaar could claim the shoes upon his feet were his own, and each one who entered the presence of Bahá’u’lláh could affirm that the cloak and robe he then wore belonged to him. Their own names they had forgotten, their hearts were emptied of aught else except adoration for their Beloved...O, for the joy of those days, and the gladness and wonder of those hours!" - God Passes By, 134, 135, 137. [Page 9]

The Declaration

Of the exact circumstances attending that epoch-making Declaration we, alas, are but scantily informed...

"Every day", Nabil has related, "ere the hour of dawn, the gardeners would pick the roses which lined the four avenues of the garden, and would pile them in the center of the floor of His blessed tent. So great would be the heap that when His companions gathered to drink their morning tea in His presence, they would be unable to see each other across it. All these roses Bahá’u’lláh would, with His own hands, entrust to those whom He dismissed from His presence every morning to be delivered, on His behalf, to His Arab and Persian friends in the city."

"One night," he continues, "the ninth night of the waxing moon, I happened to be one of those who watched beside His blessed tent. As the hour of midnight approached, I saw Him issue from His tent, pass by the places where some of His companions were sleeping, and begin to pace up and down the moonlit, flower-bordered avenues of the garden. So loud was the singing of the nightingales on every side that only those who were near Him could hear distinctly His voice. He continued to walk until, pausing in the midst of one of these avenues, He observed: 'Consider these nightingales. So great is their love for these roses, that sleepless from dusk till dawn, they warble their melodies and commune with burning passion with the object of their adoration, How then can those who claim to be afire with the rose-like beauty of the Beloved choose to sleep? For three successive nights I watched and circled round His blessed tent.

Every time I passed by the couch whereon He lay, I would find Him wakeful, and every day, from morn till eventide, I would see Him ceaselessly engaged in conversing with the stream of visitors who kept flowing in from Baghdad. Not once could I discover in the words He spoke any trace of dissimulation."

God Passes By, 152, 153.

The Departure from the Ridvan

"The great tumult," wrote an eye-witness, "associated in our minds with the Day of Gathering, the Day of Judgment, we beheld on that occasion. Believers and unbelievers alike sobbed and lamented. The chiefs and notables who had congregated were struck with wonder. Emotions were stirred to such depths as no tongue can describe, nor could any observer escape their contagion."

Mounted on His steed, a red roan stallion of the finest breed, the best His lovers could purchase for Him, and leaving behind Him a bowing multitude of fervent admirers, He rode forth on the first stage of a journey that was to carry Him to the city of Constantinople. "Numerous were the heads," Nabil himself a witness of that memorable scene, recounts, "which, on every side, bowed to the dust at the feet of His horse, and kissed its hoofs, and countless were those who pressed forward to embrace His stirrups."

God Passes By, 155.

Effect of His Presence in ‘Akká

Such was the devotion gradually enkindled in the heart of that governor, through his association with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and later through his perusal of the literature of the Faith, which mischief-makers, in the hope of angering him, had submitted for his consideration, that he invariably refused to enter His presence without first removing his shoes, as a token of his respect for Him. It was even bruited about that his favored counselors were those very exiles who were the followers of the Prisoner in his custody. His own son he was wont to send to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for instruction and enlightenment. It was on the occasion of a long-sought audience with Bahá’u’lláh that, in response to a request for permission to render Him some service, the suggestion was made to him to restore the aqueduct which for thirty years had been allowed to fall into disuse a suggestion which he immediately arose to carry out.... [Page 10] Though Bahá’u’lláh Himself practically never granted personal interviews, as He had been used to do in Baghdad, yet such was the influence He now wielded that the inhabitants openly asserted that the noticeable improvement in the climate and water of their city was directly attributable to His continued presence in their midst.

The very designations by which they chose to refer to Him, such as the "august leader," and "his highness" bespoke the reverence with which He inspired them. On one occasion, a European general who, together with the governor, was granted an audience by Him, was so impressed that he "remained kneeling on the ground near the door."

Little wonder that, in view of so remarkable a reversal in the circumstances attending the twenty-four years of His banishment to ‘Akká, Bahá’u’lláh Himself should have penned these weighty words: "The Almighty...hath transformed this Prison-House into the Most Exalted Paradise, the Heaven of Heavens."

God Passes By, 191, 192, 196.

The Countenance of Bahá’u’lláh

We looked again at the faces of the Blessed Perfection and the Báb in the inner room. In the Blessed Perfection is the composite of all the Power and Love of the universe. The eyes seemed to scrutinize the very depths of my soul. In that Face shines the greatness and majesty of all the Prophets and Heavenly Messengers. It is the Face of a Manifestation of God. Mercy and Love surround it like a halo. Its Beauty encircles the whole world.

-10 Days in the Light of ‘Akká, 71.

Children’s View of Bahá’u’lláh

We children looked upon Bahá’u’lláh as another loving Father; to Him we carried all our little difficulties and troubles. He took an interest in everything which concerned us. He used to send a servant to Beirut every year to buy stuff for our clothes. Bahá’u’lláh would then call for us to choose which we liked best for our frocks. My mother, my aunt, and the children would make this cotton material into garments.

He was always punctual, and loved daintiness and order. He was very particular and refined in His personal arrangements, and liked to see everybody well groomed, and as neatly dressed as possible. Above all things, cleanliness was desirable to Him. "Why not put on your prettiest frocks?" He would say to us.

All our holidays, all our treats and our happiness came from Him in those days; when boxes of sweets were brought to Him He would set some aside for us. "Put that box of sweets over there, or Áqá will give it away to the people," He would say in fun. "Let the dear children come in, and have some dessert," He often said, when we were being sent off to bed my father and mother not wishing that we should disturb Him - but He always welcomed us with loving words. How we adored Him! "Now children, tomorrow you shall come with Me for a picnic to the Riḍván," He would say, and our night was so full of joy we could scarcely sleep.

- The Chosen Highway, 98. [Page 11]

CHAPTER IV - ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ, THE SERVANT OF BAHÁ

Suggested gift pamphlets: The Image of God World Order Through World Faith

Questions for discussion: 1. Can each of you give one reason for the title "the Exemplar" as related to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá? 2. 3. What other titles did Bahá’u’lláh use for Him? 4. What does the name ‘Abdu’l-Bahá mean? Why is it said that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá "trod the mystical path with practical feet"? 5. What practical value is derived from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s travels both in this country and in Europe?

An Incident in the Childhood of ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ

I have heard the Most Great Branch, who in those days was a child of only eight years of age, recount one of His experiences as He ventured to leave the house in which He was then residing, "We had sought shelter," He told us, "in the house of My uncle, Mírzá Ismá‘íl. Tihrán was in the throes of the wildest excitement. I ventured at times to sally forth from that house and to cross the street on My way to the market. I could hardly cross the threshold and step into the street, when boys of My age, who were running about, would crowd around Me crying, ‘Bábí! Bábí! Knowing well the state of excitement into which all the inhabitants of the capital, both young and old, had fallen, I would deliberately ignore their clamour and quietly steal away to My home. One day I happened to be walking along through the market on My way to My uncle's house. As I was looking behind Me, I found a band of little ruffians running fast to overtake Me, They were pelting Me with stones and shouting menacingly, ‘Bábí! Bábí!’ To intimidate them seemed to be the only way I could avert the danger with which I was threatened. I turned back and rushed towards them with such determination that they fled away in distress and vanished. I could hear their distant cry, ‘The little Bábí is fast pursuing us! He will surely overtake and slay us all!’ As I was directing My steps towards home, I heard a man shouting at the top of his voice: ‘Well done, you brave and fearless child! No one of your age would ever have been able, unaided, to withstand their attack.’ From that day onward, I was never again molested by any of the boys of the streets, nor did I hear any offensive word fall from their lips."

The Dawn-Breakers, 616

The Philosophy of ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ

On the way back the evening light was waning as we crossed the Serpentine bridge. Rows of shining lamps beneath the trees, stretching as far as our eyes could see into the distance, made that part of London into a glowing fairyland.

"I am very much pleased with this scene. Light is good, most good. There was much darkness in the prison at ‘Akká," said the Master.

Our hearts were sad as we thought on those sombre years within that dismal fortress, where the only light was in the indomitable spirit of the Master Himself! When we said, "We are glad, oh! so full of gladness that you are free," He said: "Freedom is not a matter of place, but of condition. I was happy in that prison, for those days were passed in the path of service.

"To me prison was freedom.

"Troubles are a rest to me.

"Death is life. [Page 12] "To be despised is honour. "Therefore was I fullof happiness all through that prison time. "When one is released from the prison of self, that is indeed freedom! For self is the greatest prison. "When this release takes place, one can never be imprisoned. Unless one accepts dire vicissitudes, not with dull resignation, but with radiant acquiescence, one cannot attain this freedom. " - The Chosen Highway, 166

Scenes in London

At the invitation of the Lord Mayor of London, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá paid him a visit at the Mansion House, and was greatly pleased with the interview, in the course of which many subjects were discussed; the freedom and happiness of the people; the efforts made to improve social conditions; prisons and prisoners. When the Lord Mayor told Him how people were working to improve the treatment of these poor creatures in prison, and to secure help for them when they were released, the Master said:

"It is well with a country when the magistrates are as fathers to the people." The Chosen Highway, 163

The following touching incident took place one day when we were seated at the table with the Master.

A Persian friend arrived who had passed through 'Ishqabad. He presented a cotton handkerchief to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Who untied it, and saw therein a piece of dry black bread, and a shrivelled apple.

The friend exclaimed: "A poor Bahá’í workman came to me: 'I hear thou goest into the presence of our Beloved. Nothing have I to send Him, but this, my dinner. I pray thee offer it to Him with my loving devotion.'"

‘Abdu’l-Bahá spread the poor handkerchief before Him, leaving His own luncheon untasted. He ate of the workman's dinner, broke pieces off the bread, and handed them to the assembled guests, saying: "Eat with me of this gift of humble love." - The Chosen Highway, 161, 162

One striking fact was that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá never asked for donations, and even refused to accept money or any costly gifts that were offered to Him.

One day in my presence a lady said to Him: "I have here a cheque from a friend, who begs its acceptance to buy a good motor-car for Your work in England and Europe,"

The Master replied: "I accept with grateful thanks the gift of your friend." He took the cheque into both His hands, as though blessing it, and said, "I return it to be used for gifts to the poor."

"We have never seen the like before. Surely such deeds are very rare, " it was whispered amongst the friends. The Chosen Highway, 157

Scenes in America

‘Abdu’l-Bahá crossed the bay to the home of Mrs. Helen S. Goodall in Oakland. After a beautiful address in that home, He took the children in His arms, kissed them and blessed them. They felt His love, even following Him into the adjoining room, and one dear baby of four wanted to know if she 'might pet the God-man'. - Star of the West, Oct. 16, 1912 [Page 13] There is a story told of an illiterate miner who made a long journey on foot to meet ‘Abdu’l-Bahá when He was in San Francisco, which further illustrates the same spiritual phenomenon. This man, though uneducated, had great spiritual capacity. He attended a meeting at which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá spoke. He seemed enthralled as the measured, bell-like tones fell from the Master's lips. When the interpreter took up the passage in English this miner started as if awakening. "Why does that man interrupt?" he whispered. Then again ‘Abdu’l-Bahá spoke, and again the visitor was lost in attention. Again the interpreter translated as the speaker paused. At this the miner's indignation was aroused. "Why do they let that man interrupt? He should be put out."

"He is the official interpreter," one sitting beside him explained. "He translates the Persian into English."

"Was He speaking in Persian?" was the naive answer, "Why anyone could understand that."

- Portals to Freedom, 98, 99

He was once asked to act as honorary chairman of the National Spiritual Assembly. "‘Abdu’l-Bahá is a servant," He responded simply "I am ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and no more."

- Portals to Freedom, 202

War Days

Preparation for war conditions had been made by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá even before His return to Palestine, after His world tour. The people of the villages Nughayb, Samrih, and ‘Adasiyyih were instructed by the Master how to grow corn, so as to produce prolific harvests, in the period before and during the lean years of the war.

A vast quantity of this corn was stored in pits, some of which had been made by the Romans, and were not utilized for this purpose. So it came about that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was able to feed numberless poor of the people of Haifa, ‘Akká, and the neighbourhood, in the famine years of 1914-1918.

We learned that when the British marched into Haifa there was some difficulty with the commissariat. The officer in command went to consult the Master.

"I have corn," was the reply.

"But for the army?" said the astonished soldier.

"I have corn for the British Army," said ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

He truly walked the Mystic way with practical feet.

- The Chosen Highway, 210

Scenes in ‘Akká

Monevah Khanum came to us to know if we desired to see the Master giving to the poor, as was his custom every Friday morning. When we went to our windows, which overlook a big court yard, we saw between two and three hundred men, women and children gathered. Such a motley crowd one can see only in these parts. There were blind, lame, cripples, and very feeble persons, the very poorest clad collection of people almost that the earth contains. One man had his clothing made of a patched quilt, an old woman had gunny sacking for a cloak; children were so ragged that their clothing would scarcely stay on them.

Two or three of the men believers were with the Master. The people were required to arrange themselves on two sides of the court and the Master began near the gate giving into the hand of each some piece of money, and then each was required to pass out. It was a sight never to be forgotten to see the Master going from one to another, saying some word of praise or kindness to encourage each. With some he would stop to inquire into their health and he would pat them on the back, these poor, dirty-looking creatures, and once in a while we would see Him [Page 14] send some away empty handed and He would reprimand him for his laziness. How clear and musical His voice sounded as He went from one to another, giving and praising! The men accompanying Him kept order with great kindness, but firmness, and saw that each passed on as soon as he had received from the Master.

Where, O where on this globe can one duplicate such a scene as is enacted every Friday morning in the court yard of the Master of ‘Acca, who is Himself a state prisoner to the Turkish government and has lived in prison or in exile since He was nine years of age!

The Passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

The Master came in from the solitary room in the garden, which he had occupied of late, and said:—

“I dreamed a dream and beheld the Blessed Beauty, (Bahá’u’lláh) came and said unto me, ‘Destroy this room’”

The family, who had been wishing that he would come and sleep in the house, not being happy that he should be alone at night, exclaimed, “Yes, Master, we think your dream means that you should leave that room and come into the house.” When He heard this from us, He smiled meaningly as though not agreeing with our interpretation. Afterwards we understood that by the “room” was meant the temple of His body.

A month before His last hour, Doctor Sulayman Rafat Bey, a Turkish friend, who was a guest in the house, received a telegram telling him of the sudden death of his brother. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá speaking words of comfort to him, whispered, “Sorrow not, for he is only transferred from this plane to a higher one; I too shall soon be transferred, for my days are numbered.” Then patting him gently on the shoulder, He looked him in the face and said, “And it will be in the days that are shortly to come.”

On the last Friday of His stay on earth (November 25th), He said to His daughters: “The wedding of Khusraw must take place today. If you are too much occupied, I myself will make the necessary preparations, for it must take place this day.” (Khusraw is one of the favoured and trusted servants of the Master’s Household)...

He told all the family to go to bed and rest. Two of His daughters however stayed with Him. That night the Master had gone to sleep very calmly, quite free from fever. He awoke about 1:15 a.m., got up and walked across to a table where He drank some water. He took off an outer night garment, saying: “I am too warm.”

He went back to bed and when His daughter Ruha Khanum, later on, approached, she found Him lying peacefully and, as He looked into her face, He asked her to lift up the net curtains, saying:

“I have difficulty in breathing, give Me more air.” Some rose water was brought of which He drank, sitting up in bed to do so, without any help. He again lay down, and as some food was offered Him, He remarked in a clear and distinct voice:

“You wish me to take some food, and I am going?” He gave them a beautiful look. His face was so calm, His expression so serene, they thought Him asleep. He had gone from the gaze of His loved ones!...

The next morning, Tuesday, November 29th, the funeral took place; a funeral the like of which Haifa, nay Palestine itself, had surely never seen; so deep was the feeling that brought so many thousands of mourners together, representative of so many religions, races and tongues. [Page 15]

Passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

The High Commissioner of Palestine, Sir Herbert Samuel, the Governor of Jerusalem, the Governor of Phoenicia, the Chief Officials of the Government, the Consuls of the various countries, resident in Haifa, the heads of the various religious communities, the notables of Palestine, Jews, Christians, Moslems, Druses, Egyptians, Greeks, Turks, Kurds, and a host of His American, European and native friends, men, women and children, both of high and low degree, all, about ten thousand in number, mourning the loss of their Beloved One.

This impressive, triumphal procession was headed by a guard of honor, consisting of the City Constabulary Force, followed by the Boy Scouts of the Moslem and Christian communities holding aloft their banners, a company of Moslem choristers chanting their verses from the Quran, the chiefs of the Moslem community headed by the Mufti, a number of Christian priests, Latin, Greek and Anglican, all preceding the sacred coffin, upraised on the shoulders of His loved ones.

Immediately behind it came the members of His family, next to them walked the British High Commissioner, the Governor of Jerusalem, and the Governor of Phoenicia, After them came the consuls and the notables of the land, followed by the vast multitude of those who reverenced and loved Him.

On this day there was no cloud in the sky, nor any sound in all the town and surrounding country through which they went, save only the soft, slow rythmic chanting of Islam in the Call to Prayer, or the convulsed sobbing moan of those helpless ones, bewailing the loss of their one friend, Who had saved them and their little ones from starvation through the terrible years of the "Great Woe."

"Oh God, my God" the people wailed with one accord, "Our father has left us, our father has left us!"

O the wonder of that great throng! Peoples of every religion and race and colour, united in heart through the Manifestation of Servitude in the lifelong work of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá!...

He concludes one of the sections of His Testament with this prayer:

"O God, my God! I call Thee, Thy Prophets and Thy Messengers, Thy Saints and Thy Holy Ones, to witness that I have declared conclusively Thy proofs unto Thy loved ones, and set forth clearly all things unto them, that they may watch over Thy Faith, guard Thy straight Path and protect Thy resplendent Law. Thou art verily, the All-Knowing, the All-Wis!"

The Passing of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 4,5,8,9, 10, 11, 27. [Page 16]

CHAPTER V WHAT IS A BAHÁ’Í?

Suggested gift pamphlets: The Spiritual Meaning of Adversity

Questions for discussion: 1. Do you agree on this statement: "True religion has never yet been fashion- able." Why? 2. What does it mean to be God's lover? How can one develop devotion to God? 3. What is the true purpose of religion? 4. How far can a man reflect the attributes of God? 5. Do you think that one should wait for perfection before becoming a follower of Moses, of Christ, or of Bahá’u’lláh? 6. Name one quality that in your opinion would have a marked effect upon society if attained generally. 7₁ Name qualities not mentioned by Dr. Esslemont, that could affect society. 8. Benjamin Franklin listed 13 qualities for special concentration; a week at a time, thus rotating his emphasis to cover each quality 4 times in the year. Would you be interested to do this? A daily prayer for the quality of the week would "show forth fruits,"

True Love for God

"Sow the seeds of love in the heart and not the seeds or hatred. The re- flection in the glass proves whether we are laughing or frowning. Ey our actions we reveal what is growing in the heart. Actions are mirrors of the soul." - 10 Days in the Light of Acca, p. 11

True Trust in God

I came out upon a scene dominated by the Master. He was sitting, as usual, at the window, the strong carving of His face thrown into relief by masses of shadow, His turban and white aba bright in the sunlight. On one side sat Miss Buckton, on the other, this poor, stricken child. While the biggest tears I have ever seen splashed from her eyes she told Him her hopelessly dismal story, 'Don't grisve now, don't grieve," He said. He was very, very still, and I think He was calming her.

'My brother has been in prison for three years. He was imprisoned unjustly. It was not his fault; he was led; he was weak, a victim of others. He has four more years to serve. My father and mother are depressed all the time. My brother- in-law who was our support has just died.'

There it was, the sum of human misery; poverty, weakness, disgrace, sorrow, despair, and the maddening pallof gloom.

You must trust in God,' said ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

"But the more I trust, the worse things become she sobbed.

'You have never trusted.'

'But my mother is reading the psalms all the time. She does not deserve that God should so abandon her! I read the psalms myself, the ninety-first psalm and the twenty-third psalm every night before I go to bed. I pray, too.'

To pray is not to read psalms. To pray is to trust in God and to be sub- missive in all things to Him. Be submissive, then things will change for you. Put your family in God's hands. Love God's will. Strong ships are not conquered by the sea; they ride the waves! Now be a strong ship, not a battered one.'

‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s First Days in America, 27, 28. [Page 17]

Severance

A master had a slave who was completely devoted to him. One day he gave the slave a melon which when cut open looked most ripe and delicious. The slave ato one piece, then another and another with great relish (the day being warm) until nearly the whole melon had disappeared. The master, picking up the last slice, tasted it and found it exceedingly bitter and unpalatable. Why it is very bitter! Did you not find it so?' he asked the servant. 'Yes, my Master,' the slave replied, 'it was bitter and unpleasant, but I have tasted so much sweetness from thy hand that one bitter melon was not worth mentioning, ' 10 Days in the Light of ‘Akká, p. 110

Service

As I write there is brought to memory a story told by Lua Getsinger, she who then sat in the audience before me. In the very early days of the knowledge of the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh in America Mrs. Getsinger was in ‘Akká having made the pilgrimage to the prison city to see the Master. She was with Him one day when He said to her, that He was too busy today to call upon a friend of His who was very ill and poor and He wished her to go in His place. Take him food and care for him as I have been doing, He concluded. He told her where this man was to be found and she went gladly, proud that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá should trust her with this mission. She returned quickly. 'Master, she exclaimed, 'surely you cannot realize to what a terrible place you sent me. I almost fainted from the awful stench, the filthy rooms, the degrading condition of that man and his house. I fled lest I contract some terrible disease.'

Sadly and sternly ‘Abdu’l-Bahá regarded her. 'Dost thou desire to serve God, He said, 'serve thy fellow man for in him dost thou see the image and likeness of God, ' Portals to Freedom, 84, 85

Courtesy

In this home I had become a constant habitue. I could not keep away. One day ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the interpreter and I were alone in one of the smaller reception rooms on the ground floor. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had been speaking oi some Christian doctrine and His interpretation of the words of Christ was so different from the accepted one that I could not restrain an expression of remonstrance. I remember speaking with some heat:

'How is it possible to be so sure?" I asked. 'No one cay say with certainty what Jesus meant after all these centuries of misinterpretation and strife."

He intimated that it was quite possible.

It is indicative of my spiritual turmoil and my blindness to His station, that instead of His serenity and tone of authority impressing me as warranted, it drove me to actual impatience. That I cannot believe,' I exclaimed.

I shall never forget the glance of outraged dignity the interpreter cast upon mo. It was as though he would say: 'who are you to contradict or even to question ‘Abdu’l-Bahá!!

But not so did ‘Abdu’l-Bahá look at me. How I thank God that it was not! He looked at me a long moment before He spoke. His calm, beautiful eyes searchod my soul with such love and understanding that all my momentary heat evaporated. He smiled as winningly as a lover smiles upon his beloved, and the arms of His spirit seemed to embrace me as He said softly that I should try my way and Ho would try His.

It was as though a cool hand had been laid upon a fevered brow; as though a cup of nectar had been held to parched lips; as though a key had unlocked my hard-bolted, crusted and rusted heart. The tears started and my voice trembled. 'I'm sorry, I murmured. [Page 18] Often since that day I have pondered on the tragic possibilities of the effect of an expression of the face. I have even thought I should like to write a book on The Glance that Saved the World, taking as a theme the way Jesus must have looked upon Peter after the three-fold denial. What could that glance have carried to the fear-stricken, doubting, angry Peter? Surely not the self-righteous, dignified look in the eyes of the interpreter for ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Assuredly it must have been something in the nature of the expression, of all-embracing love, forgiveness and understanding with which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá calmed and soothed and assured my heart.

Portals to Freedom, 36, 37, 38

The Sin Covering Eye

"When you meet a stranger," says ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, "say: Yonder is coming to me a letter sent me by God." The outside of the envelope may be dirty and torn and broken, but if we could open the envelope of the life that comes before us and look within the envelope and learn to read the writing, we would find in every human soul which crosses our threshold or which is yonder over the man-made national border, a message from God, and if we could understand the message, it would be God's benediction to us.

Star of the West, April 28, 1920

The disciples of Jesus passing along the road and seeing a dead dog, remarked how offensive and disgusting a spectacle it was. The Christ turning to them said, "Yes, but see how white and beautiful are his teeth."

10 Days in the Light of ‘Akká, 109

Humility

A certain king had a subject who having by a heroic action rescued the king from a great peril, was raised to a position of honor in the royal court. Here he continued to please the king and finally came to occupy an apartment in the palace close to the imperial chambers. The other courtiers of the king naturally became very jealous and lost no opportunity of carrying tales to the king, seeking to lower his opinion of the more fortunate subject. One day they reported to the king that this man was unfaithful and dishonorable; that each night after everything was quiet in the palace, it was his custom to go stealthily to a room in a remote corner of the palace carrying a bundle of stolen valuables which he hid there. The curiosity of the king was aroused. He watched and found the report true. Thereupon he summoned his retinue and next evening when the subject had gone to the room as usual, the king quickly followed, knocked upon the door and demanded entrance. When the door opened, nothing was seen in the room but a dilapidated bed, some old clothes and the suspected servant. "What does this mean?" demanded the king, "why do you come here like a thief every night and what do you bring in the bundle you carry?"

"O King," replied the subject, "Thou hast blessed me with every gift and kindness, far more indeed than I can ever deserve. By thee I have been raised from poverty and lowliness to greatness and honor. Knowing this and fearing I may grow negligent and fail to appreciate thy bounty and love, I come here each night to pray God that I shall ever remain grateful to thee for thy goodness; bringing with me my old peasant clothes, which I put on and then sleep in the humble bed in which I slept when thy love and mercy first lifted me up from my lowly state. Thus am I taught gratitude and appreciation of thy loving kindness."

10 Days in the Light of ‘Akká, 109 [Page 19]

Truth and Honesty

A certain man confided to His care a trust, requesting Him to dispose of it at a fixed price. When the Báb sent him the value of that article, the man found that the sum which he had been offered considerably exceeded the limit which he had fixed. He immediately wrote to the Báb, requesting Him to explain the reason. The Báb replied: 'What I have sent you is entirely your due. There is not a single farthing in excess of what is your right. There was a time when the trust you had delivered to lie had attained this value. Failing to sell at that price, I now feel it is My duty to offer you the whole of that sum, However much the Báb’s client entreated Him to receive back the sum in excess, the Báb persisted in refusing. The Dawn-Breakers, 79, 80

One day the Báb asked that some honey be purchased for him. The price at which it had been bought seemed to Him exorbitant. He refused it and said: 'Honey of a superior quality could no doubt have been purchased at a lower price. I who am your example have been a merchant by profession. It behooves you in all your transactions to follow in My way. You must neither defraud your neighbor nor allow him to defraud you. Such was the way of your Master. The shrewdest and ablest of men were unable to deceive Him, nor did He on His part choose to act ungenerously towards the meanest and most helpless of creatures.' He insisted that the attendant who had made that purchase should return and bring back to Him a honey superior in quality and cheaper in price. The DawnBreakers, 303

Devotion to God

"Mirza "There was another martyr," continued ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, after a moment. "..of Shiraz. He saw Bahá’u’lláh. only once, but he so loved the Blessed Beauty that he could not help but follow Him to Teheran, though Bahá’u’lláh had told him to remain in Shiraz with his aged parents, who had also become believers. Still he followed! And when he reached Teheran it was just at the time that a great persecution had fallen upon the Bahá’ís because of the attempt on the life of Nassir-id-Din Shah by two fanatical believers. And Bahá’u’lláh had been cast into a dungeon. And it was in the dungeon that Mirza Shirazi found Him again when he asking for Bahá’u’lláh - was led to the dungeon to be chained with eleven other disciples to his Master! So. he found Him again! The disciples were all bound by the same chain to Bahá’u’lláh. Set into the chains were iron collars. which were fastened by iron pins around the neck, and each day a believer was unchained and killed till Bahá’u’lláh alone was left, and none knew whose turn would be next.. The first intimation one received that his time had come was when the gaoler took out the pin from the collar. Then Mirza Shirazi stepped joyfully forward. First he kissed the feet of the Blessed Beauty - and then -

Suddenly ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s whole aspect changed. I was as though the spirit of the martyr had entered into Him. With His head thrillingly erect, snapping His fingers high in the air, beating on the porch with His foot till we could scarcely endure the vibrations set up - such electric power radiated from Him - He sang the martyr's song, ecstatic and tragic beyond anything I had ever heard. .....He sank back into His chair. Tears swelled in my eyes, blurring everything.

When they cleared I saw a yet stranger look on His face. His eyes were unmistakably fixed on the Invisible. They were as brilliant jewels and so filled with delight that they almost made His vision real to us. A smile of exultation played on His lips. Very low, so that it sounded like an echo, He hummed the martyr's song. 'See!' He exclaimed, the effect that the death of a martyr has in the world. It has changed my condition.' ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s First Days in America, 34, 35 [Page 20]

CHAPTER VI - PRAYER

Suggested gift pamphlet: Communion with God

Mimeographed sheet: What Can Prayer Do For You? (Obtain extra copies of this sheet by writing National Programming Committee, c/o Mrs. Myrtle Wendler, 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois)

Questions for discussion

1. What does prayer mean to you? 2. Why make prayer regular? 3. Can you think of any historic examples of the world's great who believed in and used prayer? 4. What are some of the uses of suffering?

Additional things to do

1. Hand out "What Can Prayer Do for You?" Circle the readings. 2. Summarize the promises of Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. 3. Have a guest read a prayer very slowly from those given in the book. Then ask each person, "What did you get from this prayer?" 4. Give copies of "Communion with God", and ask each guest to select one to use daily at home, reporting on results if he cares to. 5. If there is time, read aloud from "Seven Valleys", foot of page 12 to center of page 14, on the mercy hidden in hardship.

Hasan Observes the Bab at Prayer

I often felt the urge to seek alone the presence of that Hashimite Youth and to endeavour to fathom His mystery. I watched Him several times as He stood in an attitude of prayer at the doorway of the shrine of the Imam Husayn. So wrapt was He in His devotions that He seemed utterly oblivious of those around Him.

Tears rained from His eyes, and from His lips fell words of glorification and praise of such power and beauty as even the noblest passage of our sacred Scriptures could not hope to surpass. The words 'O God, my God, my Beloved, my heart's Desire' were uttered with a frequency and ardour that those of the visiting pilgrims who were near enough to hear Him instinctively interrupted the course of their devotions, and marvelled at the evidences of piety and veneration which that youthful countenance evinced. Like Him they were moved to tears, and from Him they learned the lesson of true adoration.

The Dawn-Breakers, 30.

Work is Worship

A workman who had left his bag of tools in the hall was welcomed with smiling kindness by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. With a look of sadness the man said: 'I don't know much about religious things, as I have no time for anything but my work.'

'That is well. Very well. A day's work done in the spirit of service is in itself an act of worship. Such work is a prayer unto God.'

The man's face cleared from its shadow of doubt and hesitation, and he went out from the Master's presence happy and strengthened, as though a weighty burden had been taken away.

The Chosen Highway, 152 [Page 21]

The Purpose of Suffering

A certain ruler wished to appoint one of his subjects to a high office; so, in order to train him, the ruler cast him into prison and caused him to suffer much. The man was surprised at this, for he expected great favors.. The ruler had him taken from prison and beaten with sticks. This greatly astonished the man, for he thought the ruler loved him. After this he was hanged on the gallows until he was nearly dead. After he recovered he asked the ruler, 'If you love me, why did you do these things?' The ruler replied: 'I wish to make you prime minister. By having gone through these ordeals you are better fitted for that office. I wish you to know how it is yourself. When you are obliged to punish, you will know how it feels to endure these things. I love you so I wish you to become perfect.

Star of the West, October 16, 1913.

The Angel of Mount Carmel

Mrs. Lua Getsinger was one day at 'Akka. A western woman was there also and she was telling ‘Abdu’l-Bahá all about her troubles. This was a strange thing to do for usually people when they enter the presence of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá are so filled with the contagion of His radiant love that they think only of their blessings. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá with great kindness listened for half an hour to the western woman's troubles; they were not really very big ones. At last He rose and said He had another engagement and must be going. "But there," He said, pointing out of the window; "goes a man whom I shall bring in to see you. His name is Mirza Haider 'Ali. We call him the "Angel of Mount Carmel". He walks on earth but he lives in heaven. He has had many troubles and he will tell you about them."

‘Abdu’l-Bahá went out but quickly returned with Mirza Haider 'Ali whom He presented to the woman and then departed.

The "Angel of Mount Carmel" with great humility and sweetness of manner began to talk with the woman of the luminous century in which we live and the divine age that is to be. She listened for a while impatiently and after a while broke in, with, "But ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said you would tell me about your troubles." Mirza Haider 'Ali looked up in amazement. "Troubles? he replied, "why madam, I never had any troubles. I don't know what troubles are."

Star of the West, Vol. VIII, p. 244

Prayers for the Dopartod

'He who lives according to what was ordained for him the Celestial Concourse, and the people of the Supreme Paradise, and those who are dwelling in the Dome of Greatness will pray for him, by a Command from God, the Dearest and the Praise- worthy.

"Oh Thou Omnipotent Lord. In this great dispensation Thou dost accept the intercession of the sons and daughters in behalf of their parents. This is one of the special, infinite bestowals on this cycle. Therefore, O Thou kind Almighty, accept the request of this Thy servant at the threshold of Thy singleness and submerge my mother in the ocean of Thy Graces."

- Ten Days in the Light of Accá [Page 22]

WHAT CAN PRAYER DO FOR YOU?

Taken from "Victory of the Spirit"

The sincere seeker often asks, "Why pray, since God knows our needs?" In response, Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá mention many of the benefits of prayer.

1. Connection with God

"The wisdom of prayer is this: That it causeth a connection between the servant and the True One, because in that state man with all heart and soul turneth his face towards His Highness the Almighty, seeking His association and desiring His love and compassion."

2. Divine Companionship

"Verily He responds unto those who invoke Him, is near unto those who pray unto Him. And He is thy companion in every loneliness, and befriends every exile."

3. Joy

"Know thou that supplication and prayer is the Water of Life. It is the cause of the vivification of existence and brings glad tidings and joy to the soul.

"Know that in every home where God is praised and prayed to, and His Kingdom proclaimed, that home is a garden of God and a paradise of His happiness.

4. Healing

The "There are two ways of healing sickness, material means and spiritual means. The first is by the use of remedies, of medicines; the second consists in praying to God and in turning to Him. Both means should be used and practised... Moreover, they are not contradictory, and thou shouldst accept the physical remedies as coming from the mercy and favor of God...."

"O thou pure and spiritual one! Turn thou toward God with thy heart beating with His love, devoted to His praise, gazing towards His Kingdom and seeking help from His Holy Spirit in a state of ecstasy, rapture, love, yearning, joy and fragrance. God will assist thee, through a spirit from His Presence, to heal sickness and disease."

"Continue in healing hearts and bodies and seek healing for sick persons by turning unto the Supreme Kingdom and by setting the heart upon obtaining healing through the power of the Greatest Name and by the spirit of the love of God."

5. Protection

"Besides all this, prayer and fasting is the cause of awakening and mindfulness, and is conducive to protection and preservation from test."

God!

6. Removal of Difficulties

He is "Is there any remover of difficulties save God! Say: Praised be God! All are His servants, and all abide by His bidding!"

"Say, God sufficeth all things above allthings, and nothing in the heavens or in the earth but God sufficeth. Verily, He is in Himself, the Knower, the Sustainer, the Omnipotent.

7. Increased Capacity

"By these attractions one's ability and capacity increase. When the vessel is widened the water increaseth and when the thirst grows, the bounty of the cloud becomes agreeable to the taste of man. This is the mystery of supplication and the wisdom of stating one's wants."

8. Effect upon the World

"Intone, O My servant, the verses of God that have been received by thee, as in- toned by them who have drawn nigh unto Him, that the sweetness of thy melody may kindle thine own soul, and attract the hearts of all men. Whoso reciteth, in the privacy of his chamber, the verses revealed by God, the scattering angels of the Almighty shall scatter abroad the fragrance of the words uttered by his mouth, and shall cause the heart of every righteous man to throb."

9. Intercession

" "Those who have ascended have different attributes from those who are still on earth, yet there is no real separation. In prayer there is a mingling of station, a mingling of condition. Pray for them as they pray for you." [Page 23]

HEALTH AND HEALING

Suggestions for gift pamphlet: Principles of the Bahá’í Faith Spiritual Meaning of Adversity

Questions for discussion: 1. Is prayer for the purpose of healing physical maladies alone? 2. What is the relationship between the body and the soul? 3. Which abuses does Bahá’u’lláh warn against? 4. Why does the Bahá’í believe in physicians and medication? 5. Which physical habits do you think can assist the soul as well as the body? 6. Underscore the helpful hints in this chapter and check your own habits at home. 7. What social ills cause ill health? 8. How can the world be healed of its major ills today? 9. Learn one of the Bahá’í prayers for personal healing or the ills of society.

Means of Healing Both Material and Spiritual

The day after I arrived, Tuesday, April 23rd, I met the Master at luncheon at the Persian embassy. The table was strewn with rose-leaves, as the Master's table always is in ‘Akká, and Oriental dishes were served. There had been a long conversation about material and spiritual diseases - their separate origins and separate cures. Consumption had a spiritual cause; it often originated in grief; the cure therefore must be spiritual. The cause of insanity was spiritual. A dear woman present, who had been a Christian Scientist, brought up the question of healing extreme physical cases, such as broken bones, through the power of mental suggestion.

"If all the spirits in the air," laughed ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, "were to congregate together, they could not create a salad! Nevertheless, the spirit of man is powerful. For the spirit of man can soar in the firmament of knowledge, can discover realities, can confer life, can receive the Divine glad tidings. Is not this greater than making a salad?" - with another happy laugh.

- ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's First days in America, 13-14

Healing Prayers

The headman continued: "I have only one child, a girl of fourteen, who has been consumptive for two years. All the physicians have pronounced her a hopeless case. Days and nights her mother and I and our relatives can do nothing but weep, wail and moan. God has not given us another offspring. If your Holiness would pray for the restoration of my only child to health, I feel that a new life would be bestowed upon her, as has been bestowed upon us all by your sympathy and wise advice. We feel sure that the prayers of your Holiness are acceptable to God, and we know that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's bounties shower on all men, regardless of their deserving." At this point the headman burst into tears.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá immediately arose from His seat.

"Where is your little girl?"

"In the other room," the headman answered.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá went into the other room and saw the young girl lying on a bed on the floor, in the middle of the room. The members of her family were seated about here. Some acting as nurses, and some only wept. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá approached the head of the bed, and sat down beside her. He took the little hand and felt the pulse. The temperature was very high. The child coughed incessantly, and spat blood. She was like a creature of skin and bones. "Bring a cup of tea." [Page 24] This was done at once. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá drank some of the tea, and prayed for about five minutes. He Himself gradually poured the rest of the tea with a spoon into the maiden's mouth, and twice placed His hands on her forehead. Once more He prayed, this time for about ten minutes.

Then with a movement of great authority He arose, and turned to the parents, saying in a loud voice of command: "Be assured God will grant a complete cure to your daughter. Do not be perturbed, and neither weep nor moan. With utmost assurance nurse her. Before long she will be in perfect health."

He then returned to the guest room, and comforted the people present with words of great wisdom for half an hour. Then bidding them farewell, He walked out of the house, and stepped into the carriage. ...

On the night of that day the maiden perspired a great deal, and gradually the fever abated. According to the word of her father within two months his daughter was restored to complete health, and in the year 1922 she was married to a Christian man in ‘Akká, who is a government official. She is now the mother of three healthy children. Since then, at ‘Akká, Haifa, and at Nazareth, the father of the girl has recounted this story many times, and always ends his tale with: "My daughter was given back to me by His Holiness ‘Abbás Effendi."

The Chosen Highway, 203, 204

A Healing of Body and Spirit

And now to complete the pilgrimage we were to visit the Riḍván, or Garden of God, about two and a half miles from the Tomb of Bahá’u’lláh.

The procession started quite briskly. I braced up as best I could for I did not wish to spoil the trip for the men-pilgrims by my timidity; but oh, the road was so stony, the pillow was slipping and I was doubling up on one side! The donkey went swiftly along, kicking every now and then to rid himself of the flies, while I trembled within, fearing every moment that he would get rid of me too. I prayed, "O God! help me to keep on," for now there were strong snappings and crackings in my back, sides and shoulders. Did it mean my death? The X-ray photograph of my body came vividly before me and the words of the surgeon were in my ears, "Nothing can be done. If force is applied the bones will snap. Death will be the result." "Well," I thought at last, "what more beautiful could happen, to die in the Holy Land, to be released from pain and suffering? Evidently my work was finished on this plane. For twenty years my humble service had been given to the Cause, more dear than life and now the Blessed One had sent for me to come to the Land of Desire; I had visited the Holy Shrines and now I would enter the Riḍván, the Garden of God," so ran my thoughts.

I felt strangely relieved and calm, I could see the tree quite near that marked the entrance to the garden. The Doctor again approached with Jenáb-i-Fáḍil and they said: "We will help you down to rest before going in." A few more minutes and I stood on my feet, but not as formerly! I could breath deeply, which had not been possible for thirty years. My hip, somehow, was in place, the projecting bow on the left side of my spine had disappeared. In a flash this was all realized. I threw up both arms and cried out: "O God, my God! This is a miracle that God hath wrought!"

That night I lived over again the remarkable occurrences of the last twenty-four hours. The experience at the Holy Shrine of Bahá’u’lláh whither ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had sent me and the various phases connected with the "visit".

I did not sleep nor even try to. I realized a change in my consciousness, a marked change of attitude in my mind and heart toward former matters. I shouted in the stillness of my being at the glorious realization; I knew that the physical healing was the outer symbol of the emancipation of my soul. I was free not only in body, but what was far more important, I was free in soul; in mind and spirit.

My Pilgrimage To the Land of Desire, 15, 18 [Page 25]

CHAPTER VIII - RELIGIOUS UNITY

Suggested gift pamphlet: Christians, Jews and Muhammadans 5 Leaflets: Questions the World is Asking

Questions for discussion: 1. What is the special mission of Bahá’u’lláh? 2. What is meant by progressive revelation? 3. Can human nature change? 4. How do you think Moses and Jesus would add to their divine teachings at this time in the world's history? 5. What is the essential likeness in the original teachings of the world's great religions? 5. Why are sects and philosophies not in agreement? 7. In what particulars do you think the Message of Bahá’u’lláh especially appropriate now? 8. Do Bahá’ís believe in His Holiness Christ? 9. How can we best fulfill Jesus?

Additional things to do: 1. Read aloud the following "Golden Rules", and discuss: Hindu: The true rule is to regard and do by the things of others as they do by their own. Buddhist: One should seek for others the happiness one desires for himself. Zoroastrian: Do as you would be done by. Chinese: What you do not wish done to yourself, do not unto others. Muhammadan: Let none of you treat your brother in a way he himself would dislike to be treated. Jewish: What ever you do not wish your neighbor to do unto you, do not unto him. Christian: All things whatsoever ye would that men should do unto you, do ye even so unto them.

2. Distribute and circle readings of "Words about Christ." (Additional sheets may be obtained by writing National Programming Comm., c/o Mrs. Myrtle Wendler 112 Linden Avenue, Wilmette%3B Illinois)

The Box of Jewels

An Allegory of Faithfulness to the Eternal King

Once upon a time, there was a king who went out to hunt with all the members of his cabinet, the diplomats, the officials of the court and a large number of important personages, especially invited for this occasion. As the king intended to stay in the country all summer he ordered the master of ceremonies to take the imperial tent which was a wonderful work of art, for the king on important occasions had ordered the inside walls and the ceiling of this royal tent to be decorated with hundreds of precious jewels, the price of which could not be measured by dollars and cents. This year also he asked the minister of finance to take with him the large box of jewels. Finally after many days of preparation the imperial caravan, which was more than a mile long, started out. The king headed the procession. After him came the cabinet ministers, the diplomatic corps, the courtiers and the guests. They had to travel six days before they could reach the hunting ground. On the fourth day it so happened that the horse [Page 26] carrying the box of jewels was toward the end of the caravan. After three hours. march the king looked around and to his apparent surprise, found no one with him but Ios and he observed the caravan more than half a mile away from him surrounded with dust and in great confusion. "What is this?" asked the king. "Half an hour ago," Ios humbly answered, "the box with the jewels fell from the back of the horse and all of the precious stones were scattered on the ground. Then I saw a wild scramble followed, everyone forgot his duty and each one tried to collect those jewels." The king did not move nor show that an extraordinary event had happened. "Alas!" the king said after a moment of reflection, "Why did you not join them and get a portion of the spoil? Are they not precious jewels?" "Yes. my lord! Those jewels are good for them, I preferred to be with thee. Thou art the greatest jewel of my life."

My Visit to ‘Akka, page 21

The Value of Association with the Holy Souls

In like manner, it is related that on a certain day, one of the companions of Sadiq complained of his poverty before him. Whereupon, Sadiq, that immortal beauty, made reply: "Verily thou art rich, and hast drunk the draughts of wealth." That poverty-stricken soul was perplexed at the words uttered by that luminous countenance, and said: "Where are my riches, I who stand in need of a single coin?" Sadiq thereupon observed: "Dost thou not possess our love?" He replied: "Yes, I possess it, O thou scion of the Prophet of God!" And Sadiq asked him: "Exchangest thou this love for one thousand dinars?" He answered: "Nay, never will I exchange it, though the world and all that is therein be given me!" Then Sadiq remarked: "How can he possesses such a treasure be called poor?"

- The Kitab-i-Iqan, 131, 132

Oneness of the Light

I, Mrs. Florian King, said to the Master:

"O Beloved,, Paradise would be black for me without Thee or Thy presence. To me Thou art Bahá’u’lláh, Thou art Muhammad, Thou art Jesus, Thou art Moses, Thou art Buddha."

He held out His hand, saying:

"Come take my hand."

His face was shining, shining. Verily transfigured!

I asked if I might kiss His hand.

"No, my daughter, it is not permitted; the personality is not to be worshipped; the Light it is which is of importance, not the lamp through which it shines."

This He said with a smile of most holy radiance.

The Chosen Highway, 211

Religious Prejudice

It is said that once a Muhammadan, a Christian and a Jew were rowing in a boat. Suddenly a tempest arose and the boat was tossed on the crest of the waves and their lives were in danger. The Muhammadan began to pray, "O God! Drown this infidel of a Christian." The Christian supplicated the Almighty, "O Father, send to the bottom of the deep this Moslem." They observed the Jew was not offering any prayer and therefore asked him, "Why do you not pray for relief?" He answered, "I am praying. I am asking the Lord to answer the prayers of both of you!"

Star of the West, Aug. 1919, page 210 [Page 27]

WORDS OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH ON THE CHRIST

"Know thou that when the Son of Man (Jesus) yielded His breath to God, the whole creation wept with a great weeping. By sacrificing Himself, however, a fresh capacity was infused into all created things. Its evidences, as witnessed in all the peoples of the earth, are now manifest before thee. The deepest wisdom which the sages have uttered, the profoundest learning which any mind hath unfolded, the arts which the ablest hands have produced, the influence exerted by the most potent of rulers, are but manifestations of the quickening power released by His transcendent, His all-pervasive, and resplendent Spirit... Through His power, born of Almighty God, the eyes of the blind were opened, and the soul of the sinner sanctified. ...He it is Who purified the world. Blessed is the man who, with a face beaming with light, hath turned towards Him." Gleanings, 85

WORDS OF ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ ON THE CHRIST

"The traces of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, the influence of His Divine Teaching is present among us today and is everlasting.

"When the Lord Christ was crowned with thorns, He knew that all the diadems of the world were at His feet. All earthly crowns, however brilliant, powerful and resplendent, bowed in adoration before the "Crown of Thorns!" It was from this sure and certain knowledge He spoke when he said, 'All power is given unto me in heaven and earth.'

"Jesus was a Manifestation of God. Everything about Him pertained to God. To know Him was to know God. To love Him was to love God. To obey Him was to obey God. He was the source of all Divine Qualities. In this Mirror the Light of the Sun of Reality was reflected to the world. Through this Mirror the Energy of God was transmitted to the world. The whole disk of the Sun of Reality was reflected in Him. " Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

WORDS OF SHOGHI EFFENDI ON THE CHRIST

"As to the position of Christianity, let it be stated without any hesitation or equivocation that its divine origin is unconditionally acknowledged, that the Sonship and Divinity of Jesus Christ are fearlessly asserted, that the reality of the mystery of the Immaculacy of the Virgin Mary is confessed, and the primacy of Peter, the Prince of the Apostles, is upheld and defended. The Founder of the Christian Faith is designated by Bahá’u’lláh as the 'Spirit of God,' is proclaimed as the One Who 'appeared out of the breath of the Holy Ghost,' and is even extolled as the 'Essence of the Spirit.' His mother is described as 'That veiled and immortal, that most heauteous, countenance, and the station of her Son eulogized as a 'station which hath been exalted above the imaginings of all that dwell on earth.'" - The Promised Day is Come, pp. 113, 114 [Page 28]

CHAPTER IX - TRUE CIVILIZATION

Suggested gift pamphlets: The Lesser and the Most Great Peace Pattern for Future Society

Questions for discussion: 1. Discuss this statement: Revelation means primarily the Revelation of the Will of God, the divine fundamental of which is love. 2. How do the commands of God bring civilization? 3. What are some of the evidences of decay and disorder in civilization when human society defies the commands of God? 4. What is most appealing to you in the specific plans and ordinances of Bahá’u’lláh for world government? 5. Why is voluntary sharing of one's wealth and a system of profit sharing to be preferred to total equalization of wealth? 6. At what age would you say that spiritual and social education of children could begin? 7. What kind of training is stressed in the Bahá’í plan for education?

Additional suggestions: Underline together the key words to World Order in pamphlet "Pattern for Future Society." Then count the keys to World Order and read off the list of words chosen.

Ask class for volunteers to bring clippings for discussion on the following: 1. Signs for struggle for political unity. 2. Signs of trend to profit sharing. 3. Need for ethical and moral education.

Sharing With Love

This morning the Master agreed to go to the Bowery Mission, and He began to speak about it. "I want to give them some money," He said to me, "I am in love with the poor. How many poor men go to the Mission?"

"About three hundred."

"Take this bill to the bank, Juliet, and change it into quarters," He said, and He drew from His breast a thousand franc note.

"Keep the money," he further instructed me, "and meet me at the Mission with it in a bag." And He gave the same instructions to Edward Getsinger, with a second thousand franc note.

The next night we met the Master at the Bowery Mission. Of the scene there I wrote to Mr. — that fine person so strangely withheld from giving his life to the Master, whose principles he serves, through some blindness of the intellect. To him who seems to me the type of that rich young man who, though he came to Jesus loving Him, still would not sell all to follow Him, I quoted the words of the Master to the poor. How He had begun:

• • Christ said, "Blessed are the poor." He never said, "Blessed are the rich. ....Ah, the pitiful procession - the bread-line - the homeless, the hungry, the moral failures - broken figures, blurred faces, sunken men.

Into each poor palm as He clasped it He pressed His little gift of two, three or four quarters - just a symbol - and the price of a bed! Not a man was shelterless that night! And many, I could see, found a spiritual shelter, a home in His heart. I could see it by the faces lifted to His and in His face bent on theirs. [Page 29] It was wonderful to witness the looks interchanged. First the look in the poor, lifted faces of grateful surprise at the gift found in the palm; then the lifted eyes widening with wonder, as they met the divine gaze bent upon them; then a flash of revelation from the eyes of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá - a flash of mysterious love, while His hand closed tightly again over that other hand with the clasp that saves.

Who can tell the effect of that immortal glance through the lives, and even at the moment of death, perhaps, of each of these men? Who can tell what the Master gave that night?

‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s First Days in America, 7, 8, 10

Often when the family of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was about to sit down to dinner at night, the report would come of some unfortunate who was starving, and who had been overlooked in the visits of the day. Then quickly the hot appetizing meal would be bundled into a basket, and rushed away to the suffering family, while ‘Abdu’l-Bahá would smile and say, "It does not matter for us, we had dinner last night, we shall have dinner tomorrow."

Bahá’í Principles, 14

Economic Future

Of all these hours spent with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá however, the most memorable and eloquent were those in which He described the economic future of mankind. At that period, in 1907 the labor saving machines had not yet affected the labor market.

He said, "Today the dynamic energy of the Holy Spirit has poured in such volume through the Messenger of God that even the masses of men have received it, and that was not possible before. Always in the past specially sensitized souls received the influence and acted upon it. But today for the first time the minds of all people have been touched by the spirit, and the result is that the designs of labor saving machines have been clearly revealed to them. It may seem strange to you that the Holy Spirit should give designs for labor saving machines," He added, "but in reality every creative impulse of the brain can arise only through contact with the spirit. Without that the brain is merely capable of conventional and traditional action. ...

"The labor saving machines were given to create leisure for all mankind." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá repeated this several times. He was so deeply impressed with this fact that as He spoke He arose and walked back and forth in the little room, His face and eyes shining with joy over the happy future into which He gazed.

Star of the West, July, 1923, p. 106

The Equality of Men and Women

...

After contrasting the general position of Eastern and Western women ‘Abdu’l-Bahá turned and said to the visitor, "Give me your reasons for believing that women today should have the vote?"

Answer: I believe that humanity is a divine humanity and that it must rise higher and higher; but it cannot soar with only one wing."

‘Abdu’l-Bahá expressed His pleasure at this answer, and smiling, replied: "But what will you do if one wing is stronger than the other?"

Answer: "Then we must strengthen the weaker wing: otherwise the flight will always be hampered."

‘Abdu’l-Bahá smiled and asked: "What will you say if I prove to you that the woman is the stronger wing?"

The answer came in the same bright vein: "You will earn my eternal gratitude!" [Page 30]

The True Educators

A friend asked ‘Abdu’l-Bahá how far the individual could attain to that Christ consciousness in himself of which St. Paul speaks as our hope of Glory. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá turned with a look of great joy and said, with an impressive gesture, "That bounty and the power of God is limitless for each human soul. Consider what was the quickening power of the Christ when He was on earth. Look at His disciples! They were poor and uncultured men. Out of the rough fisherman He made the great Peter, and out of the poor village girl of Magdala He made one who is a power in all the world today."

...

When asked if it would be always necessary for Prophets to come from time to time, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá replied, "Mankind needs a universal motive power to quicken it. The inspired Messenger who is directly assisted by the power of God brings about universal results."

...

Those who have been with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá notice how, often, after speaking earnestly with people, He will suddenly turn and walk away to be alone. At such times no one follows Him. On this occasion, when He finished speaking and went out through the orchard gate into the village, all were struck by His free and wonderful walk which has been described by one of our American friends as that of a shepherd or a king.

As He passed along the ragged children clustered about Him by dozens, the boys saluting Him as they had been taught in school, showing how instinctively they felt the greatness of His presence. Most noticeable was the silence of even the roughest men when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá appeared. One poor man exclaimed, "He is a good man," and added, "Ay, He's suffered!"

‘Abdu’l-Bahá laid great stress on education. He said, "The girl's education is of more importance today than the boy's, for she is the future mother of the race. Those without children should, if possible, make themselves responsible for the education of a child."

‘Abdu’l-Bahá in London, 88, 91 [Page 31]

CHAPTER X THE WAY TO PEACE

Suggested gift pamphlets: Declaration of Human Rights Man One Family

Questions for discussion: 1. What has been the predominant cause of strife and war among men in the past? 2. For how long had this expected era of "peace on earth, good will toward men" been prophesied? 3. Why is there need for haste? 4. What specific hurdles must be scaled before universal peace can become a reality? 5. What is the Bahá’í attitude with regard to the worth of efforts at international arbitration? 6. What present-day organizations show the influence and trend toward this avenue of the teachings?

Additional suggestions: 11 Showing of UNO film strip. You can rent from the National Programming Committee the official UNO film strip entitled, "Genocide the Greater Crime. Libraries and Y organizations often lend film strip machines.

STORY OF THE BLACK ROSE

‘Abdu’l-Bahá was standing at the door and He greeted each boy as he came in; sometimes with a handclasp, sometimes with an arm around a shoulder, but always with such smiles and laughter it almost seemed that He was a boy with them. Certainly there was no suggestion of stiffness on their part, or awkwardness in their unaccustomed surroundings. Among the last to enter the room was a colored lad of about thirteen years. He was quite dark and, being the only boy of his race among them, he evidently feared that he might not be welcome. When ‘Abdu’l-Bahá saw him His face lighted up with a heavenly smile. He raised His hand with a gesture of princely welcome and exclaimed in a loud voice so that none could fail to hear; that here was a black rose.

The room fell into instant silence. The black face became illumined with a happiness and love hardly of this world. The other boys looked at him with new eyes. I venture to say that he had been called a black many things, but never before a black rose.

This significant incident had given to the whole occasion a new complexion. The atmosphere of the room seemed now charged with subtle vibrations felt by every soul. The boys, while losing nothing of their ease and simplicity, were graver and more intent upon ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and I caught them glancing again and again at the colored boy with every thoughtful eyes.

When His visitors had arrived, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá had sent out for some candy and now it appeared, a great five-pound box of expensive mixed chocolates. It was unwrapped and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá walked with it around the circle of boys, dipping His hand into the box and placing a large handful in the hands of each, with aword and smile for everyone. He then returned to the table at which He had been sitting, and laying down the box, which now had only a few pieces in it, He picked from it a long chocolate nougat%3B it was very black. He looked at it a moment and then around at the group of boys who were watching Him intently and expectantly. Without a word, He walked across the room to where the colored boy was sitting, and, still without speaking, but with a humorously piercing glance [Page 32] that swept the group, he laid the chocolate against the black cheek. His face was radiant as He laid His arm around the shoulder of the boy and that radiance seemed to fill the room. No words were necessary to convey His meaning, and there could be no doubt that all the boys caught it.

Again that awed hush full upon the room. Again the boys looked with real wonder at the colored boy as if they had never seen him before, which indeed was true. And as for the boy himself, upon whom all eyes were now fixed, he seemed perfectly unconscious of all but ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Upon Him his eyes were fastened with an adoring, blissful look such as I have never seen upon any face. For the moment he was transformed. The Reality of his being had been brought to the surface and the angel he really was revealed.

Portals to Freedom, 65, 67

Love Heals Hate and Prejudice

In ‘Akká there lived a man who so hated ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that he would turn his back when he met Him, fearing lest he lose his hatred. One day they met in such a narrow street that the enemy was forced to meet ‘Abdu’l-Bahá face to face. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá tapped the man upon the shoulder and said, "Wait a few minutes until I speak. However great may be your hatred for me it cannever be as strong as is my love for you." The man was startled, awakened, and made to feel the unconquerable power of love.

Star of the West, June, 1923, p. 69

The Barrier of Tongues

A certain person bestowed a coin upon five beggars. They resolved to spend it for food. The Englishman said, "Buy grapes. $1 The Turk wanted' "uzum", the Arab "aneb", the Greek "Stafelea", the Persian "Angur". Not understanding one another's language, they quarreled and fought. A stranger came along. He was familiar with all five languages. He said, "Give me the coin. I will buy what you want."

When he brought them grapes they were all satisfied. They wanted the same thing, but differed in the term only.

Star of the West, Feb. 7, 1913, From talk given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at residence of Mrs. A. J. Parsons, Dublin, N. H., August 6, 1912 [Page 33]

With ‘Abdu’l-Bahá at Lake Mohonk

When He was at Lake Mohonk, where He spoke to the members of the Inter-National Peace Conference, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was walking with a group of the friends one morning when they came upon a party of young people.

After a few words of greeting He said: that He would tell them an oriental story: "Once the rats and mice held an important conference the subject of which was how to make peace with the cat. After a long and heated discussion it was decided that the best thing to do would be to tie a bell around the neck of the cat so that the rats and mice would be warned of his movements and have time to get out of his way.

This seemed an excellent plan until the question arose as to who should undertake the dangerous job of belling the cat. None of the rats liked the idea and the mice thought they were altogether too weak. So the conference broke up in confusion."

Everyone laughed, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá with them. After a short pause He added that that is much like these Peace Conferences. Many words, but no one is likely to approach the question of who will bell the Czar of Russia, the Emporer of Germany, the President of France and the Emporer of Japan.

Faces were now more grave. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá laughed again: "There is a Divine Club," He said, "which shall break their power in pieces."

Portals to Freedon, 196, 197

A Meeting of East and West

Tonight we met ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and a large number of believers from all parts of the East at the Feast or Supper, under the shadow of the Blessed Perfection. As we entered the large hall ‘Abdu’l-Bahá greeted us, extending both hands and bidding us "Welcome! Welcome!" His face aglow with light. Then He helped us to our seats and gave us our napkins. As the believers came in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá clasped each one in a loving embrace and gave them their places at the table. Then He passed around the table annointing each one with attar of rose, sometimes upon the cheek, again upon the forehead, or over the heart. Some of the believers kissed His hand or touched His garment in loving appreciation.

As He walked about He spoke beautiful spiritual words: "This meeting is through the Love of the Blessed Perfection." "In the sensibility of the heart is this realization." "God is love!" "May spiritual fragrance refresh thy soul as this perfume refreshes the nostrils." The beloved of God have gathered together to partake of material and spiritual food." "You are in prison here; - my partners in imprisonment prisoners of love - God be praised!".

Ten Days in Light of ‘Akká, 73 [Page 34]

CHAPTER XI - VARIOUS ORDINANCES AND TEACHINGS

Suggested gift pamphlets: The Bahá’í House of Worship The Open Door

Questions for discussion: 1. What are the two kinds of laws that the Manifestations of God bring? 2. Which kind is eternal and unchangeable? (Answer: Law of love, spiritual teachings, p. 213 quotation) 3. Which kind is progressive, and changing? 4. Do you agree with the teaching of Bahá’u’lláh concerning the "Monastic Life"? 5. How does humanity suffer from the withdrawal and seclusion of the more spiritually awakened individuals? 6. What benefit can you see in the law of Bahá’u’lláh concerning marriage? 7. What is the function of the Spiritual Assembly? 8. What is the relation between life in the flesh and life after death? 9. Could you give one of the interpreations of heaven and hell? 10. Can you count on memory, natural association, and service in the next world?

Additional suggestions: 1. Give each guest a Bahá’í calendar as a gift. 2. Read a Bahá’í prayer on Marriage, or a prayer for the departed.

A Bahá’í Wedding

Quite an oriental note was struck toward the end of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s London visit, by the marriage of a young Persian couple. We hesitate to alter the bridegroom's description of the service and therefore print it in his own simple and beautiful language.....

• Then first ‘Abdu’l-Bahá took Nur Mahal Khanum into the next room and said to her, "Do you love Mirza Yuhanna Dawud with all your heart and soul?" She answered, "Yes, I do."

Then ‘Abdu’l-Bahá called me to Him and put a similar question, that is to say, "Do you love Nur Mahal Khanum with all your heart and soul?" I answered, "Yes, I do." We re-entered the room together and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá took the right hand of the bride and gave it into that of the bridegroom and asked us to say after Him (separately) "We do all to please God."

"We all sat down and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá continued, 'Marriage is a holy institution and much encouraged in this blessed Cause. Now you are not two But one. Bahá’u’lláh’s wish is that all men be of one mind and consider themselves of one great household, that the mind of mankind be not divided against itself. It is my wish and hope that you may be blessed in your life.".

‘Abdu’l-Bahá’ in London, pp. 74, 76

‘Abdu’l-Bahá on Divorce

The Master was averse to divorce.

In reply to a question, He said, "It is not that divorce should be more easy, but that marriage should be more difficult." In all the years that Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá were dwelling in Syria there was not one case of divorce among the Bahá’ís. [Page 35] The wife of an Armenian Bahá’í implored the Master to allow her husband to divorce her; many were her accusations against her husband. The Master said to her: You are a Christian, how can you ask to be separated? Christ Jesus, Whom I reverence, came not to part but to unite." At length, seeing that the woman loved another man, the Master said: You may divorce her, she is no longer your wife. " When the woman fled with the man, taking much of her husband's money with her: You now see the reason for my consent," said the Master. - The Chosen Highway, p. 213

Fidelity after Marriage

‘Abdu’l-Qásim, the gardener of the Riḍván, wished to marry an Arab peasant woman; he was advised by Bahá’u’lláh not to do so. But as he was very much in love with her, consent was at length given.

In a few years he came saying: I want to divorce Jamílih, and marry a younger woman. " "It is absolutely forbidden, you have married her; you must take care of her to the last moment of your life." The Chosen Highway, p. 214

Assurance of Immortality

Another day a woman came to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and told Him of a dream. Last night, Master, I dreamed that I was in a garden of such beauty that it seemed beyond the power of the most perfect human gardener to have created it. In this garden I saw a beautiful girl, about nineteen, who was caressing the flowers. As I came into the garden she lifted her lovely head and came towards me with outstretched arms, as though in great love and joy at my visit. I looked at her amazed, and then I saw a startling resemblance to the tiny daughter I lost many years before."

‘Abdu’l-Bahá smiled His miraculous smile: "My child, you have been permitted to see your daughter as she is now, walking in the sacred garden of one of the worlds of God. This is a bounty of God to you. Rejoice and be happy." The Chosen Highway, 215, 216

The Wisdom of Change

Riḍváníyyih Khánum related that when her child was ill, the Master came and gave two pink roses to the little one, then, turning to the mother, He said in His musical voice so full of love: "Be patient." That evening the child passed away.

"Riḍváníyyih," said the Master, "there is a Garden of God. Human beings are trees growing therein. The Gardener is Our Father. When He sees a little tree in a place too small for her development, He prepares a suitable and more beautiful place, where she may grow and bear fruit. Then He transplants that little tree. The other trees marvel, saying: 'This is a lovely little tree. For what reason does the Gardener uproot it?' The Divine Gardener alone knows the reason."

"You are weeping Riḍváníyyih, but if you could see the beauty of the place where she is, you would no longer be sad." "Your child is now free, and, like a bird, is chanting divine joyous melodies." If you could see that sacred Garden, you would not be content to remain here on earth. Yet this is where your duty now lies." The Chosen Highway, 216 [Page 36]

The Eternal Worlds

He could never get enough light. He taught us to economize in everything else, but to use light freely.

"It is marvelous," I said, "to be driving through this glitter of light with the real Light the Light of lights!"

"This is nothing," He answered. "This is only the beginning. We will be together in all the worlds of God. You can not realize here what that means. You can not imagine it. You can form no conception here — here in the elemental world — of what it will be to be with me in the Eternal Worlds!" — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's First Days in America, 12

The Room Upstairs

Though the Master had already rested in the Museum He sat down again just outside on a soft little curve of ground beneath a young tree. He sat some little time there, we standing behind on the flags of the walk. Was He waiting for some one? By and by the old Jew stole up to us.

"Is He tired?" he whispered to me. "Who is He? He looks like a great man."

Divining that the Jew was a socialist, I replied that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was a great sufferer for the Cause of Brotherhood.

Then I told him something of the story of the Master's sufferings.

"I would like to speak to Him," said the Jew, so I led him to the Master.

The Master looked up, His brilliant eyes full of sweetness.

"Come and sit by me," He said.

"No, I must not," answered the watchman.

"Is it against the rules for me to sit on the grass?" asked the Master.

"Not for you," (with tenderness).

"If it is against the rules I will get up."

"No, you may sit there all day."

"You didn't see the whole of the Museum," continued the old watchman. "Would you like to go back after you have rested? There are the fossils and the birds."

"No," said the Master, smiling, "I am tired of going about looking at the things of this world. I want to go above and travel and see in the spiritual worlds. What do you think about that?" He asked suddenly, with another luminous smile. The old watchman looked puzzled and scratched his head.

"Which would you rather possess," pursued the Master, "the material or the spiritual world?"

"Well, I guess the material," the watchman answered seriously. "You know you have that, anyway."

"But you do not lose it when you attain the spiritual. When you go upstairs in a house you do not leave the house. The lower floor is under you."

"O, yes!" All of a sudden light broke from the old man's face. Then the Master rose and standing beneath that young tree, the sun shining on His robes, taught the old Jew with His irrefutable logic, yet with irresistible smiles and charm, of the spiritual agreement of Christ and Moses...

I returned a number of times to the Museum to find the old watchman, but I never saw his face again. He must have been called very soon "upstairs in the house." — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's First Days in America, 39, 40

The Gift of Intercession

"Asked whether it was possible through faith and love to bring the New Revelation to the knowledge of those who have departed from this life without having heard of it, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá replied, 'Yes, surely! since sincere prayer always has its effect, and it has a great influence in the other world. We are never cut off from those who are there. The real and genuine influence is not in this world but in that other.'" — Ten Days in the Light of ‘Accá. [Page 37] Suggested gift pamphlets: Two Roads We Face

CHAPTER XII - RELIGION AND SCIENCE

World Order Through World Faith Questions for discussion: What to you is the most important prerequisite for the sincere seeker after truth? 1. 2. Is there any conflict between true science and true religion? 3. 4. Is it possible for men to comprehend God? 5. How do you account for the present-day indifference toward God? 6. How does the Manifestation serve as the needed intermediary between creature (man) and his Creator (God)? 7. What are the "two wings" by which man can soar in the era of unity? (Ans. p.256)

Additional suggestions: 1. Present brief, semi-comic film strip "How to Live with the Atom". (May be rented from the National Programming Committee by writing the secretary). 2. Ask guests to take a blank slip of paper and write one answer to each of the following questions: (a) What one thing should religion do first for the world? (b) What one thing should science do first for mankind?

Read aloud the several answers, and select the best. Does the answer coincide with the teachings of the Bahá’í World Faith "that religion and science must go hand-in-hand"?

Search After Truth

Once upon a time the story runs, six blind men of Hindustan went to see an elephant. One, touching his leg, thought him like a tree%;B another, touching his trunk, declared him a snake; another his tail, likening him to a rope; another his ear, spoke of him as a fan; another his side, insisted that he was like a wall. Then they quarreled over their various opinions, each adhering to his own with the greatest rancour and obstinacy. They abused each other and denounced each other and even fought. Each was partly right, but all generally wrong. The educational effect of listening to each other's point of view was entirely lost.

Star of the West, Sept., 1923, p. 163

Scriptural Symbolism

In the Koran are many things referring to Christ not mentioned in the Gospel. For instance, it is said that Christ took a bit of clay and shaped it into the form of a bird. Then He blew upon it and it flew away.

The interpretation of this is that the bird symbolizes an earthly man, who received spiritual education through the Christ. The story says: "He blew upon it. and it flew away." This means that the man received the Breath of Life Eternal, and through this enlightenment, soard into the Heaven of Knowledge.

- My Visit to ‘Acca, p. 21.

Two Seekers at Midnight

Whilst at Baghdad many learned mullás and others came into the Holy Presence, several of whom, became His devoted friends; one of those was Kayvan Mírzá, grandson of Fath-’Ali Shah. This gentleman came and asked Mirza Muhit to obtain permission for an audience at some midnight in secret. [Page 38] The reply was: " When I was in the wilderness of Kurdistan I composed this Poem: 'If thou hast in thine heart one desire for thy life, then come not hither! But shouldst thou be prepared to sacrifice soul, and heart and life, come and bring others! Such is the path if thou desire to enter the Kingdom of Light, If thou art not of those able to walk this path- Begone, and trouble us not!'"

Mirza Muhit conveyed this reply to Kayvan Mirza. He chose to begone," his heart failed him!

Of another kind was Aqa Siyyid Mujtahid, who also desired to be admitted to the Holy Presence at the secret midnight hour. He stayed until morning, and accepted the teaching.

Well, what thinkest thou?" asked his friend Aqa Siyyid Mujtahid said: " I had been told that these Babis were winebibbers, that there was much wine in the room of Bahá’u’lláh, that, moreover, they had no moral principles whatsoever! "

"I went to investigate for myself and found Purity within Purity. I was filled with amazement at the sanctity of that place, and bewildered to find the exact opposite of that which I had heard. I am firmly convinced that "THIS IS THE TRUTH.":"

- The Chosen Highway, pp. 55, 56

The Power of True Religion to Destroy Superstition

A Story Told by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

It is written in Arabian history, before the call of the Prophet (on whom be peace!), that Naaman, one of the heathen Arab kings, whose throne was in the city of Hera, one day took so much strong drink that he knew not what he was doing and his intellect was overclouded. In this condition of drunkenness and unconsciousness he gave orders that two of his favorite and intimate friends should be put to death. When he recovered from his drunken fit, he inquired after them and was told what had occurred, that he had commanded them to be killed....

And in commemoration of them he set apart two days in the year, one was called the day of wrath and the other the "day of grace," when he would come with great pomp and sit between the two buildings. On the day of wrath no one who came within the range of his eye could escape with his life, and he was put to death. On the day of grace, however, anyone who arrived or came on a mission to the king would have favors and gifts conferred upon him. This law and custom was strictly observed.

One day the King, riding a horse called by name 'Favorite', started for the country, with the object of hunting. Suddenly he sighted an antelope in the distance, and pursuing it, urged on his horse to its fullest speed, until he was separated from the rest of his company and escort.

The sun was setting and he failed to secure his quarry. Turning back in disappointment, he unexpectedly saw a tent afar off, and made up his mind to betake himself there. When he reached the door of the tent, he asked, "Do you seek a guest?"

The master of the tent, whose name was Hanzalah of Taey, answered, "Yes," and going forth to meet him, helped him to alight and received him gladly, saying to his wife, "This, as anyone may see, is a noble personage. Prepare a feast, do your utmost in the way of entertainment, get ready the best you have."

His wife replied: "We have one ewe, kill it; whilst I bring the little flour I have kept against such an occasion."

Then Hanzalah milked the ewe, brought a bowl full of milk and presented it to the guest; after which he killed the sheep, and prepared a savory morsel for him.

Naaman spent the night in great comfort, through the courtesy, love and self- denial of his host, Hanzalah.

When the dawn broke, Naaman thought of his return and called Hanzalah saying, "You have showed the truest hospitality and the highest courtesy in your entertainment of [Page 39]

Mysterious Forces of Civilization

me.. I am Naaman. I shall be pleased to see you and reward your kind hospitality.

A long period went by, when a great famine befell the district of Taey, and Hanzalah was reduced to great extremity. He decided to seek the presence of the king, and by a strange chance appeared before Naaman on the day of wrath.

The king was extremely distressed and began to reproach him: "Why have you sought the presence of your friend on this day of wrath, which is a fatal day? If today my eyes were to fall on my only-begotten son Kabus, he could not escape with his life. Now ask what you will! ....

Then Hanzalah pleaded, "Grant me a reprieve that I may return to my family and make my will; and on the day of wrath next year I will be present again before you."

Naaman required a surety from him, so that, if he broke his promise, the surety would be put to death in his stead. So the king made a present of five hundred camels to Hanzalah and sent him away.

On the day of wrath in the next year, when the true dawn rose from the horizon of the east, Naaman proceeded as usual with great pomp to the two buildings, called Gharijan. He took with him Quarad, that he might be executed as the victim of his royal wrath.

The courtiers present entreated for a reprieve till the evening, so that Hanzalah might return; whilst the king's purpose was, for the sake of the love he bore him, to save Hanzalah from death by executing his surety. However, he waited till towards the evening.

When Quarad was stripped and his neck was about to be severed, suddenly a horseman was descried afar off galloping with the utmost speed. Naaman said to the executioner: "What are you tarrying for?" And his ministers rejoined: "Perhaps this horseman may be Hanzalah!"

When he approached they saw it was Hanzalah of Taey. Naaman was displeased at his coming and addressed him: "O fool! you that escaped, the claws of death, why have you abandoned yourself to them again?"

Hanzalah answered: "Know, O king, that faithfulness to my promise has made the deadly poison of death sweet to my taste!"

And Naaman answered: "What was the cause of thy faithfulness and thy design in keeping thy word?"

And Hanzalah replied: "I believe in the divine unity of God, and in the Books which came from heaven!"

Then Naaman inquired of him: "What is the religion to which thou belongest?"

And Hanzalah answered: "I am quickened by the breath of Christ, and am walking in the right path, in the way of the Spirit of God (Jesus Christ). "

And Naaman said unto him: "Breathe the holy breath of the Spirit of God into my nostrils! t

Hanzalah took out the White Hand of Guidance from the bosom of God's love promising the light of the Gospel on the eyes and judgment of those present.

When Hanzalah had chanted melodiously some divine verses from the verses of the Gospel, Naaman and all his ministers left their idols and their idolatry and became verily converted to the divine religion and steadfast therein, confessing it was a hundred thousand pities they had not known until then of such an infinite mercy and had been so long deprived of this unutterable grace of God!

They immediately destroyed the two buildings, and repenting of their cruelty and oppression established straightway the foundations of justice and right judgment.

— Mysterious Forces of Civilization, pp. 54, 60 [Page 40]

CHAPTER XIII - PROPHECIES FULFILLED BY THE BAHÁ’Í MOVEMENT

Suggested gift pamphlets: Prophecy Fulfilled The Faith of Bahá’u’lláh

Questions for discussion: 1. To what great event have all the Prophets of old pointed? 2. What are some of the terms which the Bahá’ís believe refer to the coming of Bahá’u’lláh? (pp. 263-265) 3. What does Bahá’u’lláh teach concerning the "Day of Judgment"? (pp. 268-269) 4. How many "signs of the times" can you enumerate?

Additional suggestions: 1. Hand out a marked Bible to each guest (see list following story supplement); with a few references marked for reading, one guest reading signs fulfilled, another promises of peace, etc. (Additional copies of the lists of references for distribution may be obtained by writing the National Programming Committee Secretary)

Glad Tidings for the Jews

Therefore it is interesting to find that Dr. David Starr Jordon extended the hospitality of Leland Stanford Jr. University to the great Protagonist of the Bahá’í Cause, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, during the year 1912, and introduced Him to the student body and faculty in words from which the following excerpt is taken:

"It is our fortune to have with us ... one of the great religious teachers of the world, one of the natural successors of the old Hebrew Prophets ... I now have the great pleasure and the great honor also of presenting to you ‘Abdu’l-Bahá."

Bahá’í World, 1930-32, 515

A Zoroastrian Fulfills His Faith

‘Abdu’l-Bahá sat calmly writing. We reminded Him that the hour to leave for the train was at hand. He looked up, saying:

"There are things of more importance than trains," and He continued to write.

Suddenly in breathless haste a man came in, carrying in his hand a beautiful garland of fragrant white flowers. Bowing low before the Master, he said:

"In the name of the disciples of Zoroaster, The Pure One, I hail Thee as the "Promised Shah Bahram!"

Then the man, for a sign, garlanded ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and proceeded to anoint each and all of the amazed friends who were present with precious oil, which had the odour of fresh roses.

This brief but impressive ceremony concluded, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá having carefully divested Himself of the garland, departed for the train.

We had witnessed a solemn act. . .

- The Chosen Highway, 174

A Christian Fulfills Her Faith

Told by Lady Blomfield

One day at a reception in Paris, at the house of Madame Lucien Monod, my daughter Mary and I heard these words from Miss Bertha Herbert:

"If I look happy, it is because I am happy. I have found the desire of my heart!"

The speaker, a tall, graceful girl with shining dark eyes, came across the room and seated herself between us. [Page 41] "I should like to tell you why I am so happy. May I?" Yes, we answered. It is true! True!" We fixed questioning eyes upon her glowing face. We have been taught to believe that a great Messenger would again be sent to the world: He would set forth to gather together all the peoples of good will in every race, nation, and religion on the earth. Now is the appointed time! He has come! He has come! "

These amazing words struck a chord to which my inner consciousness instantly responded, and I felt convinced that the portentous announcement they conveyed was indeed the truth. Great awe and intense exaltation possessed me with an overpowering force as I listened.

Miss Herbert continued: "The Bearer of the Message suffered much persecution, and left an uncomprehending world in 1892. But His Son is still a captive in the fortress prison of ’Akka in Palestine... ... "

"You are interested?" she asked. "Indeed, yes, how could we fail to be interested?" The news of the momentous event, long prayed for, steadfastly awaited in the "Faith, which is the substance of things hoped for," had come. - The Chosen Highway, 1

A Muhammadan Fulfills His Faith

The old Shaykh came to see my great grandfather. He called the young son (my grandfather, Shaykh Mahmud) and said to him:

Hearken unto me, my child: "Unto this city of ’Akka will come one day the "Great One", He will abide in a high house with many, many steps. His substance will be provided by the Government (i.e., a prisoner). Now thou wilt be here, in this city, when He cometh. I and thy father will have passed from this mortal world, but mark well what I now say unto thee: "We charge thee to deliver the salutation of our hearts' devoted worship unto Him, mine and thy father's"

In the year 1868, my grandfather was told that a powerful enemy of Islam had been brought to ’Akka, where he was imprisoned in a little room at the top of a high flight of steps. My grandfather thought it was his duty to kill such an enemy of his beloved religion.

Accordingly, he armed himself with a weapon secretly hidden beneath his ’aba (cloak).

He then requested to be permitted to speak with the Prisoner. The reply came: "Thou hast permission to approach when thou shalt have cast away thy weapon!"

Shaykh Mahmud was greatly astonished at the mention of the weapon, of which he had spoken to nobody.

My grandfather then said within himself, "I am a strong man, I am able to kill this enemy by the strength of my hands without the aid of a weapon. If

Again he sent his request to be received by the Prisoner. To which the reply came: "When thou shalt have purified thy heart, then thou mayest come. "

Again my grandfather more greatly marvelled.

Then a dream came. The old Shaykh and his father appeared to Shaykh Mahmud and thus spoke to him: "Go to the gathering place of the friends of this Prisoner and say unto them: "Allah-u Abhá!" [Page 42] "They will take no heed of thee at first, then say a second time: "Alláh-u-Abhá.'

"Still they will ignore thee.

"Then cry aloud for the third time: "Alláh-u-Abhá.'

Now one will question thee: "What meanst thou by this word?" Then shalt thou speak of our charge unto thee, years ago, to deliver the salutations of our hearts' devoted worship."

As he heard these words, the eyes of my grandfather, Shaykh Mahmud, were opened, and he remembered all that the old Shaykh and his own father, Shaykh Qasim ‘Arabi, had said to him of the "Great One" Who should come, even to ‘Akká, and how He should abide in a tall dwelling at the top of a long flight of steps.

My grandfather sought out the gathering-together place of the friends of the Prisoner, the "Most Great Prisoner"; he was allowed to enter, and all things took place in accordance with the command given in his dream.

The one who said to him: What meanst thou by this word, "Alláh-u-Abhá?" was our beloved Master, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, through Whom my grandfather, Shaykh Mahmud, was permitted to deliver the salutation of their hearts' devoted worship, the old Shaykh's and that of my great-grandfather, Shaykh Qasim ‘Arabi. And my grandfather, Shaykh Mahmud, believed, and all his family.

- The Chosen Highway, 239-241

Lord's Prayer Fulfilled

"It is nearly two thousand years since His Holiness the Lord Christ taught this prayer to His people: 'Thy Kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth, as it is in Heaven.' Thinkest thou that He would have commanded thee to pray for that which would never come? That prayer is also a prophecy."

"‘Abdu’l-Bahá, when will the Kingdom come? How soon will His Will be done on earth as it is in Heaven?"

"It depends on how intensely you, each and every one of you, serve day and night. Ye are all torches that I have lighted with mine own hands. Go forth, light others till all the separate waiting servants are linked together in a great Unity."

- The Chosen Highway, 172

The Books Unsealed

Know and realize the greatness of the Cause into which you have entered. Look not at the present. The day will come when there will not be a house which does not contain a believer in this Revelation. One Book or Tablet of the Blessed Perfection is more comprehensive than fifty volumes of the world's greatest wisdom. The Books and Words of God have been sealed and the meanings locked. All the sacred mysteries were sealed, but now Bahá’u’lláh has broken the seals, revealed the meanings and we can understand the Realities."

- Ten Days in the Light of ‘Akká, 15 [Page 43]

BIBLE PROPHECIES

"This Book is the Holy Book of God; of Celestial Inspiration; the Holy Book of Salvation; the Noble Gospel. It is the Mystery of the Kingdom and its Light; it is the Divine Bounty and the Sign of the Guidance of God." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá

Promise of Peace

Psalms: 72; 7-8 Isaiah: 2; 2,4 Hosea : 2; 18 Haggai: 2; 6-9

Signs of the Times

Isaiah: 11%; 11-12 Isaiah 19; 23 Hosea: 3; 4-5 Daniel 12; 1-4 Nahum; 2; 3-4 -Gathering of the Jews -Railroad joining Assyria and Egypt -Gathering of the Jews -Trouble, Travel, Knowledge -Autos

Signs of Jesus

Matthew 24; 3,7,9, 11, 12, 14, 22, 24, 27, 29-44

Place of Fulfillment

Isaiah: 2; 2-4 -Top of Mt. Law from Zion%3B Peace Isaiah: 35: 1-2 -Lebanon, Carmel, Sharon Isaiah: 59; 20 -Redeemer to Zion. Isaiah: 65; 9-10 Sharon; Achor Hosea: 2; 15 - -Achor door of hope Micah: 7: 12-13 -Mt. to Mt. River to River

Christ's Prophecy of New Manifestation

John: 14; 28-30 -Prince John: 15; 26 -Comforter John: 16; 7-8 -Comforter John: 16; 12-13 -Spirit of Truth

The New Name

Isaiah: 62; 2 - New Name Zech.: 14; 8-9 -Name One Rev. 2; 17 -White Stone with New Name Rev. I I -New Name Rev.: 3; 12 -Name of the Father Rev.: 14; 1 -Name of the Father

Name of Bahá’u’lláh

Isaiah: 9: 6-7 -Counsellor, Father, Prince of Peace Isaiah: 40; 5 -Glory of the Lord; All flesh to see Isaiah: 59; 20-21 -Seed's Seed to have the Word Isaiah: 60%; 1-3 -Glory of the Lord for Gentiles and King Ezekiel 43; 1-5 -Glory of the Lord thru the Gate to the East Psalms 24; 7-10 -King of Glory Rev.: 21; 10-11 -Glory of God in New Jerusalem Rev. 21; 23-26 -Glory of God to Lighten City [Page 44]

CHAPTER XIV - PROPHECIES OF BAHÁ’U’LLÁH AND ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ

Suggested gift pamphlets: The Destiny of America The Bahá’í Principle of Civilization The Destiny of the American Nation

Questions for discussion: 1. How did Bahá’u’lláh warn the world? 2. What is America's role in the unfoldment of world-wide brotherhood? (Answer: pp. 295, 296) 3. State briefly some of the characteristics of the pattern for future society," as the Bahá’í plan defines it. 4. What do you think the Kingdom of God will be like? 5. Why is a World Faith an important factor for civilization?

Additional suggestions: 1. List together the promises for the future, given in this chapter. 2. Pass around pictures of modern Haifa. (Obtain at public library) 3. Close with a showing of slides or film strip, "The Goal is World Order." (Either may be rented from National Programming Committee film library by writing the secretary).

Two Predictions Fulfilled

Before the fall of Haifa, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was discussing the British campaign with a few of His followers in His garden one day. He then predicted that, contrary to the general expectation, the taking of Haifa and the walled town of ‘Akká would come about almost without bloodshed. This prediction was verified by the facts.

He also stated that the Turks would surrender ‘Akká (supposed to be impregnable) to two unarmed British soldiers. The resultant facts so far as I was able to gather them were as follows:

Subsequent to the entry of our troops into Haifa, the front line was pushed forward half-way across the Bay of ‘Akká, and outposts were placed in position on the sands of the Bay some four miles from ‘Akká itself. ‘Akká as a fortified and walled town, was believed to be filled with Turkish troops at this time. Very early one morning two British Army Service soldiers, who had lost their bearings in the night, found themselves at the gates of ‘Akká, believing erroneously that the town was already in British hands. However, the Turkish rear guard troops had been secretly evacuated only eight hours earlier, and the Mayor of the town, seeing the British soldiers outside the gates, came down and presented them with the keys of the town in token of surrender! It is credibly stated that the dismayed Tommies, being unarmed, dropped the keys and made post haste for the British lines!

The Chosen Highway, pp. 224, 225

Words of BAHÁ’U’LLÁH Concerning Atomic Energy

"A strange and wonderful instrument exists in the earth, but it is concealed from minds and souls. It is an instrument which has the power to change the atmosphere of the whole earth, and its infection causes destruction." 11 Bahá’í Scriptures, 150

can, "The words of Bahá’u’lláh regarding "a strange and wonderful instrument...." can, in the light of what the Master said in San Francisco, be taken as a reference to the great destructive power atomic energy can be made to release." Shoghi Effendi, March 16, 1948 [Page 45]

CHAPTER XV-- RETROSPECT AND PROSPECT

Suggested gift pamphlets: Twenty-five Years of the Guardianship Your Experience as a Bahá’í Religion a Living Organism

Questions for discussion:

1. Can it be truthfully said that the Bahá’í Message brings "glad tidings" to a despairing world?

2. What is the over-all aim of the Bahá’í World Faith?

3. In what way will the Administrative Order as established by Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá insure the continued purity of the teachings as well as the unity of the Cause?

4. In what specific way is the Bahá’í Administrative Order preparing for effective service when "God's Kingdom shall have come on earth as it is in heaven"? (Answer: pp. 317-337 local, national spiritual assemblies, and ultimately the International House of Justice)

5. What are some of the points of stability in the Administrative Order not developed in the old order?

6. What is the difference between the Formative Age and the Golden Age of the World Faith?

Additional Suggestions:

1. 1. True and false test: 2. Religion is the greatest instrument for the order of the world and the tranquility of its peoples. 3. Selfishness is one of the aids to social progress. 4. One effective way to practice justice is to choose for others what you would choose for yourself. 4. True liberty consists in man's submission unto God's commandments. 5. There is need for reform in the economic relations of rich and poor. 6. There will always be slums, and a measure of starvation in the world. 7. The new age will see methods of violence discarded. 8. Education should be optional, since no two people have the same capacity. 9. The root-principles on which the new civilization must be built are laid down by the Supreme Teacher, Bahá’u’lláh. 10. To prepare prisons and punishment for criminals is of even greater importance than the education of men. 11. Many of the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh are already being put into practice by leaders of governmental institutions without the knowledge that the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh is the source of inspiration. 12. Since the West is far advanced over the East in material civilization, it is not as much in need of the Message of Bahá’u’lláh as is the East. 13. The Bahá’í Administration supports the Revelation just as the body of man supports and houses the soul. 14. The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh should not be regarded as signalizing the coming of age of the entire human race. 15. It will be sufficient if people of the upper classes adhere to this Faith; the others can follow their example later. 16. A World Federal System ruling the whole earth and outlawing war is the goal toward which humanity is striving. 17. The Bahá’í Faith is unique in that it has in clear writing the laws, the principles, the guidance of its Founder. [Page 46]

Fill in the blanks in the following statements

1. The Báb was the ________ of Bahá’u’lláh. 2. He declared Himself in the year ________. 3. Bahá’u’lláh was born in ________. 4. He was exiled to ________. 5. The principles of Christianity and the commandments of Bahá’u’lláh are ________. 6. The responsibility for and supervision of local Bahá’í affairs is vested in the ________. 7. The ideals of the Kingdom can only become fruitful within the framework of ________. 8. It is toward the goal of a ________ that a harassed humanity is striving. 9. The laws of Bahá’u’lláh are destined to be a ________ for ________ society. 10. Resurrection is the birth of the individual to ________ life. 11. The greatest proof of a Manifestation of God is the ________ of His ________. 12. Bahá’u’lláh declared the fundamental, ________ of all religions. 13. The local spiritual Assemblies are linked together through the elected body of the ________. 14. The call of Bahá’u’lláh is primarily directed against all ________.

3. A special meeting may be arranged for a showing of Haifa slides. (These may be rented from the National Programming Committee film library by writing the secretary). This meeting is an ideal point of termination for the course. It could be done in two ways:

1. Make it a party and have no accompanying lesson.
2. Open with a brisk review, by two members of the class if possible, of Your Experience as a Bahá’í and Twenty-five Years of the Guardianship. This second method could even be combined with No. 1, in rounding out the course.

4. Copies may be obtained from the Publishing Office of the play by Rúhíyyih Khánum: A Spiritual Assembly’s Growing Pains. This would provide an entertaining lesson on Assembly conduct.

DO NOT FAIL TO BUILD A BRIDGE TO SOMETHING FURTHER. At the final meeting, another study class should be announced. A class in Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh can be announced also for all who feel ready to become members. No one should be directly asked to join, but an opportunity must be offered at this psychological point, leaving the decision wholly with the individual.

In your class on Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh, don’t forget to write in for the Story Supplement to "God Passes By." The stories in the Supplement are divided into four parts, according to the divisions of God Passes By, and could be readapted very aptly for Dispensation. And may we say right here that a full reading of every clause of the Master’s Will and Testament is the birthright of every newly awakened Bahá’í?

Do not hurry this course, or your course for preparation. While all lessons must be kept brisk, some of them may require more time than others.