Bahá’í News/Issue 11/Text
THE BULLETIN OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
OF THE BAHA’IS OF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA
Office of the Secretary
GREEN ACRE, SOUTH ELIOT, MAINE"Strike with all thy powers in diffusing the spirit of real union among the people, so that all who are on earth become one family, loving, united, agreed, bound by the bonds of love and united with all harmony in all things and conditions. This is the greatest happiness of the human race in the world of possibilities and the cause of attaining to all hopes and reaching unto the Supreme Kingdom after ascending unto the world of God." - ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.
To the Baha’is of the United States and Canada. Dear friends in ‘Abdu’l-Bahá:
The standard which the National Spiritual Assembly has endeavored to uphold this year was expressed by the Guardian in his letter to the 1925 Convention: "I feel that the dominating purpose inspiring the assembled friends, delegates and visitors alike, should be a twofold one. The first is a challenge to the individual, the second a collective responsibility. The one seeks to reinforce the motive power of our spiritual activities, the second aims at raising the standard of administrative efficiency so vitally needed at this advanced stage of our work."
It was to meet the latter purpose that the National Assembly put forth the "Plan of Unified Action." feeling that the greatest need and desire of the American friends was to see the ideas of teaching and Temple re-established on firm foundations assuring definite results and complete eventual success. The true goal of administrative efficiency is surely that the method whereby all the believers, and not merely the few holding elective or appointed offices, are engaged actively in promoting the work. The abled endorsement of this plan by the Guardian, and his direct participation in its operation as a contributor to the National Fund, brings a significant factor to our mutual efforts the importance of which we should endeavor to comprehend. At the very least, it means that the day of confusion and divided opinion is forever past, and that the sacred unity created by Shoghi Effendi has become effective and real.
The members of the National Spiritual Assembly were particularly happy to receive from the Chicago Assembly a letter expressing its intention of cooperating as fully as possible with the new plan. All the friends are aware of the many prophetic utterances of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá with reference to Chicago in the Tablets of the Divine Plan and elsewhere. Tablets received by individuals and groups have naturally been given highest importance by those fortunate ones possessing them. Can we not now rest assured that the day of the Covenant will have their fulfillment in the general unity created by the Guardian? Is it not by entire adherence to the instructions of Shoghi Effendi, and obedience to his provisions for consultation and decision, that the spiritual situation can alone be brought about able to fructify the Master's prophecies? The Wisdom which revealed those Tablets is the same Wisdom which appointed the Guardian and all this appointment implies in the work of the Cause. There can be no rift un the divine utterance - no failure of that eternal love. As we behold the Cause as a whole today, so shall we best heed those personal and group Tablets received in previous years, and best serve to give them complete spiritual and material effect. Neither aloofness from the general sacred unity, nor indifference to its methods, nor suspicion of its purposes, have any longer justification in the Baha’i world. In the garden of Shoghi Effendi's inspired labor alone will the seeds planted by the Covenant come to flower and fruit.
And now regarding the other junction which Shoghi Effendi wrote to the last Convention: "To reinforce the motive power of our spiritual responsibility." As the Guardian said, this is and must ever be an individual task, an ideal cherished in the depths of the heart and realized in the details of daily existence. Nevertheless, since ‘Abdu’l-Bahá indicated the means by which divine reinforcement will flow to the faithful believer, the National Spiritual Assembly has attempted to assist the friends by compiling those passages especially addressed to the American Baha’is. This compilation includes words of the Manifestation addressed to America, the Tablets of the Divine Plan written for all the American Assemblies and groups, and also quotations from the Guardian. It is now being printed and will be distributed to all the believers before the next Convention. The title is "The Spiritual Opportunity of the Baha’is of the United States and Canada."
We feel that possession of this booklet, and daily study of its pages, will inspire the friends to attain new heights of inner faithfulness and endeavor. Here we have, definitely expressed, the path of service laid down by the consecrated beings of the Baha’i Cause. The friends will not fail to turn often and often to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's mission; his explanation of the Collective Center; his word about the Lord of Hosts, and his promise for the success of the Apostles of Baha'u'llah.
If we can but combine the spiritual inspiration received from these words, and the practical methods and unified ends expressed in the recent printed plan, then indeed the present year shall mark[Page 2]
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of the Baha’is of the United States and Canada
Green Acre, South Eliot Maine. U. S. A. 5 Wheeler Avenue Worcester, Mass. |
a turning point in our individual and collective Baha’i life - a time signalizing that twofold obedience requested of us by the Guardian of the Cause.
To contribute also to the spiritual power of the work, the National Assembly has adopted a new principle controlling the nature and character of its meetings. Instead of devoting all their time to the consideration of administrative details - abundant those these are - the members have resolved to consider the supreme object of each of their gatherings to be a public meeting for teaching the Cause. To make this possible, the cooperation of the Spiritual Assembly of the city where the meeting is held will be sought, and the public meeting arranged with their assistance. As Shoghi Effendi writes in the significant letter accompanying this News Letter: 'Let this cardinal principle (i, e.. teaching) be ever borne in mind, for it is the mainspring of all future activities, the remover of every embarassing obstacle, the fulfilment of our Master's dearest wish." If each local Spiritual Assembly will also arise above the pressure of problems and details to lead the way in public teaching, then a great power of encouragement will be released for every believer.
Since time will be lacking for another issue of the News Letter before the Convention, reference should be made to the election of the local Spiritual Assemblies held universally throughout the Baha’i world on April 21 each year. As the Guardian wrote on March 12, 1923: "That the unity of the Cause of Baha’u’llah may remain secure and inviolate, it is of the utmost importance that in accordance with the explicit text of the Kitab-i-Aqdas, the Most Holy Book, in every locality, be it city or hamlet, where the number of adult (21 years and above) declared believers exceeds nine, a local 'Spiritual Assembly' be forthwith established." And, on February 23, 1924: "The various Assemblies, local and national, constitute today the bedrock upon the strength of which the Universal House is in future to be firmly established and raised. Not until these function vigorously and harmoniously can the hope for the termination of this period of transition be realized." By this passage we perceive what weight of responsibility - or equally, of opportunity - lies upon the shoulders of each declared believer, since in our power rests the alternative of shortening or prolonging that "period of transition" through which the whole world is passing in these days.
The local groups will note carefully that a Spiritual Assembly cannot be elected unless the number of believers exceeds nine. Nine alone is not sufficient, inasmuch as this number does not afford the basis of a true election.
It is greatly to be hoped that several groups not previously organized can this year elect a Spiritual Assembly and thus stand with their fellow Assemblies in the responsibilities of the Baha’i Cause. Early in April a form of Assembly Roll will be sent to each local Assembly, to be filled out by the incoming Spiritual Assembly through its secretary and returned to the national secretary at the earliest possible date. Without this information available, the National Assembly is unable to perform its duties adequately, and moreover in the absence of this report would not be justified in recognizing the existence of the local Assembly. The friends are urged to give this fundamental matter their close attention, in order that the National Assembly itself can report to the Guardian. If for any reason an incoming local Spiritual Assembly should not receive a copy of this Assembly Roll, request for one should be made to the national secretary without delay.
In drawing up the list of local believers entitled to vote in this election, the outgoing Spiritual Assemblies will refer to the instruction covering this matter in the letter from Shoghi Effendi dated October 24, 1925.
Years ago, the Master wrote to the Assembly of Muskegon, Michigan, these significant words: "Everything produces an impression in existence and results in the course of ages. The (material) assemblies established in the different parts of Europe, Asia and America have no results save the help of the physical and the mortal life in this lesser world, for the removal of its (difficult) conditions and the reformation of its customs, and in the end no name will remain thereof. But every spiritual assembly of solid foundation, good structure and unwavering constancy will last forever and will send forth its illumination unto all regions."
Yours faithfully,
- NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
- By Horace Holley,
- Secretary
- By Horace Holley,
Green Acre[edit]
The time has come for all the American believers to regard Green Acre as one of the recognized permanent institutions of the Cause - holding the same relationship to the work through the National Assembly as is held by the Temple, the Star of the West, the Baha’i Publishing Committee, etc.
The evolution of Green Acre to this point of juncture with the outer form as well as spirit of the Cause will one day be seen as a most inspiring and significant chapter in the world movement of today. The original foundation established by Miss Sarah Farmer seems now like a fulfilment of that promise of Baha’u’llah that he would raise up universal servants in all countries, independent of the efforts of the believers themselves. The ideal of Green Acre from the beginning has been to provide a free center where might come together independent spirits of all countries, raised above the trammels of ordinary communities and able to reflect brilliantly the possibilities latent in the brotherhood of man.
Miss Farmer's achievement was so notable that it merits record in the general history of the time. Her own university and self-sacrifice attracted famous leaders of thought, and revealed to them a measure of unity and cooperation perhaps larger than each had previously dreamed possible. This inspired soul spread the very essence of the Baha’i teachings before she was aware of the name.
The days following her death brought to the friends of Green Acre tremendous difficulties. The future was dark and obscure. None of the brilliant speakers who had enjoyed the hospitality of Green Acre rallied to its support. This task fell upon a small number of[Page 3]
Baha’is who, faithful to the advices and desires of ‘Abdu’l-Baha, steadfastly carried on the work year after year. At present Green Acre owns free and clear equipment enough for the organization of notable conferences and schools, and with the help and assistance of the body of the believers can exemplify the Guardian's hope "that it may become, while the work of the Mashriqu’l-Adhkar is in progress, the focal center of the devotional, humanitarian, social and spiritual activities of the Cause."
By these words, following as they do many Tablets revealed on the subject by the Master, we may understand something of the mysterious connection that exists between this spot and the most cherished ideals of the American friends. Green Acre is our opportunity to demonstrate the Baha’i ideals actually applied to life, and failure to develop Green Acre to that degree would affect the success of every Baha’i undertaking in America. On the other hand, Green Acre can become a most effective instrument of service to the work of teaching and of building the Temple - and it is for this reason that the cooperation of the friends is earnestly requested by the National Spiritual Assembly.
On August 10, 1925, the Fellowship voted to bring Green Acre under the supervision, control and responsible direction of the National Spiritual Assembly, including transfer of title to land and buildings, and this action brought Green Acre into the immediate spiritual horizon of every American Baha’i.
It is the hope of the National Assembly to assist in the work of Green Acre during the coming season, so that more than ever before the friends will plan to spend their summers there and participate in the conferences, summer school and other activities already planned. We desire the presence of all who are equipped to teach the Cause - and who would more firmly ground themselves in the teachings. The fellowship of the believers from different parts of the country made possible by Green Acre should contribute vitally to the Baha’i work throughout the year, besides demonstrating the reality of association in a divine Cause.
The active support and encouragement of all the believers, even those who cannot go to Green Acre, is requested, and this can best be accomplished by joining the Green Acre Fellowship. Membership in the Fellowship is of three kinds - Life Membership, at $500; Sustaining Membership, at $25; and Active Membership, at $3. These memberships are open to non-Baha’is as well as to believers. In the case of non-Baha’is applicants for membership must be endorsed by two members of the Fellowship and be accepted by the Trustees. In the case of recognized believers, checks can be sent directly, without formality, to Mrs. Florence Morton, Treasurer, 5 Wheeler Avenue, Worcester, Mass., accompanied by a letter stating the purpose of the contribution. For information concerning accommodations and board address Miss Roushan Wilkinson, 35 Congress Street, Boston, Mass.
Let us appreciate that Green Acre can assume a large international importance in the Baha’i world - a center where representatives of the Baha’is in other lands may one day come, thus convincingly showing the world that the Cause unifies the races and religions. The possibilities are boundless, if we faithfully take each step of progress as it comes. The plans for the summer of 1926 will be published in an early number of the News Letter.
SPECIAL CONVENTION NOTICE[edit]
The National Assembly has carefully considered the problem of railroad transportation, with a view to obtaining special rates for Convention delegates and visitors. In the absence of any definite information as to the number of friends who will visit San Francisco from Chicago and points East, it has been impossible to make any arrangement involving reduced rates or the use of party cars, as originally hoped, and there is no expectation that the regular 'Convention discount' of 25 percent can be obtained, since this requires a minimum of 250 round trip tickets.
Under these circumstances, the most satisfactory arrangement is to place at the disposal of delegates and visitors from Chicago and points East a complete schedule indicating the movement of a train from the most Eastern point—Boston—passing through the largest number of cities containing Assemblies between Boston and Chicago, and proceeding to San Francisco by the Southern route, but returning by the Northern route. This arrangement will permit the friends in the East and Middle West to travel on the same train, and at the same time gives them complete advance information as to day and hour of departure, route traversed, and complete cost of transportation including upper or lower berths but of course exclusive of meals, and incidental expenses. The advantage of traveling in as large a party as possible is, of course, obvious and the schedule adopted also passes through the most beautiful and interesting scenery.
It is understood that this schedule has been drawn up as a convenience to the friends, and in no wise as an obligation. Each delegate or visitor is perfectly free to go and return by any route he may prefer.
The schedule affects the following cities from Boston to Chicago; Worcester, Springfield, New Haven, New York, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., Pittsburgh, Akron. Those residing in Eastern cities not mentioned above, such as Montreal, Buffalo or Columbus, can join the Baha’i train at Chicago. From Chicago to San Francisco, alternative routes are suggested - the Apache Trail and the Grand Canyon. From San Francisco to Chicago, the train passes through Portland, Seattle, Victoria and Vancouver, featuring the Canadian Rockies, and permitting stops to visit the Assemblies in the cities of Portland and Seattle. Both routes pass through Los Angeles on the way to the Convention. The Apache Trail route requires one day longer than the Grand Canyon Route, but the difference in transportation cost is but a few dollars.
Delegates and visitors planning to attend the Convention may obtain a copy of the schedule by addressing Secretary, National Spiritual Assembly, Green Acre, South Eliot, Maine. Possession of this schedule will make it a simple matter to purchase through tickets at any local ticket office.
INVITATION FROM SAN FRANCISCO SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY[edit]
Greetings from San Francisco!
"That the coming year may see one of the most important and one of the most impressive and united Baha’i Conventions in America and that it might attract the interest and hearty cooperation of worldwide and humanitarian institutions throughout Europe and America, and that of all things it might bring joy to the heart of our watchful Master on high, is the oft repeated prayer of our dear Guardian." -Soheil.
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What could be more inspiring than these words words to any Assembly having the opportunity of entertaining the National Convention! Surely we look forward to a most wonderful gathering, for such is the significance of the great Festival of Ridvan that with the friends gathered together in perfect love and unity, we may confidently expect an outpouring of the Holy Spirit that will be like a pentecostal baptism, renewing and revivifying us for all our future work.
With the active service of every believer in America we know that such a splendid fulfilment of Shoghi Effendi's hopes is a real possibility, and if we all pray with him that the doors may open and the way be made clear for a large number of the friends to come to California, we may even be amazed at the results.
Last March the Baha’is here assisted in organizing a Conference for World Unity at which members of various races and religions gathered in love and unity. At the final session a Christian, a Jew, a Buddhist, a Mohammedan and a Baha’i - our dear Jenabe Fadil - look part in the program in the true spirit of fellowship.
That the Conference of last year was preparatory to a larger and more impressive gathering this year is becoming more and more apparent. Therefore in consultation with the National Spiritual Assembly at their January meeting in Washington it was decided that instead of the usual public sessions in connection with our Convention, we would join in organizing another Conference for World Unity. This decision has received the hearty approval of Shoghi Effendi. Representative men and women from all walks of life will participate, and the whole event is capable of being developed into a benediction and a blessing through the spirit of the Baha’is who will take part.
Come and help us to make the "superhuman effort" which will bring "joy to the heart of our beloved Master on high" and fulfill the prayers of Shoghi Effendi.
The friends of San Francisco are a small unit, feeling deeply their responsibility as well as their privilege in being hosts upon such an auspicious occasion. We need not only your spiritual support but also the comfort and strength of your presence, that together we may form that united group which shall attract the heavenly confirmations and carry forward our undertaking to a glorious success.
We, individually and collectively, extend to you the most cordial of invitations and, with characteristic California enthusiasm, are eager to welcome as many delegates and visitors to our Convention as can possibly come from all over the world. Let us make this a pilgrimage of the faithful friends of God throughout America with the purpose of carrying aloft the Banner of the Kingdom. Surely the Light of God's love will be spread in all directions by such unique desires and activities.
- With warm Baha’i greeting,
- Faithfully yours in service,
SAN FRANCISCO SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY,
- By Mary M. Rabb,
- Secretary
INFORMATION[edit]
The Hotel Whitcomb, on Market Street, has been selected as Headquarters for the Baha’i Convention. All sessions and the Feast of Ridvan will be held there. Special rates for delegates and visitors are:
Single room without bath at $2.50 per day.
Double room without bath at $3.50 and $4.00 per day.
Single room with bath at $3.00 and $3.50 per day.
Double room with bath at $5.00 and $6.00 per day.
The California Hotel, a new and attractive hotel, with restaurant, offers the following rates:
Single room with bath at $3.00 and $3.50 per day.
Double room with bath at $4.00 and $5.00 per day.
No rooms without bath, but there are a few suites of two small rooms with bath between at $5.00 per day for the two (both rooms must be taken).
Smaller hotels in the vicinity are:
HOTEL HERALD Eddy and Jopes Streets
Single room without bath at $1.50 per day.
Double room without bath at $2.50 per day.
Single room with bath at $2.00 per day.
Double room with bath at $3.00 per day.
(If 15 persons can be guaranteed these rates can be reduced 10 percent).
HOTEL GARFIELD 351 O'Farrell Street
(All rooms have bath).
Single room at $2.50 per day.
Double room at $3.00 per day.
Please make Hotel reservations through:
MRS. W. H. CLINE.
- 1219 Bellevue Avenue,
- Burlingame, Calif.
The Hospitality Committee would appreciate being notified as soon as possible how many friends are coming, and also would be glad to know of any who might be able to come but who could not afford to go to a hotel. If word is sent giving date, train and time of arrival, the friends will be met at the station.
Address:
MRS. JEANNE LETHAM,
- 1385 Greenwich Street,
- San Francisco, Calif.
For general information please address Mrs. Jeanne Letham as above.
For information regarding Conference for World Unity address Secretary, Committee on Arrangements"
MR. L. C. IOAS,
- 2108 Scott Street,
- San Francisco, Calif.
The Feast Dinner will be $2.50 per plate. Please reserve tickets through:
MRS. SYLVIA IOAS,
- 2108 Scott Street,
- San Francisco, Calif.
A SUGGESTION[edit]
In communities where the Baha’is have public meeting places, an effort can be made to secure photographs of Baha’i groups from as many different countries as possible, that these can be framed and hung upon the wall. We should not overlook the fact that while so large a section of the public seems indifferent to the subject of the Manifestation (or at least as we have so far presented this subject), there are but few who could remain unimpressed by concrete evidences of a new spirit of world-wide fellowship in the form of actual group photographs, inasmuch as it would involve unnecessary expense for each local Spiritual Assembly to request foreign Assemblies to furnish such pictures, the matter might be handled by notifying the National Secretary that such photographs are desired, and that the local Fund will meet the necessary expense up to a stated amount. Effort can then be made by the National Spiritual Assembly to secure prints of available group pictures in quantity orders, after which they can be sold to the local groups at cost.
LETTER FROM SHOGHI EFFENDI[edit]
To the members of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha’is of the United States and Canada.
Dearly-beloved fellow-workers in the Vineyard of God!
Your letter dated Nov. 9, 1925, has been received and read with feelings of deep satisfaction and gratitude. It is most unfortunate that, owing to unavoidable circumstances, I have been prevented from communicating more fully and frequently with the distinguished representatives of those dear fellow-workers of mine, the progress of whose accomplishments I am continually following with the liveliest expectations, loving sympathy and cheerful hope.
The multiplicity of vital and pressing issues, arising out of the steady expansion of the Movement in various parts of the world; the pain and sorrow so keenly felt at the sudden passing of distinguished and dearly-beloved servants of the Cause; grave and unexpected developments in the Holy Land and elsewhere - have all in rapid succession greatly added to the already oppressive burden of responsibility and care which it is my lot and privilege to shoulder in the interests of the Cause. And yet in the midst of my unceasing toil, my afflictions and perplexities, I have found fresh sustenance and comfort in the striking manner in which the pioneers of the Cause in the promising continent are proving themselves worthy of the spiritual heritage bequeathed to them by their departed Master. Refreshed and fortified by their inspiring example, I feel I can pursue the thorny path of my arduous duties with serene confidence, cheerful contentment and undiminished gratitude.
I rejoice to learn of the marvelous effort which your resourcefulness, efficiency and relentless efforts are producing upon your admiring brethren of the East. I am fully alive to the eminent share you are contributing to the emancipation of those heroic sufferers in distracted Persia. I am deeply conscious of the part you play in consolidating the position of the Cause in the eyes of both the exalted and lowly, and in hastening the advent of that promised day of universal recognition and triumph for our beloved Cause.
We can but dimly discern the signs of that day of priceless victory - the day when the mission of this sublime and holy. Faith will have been unfolded in all its power and glory to the eyes of an unbelieving world. We have only to refer to the utterances of Baha'u'llah in order to realize for ourselves God's invincible power to turn every fleeting abasement, every transient sorrow, into abiding joy and glory. For amid the gloom of humiliation that has now beset Baha'u'llah's holy habitation in Bagdad, these prophetic words of His regarding His house shine forth resplendent in their assurance of a future victory: "In truth, I declare, it shall be so abased in the days to come as to cause tears to flow from every discerning eye.
...And in the fulness of time, shall the Lord by the power of truth exalt it in the eyes of all the world, cause it to become the mighty standard of His domination, the shrine round which shall circle the concourse of the faithful." How startling in His prediction, how re-assuring His promise!
The thoroughness of your methods in handling this grave and highly delicate situation, the promptness of your response, the spirit of unabated confidence, of unrelaxing determination and admirable courage which you have abundantly displayed have, I am certain, endeared you to us all, justified out hopes in you, and ennobled the already lofty position you deservedly occupy among the staunch supporters of God's immortal Cause. Whatever the outcome of your memorable endeavors, the immediate consequences of your strenuous efforts cannot be but a growing realization on the part of those placed in authority that the Cause of Baha'u'llah, despite the calumny and slander showered upon it in the past, has linked the East with the West as no other human agency can possibly link and is capable of demonstrating the reality of that celestial potency which no man can today safely belittle or ignore.
Furthermore, the spontaneous and generous response of the American believers in connection with the land situation on Mount Carmel has in conjunction with the donations of the friends in other parts of the world, safeguarded such lands as line in close proximity to the holy Shrines. This highly meritorious effort, blest and sanctified by the bountiful grace of Baha'u'llah, has in like manner served to reveal to every discerning eye the friends' unquenchable enthusiasm and unrivalled devotion - the dominant characteristics of a Faith that is all in its stage of tender growth, and now standing on the threshold of undreamt or achievements.
Among the disturbing factors that have intensified the difficulties of the present situation is the extraordinary judgment recently passed by the Supreme Religions Court of Egypt, declaring the Baha’is of that land adherents of a Faith heretical in character, and at variance with the accepted doctrines of Islam, and hence utterly outside the sphere of its jurisdiction. What exactly the implication of this verdict will be, the effect its practical application will have on the relations of the Baha’is with the followers of the Moslem Faith, what measure of publicity it will receive, what impression it will create in Moslem lands and particularly in hostile Persia, the future only can disclose. So far it has failed to perturb public sentiment or give rise to any official or public demonstration of a nature that would justify or necessitate any action on the part of the American Baha’is who are powerfully demonstrating today their readiness to champion the cause of truth and justice. I will not delay in informing you of the exact measures that I feel will be necessary to take should the occasion arise in future. It is clear and evident that western influence, the loosening of the bonds of religion, and the consequent waning vitality of the once powerful Muhammadan stronghold of Egypt are in a great measure to account for the indifference and apathy that now seem to characterize the attitude of the masses towards this important and vital issue. This decision, however locally embarassing, in the present stage of our development, may be regarded as an initial step taken by our very opponents in the path of the eventual universal acceptance of the Baha’i Faith, as one of the independent recognized religions systems of the world.
In connection with the institution of the National Fund and the budgetary system set forth in the minutes of the National Spiritual Assembly, I feel urged to remind you of the necessity of ever bearing in mind the cardinal principle that all contributions to the Fund are to be purely and strictly voluntarily in character. It should be made clear and evident to every once that any form of compulsion, however slight and indirect, strikes at the very root of the principle underlying the formation of the Fund ever since its inception. While[Page 6]
appeals of a general character carefully-worded and moving and dignified in tone are welcome under all circumstances, it should be left entirely to the discretion of every conscientious believer to decide upon the nature, the amount, and purpose of his or her contribution for the propagation of the Cause.
Regarding association with Oriental travelers and residents in the United States and Canada, I desire to emphasize afresh the vital necessity for the exercise in days of the greatest vigilance and reserve, prudence and caution, on the part of the American believers in their dealings with them, either in an official or private capacity, whether in business transactions or for purely religious purposes. As the Movement grows in prestige, fame and influence, as the ambitions, malice and ill-will of strangers and enemies correspondingly wax greater, it becomes increasingly important for every individual and Spiritual Assembly to be on their guard lest they fall innocent victims of the evil designs of the malevolent, the self-seeking and greedy.
Touching the publication of articles and pamphlets hearing on the controversial and political issues of the day, I desire to remind my dearly-beloved fellow-workers that at the present stage when the Cause is still in its infancy, any minute and detailed analysis by the friends of subjects that are in the forefront of general discussion would often be misconstrued in certain quarters and give rise to suspicious and misunderstandings that would react unfavorably on the Cause. They would tend to create a misconception of the real object, the true mission, and the fundamental character of the Baha’i Faith. We should, while endeavoring to uphold loyalty and expound conscientiously our social and moral principles in all their essence and purity in all their bearings upon the divers phases of human society, ensure that no direct reference or particular criticism in our exposition of the fundamentals of the Faith would tend to antagonize any existing institution, or help to identify a purely spiritual movement with the base clamourings and contentions of warring sects, factions and nations. We should strive in all our utterances to combine the discretion and noble reticence of the wise with the frankness and passionate loyalty of the ardent advocate of an inspiring Faith. While refusing to utter the word that would needlessly alienate or estrange any individual, government or people, we should fearlessly and unhesitatingly uphold and assert in their entirely such truths the knowledge of which we believe is vitally and urgently needed for the good and betterment of mankind.
The copy of the minutes of the 1925 Baha’i Convention has been received, and, despite the pressure of work, read with deep pleasure and keen interest.
As the administrative work of the Cause steadily expands, as its various branches grow in importance and number, it is absolutely necessary that we bear in mind this fundamental fact that all these administrative activities, however harmoniously and efficiently concluded, are but means to an end, and should be regarded as direct instruments for the propagation of the Baha’i Faith. Let us take heed lest in our great concern for the perfection of the administrative machinery of the Cause, we lose sight of the Divine Purpose for which it has been created. Let us be on our guard lest the growing demand for specialization in the administrative functions of the Cause detain us from joining the ranks of those who in he forefront of battle are gloriously engaged in summoning the multitude to this New Day of God. This indeed should be our primary concern; this is our sacred obligation, our vital and urgent need. Let this cardinal principle be ever borne in mind, for it is the mainspring of all future activities, the remover of every embarassing obstacle, the fulfillment of our Master's dearest wish.
May the year that has just dawned upon us witness in such a glorious field many a signal victory.
Your true brother, (Signed) SHOGHI.
Haifa, Palestine, January 10, 1926.