Bahá’í News/Issue 102/Text

From Bahaiworks

[Page 1]


BAHA’I NEWS


Published by
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís
of the United States and Canada
General Office: 130 Evergreen Place, West Englewood, New Jersey


No. 102
AUGUST, 1936

THE MEASURE OF OUR FAITH[edit]

Shoghi Effendi, in his cablegram of July 30 published in this issue, sounds a clarion call to the American believers to arise and fulfill the Divine Plan. He is “impatiently, prayerfully waiting” for each and every believer, “however humble, however inexperienced”, to supplement the “National Assembly’s energetic leadership and careful planning” by “vigorous action.”

Our opportunity has come. Each and all, we have a part to play in the fateful drama of the coming months and years, as the “sands of a chaotic, despairing civilization are steadily running out.” We must now demonstrate the measure of our faith.

We have accepted the Divine Teachings and enlisted for service in the Cause of God. The fulfilment of this station requires of us “implicit obedience, whole-hearted allegiance, uncompromising adherence to that which we believe is the revealed and express will of God.... If we are to falter or hesitate, if our love for Him should fail to direct us and keep us in His path, if we desert Divine and emphatic principles, what hope can we any more cherish for healing the ills and sicknesses of this world?”

The Cause of God can not fail. Our inaction, weakness and disunity may delay the spread of His Message until more energetic and faithful Bahá’ís can be raised up. The most glorious opportunity is ours, and if we fail, others will be raised up to do the work. We may individually falter and fall by the wayside, but His Cause will go marching on.

A wonderful Mission has been given the American believers by the Master in His Divine Plan. The Guardian now calls us to carry out this Mission to the full. Your National Spiritual Assembly has, in the June issue of BAHÁ’Í NEWS, provided the necessary instruments for collective action. Now the Guardian in this latest cablegram heralds the critical hour.

Every believer has the golden opportunity to teach by “living the life” no matter how restricted and burdened his life may seem to be. Some will travel into the regions of America not yet quickened by the Word of God. Some will forsake their homeland and carry the Light to more distant lands. All have the privilege and responsibility to contribute their talents and pray for confirmation from on high.

To achieve the goal, which is nothing less than laying the foundation of the new World Order, resources must be provided. The Budget set forth in June BAHÁ’Í NEWS includes necessary operating expenses and a special Teaching Fund of $30,000. During the spring of 1932, for completing the Temple dome, the American Bahá’ís contributed that amount in a few months. Dare we meet anything less than the highest standard of sacrifice and devotion this year, when the safety of the world, and the cherished possessions of rich and poor alike, are clearly threatened by overwhelming disaster?

Shoghi Effendi has clearly stated how every believer can test the measure of his faith. “Contributions to this fund (i.e., the National Bahá’í Fund) constitute, in addition, a practical and effective way whereby every believer can test the measure and character of his faith, and to prove in deeds the intensity of his devotion and attachment to the Cause.”—NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY.


TIME IS SHORT[edit]

Cablegram from Shoghi Effendi[edit]

(I) entreat (the) American believers (to) ponder afresh (the) urgency (to) rededicate themselves (to the) task (of the) complete fulfilment (of the) Divine Plan. (The) National Assembly’s energetic leadership (and) careful planning (are) ineffectual unless supplemented by vigorous action by every believer, however humble, however inexperienced. Time is short. (The) sands (of a) chaotic, despairing civilization (are) steadily running out. Founded on (the) unity (and) understanding so splendidly achieved, functioning within (the) framework (of the) administrative Order (so) laboriously erected, inspired (by the) vision (of the) Temple edifice (so) nobly reared, galvanized into action (by the) realization (of the) rapidly-deteriorating world situation, (the) American Bahá’í Community should rise as never before (to the) height (of the) opportunity now confronting it. Audacity, resolution (and) self-abnegation (are) imperatively demanded. Impatiently and prayerfully waiting.

SHOGHI
Received July 30, 1936.

BAHA’U’LLAH’S TABLET PRESENTED TO THE PRESIDENT[edit]

The friends are informed that the National Spiritual Assembly has caused to be delivered to President Roosevelt a beautifully engrossed copy of Bahá’u’lláh’s Tablet to the Presidents and Rulers of the American Republics, together with two Prayers revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for America.

May we have confidence that the Light will penetrate into the mind and

[Page 2] heart of the nations upon which the Manifestation has laid such a high trust as is revealed in that Tablet.

In reporting this important teaching action, the members of the N. S. A. would remind the friends that communications concerning the Faith should be addressed to Federal and State officials only through the National Assembly itself. The presentation of the Tablet and Prayers in this case, moreover, is reported to the Bahá’ís but is not to be spread among the general public nor made a matter of public discussion or record.


ENROLLMENTS AND TRANSFERS[edit]

Report from local Spiritual Assemblies during the last few months record the following increases in membership, by new enrollment or by transfer.

Portland, one. Philadelphia, one. Spokane, four. Honolulu, five. Vancouver, two. Milwaukee, one. Chicago, seven. Winnetka, two. Los Angeles, two. San Francisco, three. Buffalo, three, Binghamton, three (two being youths of non-voting age). Peoria, six. Muskegon, one. Washington, two. Boston, one. New York, eleven. Kenosha, two. Worcester, one.


FORM OF BEQUEST[edit]

The following form has been prepared by the Legal Committee for the use of believers who plan to include a bequest or legacy in their Will. It is recommended that believers consult an attorney in using this form, to be assured that it shall be adapted to meet the needs and requirements of the laws of the State in which they reside.

I hereby give and devise the sum of $........ to the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada, that is to say, to the several persons who at the time of my death, and from time to time thereafter, shall constitute the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá’ís of the United States and Canada according to the government and regulations of said Religious Body as existing at the time of my death and from time to time thereafter amended, to be used in accordance with the functions vested in said Assembly for the furtherance of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.


NATIONAL COMMITTEES[edit]

1936-1937[edit]

Additions and Corrections[edit]

The friends are requested to note the following additions and corrections in connection with the Committee appointments published in BAHÁ’Í NEWS, No. 101.

Regional Teaching Committee (new)—For North and South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, Florida, Alabama—Julia Moore, Secretary, Georgie Wiles, Mrs. Walter B. Guy, Lucille Hoke, Alfred James, Jr.

Bahá’í World, Vol. VII—(correction in spelling) Marzieh Carpenter.

Archives and History—new member, Mason Remey. Mariam Haney, unable to serve.

Contacts—new member, Ethel Revell, Mrs. Hall, unable to serve.

Inter-America—(correction in spelling) T. Carl Cartwright.

Regional Teaching Committee for Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa—(correction in spelling) Florence Rolfe.


LETTERS FROM THE GUARDIAN[edit]

1. To the National Spiritual Assembly[edit]

On disputes between believers

“The Guardian wishes to emphasize the importance of avoiding reference to civil courts of cases of dispute between believers, even in non-Bahá’í issues. It is the Assembly’s function to endeavor to settle amicably such disputes, both in order to safeguard the fair name and prestige of the Cause, and to acquire the necessary experience for the extension of its functions in the future.”—May 30, 1936.

Formation of new Assemblies

“Regarding the formation of local Assemblies, the Guardian does not advise any departure from the principle that every civil community should have its own independent Assembly.”—July 5, 1936. (In answer to the question whether, in the case of a new Assembly, the membership of the community could reside in two or more adjoining civil communities.)

The utmost effort

“I cannot refrain from adding a few words to renew and reaffirm my fervent plea to you, and through you to every individual member of the American Bahá’í community, to exert the utmost effort in order to further the cause of teaching throughout the American continent. Every possible assistance, whether moral, financial, or administrative, should be continuously, generously, and systematically extended to this most urgent, this sacred and meritorious Cause. My heart yearns to learn of any speedy and effective action which the valiant members of that community may determine, whether collectively or severally, to undertake. The invisible hosts of the Abhá Kingdom are arrayed and ready to rush forth and ensure the triumph of every stout-hearted and persevering herald of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh.”—July 5, 1936.

2. To Individual Bahá’ís[edit]

(Published with the Guardian’s consent)

To Leroy Ioas, November 14, 1935.

In connection with the problems facing the friends in their teaching work; these, the Guardian is well aware, are by no means easy to overcome, specially in view of the limited number and resources of the believers. But in the field of Bahá’í service, as the history of the Cause abundantly demonstrates, there is no obstacle that can be said to be insurmountable. Every difficulty will, in due time, be solved. But continued and collective effort is also needed. The Bahá’í teacher should not get discouraged at the consciousness of the limitations within or without him. He should rather persevere, and be confident, that no matter how numerous and perplexing the difficulties that confront him may appear, he is continually assisted and guided through Divine confirmations. He should consider himself as a mere instrument in the hands of God, and should, therefore, cease looking at his own merits. The first and most important qualification of a Bahá’í teacher is, indeed, unqualified loyalty and attachment to the Cause. Knowledge is, of course, essential; but compared to devotion it is secondary in importance.

What the Cause now requires is not so much a group of highly cultured and intellectual people who can adequately present its Teachings, but a number of devoted, sincere and loyal supporters who, in utter disregard of their own weaknesses and limitations, and with hearts afire with the love of God, forsake their all for the sake of spreading and establishing His Faith. In other words, what is mostly needed nowadays is a Bahá’í pioneer and not so much a Bahá’í philosopher or scholar. For the Cause is not a system of philosophy; it is essentially a way of life, a religious faith that seeks to unite all people on a common basis of mutual understanding and love, and in a common devotion to God.

Bahá’í scholars and writers will, no doubt, gradually appear, and will as promised by Bahá’u’lláh lend a unique support to the Faith. But in the meantime, we should note tarry, or slacken in our efforts.

Concerning your question relative to the duration of the Bahá’í Dispensation. There is no contradiction be-

[Page 3] tween, Bahá’u’lláh’s statement in the Iqán about the renewal of the City of God once every thousand years, and that of the Guardian in the “Dispensation” to the effect that the Bahá’í cycle will extend over a period of at least 500,000 years. The apparent contradiction is due to the confusion of the terms cycle and dispensation. For while the Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh will last for at least one thousand years, His Cycle will extend still farther, to at least 500,000.

The Bahá’í cycle is, indeed, incomparable in its greatness. It includes not only the Prophets that will appear after Bahá’u’lláh but all those who have preceded Him ever since Adam. These should, indeed, be viewed as constituting but preliminary stages leading gradually to the appearance of this supreme Manifestation of God.

After Bahá’u’lláh many Prophets will, no doubt, appear, but they will be all under His shadow. Although they may abrogate the laws of this Dispensation in accordance with the needs and requirements of the age in which they appear, they nevertheless draw their spiritual force from this mighty Revelation. The Faith of Bahá’u’lláh constitutes, indeed, the stage of maturity in the development of mankind. His appearance has released such spiritual forces which will continue to animate, for many long years to come, the world in its development. Whatever progress may be achieved in later ages, after the unification of the whole human race is achieved, will be but improvement in the machinery of the world. For the machinery itself has been already created by Bahá’u’lláh. The task of continually improving and perfecting this machinery is one which later Prophets will be called upon to achieve. They will thus move and work within the orbit of the Bahá’í cycle.

To Edris Rice-Wray Carson, December 8, 1935.

The problem with which you are faced is one which concerns and seriously puzzles many of our present-day youth. How to attain spirituality is indeed a question to which every young man and woman must sooner or later try to find a satisfactory answer. It is precisely because no such satisfactory answer has been given or found, that the modern youth finds itself bewildered, and is being consequently carried away by the materialistic forces that are so powerfully undermining the foundations of man’s moral and spiritual life.

“My fervent prayer at the three Holy Shrines is that the

bountiful Lord may bless His American friends who constitute the vanguard of His host in the Western world, and prosper them in their material affairs and pursuits, that the Cause which stands today in sore need of material help and assistance may advance, rapidly and unhindered, toward the fulfilment of its destiny.”—SHOGHI EFFENDI, Bahá’í Administration, p. 47.

Indeed, the chief reason for the evils now rampant in society is the lack of spirituality. The materialistic civilization of our age has so much absorbed the energy and interest of mankind that people in general do no longer feel the necessity of raising themselves above the forces and conditions of their daily material existence. There is not sufficient demand for things that we should call spiritual to differentiate them from the needs and requirements of our physical existence.

The universal crisis affecting mankind is, therefore, essentially spiritual in its causes. The spirit of the age, taken on the whole, is irreligious. Man’s outlook on life is too crude and materialistic to enable him to elevate himself into the higher realms of the spirit.

It is this condition, so sadly morbid, into which society has fallen, that religion seeks to improve and transform. For the core of religious faith is that mystic feeling which unites man with God. This state of spiritual communion can be brought about and maintained by means of meditation and prayer. And this is the reason why Bahá’u’lláh has so much stressed the importance of worship. It is not sufficient for a believer merely to accept and observe the teachings. He should, in addition, cultivate the sense of spirituality which he can acquire chiefly by means of prayer. The Bahá’í Faith, like all other Divine Religions, is thus fundamentally mystic in character. Its chief goal is the development of the individual and society, through the acquisition of spiritual virtues and powers. It is the soul of man which has first to be fed. And this spiritual nourishment prayer can best provide. Laws and institutions, as viewed by Bahá’u’lláh, can become really effective only when our inner spiritual life has been perfected and transformed. Otherwise religion will degenerate into a mere organization, and becomes a dead thing.

The believers, particularly the young ones, should therefore fully realize the necessity of praying. For prayer is absolutely indispensable to their inner spiritual development, and this, as already stated, is the very foundation and purpose of the religion of God.

To R. J. Quigley, October 14, 1935.

With regard to your question concerning the Virgin Birth of Jesus; on this point, as on several others, the Bahá’í teachings are in full agreement with the doctrines of the Catholic church. In the Kitab-i-Iqán (Book of Certitude) page 56, and in a few other Tablets still unpublished, Bahá’u’lláh confirms, however indirectly, the Catholic conception of the Virgin Birth. Also ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in “Some Answered Questions,” chapter 12, page 73, explicitly states that Christ found existence through the spirit of God which statement necessarily implies, when reviewed in the light of the text, that Jesus was not the son of Joseph.

To Philip Sprague, May 22, 1935.

With regard to your wish for reorganizing your business along Bahá’í lines, Shoghi Effendi deeply appreciates the spirit that has permitted you to make such a suggestion. But he feels nevertheless that the time has not yet come for any believer to bring about such a fundamental change in the economic structure of our society, however restricted may be the field for such an experiment. The economic teachings of the Cause, though well known in their main outline, have not as yet been sufficiently elaborated and systematized to allow anyone to make an exact and thorough application of them even on a restricted scale.

To Mrs. Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick, December 2, 1935.

With regard to the school’s program* for the next summer; the Guardian would certainly advise, and even urge the friends to make a thorough study of the Qurán, as the knowledge of this sacred Scripture is absolutely indispensable for every believer who wishes to adequately understand, and intelligently read, the writings of Bahá’u’lláh. Although there are very few persons among Western Bahá’ís who are capable of handling such a course in a scholarly way, the mere lack of such competent teachers should encourage and stimulate the believers to get better acquainted with the Sacred Scriptures of Islám. In this way, there will gradually appear some distinguished Bahá’ís who will be so well versed in the teachings of Islám

_____
* The Summer School at Louhelen Ranch.

[Page 4] as to be able to guide the believers in their study of that religion.


NOTICE FROM TEACHING COMMITTEE OF GERMANY AND AUSTRIA[edit]

The National Teaching Committee of the Bahá’ís of Germany and Austria has the honor to invite the believers of your countries to the Fifth Bahá’í Summer School which will take place in Esslingen near Stuttgart from August 13th to August 23rd, 1936. Among the lectures presented you will find the following subjects: History and Teachings of Islam; Bahá’í Administration; Mysticism and the Bahá’í Revelation; Faith and Science; Life of the Báb.

This Committee would be glad if some of the believers of your countries could come to the Summer School. In case they will give us the pleasure of coming please let them write to Miss Anna Köstlin, Esslingen a.N., Wehrneckarstrasse 1, who will gladly give them whatever information about trains, lodging, etc., they may ask for.

Please to accept our kindest Bahá’í greetings.

Yours in the Guardian’s Service

DR. HERMANN GROSSMANN, Chairman.

REPORT ON TEACHING CIRCUIT[edit]

During the season of 1935-36 the Bahá’í Assemblies of Buffalo, Rochester, Binghamton and Geneva and the Syracuse group cooperated in a systematized teaching circuit plan. Our efficient circuit secretary began in July to date up a lecturer for each month from October to May with the single exception of January. Each lecturer spoke at Binghamton on the first Friday of the month, then at Syracuse on Saturday, Geneva on Sunday, Rochester on Monday and finished at Buffalo on Tuesday. The same talk was given at each place. Advance publicity for the speaker and the summary of his talk was in the hands of the local publicity chairman about two weeks before the lecture. Each speaker was provided with a detailed itinerary of his trip including the name and address of his hostess for each night, his hour of arrival and departure and method of travel, extra engagements such as radio talks, discussion groups or talks before college classes and any other details necessary. The traveling expenses of the speakers were paid from a circuit fund to which each community contributed in proportion


Unity Feast at Opening of Bahá’í Summer School, Geyserville, Calif., July 12, 1936.


to its financial ability. The three largest communities each gave $50 and the others less.

Both the cooperating communities and our lecturers agree that this series of public meetings was a stimulating teaching effort for all concerned. We believe that the following are some of the advantages of the plan:

  1. None of these communities could possibly have financed such an ambitious lecture program without the help of the others.
  2. Regular monthly meetings over a period of eight months sustained public interest and commanded respect.
  3. Our speakers and the subjects of their lectures were excellent material for good and in most places generous publicity. Geneva believes that the publicity received would alone justify their share in the circuit.
  4. The circuit was the cause of greater enthusiasm, unity and activity in the participating Bahá’í communities.
  5. The speakers reported that it was an inspiration to them to take part in such a well-organized and sustained teaching program. Certainly the plan was entirely dependent on their generous and capable service.


While the audiences were not large there was a notable increase in the interest and receptivity of the public as compared with past experiences. Since the Faith had not been presented publicly to any extent in these centers, the lectures this first year stressed the general aspects of the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. In addition to newspaper publicity, postcards were sent out for each lecture and radio announcements made where available. Follow-up work was planned and carried out by each local community independently.

The circuit program was as follows:

October—“The Quest for a Universal Religion”—Dr. R. F. Piper

November—“The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh”—Mr. Horace Holley

December—“Security for a Failing World”—Mr. Stanwood Cobb

January—Public meetings were arranged independently in three of the centers.

February—“Revolutions of Civilization”—Mr. Montfort Mills

March—“Spiritual Law in the Modern World”—Dr. Genevieve Coy

April—“The World Tomorrow”—Mrs. Dorothy Baker

May—“The Promise of All Ages”—Mr. Philip Sprague


IN MEMORIAM[edit]

Death proffereth unto every confident believer the cup that is life indeed. It bestoweth joy, and is the bearer of gladness. It conferreth the gift of everlasting life.—Bahá’u’lláh.

Mr. Myron Potter, Cleveland.
Mrs. Edyth Blindt Bloom, Burlington, Iowa.
Mrs. Helen Bell, Cleveland.
Miss Helen Clevenger, New York.
Mrs. Gertrude Harris, New York.
Mr. Irving Johnson, Chicago.
Mr. Charles N. Dible, Los Angeles. (Not reported at the time of his passing, September, 1934.)

[Page 5]

“PORTALS TO FREEDOM”[edit]

By Howard Colby Ives

“This volume is to be published by a general publisher, and advance orders can be sent to the Publishing Committee at a reduced cost.

The book will contain about 300 pages, with four half-tone portraits of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. The first three chapters appeared in The Bahá’í Magazine, October-March, 1934-1935. This work by a believer who was among those privileged to meet the Master personally describes Him vividly in His relations with seeking souls. Its pages constitute a sincere personal memorial of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s visit to America in 1912.

“Portals of Freedom” records the history of an ardent search for, and the attainment of, true spiritual freedom.

List price, $2.25. Pre-publication price, $1.85. Orders should be placed through local Assemblies and forwarded with remittance to Bahá’í Publishing Committee, P. O. Box 348, Grand Central Annex, New York, N. Y. The pre-publication price can be offered only for a limited time.


TEACHING ACTIVITIES IN ENGLAND[edit]

In February, The National Spiritual Assembly invited Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bishop to work with the Teaching Committee in the new and general activity designed to increase the number of Assemblies in England. The arrival of Mr. David Hofman was timely; and with the help of these friends, the Committee initiated a Teaching Bulletin in order to draw the isolated Bahá’ís into the National Community life, more particularly, by treating questions on the Administrative Order and circulating the Guardian’s precious letters. The response was immediate and gratifying for the spirited replies also contained lecture engagements for Mr. and Mrs. Bishop’s national tour.

In London, the practice of featuring an outside speaker along universal lines, once a month, was abandoned; and the program shared by Hasan Balyuzi Effendi, now acclaimed as a first-rate speaker, Mr. Hofman and Mrs. Bishop, resulted in increased attendance at meetings. Fireside meetings were arranged by the Youth Group, and by Mrs. Katharine Brown, and Lady Blomfield respectively; besides, Mrs. Bishop met with Mrs. George’s weekly study class for intensive work on “The Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh.”

Hasan Balyuzi Effendi, Mr. Hofman, Miss Cansdale and their enthusiastic colleagues gave a splendid chapter of the International Youth Rally, initiated in America, but observed throughout the Bahá’í World on March 22nd.

In April, Mr. and Mrs. Bishop went to Devonshire. Lectures were given in Torquay at the Theosophical Society, before a large audience at the Practical Psychology Center. Then at half a dozen friendly firesides the Faith was discussed with Oxford Groupers, psychologists, Theosophists and Anglicans. Ashburton held its first Bahá’í meeting at the home of a resident Bahá’í. Mr. Mark Tobey had been ploughing four years for contacts at Dartington Hall, where he teaches painting. He presented Mrs. Bishop and her lecture before a goodly number in his studio. An American-Norwegian home was then offered for successive lectures with the result that before Mrs. Bishop’s departure, the listeners volunteered to form a study class under Mr. Tobey’s direction. Good news has just come that interest is sustained; sixteen are faithful through the summer holiday season, while the autumn is promising, indeed.

During the latter half of May, Mr. and Mrs. Bishop visited Manchester, Bradford, York and Blackburn. The latter had its first Bahá’í meeting, arranged by Mrs. Geraldine Cooper in her home for a fairly large and deliberately selected group. The Manchester friends were delighted with the response which followed Mrs. Bishop’s talks at their numerous gatherings. In Bradford new seekers have attended the study class. Subsequently, the northern friends were happy to receive the visit of Miss Julia Goldman, who met the circles in several meetings. In June, Mrs. Dora Weeks arranged a meeting for the Bishops in Bristol. Some contacts discovered by Mr. Mark Tobey were strengthened, and these, together with Mrs. Weeks’ exemplary work with the Esperantists, hold high promise for ultimate success in Bristol. In Bath, the conservatism is formidable and much effort will be required, though here and in Glastonbury, friendly contacts were cultivated for future development.

In Bournemouth, late in June, the friends welcomed Lady Blomfield and Mr. and Mrs. Bishop. Sister Challis and Mr. and Mrs. King invited friends to their respective homes for Mrs. Bishop’s talks. About seventy-five knights of the “Round Table” heard Mrs. Bishop’s address on “The Goal of a New World Order”: after the questions and discussion they gave a hearty assent and stood chivalrously to acclaim “The New World Order” while a spokesman vowed the power of their united thought to its universal Aim.

In July, the friends rejoiced in the return of Madame Barry-Orlova, who had given a glimpse of her teaching gift during the Ridván Feast. She gave welcome addresses; and, with the Bishops, Miss Goldman, and Captain Richard St. Barbe Baker she attended the sessions of the World Congress of Faiths, July 3-18th. Sir Herbert Samuel, former High Commissioner of Palestine, was privileged to know ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during His latter years. At the Bahá’í session of the Congress, when a paper was read on behalf of Shoghi Effendi entitled “Bahá’u’lláh’s Ground Plan for World Fellowship,” Sir Herbert generously consented to be in the chair. The circumstance was providential for, had not the clergyman selected declined because he was uninformed of the Faith, we should not have had the following dignified and forceful words as a preface to a brief but accurate history of the Cause:

“If I should be asked to say which of the religions represented here is nearest the purpose and aim of this Congress, my reply would be the Bahá’í Faith. Other religions may show how near certain elements of their faith are to world fellowship, but the Bahá’í Community exists for the sole purpose of achieving the fellowship and unity of mankind.”

Many of the Congress members attended the specially arranged meetings at the Bahá’í Centre, addressed by Mrs. Bishop and Madame Orlova. These two happy co-workers were asked by Lady Blomfield to give the Bahá’í Message at a tea, which she gave for friends, world workers, and delegates of the World Congress of Faiths. Letters now come from the provinces anticipating the visit of Madame Orlova in the early autumn.

New members are recorded in the various Assemblies. London has also gained; but the friends feel keenly the departure of Miss Goldman and Mr. F. St. George Spendlove, who is ever to be identified with the pioneer work which brought conscious practice of the high technique of Bahá’í Administrative procedure.

Meanwhile, the Summer School Committee has formulated the tentative program for the session to be held at Matlock, Derbyshire, August 7th-17th:

Feast of Welcome: Readings by Mme. Orlova, Mr. David Hofman; Address by Mrs. Charles Bishop.

[Page 6] Daily Sessions in the mornings:

  1. Historical and Cultural Background of the Bahá’í Faith.
    1. Traditions of Islam and The Dawnbreakers.
    2. The Lives of Bahá’u’lláh and of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, by Hasan Balyuzi Effendi.
  2. The Integration of the Individual.
    1. The Sense of Beauty and the Power of Faith, by Mr. Mark Tobey.
    2. The Life of the Spirit and the Life of Today, by Mme. Orlova.
  3. The Bahá’í Administrative Order.
    1. Spiritual Experience and Community Technique.
    2. The Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: the Guardianship, by Mrs. Charles Bishop.
  4. The Goal of a New World Order.
    1. The Economic Order, by Mr. Alfred Sugar.
    2. The Principles of World Civilization.

Evening Meetings; Mr. Hofman, Miss Baxter, Mr. Tobey, Mme. Orlova.

Address: by Mr. E. T. Hall, “The Word of God.”


LETTER FROM CONTACTS COMMITTEE OF GERMANY AND AUSTRIA[edit]

Dear Bahá’í friends:

During the last year we had the pleasure of welcoming many of our fellow-believers from other countries traveling through Germany and Austria. Their spirit of enthusiasm and their untiring endeavors were a great help to the work of our Community. But these highly welcome trips of our foreign friends to the German and Austrian Centers would be of still greater use, if the traveling friends could arrange to let us know earlier the time at which they want to visit the different groups. Our German friends in the past unfortunately in many cases were absolutely unable to arrange a meeting for the foreign visitors because the announcement of their arrival came too late.

We therefore ask you kindly to inform those friends who want to visit the German and Austrian Centers, that they may announce their coming to the German National Spiritual Assembly always in time. In this connection we also ask you to please let the traveling friends know, that the German National Spiritual Assembly has authorized its “Verbindungsausschuss” (Contacts Committee) to help the traveling friends in any possible way and, if the visitors want it, to arrange with them their trip through Germany and Austria. Will you please note the address of the national “Verbindungsausschuss”: care Anna Grossmann, Neckargemünd (Heidelberg), Hermann Göring-Strasse 37, Germany.

Due to the necessity of applying for permits to hold public meetings it is absolutely essential that the respective centers, in which one of our guests intends to speak, be informed at least one week ahead of the date intended for the meeting.

We should be very glad, if you would give this information to the believers in your community in order that the sacrifice of time and money made by our traveling foreign friends while visiting the German and Austrian Bahá’í Centers may be of the utmost possible use for the sake of our beloved Faith!

With the assurance of our warmest wishes and greetings,

Yours in the Guardian’s Service,

ANNA GROSSMANN, Chairman.

TEACHING ACTIVITIES IN INDIA AND BURMA[edit]

As the first fruit of the Guardian’s cablegram we saw the hosts of the Divine confirmations descending upon us so abundantly that we marveled how we were assisted in our poor efforts.

The doors of the broadcasting medium were opened for us and our dear brother Isfandiar Bakhtiari was allowed to broadcast the poems of Tahira on April 30, the 10th day of Ridvan. Our dear sister Mrs. Shirin K. Fozdar was allowed to broadcast the Message in English from Bombay Broadcasting Station on 23rd May, the Day of the Declaration of the Bab and the Birth of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. On the same Day our dear brother Hishmat’u’llah broadcasted the Message in Urdu from the Delhi Broadcasting Station. Mr. Hishmat’u’llah hopes that we shall be able to avail ourselves of this medium on all the Nine Bahá’í Holy Days.

Mrs. Shirin K. Fozdar was also assisted to represent the Divine Faith at the Parliament of Religions held on May 7, 8 and 9 last.

Describing her experience of the Divine assistance Mrs. Shirin K. Fozdar writes—“The Bahá’í lecture was fixed for the 8th and the Cowasjee Jehangir Hall was so full that more than 300 people were standing. That means that there were nearly 2,500 people present. Once again the Message of Bahá’u’lláh was received with rapt attention and people applauded the whole time. 300 (the number we had with us) of those little booklets (The Dawn of the New Day) were distributed.... I think Bahá’u’lláh is giving us ample opportunities now to spread His Message.”

Mr. Siyyid Mahfuz’ul’Haq Ilmi represented the Bahá’í Faith at the “All India Depressed Classes Conference” held at Lucknow on May 22. Writing of his experience of the assistance that he received Siyyid Ilmi writes:—“The Conference was held in the Ganga Pershad Memorial Hall situated in the famous quarter of Lucknow, Amin-ud-Daula Park. Admission was by tickets and the rush for the tickets was so heavy that their sale had to be stopped after the Hall and its galleries were filled to their capacities.... Loudspeakers were installed, although their use had to be dispensed with at intervals. The Conference began at 20 minutes past 5 p. m. and continued till midnight. The following religions were represented: (1) Buddhism. (2) Bahá’í Faith. (3) Islam (represented by the following sects: Jamaat Ahmedia, Lahore; Shias and Sunnies). (4) Vedic Religion. (5) Sikhism. (6) Christianity. (7) Kabir Panth. (8) Hindu Depressed Classes.

The Bahá’í speech was heard with rapt attention. The huge audience had become, as if, one great ear listening rapturously to the Divine Message. Nothing disturbed the perfect stillness but occasional applause that involuntarily escaped from the hearers. The Grandeur of the Divine Faith was apparent so much so that even the representatives of other religions admitted that the Divine Teachings were the only panacea for the ills of to-day. Many of the audience requested the Bahá’í Teacher for his address and gave their addresses so that they may continue to know more about the Cause through correspondence.