National Teaching Committee Bulletins/1920/August 19/Text

[Page 1] 8/19/20

"Exert yourselves to guide some soul out of the whirlpool of mortality to the fountain head of immortality; and amongst men conduct yourselves in such a manner that the signs of the True One may become manifest in you: for ye are the first of worshippers, the first of adorers and the first of those who revolve around the True One!" Baha’o’llah.

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"Endeavor ye night and day that the Banner of the Covenant may wave as it should in those regions. For in this day the souls reverberate by the Power of the Covenant. They become enlivened by the Spirit of the Covenant; they move by the Call of the Covenant: otherwise they become depressed and inactive, as a body without a soul, a lamp without a light." Abdul Baha.

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BULLETIN No. 3.[edit]

Issued by the Teaching Committee appointed by the delegates to the Convention.

A few years ago Abdul Baha asked some American pilgrims, who were privileged to be in His Presence in Acca, the following questions:

"Are the beloved of GOD zealous or are they not?"

"Are they eloquent, or are they silent?"

"Are they putting forth efforts, or are they quiescent?"

"Do they have unity among themselves, or do they not?"

"Do they express love for all humanity, or do they not?"

"Do they serve mankind, or do they not?"

"Are they directing their attentions to the Kingdom of ABHA, as they should, or are they not?"

"Are they living according to the Teachings and Directions of Baha’o’llah?"

We have ever had these questions in mind, but during the past month as letters have been pouring in from all sections containing glorious news of the progress of the Cause, we feel they could be just a little more satisfactorily answered now, for there has been a wonderful heralding of the Message in towns and cities in some parts of all of the five Divisions of the country. Food from the Divine Table of the Lord has been served to many hungry souls. "Many are they who have been called." It remains to be seen if the "called" become the "chosen" through drinking from the vast Ocean of Truth. If the seeds so beautifully sown in the soil of human hearts are kept watered from the River of the Knowledge of God, Divine confirmations are promised. We can help those travelling along the highway of truth, with our prayers and thoughts; and earnestly pray that all the "called" will feel the conscious realization of having been "ushered in to the Tent of the Covenant" and that they belong in the Family of Abdul Baha, through His Mercy and Bounty and Love.

What a precious seed sowing time this is! The teachers have been faithfully serving, striving to point the "Way to the Kingdom" and praying that the Holy Spirit might awaken in all a desire to do the Will of God. The friends generally are realizing that the Call to superhuman efforts means to ACT NOW, and not to wait for some future time. The instruction which calls for superhuman efforts indicates the eleventh hour and the test of exceedingly great loyalty. The Call of to-day means a really definite arising; a definite response. It means to arise and teach; proclaiming the Lord’s Truth -- [Page 2] ..either through words, deeds or thoughts." All cannot go forth to spread the Message, but there are many types of servers in the Lord's Vineyard; even in an obscure corner we may find a radiant teacher. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá tells us that each Bahá’í in himself can become a proof of the Greatness of the Cause. He tells us that we must so live that people will say:

"Come and see the conduct of these souls; come and listen to their words; come and witness the illumination of their hearts; come and see the traces of the Love of GOD within them; come and see praiseworthy morals in them; come and find the foundation of the oneness of humanity within them. What greater proof can there be than these persons as to the Truth of Bahá’u’lláh?"

If we study carefully the Divine Words revealed to-day, we will all long to be in the teaching service in some capacity, for we must remember always that if we cannot teach by word ourselves, we can always assist others who are able to be in the arena of active service, and this assistance is classified and recorded the same as teaching. There is no escape for any one calling himself or herself a Bahá’í to-day for all can teach in some way: a very substantial service just now would be contributions to the Teaching Fund as you will note from the Treasurer's report.

If we gathered all of the Instructions revealed on the subject of teaching, we would have quite a volume. Here is just one which will fill us with such a longing to teach that we will not want to rest a moment or breath a breathe of repose" until we have accomplished:

"For the last twenty years I have repeatedly emphasized the matter of spreading the Cause of GOD. In every City there must be organized Assemblies of Teaching; classes to teach the young how to teach the Cause and prepare them for this most important service. Every Bahá’í must acquire the lessons of teaching. This will yield results. No other cause is as important as this. The Cause of the promotion of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh is the most confirmed cause. Now is the time of seed sowing. The promotion of the Principles of Bahá’u’lláh is the most dominant issue before the believers of GOD."

Mrs. Marie Hopper of Urbana, Ill., recently asked ‘Abdu’l-Bahá about her share in the great teaching campaign, and He replied:

"To-day teaching is of the utmost importance and therefore train thy daughter (Lorraine) in such a manner that she may stir and quicken the Continent of America. Let her commit to memory the Glad-tidings of the Sacred Books, the Epistles of His Holiness Bahá’u’lláh such as the Hidden Words, the Ishrakat, the Tajallejat, the Bisharat and the Kalamet, and let her strive to acquire an eloquent speech and a fluent tongue. If she acts accordingly she will undoubtedly be assisted by the confirmations of the ABHA Kingdom."

Here is another way of serving; teaching the children so that when they are grown they will have "the eloquent speech and fluent tongue" and be able to take their place in the very front ranks of the servers to humanity.

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"Blessed is he who proclaims the doctrine of spiritual brotherhood for he shall be the child of light. " ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

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Let us now resume our "journey" (as best we can) with Mirza Fazel, our blessed and holy teacher -- the Gift of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to America at this time.

We left Jenabe Fazel and party in Springfield, Mass., where they remained for a day. A Unity Feast was held in the afternoon, and Mrs. Bellerjeau, Secretary of the little (little in numbers but oh! so big in spirit!) Assembly there, wrote of this now historic feast, with Jenabe Fazel the real host, a most delightful host; how his face was illumined with a great love and joy as he talked to the group of friends and answered all questions with such exceeding great wisdom. Manoucher Khan interpreted at this meeting. The evening program was a meeting at the Theosophical Rooms. Many questions were asked about reincarnation and other subjects, and all were answered by Jenabe Fazel "with wonderful tact and wisdom, [Page 3] giving satisfaction to all, and the spirit of unity was most pronounced. Mirza Ahmad was the interpreter at this meeting.

Mrs. Bellerjeau writes of the great big marvellous uplift to the Assembly; how every moment with these precious souls is heavenly; how they have realized as never before the importance of work, work, work and spreading the Message. She writes "Jenabe Fazel tells us we should have two meetings a week: one for the Bahá’ís, a study class; and one to meet strangers and give the Message." They are a very happy group of Bahá’ís in Springfield for they "proved to be receptive" and are pressing forward toward the Goal greatly encouraged and refreshed.

After the services in Springfield, Mirza Fazel and party returned to Boston for a few days, leaving there on July 19th for Green Acre.

While in Boston for this brief period, Mirza Fazel was invited to speak in Arabic to the Syrian settlement. It was a beautiful meeting largely attended. As a result many of the Syrians called upon him at his hotel, for the charm of the spirit about this blessed teacher attracts the people to him.

"Now it is your time of service. You must cry out the Words of Reality. You must teach the Cause and unfurl the Flag of the Kingdom of ABHÁ. The Sun of My earthly existence is setting. The sun of your new activities is arising."

‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Many of the friends, particularly in the East, look forward every year with a real joy to the summer season at Green Acre (Eliot, Maine), and this year more than ever, friends everywhere could scarcely wait until they could once more be a part of the life of this beautiful Center and contribute their effort toward the fulfillment of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Instructions as to the Plan of the Green Acre Conferences. Of course the main interest there this year centered about the visit of Mirza Fazel. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s words about this wise teacher having preceded him, all were anxious to receive instructions from this "ideal sage" and eminent scholar and teacher. So Mirza Fazel found hearts joyously receptive. Every summer there seems to be for the work at Green Acre "special benediction and a particular Providence"; but three seasons now are vastly more important and prominent than all the others, namely: The season of 1912 when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Himself visited there: The Center of the Covenant, the Divinely Appointed Center, with all beauty and power and majesty giving directly to the people from His Own Hand the Bread of Life. Always since then His Creative Words have formed the basis of all work and conferences relative to the Green Acre programs, and it has ever been the aim of Mr. Randall and officers of the Green Acre Fellowship to work toward the establishment of the Ideal Plan as outlined by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Among the many Utterances of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá about Green Acre the following is quoted because it is a significant Instruction which might well apply to other centers:

"In Green Acre you must concentrate your forces around the one all important fact the Investigation of Reality -- expend all your thoughts on this, that the union of opinions and expressions may be obtained."

And from the following statement of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá about Green Acre, we gather that it is to become a great Bahá’í Center:

"Its charms and wonder lie in this, that it may become the center of the Bahá’ís and the cry of \"Yá Bahá EL ABHÁ\" be raised from all its direction."

And each succeeding year it becomes more and more a Bahá’í Center.

Another page in Green Acre's history forever cherished by the Bahá’ís of the early days is the time of the visit of Hon. Mirza Abul Fazl. All who were privileged to learn from him, never can forget for one moment the preciousness of those hours. How fresh they are in the memory always! How some of his great work accomplished then lives on in the lives of many faithful servers!

And now this unique season of 1920 when still another page has been turned in the history of the Cause by the presence of our dearly loved teacher [Page 4] Mirza Fazel. How great is the awakening of today! How much more are hearts receptive! Through tests and trials and suffering hearts are slowly but surely prepared, and the remarkable effects of the Most Great Revelation have been evidenced on all sides. Even the newspapers in the vicinity published everything furnished them on the subject of the Green Acre Conferences. Mirza Ahmad has been in charge of all publicity work, and has written two to three columns for the papers which were accepted daily without the slightest change. The articles appeared in the Portsmouth Daily Herald, and covered a wide range of subjects. This publicity work is about the best ever accomplished, for the Cause was brought prominently before the public: the paper being very widely read. The Creative Words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá were published, the Message was given in many different ways, the Addresses of Mirza Fazel were fully reported, and the entire work at Green Acre very fully and beautifully written up and published. (Incidentally we might say that Portsmouth, N. H., is only about three miles distant from Green Acre, accessible by trolley and ferry. It is the nearest large City, a thriving center of great commercial prominence.)

Mirza Ahmad Sohrab certainly did some splendid publicity work; a work far reaching in its effect, and we must give credit where credit is due. Never before has such publicity been given to the Bahá’í work through a series of consecutive newspaper articles graciously accepted and published by such a well known and first class newspaper. It is like a miracle. Mirza Fazel has taught hundreds and perhaps thousands in this way, besides the large number who heard him speak.

It would seem as if God used the Editor of the Portsmouth Herald as a means for the promotion of His Holy Word; and that he has become greatly attracted and interested in the Cause is just one of the fruits already manifest.

Some of Jenabe Fazel's subjects in his brilliant program of Addresses at Green Acre were: "The True Meaning of the Trinity" "The Ancient Covenant of God" "The Divine Physician" "Woman's Movement in Persia" "Lessons from the Book of Ighan." "Soul, Mind and Spirit" "The Prophet Mohammed in the Light of the Revelation of John" "The Five Kinds of Spirit" "Let the Dead Bury Their Dead"

Think of the wealth of knowledge given to the friends and strangers through these inspiring Talks! We know when the friends everywhere hear about the work, they will be very hungry and thirsty for this spiritual knowledge, and will be longingly awaiting the arrival of our beloved and heavenly teacher in their respective Centers. These talks were of an exceedingly high spiritual order; attracted many to the Cause and united all. Mirza Fazel evidently tried to bathe the whole of Green Acre in the Sea of the Love and Light of the Abha Kingdom. That he was successful is demonstrated by the many letters received from all classes of people testifying to the work actually accomplished; and we all know that even a greater work was accomplished which remains in the unseen now, but which will appear in the future when a rich harvest is gathered from this seed sowing. A Feast which was enjoyed by the Bahá’ís almost more than any other service was the Feast held at Fellowship House when Mirza Fazel was the only speaker, and when he explained in a luminous way the meaning of the Nineteen Day Feast. This instruction the Bahá’ís were very pleased to receive; it is something much desired; and it is our hope that our revered teacher will repeat this in every Assembly.

Probably the last glorious service which Mirza Fazel rendered at Green Acre was at the Mashrakol-Azkar meeting when he gave a beautiful Address about the Temple and the urgent need to commence the sacred work in connection with its building. Every heart was touched; the spiritual urge was present; and immediately a fund of $5,000.00 was subscribed. [Page 5] Those privileged to be at Green Acre this year have felt the spiritual atmosphere of its restful pines and quiet hills as never before, and they have been very grateful. They feel they have been encouraged, assisted and strengthened -- some of the crooked things have been made straight --, and they go forward on the "Path that is paved by Bahá’u’lláh" and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá with a greatly renewed vigor and energy.

Mirza Ahrad Sohrab besides writing the long articles for the newspapers and having charge of all publicity work, served as one of the interpreters for Mirza Fazel, and also himself gave two addresses.

Then our beloved brother Albert Vail brought the greatest refreshment, knowledge and joy to all those who heard his very illuminating Talks. Some of his subjects were: "Physical and Spiritual Healing" "‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Divine Psychology of Living" "A recent Visit with ‘Abdu’l-Bahá on Mount Carmel"

Brother Albert has been going to Green Acre for several successive summers, so he is well known and always warmly received.

A very timely and inspiring talk was also given by our very dear brother Louis Gregory, on "Racial Problems and their Remedy".

This subject is of paramount importance and interest, and is always marvellously handled by Mr. Gregory for he knows the difficulties, and he also well knows and understands the only Remedy.

Another Bahá’í speaker was Prof. Stanwood Cobb, who spoke along the lines of progressive education, giving two addresses. All were extremely interested in these Talks.

Other Bahá’í names on the program were Mother Beecher, Mrs. Boyle and Mrs. Greenleaf; and also Mrs. Mary L. Lucas of Boston who gave a Song Recital.

Mr. W. H. Randall spent as much time as possible at Green Acre, directing managing and serving day and night. What a dynamo he is! And the only reason he is --, is because his heart is at the Feet of the Center of the Covenant of this Great Day of GOD.

Mr. and Mrs. Ober arrived in this country during the month and proceeded at once to Green Acre, bringing the Fragrances of the Holy Land to share with the friends. We hope to have a report from them for the friends so on.

A work of great constructive value inaugurated by Mrs. Louise D. Boyle of Washington, was the "excellent and practical institution" called the summer education of children. It was started somewhat in the nature of an experiment, but it has already passed the experimental stage, and has proved so necessary and valuable to the life at Green Acre that the Trustees will endeavor to enlarge its scope from year to year. One of the educational advantages offered was instruction in the Persian language every morning (except Saturday) at 9 o'clock. Most of the time Manoucher Khan was the instructor of this class. Brother Manoucher also served as one of the interpreters for Mirza Fazel, as well as conducting some of the devotional exercises.

Altogether this has been about the greatest season Green Acre has ever had in many ways: in the large numbers who were privileged to receive the Message and instructions through the comprehensive and wise Addresses and Talks of Jenabe Fazel; in the really constructive work actually accomplished through the publicity work, and by either the pen, words or deeds of all those servers so lovingly cooperating in the work there. For all SERVE at Green Acre.

On Aug. 12th, Jenabe Fazel and party -- including Mr. Tim. H. Randall of Boston left for a round of visits in New York State. The first stop was at Buffalo. Here the "Buffalo Courier" and the "Buffalo Express" of Aug. 14th both published good accounts of his lectures, emphasizing Jenabe Fazel's points on the Investigation of Truth and the beauty of religion. Then the Jamestown "Evening [Page 6] Journal" of Aug. 14th, advertises in a splendidly written article the talks to be given by both Mirza Fazel and Mr. Randall before the Saturday Night Club of Jamestown.

Chautauqua[edit]

From this place the party will proceed to Lily Dale, East Aurora and These visits will be of tremendous value, and thousands will hear the Great Message of Glad-tidings. An account will be forthcoming as soon as this heavenly pilgrimage to these various centers is completed.

"This is the Day where in whomsoever arises to spread the Cause of God, the cohorts of the Supreme Concourse will assist him. To-day the magnet of spiritual confirmation is teaching the Cause. No affair to-day is as confirmed as that of the promulgation of the Principles of this Cause. Teach the Cause! This is a matter that succeeds, succeeds most miraculously!" ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

We have very good news in connection with the Temple. Mr. Randall reports that the Unity Board had a meeting in New York on the 4th of August and in Green Acre on the 9th of Aug. The Board sent a cable to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, reading as follows:

"Understanding recent Tablets approve Bourgeois design. Have adopted model reduced. Estimated cost about $1,500,000.00; proceeding lay foundation. Supplicate Divine Assistance."

And a cable from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was received in reply, reading:

"Cablegram your news imparted great joy; assuredly friends exercise greatest effort in this service."

It will be seen from the foregoing that the Master has now confirmed the Bourgeois Model and the plans of the Unity Board to begin the foundation as rapidly as possible. This is glorious news.

Also we are advised that Mr. Bourgeois and one or two members of the Board are planning a trip to Chicago in two or three weeks to consult engineers about making borings and other plans to advance the work. Mr. Bourgeois will live in Chicago, and the big Model will be shipped there and placed on exhibition.

The Temple work will draw the friends to Chicago for visits of short or long duration. As ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has referred to Chicago in the now famous Teaching Tablets as the "heart", Chicago has an enormous responsibility for the heart must of necessity function properly. When the work on the Temple is actually started, the "life of the spirit" will surely be in full evidence in that Center.

A very interesting contribution to the Temple Fund has recently been received. A letter from Mrs. True states "That a contribution of nearly $500.00 has just come from Bombay, India. It was first sent to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, who sent it to Mr. Randall."

Dr. Zia Bagdadi sailed from Port Said this month for the United States, and we are told he is bringing Instructions from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá about the Temple and also the teaching service. There will be no end of rejoicing when Zia arrives.

"Make firm the feet of the friends in the Cause of GOD and call them to the Shadow of His Great Testament. The Covenant of thy Lord is indeed the Fortified Castle and the Right Path, and assuredly is the Mighty Power in the hearts of the believers." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Mr. Louis G. Gregory has been in Louisville, Ky., the past month. We who have not been out actually in the arena of service in the Southland, know nothing of the problems there by really contacting with them. We, therefore, feel that a service such as that accomplished in Louisville should be well known by the friends, so that other teachers may perhaps feel the Call to that corner of the Vineyard and either travel there for a brief stay or go and settle there for a longer period thereby continuing the work so wonderfully commenced and so marvellously confirmed. Mr. Gregory's letter follows: [Page 7] "Tomorrow will close my humble efforts here which have occupied July. The spiritual confirmations have been mighty, and one who did not know the reason might say that miracles have happened. Do you know our Bahá’í sister, Mrs. Emma B. Stott? If not, can you imagine the late Teddy Roosevelt a Bahá’í and wearing skirts? This will give you an idea of the moral enthusiasm, tireless energy and fearlessness of Emma Stott, who is withal entirely feminine. I left the arrangement for meetings largely to her. This is her work, which she does most effectively.

"Through her efforts the Great Message has reached the City Tuberculosis Sanitarium, the Spiritualists, the Jews, the Governor's Interpracial Congress, her boarding house, her colored friends and others. She has kept me flying. To-night she has arranged for an address from the band stand in Lincoln Park, next to the P.O. and abutting on the principle business street. Tomorrow, Sunday, there will be two talks to the Sunday School and congregation of the Evangelican Lutheran Church (German). Besides her meetings, she has attended nearly all the others, and we have had generally two or three daily. Yet this dear soul thinks she had done nothing!

"Mrs. Christine has had a semi-weekly meeting attended maily by people in her set, wealthy society people. Most of these have seemed attracted by the Teachings, which seemed to make them grow broader and broader. The last meeting held Thursday was made a Unity Feast. All but two present signed a letter to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

"Dr. and Mrs. Murphy have asked me to stay in their home so that every day we might hold a Bahá’í meeting. A little more than three weeks ago Dr. Murphy had just returned from a tuberculosis hospital and had abandoned hope. The doctors said if he returned ever to work, it could not be under eight months. He was not able to sit up. The Message and prayers have brought this man back from the grave which he seemed approaching. He is now able to drive his car and receive and visit some of his patients. He has purchased $8.50 worth of literature and is busy teaching. Next week he and Mrs. Murphy will take a month's vacation which they will improve for teaching. Thursday last he gave the Message to Mrs. Bloom, a wealthy Jewish woman who was sick and confined to bed. She got up the same day attended the meeting here and was deeply impressed with the Tablet of Bahá’u’lláh to the Jews and the Message. She signed the letter to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and wants the books.

"Two other groups of friends have held weekly meetings.

"I did not feel adequate to the work here, so complex is the situation. Kentucky is known historically as "dark and bloody ground" on account of the feuds. I labored in vain to have some of the teachers with larger vision and riper experience, like Mason Remey or Albert Vail, to come here. I hope and pray that they will later on. But the people have all been wonderfully kind and courteous, and outside of some of the clergy, there has been little opposition. Even that reacted as a confirmation. Praise be to God. "

still another page of great interest so we quote from it as follows: A lovely letter from Mrs. Stott adds in connection with this service in Louisville,

"We have just had a most glorious treat. Our dearly beloved Louis Gregory was with us one month, with his radiant smile, tireless energies, fragrant loving talks whether in palace or hovel -- he was luminous always, never once saying or doing except the most praiseworthy things.

"The colored folks, Mrs. Lewis (#23931 W. Chestnut St.) with her splendid husband, opened her home each Sunday at 5 p.m., where we had meetings and deeply interested souls. Our last Sunday will ever be remembered as it terminated in a real Feast just like we have had among Bahá’ís everywhere: a mixed Assembly, and both a material and spiritual feast. I was so delighted at this glorious finale, I could not express myself. These meetings will be continued after September 1st. Mr. Gregory was so happy to have this perfect Bahá’í meeting, both colors.

"Dr. and Mrs. Murphy opened their home also for daily teaching at 4 p.m. The Dr. had been ill for some time. I made the arrangements for Mr. Gregory to call on them, and that visit was the grandest thing -- a genuine life line. Like a dying man grasping a straw this humble servant drank in every word our dear brother [Page 8] uttered; the wife received the Divine confirmation immediately. "This is the bread of life", and the dear ones just basked in the joy of the words uttered. They had Mr. Gregory move into their home and be their guest: the cure was the reward. There are no words to express their mutual joy. They will have a center in their home, #811 S. 7th Street. He is a prosperous physician, Dr. M. L. Murphy. I can't say enough in praise of their kindness to Mr. Gregory, and the dear man was so faithful and his conduct so commendable. I felt if I had never done any good in this world, here was something; linking hearts who will work together absent or present.

"Mrs. G. Christine opened her home every Tuesday and Thursday at 10.00 a.m. (This was not done save through prayer and great confirmations, for owing to society connections, family reasons, etc., it seemed impossible and could not have been arranged sooner; but see how the confirmations are descending!) Mrs. Christine invited all her close friends to hear Mr. Gregory, and left nothing undone or unsaid to bring the Glad-tidings to her friends, and even had a Feast. This was real service.

"Two other homes were opened; humble colored folks where Mr. Gregory served regularly; and we will continue going and reading to them.

"Now we are ready for a white teacher who is equal to Mr. Gregory. I am very happy over Mr. Gregory's work here, this is his field, the hardest pioneer work is done. I mean to do all I can to serve and with help, we feel sure the highest hopes of Mr. Gregory will be realized. I wish some one who is free to live here and devote their time to the work, would come and live here for a year. I can and will be glad to work hard in my humble way, but all classes are to be reached.

"In loving tenderness believe me to be your humble Kentucky sister with outstretched arms looking to the East for greater Light for all the dear ones."

The letter to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá from these Louisville friends was quite representative, for the signatures represented all classes from the washer-woman to the multi-millionaire.

"In this day, the friends of GOD should see that all glory lies in teaching the Cause of GOD and that every happiness is found in the shadow of the WORD of GOD."

‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Mrs. Ann Parmerton has been serving the past month under the Central States Teaching Committee, having received a call to attend some special meetings in Kenosha. The first great blessing coming to her for responding to the Call was the joy of giving the Message to a gathering of 104 souls at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Bohanan, where the people had come for an all-day meeting. Joining with the Kenosha friends were a number of Bahá’ís from Racine, Milwaukee and Waukegan, and a number of seekers -- both while and colored. Mr. Carl Scheffler of Chicago presided at this meeting. Mrs. Parmerton writes in her report:

"It looked when I left Kenosha, after a stay of one week, as if the whole colored congregation might come in to the Blessed Cause in a body. "

Mr. Chris Jensen has been working among the colored people with great enthusiasm and attended their church.

During the week five talks were given in Kenosha, one in Racine and one in Milwaukee by Mrs. Parmerton.

Mr. Voelz, Secretary of the Kenosha Assembly wrote very enthusiastically about the work accomplished, stating that the minister and two deacons of the church had already accepted the Message.

We expect to hear in the future about every person in Kenosha coming in to the Cause, because ‘Abdu’l-Bahá tells us that

".... If the Covenant become ablaze in a becoming and befitting manner, in a short time wonderful traces will become manifest for in this day the Moving Power in the whole world is the Power of the Covenant."

And we know the blessed Bahá’í friends in Kenosha are ever holding aloft the Banner of the Covenant. [Page 9] Later Mrs. Parmerton went to Fruitport, Mich., to assist in the work in that vicinity. During the stay there two talks were given; also three in Grand Haven and one in Muskegon. Mrs. True feels that this section of Michigan rather looks upon the summer as its refreshing season and it is always a wonderful time for service. The Fruitport friends held a reunion, inviting all friends from the surrounding towns to join with them; there were also present several who had become much attracted but were not thoroughly confirmed, so Mrs. Parmerton gave the Message of great joy and Mrs. True read some wonderful new Messages from the Utterances of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Mrs. True also gave the Message at a Chautauqua at Edmore, Mich., and on the following Sunday addressed the Farmer's Club in that vicinity.

All write that interest has been greatly stimulated throughout this section this summer, and the firm ones in the Covenant are very active.

"One must never consider one's own feebleness; it is the strength of the Holy Spirit of love which gives the power to teach. " ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

We have all been hearing for a long time about the beautiful service of Mrs. Waite in connection with prison work, and as we have felt tremendously interested ourselves and longing to have a definite knowledge of this work, particularly in the San Quentin Prison in California, we asked our dear brother there, Mr. Gilligan, to write for us an account of its history. We are most happy to include in the Bulletin this time, his very happy and enthusiastic reply as follows:

THE BAHÁ’Í REVELATION IN PRISON[edit]

Two years ago a small pamphlet entitled "The Worlds Greatest Prisoner, To His Prison Friends" found its way into the State Prison at San Quentin, California; and thereby hangs a tale fraught with deep significance to the earnest student of sociology, and especially to all who have faith in the efficacy of the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh to reach down into the very depths of social degredation, even into the flotsom and jetsom of humanity that finds its way into the prisons of the country; and thru the divine rays of light and understanding radiating from its teaching, lift them up and out of the morass of doubt, disbelief and indifference, placing their feet firmly upon the path of righteousness, with their eyes focussed on the Center of the Covenant, as no other philosophy, (religious or otherwise) has ever yet been able to do.

It was not a matter of chance that the Words of the Beloved Master came to San Quentin.

Mrs. Louise R. Waite of San Diego had for sometime been in correspondence with prisoners of this institution. Being impressed by the unexpected intelligence of some of the prisoners with whom she was in touch, Mrs. Waite (or Sister Shahnaz, as she is lovingly known to the Bahá’í students of the prison) recognized the fertility of the soil in the prisons of the U. S. So much of promise has been accomplished in spreading the Message in the prisons that this sister of Love and mercy was inspired to organize a Bahá’í Fellowship, the membership of which should consist of prisoners who had manifested an interest in the Bahá’í Movement and had identified themselves with the classes studying its history and present status amongst the popular beliefs of the day.

For more than six months past the membership of the class in San Quentin has never been less than twenty and sometimes reaching as high as thirty-five; this fluctuation being due to the constant outgoing of prisoners as their term of service expires. Not all of this number have declared their acceptance of the Prophethood of Bahá’u’lláh, but all are eager inquirers and anxious to satisfy themselves that in the person of these Holy Men we are witnessing the fulfillment of the prophecies that the "Son of Man" should come at this appointed time to lead humanity back from the gross materialism of the past age and reveal the dawn of a New Epoch in which the hosts of tyranny should be vanquished and the Kingdom of Heaven be established on the earth.

Since the inception of the class in San Quentin more than 200 prisoners have learned the Twelve Basic Principles of the Revelation and the Nine Articles [Page 10] of Faith; and have gone out into the world again with a sufficient knowledge of the Divine Plan as revealed by Bahá’u’lláh to inspire them with a determination to identify themselves definitely with this Great Movement and seek further knowledge by immediate contact with the Bahá’í Teachers, thru one of their many Assemblies.

The declaration of these men to adopt the cardinal Principles of this Revelation and accept the precepts and principles of the Beloved Master in remoulding their character after having tasted the bitter fruits of defeat as a result of their previous lack of a definite objective in life, is not the sporadic, undependable impulse of the moment such as is frequently produced thru the emotional fanaticism of religious frenzy.

Men whose experience in life has made them outcasts of society are more agnostic on subjects of a spiritual nature than are those whose path in life has led them into more pleasing environments; and too frequently they turn a deaf ear to the pleadings of their better nature; but the Bahá’í Revelation is substantiated by known scientific facts, because the enquirers may readily satisfy themselves that the Manifestation of God thru His Divine Messenger, Bahá’u’lláh, is the fulfillment of the prophecies and that adherence to the Bahá’í Teachings will speedily bring about the establishment of the Kingdom of Heaven on earth. For these reasons conviction is borne in on both mind and heart that in this Truth they have found a Panacea for all human ills. Their knowledge of the corruption in the present social political and religious systems convinces them of the crying need of a new dispensation and they readily accept the Great Bahá’í Message as the channel thru which relief from these conditions will flow.

A Tablet revealed by the Beloved Master in January, 1920, to the Bahá’í Class in San Quentin, evinces a sympathetic and hopeful interest in our progress, and recognizes the possibilities for good in spreading the Glad Tidings thru the prisons of the land, and worthy of the support and encouragement of all Bahá’ís.

The loving devotion and self-sacrifice of Mrs. Waite in supplying literature, keeping us informed on the progress of the Movement, and interesting the friends in our own progress; putting us in touch with generous, broad minded and divinely inspired souls prominent in the Great Cause, are accepted by us as a foretaste of the Universal Sisterhood and Brotherhood under which the whole of humanity will mingle as one united family when the promise of the Master shall have been fulfilled.

Altho locally, many obstacles have been placed in the way of the class to hinder its development, it has continued to grow in popularity and Mrs. Waite is already in touch with other prisons in the Western States in which she expects to establish similar Classes.

May the results obtained in San Quentin encourage the Bahá’í brethren and sisters to assist in spreading the Glad Tidings 'till this Bahá’í Fellowship, established by Mrs. Waite has reached every prison in the land. This is the earnest prayer of the San Quentin Bahá’í Class.

God never "refuses those who beg of Him or denies those who will to come unto Him."

Our brothers now so faithfully striving to reach the Goal and who are trying to live in the spirit and by the spirit, have learned that,

"True pleasure and happiness depend upon the spiritual perception and enjoyment.

The powers of mind are the Bounties of God given to man to lead him toward spiritual happiness. The highest grace in man is to love God. Love of God, knowledge of God is the greatest, the only real happiness, because it is nearness to God. This is the Kingdom of God. To love God is to know Him. To know Him is to enter His Kingdom and to be near Him." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Our brothers out there in the prison of San Quentin are travelling along the "Path that leadeth unto life"; they have heard the "call of the unseen joy;" and are heroically "diving into the depths of the great Ocean of Truth" gathering pearls of wisdom. [Page 11] We all meet in spirit daily with these brothers in prayer at the Feet of the Center of Life and Light and Love for the whole world, and they, too, are realizing even now a wealth of friendships in the Bahá’í Cause.

"That soul is alone who is negligent of GOD. But if he knows God, although he may live in an interminable desert without water and vegetation, yet he is not alone God is with him." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Miss Marion Jack is continuing her effective service at Vancouver, B.C. We wish we could publish her entire letter for it is so full of the joy of service. Here are a few excerpts:

"I cannot tell you what it means to me in this far off place to be able to know what some of the field workers are accomplishing......

"As for my service: As soon as some dear souls are interested, I cannot wait until I share the good news with some one of the friends. The Beloved is indeed good to me: two women who seemed to have turned against the Cause because they could not bear to think of Jesus Christ as having the One Holy Spirit that has come through all the other Mediators, speak to me now as if they were again interested; they are reading the books, and want to accompany me to Green Acre should I be able to go next year. My "fifty or sixty" visits to them have not been in vain: not that I have done anything, only I had begun to feel I might have spent the time differently.

"Dear Brother Roy(Wilhelm) was with us for a visit during the last of July. He gave one very delightful talk to a small company of people in the hotel parlors. There was a great feeling of sincerity in the meeting, and he said he much preferred to speak to just such a little group rather than to a vast audience. Those who came were immensely pleased, and I have not heard a critical word from any of them.

"Some one told me I was most fortunate in getting the people to read the Revealed Word. (Indeed there is a great confirmation in this).

"One lady holds on to the portrait of the Beloved and is going to copy it. She feels she will thereby absorb the spirit, so I am only too anxious to have her begin.

"You dear people in the U.S. may think me very slow to wait five months for the first meeting, but, if my methods are like the old tortoise, God grant that the results will be the same. When I read of the thrilling rapidity and brilliant results of the more expert and talented workers, I feel absolutely dazzled by their success. But we cannot all work alike -- nor have we all ten talents -- so I just pray that in time I may acquire greater speed, and more than that, -- that I may become detached and selfless like some of those same blessed brothers and sisters. Their heavenly example speaks volumes. Truly an ounce of living the life. is worth a pound of mere talk.

"One thing this separation from the friends has done for me, and doubtless for all the others: it makes one lean more on the Beloved Friend. One may not be able to talk things over with the Bahá’í friends, but one can tell everything to Him. And I feel I can never tell Him often enough how grateful I am for permitting one so incapable to become His instrument. Some day you will see the miracle He is performing in making use of the apparently useless.

"My immediate prospects appear to be very good, as I am to meet new and interesting people in three different directions. I pray they may not only be interesting, but interested. And if it be His Will, I hope to have good news for you in time. So far the surface only is being scratched. But if the dear Persian brothers come, there will be real news, -- a real digging to the depths. In the mean time pray for us. It is the prayers and the work from the Heavenly Concourse which is going to do nine-tenths of what will be done."

Meetings after all are not of the first importance. That which is absolutely of the greatest importance is to make seekers after Truth; to try and have [Page 12] those to whom one talks become very hungry so they will acquire the spiritual appe- Thus when Miss Jack's listeners want to read the Words revealed to-day, they are on the road at attainment, for the Creative Words increase capacity, and the spiritual appotit is the result. Onco having partaken of Food from the Divine Table, the sincere in heart long always to be nourished therefrom.

"The Victorious Armies of the Covenant are waiting on the field of the Supreme Concourse to assist all those who are firm and steadfast, and crown them with the diadem of triumph. "

‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Mrs. Elizabeth V. Cowles, Secretary of the Montreal Assembly, sends us a few words about the work in the Eastern section of Canada. She writes:

"The Teaching Committee for Canada report for the Eastern section of the Dominion much splendid work done during the past Winter and Spring by our beloved teacher, Mother Beecher, who spent several months in St. John, N. B., in Montreal and in Brockville, Ontario.

"In St. John there were many meetings held, both public and private, and the people were greatly attracted. In Montreal some new souls were interested, some were confirmed, and all were much helped and inspired through the instruction and companionship of our dear Mother in the Cause. Some of the friends have responded to the call for funds for the teaching work by signing the pledge cards sent out for that purpose. Surely all who are giving regularly for the great and glorious object of spreading the Cause of God in this Great Day of God are a thousand times compensated for all sacrifice that such disbursement entails. One only longs to give more and more and more for this Divine Work, not only of money, but of time and energy.

"In Brockville Mother Beecher remained several weeks, and souls were deeply interested and confirmed. Praise be to GOD. "

"With regard to the Assembly, there must be spiritual consultation therein; discourses about the manifestation of the Greatest Orb, the effulgence of the Sun of Reality, the greatness of the blessed Cause, the power and penetration of the Word of GOD, and the Might of the Divine Covenant and Testament must be mentioned. This will be conducive to the spirituality and illumination of the hearts."

‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

We have received letters from Mr. Chas. Mason Remey, dated at Leipzig, Germany, which give us a glimpse of conditions among the Bahá’ís there, and also we know all hearts will rejoice to hear how receptive the people are. We quote from his letters as follows:

"The hearts of the people in Germany are very open to the Cause; there is great fragrance in the meetings and all are happy in the Covenant -- though in the world about them there is great suffering and want.

"In Holland there is real interest in the Cause, though perhaps not so much of the heart as in Germany.

"‘Abdu’l-Bahá has sent two Persian teachers to The Hague. They have bean holding good meetings there.

"I have been in Germany now for several days, and I find myself very happy indeed for the Bahá’ís here are in great fragrance of spirit, and the people whom we meet are receptive and kind.

"Last night we held a meeting of over fifty people, which is very good indeed for this Center, which is just starting up again since the war. George Latimer and I were here with Miss Alma Knobloch at the outbreak of the war. Because of the unrest, at that time, we did not meet many people. Since then, however, Miss Knobloch has followed up matters, and now results are becoming apparent.

"The people in Germany have suffered much, and are still in great trouble; therefore their hearts are softened and they are seeking that which the Cause has to give. Their interest is deeper than the head, it is of the heart. We can now begin to see some of the many beautiful things which the Beloved ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has [Page 13] promised would come to these people, for they are responding to His Call.

We recall now one of the many Utterances of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá when in Germany: "How attracted and enkindled are the German Bahá’ís! How full of love they are! I was most happy to see the believers of Germany so holy, so pure, and so united, "

The following excerpt from a letter from Brother George Latimer of Portland, Oregon, is very encouraging: "Upon receipt of the Second Teaching Bulletin........a new interest was awakened. We had two meetings in which extracts from it were read and one of the friends under its inspiration started a subscription for the Fund which amounted to $23.50 and last night at the Temple meeting the friends decided to send $19.00 to Mr. Randall and keep the balance as a "nest-egg" for future contributions. This is quite apart from the pledges and individual efforts and is very encourag- ing. It just proves that when the friends realize that they are all members of the one big family and are kept regularly in touch with all affairs that interest and effort are doubled. "We are already laying plans for the arrival of Jenabe Fazel and hope that we may prove receptive' to his glorious spirit of love and understanding...."

We hope the friends everywhere are thinking BIG about plans in their respective Assemblies for the reception and glorious services of Mirza Fazel.

Mrs. Claudia S. Coles left for England during the month to be gone for an indefinite period. This is another fulfillment of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá's Words about teachers going from America to Europe, and Mrs. Coles will add another big chapter in this line of service. We are bereft here, but so happy for those who will have her radiant services every place she goes, for no one scarcely ever crosses her path who does not hear the Message in some way.

Miss Fannie Knobloch left during the month for South Africa for the pur- pose of sowing the seeds of Truth in that far away land. We know she will be blessed in her endeavors, for have we not many, many precious and marvellous Promises about those who go forth to serve! Successive confirmations will reach her, we fell sure, and she will appeal to the English hearts. All rejoice in the Bounty of service which is hers.

"Blessed is he who teaches union and concord, for he will shine like unto a star in heaven. " ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

The Cause of GOD is growing; heralds are crying loudly to the souls of men to awaken from the sleep of negligence and ignorance; the Victorious Armies of the Covenant are helping. From the foregoing pages, which record a few of the teaching activities, we can gather that servers everywhere are responding to the Call, and are trying to transform into actions the Divine commands.

In closing the Bulletin this time, let us share with all once more the following Words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and then pray with all heart and soul that not only the teachers but each and every one abiding in the Fortified Fortress of the Covenant, may contribute a glorious service in some one of the many ways of fur- thering the great cause of teaching:

As to the health and happiness of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, He has said many times: "My health and happiness are in this, when I see the friends of GOD engaged in spreading the divine fragrances, arising to serve the Cause of GOD, forgetting every thought save that of teaching, casting into the corner of forgetfulness every matter but that of unity and harmony. Consider in every age what confirma- tion and assistance were received by those souls who devoted their time to serving the Cause and spreading the divine fragrances!" [Page 14] We cannot afford for one moment to dwell on our own weakness; but instead our part is to squarely face the Center from whence and through Whom cometh Life, and keep ever before us His Precious Promise:

"Your Lord has assuredly promised His servants who are firm and steadfast, to render them victorious at all times, to exalt their word, propagate their power, diffuse their light, strengthen their hearts, elevate their banners, assist their hosts, brighten their stars, increase the abundance of the showers of mercy upon them, and enable the brave lions (teachers) to conquer." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Respectfully submitted, THE TEACHING COMMITTEE, by Mariam Haney, Sec'y. Issued at Washington, D. C. August 19, 1920.


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