National Teaching Committee Bulletins/1920/December Continued/Text
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"O Son of Man! Neglect not My Laws if thou lovest “y Beauty; and forget
not my Counsels if thou art hopeful to attain My Vill." Baha'o'llah.
". . . The Great basis of the Divine Cause is firmly fixed upon the Pillar of the Covenant and Testament, and the skies of the divine religions are brilliant and illumined by the Stars of the Covenant." "The Covenant of God is like the Sun -- the brilliance and Light of the Covenant radiates and shines forth from the faces of those who are firm in it. I pray to the Blessed Perfection that He will so turn their faces to the Covenant, that all America may be enlightened by the brightness of their light." Abdul Baha. BULLETIN NO. 7. (continued) Issued by the Teaching Committes Appointed by the Delegates to ths Convention.
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with the accompanying picture of the proposed Mashrakol-Azkar have appeared in “several newSpapers throughout the country, in the Outlook and other magazines; also Mrs. Claudia Coles sent a copy of a paper published in London called "The Children's Newspaper", in which a picture of the Bourgeois model appeared and an. article about the Temple. WNrs. Coles also wrote that the sale of this paper was about 1,204,303 copies. The people generally are hearing about the great Temple through this splendid publication of articles in current papers and magazines.
The Temple Unity Board met in Chicago in December and agreed on plans for
w constructive work. The officers of the Town of Wilmette were to be conferred with
in reference to the Temple grounds, Sheridan Roadway and other matters. Ina letter from Mr. Randall he states: | .
"The nine caissons will be sunk this winter and probably be finished by February so that the foundation can be made as soon as frost is out of the ground next spring. The engineers and architects are steadily at work making every plan
and drawing that is necessary for Temple construction."
"The matter of the building of the ifashrakol-Azkar is of supreme importance." Abdul Baha.
As we cannot possibly incorporate in one Bulletin all the good news which is coming to us now, we are compelied to "brief" as far as we can some of the reports, and thus share all in part.
Jenabe Fazel's talk to the little group of Bahais in St. Louis was most instructive and helpful. It will be mimeographed in full later. Now we juote from it the following: ’
"The Prophets of. GOD have been watering the same Tree of Religion so that it might grow and develop.and yield luscious fruits. They have been flooding it Ca
BP300.2 with the blood of the martyrs, with sufferings and trials, till at this time it
~U54 has attained fruition. The fruits of this Tree which are brought by Baha'o'llah
T262 are universal love, universal peace, reconciliation between nations, mutual assisi| e ance and helpfulness, co-operation and reciprocity. That is why His Holiness,
Dec (2)
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Abdul Baha, is the Center of the Covenant of all the Prophets of the past, that
Spiritually speaking, His Teachings are the fruits of the same identical Tree which
was watered by all the Prophets of all time. Without the Appearance of Abdul Baha,
this Prophetic Tree would not have brought forth Its universal fruits; the world of
humanity would have been like the wild tree of the jungle, with no apparent results.
It is therefore our sacred duty to polish the mirrors of our hearts and to focalize
our attention on the Center of the Covenant which is the Source and Fountain of all
knowledge, and supplicate and invoke from Him that He may confirm us in the service
to our fellow men.
"Prayer, Supplication, worship, are like unto magnets which draw unto man the confirmations of the Merciful. Just as the atmosphere is filled with electriCal energy -- but there must needs be a lightening rod to catch the magnetic forces -- likewise the spiritual world with which we are surrounded is filled to overflowing with heavenly confirmations. The only wires that will attract these rare confirmations are the purity of the heart, the enlightenment of the soul, and following in the Footsteps of Abdul Baha."
"The happiness of Abdul Baha is confined to this fact: that some souls may, with the utmost purity and severance from aught else save GOD, become attracted spirit (unwixed spirit) and -- wholly submerged in the ocean of mindfulness and piety -~ dedicate their time, day and night, to the service of the Cause of GOD." Abdul Baha.
From St. Louis, let us resume the journey with our beloved teacher Jenabe Fazel and arrive in St. Paul November 26th for a four days visit; a visit which brought the Light of Love and Truth dispelling many dark clouds.
Dr. Orrol Woolson writes:
"Jenabe Fazel and Ahmad were here only four days, but during that time an interest was aroused that has never before been seen in this slow, conservative City. Besidss the lectures scheduled on the regular printed program, a Talk was given at our home on "The Evolution of the Idea of GOD in all Ages." From 8:15 until 11:45 the audience sat in rapt attention. Many questions Were answered, and the last guests did not leave until 12:30. This indicates how hungry souls long to be fed on that which satisfies. Another lecture not on the program, was at the home of Mrs. Schurmeier, where the teacher was invited to dinner, and many friends in the afternoon listened to the lecture on "Ths Bahai Movement. Still another lecture not on ths program was at the First Spiritualists Church and the topic was "The Seven Valleys."
This report also refers to the publicity work. A large placard in the ‘Street cars announced the six free lectures; splendid printed programs of the six lectures were widely distributed; the neWspapers were particularly friendly -- the St. Paul Pioneer Press publishing very good articles and an editorial; the St. Paul Dispatch and others. The reporters were also very friendly, and showed an unusual degree of interest and comprehension. Dr. Orrol Wooldon adds in her report: "The Spiritual feast was continued from day to day, -and we feel filled to overflowing. The Sun of Truth is surely shining in this City and we have been wonderfully blessed."
Dr. Clement Woolson, who for years has been one of the loyal and firm friends, and who was very active in all the preparatory work, shares with us a very interesting account of the visit. After expressing the great delight of the friends because Jenabe Fazel and Ahmad arrived a little earlier than expected, the report continues:
"After the Press interviews and a restful afternoon at the St. Paul Hotel, we motored to our home for dinner and the meeting there in the evening. Needless to say, with the Divine spirit hovering over our teacher, that the gathering Was
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one Of radiant love, enduring instruction and attraction. Jenabe Fazel's face:
Shone, and his eyes sparkled with a sonfidence and conviction that would easily
convince an obServer about the Bahai martyrs of years ago who Were imbued with that
Same Spirit. The dominant note in this talk was the fact that God had kept His
Promise to come; that he had revealed certain Laws and Instructions; that He had
left the Divine Legacy of the Covenant and Its Holy Centre... .
"The next day began our scheduled meetings. In the afternoon at the Pubdlic Library; the hall was packed to overflowing, many were turned away because they could not find room. The lecture on "The Master Key to Self-Mastery is SelfForgetfulness" was wonderfully delivered, of masterly construction, and it made a ‘oull's eye' effect. As the audience passed out, they eagerly sought the literature we had on hand. Saturday evening, November 27th, a meeting at Dyer's Music Hall.
A very much interested audience listened to the noble teacher expound the topic
‘Tre Bahai Movement and Its Universal Principles." Many questions were asked and answered at this meeting. Sunday morning, November 28th at the same hall Jenabe Fazel spoke on "The Proofs for the Recognition of the Manifestations of God.' The talk was well received and every one was made happy. Sunday evening the talk was at the First Spiritualists Church on 'The Fulfillment of the Prophecies of the Old and New Testaments in this Age.' This was the best meeting thus far. Ahmad was wonderful at this meeting, his voice of great capacity filling the large room and reaching the hearts of many present. This lecture brought out the wonderful facts of God's Plan, and in a Way that reminded one of the gentle dew as it descends upon the
earth -- so delicate that it could not even injure or antagonize the most fragile flower. Monday morning, November 29th, a talk on 'The Ideals of the New Age' was given in the Windsor Room of the Hotel St. Paul. A very great interest was mani‘fested, and many questions answered. The Monday afternoon meeting was well attended at the St. Paul Public Library Auditorium, our beloved teacher speaking on 'Physical and Spiritual Healing'. The room Was crowded, and by the nods of assent over the entire audience, We knew the darts of understanding were finding their mari thru the unerring marksmanship of the teacher.
"At all of these meetings a large amount of literature was distributed. The beautiful services and spiritual visit of Jenabe Fazel and Ahmad was most successful. They have done wonderful work. Many inquiries were made, a most extraordinary interest shown, and we expect to see many souls clamoring for more information, and guidance to the straight Path and Abdul Baha."
"Today nothing but the Power of the YORD of GOD which encompasses the realities of things can bring the thoughts, the minds, the hearts and the spirits under the shade of One Tree." Abdul Eaha.
Minneapolis, the so-called Twin City to St. Paul, ten miles distant, and a flourishing, alive, hustling Yestern City with a population of over four hundred thousand, was next visited by our revered teacher, Jenabe Fazel.
In this City the dear friends, as elsewhere, had worked for Several weeks, faithfully preparing the way for an effective program. Their endeavors were won derfully confirmed, for from December lst to December 5th, spiritual fragrances were continually blowing over the great commercial City of the Northwest, and many who slumbered on in heedlesness and ignorance, awakened and became attracted to the life worth while.
One of the dear maid-servants of the Minneapolis Assembly, Mrs. Fox, writes about Jenabe Fazel's visit as follows:
", , . . The time has been a heavenly feast indeed, and there is only one verdict: that it has been the most joyous, most enlightening and illuminating experience we have ever known. .. . The first meeting here was at the Kiwanis Club Luncheon at noon. In the evening of the same day, a talk to the Women's Rotary
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Club. Wednesday evening, there was a feast at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Abdullah, at which the friends gathered for an intimate talk. Jenabe Fazel talked to us about many wonderful happenings in the Cause; also emphasized the importance of a House of Spirituality or Committee of Consultation.
“Thursday he spoke before the Business Women's Club, and@ tater the same evening at 5t. Peter's Church (colored). Every one gave rapt attention and all vers interested. Friday afternoon, a public meeting held in the Mayor's Reception Room at the Court House. Jenabe Fazel talked on 'The Ideals of the New Age.' One of the most important meetings in this City was at the Jewish Synagogue. Rabbi Deinard gave a fine introduction. Mirza Fazel spoke to a very large audience (the church was filled) on ‘Reconstruction in Palestine and the Progress of the Jews in Persia'. Other public meetings were held at the Public Library, the Theosophical Society, the First Spiritualist Church, the Seturday Lunch Club, and last and probébly one of the most important meetings was an illuminating Talk to over 300 Masons (Shriners). At every meeting there were large numbers gathered in accordance with the capacity of each meeting place; great admiration was expressed for Jenabe Fazel and the Message he gave.
"fords cannot express what this visit of the Persian brothers has been to us; we have been refreshed, uplifted, strengthened. Our only regret is that the visit was too short, -- we did not have time nor opportunity to ask many questions or to receive all the instruction we wished."
Dr. Lillian Sielken, another beloved sister in Minneapolis adds several items of interest to the report of the work in that City.
"Mighty confirmations attended the work of Jenabe Fazel and Ahmad. From November 30th to December 2nd, they were the guests of Mr. and Mrs. Bates. From the evening of December 2nd to December 6th, they were the guests of Mrs. Wilhelm and mySelf, and while with us, we had a parlor talk every morning. Mr. Jack Bates waS most kind and generous in escorting them from place to place in his car.
“The meeting at the Synagogue was most inspiring. A large and brilliant audience gathered there. Rabbi Deinard read from the Bible passages predicting the coming of the Manifestation, and then gave an eloquent talk on the Bahai vause, referring to the fact that Abdul Baha had spoken in his church. The Rabbi's talk was so broad, liveral and generous, that we all exclaimed, ‘surely he is a Bahai'. And at none of the meetings was there such genuine eagerness for our literature and such sincere thanks as we distributed it. ;
"The pastor of the Spiritualist Church expressed a desire to co-operate with us, and no doubt in time, God willing, such co-operation will come about.
"All the meetings were far beyond our expectations. Every one feels inSpired and uplifted. Jenabe Fazel left a bright and cheerful spot in every heart, and all feel a Strong desire to do better work than ever before."
Dr. H. S. Harper, the firm and faithful, gives us another sidelight on the work in Minneapolis, which bears the charm of the spirit: He writes:
", . . . The sparks of love emanating from thet confirmed sovl, Jenabe Fazel, draws around him a large part of the audience following each Address -- that is -- all those souls ‘in Whom the light of knowledge doth exist and in whom his love is planted.’ They are the ones His Holiness Christ spoke of when He said: "When I come again My sheep shall know My voice’. They are the ones Abdul Baha Says are the prepared ones .... .- the matured ones. All around this world they are being attracted to some point where they can hear of this Glorious Cause. ... But noW this great magnet. . . Jenabe Fazel -- with all the preparation for him in each place -- is attracting not only the ones who are ready for this Message, but those also Whom it is possible to make ready. Even the heedless ones are becomng mindful, and the negligent onss pushing to the front and speaking a gocd word ior the Cause. Jenabe's key to all hearts, opened the doors to the various clubs, halls and churches. All of them gave him feasts of material food, while he in turn
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gave Spiritual feasts. He could go right over the same places with increased attention from the people and an increased attendance of listeners. They love him, they listen, they are glad of an opportunity to shake hands with him after his address; they deem it @ privilege tc know him, One man said after leaving him at the depot: 'I feel as if I had lost a brother!' That is the kind of friendship that Jenabe Fazel groWs in the hearts, They realize they have found a real friend and they do not Wish to part With him. Abdul Baha knows what metal and make-up is requisite to go into the various fields of hearts and gather fruit for the Kingdom."
"The YORD of GOD is the storehouse of all good, all power, all wisdom." Abdul Baha.
Pine City, Minnesota is now "on the map" and in the days to come it will be among the Cities of great historic interest: all because a dear Bahai sister lives there, who, singly and alone prepared the way for the blessed teacher in Pine County; and because His honor, Jenabe Fazel, through his spiritual endeavors has lifted the Cities of Hinckley and Pine City into the Light of the New Day.
Mrs. E. H. Long is the sister who has so faithfully worked for the success of the blessed teacher's visit. In her report of the services rendered there she writes: |
"Our dear brothers, Jenabe Fazel and Ahmad came to Pine City this week, (arriving Dec. 6th). The theatre nad been engaged for the evening lecture, and it had been well advertised through quite lengthy notices in each of the papers (Weeklies), and I had personally invited a great many people. There were about four hundred present, including representatives from all churches here. The Pastor of the Presbyterian Church spoke of the lecture in his church Sunday evening, asking his people to attend and stating his intention of so doing -- all this without having been requested so to do. He stepped up to meet Jenabe Fazel after the lecturs, and waS very cordial. I have heard of much favorable comment. .. . The Talk was noble and lofty and given in that sweet and beautifully radiant spirit which constantly emanates. from our glorious teacher. All, nearly, seemed to respond to the spiritual warmth of that spirit. I am most happy and praise and thank the Lord that this great privilege has been vouchsafed this region. You see an audience of four hundred is a large per cent in a population of about eighteen hundred. Nearly three years I have been here, and it seemed till the past two or three months, the doors would never open for that which I longed to give -- the Glorious Glad-tidings. And now behold what haS been done -- several hundred souls have heard! By entering into the unity of preparation for Abdul Raha's messenger, in harmony with His blessed wish, the apparently insurmountable wall has been removed and the Light is Shining in! as "After meeting and talking With several people at the hotel the next morning, Jenabe Fazel and Ahmad, accompanied by this hunble servant departed from Pine City for Hinckley. The Presbyterian Church there had been engaged for the lecture. .. The first lecture in Hinckley was given at one o'clock in the High School where Jenabe Fazel addressed the students and teachers. The large auditorium was filled with eager, interested faces, and the blessed teacher was given a hearty ovation. The children responded to the Spirit of his talk with such happy and appreciative Spontaniety, it made us very happy. That talk was on the educaii tion of the Persian children, especially the girls -- telling them of former conditions, and then picturing to them the change which had been brought about by a ‘great teacher, Baha'o'llah ... .. Prof. Getchell, Supt., is quite attracted, being a very interested listener at the evening lecture.
"The evening topic was 'The Universal Consciousness of Christ', and this meeting was truly a spiritual meeting. . . . The Holy Spirit -- the ABHA Spirit -surely is with our beloved teacher and is 'the remover of difficulties’. It was
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wonderful to note the interest on the faces of the audience when Jenabte answered the various questions. At this meeting, Abdul Baha, His work and mission, was fresly and plainly spoken of -- And oh tne Power of I%!
"After a supver, I bade Jenabe Tazel and Ahmad farewell, reluctantly oarting with them, but happy for the gicrious season of their presence here. Abdul Baha said we would be surprised with the result when we arose to serve -- surely. .: this is true. I am very happy now that the Banner of Abdul Baha has been raised in this region."
Two Weekly papers, the Pine County Pioneer and The Pine Poker (the official paper of Pine County) published very excellent articles, as well as the Hinckley Enterprise.
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was the next Center visited. Here the beloved friends of GOD had been hoping and praying for a visit from the revered teacher. They joyously went about the preparatory work and so confirmed were their beautiful endeavors that doors opened Sometimes even where least expected. Wr. Eldrid Bauers gives us an interesting item which is shared herewith. He writes:
"Last summer I received a Tablet in which we were assured that confirmations would surely reach us, and in many instances while preparing our program, we were favored with that mighty spiritual Power.
-fe had in the neighborhood of thirteen lectures besides many private interviews. Jenabde Fazel spoke on some of the most wonderful subjects, each one in the proper place. Particularly do I want to report on the talks given on Sunday in tWo colored churches. The Bahai spirit manifested in these places was most remarkable and will long be remembered. Each church has expressed the wish to have our next travelling lecturer speak for them. The meetings with the Theosophists and the piritualists were a wonderful success,"
Mrs, Ann Berridge, Secretary of the Assembly, gives us a good report of the work: |
"For five days Jenabe Fazel and Ahmad stayed with us, and gave us a rich Spiritual feast. ‘Ye were repaid a hundred fold for any effort we had made for them, for We Were lifted above earthly things and inspired with the spirit of Truth to press on with renewed courage and love, All classes of people were attracted to them, and we hope that their work will bring forth a great harvest .... We had it brought homs to us very forcibly whils trying to arrange our programs, how darkened and creed-bound the great majority of people ars, and how thankful we should be that we are enabled to see the Light of this Beloved Day of God. We went to see a Minister, a man Who is thought to be broad-minded, but he not only refused us, but used his influence wherever he could to cancel our engagements. But God maketh the wrath of man to praises Him, and while he succeeded in closing some doors by his opposition, other doors opened to us, and all our days were filled. So we realized as never before how great is the need of the people, and likewise our responsibility. The printed programs We had, give the aim of the Bahai Cause in a nutshell, and could not antagonize any one, which was one of the great lessons We learned from our blessed teacher. HoW lovingly and carefully he approached every ‘ one, with his wonderful knowledge and wisdom. Truly we have been greatly blessed by their presence, and we are resolved each one of us to show forth our gratitude in trying to follow their example."
Another notable report from Duluth comes to us from Mr. Charles M. Hanson, a faithful and firm Bahai "Whose only object in life is to spread the Message, and through whose untiring efforts the Cause is established in Duluth" as Mrs. Berridge tells us. Ifr. Hanson writes:
"During the visit of Jenabe Fazel and Mirza Ahmad Sohrab we were all Carried to such spiritual heights that we have scarcely yet reached the earth. It is beyond my ability to find words to fully express our appreciation of their |
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wonderful service here. Not one minute of their stay was wasted (from December 8th to the 12th inclusive). Every act was an example, and every word instructive.
Prof. Fazel delivered the great spiritual truths with such eloquence and power and gave such clear proofs for what he said, it seemed that all were compelled to listen most attentively. Every person whom we have since met who had the privilege of hearing these speakers ~- although never having heard of the Bahai Movement before-are full of praise.
"They lectured at the Xiwanis Club, Jewish Institute, County Farm, Duluth Heights Hali, Lions Club, Bethel, the Spiritualist Church, at the home of Mrs.
C. P. Craig, St. Marks A.M.E. Church, Calvary Baptist Church, for the Spiritualists the second time, and the Theosophical Society."
The report further gives accounts of the eee at the home of Mr..and Mrs, E. H. Bauers and Mrs. J. A. Bauers; another dinner at the Congress Cafe given by one of the friends; the Feast at the home of Mrs. Berridge. These were gatherings of the friends and very happy hours, when questions were asked and answered and intimate talks and instructions given. "Sunday, December 12th, Mr. Clairfield, & prominent attorney, who became interested in the Bahai Cause while the speakers were here, gave a dinner for them."
The Duluth Herald and the Duluth News Tribune published articles between December 8th and 12th,
The friends in Duluth are now asking for a teacher to come to them some time in order to help with the follow-up work after the splendid seed sowing accomplishe@ at this time.
"The love of the ORD of GOD is the magnet of heavenly glory and beauty."
Abdul Baha.
-The following are the Diary Cards in the series by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab on the work in Duluth:
Hotel Holland, Duluth, Minn., Dec. 9th, 1920.
A glorious day with these elected ones of Abdul Baha. Jenabe Fazel feels himself rewarded to have travelled 12,000 miles te come here and meet these Bahais who have no other hope but to serve the Cause of God. LCuluth has 100,000 inhabitants. Mr. and iirs, Killius have been here twice in the past years to teach and Mr. ©. M. Hanson is their spiritual son. Mr. Wilhelm has also stopped here and the believers speak of him often as a "Prince™. Today at 2:30 p.m., Jenabe was taken by the friends to the "Poor Farm", several miles out of the city. Nearly 150 old men.and women live here and the county takes care of them. One feels such a sym pathy for them, Some of them so old and infirm that they cannot walk. It Was an audience of old age that greeted the teacher from the Hast and immediately he began to speak on the life of Christ, Budna, Baha'o'llah and Abdul Baha, He told them also several stories which diverted their attention from their immediate surroundings. Later the believers will come and bring them presents for Christmas. The officers or the institution were most kind and Jenabe was very joyous to find hinmSelf in the midst of the poor. The dimer was served in the home of Mr. and Mrs. © h. H. Bauers, Mrs, Bauers is a very beautiful Bahai and has two little girls much loved by the teacher. The little one.recognizes the photo of the Beloved Abdul Baha and sweetly points out to it, Saying: "Ba ha". <A few hours of unforgettable happiness passed in the home of Mr. Bauers and right after dinner Jenabe was taken to the home of an invalid lady who could not leave her bed and desired to meet the "Tdeal Sage", The meeting of the evening was in the Fire Hall of Duluth Heights.
A wonderful talk was delivered on the wickedness of the nature of man and his neglect of the laws of God, and how the people have entirely forgotten to walk in the highway of the Lord, It Was a sympathetic audience and very attentive. The lecture was closed with the Bahai message. On his return to the city, he viewed
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from the height the illuminated valley. It was indeed a sea of "earthly stars" twinkling in the heaven of Duluth. Hundreds of thousands of lights have added their lustre to each other as a challenge to the heavens above. It was a wonderful panorama of golden islands. Jenabe said: "May the heavens of the hearts become as bright as this divine scene before us -- dispelling the darkness of prejudice, ignorancge and inadvertence! Each Bahai is like one of these stars!! His mission is to Shine unWeariedly and to hasten his course joyously." Hotel Holland, Duluth, Minn., Dec. 10, 1920.
Day dy day the power and the wonders of the Cause become more manifest in this trip, the Fire of the Love of God becomes more ignited and the Graces of the Holy Spirit more apparent. Like unto a star Jenabe Fazel shines in every gathering, Shedding the rays of truth and wisdom and enlightening the hearts and the minds. Today he spoke at noon before the members of the Lion's Club at the Commercial Evilding. There Were nearly 100 representative business and professional men around the tables. The subject of Modern Education in Persia was most wonderfully presented and the listeners both in the beginning and at the end arose from their seats to pay their spontaneous homage to the. scholar from the East. The word "Lionism" according to:the principles of the Club stands for Loyalty, Integrity, Oneness, Nobleness, Initiative, Success, Merit. The Herald's afternoon Edition contained the report of the talk. At 3 o'clock Jenabe was invited to the home of Mrs. C. A. Craig, a wealthy society woman whose sister had attended the meetings of the friends in Paris and also met the Beloved in Pittsburgh. Mrs. Craig had invited a number of her society friends to listen to the talk of Jenabe and she reguested him to speak on the new vision of Immortality and the Evolution of the Idea of God. For more than one hour the matchless ideas poured out from his lips and held the listeners entranced and attentive. They all quaffed deeply from the cup of Knowledge and became alive by the blowing of the breeze of Truth. At the end of the talk questions on reincarnation, evolution, persistence of individuality after death, etc., were asked and the answers dispelled the clouds of doubts and caused the sun of assurance +o shine forth with the utmost brilliancy. Dinner was served in a chinese restaurant, called "Congress" and Mr. Bauers and Mr. Hanson acted as the gracious hosts. At 8 o'clock another lecture was delivered at "Bethel", a kind of Salvation Mission and the subject was the Religion and Reality of Jesus Christ. Here again Jenabe met the doctrine of "blood, redemption, original evil and salvation" and answered the creed-bound, hide-bound souls with such sweetness, love and gentleness that ths whole audience was thrilled witha new sensation, a new hope and a new understandinz. It was the victory of spirit over a bigotery and dogmatism which has banished true religion out of the churches, The believers were most happy for they witnessed the fruits of love.
Hotel Holland, Duluth, Minn., Dec. 11, 1920,
One of the bright spots of Jenabe Fazel's sojourn in Duluth was the receipt of a special delivery letter from Miss Grace Bavers -- a lovely Bahai living in Ray, Minnesota. The letter contained the magic greeting "Ya Baha EH] Abha". That was all, but that is all in all. Another interesting experience was his call on Mr. and Mrs. Trudo. Mrs. Trudo's ten day's baby was beautiful and Jenabe was delighted with the faithfulness of the husband, who had given up everything else to nurse his beloved wife. It was beautiful to see the devotion and love between these two spiritual children of Abdul Baha. Indeed this love is a mystic symbol of the Love of Divinity. The third sweet and touching experience was the coming of the 13 year old boy, Orville Case, from East Duluth to See Jenabe. He is a beautiful child of the Kingdom, an earnest, true Bahai, and his family are not opposed to the Movement, but let him come to meet the teacher and listen to his advice. Jenabe embraced and kissed him and predicted a glorious future for hin. Today at 3 o'clock a talk was given at Maccabee Hall before the spiritualists on |
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"The White Dawn of a New Cycle". The speaker filled them with a divine ecstacy and exhilaration. The president was beside himself with joy and the people were so enraptured that then and there they arranged another meeting for tomorrow. At the end of the meeting the blue ben and Mrs. Parson's leaflet were given to each person. They were all anxious to get the precious words of life for without them there is no light and love. Hundreds of people in this city are awakened and want Jenabe to stay here oneweek longer; a Doctor who is set on fire, desires to rent the largest hali and advertize the meeting in all the papers; a lawyer wants him to speak in the High Schools of Duluth and Superior, but the engagements according to schedule will carry Jenabe to other cities, hoping that the Teaching Committee Will send a speaker to this centre after awhile to irrigate the seeds. The evening -- there was a 19 days feast in Mrs. A. Berridge's home and the believers were there with shining faces and spiritual vision. Jenabe Fazel related to them the dream of Bana'o'liah when He was a child and also three other dreams of the believers which became the means of their Confirmation. He advised them to keep in touch with these societies before whom he had spoken and associate with each and all with joy and fragrance. Refreshments were served and the dear believers asked questions to their hearts' content. These friends are the jeWels of the mine of Abha, they are tne rays of the Sun of Reality, the stars of the heaven of Steadfastness, the flowers of the garden of Abdul Baha. Hotel Holland, Duluth, Minn., Dec. 12, 1920.
the sojourn of Jenabe Fazel amongst these oveautiful Bahais came to an end but the fragrance of their service and the aroma of their love will be with nim throughout all his life. Today at 11 o'clock he, delivered a heavenly lecture in St. Marks A. M. E. Church on "The Power of the Holy Spirit". Rev. Majors introduced him as the messenger of light and love coming from the Hast. The colored and the white listened to the colorless message of Truth and at the end Jenabe chanted a commune in Persian which filled his audience with poise and spirituality. Afterwards literature was distributed. At 1 o'clock luncheon was served in Y. W. C. A. and Jenabe was the guest of Mr. Albert B. Clarfield, an attorney at law who is much attracted to the Bahai Cause and hopes to study the Cause and deliver lectures about it. There is a Dr. Browman also who is filled with a longing to serve and he has translated the book of 20th Plane into German. At 2:30 p.m., the second talk on the Bahai Movement was given before the Spiritualists in the Odd Fellow's Hall. These people are most earnest and when a Bahai speaker comes to this city he will be most welcome in their midst. At ¢ o'clock Jenabe lectured at another colored church, Calvary Paptist, whose minister, Rev. J. C. Bothic was most sympathetic. The subject was the "Divine Physician and His Remedy". For one hour Jenabe talked on the High themes of unity, love, brotherhood, spirituality and concord. The faces of the listeners were shining with the lights of interest and concentration. At 8 p.m., the last lecture was given on "The Teachings of all Religions are Indentical" before a packed hall of the Theosophical Society at 203 Temple Building, Second avenue East., Superior St. The President, Mrs. Fred Bradbury, Was overjoyed with the lecture. One would have wished to see all the Bahais here to listen to the words of wisdom, falling from the lips of the teacher, After the lecture the members asked questions on the Hindu trinity of Vishnu, Siva and Brahma and Jenabe showed again his great grasp of these deep religious problems by explaining the inner meaning of these symbols. The President invited the Bahais to comie and make their hall their home. Amongst the Bahai Juniors is a lovely girl, iva Jahs, a wonderful believer and she was present in many meetings, especially tonight. When we left the Theosophical Hall she told Jenabe Fazel "Allaho ‘bba" and with these heavenly words "Allaho Abba" we bid farewell to the friends in Duluth who have been the essence of kindness and hospitality. It is 11 o'clock and in half an hour the train pulls out of the station,
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Minneapolis, Minnesota, Dec. 13, 1920.
Leaving Duluth last night Jenabe Fazel entered the Union Station of Minneapolis this morning where he was welcomed back by Dr. Harper, Mr. Bates and Dr. and Mrs. Frink. They all took their breakfast and then were taken to Mrs. Silken and Mrs. Wilhelm. Immediately the friends were notified and they all deSired to have the meeting in the Bahai Reading Room. For luncheon Jenabe was the guest of Dr. and Mrs. Frink. They are the happiest Bahai couple, full of joy and loving each other with a glorious spiritual love. Dr. Frink is a steadfast Bahai and a student of the Blessed Yords. His violin playing gave much pleasure to Jenabe Fazel. At 2:30 p.m., the teacher from the East.met a group of the believers in the Reading Room ani spoke to them about his experiences in Duluth. "The friends in that sity", he said “are radiant, self-sacrificing and alive to the glorses and beauties of the Day of God. They are workers in the Vineyard of the Lord, full of zest and enthusiasm. The seeds of the teachings of Baha'o'llah are Scattered all over the world. The Divine Farmer with His might and PoWer has sown these sacred seeds. In some places they are germinating under the soil; in other places they are just pushing their tender heads above the earth and we must be very gentie toward them; here they are rising toward the sky and laughing in the riotous darces of the winds, and there they are grown and developed, sending their branches to the four corners of the earth and the wandering birds of the world come and build their aerial nests amidst the leafy and sylvan branches, breaking into songs of thanksgiving and glorification. We must be loving to every one. We must love the Universal Consciousness of’ the Bahai life. Local issues must not blind our eyes to the wonders of the grace and favor of God. We must live in accord with the good pleasure of Abdul Baha and forget our own likes and dislikes. Often we, through our own limitations make an atom into a mountain and inflict upon ourselves unnecessary mental and spiritual tortures. Let us be calm under all circumstances. Composed and quiescent the tempestuous waves of the Atlantic will seem to us nothing but the playful ripples of a gurgling stream". At 6:15 p.m., the train started for Omaha. In St. Paul, Dr. and Mrs. Woolson came into the train and Jenabe Fazel was happy to meet them for a few minutes, Tomorrow morning Jenabe will begin his work in a new field.
In closing the Bullstin we quote from the Instructions of Abdul Baha:
"ith regard to the Assemoly, there must be Spiritual consultation therein; discourses about the wanifestation of the Greatest Orb, the effulgence of the Sun of Reality, the greatness of the Blessed Cause, the power and penetration of the ‘ORD of GOD; the might of the Divine Covenant and Testament must be mention=c ed. This will be conducive to the spirituality and iliumination of the hearts",
Respectiully and lovingly submitted, The TEACHING COMMITTEE OF NINETEEN, By Mariam Haney, Secretary. The Mendota,
Washington, D. C. December 1920.