National Teaching Committee Bulletins/1920/November/Text

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[Page 1] "Verily, GOD hath made it incumbent upon every soul to deliver His Cause (spread The Message) according to his ability." Bahá’u’lláh.

"That which is the most important of all the affairs in this Day is to teach the Cause of GOD! You must engage in the diffusion of the Fragrances of GOD, so that ye may impart life to the worlds, illumine the dark regions, confer new existence upon these mouldering, dead bodies, make intelligent and mindful these negligent hearts, Thus may they free themselves from this nether world and soar toward the Universe of the Almighty!" ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Bulletin No. 6

Issued by the Teaching Committee Appointed by the Delegates to the Convention.

The correspondence of the past month contains such glowing accounts of the seed sowing of His honor, Jenabe Fazel, that already the spiritual conflagra- tion of this country has been started. Closely following these accounts are coming many letters, in all of which there seems to be the same note of longing for teachers in nearly every part of the country. The Command of GOD in this Day, ac- cording to Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is "to teach the Cause." As we read about the marvellous services of Jenabe Fazel, all will realize how necessary it is for the friends in every Center to make an extraordinary and superhuman effort to arise for the teaching service as never before, not only locally in each Assembly, but as travelling teachers, if possible. Those who are preparing themselves for this work, will find every opportunity to serve. Thousands and thousands of souls have been attracted to the Cause. They must be fed and nourished continually on the Bread of Life from the Divine Table. The attracted souls will then grow in spiritual stature through the Creative Words "passed by the Hand of the Divine Servant"; and when they realize how necessary it is to be directly in the life-imparting Rays of the Center of the Covenant they will become truly confirmed as members of the Family of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá; through the Revealed Word and the Mercy of God they will be really lifted into the Light of this New Day. All will certainly realize the nec- essity for the "follow-up" work, that the receptive and loving souls who have be- come so attracted may not feel the chill of the shade but be warmed and continually refreshed through the sunshine of loving service. A letter from Mr. Randall tells us how much Mirza Fazel emphasizes the importance of the follow-up work, and also advises "that a teacher must go out as a physician and not as a dogmatist. The teacher must be gentle, wise and sympathetic towards all beliefs." "A new era of Divine consciousness is upon us" truly; there are countless souls ready and who want to be taught, and the call to teaching is unmistakably sure and great. The singing of the Anthem of the Kingdom must be continued day and night. The Center of the Covenant is ever teaching us, guiding us in the Right Path, that perchance we may become endowed with capacity to point the way to other souls. He has directed us to learn from the "Ideal Sage" and brilliant teacher, Jenabe Fazel, and we can, [Page 2] if we will, observe his methods of teaching and learn from this wise and holy soul, for he has travelled the path before us and has attained unto the good pleasure of the Lord. If we make ourselves "receptive to his advices and exhortations" we will see why the spiritual atmosphere comes up wherever he is, and why he never antagonizes but always becomes the magnet to attract.

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, in speaking of His visit in this country, said: "My primal object of this long trip was to show, by deed, to the friends of God, that this is the season of teaching the Cause . . . . . I left everything and travelled throughout the earth to herald the coming of the Kingdom of ABHÁ."

His Excellency, Jenabe Fazel is following in the Divine Footsteps, and is calling the people to the Kingdom of God according to the Divine Principles, He is teaching by deed and by word. No wonder he has thousands of listeners!

"Any person desiring to be surrounded by the confirmation of Bahá’u’lláh, must arise and teach the Cause. This is the Path!" ‘Abdu’l-Bahá (Star Vol. 4, p. 251).

In the last regular Bulletin we recorded the work of our blessed teacher in St. John, N. B. Since which time the Special Bulletin for Canada has reached you, which covered the work in Montreal and other Cities.

From a beautifully written and inspired account by Martha Root, the faithful, we want to quote the following now, and hope soon to publish all of the account in full, God Willing:

"The Call of the Kingdom of GOD has been gloriously sounded through Canada by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá Himself, and now through His great and faithful disciple, Jenabe Fazel. The 'Plan' for Canada was unfolded so surely that even the group of workers and the newly awakened souls were silent with ecstacy over the Divine Melodies and breathless with the sweet perfumes of realities and significances. It is indeed a New Age which invites to this delectable paradise of glory. . . . . Faces of many strangers who had seen or heard of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in 1912, in Montreal, lighted with joy as they heard of Jenabe Fazel’s coming. Albert Vail came to Montreal also from Chicago. The group spoke before Esperantists, Theosophists, also in the Union Congregational Church, the Unitarian Church, several times in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Maxwell, in the Pomeroy home, before the Montreal Woman's Club and other Societies, and before a large gathering in the Ritz-Carlton Hotel . . . . . . The presentation of the Bahá’í Revelation by an oriental and occidental from the same platform made an unusual and wonderfully attractive evening each time. Jenabe Fazel’s face is so full of Light and Love, he is so intuitively sympathetic that he just loves people into the Kingdom. He is a remarkably distinguished scholar, and his answers to every kind of question show his universal knowledge. His diplomacy is transcendent. To the philosophers he spoke of Bahá’u’lláh as the new Divine Philosopher; to the Spiritualists he told Bahá’u’lláh’s and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Teachings on the return of the spirit; to the Toronto University students his theme was Bahá’u’lláh the new Educator; to the business men of Canada he told of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Work for universal peace and the recognition of Great Britain. He explained Bahá’u’lláh’s Teachings and how they have transformed the orient. Each one in the group awakened souls differently, but all worked with Jenabe perfectly. Jenabe Fazel was the great, central spirit."

The article gives a very glowing and spiritual account of the work in St. John, Montreal, Hamilton, Toronto, London, and touches on some valuable work done in Quebec in the way of publicity among the Clubs; though this City was not visited by the great teacher.

Another quotation from this same article is of great interest:

"A most conservative estimate would be that more than 1,500,000 eyes have read of the Bahá’í Cause through the newspapers of Canada."

One of the most appealing parts of the article is the report about the work in Toronto. The experiences there were unique, marvellous, holy. And Martha [Page 3] adds in closing: "Out of Toronto may arise one of the greatest Bahá’í groups in this western hemisphere."

Mr. Albert Vail shares with us a few thoughts on the Canada work also, and we quote from his article, for the more reports we have from the different loving souls who can contribute to our joy in this way, the better, for it keeps us thoroughly informed on the progress of the work and this is what we want. Mr. Vail writes:

"God has bestowed upon me three of the most marvellous weeks it is possible to know today upon the American Continent, for I was the companion of that glorious teacher, Jenabe Fazel, while the Holy Spirit flowed through his words, shone in his face and attracted people of all temperaments and religions. He was like a celestial magnet. Whether it was a Woman's Club or Zionist congregation in Montreal, a Theosophical Society in Hamilton, a Men's Club in St. Thomas, -- his appeal was equally wonderful. Two hundred people came thru a pouring rain to hear him in London, and most of their faces were luminous with the joy of their response. Mrs. Walter Wright of that City and Martha Root had done wonderful work in preparing the way. An Episcopalian minister heard him one morning and declared if this be the Bahá’í teaching every one in this house is a Bahá’í. He preached a sermon on the Cause the next Sunday. At the Canadian Men's Club in St. Thomas, all were delighted. The Vice-President of the Theosophical Society in Hamilton, after Jenabe Fazel had given them two wonderful addresses and answered questions with dazzling brilliance, declared their Persian guest had given them two of the best Theosophical lectures they had ever heard. In the same City Jenabe Fazel spoke to the Spiritualist Church, and their hearts were aglow with joy. . . . . . . The minister of the church saw ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in vision standing by 'his holiness Fazel' that evening with His three fingers on his cheeks. Jenabe Fazel told her that was a characteristic gesture of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, and was symbolic of the three Bahá’í Revelators; The Bab, Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. It was a beautiful sign to the Spiritualist minister.

"In each City there were splendid newspaper articles that brought the Bahá’í Principles to perhaps hundreds of thousands. Everywhere Martha Root, whom Fazel calls 'the indefatigable Bahá’í' had, by the confirmations of the Sun of the Covenant, opened the doors, arranged meetings, and talked with the newspaper people with glorious success.

"In Toronto was the most wonderful outpouring of all. Dr. Watson and Mr. Louis Benjamin, human authors of the "Twentieth Plane" and their friends, had arranged a splendid meeting Sunday afternoon, November 7th, where seven hundred people gathered in a theatre to hear of the New Day on earth. . . . . . . Jenabe Fazel spoke of the new vision of immortality, and Ahmad Sohrab interpreted with great effectiveness and fluency as he did in all these meetings. . . .

"Dr. Watson and his family, all of them attuned to the melodies of the heavenly worlds, held a number of meetings in their home where his honor, Jenabe Fazel delighted all the hearts with his radiance and his pure reflection of the divine philosophy and love of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

"Sunday evening Jenabe Fazel spoke to three hundred Toronto Theosophists with winged words, and started the next morning for Detroit and Cincinnati.

"Dear Manoucher Khan, after beautiful service as interpreter and herald of the Glad-tidings, started East in response to a cablegram from the Master that he should enter College.

"Then I came home by the way of London and Detroit. In both of these Cities, we had beautiful meetings. London and Detroit are ablaze with the Light of the New Kingdom. Mrs. Wright of London, Dr. Stiles in Detroit are devoted servants at the Threshold of the Beloved, and a wonderful new group is arising in Detroit."

"The Bounties of GOD are not monopolized, the Favors of the Lord are not [Page 4] localized. The doors of the Kingdom of ABHA are open to all." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

His Honor, Jenabe Fazel, started the spiritual work in this country again with great zeal and enthusiasm on arrival in Cincinnati the morning of November 9th. Ahmad's reports, in the "Diary Card" series he is writing, will furnish a brief but intimate picture of the heavenly services of our loving and holy teacher as he travels about sowing the seeds of Truth in the garden of the hearts.

In a Tablet to Mirza Ahmad dated at Haifa October 1, 1920, and translated November 14th, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá writes:

"Praise be to God that you observe the signs of the Confirmations of Jenabe Fazel at every moment...... 11"

Indeed the "signs of confirmation" are evidenced on all sides, and blessed are we if we try and learn all we possibly can while we have the Bounty and Blessing of the presence of this wise teacher in our country.

Ahmad writes:

Cincinnati, Ohio, November 9th, 1920

Jenabe Fazel arrived in Cincinnati this morning about 8 o'clock. Mrs. Ann Parmerton was at the station to welcome him to this city which was blessed by the presence of the Beloved in 1920. There are many old and firm Bahá’ís here. Mr. Thornton Chase paid them frequent visits in the early days; Dr. Bagdadi; Ali Kuli Khan and other teachers have given talks before large audiences. Mrs. Darmerton brought Jenabe to a lovely private hotel owned by Hebrews and practically all the people living in the house are Jews. This was a fine prospect, for it gave Jenabe a good opportunity to speak to them about the Cause. Two such impromptu meetings were held during the day and much interest was shown toward the Movement. There are nearly 70 people in the house and already a large number have heard concerning this truth. Mrs. Parmerton is an active, zealous and earnest Bahá’í sister. She has travelled much and illumined many hearts. In the evening there was a meeting for the believers in the home of a friend of Mrs. Parmerton. It was indeed good to see the bright faces of the sincere souls who have turned their hearts to the Center of the Covenant. Jenabe Fazel gave them an account of the life of Abul Fazl and then the discussion was guided by the invisible power toward those high altitudes where one hears soft-breathing music and heavenly symphonies, and where one sees the golden sun-rise of the new day mounting to flaming peaks. Jenabe told the friends the heart-lores and not the folk-lores of the Cause. They saw the wave-swept shore of his innate knowledge and realized that his mind is vocal as the forest and choral as the sea.

Cincinnati, Ohio, November 10, 1920

A fin day and full of spiritual activities and Jenabe Fazel dispensing the water of knowledge to all those who come to him. At 4 o'clock Mrs. Myers in whose home we had a meeting last night came with an automobile and took Jenabe and Mrs. Parmerton to the "New Temple Thought". At the head of the "New Thought" is Mrs. M. C. Stoiber who is also the Editor of the "Right Thinking Magazine." She had invited the teacher from the East because he had a message for her people. The subject of the talk was the "Parliament of Man". Jenabe dwelt in detail on this important problem of this great age and wished all those who were in the audience to work for its realization. He spoke clearly and effectively and raised his clarion voice to the height of human consciousness. The president was very much moved saying that before she had heard of this Cause, she was teaching in New York the identical principles. After answering many questions the meeting came to a close. At 8 p.m., Jenabe gave another talk on the "Ideals of New Age and Physical and Spiritual Healing", in St. Andrew's Episcopal Church. It is a colored church but many white people had come by reading the ads in the papers. Reverend Mr. Oxley introduced the speaker with much love and veneration. The lecture was deep and satisfactory, the former and present age contrasted and its [Page 5] brilliant ideals enumerated. At the end there were some Salvation Army lassies in the Church who asked many questions about "atonement and blood of Christ." They thought the "blood of the lamb" had washed away all their sins. Jenabe made it so plain to them in a gentle manner that the spirit and teachings of Christ and living by them will save humanity, but they were not satisfied. At last the minister got up and told them that we Christians for 2000 years were going to churcl praying to Christ and coming out to kill now this prophet from the East teaches us! It is enough. We must apply those principles. A rising vote of thanks was tendered to the Persian philosopher, and afterwards Bahá’í literature was distributed, the minister, himself taking a big bunch for those who were not present.

Cincinnati, Ohio, November 11, 1920

The Bahá’í Cause in Cincinnati is well-established. Almost all the Bahá’í speakers have visited the city and large meetings held, at various centers. The Bahá’ís themselves are most loving and kind. In order to make the meetings of Jenabe Fazel successful, they had published about 1000 handbills giving the dates, subjects and places and distributed in four churches, drug stores, and Chamber of Commerce, Hotels, etc. They had also published the 12 principles in a leaflet for wide distribution. Thus these two actions are worthy of emulation by all other Eahai centres where Jenabe will stay for a few days. Every one must become a spiritual warrior in this divine campaign and do his utmost to bring the Cause to the attention of the public. No stone must be left unturned, no effort must remain unattempted. The schedule will be followed to the best of exactness and the subjects of the talks are all comprehensive. The power of the Kingdom is with the workers. Today Jenabe and Mrs. Parmerton called at the Editorial office of Times Star and the Editor had an interview which was published in the afternoon with his photograph. In the afternoon and evening he gave two glorious talks in the New Thought Temple on the "Ideals of the Age" from a philosophic standpoint. It was a poem from first to last, a beautiful anthem sung by the angels. His talk on "Why the present day religions have lost their power" appealed to the New Thought members, for they come out of Orthodoxy and realize the freedom and the expansion of conscience. Jenabe gave 9 reasons why the religions have fallen into decadence and degeneration. They were strong, logical proofs, undeniable and true. The New Thought people accept all the Teachings. The President in the morning had read in her class from the Bahá’í literature and is wonderfully attracted. She is going to study the Cause more deeply and lecture on the Parliament of Man from the Bahá’í standpoint. After the lecture they asked many questions and were most pleased with the answers. They expressed the desire to send to Persia their magazine "The Right Thinking". Their Temple is circular and finely built. They do lots of good.

Cincinnati, Ohio, November 12, 1020

The first cold day but the heart of Jenabe Fazel is warm with the fire of the Love of God, the flames of devotion rising to the height of beauty and exhilaration. Mrs. Fales from Dayton had come to visit Jenabe Fazel and since yesterday she had a feast of the soul. She is so anxious that the teacher visit Dayton and give a talk either in her home or in some Church, therefore when Miss Martha Root arrived this morning on her way to St. Louis, after consultation decided to go back with her to Dayton and see whether they can arrange a meeting for Sunday. In the afternoon Mrs. Parmerton's nephew took Jenabe in his auto for a ride around the parks and the residences of the city. The ride lasted more than 2 hours and the interesting sights gave a good impression. At 8 o'clock the lecture on "Palestine during the Days of Reconstruction" was given before an audience in the Unitarian Church. Again the minister here has been a college mate of Mr. Vail, knows Mr. Remey quite well and is very interested in the Bahá’í Cause and the Temple. He was glad to see that the Bahá’í literature was distributed amongst the members. Jenabe in his lecture dwelt on the physical and spiritual regeneration of Palestine; that altho its physical life is undergoing great changes thru the [Page 6] Zionist efforts, English administration, building of schools, constructing railroads -- its spiritual life is being perfected through the Great Teacher ‘Abdu’l-Bahá - who lives at the foot of Mt. Carmel and assembles in his Home of Peace all the religions and nations of the earth with perfect amity and love. This problem of reconstructing the life of the world is pressing itself upon modern conscience and the urge of the spirit will bring us face to face with its solution in the Bahá’í Movement. The Minister was enraptured with the talk and himself asked many intelligent questions. A member exclaimed: "This was the finest Unitarian lecture I have ever heard!"

Cincinnati, Ohio, November 13, 1920

Like the fountain of the pure water of life, the clear Teachings flow from his heart to quicken the dead souls and to refresh the withered spirits. Cincinnati during the past few days received the baptism of fire and the large meetings held in the New Thought Temple, Colored Church, Unitarian Church, etc., will yield infinite results. Tonight being the last day of Jenabe in this city, a meeting was held in the home of one of the dear friends. He spoke to them about the intimate, sweet things in the life of the Centre of the Covenant; he filled them with His light, made them feel His humanity and divinity and intoxicated with the wine of His Love. He advised them to study the Teachings and to hold regular meetings. "Too many rules" he said "will drive the spirit away. Be simple. Be natural. The disciples of Christ did not have any rules but they taught thousands. Encourage everyone. Be learners during all the days of your lives. Work for the spiritualization of mankind. When a physician is called out to treat a patient, he should never look at the color of the ill one. His duty is to treat the disease no matter to what nationality, race or religion he may belong. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is your example. Humanity must ever strive to rise to his stature of spiritual perfection. To teach means to learn, to learn means to act, to act means to serve, to serve means to love, to love means to sacrifice, to sacrifice means to die, to die means to live, to live means to move, to move means to rise beyond all limitations, to abide in the presence of unchangeable Divinity. When a soul attains to this celestial height in the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh, the praise of the people will be looked upon as blame and their blame as praise. You must always dwell in this noble mansion, ever walk in this highway, always illumined with this light, ever attuned to this etherial music." The friends were cheered through his discourse, uplifted by his words and elevated through his example. While refreshment was passed questions were asked and answered and at the close everyone read a Hidden word and Jenabe chanted a prayer of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in the original. It was half past eleven when he returned home with the sacred words of "Ya Baha 1 Abha" on his lips. A glorious day and night with a glorious ending.

Dayton, Ohio, November 14, 1920

Without doubt these are great days for the promotion of the Cause in America. The true teacher is in our midst; the Confirmations of the Kingdom are descending upon him; the doors of opportunities are being opened, and the believers of GOD are putting forth every effort to unlock many gates, so that Jenabe Fazel may enter therein with humility and love. He was up this morning at 6 o'clock, and with Mrs. Parmerton went to Dayton. About 9:30 he arrived in the station, and Mr. E. N. Fales welcomed him with open heart. He was taken to the house where already a large number of people had arrived, amongst them a Professor of Theology and a Russian scientist. Jenabe talked for an hour on the Universal Influence of the Bahá’í Cause. They were much impressed, and the Prof. of Theology was greatly attracted and desired books on the Movement. At 11:30 he was whisked in an auto to the Unitarian church where Rev. Arthur L. Weatherby was giving a sermon on the "Arrival of the Pilgrims in New England. " After his talk Jenabe was introduced and he spoke on "The Ideals of the New Age" for forty minutes. There were about three hundred people in the church, and as Jenabe continued to [Page 7] speak, one could see the rising of spiritual emotions. Every one came afterwards to the front to shake hands and express thanks. A young man and his wife told Jenabe that he knew Mrs. Parsons and the Bahai Cause; that one season he was in Dublin tutoring her son. He is now teaching in the Dayton public schools. Returning to Mrs. Fales’, a bounteous luncheon was served, another informal meeting was held, and at 2:45 Jenabe returned to Cincinnati to take the train for Louisville. Martha in the waiting ‎roo room‎ of the Station is writing her articles for the Dayton Journal and Herald. Yesterday’s editions of these two papers had illustrated articles. The Truth is becoming manifest in all parts of the world.

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“His honor, Fazel, is verily of the utmost sincerity, without any desire save service to the Cause of God!” (From a Tablet of Abdul Baha to Geo. Latimer, dated September 17, 1920).

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The following general report of the work in Cincinnati, written by Mrs. Ann Parmerton is of such great value and historic interest that we feel the urge to publish it: “The anxiously awaited day has come and gone, for Tuesday, November 9th, his honor, Fazel Mazandarani and Mirza Ahmad Sohrab arrived in Cincinnati, and how I wish my letter might convey to you the blessings of their visit here........... During their five days stay, we lived in a spiritual atmosphere. All material things seemed to vanish in the radiant light and love emanating from this great teacher. . . . and in his presence, how the Words of our Beloved, Abdul Baha, about him impressed themselves deep into my being.” (Here Mrs. Parmerton quotes the Utterances of Abdul Baha about Jenabe Fazel which have been shared several times). “One had to be but a short time in his presence to consciously realize why he is one of the ‘elect’, for he manifested a perfect spirit of severance and sincerity, his sermons were indeed ‘eloquent’, and as they were interpreted by Mirza Ahmad into beautiful English, they gave forth a living vibration that I felt must quicken every one. . . . and as he answered questions, how that radiant smile of love and patience bore witness that he is the ‘essence of humility and submission.’ Over and over again the Words of Abdul Baha in a ‎Table Tablet‎ to Ahmad would come to me: ‘You must exercise toward him (Fazel) the utmost respect and consideration, and placing your hands in each others, become ye engaged in the promotion of the Word of GOD.’ The blessed Words have brought with the presence of this holy teacher a new baptism of the spirit, I hope, for every one. I know it has to me, and the ocean of God’s Love surging within me, sends forth a call to every Bahai brother and sister with an intensified love and longing, for a unity so perfect, a co-operation so complete, a bond of affection so sincere, that the entire body of believers may be scintillating with the glory of the Kingdom, and uniting with superhuman efforts with His honor, Fazel, that the entire Occident may become refulgent with the Glory of the Pure White Light of the Bahai Revelation, for this is the Light before which all other Lights grow dim. I am very sure each firm Bahai appreciates beyond the power of words, the privilege of participating in this great work; and in recognition of Abdul Baha’s Love and Bounty in sending to us this able teacher and sanctified soul, no effort should seem too much, no sacrifice too great to prove our gratitude.”

Mrs. Parmerton then tells us of the splendid publicity work; of the wide distribution throughout the City of the programs and the leaflets which the friends had printed, and which we have shared quite generally with the different Assemblies. The report continues: “His honor, Fazel, gave five public lectures and two talks in private homes. . . . . As Jenabe Fazel presented his wonderful Message of Glad-tidings and the Bahai solution of every problem, is it any wonder that Mrs. Stoiber; the New Thought leader, Dr. Malich, the Unitarian Minister, Dr. Oxley, the Episcopal minister (colored) and the young students from the Hebrew Theological College, ex- [Page 8] pressed almost identically the same thought, namely: Prof. Fazel has a big mes- sage for our people and the world at large. You can imagine the degree of in- terest when I tell you that all Bahá’í books in the circulating library are out, and I sent to Miss Lesch for more copies. Jenabe Fazel and Ahmad were guests of the Cincinnati Assembly during their visit; and how it reminded us of those blessed days in November 1912 when the Center of the Covenant and His party were here, and how our Beloved ‘Abdu’l-Bahá brought to us the Breath of the Holy Spirit and in those sweet and tender tones of encouragement, said: "Be not discouraged, fear not, for the day will surely come when the Banner of Bahá’u’lláh’s Love and Power will be floating over your City.' And truly it seemed that day had ar- rived during the visit of His honor, Fazel, and Mirza Ahmad . . . . The re- port further relates how the spiritual guidance and confirmations continued throughout the visit at every instant; how Mrs. Fales of Dayton arrived and wanted to arrange a program in her City, but she was not sure of being able to do so without assistance; how our faithful Martha Root unexpectedly arrived, how a plan was hurriedly evolved and Mrs. Fales and Martha left for Dayton, and through the direct confirmations of the Holy Spirit were able to prepare the way, and Jenabe Fazel made the trip to Dayton on Sunday where he delivered a heavenly sermon, at the Unitarian Church and gave a private talk in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fales both before and after the public meeting. The Dayton newspapers pub- lished splendid articles written by Martha Root. In closing her beautiful ac- count of the visit of Jenabe Fazel in Cincinnati, Mrs. Parmerton writes: "While we were having our last meal with the friends, my heart saddened at the thought of separation, but I quickly realized that I should rejoice, for they were going to other Cities to make many hearts glad and happy; to quicken souls into new life, and to accomplish for the Master, the work He has willed them to do."

The tender and divine Love of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is demonstrated once again in the following precious Words from His pen:

Extract from the Tablet of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to Mirza Ahmad Sohrab

Received in Cincinnati, November 9, 1920:

"I love thee, and because I loved thee, I kept thee near myself as My companion for a long time. Truly I say thou art laboring, thou art displaying effort, thou art in a state of ebulition. It is My hope that the Blessed Per- fection may recompense thee, and there is no doubt whatsoever that He will do it. In brief, be thou happy; be thou rejoiced; rest thou assured. I have the utmost love for thee, and it is with the intensity of that love that I write thee now this Tablet. "

Through the medium of these beautiful reports, let us continue our travels with Jenabe Fazel and Mirza Ahaai. That a blessed privilege is ours!

From Cincinnati the party proceeded to Louisville, Ky., and were the guests there of Mr. and Mrs. Gustave Christine at their home, 125 . Ormsby Ave. Ahmad's "Diary Cards" fill us with joy as we gather the pearls of wisdom from the illuminating talks of His honor, Jenabe Fazel, which he shares with us:

125 7. Ormsby Avenue, Louisville, Kentucky

November 15th, 1920.

The spiritual work started in Louisville with a gemine earnestness and enthusiasm. When Jenabe Fazel accompanied by Miss Root arrived last night, Mrs. Christine and her son, Mr. Gregory and Dr. and Mrs. Murphy were in the station to welcome him. He was taken to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Christine whose guest he will be during his sojourn in this city. The host and hostess were charmingly hospitable and had done everything to add to the joy of service. A late supper was served and Jenabe was welcomed with heart-felt feeling. This morning at 10 o'clock as per arrangement, people came and a most spiritual talk was delivered on [Page 9] this spiritual dispensation. The listeners were enraptured with these brilliant ideals of the Kingdom. They soared toward the clear expanse of heaven and their eyes were opened to the light of day. At 3 o’clock Fazel called on Mr. L. Cook, whose lower half body is in a state of paralysis and is rolled around in a chair, but whose mind is as active as possible. He is an inventor, a lecturer and a most graceful speaker. Through sheer ‎perserverance perseverance‎ and work he has achieved a nation wide fame and has invented a ship for Ohio river which is different than any so far placed on the market. For two hours these two men of the East and the West spoke and exchanged views on politics, religious, history and the Bahá’í Revelation. They found many things in common. Mrs. Cook is a beautiful and charming soul, whose unselfish love and devotion to him is a source of constant admiration. At 7 o’clock the Reporter of Journal called and had a long and instructive interview. Already a few articles have appeared in the Press. At 8 o’clock Major Moore, the ex-consul of Persia in San Francisco paid his respectful visit to Jenabe Fazel. He knows Mrs. Goodall, Cooper, Ali Kuli Khan, and many other Bahá’ís. His wife is much interested in the Cause. At 9 o’clock Fazel gave a detailed lecture before a large gathering of young men and women of Hebrew association on the Progress of the Jews in Persia, They listened to the account of the advancement of their race under the influence of the Bahá’í Movement with rapt attention. Dear “Mother Beecher” who is here and Mr. Gregory accompanied him with appropriate remarks, It was a glorious meeting. Love to everybody.

125 W. Ormsby Avenue, Louisville, Ky. November 16, 1920.

It is indeed the wonder working power of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá that this gateway to the South has opened its doors to the Messenger of Peace and Light. The ‎Courrier Courier‎ Journal, the Times and the Post had articles -- one of them commencing its opening paragraph with “Allaho Abba” as a greeting from Jenabe Fazel to the people of Louisville. At 10 o’clock a number of truth seekers arrived at the home of Mrs. Christine and Jenabe was asked to give the spiritual interpretation to the 24th Chapter of St. Matthew. The explanation threw a flood of light over this much discussed subject and the ladies were illumined with the mystic rays of the sun of Truth. At 12 o’clock, Jenabe was invited to give a talk at Tyler Hotel before The Optimist Club. There were 300 representative men of all the trades and professions present. Mrs. Parson’s leaflets were placed on the side of each plate. Jenabe Fazel spoke for 20 minutes on the “Optimist Club” founded by Bahá’u’lláh 70 years ago in Persia. “Optimism is the reigning spirit of the age” he said. The President of the club in introducing the Persian scholar said: “Gentlemen: If we cannot produce good speakers in Louisville or the United States we go to Asia and bring them for you.” The audience was one mass of cheer and plaudits at the end of the speech. At 7 o’clock Jenabe Fazel was the guest at the dinner of Altrusa Club, an organization of business and professional women. The dinner was at the Cortland Hotel. Here the Big Bens were placed by the side of the plates and the diners were reading the booklets before dinner started. The lecture of the awakening of women in Persia was given with vitality and spiritual insight. It lasted one hour and for about half an hour innumerable questions were asked. The women were simply enraptured with the progressive lecture. They could not express their thanks enough. Mrs. Baird, the President introduced Jenabe Fazel with all the graces of Oratory and the sincerity of the heart and the members of the Club, expressed their thanks unanimously to Jenabe who gave them such a splendid spiritual talk. There is no doubt that the Confirmation of the spirit is descending upon Louisville and Mrs. Christine is intoxicated with the wine of divine love. She is God-inspired.

125 W. Ormsby Avenue, Louisville, Ky. November 17, 1920.

Mrs. Emma Stott is one of the few firm Bahá’ís of the first period. She [Page 10] came three years ago to Louisville and as a result of her coming the Cause was introduced and established in the heart. Through her Mr. Gregory spoke to many people, then Mrs. Louise Boyle of Washington came last year and talked with and confirmed them. Now Jenabe Fazel has come with his divine power and all -- conquering love and like magic the walls of Jericho have fallen and all obstacles removed. This morning at 10, a large number of important women, each one of whom being a leader in certain lines came, and Jenabe, after giving a most glorious talk on the oneness and eternality of the spirit, answered all their questions and rent ‎assunder asunder‎ the veils of all their doubts. They were made happy by the shining of the Sun of Reality. At 12 o’clock he was taken to Henry Waterson Hotel to speak to the members of Kiwanis Club at luncheon. There were fully 200 present, each one a representative of a distinct trade and profession -- thus by speaking to them it is as though you have spoken to all the people of Louisville. The talk was well received and the interest was keen. The Big Ben was distributed amongst all of them. After luncheon a man came to Jenabe and said he had met Abdul Baha in New York and had dined with him. From the hotel the teacher was taken to the house of Dr. Murphy, a splendid, colored Bahai, and from 3 to 10 p.m. believers and inquirers arrived and informal discussions held. Nine Bahais sat around the table, including Miss Root and Mr. Gregory. A wave from the sea of the spirit swept over those who were present. A minister of the Gospel who has been in India became alive with the talk of the teacher and will deliver his message to a gathering of the ministers. Mother Beecher is going to stay here and water the seeds sown by Jenabe Fazel. Altogether it was a day of work and teaching. Every one was happy, the fragrances of the garden of Abha were diffused, the glories of the Kingdom became revealed. In Dr. Murphy’s, Jenabe spoke on the verse: "Ye shall know the truth and the truth shall make you free." It was indeed an illuminating exposition.

125 W. Ormsby Avenue, Louisville, Ky. November 18th, 1920.

This was a most busy day of the whole trip and one of the most spiritual. Jenabe Fazel had to give five lectures from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. It will take pages to describe the details in its merest outline. In the morning he spoke to Mrs. Christine’s Class on the need of material and divine Education. At half past eleven he delivered an impressive lecture at Mary Anderson Theatre on the "Evidences of life after death," before several hundred listeners. The Editor of the Louisville Herald introduced him as the sage, at whose feet they were all going to sit, to learn, the wisdom of the East. After the lecture many vital questions were asked and literature distributed. The manager of the theatre although charging other people $300 for its use -- he had given it to the ‎Bahsis Bahais‎ freely and asked Mrs. Christine if in the future she has other speakers, he will be glad to give it to her. At 3 o’clock he was taken to the first Unitarian Church, whose minister is Dr. Akin. Jenabe talked on the subject: "Why the religions of the past have lost their powers!" ending it with a recitation of the Bahai Principles. A woman of 96 years had come to listen to the lecture. She said afterward: "This was a splendid Unitarian sermon. I enjoyed it." At 7:30 "Business and Professional Women’s Club" held their meeting in Courtland Hotel and Jenabe spoke particularly on the life of Kurat-ul-Ayne which was an inspiration to all those who heard it. The large hall was over-crowded. At 8:40, Mr. Gregory and Doctor Murphy took Jenabe to Evangelical Lutheran Church in Clifton, a suburb of Louisville to speak on "Social Justice," nearly 400 men and women, boys and girls were present. They all listened with the greatest pleasure and as they are mostly Socialists, their questions at the end of the talk were of that nature. Many a Big Ben was given away. This has been the most systematic campaign so far for once the interest was aroused, the literature was at hand. One would like to write a chapter on this one day, for each event was very important. May the [Page 11] favors of Abdul Baha descend continually.

125 W. Ormsby Avenue, Louisville, Ky. November 19, 1920.

The last day in Louisville and the glorious spiritual work of Jenabe Fazel, not exactly brought to a close, but transferred to other laborers in the Vineyard: "We came here", he said "to plough the ground and sow the seeds, now those friends who remain behind must water them." At 10 o’clock many people came to Mrs. Christine’s home and the teacher spoke on the recognition of Truth. They were all interested. In the afternoon Mr. and Mrs. Hardy took Jenabe for a ride through the Park and Camp Taylor, where 90,000 soldiers were trained for the World War. All the immense barracks were deserted. At 5:30, Mrs. Cook came and carried Jenabe to her home for dinner with Mr. Cook. It was a most delightful occasion to speak with this genius who has never walked one step in his life. At eight o’clock a lecture was delivered in the Colored Methodist Episcopal Church. The Minister and the audience were deeply moved and appreciated the ideals expressed. At 5 o’clock Jenabe went to Parr’s Rest, an old ladies’ home, and spoke to about 50 women who are all above sixty. During the day, the beloved teacher said: "There are 9 classes of Bahais. 1. Those who listen; 2. Those who understand; 3. Those who become interested; 4. Those who accept the principles; 5. Those who become attracted; 6. Those who believe in the Manifestation; 7. Those who live in accord with the teachings; 8. Those who arise to serve the Cause; 9. Those who surrender self before the Will of God." The days expended in Louisville are never to be forgotten. Other teachers no doubt will come to water the seeds Jenabe Fazel has sown. Many people now know what the Bahai Cause stands for. Mrs. Christine like a sweet angel, Mrs. Cook like a bird of paradise, Mr. Gregory like a joy-bringer, Mother Beecher like a sympathetic mother and all other friends like the army of God worked and prepared the ground for Jenabe Fazel.

---

We are asked continually to publish as much as possible of the reports of the friends as they reach us from time to time, and we are only too happy to respond, sharing in this way one of the most brilliant records of spiritual achievement.

Mrs. Christine of Louisville, writes of the work there as follows: "Our wonderful visitors have come and gone, and while their presence with us is now but a sacred memory, their influence for good will be strong in the hearts of their hearers for a long, long time to come. Hundreds were spiritually quickened and have a yearning for a better understanding of the Divine Revelation. Love and harmony were cardinal blessings which everyone felt so strongly.

"Every morning a meeting was held at 125 West Ormsby Avenue at 10 o’clock and the wonderful spirit of our distinguished Teacher, Mirza Fazel, imparted Wisdom to those present in a way that met the needs of each.

"Monday evening, November 15th, Mirza Fazel and Mirza Ahmad Sohrab spoke before the Young Men’s Hebrew Association to a deeply interested audience on ‘The Progress of the Jews in Persia’. The following letter was received from Mr. Cohen, Secretary of the Association: ‘I desire to express my appreciation to you for the privilege of having Mirza Jenabe Fazel speak in our Association last Monday night. Those who heard him enjoyed the talk immensely and I am glad it was through you that we were able to have this lecture in our building.’

"Tuesday at noon our distinguished speakers addressed the ‘Optimist Club’ at the Tyler Hotel, to an audience of about three hundred men, on ‘The Solution of the Economic Problem.’ Most cordial and enthusiastic was the reception accorded them. At six o’clock the members of the Altrusa Club were addressed. This was a remarkable body of women assembled at their annual banquet.

"On Wednesday the 17th they addressed another body of business men at a luncheon given by the Kiwanis Club; to an audience of about three hundred at the [Page 12] Watterson Hotel; and again when our wonderful speaker's delivered their message of brotherly love and unity the same cordiality and courtesy that had been extended was again manifest. In the afternoon a reception was accorded them by Doctor Murphy and his wife, which was followed by a dinner and talk at eight o'clock to the colored people.

"Thursday, November 18, at 11:30 o'clock in the morning his honor, Fazel spoke at Keith’s Mary Anderson Theatre, through the courtesy of its Manager, Mr. George F. Simpson; subject 'New Evidences of Life After Death', A most intelligent and interested audience attended, and at the close of the address there were many varied and interesting questions. His Honor, Jenabe Fazel was introduced by Mr. Jonas, Editor of the Louisville Morning 'Herald'. Too much cannot be said in praise of the marvelous ability of Mirza Ahmad Sohrab who interprets the words and the spirit of the Teacher and with a continuity which does not break the chain of thoughts. Mirza Sohrab is also exceedingly brilliant. At 2:30, before the Woman’s Alliance of the Unitarian Church another one of Mirza Fazel’s universal and unifying Talks was given, and as on all the previous occasions those seeking Truth Eternal hovered around the speakers loath to leave until they had received all the Truth they were capable of assimilating. To an audience of about two hundred they spoke again 'On the Women's Movement in Persia' at the regular meeting of The Business and Professional Woman’s Club, here as elsewhere the interest was very keen for the spiritual messages were woven all through the discourse. The fifth address of this day was delivered at the Clifton Evangelical Lutheran Church; subject 'The Ideals of the New Age'.

"The final talk of the day was given at Quinn’s Chapel before the colored people. A large audience attended. An appreciative interest was again manifested."

The following account by Mr. Louis G. Gregory of the brilliant work of the Great Teacher, will be read with profit and joy:

"It gives me great joy to tell you that Mighty Confirmations attended the visit here of Jenabe Fazel. His work in every direction was a brilliant success. He was ably seconded by Mirza Ahmad, Martha Root and Mother Beecher. The local friends, Mr. and Mrs. Gustave Christine, Dr. and Mrs. Murphy, Mrs. Emma B. Stott, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis and all the others brought forth their best treasures of heart and soul. Each one played his part in a loving spirit and with hearty good will. Altho upon arrival here we heard of mountains of difficulty, they have cleared away as mists before the rising sun.

"Jenabe Fazel, Miss Martha Root and Mirza Ahmad arrived Sunday evening. Five of the local friends including their hostess, met them at the station. They were escorted to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Christine, who with every kindness and consideration entertained them during the week. Every morning at 10 o'clock a meeting was held in their home. This attracted a widening circle of Truth seekers who asked many questions which were answered with great wisdom by the teacher. From day to day they would be joined at lunch or invited out by some of the friends of Mr. and Mrs. Christine and this time would be improved for teaching.

On Monday evening the meeting was at the Young Men’s Hebrew Association, where they had a most appreciative audience of Jews of both sexes. The subject was the Progress of the Jews in Persia. The speaker was faithful to the subject, but with great skill improved it to give the Message. He showed how the intense prejudices against the Jews had come to an end and their progress and freedom -- religious, scientific and material -- were wonderful in the New Day, inaugurated by Bahá’u’lláh. The audience gave enthusiastic signs of approval. On another day he addressed the Kiwanis Club. When told that the name meant trade, -- he took it as a subject, showing the value to the world of commerce and using as a rich illustration the Divine Commerce of Bahá’u’lláh, which through the medium of kind deeds, the abandonment of prejudices and the establishment of universal ideals was bringing the

One of his brilliant addresses was to a Club

whole world into oneness and love. [Page 13] at the Henry Waterson Hotel. On another occasion he met the Women’s Suffrage Club of two hundred, picturing to them the wonderful life of Kurrat-ul-Aine for their inspiration to the highest ideals. Through influential friends a meeting was arranged at the Keith’s Theatre and Mr. Jonas, Editor of the Daily Herald, presided and introduced the speaker. The subject was ‘New Proofs of the Life Beyond.’ The audience was charmed and eagerly sought the Bahá’í literature. On Wednesday afternoon, Dr. and Mrs. M. L. Murphy held a reception in honor of the Persians. This was followed by a dinner and later a meeting for many friends and seekers. Among those present was a Presbyterian Minister, who listened with deep interest to the proofs of Prophethood, including both Christ and the Manifestation of this day. He took a Message to the Ministers’ Alliance.

“One afternoon, Mr. and Mrs. C. Lee Cook arranged an audience which lasted more than two hours for Jenabe Fazel and a few other friends. The conversation between these two great and brilliant souls, Mirza Fazel and Mr. Cook, was more wonderful than pen can describe. Mr. Cook, man of genius, man of large affairs, inventor, artist, cripple from his earliest years so that he has only partial use of his upper limbs and none of his lower, found himself in hearty accord with the Bahá’í teachings as brilliantly presented by the great teacher. Religion and science, universal brotherhood, divine inspiration, the abandonment of creeds, etc., were some of the subjects under discussion. On a later day the Persian visitors were invited to dine by Mr. and Mrs. Cook. The use of their auto and many other courtesies were showered upon the friends by these two great souls who have long been Bahá’ís in spirit, free from human prejudices and with only love in their hearts for all their fellow beings. Their watchword is service.

“Another address was delivered at the Optimist’s Club, another at the Parr Home for refined aged women and still another at the Clifton Lutheran Church. These were arranged through the activity of Mrs. Stott. At the last named meeting, the audience was composed of Socialists and Jenabe Fazel again proved his genius and divine inspiration as a teacher. He gave the Message in such a way that the most radical socialist was not disappointed, yet all were mellowed by the power of love. Truly he conquered the socialists.

“Besides the address to a colored and white group at the Murphy’s home. Jenabe Fazel last night addressed a colored Methodist Church. Many of them before the meeting expressed vigorous dissent when they knew that a foreigner was to speak to them instead of the usual order of their class meetings. But when Jenabe Fazel got started, with the oneness of humanity as his theme, they punctuated various parts of his address with a chorus of ‘Amens!’ indicating their approval with Methodist style and fervor. The address before the Club of Unitarian women was a plea for simplicity in the worship of one God for the whole human family. I am greatly pleased and grateful for the establishment of the work in Louisville. Praise be to God.”

After fulfilling a few engagements in Louisville, Mr. Gregory resumed his work as a travelling teacher, especially for the Southern district, and left for Memphis, Tenn. From there he will visit many Cities and towns throughout the South, and will not only spread the Glad-tidings, but will endeavor with heart and soul to prepare the way for the coming of the great visit of Jenabe Fazel to this section. Others later on may also travel in the South, for much preparation is necessary in the 16 States of the Southern field and covering a wide territory.

Ahmad’s beautiful report in his “Diary Card” series relative to the farewell at Louisville and the approach to another City and a new field of service, is the perfect link in the story connecting the two. We quote it in full:

“In these great Cities of America, Jenabe Fazel does not rest for one moment. Day and night he is busy proclaiming the Message of the Kingdom, bestowing [Page 14]

Teaching Committee Bulletin

life to the dead. He is the lover of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and a joy-bringer.

This morning he got up early. Mrs. Christine and her dear husband had prepared a lovely breakfast, and about seven o'clock Mrs. Cook arrived with her car. The departure was sad, for Jenabe had learned to love them all, but all this separation and union is for the sake of the Beloved. At 8 o'clock the train pulled out of the station, and the outlines of a new field became more and more apparent. On the way he spoke with a number of souls who were attracted and literature given to them. In the course of explanation with an inquirer, he said: 'From the time that man is born, to the moment he expires his last breath, he must be educated. There are five schools thru which the children of man must go. From each they must be duly graduated. They must learn the lessons of one school in order that they may be permitted to register their names in another. The first school is the womb of the mother; the second is the lap of the mother; the third is home and the influence surrounding it; the fourth is the school and college; the fifth the University opened by the Manifestations of God in different ages. The wise and perfect man is he who is graduated from the last. Our duty in this Cycle is to get scholars for the University of God."

"The train passed all day thru interminable cultivated plains, till at 6:15 p.m., it entered the Union Station. Miss Martha Root was radiantly happy welcoming the teacher to St. Louis. He was taken to the Plaza Hotel. At 8 o'clock a reporter of the Post-Dispatch arrived, and had a very interesting interview. Later Mrs. Barbee called with a basket of fruits for the great teacher, expressing her joy and gratitude at his coming. The list of addresses are printed on a card and twelve hundred distributed. Everything is now ready for a wonderful work. Tomorrow the first lecture will be delivered in Temple Israel. . . "

In a few days we will issue another Bulletin continuing the record of this brilliant service being accomplished by Jenabe Fazel, for every day of his life he is "imparting that joy and happiness to mankind, the nature of which is permanent."

Accompanying this Bulletin is a recent Tablet of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to Mirza Ahmad Sohrab which refers to the services previously reported in the Bulletins.

Respectfully and lovingly submitted,

THE TEACHING COMMITTEE, By Mariam Haney, Secretary.

The Mendota, Washington, D. C. November 1920.