National Teaching Committee Bulletins/1920/September/Text

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"We hope you will deal with each other in the utmost affinity, love and friendship, in such wise that through your unity the banner of oneness shall be hoisted and that of infidelity reversed, and that you will precede each other in good works and good will." - (Baha'o'llah)

"In this day the Power of the Covenant is the magnetic power in the apex of the horizon. This is the Power that moves the world of humanity. This is the Power that causes the penetration of the Words in the hearts. This is the Power that ignites the fire of the Love of GOD. This is the Power that brings joy and

cheer to the souls." (Abdul Baha)

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BULLETIN NO. 4

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

The news which has come to us from every section of the country the past month indicates that the teachers and those who can convey the Message have realized as never before that the "diffusion of the Divine Fragrances is above all the most important matter" as Abdul Baha has repeatedly told us.

| Several have written of the apparent eagerness of the people to listen to the Message which offers the Divine Remedy; and not only are they listening atten tively, but pleading for more knowledge and literature. There are not nearly enough teachers, for "At praesent the whole world is prepared for the Call of the Kingdom; . . . . @ars are awaiting the summons for Universal Peace."

There is the greatest need for well informed teachers; those who know the Teachings thoroughly; "who know how to adjust their speech according to the exigency of the time and place," and who, when asked for Proofs, can cry out -"Here they are." Abdul Baha told us many years ago that there was need for a thousand teachers in America, and surely the need is even greater now. Our revered Mirza Fazel urges us to establish classes in every Center for the training of teachers. Surely “now is the time" to be deligently striving and earnestly praying for capacity and for acquiring the degree of Faith necessary "to draw the confirmations of the Merciful One." The great opportunity to serve humanity now will not fall from our grasp for the beloved members of our Great Family feel the urgent Call of today and are pressing forward. The period of pioneering it in the Kingdom of GOD on earth is rapidly drawing to a close; the seeds planted are already bearing some of the fruit of blessing; and we are being called to a far greater hearlding of the Message. We mst hasten, for "the night is drawing nigh and then no one can work; consequently one must hasten to perform something and show forth exertion." (Abdul Baha). If there are thousands of renunciations in the Path which leadeth unto Life, there will be hundreds of thousands of confirmations descending upon America.

The teacher is "set aglow" himself and his speech takes effect within the hearts when he realizes that "Today the greatest of all affairs is firmness in the

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Covenant. This Covenant is the Covenant of God, and this Testament is the Testament of the Lord of Hosts." If all the friends realize that "Today no soul has any station or enjoys any title except the soul who is firm in the Covenant and steadfast in the Testament": all will, as Abdul Baha instructs, "want to station themselves in front of this Divine Light: then the speech of the teachers will become effective in the hearts and spirits, and GOD shall reinforce them with the Power

which permeates through the realities of things."

"Those who are intoxicated with the Wine of the Love of GOD will not fall behind but ever go forward and teach, and teach,and teach." (Abdul Baha),

Through the article written by Mirza Ahmad and published in the Special Bulletin issued a few days since, you have been fully informed of the travels of His Excellency, Jenabe Fazel, who is now resting in New York City for a few days before going into Zastern Canada for a visit to several cities, after which the plans and itinerary for the Western tour will be perfected.

To go back a few days to the visit in Dublin, N. H., there are some points worthy of note. For the benefit of those who do not know very much concerning the town of Dublin, it might be of interest to state that it is situated in the White Mountains of New Hampshire at an altitude of about sixteen hundred feet. Certainly the village is "beautiful for situation" -- surrounded by mountains, lake and valley.. It is ideal as to climate and its refined atmosphere.

The door of opportunity for service here Was opened by our dear sister, Mrs. Parsons, who entertained Mr. Albert Vail during a visit of a few days, and who was hostess for Mirza Fazel and party. Mrs. Parsons writes of the visits as follows: :

"In regard to Mr. Vail's short visit here; He made a deep impression upon the little group who heard him speak. His subject was "The Economic Question from the Bahai Standpoint." Basil King, the Clergyman and Novelist, was much attracted. He told me when he came that he would have to leave early, but instead of going, he sent his car away with a message and had it return. Practically all who were not birds of passage in that little group, returned to hear Jenabe Fazel and Mr. Randall. All three men give the Message in such a broad, fine way, that great satisfaction resulted. Miss Amy Wilkinson brought Mr. Vail in her car, and they took Mr. Shirazy back with them to Green Acre where he was much needed to teach the Persian class for the children, since Manoucher Khan was absent on the wonderful Western N. Y. trip. Mr. Shirazy I have heard, lent a helping hand in many directions and won the affections of those who learned to know him. Mrs. Randall and Miss "ilkinson drove the Persian friends and Mr. Randall here. On the first afternoon Mr. George Gray Barnard, Mrs. Barnard, Mrs. Smythe and Mme. Lyska came to greet the friends, and many interesting questions were asked and answered. There was only a small group at my house the next day, but an earnest Unitarian Clergyman was of the group, and he was evidently attracted for he came again to hear Jenabe Fazel speak at the "Town Hall". The meeting at the latter place was small -- perhaps a blessing in disguise -- for I was able to ask Jenabe Fazel to explain the Bahai idea of the Trinity. The Unitarian and Congregational churches of Dublin are making an effort to unify, and this word of Jenabe Fazel's, may be the means of rendering this effort successful. Our larger meeting took place on Wednesday afternoon at my house, The interest was intense, and the questions after the talk were unusually good for they were asked mainly by Mr. Basil King and Dr. McComb -- both liberal in thought. Dr. McComb was associated with Dr. Worcester of Boston in the "Hnanuel Movement" but now has a church in Baltimore. As Dr.McComb left the meeting I said to him, 'When a word is repeated, very often it loses its meaning, but when the thought back of that word is expressed in new words the attention is arrested.' He was delighted, repeating several times: 'I GET your

thought. I get your thought.'

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"Judging by the many words of regret said to me by those who could not or did not come, I can see that the meetings here have been spoken of with great

appreciation."

"If thou wishest for everlasting joy and happiness, engage thou in delivering and téaching the Cause of GOD night and day, £0r the commemoration of GOD attracts confirmation and assistance like unto a magnet. Abdul Baha.

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A Tablet received by Miss Jessie Revell of Philadel phia, gives US aN ua ivi added instruction regarding the blessed and holy teacher we have.in this country now as a great Gift and Bounty from Abdul Baha. We quote it as follows:

"Thy letter hast been received. Thanks be unto GOD that it indicated thy firmness and steadfastness. It indicated also that His Honor, Fazel, had arrived at Philadelphia. His Honor, Fazel, is, verily, an accomplished person, attracted to the Kingdom of ABHA and active in service. He has no desire but to spread the Fragrance of the Rose Garden of ABHA, and has no aspiration save service to the friends of GOD. He is light-hearted with sincerity of motive. The friends should surely feel pleased and delighted with his companionship and association."

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Mr. Vail writes: "We had the most beautiful, luminous season at Green Acre in recent years. 'His Holiness Fazel' simply flooded the Conferences with the pure light of the Master's Teachings; and the love, the humility, the peace which shine so resplendently in the crystal of his heart. Of a truth, to live the life is the power that makes a Bahai teacher able to reflect that Light of the Covenant which along can transform the hearts of men and of nations. I visited the friends. in Dublin and Worcester and Detroit where we had meetings, and found the friends all eager for the coming visit of Mirza Fazel."

What a privilege is ours; what a grand opportunity to crystallize into actual deeds the longings of our heart to serve effectively, and to arise as We have never done before to assist in preparing the way for so wonderful a server to the souls of men! It is conducive to the greatest happiness to be thinking day and night what we can do at this time to be of service. And it is certain and sure that we can all serve in some way.

"Soon the Unseen Strength of Heaven will become evident, and such zeal and earnestness will bécome manifest in that country that it will affect all parts of the world." Abdul Baha,

Since our last talk with Mr. Gregory, through the medium of the Bulletin, we have received a fine report from him, full of the story of constructive work in the field of endeavor. It is herewith presented in part:

"Since my last letter the Breezes of the Divine Spirit have blown this servant to Green Acre, where rest and healing were found in the harmony and unity of the friends. It was a joy and privilege to assist Mr. Vail with the children's work, and to present various phases of the Teachings to the elders. My subjects were "Some Elements of a Universal Religion"; "The Abandonment of Prejudices"; and "The Story of a Pilgrimage."

"Two meetings were held in Boston. The first was at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Oglesby, where a number of young believers, whose faces showed life and enthusiasm, were in attendance. Mrs. S. Jane Allen, one of these young believers, afterwards assembled a number of inquirers in her home to receive the Message and proofs. . . . . About eight days in New York were the means of great joy. The friends are ever busy and active in the work of seed-sowing. The Friday night

[Page 4]-4 meeting, conducted by Miss Juliet Thompson; the Geneological Hall Meeting conducted by Mrs. Reeder, at which Mr. Hooper Harris is the principal speaker (and beavtiful magic an added charm), and two meetings in Newark, all gave fine opportunities for seed-sowing. One of the most remarkable meetings ever seen is that of the "Rainbow

Circle" held in the Church of Rev. Bolden in Earlem. Mr. Fieldman, a Jew, presided, reading the Hidden Words most impressively and making an eloquent address on the "Oneness of Races and Religions." The other speakers were a Hindoo, a South American, Mrs. Ford, Mr. LeDoux and Rev. Mr. Bolden, the pastor of the church, who declared himself a Bahai, This implies that these illumined friends have taken the church by the sword of the spirit. The meeting is weekly, and this is probably the first Bahai church.

"The writer also accepted an invitation to address the Spiritualist

Church on 138th St., Rev. Mr. White, Pastor. They were so pleased with the Message that they wanted more, amd Mrs. Ford consented to go the next week. It looks as if this church may follow the other into the Bahai fold.

"One of the Newark meetinzs was attended by a Methodist minister, who extended an invitation to his church.

"Little Bobby Grasmere, 24 yaars, a child of one of the Bahais in Newark, recites the Creative Words. | "Two meetings were held in Atlantic City, one of which was in the home

of Dr. and Mrs. Terry. . .. The other meeting was held in a church. In each place a group of inguirers; both opening the way for more effective work in the future. One of the most illumined Bahais I ever met is Sarah Terry of Atlantic City, aged ten. She stays in the meetings, bright-eyed and full of interest, no matter how late they contimue. When asked how long it took her to learn to skate, she replied: "About fifteen minutes, but you would learn much faster." “hy? "Because you have full confidence in Abdul Baha and have no fear!" How sweet is the praise of the Center of the Covenant flowing from the pure heart of a child!" (The Secretary thought of her beloved little friends in Mr. Eeckett's children's -Class in Los Angeles, and many other radiant young sisters and brothers throughout the country who read the Bulletin, hence the sharing of the above story. We personally know little Garah Terry, too, and we wish all might see her radiant expression. )

"The Assembly of Teaching is in this day of the first importance and is promised to be assisted and protected through the Assistance of His Highness the one GOD." Abdul Baha.

Mr. Albert R. Windust of Chicago, spoke at Kenosha, Yisconsin during the - past month, before two well attended Bahai gatherings, one in the afternoon at their regular meeting-place, and one in the evening at a specially rented hall for the occasion. Mr. Windust in telling of his visit there said:

"There is a something the friends in Visconsin and Michigan manifest that proves the Cause of Paha'o'llah is established on the North American Continent -a something that shows the Cause has passed into a living-the-life condition. The feeling one experiences when visiting in the homes of the Bahais is akin to wonder. Even the children speak of Abdul Baha as if He had ever been a household Reality. Kenosha is indeed a favored spot. The Bahais are real workers in every splendid sense of the word. From such ranks will undoubtedly appear the builders of the Temple, for they are skilled workmen, and one of them, I understand, is soon to go to Haifa to serve Abdul Baha.

, VIt was more than a privilege to go to Kenosha: it was a bounty."

"Be ye assured with the greatest assurance that, verily, God will help

those who are firm in HIS COVENANT in every matter, through His confirmation and

[Page 5]-5 favor, the Lights of which will shine forth unto the East of the earth, as well as the West thereof, He will make them the signs of guidance among the creation, and as shining and glittering stars from all horizons." Abdul Baha.

Mr. and Mrs. Harlan F. Ober have kindly written for us an account of their recent visit to the Holy Land, and we quote from it as follows:

"We had a wonderful trip of five months, four weeks of which were spent in the Presence of the Master. This was thru the Pure Bounty of the Divine Psloved to these unworthy ones. Every day we partook of the Supper of the Lord and were submerged in the Sea of His Love, Mercy and Knowledge. To be near the Master is the greatest of gifts, but to be with Him in Haifa on the Mountain of GOD, and amidst the surroundings which recall the deprivations, sufferings and victories of the Holy Ones, is an incomparable bestowal.

"Every day is a day of wonder in the presence of Abdul Baha, and these days are especially noteworthy because important events are transpiring, and gréat steps for the progress of the Cause are being taken. The stability and strength of the administration of Palestine by Great Britain has brought an atmosphere that is favorable for the advancement of the cause of justice and truth. Abdul Baha spoke of this to us, and gave statistical facts showing also the beneficial results arising from the British Administration of Egypt. In mentioning these matters, Abdul Baha said: "I do not take sides with any one, but I mention certain matters for the sake of justice."

"Our original purpose was to go to Persia, but because of disturbances in Persia and conflicts between differing interests, it was not advisable to go there now. Instead He asked us to return to America and organize a party to include at least seven or eight persons (once He mentioned seventeen or eighteen people), and be in Haifa in February 1921. Abdul Baha said He would send a Tablet about it.

He also said that the Persian believers had been xpecting a large party of

American believers for seventeen to eighteen years. Abdul Baha spoke of the extraordinary results that will come from the visit of such a party to Persia, saying, the passing in and out of the house of such a party will attract attention and produce results. In Teheran, He said, the Cause is wonderful: you will be astonished When you see it. He spoke of the love, the unity and the activity of the believers in Persia, and the room was filled with light and happiness.

"On the seventh of May, Abdul Baha informed us He was going to send us to Germany to visit the believers there. He spoke of the German friends with the utmost love mentioning their noble qualities, and said: 'In Germany there is not one (among the believers) who is not firm.’

"He also desired us to visit the friends in Egypt, and said: ‘Go to Cairo and arrange passage from there, seeing the friends there and in Port Said and Alexandria,' We passed nineteen days in Egypt in these three Cities, associating With the friends, visiting their shops in the bazaars and joining in the meetings. We shall never forget the intimate friendships made possible thru the love for the Beloved. Time does not permit us to go into detail, but only to say that the spirit: uality, love, patience and wisdom of these devoted followers of Abdul Baha is an example and an inspiration."

(A part of Mr. Ober's report dealing with the visit in Germany, is to be sent out in a special Bulletin, together with a report from Mr. Remey. )

"Electing men and women teachers and their travelling and journeying in all parts, and their going and coming in Cities and villages is greatly conducive to the solidity of the Cause.” Abdul Baha.

ing of the slow but sure growth of the Cause there and of the coming into being of e

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radiant nucleus for the forming of an Assemoly. Roy Tilhelm's visit there brought life and happiness to the servers. “fr. Jail has greatly cheered them in their z endeavors and interested strangers. rs. Kelsey of New York spent ten days in tt.

Louis serving friends and strangers, much to the delight of the little group of beloved friends who are so diligently striving to

hold aloft the Banner of Truth in that City. : |

Mrs. Barbee is a business woman, but many speak of her earnest and eifective service in the Cause. Not only does she serve locally, but she also is untiring in her effective service with her pen in correspondence with the South Aserican friends.

Mrs. Parbee writes: "Abdul Saha said the day would come when there would be innumerable meetings held in this City and in the greatest splendor; and somehow I fesl St. Louis is gradually awakening."

"Blessed ye are, O ye who are firm and steadfast in the Covenant of GOD. Perserverance and effort are requisites and firmness is a necessity." Abdul Baha.

An interesting report comes from Marcella Anderson Morgan of the Bahai Assembly of San Diego. It is extremely refreshing and carries with it the sweet story we all so love to hear: namely the story of work accomplished, A new vision of the possibilities of the Bahai life and service has come to the San LViego friends. We have been asked to publish only a small portion of the reports coming in, thereby decreasing the length of the Bulletin, otherwise this report would be published in full, however, we will quote the salient points: "The entire situation and condition can be made no clearer than by quoting from a Tablet received recently from the Beloved Master, in which He says: 'O Thou the Lord of Hosts! The City of San Diego was like a lifeless body. Now a Breath of the Spirit of Life has wafted over these regions. Some souls have arisen from the grave of the world of nature which is the eternal death; they have been revived through the Holy Ghost and they have started in servitude to Thy Threshold. 'O Thou Affettionate Lord! Bestow upon these featherless and wingless birds the heavenly wings, and give unto them spiritual strength, so that they may soar in the limitless space and attain to the apex of the Kingdom of ABHA!! "Most truly we were a lifeless body; but praise be to GOD the Breath of the Spirit is reviving us and we have started in servitude and joy to the Threshold. "We have been most fortunate in having with us for sometime, about three years, Miss Mary L. Fenn, who has sowed the seed in many hearts and has devoted her entire life to the advancement of the Cause. "Within the last few months our radiant sister Louise R. Waite, has come to live among us, and is germinating the seed which has bsen planted; and we are really awakened and aroused and doing things to promote the Glorious Cause." The report further gives a fine account of the different mestings inaugurated. One point of great interest in comection with the holding of the Nineteen Day Feasts is that they are particularly emphasizing the meaning of each Feast. Mrs. "aite is rendering a great service in giving such comprehensive explanations. In addition to the Feasts there are regular weekly meetings at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Waite. At these meetings Mrs. Waite talks upon a subject which she has selected and prepared with great care and much research. Mrs. Morgan adds: "These lessons and also compilations on each Feast will soon be available for other Assemblies who may need them. These lessons are being gone over with care, and we think they will be of great use with the Feasts in the future. Mrs. Yaite has spent much time and thought on the subject matter of thesd@ lessons and the San Diego Assembly feels it is a duty as well as a pleasure to share them."

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The meetings in a down tow easily accessible location will also be.. resumed soon. |

In addition to these activities, the friends have also elected a Board, Mr. Waite Chairman, and are ready for service in a systematic and effective way. In closing, the report states:

"We are looking forward with great joy to the coming of Mirza Fazel, and expect a great downpouring of love and enlightenment upon our City. Pray that we may leave nothing undone which is needful to prepare this field for the ultimate

harvest." | (Communications may be addressed to Mrs. Marcella “organ, Pueblo and

Castle Avenues, San Diego, Calif. )

"Today the friends of GOD are the illumined candles of the world of humanity: unless the candle burns it will not bestow light." Abdul Baha.

Miss Elizabeth Stevens (formerly of New York ) writes from Hamilton, Bermuda, (where she went over a year ago for Bahai service) of the progress of the Cause there. She is radiantly obeying the Instructions received from the Center of the Covenant and is spreading the Message widely. The people in Bermuda are rather slow to accept anything that is new to them, and Miss Stevens tells us:

"Many receive the Teachings, read them and say they believe they are true. They prefer to have me go to their homes and sow the seeds of the Divine Teachings in that way. That is why Abdul Baha wrote me: 'Be certain that the doors will be wide opened.’ They seem to love music, and I am invited to spend an evening singing to them. I take my guitar and sing them the old songs they love to hear. Music has a wonderful effect, and seems to make people more receptive to hear the Message. Abdul Baha has said much about the influence of music. A minister of the Methodist church is reading the literature with great interest. Wext year he is going to Harvard to study, and I will give him an introduction to the friends there. Americans come here from all parts of our country, and I will be able to give them introductions to the Bahais in their home town. I hope I shall live to see a beautiful Mashrakol-Azcar built on these Islands; and also hope and long for a firm believer to come here and help me in the work."

(Miss Stevens is a sweet, severed and an extremely spiritual sister. We are sure she would welcome a letter now and then from some of the friends in this country. If we cannot go to her assistance in person, we can, through the medium of letters, assist; and possibly we may find some very effective way to serve even at this distance. Address, Miss Elizabeth Stevens, P.0.Box 75, Hamilton, Bermuda. )

"know that, verily, this day is the Day of Teaching, this day is the day of diffusing the fragrances of “GOD, being severed from aught else savs GOD, attracted to the’ WORD of GOD, and clinging to the Covenant of GOD. There is no work greater than this." Abdul Baha,

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Miss Ella Quant, one of the old and firm believers, who lives in Johnstown, New York, is a firm believer in the efficacy of newspaper advertising and articles. During her short vacation she felt the urge to serve along this line, and Abdul Baha confirmed her efforts, for she was evidently very successful. We quote from her letter:

"The'Twelve Basic Principles' sesins to be good to start with; so on my way to Vermont, I stopped at Troy, N. Y., where Miss Rhoda Nichols lives, and going to the 'Troy Record' left the 'Principles' with the advertising manager, I asked if I might interview the editor, and met a very pleasant gentleman who, on hearing that I was interested in the Pahai Movement, said that a friend of his of whom he was very fond, Mr. Horace Holley, was a Bahai. We had a nice little visit,

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and he said if a Speaker came to Troy, he would see that a reporter Was placed on the work and that his paper would give a good account of the meeting."

"The Granville, N. Y., paper (with a large County circulation), the Bennington, Vermont paper, and the Knickerbocker Press of Albany, (with the largest circulation in Central New York outside of the New York City papers), were also visited successfully, each one accepting what I offered, and the Knickerbocker Press promised a good article if a Speaker should visit Albany."

There was much work done aside from this in sowing the seeds in many individual hearts; so we believe Miss Cuant will consider this the most profitable vacation she has ever had, and probably the most restful, having received a Divine confirmation. .

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"It is the time of teaching. All of the friends must employ their tongues in teaching, because teaching is the cause of guiding the ones of earth, of illumination of the world, of leading the world of humanity, of the confirmations of the breath of the Holy Spirit. This is the Great Cause." Abpdul Baha.

A letter from Miss Clara H. Sharp of Denver to Miss Elizabeth Hopper, Secretary of the Library Committee, tells us that while she was in Montana on business she had many opportunities to give the Message, and she adds:

"I found great interest in Bozeman where the Agricultural College is located, and hope the teachers will be able to stop off there on their way to Spokane. I placed 'Some Answered Questions' and 'Divine Philosophy’ in the Public Library. In Billings, Montana, I did the same; and in Miles City, Montana, ‘Some Answered Questions' and 'Paris Talks'."

"The beginning of strength and bravery is to promote the Word of GOD." Baha'o'llah.

Another items of Library interest comes from Dr. Clement Woolson of St. Paul, Minn., as follows;

"We are trying to arrange the group meetings here as the Dest means of spreading the Message. Also in this State thru the 'State Department of rducationLibrary Division', we expect to circulate Bahai literature, as they have a system of travelling libraries, package libraries, home libraries, etc., where the people from all over the State can send to St. Paul and obtain from three to ten or fifteen books by paying postage both ways."

Perhaps other States have this system also.

Miss Louise Waite of San Diego is constantly adding to her long list of tsaching activities some good work with her pen.

Her article on "The Sahai Mashrakol-Azcar" was written for the Christian Commonwealth of London.

Recently an article on "The Message of Baha'o'llah" appeared in "The Harmonial Thinker", a magazine published at San Diego.

Also The Benediction has been translated into Esperanto and a letter accompanies it written by Mrs. I Mears of Edinburgh, Scotland, President of the Esperanto Society. Esperantists generally are greatly interested in this.

Miss Martha Root kindly shares with us some splendid items covering the progress of the Cause in South America. This gives us a fine idea of the publicity work in that country and shows how very enthusiastic our friends are, and how Divine confirmations are successively reaching them:

Ce Reviews and newspapers from South America received here during the last two days in August were as follows: The Spanish edition of the "Nation", published

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in Puenos Aires, Argentina, as the Edicion de La Nacion and called La Revista del Mundo has in its April issue an article on "Zl Bahaismo" written by Pedro Angelici; it is an excellent article and states that a group of Bahais has been gathered in Buenos Aires. Any letters or literature may be sent to Sr. Alfrede ¥. Escarde,

| Casilla de Correo, 1530,Buenos Aires, Argentina, S$. A.

The Theosophical Society of Argentina has translated into Spanish Thornton Chase's little book *For What Yent Ye Out to See?" Their attractive litil: booklet states at the top "Propaganda Bahai of the Lodge Gautama", Mendoza, 1920. Dr. Frederico Valles Vargas of Buenos Aires who with irs. Vargas and Madame Hersch is now in Los Angeles has done wonderful work in Argentina and this very booklet he probably helped to get translated and published. Bahais who wish to welcome him to our country can communicate with him, 2021 Vista del Mar, (Street) Los Angeles, Calif. They will later make a trip across the continent and fortunate indeed will be the Bahai assemblies who can meet these great souls.

"A Tribuna" in its issue of July 2, has a two page article "The Message of the New Day" by Guido Gnocchi and "Journal da Noite" another daily of Santos, Prazil has a two column article, (with a fine photograph of Abdul Baha) on the Twelve Basic Principles. "0 Théosophista" also has a splendid article.

A letter from Guido Snocchi written in Portuguese and received August 30, has some pearls like these: "I thank you immeasurably for the letters and literature sent by the brothers and sisters in North America."

"T am so occupied giving the Bahai Message I have very little time to study the English language. From the extreme east and west of this vast country of Brazil the Principles of Abdul Baha are being spread rapidly."

"I hope next year to make a journey to the South of Brazil to give lectures on the holy Teachings of Baha'o'llah."

"Senor Raymundo Seidl, Secretary of the National Society of Theosophy today gave a lecture on the Bahai Cause which Was much appreciated."

"Senor Giovanni Leoni, member of the Order of the Star of the Fast gave a lecture in the Phoenix Theater in Rio de Janeiro referring with much interest to the Movement Bahai."

"A cultured writer, Mario Lacerda de Moura is an enthusiast for The Cause Bahai, writing and traveling to proclaim the Message of Baha'o'llah in Barbacena."

“Our brother and friend, Raul Silva has published a book in which he | devotes the last pages to the twelve basic Bahai principles and the writings of Abdul Baha."

"We thank you deeply for sending us the letter from Abdul Baha. Luiz Noferi translated it and made a copy for each of the friends here."

"The Cause of Bahai is greeted with such enthusiasm here in Brazil, it is important that some brother or sister come from the United States to Brazil to bring together all the friends."

, We feel that the spread of the Cause in South America by these loving friends who have arisen with all power, constitutes one of the most interesting and sweetest of stories about real service.

Blessed are these dear friends for this great attainment.

One of the most important items of the month along the line of publicity work is the good news that the Portsmouth, N. H., Herald will publish a weekly article written by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab about the trip of Jenabe Fazel all through the country. This is a "triumph of spiritual publicity" as Ahmad calls it, and Will reach thousands of people. This will give the Bahai world direct information [Page 10]~10~ . a

about the travels and teachings of Jenabe Fazel and the growth of the Cause through

a well known newspaper and will promote the Principles in a marvellous manner. Abdul Baha wrote in a Tablet to one of the friends: "Thou hast longed

for the power of teaching the Religion of GOD. This desire is the ultimate hope

of the sincere ones. Unquestionably, a wise man strives to attain to the highest

and greatest object in the world of creation. Today the world-illuminating Sun is

the matter of the promotion of the Cause of God."

A New Assembly has come into existence at Hyattsville, Md., at the home of Mrs. Ophelia Hart, and through her sincere endeavors. The friends era Washington go out every Sunday afternoon to assist in the work there, Mrs. Watson, Mr. Young, Mr Ripley, Mrs. Hamnen and others, and there seems to be great

enthusiasn.

We have received a wonderfully interesting letter from Mr. and Mrs. Hyde Dunn, San Francisco believers, who have been serving in Sydney, Australia for several months. They express great gratitude for all letters, the Bulletins, and any and all literature sent or that may hereafter be sent. Their need is great for literature; it is a crying need. Will the friends cooperate by sending any literature they can to these blessed servers who have gone forth into the world to © hearld the Message so gloriously? And they have gone into a corner of the world which seems rather difficult ground to work in. Just one paragraph will give you an idea of their work:

"Here in Australia we have a great task to face and we feel less than an atom, to know how to tackle this great Continent and get the Message to every part of Australia; but we know it will be done through the Power of the Covenant. We have been here four months and remained all the time in Sydney as it is a very large City; its people are not progressive and do not want to move out of the old grooves of thinking -- they are not as investigating as Americans. Drinking is rampant and all that goes with it; prejudice is very strong in regard to race and not confined to the colored people; they are prejudiced against whites as well; religion is in old narrow grooves. So you see we could not have come to a country more in need of the Teachings; therefore we are very happy in the service of Abdul Baha."

Here is another paragraph from the same letter which shows how the faithful pure hearts of these loved ones in far off Australia are thrilled with the glorious news about Jenabe Fazel:

"Your information telling us of the glorious service of Mirza Fazel fills our hearts with hope and expectations for the future of America; surely some souls Will feel the heat of the Love of Abdul Baha and all He is doing for America. America is specially blessed with Bounty, and with responsibility for the whole world, This is indeed a wonderful blessing, -- to receive such a Persian teacher to the shores of U.S.A. The New Page is turned for us with MIGHTY OBJECTS; let our response be love and obedience to the Center of the Covenant."

"The friends of GOD who go to far regions to serve the Cause are always holy friends and receive the manifestations of the favors of GOD. There is a special Bounty from the Blessed Beauty surrounding them." Abdul Baha.

A very precious item of interest comes to us in a letter to Mrs.True from our good brother Mr. N. R. Vakil of Surat, India. It contains a loving thought, a real touch of sympathy and a heart appeal which cannot help but deeply affect all of us. Mr. Vakil writes: "I wish to forward 5 pounds for the Mashrakol-—Azcar Fund.

- I have a desire to offer this sum in-the name of Mr. Joseph H. Hannen of

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Washington, D. C., as he was regularly writing to me and we had become friends through correspondence, and as until now I used to send money through him, -~ as a token of my love from him, I wish to offer it in his name- We have received with ereat grief and heartfelt sorrow the news of the sudden departure of Mr. Hannen. He was a very great soul and possessed a pure, good and enlightened heart. May

God shower His blessings upon him. ... ."

He also adds: “The Holy Cause is spreading well in India, and through the Grace of GOD

soon good work will be done. We expect to hold our first Bahai Convention in India soon, and we hope that through the confirmations of GOD we shall be success~ ful in our efforts."

This good brother also makes mention of a typewritten letter being circulated in India for the information of the friends, which will gradually be

developed into a magazine.

Mrs. True writes that -- "Chicago is greatly blessed in having Mr. and Mrs. Bourgeois here for a few weeks making preliminary preparations so that early in the Spring we may begin to build the foundation of the Temple.

"Dr, Bagdadi expected to sail from Greece the first week in Sept. About

the first of October he may be coming home.”

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A letter from Mr. Randall gives us an idea of the work of the Temple Unity Board; and knowing the friends will greatly enjoy all news about the Temple plans, we share it herewith. Mr. Randall writes: |

"We had splendid Unity Board meetings in Chicago for three days. over the surveys of the land, selected the center of the Temple location; and this week borings are being made on the land to reach rock foundation, so that the land may be cleared, leveling and grading begun and the foundation of the Temple of GOD started. Likewise engineers are now at work completing drawings and plans for the exact location of the foundation of the Temple, and this work will progress as rapidly as possible; in fact the first step of actual work has begun and we praise God that a new motion has been set up and that the birth of the Temple is

taking place."

We went

The presence of the Unity Board in Chicago brought a great Spiritual stimulation to the believers in many ways. One of the friends sends this refreshing news item:

"A beautiful meeting was held in Chicago Cunday afternoon at which.the Unity Board was present and stimulating talks were given by Mr. Randall, Mr. Mountfort Mills, Mr. Roy Wilhelm, Mr. Alfred Lunt. There was a wonderful unifying effect and very general rejoicing, in fact most of the old believers were present. Mrs. True, Mr. Windust, Miss Buikema, Miss Lesch, Dr. and Mrs. Slater and others have reported that it was the largest and most satisfactory meeting held in

Chicago for a long time."

Sw we eee ae

"Teach the Cause. .. . Dedicate your lives to teaching the Cause. Gird up the loins of endeavor and put forward extraordinary energy. Again I say, teach the Cause! Do not tarry!" Abdul Baha.

Several letters -- a dozen or more -- from various friends widely sepa rated express the exact same thought namely: “If we do not concentrate on teaching, we will not accomplish; twenty years we have been learning this lesson, yet simple

obedience is all He asks."

Miss Ann Savage of Montreal gives us a thought bearing a real spiritual fragrance. She writes:

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"T have sent my contribution to Mr. Randall hoping to soon send more. It

is such a blessed privilege to contribute to this Fund for I feel that I cole so far short in obeying the Command to teach, therefore it is particularly desirable

to help those who have the capacity." "We must arise to accomplish that which is required by the Lord."

A large number of the friends fulfill their pledges promptly, but there are some others who are very busy and who may forget from time to time. It has been suggested, therefore, that the friends in each Center appoint a time to send pledges and contributions, then this will be a reminder. It will assist Mr. Randall, too, and make the accounting easier. As a matter of efficiency and co operation, we hope the friends will think kindly of the suggestion.

At a meeting of the Teaching Committee not long since, Mr. Randall made « statement which seemed a very strong appeal to our hearts, and we are sharing it With you as a statement of facts:

"During a trip of about twelve days through New York State, visiting the influential educational centers, such as Chautauqua, Lily Dale, Roycrofters and others, Mirza Fazel was enabled to give this Divine Message to more than 25,000 people, several timegspeaking to audiences of more than 5,000; and through the daily circulation of the local papers of these Centers, the knowledge of Aoddul Baha and the Message of the Glad Tidings has reached more than 250,000 readers, and there were calls for thousands of Bahai books.

"The cost of this trip was less than $400.00. Do you not think it paid? And could any money contributed by the friends be put out at a greater rate of Divine interest?"

Comment on the foregoing statement is unnecessary. Deeds make a stronger appeal than words. "The effect of deeds is in truth more powerful than that

of words."

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The Creative Words from the Center of the Covenant confer life and strength and joy. Those who are in the direct Rays of that Blessed Light, are energized daily. Let us close the Bulletin this time with the following Words from His Pen:

"The Cause of GOD will advance only through the effect of teaching; and the friends will achieve victory through the holy fregrances. I declare by the mystery of existence that were there a number of souls to arise, opening their tongues and delivering the Message with the utmost severance, sanctification, holiness and power of attraction, the powers of the world would not withstand them and the hosts of the earth would not prevent them from accomplishing their tasks.

"The Blessed Perfection knows that, day and night -- nay, rather every hour -—- I am looking toward the East and toward the West, toward the North and toward the South, to ses whether severed and attracted souls have arisen to teach

the Cause of GOD."

Respectfully and lovingly submitted,

THE TEACHING COMMITTEE By Issued at Washington, D. C., Miriam Haney, Secretary. September 1920. | |

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