National Teaching Committee Bulletins/1921/March 24/Text
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", . . . At the time of the Manifestation the Tongue of GOD utters the WORD, and through the WORD which comes forth from His Mouth. . . . all that thou hast asked, and that which thou hast not, will be disclosed and manifested.
"Beware that thou mayst be of the thankful!" Baha'o'llah.
"Consider how every soul who has arisen to serve the WORD of GOD will be confirmed with the Heavenly Cohorts. Therefore, be thou happy because thou art assisted with such service!" Abdul Baha.
BULLETIN No. 11 Issued by the Teaching Committee of Nineteen.
— ee meee ee
One of the Instructions in the Tablets to California and the Western States which carries with it a very great responsibility and an extraordinary significance, is the one wherein Abdul Baha institutes such striking comparisons between the Holy Land and this Western region on the material plane; and then leads one to the high spiritual aspects and shows how "The Lights of the Divine Traces are manifest in Palestine" and how from that region the Light was spread to Europe, America and other countries. He shows also how He is ever anticipating that California and the other Western States will earn "an ideal similarity", and that from this very marvellously beautiful part of our country the Light may spread all over America and Europe. The friends are called to an extraordinary station of sacrifice in their earnest endeavors to sing the Anthem of the Oneness of the world of humanity and in unfurling the Flag of Universal Peace. Abdul Baha prays that the Heavenly Bounties may descend upon California and the Western States like unto rain, and therefore we know that "spiritual geniuses" will be developed in that section, and we know, too, that already our dearly beloved friends are adorned "with the bright jewels of divine civilization,"
The reports from "Sunny California" where our revered Jenabe Fazel has been teaching the multitudes, bring refreshment and the joy of the Kingdom to our hearts. Ahmad has covered this enchanting corner of our country in his travels last year and thus helped to pave the way for the great seed-sowing of today. We all feel that we can bridge distances, these days; one never considers the vast mountain ranges, the mighty and majestic rivers and the broad prairies between the East and the West; we feel the joyous companionship of the spirit and California is not "afar off", The shining and luminous faces of the friends are before us, and
we are all meeting daily at the Feet of the Master, knocking at the Door of His
BP300.2 Mercy, and we are in perfect joyous oneness in the service of these pioneering
.U54 days of the Kingdon.
T262 The following "Diary Card" reports of Mirza Ahmad Sohrab give us a giimpse 1921 of the confirmed teaching service of the "Ideal Sage" Jenabe Fazel; but only a Mar24 "olimpse" for as Ahmad has said in aletter: "These days are really so significant
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that one cannot truly picture their importance and beauty":
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-o On train to Los Angeles, California, Feb. 14, 1921,
Qnce more Jenabe Fazel is on a long trip of two days and two nights before he reaches the "City of the Angeles" (which is the definition of Los Angeles). Last night he went to bed at 3 a.m., and he has to be up early, Mr. Latimer and George came to the hotel and took him to the station. During the last few days these two divine brothers and Mrs, Latimer, have done everything possible for us and their car always at the disposal of the party.~ Many of the friends had come to the Station to have another word with the teacher after this triumphant spiritual week. Miss Mabel King of Spokane. who is on her way to Boston, is the travelling companion, and thus after the expressions of deep gratitude on both sides, the train pulled out of the station at 8:40. All day the train passed through green valleys, and Snow capped mountains, canyons and pratries, Miss King asked about the “real Bahai" and Jenabe answered: "The Kingdom of Abha is like unto the universe which has many degrees. All the souls accepting Baha'o'llah and Abdul Baha are in the Kingdom of Abha but their stations are different from one another. When 10,000 people enter a roSe-garden, all of them are within the enclosures, but one may satisfy himself by standing at the door or ramble around the hedge or just take a few steps in and be attached to a rose bush and stay there; while a number of others may be brave and go forward, explore the garden and gain a complete knowledge of the flaura of the place, enjoying every beautiful scene. Probably there will be among all this crowd a blind man, who will not see the wonderful sights; or one affected with a cold, -- his nostrils stopped and thus unable to inhale the perfume; and a man having lost his hearing will not be able to appreciate the sweet music of ths birds; or another may have lost his taste, and hence be incapable of distinguishing the delicacy of the various kinds of fruits. That soul has fully realized and grasped the wonders and the marvels of the garden who has entered through the threshold, has walked through every avenue and has witnessed all that there is within. He who is in complete possession of all his five senses and also the sixth and can enjoy all the physical, intellectual and spiritual beauties of the Divine Rose-garden -he alone is the Real Bahai. He has indeed entered the Kingdom and has travelled through all its manifold grades." In this manner our teacher urges us to go forward, look into everything, become truly universal, understand every human and divine law and impose on ourselves, the law of sel f-training and self illumination. Blessed are those who attain.
SS Se SS See ee ee
On train to Los Angeles, California, Feb. 15, 1921.
The teacher of truth is travelling in the state of California and messages from the Bahais in San Francisco and Los Angeles welcome him telegraphically, "Allaho Abha! Hearty welcome to California. ‘Praying for the utmost illumination for State due to your visit. Love and greeting, San Francisco Bahai Assembly." During the day Miss King asked a question about teaching, and Jenabe Fazel answered as follows: "When a person is endowed with sincerity, devotion, severance and attachment to the Kingdom -- no matter in what manner he may deliver the Message, -that will be the ideal way for him or her. To deliver the Message is a spiritual principle which can never be brought under any organized form or general thumb rules. If a person desires to rely wholly on a scheduled manner of teaching, he will not be successful and his words will not be effective. But when his heart is filled with the love of God, his mind permeated with the wisdom of God, having no other desire but to serve God, and no hope for reward, fame, or gain, -- then in whatever manner he may speak he will find listening ears. But one great characteristic necessary for the teacher is wisdom and charity and a fault-covering eye. Wisdom means not to scatter seeds in unprepared soil and not to shock the listeners with dogmatic assertions and not to wound the hearts with verbal arrows. When saplings are planted, the gardener must flood the orchard not with hot or cold, but with the water of proper temperature so that the trees may grow luxuriantly, To the babe the mother must give milk and not beef steak. To the sick the nurse must give
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light diet. The teacher mst at first familiarize himself with the principles of the institutions which he is invited to address, -- so that he may be able to present the Cause of God in such a winsome manner that they may all be attracted. He must not speak in a manner that will arouse their antagonism or injure their feelings; because antagonism is like unto a veil; once it covers the eye it will be very hard to rend it asunder. A Bahai speaker mst be polite and courteous. If in any mecting he unwittingly makes a declaration arousing the antagonism of one or a group of souls, he should beg the pardon of those people, bringing the meeting to a close with fragrance and sweetness and in his heart pray for all, The Bahai teacher must be characterized with a certain love, joy and happiness so that he may attract the people and uplift them to his plane of optimism and gladsomeness. He must be like a gentle loving father; his patience and endurance passing all underStanding; and whenever any one says something which is not in accord with reason; or if any one mocks or ridicules, he must be calm, undisturbed and with such spiritual poise and ineffable equilibrium a to win the souls." 1266 S, Glendale Ave., Glendale, California. Feb, 16, 1921,
- Glendale is a suburban city from Los Angeles).
California, the land of sunshine and flowers, golden beauty and heavenly love, perpetual spring and laboring hopes, blossoms of ideals and violets of acts! When Jenabe Fazel arose this morning -- from the window of his fast flying train he Saw the vast orchards of blooming trees -- pink and white -- a symbol of chastity and purity. At 8:15 our train entered the station and there Mr. Cline with his happy Smiling face was standing to welcome him in Los Angeles, Immediately a taxi was taken and the little party went to 1266 Glendale Avenue, Glendale. Here Mrs. Cline, Mrs. Beckett and a few other friends were waiting to welcome Jenabe in their midst. Mrs. J. Storch extended her hospitality with loving simplicity. The spirit of love abides in her sweet home, surrounded with orange trees with their golden fruits, shining amidst green branches like radiant lamps. A sincere German Bahai had sent a chicken; another a cake; a third grape juice; and many of them flowers; -- all in this wonderful manner contributing to the entertainment of the teacher. With her own sweet hands, Mrs. Storch prepared a delicious breakfast and lunch and Jenabe felt he was in paradise. It was a day of love, reunion, peace and rare happiness.--At 5 p.m., Mrs. Cline took Jenabe to Mrs. Orall Platt's home in Los Angeles. Here he was gueét for dinner, and later in the evening the members of the Assembly came to meet our teacher and discuss affairs of the Cause.
Hotel St. James, San Diego, California, Feb. 17, 1921.
Only one day in Los Angeles, and Jenabe Fazel started this morning for san Diego at 38:10. Already the newspapers, such as the "Union" of February 13, 16, 17 and the "Tribune" of the 15th, had published articles about the arrival of the Persian philosopher. A lovely program is published and circulated containing the photo of Jenabe. Mrs, Shahnaz Waite arranged everything in the most beautiful manner. When the train reached the station Mr, and Mrs. Waite welcomed Jenabe and took him to the St. James hotel where rooms were reserved decorated with violets and carnations, fruits, cakes, and candies. It was lovely to come to the Southermost end of the United States and raise the Call of the Kingdom. During the last year Mrs. Waite has been doing excellent Bahai teaching, attracting many souls and having her room -- the Rose-Bower -- a center fpr all activities. Here Jenabe met Mr, Joe Gilligan, our brother who is out at last into the wide world after 20 years of confinement in San Quentin, a real Bahai, his heart set on fire with the love of the Covenant. In the afternoon a reception was held in Mrs, Waite's home, 4070 Ingalls Street, and all the friends were there to listen to the first talk of Jenabe on Abdul Baha, the Center of the Covenant. A question was asked about the Temple and the answer was: "There are 4 kinds of temples. The first original temple is the manifestation of God; the second is the one built in the Kingdom of the hearts;
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the third is the one the sincere friends are trying to build in the hearts of the people of the world and the fourth is the outward, visible Temple built with mortar and. stone. In this day the glory of the world of humanity is in service all alone these lines, each soul in accord with his capability. Te must help every one and inspire all with enthusiasm and fervor." Refreshments were served and all the friends were deeply moved because a graphic discription of the life of Abdul Paha on Mt. Carmel was given with utmost beauty and poetic art. In the evening another mesting was held in the sun parlor of the hotel on the 10th floor, and many of the dear friends and inquirers were present, including the gifted and brilliant Mrs.
F, H, Bedall, of the Rose and the Nightingale Musical Club. The talk was on Reincarnation and Spiritualism. A review of the past and the present of these two Schools was given and the Bahai explanation added, which made the talk comprehensive and well rounded. Only a mind syntnetic in character can bring within its wide Scope the various parts of the universal whole. San Diego has been wonderful in its reception to the messenger of peace and brotherhood and all the doors are opened for the four days of spiritual work.
Hotel St. James, San Diego, California. Feb. 18, 1921.
San Diego has a population of one hundred thousand, and the people as a whole are interested in the spiritual subjects. There are many societies, clubs, and organizations devoted to various schools of thovght, and each school has its own following. Amidst this welter of chaos and confusion the Bahais have unfurled the banner of reconciliation and harmony, hoping to bring a better understanding and unity between these conflicting sects. This morning at 10:30, Jenabe Fazel spoke in the Sun parlor of the hotel on the "Vision of Immortality", and all those who were present gained a wider grasp of the subject. Aman said for years he had been seeking for truth and here at last he found it; he realized that this is the truth and the joy of life. At noon Jenabe was the honored guest of the University Club, -- the members of which are all graduates of the highest institutions. There were lawyers, doctors, judges, naval and military officers, ministers, priests and Rabbis -- a most wonderful cosmopolitan gathering. The audience was very large. They had come to listen to an unusual lecture in an unusual Way. The subject was the "Reconstruction of Palestine", and right after the talk a Rabbi came forward and wished Jenabe to go to his Synagogue that night, but other engazements had been made. At 3 psm, in the Persimmon Hall, Balboa Park, Jenabe spoke before more than 509 men and women on the "Poetry of Persia" and the progress of women in that land. The lecture was under the auspices of several clubs such as Bungalow Club, League ef Pen Women, Press Club, the Writers and Poets Society. The members and friends of all these clubs had come to listen to the lecture of the Persian philosopher, Mrs, E. K. Bedall presided and gave a most gracious introduction. No word is able to deseribe the magnetic interest the vast audience showed in the talk. Later, music was rendered and the national anthem of Persia was played. At 8 p.m., "The New Idedlag of Universal Education" was given in the Lincoln School Auditorium under the Auspices of the Parent-Teacher Association. The Principles of Education laid down by Baha'o'llah attracted the attention of mothers and teachers. Beautiful
meeting,
Hotel St. James, San Diego, California. Feb. 19, 1921. The sunshine of this city at this time of the year is intoxicating.
People walk around without any overcoat. They ares lovers of nature and outdoor life, They drink in the elixir of the zephyr, they inhale the fragrance of the roses and they listen to the music of the birds. So many musicals, pastoral plays, organ recitals in the open give much food for the soul; yet the people are seeking; -- from one they enter into another Society, searching, searching for the peace of the Infinite. At 10:30 this morning Jenabe Fazel gave his second talk in the Sun Parlor of the Hotel on "The Power of the Holy Spirit." Many people were present
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and the lecture like the Sun that hath flooded the Hall, illumined the hearts of
the sincere listeners. The discourse uplifted, elevated and cheered them, for
that which the people need is the baptism of the Holy Spirit. In the afternoon another lecture was given at the Metaphysical Library on the subject: "Man is
the Collective Centre of all Phenomena". Mrs. Celia B. Slocum, introduced the Speaker. The Hall was filled with eager students of spiritual principles of life and they all enjoyed the wonderful exposition of Truth. The "Truth Bulletin" had a Splendid announcement of the talks. In the evening the talk was under the auspices of the San Diego Bahai Assembly in the Club House, 949 9th Street. Our dear sister Mrs. Waite presided and recited a beautiful poem, another friend sang with a fine voice the New Jerusalem and Mrs. Effice Rene Bedall read a poem on Brotherhood which will be set to music by her husband. Many souls listened to the message of love, peace and unity as promulgated by Baha'o'llah, and they all carried back
home the sweet memory of a night well spent. In the course of his talk Jenabe Said: "Ye must net lose our bearing. We must work and not sit idle. We mst
Sing and not remain silent. We must sing and not stand mute, The time iS our time. The opportunity is our opportunity. The road is paved, the flowers are abloom, the sky is clear. Let all of us walk in this broad highway. The Beloved iS waiting and nature is in a state of expectancy. Whosoever girds up the loin of endeavor and enters into the field, the Confirmation of the Merciful shall descend upon him.
ee ee ei ei
Hotel St. James, San Diego, California. February 20, 1921.
San Diego received a wonderful baptism of the Holy Spirit for the people were in a receptive mood and gréat preparations were made by Mrs. Waite and other friends. This morning Jenabe spoke in the Sun Parlor on the “Universal ConSciousness of Christ". The sun was pouring in from all the windows and the panorama of the city most enchanting. "The Consciousness of Christ" Jenabe said "is Peace, love, joy and unity. If the churches of today become the embodiment of these qualities, they are the heirs of the Kingdom, workers in the Vineyard of the Lord and servants of the world of humanity. There must be Sincerity at the depth of every Movement." In the afternoon Jenabe was taken by Mr. Waite to Point Loma to see the International headquarters of the Theosophical Society. The glass dome of this Temple is seen from a long way and the grounds are beautiful. For lunch he was the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Bedall -- and then at 3 p.m., he was motored to "Harmonial Institute for Re-education", giving a wonderful lecture on the "New Ideals of Education", as initiated by Baha'o'llah. After the talk a supper was served in the dining hall and many people partook of the same. Mr. Wilson and Mr. Ring, the founders of the Institute were the embodiment of kindness; and they expect to give a play portraying the Seven Ages of Women for the benefit of the Bahai Cause. The last talk was delivered at the Theosophical Society on the "Seven Valleys". Their hall was simply crowded and many people were standing. The audience was electrified by the great song of the journey of the soul onward and upward. Several reported the lecture and every one was uplifted. The funda~ mental and aims of the Harmonial Institute for re-education are all Bahai, and the two spiritual-minded founders are filled with the love of humanity. Following are their principles: lst. There are many effects but one Cause (God). 2d. There are many laws, but one Principle (Cause and Effect). 3d. There are many states of consciousness, but one Life (Progression). 4th. There are many Planes of Life, but one Word (Service). There are many races, but one Brotherhood (Humanity). There are many Ideas, but one Ideal (Justice). There are many Illusions, but one Reality (At-one-ment). There are many Kingdoms, but one Source (Divinity). There are many efforts, but one Purpose (Unfoldment). There are many forms, but one Religion (Truth). There are many Paths but one Door (Wisdom). There are many Manifestations, but one Spirit (Love). Thus these pure souls try to help our fellowmen and bring to them that sense of oneness and beauty. May God increase their
number in this world!
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"Engage in the promulgation of the Divine Teachings, for this is the Spirit of life and the means of salvation." Abdul Eaha.
Mr, J. E. Gilligan was asked to write a report of the visit of Jenabe Fazel and Ahmad to San Diezo for the Assembly, and we are happy to share it herewith:
"The Persian Pilgrims arrived in San Diego February 17th at noon. They were met at the train by Mr. and Mrs. Edgar F. Waite and driven to the apartments which were reserved for them at the St. James Hotel. After a few hours rest from the fatigues of the journey they were driven by Mr. Waite to his home where a reception in their honor was held at which the distinguished visitors met the menbers of the local Bahai Assembly. A brief talk was given by Prof. Fazel on the cities -- Acca and Haifa, Palestine, with some very interesting prediction by Abdul Baha concerning the future greatness of these two cities, both of which are so intimately identified with the Bahai Movement. After the address, Persian tea was served with refreshments and an hour was devoted to getting acquainted.
"At 8:00 o'clock the first public lecture was given in the Sun Parlor of the St. James. An enthusiastic crowd was present to listen to the words of the great teacher. After the lecture many questions were asked on the subject of reincarnation, which were cheerfully answered at considerable length by the patisnt Jsnade,
"On Friday morning another meeting was held in the Sun Parlor at 10:00 o'clock, the first of the "Morning Light Series" held each morning at 10:30. Each Was opened with masical selection, reading of commune, vocal solo and introduction of the beloved brother: At noon the brothers were guests at luncheon of the University Club, after which they addressed the assembled members, comprising the leading educators of San Diego, on the subject of the “Reconstruction of Palestine.
"At 1:00 p.m., our Persian brothers were driven by Mr, Waite to the Persimmon Room in Balboa Park. This is one of the largest and very beautiful auditoriums of San Diego, used originally for some of the most brilliant social functions during ths Exposition in 1915-16. On this occasion there was a joint meeting of th® Bungalow Club, the San Diego Auxiliary of American League of Penwomen, the San Diego Press Club, the Yriters Club and the Poets Society. All visitors to the city and the general public vers invited to be present. The subjects chosen by Jenabe Fazel on this occasion were "Poetry of Persia" and "Woman's place in the Reconstruction of Persia." This was the most representative crowd of the club people of San Diego the bruthers had the pleasure of meeting during their visit with us. The San Diego Tribune of February 25th described the meeting at some length and pronounced it a great success.
"At 8:00 p.m., on ths same day Prof. Fazel spoke on the "New Ideals of Education" in the Lincoln School Auditorium before the 9th District Congress of Parent=-Teachers and Mothers Association. All educational bodies of the city were cordially invited to attend and they Were present in large numbers. This completed the activities for Friday.
"Saturday an eager crowd had already gathered in the Sun Parlor of the . St. James Hotel by 10:30 a.m., at which time the brothers made their appearance. The subject of their discourse at this meeting was "The Power of the Holy. Spirit". Much interest was manifested and more than an hour was devoted to questions and general discussions. At 2:30 p.m., the cozy little lecture hall at the Metaphysical Library was crowded to the doors when Mrs. Slocum, who has charge of the library introduced the brothers. The subject chosen was “Man is the Center of all Phenomera."
"Another meeting was held at 8:00 p.m., at the San Disgo Club House under the auspices of the Bahai Assembly. The subject was the "White Dawn of a New Cycls."
"! Lift up your eyes above the present and look With the eyes of faith into the future. Rejoice and be glad that this day has dawned, and try to realize its power for it is indeed wonderful.' (Abdul Baha)
"
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"This was the regular meeting of the San Diego Bahai Assembly. The committee On arrangements had given special attention to the floral decorations and the hall had the delightful appearance of an enchanted grotto of lilies and other rare blooms indigenous to southern California. The hall was well filled when Mr. Waite conducted the brothers to the platform at 8:00 o'clock. Mrs. Louise R. Waite, chairman of the San Diego Assembly, opened the meeting by reading from the Tablets of Abdul Baha on the New Cycle. A tenor solo “The New Jerusalem' by L. R. Waite, was Sung dy Mr. Gordon Smith with Mr. Bedall at the piano. Mrs. Waite then recited a beautiful poem 'The East and the West.' and introduced Jenabe Fazel as a Persian teacher from out of the mystic East, the land of the Magi, the Dream Land,
"For out of the East they have always come The cradle that saw the birth
Of all the heart warm hopes of man And all the hopes of earth.
"And into the waiting Vest they come With the ‘dream child' of the East And they find the hopes they hoped of old A thousand times increased. '
And he has’ brought to the Western world, not a 'dream child' but a child of Reality. Jenabe Fazel, thru his able interpreter Mirza Sohrab, then expressed his great pleasure in being able to come to us from the far East and to bring to us the attar of hope from the Rose Bower of the Orient. The message of love and unity and peace, Said Profi. Fazel, is as old as man and yet is as young and fresh as the new born child. It is old because the Prophets and Messengers of the past have always unfolded the same story, each one taking a step in advance of his predecessor in pointing the progress of humanity toward its final goal of perfect knowledge*young because this is the dawn of a aew cycle in which this promise of peace is again re= newed. After the lecture by Prof. Fazel, another solo was rendered by Mr. Smith entitled "Help us to hear Thy Call" by Mr. and Mrs. Bedall and then Mirza Ahmad was called upon for a few words. Many were present in the audience who had heard Mirza Ahmad speak when he visited San Diego a year ago and all were mich pleased to renew the acquaintance. The Bahai Benediction was then sung by Mrs. Marcella Morgan, Mrs, Earl, Mr. Waite and Mr. Smith, after which, by special request, Prof. Fazel favored us with a Persian Chant.
"This was by far the most impressive and soul satisfying meeting held during the visit of the Persian Pilgrims,
"Sunday morning began with the fourth and last of the series of meetings in the Sun Parlor of the St.J ames Hotel where the brothers spoke on the "Universal Consciousness of Christ." At 11:00 o'clock Mr. Yaite called for the brothers and drove them out in his car to see the sights of the city. It was a perfect day and the Persian Pilgrims thoroughly enjoyed the beauties of the scenes thru Balboa Park and around the picturesque harbor of San Diego. After the drive they went to the home of Mr. and Mrs. PBedall for luncheon, Mr. ‘jaite calling for them again at 2:30, taking them to the 'Harmonial Institute of Re-education', where they spoke to a large audience on the "New Ideals of Universal Education’, After the lecture, refreshments were served by the hosts, Reverend John Villis Ring and Reverend Ernest C. Wilson. The crowd did not disperse till the approach of 8°00 o'clock neccessitated the departure of the brothers to meet their final engagement at the Annie Besant Lodge, of the Theosophical Society. Many who were present at the lecture in the afternoon were drawn to this the last appearance of the brothers in San Diego. The subject was "the Seven Valleys" -- a journey of the Soul. Tho every iecture of this divine teacher had been brilliant with the reflected rays from the Sun of Truth, this lecture on the "Seven Valleys' seemed the most eloquent and impressive of all. The more serious passages were illumined with humorous reminiscences from the pages of the earlier history of the Bahai Movement in Persia, and frequent
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quotations from the poets of that quaint and curious country, quotations which lost
nothing of their beauty thra the able and fluent translations of Mirza Sohrab. The
meeting was closed by a few well chosen and eloquent remarks of appreciation by Mrs.
Conolly who presides over the library and lecture hall of the Theosophical Society.
"Tho this report of the brothers and their visit to San Diego may seem of unusual length already, we cannot refrain from a brief summary of the noticeable effects produced by the presence, for a brief period, of these inspired teachers. Tho their stay Was necessarily short, the memory of their presence and the divine truths they emphasized will linger long in the hearts of the little band of faith ful followers here. It has brought home to all of us, as no other event could have done, the wonderful significance of the Bahai Revelation and the importance of this day and time in the history of human evolution toward the blessed realization of 'Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven.' The results of the visit will be a re-baptism of our souls in the waters from the ocean of Divine Truth; a repolishing of the mirrors that we might the better reflect the glorious rays Shining from the Sun of Perfection; a re-dedication of our lives to the Cause which is destined to sweep the people of the whole world under the tent of the one God, where they will stand united as one race, with one family, one country and one God." "Any soul who is engaged in the service of the Word of GOD, undoubtedly that soul will become assisted and confirmed. . .. We must unloose the tongue, spread the Fragrances of GOD, diffuse the WORDS of GOD. We must present to the public the proofs and evidences of this Cause with a tongue of fire. ..."
‘Abdul Baha.
Mr. Albert Vail of Chicago has contributed the following Temple news which will make for the happiness of the Kingdom in all sincere hearts, -- the hearts that have longed and prayed for the signs of confirmations:
The Building of the Temple Begins.
Tuesday evening, March 15th, the Village Board of Yilmette granted a permit for the building of the glorious Mashrakol-Azkar by Lake Michigan just north of Chicago. The digging for the foundations will probably begin on Naurooz Day. The nine great caissons will go down to solid rock 130 feet below the surface. When the friends come to the Convention at Rizwan time the foundations will be well under way. Thus with the coming of the earthly spring the celestial springtime will, through the rising of the wondrous Temple, begin to appear with a new splendor upon the American continent. "When the foundation of the Mashrakol-Azkar is laid in America and that divine edifice is completed", says Abdul Baha, “a most wonderful and thrilling motion will appear in the world of existence."
It is hoped the laying of the foundations will bring a flood of contributions that the building of the "divine edifice" may go forward without interruption. This is the Springtime of Bounty; may it be the springtime of sacrifice. The glorious Afnan gave all he had for the building of the Temple at Eshkabad and entered the eternal glory of the apostles of the Kingdom. People in the Orient "sold portions of their clothing on the street" in order to give to the building of the Temple in Chicago. There is alittle Bahai community in Persia where they are so poor they have only one rug in the village. ‘When a guest comes they send the rug to the home where he is visiting. Yet that village contributed to the Temple in Chicago. "Consequently the friends of God with the utmost magnanimity, sincerity of purpose and self-abnegation must help for the building of this supreme foundaSaOn, = « God does not ask from any soul except according to his ability.
O ye friends of God, rest assured that in place of this contribution, your commerce, your agriculture, and industries shall be blessed many times. Whoever comes with one good act God will give him tenfold. There is no doubt that the living Lord shall assist and confirm the generous soul". (Abdul Baha).
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- The beautiful model of the Temple is now on exhibition at the Art Instiia in Chicago. The first week it was there 34,000 people visited this magnificent gallery. They crowded around the glorious model spell-bound. One woman
Said: "It is like our dreams of fairy land, its tracery is so ethereal." Architects exclaim: "It is a marvel of engineering." A great sculptor said: "It is neither oriental nor western but something quite new." An artist fresh from Paris Stood before it perhaps an hour in growing wonder as tho a light were kindling within him. As he walked away, awed as by a heavenly vision, he said: “It is the most beautiful building I have seen in all the world." None of these people knew about the Bahai Cause. But as one woman said: "Just to enter that Temple will bring the peace that passeth understanding." She went out of the room with a new light in her eyes as tho she had looked into the unseen Kingdom, Some stand before it for hours studying every detail. Then they ask: "What does it stand for? Tell us about it". A Bahai saw it for the first time in the quiet peace of the evening. She said: "That Temple came from heaven. What marvelous lines! What celestial beauty: Just to stand before it is a spiritual experience. It is pure and holy like the worlds of God."
If the model so gloriously proclaims the Cause of Unity in this radiant century what will the Temple itself accomplish? It will attract the people by tens of thousands to the new Kingdom of God which has descended among the nations.
"Whenever _you are united, the confirmations of the Kingdom of ABHA will reach you, the Heavenly Favors will descendupon you, the Bounties of GOD will be given to you, the Sun of Reality will shine upon you, the Cloud of Mercy will pour its showers upon you, and the Breeze of Mercy will waft its fragrances upon you."
eo -------- Abdul Baha.
Another very interesting and timely news item contributed by Mr. Albert Vail furnishes information about the Convention in Chicago:
"April 23-27 is the time for the Annual Convention and Congress in Chicago. At the Rizwan Feast the evening of April 23rd speakers from the East and from the West will tell of the glorious ‘onward march of the Cause of GOD' in different parts of the world. Jenabe Fazel will speak every evening and Sunday afternoon at the great Temple meeting. AL1 sessions will be held in the Banquet Room of the Auditorium Hotel. Mrs, WV. F. Slater, Plaza Hotel, Clark St. & North Ave., Chicago, Ill., will be glad to reserve accommodations at the Auditorium Hotel and .make reservations for the glorious Feast of El Rizwan. Perhaps Sunday morning the friends will visit the Temple Grounds and see the foundations arising."
“When the foundation of the Mashrakol-Azkar is laid in America, and that divine edifice is completed, a most wonderful and thrilling motion will appear in the world of existence. The Mashrakol-Azkar will become the center around which all these universal Bahai activities will be clustered. From that point of light, the Spirit of teaching, spreading the Cause of GOD and promoting the Teachings of GOD will permeate to all parts of the world. I1 hope that ere long the foundation of this celestial Temple will be laid -- thus it may become conducive to the happiness of the heart of Abdul Baha." .
"Praise be to GOD that the world of the Gause is astir with motion. ... ". . . The great forces of the Kingdom of ABHA are invincible and victorious in
every part of the world." "Therefore, . . . . one must make his steps firm in the Covenant -- so
that the Confirmations of Baha'o'llah may encircle from all sides, the cohorts of
the Supreme Concourse may become the Supporters and the helpers, and the Exhorta - tions and Advices of Abdul Baha, like unto the pictures engraved on the Stone, may remain permanent and ineffaceable in the tablets of the hearts."
—— eS ee OS SS
The Mendota, Respectfully and lovingly submitted, Washington, D. C. THE TEACHING COMMITTEE OF NINEYEEN,
March 24, 1921. By Mariam Haney, Secretary.