National Teaching Committee Bulletins/1921/March 3/Text
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"The heaven of Divine Wisdom is illumined and shining with two orbs -Consultation and Kindness." Baha'o'llah. |
"There is strength only in unity. Under one Tent there is union. and harmony. The Covenant of GOD in this Day of Manifestation is a Life-Boat, an Ark of Salvation." Abdul Baha.
BULLETIN C
Issued by the Teaching Committee of Nineteen
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One of the interesting items of the past month about the Temple is a letter contributed by irs. Clara H. Sharp of Denver. The letter follows:
"The Denver Art Ass'n is having an Ecclesiastical Art Exhibit, and we are exhibiting pictures of the Bourgeois model there. I took the photo of the model down to see if they would care to exhibit it, and found I had arrived at the logical time to present the matter. I found the Director very interested, as he had seen it in New York, and not only did he want to exhibit the photo but the model itself. This, however, was not possible, as arrangements had already been made for an exhibition of the model at the Art Institute in Chicago. I rather think it can be kept busy for some time to come demonstrating to the world the New ira that has been given to us.
"Here we are showing the large photograph, six large drawings of the Texple and a scrap~book containing smaller photos and clippings from magazines. It really is very attractive. These clippings can be odtained from a number of mage zines and each one shows a little different presentation of the subject. One can go to the Library and find in the index to periodical articles, all the magazines that have been featuring the Temple. I think they begin with the June numbers,and the Architectural Record for June 1920 is one of the best. Art Associations in any City might be glad to include this on one of their exhibits, also High Schools I should think would be glad to study it as they study the different styles of architecture. I have learned they frequently go to these Art Associations for subjects from time to time. If the Unity Board or Teaching Committee could get out Suitable material for this Exhibit, it would be good. I do not see why Mr. Remey, or any other person who had contributed Designs for the Temple might not be able to show their designs."
"Today the Mashrakol-Azkar in Chicago has creat importance. All the Bahais mst turn their faces in that direction. . . . All ears are waiting for news coming from Chicago about the Mashrakol-Azkar. The matter of the Mashrakol-Azkar does not depend upon personal endeavor -- it needs united endeavor. "hen in Ishkabad the believers desired to build the Mashrakol-Azkar, all the friends centered their attention upon that place. There was no personality anywhere. And thus they were able to build." Abdul Baha.
Avery day letters come to this 'office' testifying to the aagerness of the friends for the news about Jenabe Fazel's teaching tour. ... It iS 80 easy to understand this for our hearts are thrilled whenever any news of the spread of the
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Divine Teachings comes to us. We all want ‘humanity to find rest', and the more we arise tO obedience and 'tsach, teach, teach the Cause', the nearer wili humanity be to the attainment of real happiness, real rest, real peace and all good. ‘fuccessive Bounties from Abdul Baha in His Divine Tablets, indicate why Jenabe Fazsl is so succesSful. He has 'life, life, the life of the spirit'. Let us journey along the illumined path of this revered and great teacher and realize how, and when and where the blessings of the Kingdom are reaching so many souls. The "Diary Card" reports written by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab follow, and they ‘indicate with what joy and heartfelt feelings he himself is ever serving: 1503 N. 1lOth Ave., Seattle, Washington. Jan. 21, 1921. This morning Jenabe Fazel was up early, for the train for Seattle was going to leave at 7:45. Mrs. Sinks had made a lunch basket, Miss Raney, Miss King, Mr. and Mrs. Ladd and Mrs. Bludget were at the station to bid farewell to their beloved teacher. It is always sad to leave behind those whom we love odut this whole trip is for the sake of the Cause. Mrs. Charlotte Gillen was the companion all along the road. She pointed out the many marvellous sights on the Cascade Ranges. One .can never forget *hese lofty, snow-clad mountains once he has seen them. Whensvat 3 p.m, Jenabse entered the station many of the Bahais were there to welcome him in their midst. Mr. McConaughy, Mrs. G. Baker, Mr. and Mrs. Hougen and her two daughters, Mr. and Mrs. J. H. Jellsett, Mr. Richardson, and others, gathered around him and almost carried him in their loving arms. Autos were ready and he was brought here to the "Bahai Home", a fine three story building up ona hill. For the last year this home has been the headyuarter of the Eahais in Seattle. The large parlor was filled with the friends and Jenabe Fazel entered it with "Allaho Abha" on his loving lips. This was the culmination of their expectations for months. He spoke to them about some incidents of the American tour and how every where the hearts are attracted with the fire of the love of God. In answer to ome question he said: "Just as the Sun is the Centre of the Solar System and all the planets revolve around it -- so Baha'o’llah is the Centre of all the circles of existence. This Divine Centre irradiates light to all the Circles rotating around It. The Sun is the source of all life on this earth-plane -- so Faha'o'llah is the main-spring of all the spiritual life of the infinite worlds of God. We must turn our attention in this day to that Invisible Centre of Truth which has become visible through the Centre of the Covenant. Abdul Baha is the outward expression of that Inner Reality -- the Essence of essences. Psople generally speaxing are in three classes: lst, Those who get only a glimpse of the light. 2d, Those who look at the light without veils. 3d, Those who swim in the ocean of light and have their existence in It." The Bahais are those who are selected by God to Soar in this celestial atmosphere and to advance toward the goal of Spiritual Emancipation. All the curtains must be lifted up, all the obstacles removed, all the clouds dispersed, all doubts annihilated, and all eyes opened. Abddul Baha is assisting all of you to render these services to the world of humanity. Bahai Home, 1503 N. 10th Ave., Seattle, Wash. Jan, 22,1921. The friends in Seattle have made great preparations for the lectures of Jenabe. They have printed 12,000 handbills and they are Seing mailed to hundreds of people. The literature is amply provided and a special stenographer, Miss Rice, will report all the lectures. Mr. Hougen is an indefatigable worker, a faithful worker and a shining star in the heaven of Baha. This afternoon Jenabe Fazel was taken for a ride around the city and parks. He visited the Forestry Museum where one finds all kinds of woods and trees, several hundred years old. After that he called on Mr. Babcock in Lakeside Hospital. He is the grand old man of the Bahai Cause in Seattle, an illumined soul, well-versed in the knowledge of Truth. His heart is constantly turned toward the Beloved Centre of the Covenant. Jenabe spoke with him sweetly and tenderly -- to such an extent that he felt a new vibration of
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health and strength. At 3 pim., the first of a long series of lectures was delivered before a crowded assemblage in the New Thought Auditorium, 1811 Fifth Ave., on the "Fulfillment in this age of the Old and New Testament Prophecies." It was an illuminating talk, showing how the Prophets could see the future events, how their predictions fall into two categories: physical and spiritual} one relating to the material transformation of the earth through inventions and discoveries; the other the divine change of the hearts and winds through the laws of brotherhood, univerSal consciousness and the unveiling of the Divine Plan of Love, peace and poise. The Messengers of the Merciful pierced the dark vistas of human senses and discovered that which was behind the veils. Thsy knew a day would come at the consum mation of the ages when enizity and hatred would be done away with and amity and fellowship enthroned. In this day, therefore, humanity has taken up its tent and once more iS on the iwmarch, leaving behind the armies of darkness and prejudices and eutering into the promised land of truth and unfolding potentialities. The listeners were divinely attracted and asked yuestions. The officers of the Jew Theught have been generous in tendering the use of their Auditorium to the Bahais. Bahai Home, 1503 N. 1Oth Ave., Seattle, Yash. Jan. 23, 1921. The Bahai Cause in Seattle is an active, dynamic principle. Like unto a tree it has yielded excellent fruitage and the people eating thereof have found health, vigor and a new life. Like a number of eastern cities, Seattle has many Bahais -- men and women -- all centered in the Revelation, their faces turned toward the fupreme Concourse. The three meetings today in the New Thought Auditorium were wonderful in the glow af interest. In the morning the talk was on the "Elements of Universal Religion". About 500 listened and applauded repeatedly. In the afternoon the lecture was: "Why the present day religions have lost their powers". This was equally well attended and the points enumerated and the causes mentioned well taxen. In the evening Jsnabe Fazel spoke on "Paiestins" -- the birth-place of all the prophets, the day oreak of the prophstic Suns. The large auditorium was crowded to the door. It was indeed a day of spiritual victory. At the door a special table was placed covered with all kinds of Bahai books; also a book for the people to write their addresses in and frees literature. ‘Celdom had I witnessed such order, preparation and team work. To every one was assigned a duty and all performed their work cheerfully, with a winsome smile on their faces. There is not one idle member in the Bahai Assembly of Seattle. In the meetings after the lectures an avalanche of guestions were hurled at Jenabe Fazel but he stood on the platform, firm, smiling, answering each with a sweetness, calmmess and poise that is wonderful to behold. To one he said: "In the Kingdom of God there are no namues, no distinctions, no privileges. Before the throne of the Almighty all are one. These names of Moses, Christ and Mohamad, belong to this world of human limitation and ignorance. Pure and colorless the spirits of the prophets in the Supreme Concourse are eyual. They desire us to know ana realize them as equals. They were not like generals in whose,we may form opposing aries and under whose flags we may carry sword and fire into each others homes, They come to minister and not to be ministered unto. They come to reinforce our nature and not to turn us into a 'bunch of mollycoddles'. In their schools thers were and are not correspondence courses. Step by step we mst learn our lessons and extract the clinkers and slag out of human nature and get the pure gold and iron of self -- reliance, self discipline. Whether by allopathic dose of calamity or by the homeopathic pellets of disappointment, from chaos we must come up to form, order, beauty and fruition and from animolis up to savagery, barbarism and material and divine civiligation. In the school of life attendance is compulsory; there are no substitutes or shirkings. Our aim must not be only to learn our lessons well but to master them; so that we may become masters of the rebellious forces within."
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Bahai Home, 1503 N. 10th Ave., Seattle, Yash. Jan.24,1921. Today Jenabe Fazel had long interviews with the reporters of PostIntelligencer, Record amd Star. All of them welcomed the ideas advanced by the Persian Teacher and hoped for the day of their fulfillment. Unquestionably on this long and significant trip, the Press as a whole has been most willing to cooperate with the children of the Kingdom in diffusing the Fragrance of the rose-arden of Truth. This is in itself a wonderful sign of spiritual awakening. May this universal conscience play a great part in the affairs of men! Today Jenabe Fazel delivered two lectures and visited the members of Noonday Club at 5000 Arcaie Suilding. Dr, T. Elliot Astlend made a gracious introduction. He is a fine man and a servant of the world of humanity, very much alive to the message of the day. The lecture of Jenabe was well received. Nearly 200 were present and all went away reinforced and reinvigorated. Universal religion, universal language, univerSal parliament of man, universal cooperation are the ideals of this new age and God has united all His children to promote these principles, unfurl these flags, hold aloft these torches and scatter these seeds. In the evening the 5th talk was delivered at the New Thought Auditorium to a crowded audience of 500 listeners on the subject: "Ye shall know the Truth and the Truth shall make you free". Jsenabe said: "Truth is the spirit of the world and the light of conscience. Truth is the sword that cuts the wrong from the right. Truth is the ocean on which the jewels of wisdom are found, Truth is the Eternal Garden where the birds ever sing, the flowers always bloom, the breezes ever blow and the air is always cool. The man who has not tasted the sweetness of Truth is living in the bitterness of error. Truth is freedom, Truth is love, Truth is peace. Wherever Truth is found there is no slavery, no hatred and no war. With the knowledge of Truth we shall understand all our fellowmen. All phenomena are marching toward the goal of Truth, for Truth is progress, unfoldment, expansion, self-expression and self-evolution. Our aim in this life is to investigate fearlessly, to advance courageously, to walk steadfastly in the highway of Truth. We are all the children of Truth, the rays of the Sun of Truth, the waves of the sea of Truth, the stars of the heaven of Truth and leaves of the Tree of Truth." Bahai Home, 1503 N. 10th Ave., Seattle, Wash. Jan.25,1921. People are hungry for the bread of wisdom. Knowledge they have aplenty but wisdom they lack. Wisdom brings faith and assurance, while knowledge gives a Superficial human understanding. Jenabe Fazel in the course of conversation said: "There are many steps that a student of life mast climb before he reaches the height of wisdom. First: realization of infinite power within the immer world of heart. Second: The bringing of the will into full display. Third: The quality of steadfastness to appear in all one's thinking and doing. Fourth: To have the chart drawn oy the manifestation before the eye of the soul so that in the unchartered sea of lifes, he may be guided to the haven of safety. Fifth: The recognition of the need of the Teacher and spiritual preceptor. Then having attained the summit of the Mount of Wisdom he will find a ladder, the lower part is placed on this earth-plane and the other lost in the clouds -- showing tne steps of the progress of the soul which is infinite. Instead of rising toward the dazzling heights of Truth there are people who spend all their lives on the first or second or third steps, never looking upward -- so that they may behold the shining turrets of the paradise of cosmic consciousness." Today Jenabe gave his second talk on "Mind, Soul and Spirit" at noon at 5000 Arcade Building. The lecture was listened to with breathless attention. This is one of the most beautiful and at the same time the most subtle lecture of our teacher and his definition of these puzzling terms and apt similes are graphic and to the point. Mr. Houghon took him out for luncheon and in the afternoon there vere many souls at the New Thought Auditorium who had come to meet him privately. In the evening another lecture was delivered on the Evolution of the Idea of God, and the crowded auditorium gained such a clear
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knowledge as regard to this central problem of human life. The stories interwoven with the lofty theme evoked laughter and mirth and made it one of the most enjoyable and instructive lectures, according to the expressed opinions of many people in the audience. “At the end of these evening lectures questions are asked relative to the subject discussed and illuminating answers are given. Miss Martin who preSides at these meetings and has been a New Thought Teacher is the most gracious lady, the most modest and the most zentle, courtesy and kindness, refinement and culture are written in every word she utters and in every step she takes. To meet her is to meet one of the angels of the Lord. Bahai Home, 1503 N. 10th Ave., Seattle, Yash. Jan. 26,1921. Ever hoping, always serving, never failing; ever singing, always rejoicing, never grieving; ever teaching, always smiling, never scowling; ever shining, always dawning, never setting -- ars the inherent attributes of Jenabe Fazel and those illumined, vision-revsaled Bahais who are firm in the Centre of the Covenant and steadfast in the pursuit of Truth. They are never buffeted by the stormy waves of the sea of circumstances but ever rise above and beyond the tumult of time and Space. They live in the Eternal Presence of the Absolute Being. As Jenabe said "Although the whole world is thrown into a Welter of chaos and struggle, yet from cehinud the murky clouds a world -- illuminating sun of Universal Conscience is rising; behind the thundering booms of the cannons, voices of peace and disarmament are being heard audibly. People have taken axes and are busy in destruction but soon these instruments will be put down and the New Era with its constructive Ideals will be ushered in", Today he gave two lectures at noonday and in the evening in the New Thought Auditorium on the "Solution of Economic Probelm" and the "History and Principles of the Bahai Movement". The rest of the day was given to in terviews and meeting the friends individually. The meetings are gaining momentum and the people are being attracted more and more. For instance, the meeting tonight was véry enthusiastic, the great Auditorium was crowded with more than 600 people and the questions evoked much lively interest. A great, big, husky, fellow asked about Malthusian theory of over population of the earth and how can we overcome this human problem, when in half a century the earth will be swarmed with people and according to the "diminishing return" principle in agriculture we shall not have enough means of subsistence? Jenabe said: "In that case a Yankee genius will construct airplanes and set a flow of immigration to other planets. Land will be cheap there and there will be no taxes for a long time." This witty answer set the audience in a roar of laughter and good humor. For dinner Jenabe Fazel was the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Houghon in their hame. They have two beautiful little girls and their home life is like a paradise, peace, love and Bahai hospitality are manifest on every side. Ceveral other friends were invited to partake food with the teacher and they all enjoyed this ere of love feast. Bahai Home, 1503 N. 10th Ave., Seattle, Vash. Jan. 27, 1921. Wherever Jenabe Fazel enters the Fire of the Love of God is ignited the Breezes of divine enthusiasm blows, the Fragrances of Spiritual roses are diffused and the friends and strancers receive a new fresh out breathing of the Holy Spirit. This is because he is evanescent in the presence of the Beloved, he turns his face every morn and eve to that main-spring of inspiration and the Fast of revelation. People think that Confirmation descends by sitting and talking about it? Never! It comes only to those whe labor unceasingly and have no time to see whether It has come or not. As Jenabe Fazel said today: "There are four steps that man must teke before confirmation is granted by God. First: Unchangseable humility. Second: Self-unsciousness. Third: Willingness to do anything cheerfully. Fourth: To hoid the master key of the Word of God not only in his hand iut in his heart. When these four states are realized then that man has established himself in the Center of imensities, in the conflux of eternities. In his mind is the ocean of light in
his heart the dagzling stars of the everlasting song." At noon he gave a most philosophical talk before the crowded audience of the noonday club in Arcade Puilding on the subject of "Man is the Collective Center of all Phenomena." He denonstrated that just as man is the totality of all Good; in him is also centered the sum-total of blameworthy attributes, he is a being half angelic and half satanic. If he strives upward he will become greater than the angels; if he becomes selfcentered and looks in the abysmal cavern of lust and greed he will become lower than the beasts of prey. The manifestations of God have coms to deliver man from his ego and suffer him to walk in the highway of spiritual unfoldment. For the lunch he was the guest of Mr. Houghan in a lovely Restaurant and both the morning and afternoon were given to those who had come to ask yuestions and settle their doubts. Dinner was served by the dear friends Mr. and Mrs. Jelsett, old firm Bahais, whose car is at the disposal of the party at all times. Mr. Orange and Miss Martin of the New Thought Centre were the guests and both during and after the dinner high and ennobling talks were the themes. Tonight the lecture at the auditorium was on Material and Spiritual Healing -- after giving a graphic description of the development of the science of materia medica, he showed how in all religions spiritual healing was resorted to and how in the Bahai Movement -- both human and divine agencies are resorted to for the abbreviation of sufferings and disorders. It was a wonderful lecture. | The Bahai Home, 1503 N.10th Ave.,Seattle,¥ash. Jan. 28,1921. Seattle has indead received its full share of spiritual baptism. Thousands of people are daily attracted to the Cause and are seeking for more knowledge and attainment. Their eyes are opened, their ears unstopped and life to them will never be the same. They have beheld the glory of the kingdom and the beauty of self-realization. They listened to the marvellous statement of Truth and gathered the white pearls of the great price. Night after night, noon after noon they sat enraptured and hearkened to the melodies of the Teachings of the New Kingdom as revealed by Baha’o'llah. They rent asunder the dark veils of narrowness and negation and were thrilled with the vision of the broad expanse of the universe of reality and affirmation. All the believers both young and old are indeed in the paradise of bliss and joy for they talk with the sweet teacher and learn from him all the essential elements of innate knowledge. This day, both in the morning and afternoon the hours were occupied with busy interviews and answering questions, scattering doubts and granting confirmation. How hungry are the people can be understood from these little gatherings arranged for personal contact. At noon Jenabe Fazel spoke at Arcade Building on the True Meaning of Reincarnation. The hall was simple overcrowded and many Theosophists were in the audience. The development of the belief of reincarnation from the dawn of History was scholarly traced down to the present day, how it is divided into four schools, the proofs for and against Reincarnation were set forth clearly and succintly and then the Bahai interpretation and exposition dwelt upon. It was a splendid array of facts, enjoyed by all those who heard ' it. Many believers in Reincarnation came forward and were happy over this lucid explanation of the mystery. At noon Jenabe was the guest of Mr. and Mrs. Richardson. They took him to a lovely restaurant. Other friends were with him also, and they all were happy over the spiritual outpourings. At 8 p.m., he gave his 10th address in the New Thought Auditorium before an audience of nearly 600 people on the great subject "The Teachings of all Religions are One", a mastery array of historical and Spiritual facts to demonstrate this great Truth which has been hidden too long from the Eyes of men. Without a shadow of doubt many souls are being illumined with the light of knowledge. For supper, Mrs. Geary entertained the teacher with several other dear believers.
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Bahai Home, 1503 N. 10th Ave., Seattle, Wash. Jan. 29,1921.
The spiritual sojourn of Jenabe Fazel in Seattle is coming to an end,
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but he leaves behind thousands of enlightened hearts and illumined souls, all hoping that he will come back some day. Day after day he unlocked the decors of the treasures of his mind and heart and shared with the poverty stricken psople the jewels of his wisdom and knowledge. Today Mr. G. Latimer arrived from Portland and Jenabe Fazel was delighted to meet him and hear the lecture engagements the friends have made for him in that city. He will have from all indications a full ousy week and that is what he likes. He is on this significant tour not to rest but to work to herald the coming of the Kingdom, to enkindle the fire of the Love of God to bring the East and the West nearer to one another, To have love and more love, universality of mind and the beauty of holiness in home and abroad. At noon today he gave his fifth and last lecture on "Self-Mastery" in 5000 Arcade Building. The hall was overflowed and tne listeners felt the truth and optives of his "eminently sane and spiritual remarks." They realized that self-mastery comes from within with the assistance of Sed. One must turn his face toward the Highest, meditate on the positive forces of creation,oppose the promptings of the satanic self and concentrate his attention on the True and the Sublime. Then he will be come the freeman of God and the servant of mmanity. He may not have a cent to his credit but he will be the wealthiest man in the Xingdom of Reality. In the afternoon many souls came with their personal guestions and they were all scelved sveetly. For dinner he was the guest of Mrs. Gloria Baker, a highly attuned and spiritual Bahai, whose home “Casa Del Nur" 6304 Beach Drive, in front of the Sound and amidst entrancing scenes of nature bespeaks eloquently of her etherial and noble aspirations. We had a most beautiful hour of Bahai Communion. Later the friends came and after some sweet and intimate conversation we drove back to the city to speak at the New Thought Congregation on "The Proofs for Recognition of the Manifestations of God". It was the eleventh talk delivered in this place. Tomorrow three more will be given here and then Jznabe will leave for Vancouver. The people have grown to love him and admire his gentleness and humility. Mss Martin who has been presiding at all the meetings demonstrated a pure soul, a gold heart and a most refined disposition. These gathsrings have been growing in spiritvality and attraction. Without doubt great results forthcoming. he friends ars all thinking and preparing themselves to water and taks care of the seads sown in these ready and prepared hearts.
Bahai Home, 1503 N. 10th Ave., Seatils,Vash. Jan. 30,1921.
The last happy day in Seattle with these angels of the Lord, one more beautiful than the other -- all trying to serve the Cause with that earnestness which characterizes each true Bahai. The life of the Cause in Seattle is 19 years. Mrs. Finch, Mrs. Brittingham, Mr. Remey and many other teachers have been here and taught the principles of Truth. The Cause has been growing wonderfully. Today Jenabe Fazel gave his last thrse talks in the “ew Thought auditorium in the morning, afternoon and evening. The first lecture was on the "Universal Consciousness of Christ" which was highly appreciated. The second on the "True meaning of the Trinity" one of the deeper mysteries of Christian theology; but the explanation was so plain that every one understood most clearly. The third talk was on the "Correspondence of Science and Religion". The three were representative audiences; the last crowded to the door. Miss Martin made a most beautiful speech thanking Jenabe for his talks and illuminating wisdom. Mr. Seijiso, the celebrated Japanese tenor, accompanied on the piano by Prof. Milton Seymour, sang several beautiful songs, full of joy and happiness. At the end of the msetiug Jenabe Fazel stood at the door as he used to do in previous evenings to shake hands with tha people. It was really a sad departure. Jenabe had grown to love gach and all. Altogether he delivered fourteen talks at the New Thought Auditorium and five at the Arcade Bullding, making altogether nineteen lectures, ail of which were reported and recorded by Miss Ellen Rice, a sweet efficient Bahai stenographer, filled with the spirit of service. These lecturss were individual and distinct, containing many
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gems of thoughts and ideals. At 10:30 p.m., Jenabe and Mr. George Latimer were
taken to the station, leaving on the night train for Vancouver. Nearly 30 of the’
Sahais came to bid them farewell. Many eyes were wet with tears. It was a great
Sight to see Jenabe Fazel surrounded by a magic circle of dear believers, shaking
hands with this sister, embracing that brother while the heavenly words of Allaho
Abha were on every lip. One can never forget that spiritual circle, so loving, so
Strong, like the links of a chain; each link, bright, radiant, hoping for the best,
inspired by the example of the beloved teacher to arise with new power to perform
the most glorious services in the Kingdom of Abha! Fare Ye well dear friends we
Shall never forget you; long as ye live in the realm of light and love. The corfirmations of Abdul Baha are with you.
Mrs. Dora Dunbar, Secretary of the Seattle Assembly has written a very glowing account of the great teacher's stay in that City. Just a few excerpts from it will give an idea of the enthusiasm of the friendsi
"Jenabe Fazsi and Ahwad were with us from Jan. 22nd to 3¢th inclusive.
I assure you we are filled with light, love and truth, for they not only bring words of love, light and truth, but live them in teaching us and giving us a greater understanding of Baha'o'llah's Teachings. The light in the dear teacher's face is wonderful, and Ahmad -- bless him -- is also a wonderful inspiration. The audiences were usually large, the hall was filled at all meetinces, and the yuestions and answers given by Jenabe Fazel were indesd interesting and instructive, and Jenabe Fazel was very, very gracious in answering them all... . The Bahai
friends worked as a unit to make everything a success. ..."
"His honor Fazel, in reality, is perfect in all the zrades -- in knowledge and virtué, in sincerity of intention, in beauty of character, in severance from aught else save GOD, and attraction with the Fragrances of GOD." Abdul Baha.
From Miss Agnes Alexander, the faithful sister who is serving in Japan, comss a letter containing much of interest about her work. It is shared herewith:
"ll Ukyo machi, Yotsuya, Tokyo, Japan Feb. 3, 1921. "Beloved friends,
"You will rejoice I know to hear good news from the "Far fast". In October a little Japanese Bahai monthly magazine was suddenly born, and yesterday from the home of our Beloved came a message in regard to it. In a letter to Yuri Mochizuki, our dear young sister and editor of the magazins, Mr. Fugeta writes as follows:— 'The copies of the 'Star of the East' were received and presented to the Master. He was very pleased with your work.' In the same mail also came a Tablet to our blind brother, Mr. Ono. These two were the promoters of this wagazine which was born in a week, and just a Week after, they both received Tablets from Abdul Baha. So in so many Ways Abdul Baha seems to have confirmed this work. Now the Cause is spreading widely throughout Japan by means of the newspapers and this little Messenger, the name of which is ‘Higashi no Heshi’, or 'Star of the East’. On the cover is the number 2 in the star copied from the 'ftar of the “est', and below this are the words of Baha’o'llah in both Esperanto and Japanese, 'Ye are all the fruits of one tree and the leaves of one branch'. Then on the first page one of the 'Hidden Yords' from the Persian in Esperanto (Dr. Esslemont's translation) and one in Japanese is printed. The week after the first number was published, six Tablets came to Japan, and since then they have continued to come, 60 each new Tablet is translated into Japanese and sent out by this means. Already a number have been attracted to the Cause through seeing this little Messenger, who had never before heard of the Bahai Tsachings.
"Since the 19th, of January Several newspaper articles havs brought to us over fifty inquirers, many of thsse writing from country places whers they have
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read the newspapers. The picture of Abdul Baha from the copy in 'The Light of the Vorld' has been reprinted five times already in Japan. Three of these are Tokyo newspapers while one is a paper in the far west and another in the northern island. One wonderful thing is the part Esperanto has in this work, for it was through this weans that the papers in the west and north were reached. So thousands in this laid haéve already seen His picturs and read His Nama.
"In October the Bahai Temple picture was first reproduced in a Tokyo paper -- the one which is considered the best and which has the largest circulation of any Tokyo paper. - It has since teen copied also by ths newspaver in the northern island.
"Last summer, through the guidance of Abdul Baha, the meeting with a Chinese newspaper man from Canton was brought about, resulting in the publication later of the picture of Abdul Baha in the 'Canton Times', a Chinese paper, followed by translations of the Teachings in 25 editions of this paper. Chinese friends have said that these translations are very good and would make a Chinese Bahai booklet, | of which there is none at present.
"Another part of the 'Far EZast' which is becoming illumined is Korea. Through the instrument of Esperanto, three Koreans have imbibed these Teachings, as far as is possible through correspondence. One of them, a literary writer, has puolished in a “orean magazine called 'The Dawn' a most beautiful article which he nas dedicated to this humble servant for hsr success. These people of Korea are hungering for spiritual food. A Japanese friend returning from there last year wrote me these words: 'I hope you will go to Korea as soon as possible. I believe your faith in the Bahai Truth is fresh and vital enough for the Korean people, deCause they are now thirsty for true religion.!
"In all the number '"9' blue booklets the address of Mr. Torii's former home is given, but this has csased to be a Bahai center in Tokyo for more than a year. The only center now is the above address. Mr. Torii now lives in the far west where he teaches in a blind school."
In a Tablet from Abdul Baha to a Japanese brother, Mr. Torii, we find this blessed Promise: "The inhabitants of that region are bright and noble-minded. . .. If you who are thers be self-sacrificing and become enkindled with the Love of GOD and like unto stars shine from the Horizon of Truth, that country will before long be turned into a paradise of comfort. Japan will become illumined, and like unto a meadow and a rose-garden wili invigorate the hearts of every Assembly."
Miss Fannie Knobloch has been travelling inp South Africa, and her last letter is dated at Johannesourg, which she terms the “New York of South Africa". Our good sister has been entertained at Teas in many delightful homes, and each time so many are favorably impressed with the Glorious Message she brings to their attention, that successive invitations come to her to similarly serve in other homes, and, she adds: "I have had inquirers all week from the Tea given last Monday. Leading business men, and women of standing in the community are offering me opportunities all of a sudden, -- yet I wish some one better fitted for this great work could be here in sy place. A few of the opportunities, for instance, have been giving the Message to The League of Nations Committee; another time at the 'Home of Artists in Oil and Vater Colors'; still another at the Library Lecture Room. "
"Try with all your hearts to be willing channels for God's Bounty.
"Turn your faces away from the contemplation of your own finite selves, and fix your eyes upon the everlasting Radiance. . .. No capacity is limited when led by the Spirit of GOD." Abdul Baha.
Mr. Chas. M. Hanson of Duluth has been travelling some in the interests o; the Cause. HYis idea is to stay for some time in sach City visited where there are no believers. For instance, he has deen in Brimson, Minn., for two months whers
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he found the people very much awake, and he has aroused great interest. Already
results are apparent froma the sseds sown. One attracted soul is leaving soon for
nis home in Sweden to live thers again and spread the Teachinzs. He wants to
ki.cw if there are any Bahais in this country who can write Swedish (or Scandivavian),
and if they®will write to him giving any explanations or information. Mr. Hanson
will see that all information reaches this brother, so you ars requested to addrsss
communications to
Mr.. Shas. M. Hanson, Box 3-a, R.F.D.#1, Duluth Minn.
"The circle of your exertion must become widened. The more it is broadened and extended, the greater will be your confirmation. One mst long for eternal life, the sublimity of the world of humanity, the celestial developments, the Holy Spirit, the promotion of the WORD of GOD, the guidance of the inhabitants of the globe, the promulgation of Universal Psace and the proclamation of the Oneness of the world of humanity. THIS IS THE WORK!" Abdul Baha.
— ee ee eee ee
Respectfully and lovingly submitted, THE TEACHING COLQMITTEE OF NINETEEN
By Mariam Haney, Secretary.
The Mendota, Washington, D. C. March 3, 1921.
