National Teaching Committee Bulletins/1921/March 3/Text

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National Teaching Committee Bulletins March 3, 1921

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[Page 1] "The heaven of Divine Wisdom is illumined and shining with two orbs -- Consultation and Kindness." Bahá’u’lláh.

"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." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

BULLETIN C

Issued by the Teaching Committee of Nineteen

One of the interesting items of the past month about the Temple is a letter contributed by Mrs. 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 Era that has been given to us.

"Here we are showing the large photograph, six large drawings of the Temple and a scrap-book containing smaller photos and clippings from magazines. It really is very attractive. These clippings can be obtained from a number of magzines 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 great importance. All the Bahá’ís must 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. When 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." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Every day letters come to this 'office' testifying to the eagerness of the friends for the news about Jenabe Fazel's teaching tour. . . . It is so easy to understand this for our hearts are thrilled whenever any news of the spread of the [Page 2] Divine Teachings comes to us. We all want 'humanity to find rest', and the more we arise to obedience and teach, teach, teach the Cause', the nearer will humanity be to the attainment of real happiness, real rest, real peace and all good. Successive Bounties from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in His Divine Tablets, indicate why Jenabe Fazal 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. 10th 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 but 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 these lofty, snow-clad mountains once he has seen them. When at 8 p.m., Jenabe entered the station many of the Bahá’ís 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 "Bahá’í Home", a fine three story building up on a hill. For the last year this home has been the headquarter of the Bahá’ís 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 one question he said: "Just as the Sun is the Centre of the Solar System and all the planets revolve around it -- so Bahá’u’lláh 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 Bahá’u’lláh 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. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is the outward expression of that Inner Reality -- the Essence of essences. People generally speaking are in three classes: 1st, 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 Bahá’ís 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. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá is assisting all of you to render these services to the world of humanity.

Bahá’í 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 being 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 Bahá. 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 Bahá’í 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 [Page 3] health and strength. At 3 pim., the first of a long series of lectures was deliver- ed 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 minds through the laws of brotherhood, univer- sal 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 dis- covered that which was behind the veils. They knew a day would come at the consum mation of the ages when enmity 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 march, leaving behind the armies of darkness and prejudices and entering into the promised land of truth and unfolding potentialities. The listeners were divinely attracted and asked questions. The officers of the New Thought have been generous in tendering the use of their Auditorium to the Bahá’ís.

Bahá’í Home, 1503 N. 10th Ave., Seattle, Wash. Jan. 23, 1921

The Bahá’í 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 Bahá’ís men and women -- all centered in the Revelation, their faces turned to- ward the Supreme Concourse. The three meetings today in the New Thought Auditorium were wonderful in the glow of interest. In the morning the talk was on the "Ele- ments 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 taken. In the evening Jenabe Fazel spoke on "Palestine" -- the birth-place of all the prophets, the day break of the prophetic 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 Bahá’í books; also a book for the people to write their addresses in and free literature. Seldom 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 Bahá’í Assembly of Seattle. In the meetings after the lec- tures an avalanche of questions were hurled at Jenabe Fazel but he stood on the platform, firm, smiling, answering each with a sweetness, calmness and poise that is wonderful to behold. To one he said: "In the Kingdom of God there are no names, 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 equal. They desire us to know and realize them as equals. They were not like generals in whose, we may form opposing armies 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 there were and are not cor- respondence courses. Step by step we must learn our lessons and extract the clink- ers 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 civili- zation. 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. " [Page 4]

Bahá’í Home, 1503 N. 10th Ave., Seattle, Wash. Jan. 24, 1921

Today Jenabe Fazel had long interviews with the reporters of Post-Intelligencer, Record and 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 co-operate with the children of the Kingdom in diffusing the Fragrance of the rose-garden 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 Arcade Building. 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". Jenabe 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."

Bahá’í 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 must climb before he reaches the height of wisdom. First: realization of infinite power within the inner 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 by the manifestation before the eye of the soul so that in the unchartered sea of life, 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 the 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 were 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 [Page 5] 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 gentle, 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.

Bahá’í Home, 1503 N. 10th Ave., Seattle, Wash. 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 -- are the inherent attributes of Jenabe Fazel and those illumined, vision-revealed Bahá’ís 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 behind 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 Bahá’í Movement". The rest of the day was given to interviews 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 very 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 home. They have two beautiful little girls and their home life is like a paradise, peace, love and Bahá’í hospitality are manifest on every side. Several other friends were invited to partake food with the teacher and they all enjoyed this gathering of love feast.

Bahá’í Home, 1503 N. 10th Ave., Seattle, Wash. 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 strangers 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 East of revelation. People think that Confirmation descends by sitting and talking about it? Never! It comes only to those who 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 take before confirmation is granted by God. First: Unchangeable humility. Second: Self-unsciousness. Third: Willingness to do anything cheerfully. Fourth: To hold 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 immensities, in the conflux of eternities. In his mind is the ocean of light in [Page 6] his heart the dazzling stars of the everlasting song." At noon he gave a most philosophical talk before the crowded audience of the noonday club in Arcade Building on the subject of "Man is the Collective Center of all Phenomena." He demonstrated 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 self-centered and looks in the abysmal cavern of lust and greed he will become lower than the beasts of prey.

The manifestations of God have come 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 questions and settle their doubts. Dinner was served by the dear friends Mr. and Mrs. Jelsett, old firm Bahá’ís, 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 Bahá’í Movement both human and divine agencies are resorted to for the abbreviation of sufferings and disorders. It was a wonderful lecture.

The Bahá’í Home, 1503 N.10th Ave., Seattle, Wash. Jan. 28, 1921.

Seattle has indeed 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 Bahá’u’lláh. 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 Bahá’í 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.

Bahá’í Home, 1503 N. 10th Ave., Seattle, Wash. Jan. 29, 1921.

The spiritual sojourn of Jenabe Fazel in Seattle is coming to an end, [Page 7] 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 doors of the treasures of his mind and heart and shared with the poverty stricken people 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 busy 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 the 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 God. 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 become the freeman of God and the servant of humanity. He may not have a cent to his credit but he will be the wealthiest man in the Kingdom of Reality. In the afternoon many souls came with their personal questions and they were all solved sweetly. For dinner he was the guest of Mrs. Gloria Baker, a highly attuned and spiritual Bahá’í, 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 Bahá’í 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 Jenabe will leave for Vancouver. The people have grown to love him and admire his gentleness and humility. Miss Martin who has been presiding at all the meetings demonstrated a pure soul, a gold heart and a most refined disposition. These gatherings have been growing in spirituality and attraction. Without doubt great results forthcoming. The friends are all thinking and preparing themselves to water and take care of the seeds sown in these ready and prepared hearts.

Bahá’í Home, 1503 N. 10th Ave., Seattle, Wash. 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 Bahá’í. 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 three talks in the New 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 meeting Jenabe Fazel stood at the door as he used to do in previous evenings to shake hands with the people. It was really a sad departure. Jenabe had grown to love each and all. Altogether he delivered fourteen talks at the New Thought Auditorium and five at the Arcade Building, making altogether nineteen lectures, all of which were reported and recorded by Miss Ellen Rice, a sweet efficient Bahá’í stenographer, filled with the spirit of service. These lectures were individual and distinct, containing many [Page 8] 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 Bahá’ís 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 confirmations of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá are with you.

Report from the Seattle Assembly

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 friends:

"Jenabe Fazel and Ahmad were with us from Jan. 22nd to 30th 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 Bahá’u’lláh’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 meetings, and the questions and answers given by Jenabe Fazel were indeed interesting and instructive, and Jenabe Fazel was very, very gracious in answering them all. The Bahá’í friends worked as a unit to make everything a success."

"His honor Fazel, in reality, is perfect in all the grades in knowledge and virtue, in sincerity of intention, in beauty of character, in severance from aught else save GOD, and attraction with the Fragrances of GOD." — ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Letter from Miss Agnes Alexander

From Miss Agnes Alexander, the faithful sister who is serving in Japan, comes a letter containing much of interest about her work. It is shared herewith:

11 Ukyo machi, Yotsuya, Tokyo, Japan Feb. 9, 1921.

"Beloved friends,

"You will rejoice I know to hear good news from the "Far East". In October a little Japanese Bahá’í 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 magazine, 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 magazine which was born in a week, and just a week after, they both received Tablets from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. So in so many ways ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 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 9 in the star copied from the 'Star of the West', and below this are the words of Bahá’u’lláh 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 Words' 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, so 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 Bahá’í Teachings.

"Since the 19th, of January several newspaper articles have brought to us over fifty inquirers, many of these writing from country places where they have [Page 9] read the newspapers.

The picture of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá from the copy in 'The Light of the World' 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 means that the papers in the west and north were reached. So thousands in this land have already seen His picture and read His Name.

"In October the Bahá’í 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 been copied also by the newspaper in the northern island.

"Last summer, through the guidance of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the meeting with a Chinese newspaper man from Canton was brought about, resulting in the publication later of the picture of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 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 Bahá’í booklet, of which there is none at present.

"Another part of the 'Far East' 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 published in a Korean magazine called 'The Dawn' a most beautiful article which he has dedicated to this humble servant for her 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 Bahá’í Truth is fresh and vital enough for the Korean people, because 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 ceased to be a Bahá’í 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 ‘Abdu’l-Bahá 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 there 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 will invigorate the hearts of every Assembly."

Miss Fannie Knobloch has been travelling in South Africa, and her last letter is dated at Johannesburg, 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 my 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 Water 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. " ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Mr. Chas. M. Hanson of Duluth has been travelling some in the interests of the Cause. His idea is to stay for some time in each City visited where there are no believers. For instance, he has been in Brimson, Minn., for two months where [Page 10] Already he found the people very much awake, and he has aroused great interest. results are apparent from the seeds sown. One attracted soul is leaving soon for his home in Sweden to live there again and spread the Teachings. He wants to know if there are any Bahá’ís 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 are requested to address communications to Mr. Chas. M. Hanson, Box 3-a, R.F.D. #1, Duluth Minn.

"The circle of your exertion must become widened. The more it is broad-ened and extended, the greater will be your confirmation. One must 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 Peace and the proclamation of the Oneness of the world of humanity. THIS IS THE WORK!" ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

The Mendota, Washington, D. C. March 3, 1921.

Respectfully and lovingly submitted, THE TEACHING COMMITTEE OF NINETEEN By Mariam Haney, Secretary.