National Teaching Committee Bulletins/1922/May 9/Text

←Previous

National Teaching Committee Bulletins May 9, 1922

Next→

Return to PDF view Proofread once

[Page 1] "Furthermore, today the establishment of the Mashrek Ul Azkar is of paramount importance;.. it is an expression of the elevation of the Word of God."

O friends! Do not forsake Wisdom. Hearken to the Exhortations of the Supreme Pen with the ear of Intelligence.....

The True One -- Exalted in His Glory! -- hath opened the doors of the minds and souls through the Key of the Supreme Pen. Every one of the Revealed VERSES is a Manifest Door to the appearance of spiritual virtues and holy deeds. Bahá’u’lláh.

To-day the most beloved and acceptable deed before His Highness, Bahá’u’lláh, is the union of the friends and the concord of men, and the most unacceptable is difference and inharmony. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

At this grave and momentous period through which the Cause of GOD, in conformity with the Divine Wisdom is passing, it is the sacred duty of every one of us to endeavor to realize the full significance of this Hour of Transition, ani then to make a supreme resolve to arise steadfastly for the fulfillment of our sacred obligations. Shoghi Effendi.

Special Convention Bulletin

issued by the National Teaching Committee

The delegates to the Bahá’í Convention of 1922 were particularly a favored group: being an instructed delegation, it was not their province to devise a plan of action. They were fully informed of the divine plan of organization, and each one felt a keen appreciation of the release from individual responsibility, and understood that all effort has to be whole-heartedly directed toward a very deep spiritual grasp of the needs of the hour.

It was clearly understood by all, even before their arrival in Chicago, that not a single subject could possibly be a subject for discussion.

During the month of April, the friends throughout the country received a copy of a letter written by the beloved Guardian of the Cause, Shoghi Effendi, and addressed to "My beloved brethren and sisters in America." This letter contained such clear instructions, such a wealth of heavenly suggestions based on divine wisdom, such an appeal for concerted action, such a divinely phrased invitation to [Page 2] rise above every viewpoint -- and to scale the heights even -- to arrive at UNITY, --that no true believer could fail to realize that the "path had been paved"; the program had been arranged; and thus the "loved ones" with sincerity of heart and purity of purpose, gathered together with a degree of reverence and devotion never before attained. It was possible under such conditions to attract the divine confirmations. There were no complainers; on the other hand satisfaction and contentment were most apparent. The delegates manifested happiness and a heavenly thankful attitude. In cheerful, willing, heartfelt obedience to the most powerful, sacred and sublime Command in the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, -- all arose as one soul to fulfill the requirements which our beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, in his wisdom, felt were necessary at this time. Through the Mercy of GOD, the Instructions had come to us like heavenly divine bestowals. We were possessed of absolute knowledge as to a method of proceedure. Through the creative effect of this Knowledge in our hearts, we were enabled to firmly resolve to crystallize words into deeds. And ACTION, the third step, came about with such spiritual sweetness and fragrance as to amaze even the blessed souls themselves who had a part in this great demonstration.

"Capacity attracts" -- and we believe that the blessed Center of the Covenant who promised that He would never be separated from His humble followers, was mercifully increasing the spiritual capacity of each soul. His golden thread of promise in hundreds of Tablets to the American believers was not left meaningless, but the support and benediction was complete.

When the Convention had passed into history; the old order of things had likewise become chapters of the past. Now, before us, are spread clean white pages "upon which we may write that which we will."

The sublime spiritual atmosphere at all of the gatherings was an evident proof that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was o'ershadowing all; that the spiritual connection was a reality; that one end of the spiritual wire was in the Supreme Concourse and the other in the hearts of the assembled friends, therefore "all opinions coincided", and it was possible for the Convention to function with spiritual brilliancy and purity. Verily, this was naught but Pure Bounty.

The spiritual inspirations and aspirations were manifest in all the work accomplished, and our near and dear ones in the great spiritual Family of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá will be able to gather from the brief reports herewith recorded that the "sweetest thing in this world is to obey strictly the Commands of GOD" and that victory and reward come as the "fruit of obedience."

".......God has conferred upon man the gift of guidance, and in thankfulness for this great gift, certain deeds must emanate from man..... Whatsoever he wishes to do must correspond with the good pleasure of GOD. He must observe and see what is God's good pleasure, and act accordingly."

‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Mr. Wm. H. Randall's observations and comments in the following excerpts from his letter bring the results of the Convention home tb every believer:

"Since the ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá it is apparent that a new contact in the inner world has been made with God and it has brought a new sense of our oneness to Him in that plane of being. I think this is what every heart sensed at the Convention and it was not the Convention that united us but we were in reality united at the beginning of the Convention, and that is why we have just had the most wonderful Convention, from the spiritual standpoint, that I have ever witnessed or known. The soil of the hearts had been prepared by the power of the Covenant and therefore a sincere understanding followed. Generally we have talked much about unity in past Conventions but unity was only present in groups. This year we said nothing about unity because the light of unity had passed "from the eye to the heart" and we were at oneness and in happiness.

"The work of the Convention was despatched with such promptness that whereas it generally takes late into the third day before Unity Board is elected, [Page 3] this year we were ready to unite on this subject of the National Spiritual Assembly in a day and a half. I am deeply impressed that the day of the spiritual organization of the Kingdom is becoming visible upon earth and that this Convention marks the beginning of the inception of that organization.

"The affairs of the Cause have now become centered in the National Spiritual Assembly, as designated by the guardian of the Cause, Shoghi Effendi, and through that center and through Power and Guidance it will get in unity, the great activities will shine forth more brilliantly than ever before and become associated as a oneness of purpose. The Building Committee of the Temple, the Teaching Committee, the Publishing Committee, the Star and staff of editors for publications will all be distinct, but will be under one roof as many rooms in the mansion of Bahá’í service, and each will help the other because all are the work and voice of one Cause.

"Every delegate that came has returned with happiness and a new sense of the growing power of the spiritual life of the Bahá’í Cause. Shoghi Effendi told some of the recent pilgrims at Haifa that in order for the Cause to spread it must first deepen, and this is just what the Convention realized and just what has taken place and within this great springtime a new springtime has appeared to us and the signs of activities will soon appear as leaves and flowers.

"It is wonderful to have had a Convention in which every heart has been satisfied, in which every question has been answered and in which the program of unity has been fully achieved, and now let us go forward with the work of the Kingdom and with unflagging enthusiasm accomplish that which the yearning heart of our Lord desires. There are no barriers, but the barriers of true protection to the Cause as outlined by the guardian. Association has become like the warm streams that continually flow and meet in the great Ocean of Life."

"Strive to become a source of harmony, spirituality and joyfulness to the hearts of the friends and the maid-servants of the Merciful. This is a cause of great satisfaction to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá." From a Tablet of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Impressions of the Convention

"Impressions of the Convention" by Mr. Louis G. Gregory, follow; and if these impressions reach the hearts as well as the heads, we will be stirred to at once widen the circle of unity:

"The Convention of 1912 is in some respects brought vividly to mind by that of a decade later, recently held. On the former occasion the greatest of all bounties was the personal Presence, in Chicago, for a part of the time, of His Holiness, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Center of the Covenant of GOD. Friends and strangers gathered from afar and near to meet this world-renowned Personage. Visitors crowded His apartment, and throngs everywhere drank in His Divine Wisdom. The joy which His Holy Presence ever inspired made a vibrant thrill of love and peace which moved every breast. All sought His good pleasure.

"But now for the first time and after the lapse of months since "the greatest separation" a Convention was to be held after the Ascension of "the Light of the Love of GOD, the Flame of Divine Guidance and the Banner of the Most Great Peace", His Holiness, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. It was difficult to forecast what it would be like. Perhaps those who had no preconceived notions, were most fortunate, as for them there were no surprises. But to those whose hearts were still oppressed by the grief of separation there was to come, in their collective unity and understanding, the Spirit of the Glad-tidings of nineteen centuries ago, powerfully renewed!

"He is Risen! The nearness, guidance, protection and confirmation of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá are as tender, constant, powerful and effective as when in person He was present to direct the counsels of the friends.

"In the Convention, a special radiance and spiritual attraction seemed to center around the pilgrims recently returned from Haifa. Eleven of these were [Page 4] present: Messrs. Mills, Remey, Wilhelm; Mesdames True, Krug, Nourse; Misses Culver, Edna and Catherine True; Mr. and Mrs. John Bosch. These souls brought to the friends a spirit of peace, joy, assurance, submission, severance, sacrifice and heavenly illumination. One of them, Mrs. Nourse, presented a gift from the Guardian of the Cause, Shoghi Effendi, to the Convention. It was a bunch of violets, and truly a symbol of the Divine Fragrance now radiating from the brilliant youth who now bears upon his shoulders the burden of the world. Can aught be stronger than the love which flowed to him, -- as accounts of his own love, patience, meekness, faith, severance, wisdom, service, devotion and self-forgetfulness were related by the pilgrims? Nothing can be stronger, but his own great love, which so faithfully mirrors forth the mighty Love of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá!

"Wisdom is ever justified of her children. At each stage of the deliberations of the friends the Divine wisdom of the selection of Shoghi Effendi for his eminent station was justified. Traditions, personal opinions and viewpoints were set aside. Deliberation revolved around the expressed wishes of the youthful Guardian of the Cause. In this attitude the friends unitedly proved their love, reverence and obedience to the Will of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. Through the youthful Guardian of the Cause HE now speaks whose Voice is the Music of Life and the harmony of the world.

"Some of the brief and positive messages sent by Shoghi Effendi to the Convention were:

'Give love to all the friends. The one thing of importance is teaching. The House of Justice will look out for many things. Teaching is the all-important thing today.

'Our love must be real and come right from the heart. The friends must be watchful and mindful and refer troubles to the Spiritual Counsel Board.

'The friends must teach and must be united. If they will not be united, even ‘Abdu’l-Bahá cannot help them. '

"It becomes apparent that the organization of the Divine Kingdom on earth is in process, not according to human limitations, but in harmony with Supreme Wisdom. The dispatch of business was facilitated at every stage by the spirit of harmony which proved self-sacrifice.

"Teaching, the Mashrek ’Jl Azkar, Children's Education, the expansion of the Star of the West, Women's Cause in the Orient, the linking together and concentration of all Bahá’í activities, the authority given each local Assembly over the local affairs of the Cause, the appeal to the National Spiritual Assembly, ignoring geographical considerations in seeking souls who are efficient in Bahá’í work, seeking the happiness of others in order to attain unity, the ban on religious politics -- but seeking Guidance instead --, the responsibilities of the new National Spiritual Assembly and the election thereof, the very successful work of the Press Committee of the Convention, the limitation on all Bahá’í publications save those approved by the National Spiritual Assembly, the large audiences at meetings for teaching and the evident attraction of souls, adjustment to a new order and transition into a new day in the history of this Glorious Cause, and 'firmness, severance and whole-heartedness' expressed by one -- and the aim and purpose of all the friends -- were among the gems of reality which adorned this brilliant diadem. The friends in counsel, proceeded with a simplicity, courtesy, harmony and dignity worthy of the Cause which offers salvation and the Most Great Peace to all the denisons of earth. "

"The Sea of Love is flowing and the Light of Guidance is shining." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Mr. Roy Wilhelm asks us to pardon his "high-pressure note", nevertheless his following brief contribution to our cheer at this time, contains the all-important hopeful note: [Page 5] "I was impressed by the mass flexibility -- how the friends as one body gladly accepted and conformed to the new conditions. It seems to assure unity and greatly accelerated progress in America.

"If the Bahá’ís of the world will now solidly stand together -- as so long hoped for by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá all the forces of this sick old world cannot withstand the advance of these great Universal Principles."

"For the foundation of progress is UNION, and when this object is attained, the Cause will develop."

‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

The following beautiful expression from Mr. Lunt makes the "heart grow fonder" and the urge within us greater to obey the Divine Injunction to "precede each other in good works and good will":

"Of that rare and beautiful gathering which assembled at the great hall of the Auditorium Hotel, in Rizwan, 1922, throughout five impressive days, a brief epitome of its station might be expressed as a veritable mirror of the Kingdom, a concourse of submissiveness to the Holy Testament of the Divine Beloved One, a meeting place of attraction and real love in the Heavenly Court, a testimony and a sign of the first organization of the Kingdom of God, and a whole-hearted and joyous acceptance of the 'blest and sacred bough that hath branched out from the Twin Holy Trees', the noble and pure guardian of the Cause of God, Shoghi Effendi.

"This was, in a sense previously unknown in any other Convention, an Assembly of evanescence, and a meeting place of servitude to the Lord of the Throne and the dust. Although the light of consultation reigned throughout, any personal opinions and preconceived ideas hovered, severed, in open minds which listened for a greater and higher wisdom, alert for guidance, hearkening for the voice of consultation from whatsoever direction it sounded, and merging all aims into the 'one great aim', the unity and solidarity of the friends, and the greatest sign of that unity, which is obedience to the Word of God.

"To what a height did the love of the friends soar, in the heaven of that unity! In the touching, and spontaneous outpouring when all united in commemorating the passing of that faithful and gifted maid-servant, Jean Masson, (whose funeral exercises, were held the first day of the Convention); and in the heartfelt and beautiful ceremony marking the mention of the beloved Lua Getsinger, whose radiant spirit was surely present, were seen the practical proofs of the active presence of that love which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has told us, so often, is the animating spirit of every great action.

"Rizwan Feast, Convention, Congress seemed only different phases of the one great spirit, -- and the speakers and consultants as they rose, one after another, like great trees firmly planted, in whose leaves and branches the divine breezes blew, fresh from the eternal garden. Without exception, each bore eloquent testimony to the masterful seed-sowing of the Divine Gardener, whose love and wisdom and sacrifice has been so constant during these many years. Poignant memories of His matchless life, yielded up so recently for His loved ones, were the background of every meeting and every utterance, and there was evident at all times a mature determination to accomplish those things so long deferred, to which He has exhorted all, to live the life, and to shake off childish and petty hindrances and attachments.

"If, more than anything else, one or two facts stand out to the exclusion of others, these were; 1st. Efficient consultation; 2nd. The Realization that the serious business of taking the first steps in the organization of the Divine Kingdom was really at hand. We are yet too near, in point of time, to the program set forth in the recent letter of Shoghi Effendi to realize fully the unusual breadth and innate wisdom of his thought. But it is already clear that it [Page 6] is a brilliant example of heavenly statesmanship, befitting the order of the new era into which the Cause, through the Divine Will, is now ushered.

"The Convention went about its business with dispatch and earnestness. So far as it could, it registered and put into effect the substantive elements of Shoghi Effendi's program. A long step on this path was taken, and the light ahead is clear. The murky shadows are lifting, and the union of the hearts, which is the key to spiritual progress and achievement, is seen to be the first and most essential step towards our acceptance in the path of servitude by Bahá’u’lláh. Upon this, the confirmations depend; upon this, the kingdom is established; upon this union, deliverance of human-kind from the shadows and superstitions of the past, rests."

"THE STANDARD OF UNITY SHALL BE RAISED, AND THE MEANS OF LOVE AND FRIENDSHIP WILL BE ACCOMPLISHED." ‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ.

Impressions of the Convention

In the following words, Mr. Remey gives us his "Impressions of the Convention":

"You have asked me to write my impressions of our recent Convention. Perhaps it would be well for me to begin by mentioning some impressions which were mine when I entered into the Convention.

"During my recent visit with Shoghi Effendi, I had strongly impressed upon me the necessity for a greater unity in the Cause to be brought about through the elimination of all stresses and resistances among the individuals and the groups of individuals which compose the Bahá’í body. In other words I felt as never before that now at this time the life and the progress of the Cause depended upon the increase and the strength of the Bahá’í Spiritual consciousness among the believers and that we should do all in our power to attain to a greater realization of the consciousness of Abhá Kingdom.

"The downfall of former ideals which have held people together, the breaking and splitting up of the people of religions, nations, races and classes, and general human strife and dischord, have ever characterized transitional periods of history during which transitional periods a new, a larger and a more comprehensive consciousness was being formed amongst men. The world is now in the birth throes of the New Day, -- the Kingdom upon Earth. A new consciousness is forming in our midst and as leaven it is uniting souls and separating them from the ideals and the conditions of the past. For the individual this transition from the limitations of an old order into the larger and broader field ahead, is surrounded with perils, even as this period is perilous for humanity in general. Our only source of strength is through a complete sacrifice of every condition that oneness may be established among the souls and spirits and that the Bahá’í Consciousness become a reality among the followers of the Cause in general. When this condition is attained we will have passed out from the dischords of the transition and arrived at the harmony of the reality of the Kingdom. Then each member of the Bahá’í body will find himself reinforced and sustained by the spiritual consciousness and power of the general body, and in the reality of this Unity we will find the Abhá Kingdom in our midst.

"In our recent Convention it appeared to me that we all partook of this Bahá’í Consciousness to a greater degree than yet attained in this country."

"Know thou, the first bounty from the True One is love, unity and harmony, and without these all the deeds pass in vain and give no result." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

We need never be disheartened, for we are told that there is a Divine Wisdom in many things that happen. Now we can hope that the wilderness in its darkest portions is far behind us, that the stumbling blocks and rugged sharp stones [Page 7] in the path, have been the means of ascent. Notwithstanding the way may be long, -- yet we know "The Lord Liveth", and that "Mysterious Power" — that "Invisible Power" still inspires the hearts of the friends. "The signs of favor are showing forth from the Invisible World of Unity."

One of the most precious contributions to this never-to-be forgotten Convention was the heartfelt talk given to the friends by Mrs. Florian Krug, the night of the Rizwan Feast. Our beloved sister, with a rare reverence and spirituality, gave a graphic word picture of the days preceeding and immediately following the Ascension of the Beloved Master, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. The sublimity of character to which our dear sister has attained, and the utter absence of self, made it possible for her pure heart to reflect unto us spiritual hope and divine resignation as we listened to her story. As "man must prove whatsoever he speaketh by deeds", and as Mrs. Krug had manifested "deeds" in her life, she seemed to be given the capacity to draw the word picture so perfectly as to make some of us feel we had actually shared her experiences. Mrs. Krug's face was aglow with the Light of the Kingdom, and surely she never manifested greater spiritual grace. She spoke with tenderness, reverence, devotion and the charm of the spirit, to an audience hushed, bowed and reverent. No one present at this gathering will ever forget, we feel sure, the heart appeal and soul-stirring account of the "Most Great Sorrow". Our illumined sister served with such a marvellous power that the "tempest of sorrow" passed, and we were lifted up, stirred, exhilarated, and suddenly sensed the fulfillment of the Master's Words:

"I associate with thee in spirit at all times and am thy Friend and Helper."

"Thank GOD the Spiritual Breath is a Messenger between us, which is the means of assuring the heart and rejoicing the spirit."

From one of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Tablets revealed at Ramleh, we quote: "......I have finished all My work. I have nothing else to do. I am now ready for the last Call. How I long to quaff from that Cup! How sweet will be its taste! How delightful will be that hour!"

‘Abdu’l-Bahá has revealed so much about the maid-servants of GOD in this Glorious Dispensation, about their "preceeding others in the arena of service", that it is a joy to be able to record here just a few words about the radiant sisters who functioned so successfully at this Convention.

Mrs. True, with her absolute firmness and positiveness of conviction, was able to carry straight home to the heart of every one the realities of this Convention.

It was the privilege of Mrs. Nourse to bring the first message to the American friends from the beloved Guardian of the Cause, Shoghi Effendi, symbolized by a bunch of violets which he had gathered on his first visit to the Shrine of the Master. His message was "that the friends in America must Teach, and be united, because if they are not united, even ‘Abdu’l-Bahá cannot help them!" The message was conveyed to us with such tenderness and sweetness of spirit that we felt Mrs. Nourse had been privileged to visit the Hallowed Shrine of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá for the express purpose of bringing to us this message as well as lessons in humility. She had become a "manifest sign."

Then there was our sweet sister, Miss Katherine True, who had accompanied her mother to the Holy Land. Certainly some great Power had taken possession of our lovely Katherine. Her face was radiant indeed as she shared the story of her heavenly experiences. She described the atmosphere around Shoghi Effendi, and conveyed to us very clearly the wishes and hopes of our beloved Guardian, — manifesting in her own attitude, first, the requirements of faithfulness at this time, namely: "firmness, whole-heartedness and humility".

And again we listened to the heavenly words of another sister, Mrs. [Page 8] Louise Bosch, that spiritual soul who ever charms an audience with her spiritually artistic appeal. She is famous for her "sweetness of speech". Every time she speaks she becomes "the conqueror of the realms of the hearts and the spirits."

As we live over and over again the Convention days, a full realization comes to us of the vast field of service open to all and what a vital part the women of this Great Age are taking through the Power and Might of the Covenant. Mrs. Parsons, always beautifully dignified, told of the Amity Convention held in Washington last Spring, the "Mother" Convention of all like Conventions to be organized in the future for the removal of prejudice and the establishment of real love, friendship, unity and brotherhood. She held aloft the Standard of the Oneness of Mankind through the Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá which she read. This was one of the most important services of the Convention, for the Foundation of all the great world unity and the divine civilization of the future of which we have more than a glimpse -- depends upon the establishment of this Principle.

Every regional section of the country was well represented, but California sent a large and beautifully confirmed delegation this year. Among those present from that far Western land were Mrs. Cooper, Mrs. Collins, Mrs. Cline, Mr. and Mrs. Ioas and Mr. Hosmer Blum, all of them divine believers. Every time Mrs. Cooper spoke, a breeze of the spirit wafted over us: she was not serving alone, for some of us felt that her beloved mother, Mrs. Goodall, was assisting from her glorious station in the Eternal Realms. Mrs. Cooper walked straight into the heart of every believer. How justly proud every one of us can be of a sister who truly manifests Bahá’í sociability, universality, joyfulness; one who closely touches the affairs of the world, yet dwells on the heights where thoughts are spiritualized.

Mrs. Collins did not make a public address, but she really is what ‘Abdu’l-Bahá has told us the teachers should be, namely: "embodied spirit"; and we particularly make reference to her deep, quiet, effective service at this Convention because she shed such a radiance that we were kept busy answering the question as to who this "bright lamp of the Love of GOD" could be!

Next we listened to a most comprehensive paper and talk by Mrs. Ober on education and the training of children. This vital subject was so intelligently and wisely presented, that I am sure the delegates felt sufficiently instructed themselves to be able to convey to their respective Assemblies the helpful suggestions offered. Her written suggestions were referred to the Committee on Education, and it is our hope that they will make immediate use of them or circulate them among the friends, for they are of immense value.

Mrs. Morton gave an enthusiastic report in connection with the Girl's School to be established on Mt. Carmel.

Mrs. Boyle reported on the Tarbiat school work in Teheran, Persia.

Miss Edna True gave an interesting and illuminating report on the Star of the West.

Miss Ella Robarts and Mrs. Grace Foster reported on the Children's work and Magazine.

Mrs. Ives spoke appealingly and enthusiastically on the teaching work and offered very valuable suggestions for spreading the Message.

Mrs. Chamberlain and Dr. Ebbs spoke of their recent visit at Haifa, sharing with the friends a most beautiful account of their privileges and blessings. They were indeed favored maid-servants for they had a close association with the members of the Holy Household. Both of these sisters clearly emphasized one of the most important messages they brought to us, namely: the need for a vigorous teaching campaign.

Miss Martha Root in charge of the Publicity and Press work of the Convention labored early and late, and every one said this branch of the work had never been more efficiently handled. Martha puts her heart and soul into the work as well as her brains, thus she accomplishes wonders. [Page 9] ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said that the maid-servants of the Merciful should "show forth the power of knowledge and assurance"; that "minds would be astonished at the power of understanding" which they would manifest. We are also told that the "strongest proof for showing the abundance of the Spirit to the bodies is the very appearance of its power and influence in those bodies" and that "the test of the Truth of God lies in the influence the conception has on our lives". Who can fail to see that the dear sisters of ours, at this Convention, demonstrated that they had "knowledge, faith and love"—first, because the Spirit of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá was with each one of them according to His Promise.

We could continue on in commendation of every sister who attended the Convention, for all were functioning on a high plane of understanding, but the Bulletin cannot take space for more. In due time you will receive further news through the "Star"; doubtless an official report also from the National Spiritual Assembly, and these will convey to you many other details.

"All the people of the world look at us to see how we act; what our characteristics are; what our attributes are; what our mode of procedure is." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

We hoped to have a report on the progress of the Temple work from some of the friends so that an authoritative statement might be shared with you, but this must now come in the future. Suffice it to say now, that there was at all times during the Convention much enthusiasm over the Temple work, all wished wholeheartedly to see the work progress just as quickly as possible. The exact amount of contributions given at the Convention was $8,496.81. This information was furnished by Mrs. True.

"Now consider if spiritual unity be accomplished, what results will be forthcoming! If souls who are sons (and daughters) of the Kingdom be united, great shall be the results. Then the Divine Confirmations will become fully established, and their hearts and spirits will attain a remarkable illumination."

The entire Convention was a miracle of sweetness, severance and peace. Out of this was born a real unity, which all will agree was a true spiritual victory. Think of the "increasing majesty of the Word of GOD!" Every believer in this country surely must have felt the vibrations of love which went out from the assembled friends. Now our enthusiasm, fervor and our spiritual zealousness should reach such heights that every one will marvel at the "majestic onward march of the Cause of GOD in America". In one of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s Mighty prayers for the American believers, He said:

"Suffer their serenity to be in the obtainment of Thy Favor; their health in the healing wonders of Thy Name; the consolation of their hearts in the winning of Thy Bounty!"

We will be helped on our way if we ponder long and prayerfully over the last words in Shoghi Effendi’s letter as follows:

"The time is indeed ripe for the manifold activities, wherein the servants and handmaids of Bahá’u’lláh are so devoutly and earnestly engaged, to be harmonized and conducted with unity, cooperation and efficiency, that the effect of such a combined and systematized effort, through which an All-Powerful Spirit is steadily pouring, may transcend every other achievement of the past, however glorious it has been, and may stand, now, that, to the eyes of the outside world the glorious Person of the Master is no more, a convincing testimony of the potency of His everliving Spirit."

At the close of the Convention, Mr. Alfred E. Lunt, Secretary of the new Board, (now called the National Spiritual Assembly), sent the following cable to Shoghi Effendi: [Page 10] "Convention convened, united, new instructions fully established. National Spiritual Assembly organized and in action. Confirmations evident. "

And a cable was received in reply, reading:

"Rejoiced over Convention news. Praying for confirmation."

(signed) Holy Leaf.

1818 N Street, N. W., Washington, D. C. May 9, 1922.

The National Bahá’í Teaching Committee By Mariam Haney.