National Teaching Committee Bulletins/1923/January 12/Text

[Page 1] "His Excellency, the ideal sage, Fazel Mazandarani, is the essence of humility and submission... This respected soul is evanescent in the Cause of the Blessed Perfection. He is wise, well informed and a thinker. There is no doubt that he will become the cause of the exhilaration, rejoicing and the guidance of others." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

In another Tablet from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá about our revered teacher, He said: "You must exercise toward him the utmost respect and consideration."

Now that the friends know for a certainty through the cable announcement from Shoghi Effendi, that America is favored once again, and a spiritual gift is vouchsafed to us in the coming of this great teacher, the question confronts us: "What is our part to be in his great work, and how are we to manifest 'harmonious cooperation'?"

According to the instructions from Shoghi Effendi in his remarkable letter to the friends in America last Spring, we are informed among other important items, that all large issues "affecting the Cause in general" including "the means whereby the Teaching campaign may be stimulated and maintained" must be directed by a special board "elected by the National Body, constituted as a Committee thereof, responsible to it and upon which the National Body shall exercise constant and general supervision."

The National Spiritual Assembly, at its meeting in New York on January 6th and 7th, passed the following motion:

"Upon motion duly made and seconded, it was voted to send a cable to Shoghi Effendi acknowledging his cable concerning the coming of Jenabe Fazel and his family to America, and that the reception, hospitality, entertainment, etc., the teaching program, with authority over ways and means, with respect to Jenabe Fazel's work in America, is hereby referred to the Teaching Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly, with power to act."

With this authority from the National Spiritual Assembly, the Teaching Committee desires to confer with the Family of Bahá’ís in America on "the practical ways and means whereby the Cause is promoted and the people summoned to the Kingdom of GOD."

If every one of the friends will concentrate their attention on this subject for a few moments, we feel sure that they will be led to consider a most important point, namely: That since our revered teacher is coming under the direction of the Beloved Guardian of the Cause, Shoghi Effendi, that there is a divine wisdom therein, and that doubtless the Center of the Covenant from His Supreme Heights of Glory sees that this great teacher is needed here. Also He sees the capacity in America to arise and "display the greatest effort and magnanimity."

In the Divine Plan we read very often the injunction of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, that a "superhuman effort" is required. Certainly our tender, divinely kind ‘Abdu’l-Bahá would not repeatedly emphasize the need of a "superhuman effort" had He not with His holy and divine vision, pierced the veils and seen the conditions of this time. [Page 2] The words of creatures availeth naught, -- but the Words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá create within us enormous courage; they fire us with the enthusiasm necessary at this time. We sincerely hope that every friend will have a full realization of the requirements of this hour, and that they will arise as one soul letting their aims "revolve around this one great aim" -- for now we are confronted with the most important matter, and immediate action is necessary.

Jenabe Fazel and his family (which consists of his wife and small child) are now on their way to this country, and we must act promptly. The friends are therefore invited to at once take up the question of contributions to the Teaching Fund, which Fund will finance this wonderful spiritual seed sowing period. All contributions should be sent to Wm. H. Randall, Treasurer, 35 Congress St., Boston, Mass.

The Teaching Fund must be greatly enlarged and systematically sustained, for if we are not responsible, -- who will arise at this time and assist in the onward march of the Cause in America, giving 'harmonious cooperation' as we are invited to do?

The Creative Word of the Master is the All-Powerful Word which will give us understanding, determination, perseverance and the great victory.

"...We must sever ourselves from composure, rest, tranquility, goods, property, life and attachment to material things. We must sacrifice everything to His Highness the Possessor of existence." ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Respectfully and lovingly, The NATIONAL, BAHÁ’Í TEACHING COMMITTEE 1302 Connecticut Avenue, Washington, D. C. January 12, 1923.

By Mariam Haney Secretary.

Approved by Bulletin Reviewing Committee Mrs. Agnes S. Parsons Mr. Louis G. Gregory Mrs. Marian Haney


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