National Teaching Committee Bulletins/1923/November 15/Text
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"QO people! The word must be demonstrated by the deed, for
the righteous witness of the WORD is action!"
"Freedom consists in following My Commandments, were ye
of those who know,....and he who tastes this sweetness will
never exchange it for the kingdom of heaven and earth," Baha'u'llah, :
"When we give the Message we develop ourselves, Our own heart ‘is opened when we teach the heart of the listener, The more we give the more we get.....A sincere worker in the Cause of GOD is always assisted by the Divine Spirit... The Truth will flow through you if you stand in the right attitude toward the Truth!"
"Abdu'l Baha.
No, 2 November 15, 1923 NATIONAL BAHA'I BULLETIN Issued by the Teaching Comnittee of the National Spiritual, Assembly.
"O ye the faithful loved ones of ‘Abdu'l Baha! It is incumbent upon you to take the greatest care of Shoghi Effendi.....for he is after 'Abdu'l Baha the Guardian of the Cause of GOD: The Afnan, the hands (pillars) of the Cause, end the beloved of the Lord must obey Him and turn unto Him!”
The most important message of the month is taken from the Notes of Miss Ludwig of Chicago, who was in Haifa the past summer: :
"Shoghi Effendi sends his love to all the believers and says that it is very essential to promote the Teachings of the Cause, in fact, to give teaching the first preference, It is the most important forward step we have to take at the present time, even more important than the building of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar, although it is also very important to kecp up this work, Neither should be neglected as these are at the root of this great Cause,
"The Teachings should be promoted with the utmost care and with unity, As obstacles appear they should be referred tc the Spiritual Assembly. By working in perfect unity and harmony all obstacles can be and will be overcome. We should be very, very careful not to undo any of the work that has been accomplished by those who have labored so very earnestly before us, Difficulties should, as was stated, be referred to the local Spiritual Assemblies and they in turn have instructions as to what course to take,” ;
The following excerpt from a recent letter of Dr. Zia Bagdadi expresses most beautifully the requirement of this time:
‘tn this Day whatever emanates from the mouth or pen of shoghi Effendi is
the Truth, for He is the Primal Branch of the Two Blessed Tress and the Source of al!
blessings and confirmations, He has declared that at present every sincere and loya’
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believer must arise in teaching the heedless people of the world, Therefore, the possessor of spiritual sight will answer the Call, concentrate the mind and force
on this work.....The illumined friends in your City, here and in all parts of the Globe, who are engaged in planting the pure seeds of the Baha'i Universal Principles, are amazingly reaping eternal fruits and attracting numerous people to the Most Glorious Kingdom,
"The Divine Manifestations of GOD never care for the beginnings of things. They attach great importance to the end of things, Therefore, the faithful friends who are endowed with broad visions will never hesitate in obeying the Commands of the Center of the Cause, be that a call for teaching or anything else, For they are assured of the ultimate success end victory......
"The success of a victorious army depends upon obedience to the Commander and ALL members exhaust themselves in action, In like manner, when ALL the members of the Spiritual army of Baha'u'llah, unitedly arise for action, that is, do all they can in the field of teaching, then and not until then, will the clouds of darkness, ignorance, wars and universal misery be dispelled..,.,,Would that every Baha'i would think of this little word ALI, which has a great meaning, and realize that if ALL arise to TEACH, then in a short time the Banner of Universal Peace, happiness and prosperity will wave over the heads and this world become a heavenly paradise,
"In the year 1912, while in your City, having the honor of riding in the carriage with the Master and Mrs, Agnes Parsons, -- physically tired, He, the Beloved One, turned and said in Persian: ‘It is only when you are exhausted, that you accomplish something, At rest and ease nothing can be accomplished, '"
“Vho is Shogi Effendi? Who appointed Shoghi Effendi? WHO is ‘Abdu'l Beha? When the soul KNOWS the answers to these questions, it can never UNKNOW, The loyal ones to the Covenant never have the opportunity to prove their fidelity save under test. This has been and ever will be GOD'S test and proof to each soul!"
(From the letter of a friend),
“Vhatever Shoghi Effendi says is the creative Word for me, and I have no personal views about it nor do I undertake to analyze how anything could be better, I just want to get into the harness and do whatever his bidding is, for I know he is the channel through which the Center of the Covenant is expressing its life and knowledge." (From the letter of a friend),
JINAB-I FADIL IN CANADA
MONTREAL: "The believers of Canada, with a magnanimous effort and strong heart, must remove every obstruction from the path of the promotion of the Word of GOD," And all the friends, we are told, felt the importance of arising to fulfill this Instruction as never before, and with a magnanimous effort and strong heart" did they prepare the way for the revered teacher and his service to. that community, The Spiritual Assembly of that Citv asked some of the friends to write an account of the activities, and the following excerpts indicate how the Master o'ershadowed the teacher and friends:
"With the arrival of the illumined teacher, Jinab-i Fadil, in Montreal,
there was at once great activity among the Baha‘is, Meetings were held twice daily,
either at private homes or at the Baha'i Reading Room in the heart of the city, The
believers were. greatly stimulated and encouraged, .and many newcomers were attracted,
Strangers marveled at the ease with which Jinab-i Fadil expressed himself in English,
and were greatly impressed with his spiritual charm, Addresses given at the Colored
Church and at the Psychology Club, in Persian, and interpreted by Dr, Zia Bagdadi,
were well attended and received with enthusiasm, meny people asking afterwards
where they could hear again this illumined teacher, and learn more, of the Baha'i
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Messege, dJinab-i Fadil spoke in English without any interpreter before the Theosophicel Eociety and charmed and interested his hearers, The Theosophists asked for Baha'i literature to be placed in their library.
"Vrs. Elizabeth Greenleaf was also in Montreal and was present at all Jinab-i Fadil's meetings; sometimes she was silent, occasionally she helped the teacher by supplying a quotation from the Words of Baha'u'llah or from her personal reminiscences of the Master, 'Abdu'l Baha, At all times her presence was a spiritual help to the believers who are delighted at the prospect of her remaining in Montreal for this winter.” ‘
- ‘ (From the account of lirs. Harrison),
"The hearts of the friends in Montreal were throbbing in joyous anticipation of the coming of Jinab-i Fadil. On his arrival, he was first the guest of Mr, and Mrs. Schopflocher, and later he stayed at the home of Mr. and Mrs.. Maxwell, where for over twenty years Baha'i teachers from different parts of the world have taught and tarried for a while and which ‘Abdu'l Beha, Himself, blessed with His Presence in 1912. |
"His first public address given without the heip of an interpreter, was to the Theosophists. His subject was ‘Persian liystics', Great interest was manifested . in his presentation and mich appreciation shown after tne address,
"The colored church, where Jinab-i Fadil spoke the following Sunday, was filled to capacity, when the congregation gathered to listen again to this New Revelation. Dr. Zia Bagdadi, who had come for a few days stay, helped to light up their hearts and faces with the interpretation of the wonderful teaching of Jinab-i Fadil, bridging the language barrier easily with his inimitable spirit.
"Under the auspices of the Psychology Club, our teacher gave a soul-stirring address on the ‘Master Key to Success’, The thanks and appreciation of the President of the Club, spoke eloquently of the deep impression this great Message of Light had made, ;
"On the occasion of the birthday of the BAB, a large Feast was given in the Maxwell home when Jinab-i spoke about the great ‘Gate of the Baha'i Revelation', the significance of the Unity Feast and other subjects, :
"There were meetings with good attendance in nine Baha'i homes, and these served especially the present aim of Jinab-i Fadil to deepen and confirm the believers in this Precious Cause,
"The last day was devoted to a special meeting with the ‘children of the Kingdom’...,..Then followed a heart to heart talk with the believers.
“Jinab-i Fadil's addresses were vibrant with a great earnestness, supreme faith and the Love of GOD. His ‘Pure Breath' inspired and united the friends and © the fragrances of his universal heart attracted many souls....." |
(From the letter of Mrs. Bolles).
Mr. Harrison, the Secretary of the Assembly, expresses the radiant spirit of all the friends in Montreal when he writes of the gratitude of all for this visit, and adds:
“Words of mine fail utterly to express this gratitude, We are all desirous of being with all Baha'is all over the world, in spirit, at every moment and every turn, and truly whatever we are commanded to do by the Guardian of the Cause
we will assuredly perform without delay....."
TORONTO: Dr. Albert Durant Watson of this City, who served the Cause so
vitally and gloriously a few years ago on the occasion of the first visit of
Jinab-i Fadil, again opened doors of opportunity for our revered and distinguished
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teacher, Dr. Watson has graciously given us a glimpse of one of the fruits of the first visit and which proved to be an opening of vital importance at this time. The following is an excerpt from his letter:
‘"You might be interested to know about one.development of Jinab-i Fadil's first visit here, three years ago. One of the younger Professors of Toronto University came to my home to hear Jinab-i and he was so impressed with the Baha'i teaching that he inaugurated at the University an International Society for foreign students. The spirit caught him and he wished to do his part by making the strangers at the college feel they belong to us. He was given one of the "9' booklets, and he drew up from the Principles published therein, a constitution and an initiation service entirely Baha'i in its character and its wording. Parts are exact quotation, Every member of the society takes a solemn oath to abolish prejudice in his active life and to cultivate brotherly love in his thinking life, The society has flourished beyond the young Professor's dream. Every year they have one address absolutely Baha'i, and their other addresses are Baha'i in principle, that is they seek a working foieatian for mutual BETS SERENA NG of the many religions represented in their membership."
One of our radiant Baha‘i brothers, formerly of Washington, Mr. C, A, Wragg, was fortunate indeed to be in Toronto at the time Jinab-i Fadil was there, From his interesting account of the visit, we quote the following, as even the reading of it, makes us enthusiastically one with the work:
"The meeting which I attended during Jinab-i's visit to Toronto was much more than interesting, it was fascinating. The young men of the Student's International Association had been invited by Dr. Watson (a great soul) to hear Jinab-i in his home, I was charmed by the group of young men of so many nationalities meeting in perfect accord to hear Jinab-i talk about the condition of Persia before and after the rise of Baha'u'llah, There was an atmosphere of mutual courtesy and friendliness that it is quite impossible for me to describe - mere words are far too inadequate to convey such harmony in spirit, 1 was so impressed with the variety of nationalities and races that I made ea note of them as they were called when each member was introduced to those already gathered, Here they are: Trinidad, Hungary, China, Greece, Poland, Korea, Canada, Scotland, Ireland, Australia, United States, Japan and Persia, Could anything be more inspiring than such an array meeting in the home of an illustrious poet, all of them eager to hear the Truth,and demonstrating in actual fact the sublime possibilities of living under the Principle of the Oneness of Mankind? ...... Each very different from the others in personality and mannerisms, but all one in their search for Truth and great interest in what Jinab-i had to say. This was evident in the lively discussion and asking of questions that followed their concentrated attention to the words of the gentle Jinab-i. It seemed to me that some of them just hungered to KNOW with their finite minds that GOD IS, and that there is continuity in the life of the soul. Quite a long discussion took place concerning the Principle of Religion and Science being in accord, which tended to work up into a debate, and I was delighted with the way Jinab-i Fadil handled them all, letting them go so far with their discussion and assertions, and then quietly taking up the threads and bringing all together in a most inspiring and comprehensive way, It was all done so beautifully that I cannot put it into words, but it seemed to me an example of the way the Master worked for unity and oneness. I feel sure that all these young men will go back to their respective countries with a strengthened conviction of the brotherhood of all. men of whatever race or belief, The feeling of happiness that I had is indescribable,
"Dr, Watson attracts a group of most earnest Truth-seckers, I accompanied
him to a Uni berean Church and heard a very wonderful Baha'i talk, though the Minister is not a Baha'i. Thus the spirit is spreading in the hidden chambers of the
minds of men, The principles everywhere are being put into the mouths of men who
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- sense the needs of the time; they are sensitive to the subtler more constructive influences set to work in the world by Baha’u'llsh, though they are often not mystical enough to detect their origin."
From Toronto Jinab-i Fadil returned to Boston for a few days’ intensive teaching, Among the notable meetings was the one arranged at the Open Door Club by Mrs. Smyth, where an interested group listened to a convincing talk on the Baha'i Movement. Mrs. Parsons who was in Boston at the time, spoke before this Club one week later by special invitation. All the friends realized that this would be the last opportunity for some time to have the spiritual services of our revered teacher, and as many meetings as possible were arranged. The visit in Boston closed with a Unity Feast at which our spiritual teacher was the principal speaker. The following day this distinguished family left for Chicago.
The regular Sunday night public meeting in Boston is always made of vital importance, During the present month, Dr. John Herman Randall of New York, was one of the speakers, his subject being "Phe Bounties of GOD", This has been reported as a remarkable talk and all were greatly moved. At another meeting Mr. Wm, H. Randall spoke on the "Standards of Truth", On November 12th, Mr. Randall also spoke before the Boston Club of Applied Psychology on "The Spiritual Renaissance" and recently he spoke before the Psychology Club of Portland, Maine.
"Whosoever becomes ALIVE in this Day, shall never die," Baha'u'llah.
From a letter received from our revered teacher, Jinab-i Fadil, we quote the following which gives us a glimpse of the activities in Chicago upon his arrival in that City:
"In this Day unity among the friends is more important than anything else, especially the members of the Spiritual Assemblies should be perfectly united, because this will make for Unity in the Baha'i community.
"We had a wonderful Feast and meeting in the Temple on the occasion of the Birthday of Baha'u'llah. The atmosphere was so spiritual and joyful that every one could feel it, and the friends seemed like living in the Kingdom of GOD because the Master was on this ground and made the Foundation (spiritual) and it was the Birthday of Baha'u'llah.
"Also since my arrival we have had a meeting every night in the Baha'i headquarters. Yesterday I spoke at a school to a group of two thousand children, The principal of the school divided the students into three divisions, and I talked to the three groups. We had our luncheon there with the Principal, All the students and the teachers heard the Call of the Kingdom of GOD end the seed of Truth was planted in their hearts, Tonight we will talk at an Open Forum meeting on the Prophecies of all Religions, and at the next public meeting in the Temple we will speak on the ‘Past, Present and Future of Palestine', These meetings are all being advertised in the newspapers."
Jinab-i Fadil will complete a visit of forty days in and around Chicago
sometime in December, in the mean time visiting the friends and serving in the
Cities of Racine, Kenosha, Milwaukee and other places, About the middle of December he and his family will leave for St. Augustine, Florida, which will be his
‘headquarters in the South. From this City he will journey to the most important
Genters in Florida and other places in the South as this teaching tour may be planned from time to time,
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The aim of Jinab-i Fadil in coming to this country is defined in the following stirring words and instructions of Shoghi Effendi:
"That all the friends may realize more fully the urgent and supreme necessity of Teaching the Cause in these days, that they may arise to inaugurate a more strenuous, systematized and extensive campaign of service - these are the high aims he has set before himself and which he intends, with the unfailing help and whole-hearted support of every believer in America, to achieve in the immediate POR reba yan OTS, a8 a teeter ene
ACEIEVING A NEW SERVICE DAILY
Enroute to Florida with the Mecilutt party meant travelling the shining pathway of seed sowing. The first important City visited was Athens, Ga., where one of the largest industrial schools in the South is located, Mr, MacNutt's services were enthusiastically welcomed, and his inspiring talks were so deeply appreciated by both students and teachers that they became the "meat and drink" of his listeners. He left them receptive and. hungry for more of the constructive teachings of this New Day, and most important of al], they caught!the keynote of his talk which was that of harmony and brotherly love, LIVED: translated from the world of thought and words into the world of action, At Augusta, Ga,, Miss Margaret Klebs had intelligently and successfully prepared the way for service, and with the assistance of Mrs, Sego, a number of interesting engagements were made, notable among them being the meeting at an Educational Institute of note, where a very large colored audience listened to a coivineing talk on the Baha'i Message of Life, A beautiful meeting at the home of Mrs, Sego, and a very impressive meeting at the studio of Miss Klebs, were well attended by a number of inquirers, in fact the meetings in Augusta were almost entirely devoted to seekers and strangers. Miss Klebs, in her report, gives a comprehensive summing uo of the work in the following excerpt: “At the meeting in my studio, Mr. MacNutt gave a talk on ‘The Essential Unity of all Religions'. With his keen spiritual perception, his deep intellect, and very broad conception of the Truth, he tnrilled his audience, and a deep spiritual influence pervaded the meeting, It was most inspiring. Mrs. Grundy opened and closed the meetings with her charming voval selections. I feel convinced that all of the meetings new sovls have become attracted and deeply interested, and those who had previously heard of the Cause will have a greater desire to search for Truth, Eternal results will surely be forthcoming from this visit....."
At Fernandina, Fla,, Mrs. Nagel end her daughters served the Cause most ‘wonderfully, as Mr. MacNutt indicates in his letters, and the blessed brother, Jim Stone, whom all the travelling teachers have learned to love is "a very blessed servant of 'Abdu'l Baha and the acme of humility". Mr. Stone writes in a most ‘ appreciative way of Mr. MacNutt's visit, and among cther things says: "You will be glad to hear that the Woman's Club of this City invited Mr, Maclutt to speak to them on ‘The Holy, Land’. They were well pleased end overjoyed with his talk, It was a most wonderful beginning for future constructive work, and they are all receptive and looking forward to Mr. MacNutt's return." ;
At St, Augustine, Dr. and Mrs. Guy were eagerly awaiting the coming of the’ MacNutt party, and this City, as Mr. MacNutt writes "is a real arena of action and accomplishment", Details of the work there will be forthcoming later,
From this City, the tour continued to Orlando, Lakeland and Tampa, thence
to Indian Rocks. How marvellously has this great service of Mr, MacNutt prepared
the way for our revered Jinab-i Fadil, whose arrival in Florida is eagerly awaited and joyously anticipated. If GOD confirms, it is the plan to have Jinab-i Fadil
and Mr. MacNutt tour the State together, for these illumined teachers have manifested an absolute readiness to perforin whatever they are called upon to do that is
best for the Cause, "His service is paramount",
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"Know ye the value of these passing days and vanishing nights," "Abdu'i Baha, A MESSAGE FROM MR, GREGORY
Mr. Louis ¥. Gregory has been making short teaching trips around Boston while he and Mrs. Gregory have had their headquarters for a time in Somerville,Mass.
Mr. Gregory has now started on a tour which will take him into the South again, but enroute he is visiting all the Bahai Centers, A recent letter brings very cheerful news from him:
"The harmony of the friends in Boston, Worcester and New York is like the refreshing, life-giving zephers from the Rose-Garden of ABHA, and happy are those who inhale the odor, The news of the great harmony attained by the Washington friends is of the same nature and character. If the time has come -- as such signs would indicate - when the true love of the friends for each other is what ‘Abdu'l Baha and Shoghi Effendi would wish, - then the great things promised are not far from realization. Indeed this love and attraction of sincere and loyal hearts is itself one of the =e signs, for it is impossible without the Invisible and Divine Assistance,"
NEW YORK: THE CITY OF THE COVENANT.
"May the Love of GOD spread from here elsewhere; may the Knowledge of GOD be sent broadcast from this place; may the spiritual forces become effective here; may the Lights of the Kingdom shine here; may intellizent souls be. Pound here so that with all power they may be occupied in the service of GOD,,.."
We recall these / Creative WORDS of 'Atdu'l Baha as we read the faviowing report, which is from the pen of our good brother, Horace Holley. In sending this account, he has fulfilled the expressed wish of ‘Abdu'l Baha that he write something for the Bulletin, and we are so very, very grateful, for we know there will be real rejoicing in the Spiritual Family of our Master in this country:
"Some day, if a Baha'i historian ever traces the growth of the Cause in New York City during these significant early days, it will be realized how mysteriously has been operating here the same power of unity which, on a larger scale, is the essential characteristic of the Cause in the world,
"Until about two years ago, unity seemed imvossible for the friends in New York to establish, Not that there was disharmony or antagonism, but the Cause here, on account of the very size of the city, seemed to fall into several different groups. Each group gathered around one.or more active leaders, and each group served valiantly and well, but every effort to merge the groups into one Assembly for a long while encountered apparently insuperable obstacles.
ithe one point of contact which existed year in and year out was the precious ‘souvenir of 'Abdu'l Baha’ held annually on the last Saturday in June in the pine grove at West Englewood, commemorating the feast which ‘Abdu'l Baha, Himself, held for all the friends in and around New York on June 29th, 1912, The influence of this meeting eventually overcame every mestiarmicons f so that as we consider its power today we realize that with that feast 'Abdu'l Baha made a spiritual Covenant with the Baha'is of New toe - a Covenant that has never, and can never, be annulled.
"Thus it was that when the news cane that ‘Abdu'l Baha had ascended, and
the ‘Light of the Covenent was transferred from the eye to the heart’, a unity had
at length been created which thenburst into flame. Since that moment, no backward
step has ever been taken, but the friencs have grown deeper and deeper into a
spiritual consciousness of vhat unity actually means. The arrival of ShoghiEffendi's
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successive letters of exhortation and instruction have happily found the New York Assembly ready and waiting to obey in the spirit and in the letter his statesmanlike words.
"The one event which signalled the new spirit of unity in this Assembly was without any question the memorial meeting held at St. Mark's Church a few days after we had learned the news of the ascension of 'Abdu'l Baha, At this meeting, beautifully reverent, the readings of the selections from the Words of Baha'u'llah and ‘Abdu'l Baha’ had a most prefound impression, None who attended that meeting will ever forget. Though the time was short for the sending out of notices, and no public announcement was carried in the daily press, nevertheless scores of people attended whose faces were not known to the Baha'is.
"Going forth from that meeting resolved to study and ponder anew the wishes of ‘Abdu'l Baha with respect to the New York Assembly, we very shortly afterward conceived the plan of publishing a little volume to commemorate the presence of ‘Abdu'l Baha in New York during 1912, and within a year this volume had been arranged and published. All the friends were especially pleased that Dr. John Herman Randall, in whose Church ‘Abdu']l Baha had spoken, consented to write a preface to the little book.
"The next step was to make a suitable headquarters which should fully represent all the friends, and be open for study, meditation and teaching every day. This was done’ at 115 East 34th Street, which curing the next twelve months became; our spiritual home, Under Mrs. Ford's inspiration, meditation and prayer was held twice daily, and as the result of Miss Jean Anthony's wise and decisive direction a notable series of public meetings were held Sunday afternoons during a period of five months. A roll of the names of those who accepted her invitation to speak at these meetings would show some of the best known speakers in New York,
_ “Largely on account of unsatisfactory acoustic properties, a new headquarters was decided upon at the expiration of the lease, and after careful search a ‘large room was taken this Octuber at 8 East 4lst Street, in the heart of the city, Having exceptionally fine windows (visible from Fifth Avenue) it is a great advantage of the new headquarters that we are enabled to display both a day and by night selected quotations from the Creative Word.
"Shoghi Effendi's letter of March 12, 1923, found the friends fully able to realize the blessed instruction concerning the formation of a Baha'i Fund. The newly elected Spiritual Assenbiy appointed a Baha'i Fund committee of three persons: Roy Wilhelm, Treasurer; Mrs. Louiie Mathews, Financial Secretary and Mrs, H, H.Romer. Their constant activity and sympathetic hendling of the work has up to now secured the regular adherence of a far greater number than ever previously contributed money to the Cause. So loyal have the friends been that on moving to 8 East 4lst Street we found ourselves able to furnish the headquarters with entirely new furniture, the property of the Assembly.
"The culminating event in the visit of Jinab-i Fadil to New York in the spring of 1923 was the exquisite beauty and power which was realized at the eleventh annual ‘Souvenir of ‘Abdu'l Baha’ held at West Englewood during the afternoon and evening of June 30th. Surely never had the weather been more serene, more elevating than on that day! Over three hundred people were present, many being inquirers, and the addresses made at this meeting brought true conviction to many a seeking soul. Jinab-i Fadil himself seemed sudcenly gifted with the command of werfect English - no one could have imagined that he was only beginning his practice of the tongue.
a "By putting into effect the instraction of Shoghi Effendi to the local
Spiritual Assemblies that various working committees be appointed, the Cause in New
York has with the coming of autumn taken on a multiplied activity, Among the more
far-reaching plans already under way, two in particular promise great fruits. One is
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the arranging of an Amity Convention, for which the cooperation of several very important organizations has been secured, to be held shortly after the New Year. The other is the founding of a permanent 'New York Baha'i Congress’, the first meeting of which it is planned to hold during the winter, This Congress will be to the Baha'is of New York and vicinity what the National Baha'i Congress is to the entire Baha'i body in this country -- a public demonstration that the Baha'i Teachings, and the Baha'i Teachings alone, have the Power to bring humanity under the standard of the "Most Great Peace', By the experience of the first Congress we hope to arrive at the capacity of larger public meetings later on.
"The New York Spiritual Assembly has also taken up actively the advice of Shoghi Effendi to correspond with other Assemblies. On November 12 we sent out a general letter to every Assembly of which we have any record, and this will be followed by other communications from time to time,
"A word might be said, in conclusion, about the importance we attach to selling the Baha'i literature. Our share of the books recently sent out to the Assemblies in proportion to their size amounted to nearly two thousand dollars, and a large fraction of our effort will be devoted to the work of selling these books. There is no greater teacher than the Word, so that we regard the effective distribution of these books as in the light of sending forth ‘missionaries' throughout the length and breadth of this 'City of the Covenant’,
"The New York Assembly has measured its problems and its opportunities. We know they surpass the capacity of ordinary folk like ourselves, yet all the more on that very account do we have faith that every opportunity shall be gloriously realized, through the executive power of the Holy Spirit."
While copying the foregoing interesting pen picture of life among the friends of GOD in New York, there camé from the chambers of thought precious memories of the early years of the Cause there, The depths of the heart is stirred as we think of the early meetings when quietly we would gather in the homes of various faithful ones and ponder over the few Holy Utterances we had. We would consider eve1y successive Tablet that was shared with us from time to time with such prayerful attention, such childlike devotion, such a longing "to abide in His Love" that we verily believe if ‘Abdu'l Baha had said at that time: "Come, give me your lives for the Cause" -- it would have been a welcome Command, This attitude was born purely through the spiritual conceptions of the heart,
Also one can never think of New York's Baha'i history without recalling the
very blessed period when the saintly Mirza Abul Fazl lived in our midst, and how he
patiently labored with us in our immaturity. We could write a volume about the services of this honored and "completely severed" teacher, but one story fits into the purpose of the Bulletin,
One day we were present when a very sweet friend was telling Mirza Abul
Fazl about her unhappiness, expressing great sadness because she could not find
seekers, (In those days we were instructed not to offer the "cup" unless we could
find some one thirsty). She continued and continued to repeat her expressions of regret because she could not find any "thirsty person" in all New York, In one sentence Mirza Abul Fazl taught all present at the time just how to proceed, He said:
"Why don't you make seekers?" That one question elucidated for us by our spiritual
guide and teacher, was the key which solved a number of problems at that time, and
thereafter there were untiring efforts to prepare the soil of hearts. When we compare those early days in 1899, 1900, 1901, 1902 and thereafter, with the accomplishments of today and the maturity and wisdom which have come through real Knowledge and
the study of the Creative WORD, we can truly rejoice and feel greatly encouraged, and
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above and beyond everything else there is the desire to think deeply on the Mercy of GOD and to be in the thankful attitude at His Divine Feet daily, for the Eye of Providence has been upon us and we have been under His Divine Protection,
In the "STAR", Vol. 3; No. 8, page 16, is published in full the TALK of ‘Abdu'l Baha to the believers at the Souvenir Feast so sweetly referred to by Mr. Holley. Reading these Words again and again and seeking illumination upon them, brings to the heart the tender Love of the Divine Father, His Pure Bounty unto us, His Compassion, and makes us Alive in HIM. There is no other Life!
HCLDING ALOFT THE DIVINE STANDARDS
Mr. Chas. Mason Remey received a message from Haifa recently calling his attention to the Instructions of 'Abdu'l Baha to give TEACHING the utmost importance and that Shoghi Effendi wished him to teach. Immediately he proceeded "to fold everything and put them away" and prepared for a tour through the country, stopping at as many Baha'i Centers as possible. He very kindly shares with us a glimpse of a few activities, leaving a larger report for the future:
Just now in Chicago all the friends are helping to serve the great teacher Jinab~i Fadil for whom they have made many preparations, arranging meetings both private and public. And Mr, Remey continues:
"Here in Chicago I have attended many gatherings and meetings...... Two weeks ago I spent a couple of days in Milwaukee. A New Thought Center of Unity has opened its doors to the Baha'is, and a goodly number of souls have received The Message with great joy of spirit, and are singing Its melodies in a lyric spirit which enthuses one's soul......Mrs. Ralph W. Brown is very active in this City, and the meetings of the Assembly proper are held in her home,
"In Racine the friends have recently taken a hall in a business section where the meetings are held, a library is instalied, which is open for inquirers and teaching.. ..There-was a large and most fragrant and inspiring meeting the night that I was there, a number having come up from Kenosha for the occasion.
"In Kenosha the friends are active as they have always been, They have permanent Baha'i quarters in a good sized hall in the Center of the City. In connection with this room is a kitchen, making it possible to give Feasts and uphold the Spirit of the Cause,
"In Cleveland, I attended a meeting of the Assembly in the home of Mr. and Mrs, Potter. We had a veritable Feast speaking of the Blessed Testament of the Master and of the Baha'i organization under the Guardian of the Holy Cause.
"The night of October e0th, the anniversary of the birth of the Blessed Bab, I spent in the home of Mrs, Luxmore in Akron. The spirit at the meeting was most beautiful and we were all moved by the Power and Fragrance of the Holy Covenant.
"In all the Assemblies visited I find a universal desire upon the part of every one to uphold the Guardian of the Cause and to further and support the Baha'i organization which it is His mission to establish in the world. Great spiritual confirmations descend whenever this matter is spoken of and discussed in the meetings of the friends. In fact now in this Day this is the Source of our spiritual force and confirmation, and this I am seeing demonstrated wherever I go. I am writing of those meetings arranged particularly for the Baha'is themselves in which these inner vitai things are talked of, while in the meetings before people to whom the Holy Cause is quite new, I find the knowledge of the organization of the Cause to be also a matter which attracts and confirms. It is of import to them to know that there are groups and centers of people the world around, organized and working under one Head for the unity and harmony of the world: people of all races, nations, classes and religions! The first time in history that such an organization has been,
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"During the Blessed Days of the Center of the Covenant, it was the experience of the Baha'is that people were attracted and their hearts were penetrated by the Spirit of the Cause when the Name of ‘Abdu'l Beha was mentioned and when we spoke of His Mission and Service in the Path of GOD. Now our Beloved Master, in Whom Baha'u'llah's Spirit was manifest, has passed from our midst, but now the Spirit of the Blessed Beauty and of the Center of the Covenant - which are ONE lives in the Guardian of the Cause and in the Organization which He is establishing after the Holy Plan contained in the Will and Testament of the Master, ‘Abdu'l Baha. In this Day the confirmations are coming to those who are arising in the support of the Will and Testament, and this is very apparent as one enters the meetings of the Baha'is in the various Assemblies."
"Every teacher is confirmed and is favored at the Divine Threshold,.,.The sower of the SEED is accepted and favored." "Abdu’l Baha.
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ING activities indicating how all the friends are uniting as one soul to attain to the station of obedience and of real seed sowers in the Vineyard of GOD.
Among those who are always “on the wing" is Mrs. Louise Waite of California, who is a bundle of spiritual energy, She is steadfastly adhering to the Divine Instructions and doors of service open wide for her. She has made several trips from Los Angeles to Santa Paula, Santa Barbara, San Diego and other places. Hspecially has she rendered very notable services in Santa Paula where the activities are arranged by our beloved co-worker, Mrs. Carpenter. Such intelligent management of affairs, and such wisdom and judgment as are apparently used in all endeavors in that Center, demonstrates over and over again the Mysterious Power which "manages the affairs of the Cause" when the servers are abiding in the Fortress of the Covenant. Mrs, Waite has won the hearts in this Center, they urge her return and look forward to her season of teaching for she has had several return engagements. One of the most wonderful reports the Teaching Committee received was written by Miss Mary Carpenter, who recorded for us the sweet story of the organization of the Cause in that Center, It is alive with the fragrances of the Spirit and brings immeasureable joy for one realizes that the friends there are giving life and soul:and heart, and their ALL, to the spread of the Divine Teachings.
The Cause is also given much favorable publicity through Mrs. Waite's close touch with the Press, end her poems are readily accepted and published.
Another form of publicity will be the distribution of her. Baha'i Benediction, the song which ‘Abdu'l Baha said would be eternally sung, as a Victrola Record - both sides of the Record will be used: on one side the Benediction will be played and on the other there will be a Voice Record of this most beautiful Benediction, This Record is being made ready, All information may be had by writing Mrs. Louise Waite, 1534 Stanley Ave., Los Angeles, Calif. Every friend who has a Victrola or other instrument for Records, will surely want to possess this Record, It is Mrs. Waite's intention to have the proceeds go to the Temple Fund eventually, but for the present they may go to the General Fund as she leaves the matter entirely in the hands of the National Spiritual Assembly. .
Another radiant Baha'i sister who comes under the classification of those always “on the wing" is Mrs. Florence Schopflocher of Montreal, Recently she has been in Washington, and accomplished very much intensive work in less than twentyfour hours. We know her heart is at the Feet of the Master and she is drawing her strength from that Fountain of Life and Assurance.
Her talk to all the large gatherings of assembled believers was charmingly
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presented and full of life. She told of her wonderful visit to Haifa and the Holy Land; of her talks with the Guardian of the Cause; and of her remarkable experience in giving the Message to many whom it would be impossible to meet and teach save through Divine confirmations, The greatest sweetness and heart appeal was in her words when she told of Shoghi Effendi'shope for a PERFECT UNITY among the friends. She really made a thrilling presentation of her subject, yet with rare simplicity and sweetness. Her intense sincerity is most apparent and her attitude toward the Most Great Cause indicates a deep grasp of the Realities, "Martyrdom in the Path of GOD would be welcomed, for I can think of no more wonderful way to enter the Life Eternal than to sacrifice one's life in the Path of 'Abdu'l Baha" so she has written, and from this we may know of her spiritual attainments,
' She is sailing in a few days for another visit to the Holy Land and other places in the Near East, and from there, she expects to travel to Persia, India and probably to S, Africa. Mr. Schopflocher will also soon sail for the Holy Land, He is a rare soul . whose spiritual charm cannot be measured in words, It is our hope that these two loyal Baha‘is will find it possible to visit all Baha'i Centers in America as soon as possible.
NEWS FROM "MARTHA"
Who is there able to keep in touch with Martha even through the medium of correspondence, and the only comforting thing we can think of in connection with this beloved sister is that we are very conscious of complete unity on the inner plane of spiritual being, and she in turn in far-off China mist continually feel our oneness with her as she travels so marvellously the "Path that has been paved by Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l Baha." She herself expresses just how things are going with her, namely: "Everything is going like a whirlwind.” From some of Martha's wonderful letters, we quote a few excerpts, but they will indicate that "the greatest of ali Divine Bestowals is Teaching the Cause of GOD."
"You will be glad to know I spoke on the Baha'i Movement at the general assembly meeting in Tsing Hua College, Peking. From this College all the students later go to America for five years..,..These students are the star students of all China, and those who can pass the ‘exems' receive from ten thousand to twenty thousand dollars worth of education without paying a penny: ......The president of this College is a great soul." From her letter, we note that she dined with this President,,met many of the Professors, and she‘ gave Horace Holley's books to the Library, Martha writes at length about these great souls, of their capacity, their intense interest and the "open door" made ready for future teachers of the Cause. She writes: "My engagement book is full for many days to come.........and the newspapers and syndicates have all carried the stories about the Baha'i Cause. The ‘North China Standard’ carried a special feature story of two columns on the Baha'i Cause. Today the syndicate, Asiatic News Agency, had sent out for me an Esperanto story. I made 15 copies English papers and they made fifty copies for Chinese papers: these go all over China.....Have met the three greatest writers about China and they have called to see me,...,," Then Martha tells us about the "Syndicate" article with big headlines "Miss Root gives talk on Baha'i Revelation, New Spiritual Movement is Explained to Students of Tsing Hua - Center of Covenant, ‘Abdu'l Baha.” It is a story of one column, speaks of Shoghi Effendi and expresses the hope that he will go to China and speak to them on Universal Peace, etc. Martha was extremely happy over this article, for it went to sixty-five papers. The President of the College sent another invitation to Martha to speak again to the students and the College paper published a splendid article in Chinese on the Cause, Martha spent the summer in Peking, and on this point writes in this interesting way:
"I earned my living instead of spending two or three hundred dollars at
the seashore. I learned more Chinese than I could have learned in one year in the
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Language school, I made friends in Peking and have come to know Peking so that I can ‘get around here as easily as at home, have contacted the newspapers,’ the students and many of the teachers, All this preparation helps to make the present success possible, Then Mrs. Finch's coming to Peking will have infinite results; we worked together here and my heart thrills when I think that back home she will tell you the charm, the magical opportunities for service, the wonderful souls the Chinese have..
"The purpose of the trip through China - through the Bounty of GOD = is to speak on the Message, write articles, scatter the booklets and make beautiful friends......How you will love these friends! Please pray that later 'Abdu'l Baha, will give this servant the capacity to write about the spiritual charm of the spiritual souls of China - if only you can see and feel their spirit - China will indecd mean to you a real part of the Celestial Kingdom, and your Chinese brothers and sisters you will love so devotedly you will thank GOD for them. I know of no people who, when they really accept the Baha'i Message, will promote it more reverently or faithfully than will the Chinese.....Alice in her Wonderland cannot beat China!..... I can speak all the time, and would if I could, -- every door opens, and wherever I speak, Agnes and I can go again and speak," (Miss Agnes Alexander was expecting to join Martha for a short visit),
By request of Martha, or rather in accordance with Martha's suggestion, Miss Ellen Rice of Seattle and Portland-is preparing to go to China to remain for sometime, The message, in brief, which Martha sends back to the friends in America is this: "O my precious friends! The Baha'i Cause IS being spread in China, not by me, but by the prayers of all the friends, by the wonderful help of the Chinese themselves, and ‘Abdu'l Baha is using each soul......" ©
"SHE EAS GONE REJOICING"
Mrs, Hooper Hare +6 of New York has sent us notice of the going away ob the Land of life and song" of our beloved sister, Mrs, Annie Houchens of Hartford, Conn, She had lived in New York for many years and was well known by many of the friends. ' Mrs, Harris writes:
"Mrs, Houchens was one of the old very firm, very sincere Baha'is. She lived a life of sacrifice and service. We were fortunate indecd to have known her, This reminds us of the number of the old N, Y. Baha's who have crossed the ‘Big River' since the Ascension of our blessed Master. Mr. Hoar was the first to leave us, then ir, Carnuck, who was so firm and faithful, just like a rock in the Cause. His wife soon followed hin, then dear Mrs. Watt, recently Mrs.. Fultz, and now that shining star, lirs. Houchens,"
And in a note from Roy Wilhelm kody, he speaks of irs. Houchens, and adds: "She was an earnest and confirmed soul!"
A friend said she "wished she could receive a Bulletin every day", and the good news from every direction and the material at hand gives the Teaching Committee sufficient enthusiasm to wish we could send out a Bulletin every day.
"The Covenant has such a sway that it astonishes the minds. In every region the sign of the Power of the Covenant is apparent and manifest."
"Whatever the Cause requires for Its promulgation, I will not delay in
its accomplishment for oné moment!" "Abdu'l Baha. 1910 Kalorama Road, / NATIONAL BAHA'I TEACHING COMMITTEE Washington, D. C, By Mariam Haney, Secrctary
Nov, 15, 1923.
