National Teaching Committee Bulletins/1923/October 15/Text

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"BE FIRM IN THE WEST!"

No, 1 October 15, 1923,

NATIONAL BAHA'I BULLETIN Issued by the Teaching Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly.

"Shall we not, by our daily life vindicate the high claims of His ('Abdu'l Baha's) Teachings, and prove by our services the INFLUENCE of His undying Spirit? This surely is our highest privilege, and our most sacred duty," Shoghi Effendi. In a recent letter from Mirza Bahadur to the Washington Spiritual Assembly he states: "Wherever our Beloved Guardian may happen to be, He is the Heart of the Cause and connected with the other organs of the Baha'i world, transmitting nutriment through the Power of His loving prayers to each and all.....” The friends of GOD in this country have written many letters to the Teaching Committee during the last few weeks indicating that this "spiritual nutriment” is in very truth being communicated to the various Assemblies, for we are constantly hearing of the new spiritual life which is flowing through the Body of the Cause, and almost every friend writes of the enthusiasm and fervor which is pronounced and apparent. A "fresh confirmation" seems to be mercifully bestowed, A friend suggested that we share just a few excerpts from letters that are helpful, and we have selected the following: "In our Assembly we are longing for attainment to the heights of humilit and supplication." "To recognize the Commands of Shoghi Effendi and to joyously put them into practice brings peace to the soul." "Never have I understood what Obedience meant until I studied the Revealed Utterances night and morning, Now real growth has started," "The WORD is ALL-IN-ALL, and none but 'Abdu'l Baha can interpret IT, none

BP300.2 but Shoghi Effendi can guard JT. They are the successive Centers: one as the Divine

.U54 Interpreter and Establisher; one as ITS Guardian."

T262 “The Cause Itself is so perfectly Universal, that to subscribe to It and

1923 teach It, enthrones one upon the platform of universality,"

Oct15

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"True humility, true love, true attitude toward all things, will build a hundred Temples."

"We feel so encouraged that we are hurrying to get another contribution together even before the month has passed."

"IT sense the most wonderful change in my own consciousness, Truly one must turn his face to the Court of His Lord to enter therein."

THE SPIRITUAL WORK OF JINAB-I FADIL

The Message of the ABHA Kingdom has been in America about thirty years. Its growth and progress have been "blighted" at times through sinister destructive forces, but, as Shoghi Effendi has instructed "the time is now ripe to take those fresh and momentous decisions which will enable us to fulfill speedily and faithfully the last wishes of our departed Master...." One of the Wishes most strongly emphasized was that the friends should arise to teach the Cause as never before. Our revered teacher, Jinab-i Fadil is first of all assisting us to become better informed teachers, and this is one of the great steps toward "deepening the Cause".

Mr. Randall reports the progress of the work in Boston in the following interesting account:

“Jimab-i Fadil has had very interesting meetings in Boston, Springfield and New Haven, Although his English is really quaint, it has a certain fascination and he manages to express the thought very understandingly and with a great deal of spirit, and I think the friends will thoroughly enjoy and greatly profit by the intimate talks which he is able to give to groups and Baha'i Assemblies. We have all tremendously benefited by his visit in Boston. In addition to the Assembly meetings he has had many visitors from Boston and other cities who have been attracted to his beautiful presentation of the Baha'i Cause and who have felt the quickening spirit in his luminous understanding of the spiritual problems of this day.

"An entertainment will be given him Saturday evening in Boston by a group of colored friends who are not Baha'is, but who met him this summer at Green Acre and who have become very much attracted to the Baha'i Teachings. The Boston Baha'i Assembly has been invited to attend this enterteinment, and the Vespers Quartette probably the best colored Quartette in New England, will give many beautiful selections, including the "Spirituals', Jinab-i Fadil will be the principal speaker and guest of the evening. We have many beautiful colored believers in Poston and they bring great light and devotion to our gatherings.

"We have not attempted public meetings in Boston for Jinab-i Fadil, but his more intimate spiritual work has been most effective in stimulating a deeper insight into the Teachings and a greater zeal to svread this glorious Message. He has been a means of untiy in our midst and will unquestionably throughout the countr, bring this greater understanding of the pure Teachings and united effort among the friends, and stimulate a bond of greater spiritual unity between the Assemblies. Unquestionably this is his work at the present time and a great bounty to the believers everywhere. His spirit runs like the quickening impulse of the Water of Life,"

The few days that Jinab-i Fadil spent in Springfield with the friends of GOD were productive of great good, and Mrs. Kretz writes of the spiritual feast which all enjoyed. It was a time of intensive training, for the believers in that City were longing for instruction, and they well understood and thoroughly enjoyed our good teacher's uncommon and attractive English style. Mrs. Kretz adds that his visit to that City "was a marvellous demonstration cf GOD'S wonderful love and guidance", One of the notable fruits of the visit was the complete confirmation of a colored friend. She is a cripple, much beloved in the community, and all classes and types of people visit her. Because her own torch was lighted, already she has been able to guide twenty to the Path of Salvation. [Page 3]wSee

New Haven was likewise blessed with the brilliant and joyous services of Jinab-i Fadil. Miss Louise Thompson reports that in the short stay of two days, there were five meetings: four in private homes and one in the Theosophical Hall where our teacher spoke on "The Identity of the Teachings of all Religions" . Every seat was taken, a real interest manifested, and the Theosophists asked that the Baha'i books be placed in their Library. Miss Thompson adds: "One of the Professors at Yale who met Jinab-i by appointment, said he would have Baha'i Scriptures placed in the Yale Library, and he wished to correspond with our teacher in Persians «eevee, A young colored minister who attended one of the meetings, spoke most favorably about the Baha'i Cause to his congregation..,.... Another important private masting arranged was between Jinab-i Fadil and the Editor of one of the daily papers.’

All the friends of GOD in New Haven are on the alert, active and enthusilastic, {heir very much "alive" spirit is contagious,

Jinab-i Fadil is in Montreal at the present time, and for the next few weeks he will serve the friends there and in other Canadian Cities, returning to Boston again on Nov. 10th for a few days stay, after which he and his family will leave for Chicago, The first tour after leaving Chicago will be through the South, This tour has been more or less planned since last February and as far as possible definite arrangements are being made for this very important journey. Sometime in the future our revered teacher will undoubtedly visit all the Centers enroute to the Pacific Coast, but no dates can be fixed at this time beyond definitely stating that the Southern section of our country is to be served first. The friends of GOD are preparing the way throughout the South and are awaiting with joyous hearts the coming of the brilliant teacher who is serving America at this time.

"I fervently hope, that, in collaboration with our wise, able and devoted brother, Jinab-i Fadil, you will inaugurate a brilliant and rigorous campaign of Teaching, that shali by its very splendour banish the darkness of difference and jcon= tention that so impede the majestic and onward march of the Cause in every land,’

Shoghi Effendi.

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INSPIRING PROGRESS IN BOSTON

A report has just reached us from My. Randall which indicates that the friends of GOD in that City are alive to the requirements of the time and that they are inviting the people to the illumination of Divine Civilization, No news can possibly be as refreshing to the heart of a Baha‘i as the ever recurring accounts of new spiritual victories through the POWER OF GOD alone. Orestirring chapter after another will be added daily, for we are admonished not to sit silent “as long as there remains one soul whose heart is not touched by the Love of GOD and Divine Illumination", The following is quoted from Mr, Randall's letter:

"We had a wonderful meeting here last evening at which Dr, Randall spoke. The hall was comfortably filled, and Dr, Randall spoke on "The Supreme Need of the World", After analyzing world conditions he stated emphatically that nothing but the revival of religior! would save civilization, and that the religion to which we must turn in this day was the Baha'i Movement, as given to the world by the divine Manifestations of God, Baha'u'llah and ‘Abcuvl-Baha. He tien compared the teachings of Jesus to the Teachings of ‘Abdu'l-Baha and showed definitely and clearly how ‘Abdu'lBaha’ had developed a great spiritual technic which was lacking in the Teachings of Jesus, and showed that the foundation of the real message of Jesus and ‘Abdu'l-Baha is love and that this love of God is not only the creative power moving through all the Kingdoms but is the magnet of attraction that draws the soul to God. In the most earnest and almost dramatic way he pleaded with the audience to recognize this great


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Spiritual Movement and to be partakers of this Water of Life that had been poured in its universal flood from the Heart and Mind of Baha'u'llah and ‘Abdu'l Baha. I tell you we just thrilled and the whole audience was almost spellbound,....,.. Dr. Randall is a great soul and his clear vision will lead many people into this Cause. God in His Bounty has sent us a great servant....sseeee

"We had a most beautiful meeting in the large Unitarian Church of Somer~ ville, (near Boston) yesterday where Mr. Gregory spoke on the Baha'i Message. The minister introduced the Baha'i Movement in a most interesting and forceful way and declared himself at oneness with it. He read that wonderful chapter from Isaiah giving the prophecy of the coming of the Lord of Hosts and the Branch, and then asked Mr. Gregory to read one of the beautiful Tablets of 'Abdu'l Baha bearing upon this subject, after which Mr. Gregory, most sweetly and eloquently outlined the Message for about forty minutes,

"Invitations are coming in quite freely from Psychology Clubs, Societies and some churches, inviting us to present the Baha'i Movement and I expect we shall have a wonderful winter here and herald the Cause in a way we have never done before, For several years we have been laying this foundation and it is now beginning to man= ifest life and interest,"

While reporting some of the Boston activities, it might be well to answer here the many inquiries about Mr. Gregory. This respected and beloved teacher will be serving in and around Boston for the next two or three months, after which he will spend sometime in Washington, and then make a tour of the South,

Mrs. Gregory returned to this country much improved in health, and very happy over the confirmations which descended during her teaching experiences, During a ten months visit abroad, she was in England, France, Luxembourg, Belgium, Germany and Holland, and every place she found opportunities for teaching. She is now with Mr, Gregory at Somerville, Mass.

"The friends of GOD must widen always the circle of their thoughts, not to tarry one second, but ever go froward, THIS ALONE WILL BE CONDUCIVE TO THEIR PHYSICAL, INTELLECTUAL AND SPIRITUAL PROGRESS,” ‘Abdu'l Baha.

THE FRAGRANT BREEZES OF THE COVENANT WAFT OVER WASHINGTON

"We are not doing anything, but the great Forces of the Kingdom of ABHA are invincible and victorious in every part of the world."

‘Abdu'l Baha, in His Mercy, revealed this sublime Utterance. All praise and Glory be to His Holy Name!

"The world of the Cause” in this City “is astir with motion." During the quiet summer months the “loved ones” here communed with the Lord, and mighty prayers-all of them heart prayers -- ascended to the Center of Live. The appeals must have reached the Court of the Divine King for the "spirit of faith" came in no uncertain way. Indelibly impressed on the mind and heart were the Words:

"Not for a moment are ye alone} Not for a second are ye left to yourselves! Know ye of a certainty that the Powers of the Kingdom of ABHA are with you, My

With such Divine Promises any group of sincere Baha'is might feel encouraged, and with "ardent devotion" every one in the Baha'i Family in Washington endeavored to travel the Path of Obedience and Service. Signs of real unity and harmony became apparent, Every meeting was fragrant. Through love and unity doors of opportunity and service were opening, and it became evident that a speaker and teacher was greatly needed, Knowing that Mr, and Mrs. MacNutt expected to journey to Florida, the Local Spiritual Assembly sent them an invitation to visit the Washingtou Assembly. They came expecting to stay but a short time, and so beautifully confirmed was their visit, that it lasted five weeks, It was a notable occasion; a season of [Page 5]-5 revival; new souls were attracted and confirmed; hearts were comforted and spiritual happiness reigned, The MacNutts brought with them the swect spirit of unity and the joyousness of service, and they were warmly welcomed with true Baha’i love.

Washington was ready for an intensive teaching program, and meetings, private and public were arranged, At the first public meeting, Mr. MacNutt spoke or

The Pathway of Peace" to a deeply interested and attentive audience, It was a spiritually fragrant meeting, and all the friends understand just what that means, At the second public meeting the talk was on "The Gate to GOD". This meeting likewise was well attended and so successful that every one felt greatly thrilled and encouraged, A much larger hall was secured for the third public meeting, and this was one of the largest meetings we have ever had in this City. Mr. Maclutt spoke on an extremely appealing topic, namely: "From Abraham to Allenby". These mectings were all well advertised,

In addition to the public meetings, there were several private mectings at various homes, Also there was hardly a day or a night that there was not some kind of a meeting at Mrs. deLagnel's which is the general Assembly meeting place. The last week of this heavenly season of seed sowing, there was a meeting every night. All hearts were set aglow, and there was such spiritual enthusiasm as was scarcely ever witnessed in our group in this City. This most precious visit closed with a Memorable Feast at the home of Ns. deLagnel, It was truly a universal feast in which all the friends lovingly and joyously participated. Miss Margaret Klebs, enroute to her winter home in Georgia, was present, as well as Mr. and lirs. Grundy of Brooklyn, A musical program of both voeal and instrumental numbers was exquisitely rendered, and we feel sure that the spiritual atmosphere of the place was creative for the inspirational playing of Miss Klebs was most artistic, and Mrs, Grundy, our lovely soprano soloist, never sang with greater expression and sweetness, The keynote of Mr. MacNutt's farewell talk to the friends was "Spiritual Optimism".

The great big outstanding blessing is the actual "deepening of the Cause" through the glorious hearlding of the Covenant, the masterly presentation of the subject of Baha'i organization and allegiance to the Beloved Guardian of the Cause, and likewise through all the other beautiful, comprehensive teaching which Mr, MacNutt was so gloriously confirmed to give, We all realized that besides this splendid service to the believers, we needed Mr, Macllutt at this time for our public meetings, It was apparent that a "fresh confirmation" descended upon him daily. ‘Abdu'l Baha said: "I beseech for Mr, MaclNutt the fluency of Peter and the eloquence of Paul," He attained in Washington. While he is both scholarly and spiritual, that which made the greatest appeal was his humility.

Owing to Mrs. MacNutt's frail physical condition, she could not speak to us as in past times, but she always helped at every meeting with her devotion to the Most Great Cause and her genuine spirit of love and helpfulness.

‘Whatever we ask for, which is in accord with Divine wisdom, GOD will answer, Assuredly!" Thus has ‘Abdu'l Baha instructed us, We asked for help; -that the prayers have been answered is evident.

"He is the Remover of difficulties." "...,.For in the heavens and the earth and in all the realms of GOD, He is the Victorious and the Conqueror,"

The Baltimore friends most lovingly and joyously cooperated and welcomed the splendid opportunity of having an illumined teacher with them, iir, MacNutt faithfully served bath believers and strangers, going over from Washington every Sunday for four successive weeks. A public meeting was held each Sunday afternoon at the downtown hall which the friends use as their meeting place, Also Iir, MacNutt occupied the pulpit of one of the churches for a Sunday night meeting, Every one was made happy in heart, and the result of these visits is most apparent. To record details would necessitate writing a long and stirring story; suffice it to say that [Page 6]~6=

the demonstartion was evident and made spiritually beautiful through the Lord's Mercy and the confirmations pouring down from the Kingdom of ABHA,

, Our dear friends are enroute to Florida now, and will make short visits in several Centers, namely at Atlanta, Augusta, and Athen, Ga., then at Fernandins, Jacksonville, St, Augustine and other places in Florida, arriving eventually at Miami, In each place the friends are preparing for them a series of meetings and an intensive program of Baha'i service, The friends throughout Florida have written glowing accounts of all ‘that was accomplished on previous visits; Mrs. Margaret Atwater at Miami and Dr. and Mrs. Walter B. Guy of St. Augustine have written lengthy and most beautiful accounts every line of which would surely be printed in full if it were possible. An excerpt from one of Mrs. Guy's letters may be quoted to show the appreciation of all, for it expresses the opinion of the Florida friends, namely: "We wish that all the friends might know the blessing which awaits them when these two devoted souls, Mr. and Mrs. MacNutt, shall visit amongst them".

Several notable and historic events transpired in the Baha'i world in Florida during the last season and which revolved around the proclamation of the Message. Among them might be noted the many public talks given by Mr. MacNutt before Women's Clubs, at the large hotels and other places in Miami during the height of the tourist season, giving the Message to hundreds who carried the Truth to their respective homes in the North and West; also he was invited to speak to Mr. Bryan's famous Bible Class, during a time when Mr, Bryan was absent. On another occasion he gave the Baha'i Message by Radio from the Broadcasting Station at Miami, probably the largest Station on the Eastern Coast. He was not restricted in any way, and probably this is the first time that the true Message from a religious viewpoint, giving the history of the Cause, etc., was ever permitted over the Radio, Many of the friends have broadcasted some of the Principles or perhaps spoken from the stan° point of material education, but they were not permitted to advertise the Baha'i Cause. Thousands heard the Message from the Miami Broadcasting Station, All this has effectively and marvellously prepared the way for the teaching tour of our revered Jinab-i Fadil when he makes the Southern tour this winter.

"Assuredly if man rises as he ought to in service to the Kingdom, the Spirit of the Divine Kingdom will encompass him," ‘Abdu'l Baha,

PHILADELPHIA ACTIVITIES

Nearly every week, we hear of some server in the Vineyard who is permitted to use the Radio as a means of teaching, preparing many for the Truth of this New Day. Three talks have recently been broadcasted by Mrs. I. D, Brittingham over Station W.D,A.R, in Philadelphia. Her subjects were: "Education", "The Oneness of Humanity", and "Progress". Miss Jessie Revell writes that Mrs, Brittingham has received several letters from people who “listened in", expressing appreciation and interest, The actual Message has not yet been given, but all of these subjects speak of the Principles, and no doubt later on the Message will be spoken of plainly. Mrs, Brittingham recently spoke in Rev. A. L, Clark's church in Newark, N, J,, on "World Consciousness", and her address was full of the Teachings of ‘Abdu'l Baha,

Miss Ethel Revell recently gave a short talk on "The Oneness of Humanity"

at a gathering arranged to discuss a meeting for racial re-union to be held some time in the hear future.

Mrs, Thomas H. Collins of Pasadena was a recent visitor in Philadelphia and brought joy to the Assembly by speaking to them of her visit to Haifa,

Miss Jessie Revell was invited to attend the Conference of the Fellowship of Reconciliation held in Belmar, N. J., recently, and she was able to talk of the [Page 7]=7<

Message and Principles to many gathered there, This is a Movement which strongly emphasizes Universal Peace and also is in sympathy with ail other Baha'i Principles,

ASBURY PARK, N, J,: The small group of friends in this City are very enthusiastic and ever striving to proclaim the Message of the Kingdom, Meetings are held at the home of Mrs. Juliet D, Sherman weekly. Publicity work in this City is of great importance as it is a seashore and tourist town, therefore the population i ever changing. A very interesting item is culled from Mrs. Sherman's recent report as it well illustrates how all types of servers are used,

‘"Mr, Lorenzo Harris, a very talented sand artist who heard the Message through Mr. .Hanko of Newark, made a beautiful portrait of ‘Abdu'l Baha in the sand on the beach. This reached hundreds of persons who observed Mr. Harris and his work, . He is supplied with Baha'i literature and gives it only to those who seem anxious to know who "Abdu'l Baha is: This may be the means of bringing many to a realization of the Light of the New Day. 9 wee------- THE LIFE SPIRITUAL AT DUBLIN, N.H.

This little town nestled away in the White Mountains may seem very unimportant on the map of the world, but it looms large and immensely important on the Baha'i map, It would take an extremely gifted person endowed with a peculiar pene=trating sight to measure the importance of the work for the Most Great Cause which is actually being accomplished in and around Dublin by Mrs, Parsons, While we cannot give details, we can surely all rejoice exceedingly knowing for a certainty that a mighty work, a very vital work of extreme importance to the Cause has been beautifully confirmed and its effects will be far reaching. In Dublin, far from the busy commercial life, one would think it quite possible to rest and live a simple, quiet life; on the contrary Mrs. Parsons lives a most active, busy life entirely devoted to the Cause, To her, every social function, every lecture, every musicale, every invitation, means the hoped-for opportunity to serve the Cause. Many remarkable _ meetings have been held in her home which already have borne the fruit of blessing. It has been a season of spiritual fragrance, and Shoghi Effendi must have held all of Dublin in His arms.

(These are only a few excerpts from the many reports on Teaching. Several glorious messages will be forthcoming in the next Bulletin),

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FROM OUR LOVEP ONES AFAR

JAPAN: A letter from Miss Agnes Alexander at Tokyo gives the following information:

"We here in Tokyo have just gone through a severe earthquake. We know there have been fires in different parts of the city but do not know of anything yet serious. Mrs, Finch and I were alone when it commenced and hastened to the little street in front of our house, as the plastered walls of the houses and tiled roofs of the houses around us began to fall. As soon as it seemed safe I ran back to the house and got my money, tablets, etc,, for the danger by fire seemed very evident. After that every time another shake came, I read aloud the Tablet of Protection written by ‘Abdu'l Baha. Its Power was wonderful and one could realize His Power to control all forces, and each time the earth quieted again when it was read.

"Just before the earthquake occurred, I sent a message to the llth Esperanto Congress of Japan, now being held in Oxayama, saying that I was praying for their illumination, that all those present in the Congress might find the Sun of Reality and through it the Words of ‘Abdu‘l Baha might become fulfilled, that ‘Japan

will turn ablaze,'" A letter from Mrs. Finch written on board the steamer enroute from Japan [Page 8]-8 to America gives an account o% her experiences, and the following is an excerpt: "I left China, Aug, 19th, and arrived in Japan just in time to be a sharer in the great calamity, We - Miss Alexander and I - were together at her home...... We escaped without injury, and so far as I was able to discover no be~ liever was injured in the least. I sailed from Japan on Sept. 19th...... 1 have talked to many on the boat and have given a lecture in the social hall. The hearts are tender and open to conviction,”

Mrs, Finch has arrived in Seattle where she is remaining for the present,

PERSIA: Some of the beloved friends may be well informed concerning the following refreshing news, but as so many recently have said they were not informed, we were particularly requested to include this in the Pulletin:

Dr. Genevieve Coy, who left America sometime ago to take charge of the Girl's Tarbiat School in Teheran, writes:

"We are all happy that Shoghi Effendi has sent word that the Baha'i women may vote for the Spiritual Assemblies........ For the first time women are allowed to vote, this the result of a letter from Shoghi Effendi to the Spiritual Assembly, People are voting by neighborhoods...... They say that up until now about four hundred women have voted....and there are still three or four more days for the voting to run. This is not bad for the first year that they have been allowed to vote.

EGYPT: Rizwania Khanum writes another interesting item about the progress of women: "The Baha'is in Cairo are having beautiful meetings and Shoghi Effendi has given to the ladies the right to vote which has caused us to have great hope.

We wish that the women in the East, through the precious Teachings of Baha'u'llah will equal their sisters in the West."

S, AFRICA: Miss Fanny Knobloch has arrived in Cape Town and already started her second teaching tour in that country, All will recall the great success of her first trip in that land. Ever since her return to this country, she has been planning and looking forward to the time of renewing acquaintances and cultivating the beautiful gardens she had left. All that she has and all that she ever hopes to have is given to the Cause, She pays her own expenses, and has stepped forth to serve with all the elements of sacrifice which attract Divine confirmations. Baha'i books have been presented by her to all the large Libraries, and it is hoped the Libraries in the smaller towns will also be provided.

ENGLAND: A few excerpts from a letter from our beloved Claudia Coles will refresh us greatly:

"..... Clear and beautiful is the Truth that unless those who teach the Cause turn to the WORD in humility and reverence seeking to Imow all that hath been revealed for human guidance and to find in the Creative WORD its Mystery, how can they teach the Revelation! If the WORD is not studied naturally what is taught can only be personal impressions and ideas! ‘Abdu'l Baha is the Interpreter of the Book. It is this Knowledge that will save the world from the pain of the dark ages.

" ..e. The Mission of the Bab, the Manifestation of the Glory of Baha'u'llah, and the baptism of the Servitude of the Center of the Covenant, ‘Abdu’ Baha, and the Bounty of this Day in His Appointment of a Guardian who humbly and reverently serves ‘Abdu'i Baha through service to all His children, : born and unborn, are vital facts that are the orb-like seed that will add unto each heart all that it yearns to know and understand, The declaration of the fundamental facts seems our MESGLON cece svs

".,2+.- Every one who writes for publication anything about the Cause, for the love of the Cause, is eager to have every line the subject of consultation


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so that no obscurities may exist, no mistakes be made, so that no mis-statements be overlooked, in order that everything written may through consultation strike always the same key note, It is the Symphony of the Kingdom that is being transcribed, In it no discords can exist!"

"see. My heart is having a realization of the joy that is for us all in each thing that any worker | in the Cause, for the Cause, does in sincerity and lov~ ing faith, In keeping one's thoughts grateful and one's Compass true to the Will of the Covenant, certainly we are helping each other in creating spiritual radiance because our hearts are sure......

"Meantime what joy to feel the drawing together of hearts as a tool for the hand of Shoghi Effendi, in obedience to the Ransom of the believers of GOD in this transitory world, the Servant of GOD, His Holiness and our Beloved ‘Abdu'l Baha,

"What a comfort are the directions of Shoghi Effendi: And how great is our Spiritual heritage!"

ITALY: An excerpt from a letter from Mrs. Emogene Hoagg is illuminating and will be avery helpful to all:

',.2.. We must follow with faith the desires of Shoghi Effendi relying upon the Words of the Master regarding Shoghi Effendi as we have relied upon the Words of the Beloved always, helping with our united faith in him to create spiritual unity.....

"When I was in Haifa last - only six days - I came to the firm conviction that we can only help the Cause now by forgetting our own opinions and following the desires of Shoghi Effendi..... I felt so strongly when praying at the Threshold of the Tomb of the blessed Master, that I could only reach Him now through Shoghi Effendi: that is by aiding Shoghi Effendi, following Shoghi Effendi‘s instructions, helping Shoghi Effendi, protecting Shoghi Effendi from all the difficulties possible; then would the Spirit of the Beloved strengthen me in my work...... . Remem= ber me to all the friends with much love, I remembered all at the Holy Tombs, for i aa to know that all are united in His service......."

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"Lo! THE MORN ETERNAL."

Mr. Remey was in Newport at the time of the "going away" of Mr. Pumpelly, the father of one of our lovely Baha'i sisters, and he tells us about it in the following letter:

"Prof, Pumpelly, the father of Mrs. Daisy Smythe, recently passed into the Kingdom.beyond. He was a man of rare attainments, a noted scientist, a great traveller in all countries, and with a universal vision which made him peculiarly sympathetic with the Baha'i Principles, The Master, ‘Abdu'l Baha, was a guest in Prof. Pumpelly's summer home in Dublin, N..H., and Prof. Pumpelly was always interested in the progress of the Cause,

"A few hours after his passing, a small group of us met for prayer in his room, It was one of those spiritual moments when for an instant or more all earthly vibrations seem to stop, and one feels the Presence of the Spirit of the Manifested GOD in all Its vibrancy.

"The funeral services were very impressive. At the close of the regular service as prescribed by the Church, a Latin chant was beautifully rendered by a choir of boys' voices, and following this were read the Words of Baha'u'llah upon immortality, beginning "But concerning that which you asked about the spirit and its everlastingness after its ascension’, etc.

"I regret deeply that with the passing of Prof. Pumpelly, Mrs. Smythe is [Page 10]7105

giving up her residence in Newport, for she is the mainstay of the Baha’i work here, During the past few months Mrs, Smythe opened her home on several occasims for spiritual gatherings; and to which she invited people to hear the Baha'i Message. In this way a number have become interested in the Cause to the extent that it is being talked about and discussed and the great interest is communicated. Many of those whc have heard the Message in Newport are summer visitors here, so the influence of Mrs. Smythe's work will be carried to other places, Experience in the Baha'i work shows that when souls are really touched and penetrated by the knowledge and the spirit of the Cause, they do not get away from the Revelation, Even though they may travel far and wide and be separated from the friends, the spiritual seed planted eventually germinates and brings them again and again into active relations with the believers,"

Mrs, Parsons tells of the funeral services at Dublin for Prof. Pumpelly in the following account:

"The memorial services here were remarkable evidence of the love and respect which Prof. Pumpelly drew from villagers and City people. The first service was held-just a week after the Newport services - in the church here which was crowded, In the afternoon of that same Sunday, his friends gathered together outside of his house facing the sunset and the most beautiful view at Dublin, Dr, McComb read the same Words of Baha'u'llah mentioned by Mr. Remey, and Mr. Joseph Lindon Smith, the Artist, uttered a simple appreciative tribute to the lives of Prof. and Mrs, Pumpelly as they had been lived here with all sorts and conditions of men, Ap-= propriate music was rendered by two players at a distant piano, three little girls and lir, Smith placed a beautiful wreath on a receptacle prepared for it, while the sun drew nearer and nearer to the horizon, All sat in silence and stillness until the last ray dipped beyond our vision, and reverently the group dissolved,"

Mrs, Brittingham has sent us an account of the passing of one of our dear=ly loved Baha'i sisters who lived in Brooklyn for many years - Mrs. A.M.Fultz. Mrs, Brittingham gave her the Baha'i Message about twenty-four years ago, She was a ripe soul with an exquisite spiritual nature and her devotion t> the Cause was known to all. Mrs, Brittingham writes:

"Her remains were brought to Paoli, Pa., where after a very sweet brief service in the little church, they were laid beside those of her husband in the old historic cemetery,..., The officiating minister there spoke beautifully of her life as mother, friend, servant of GOD and of ‘her return to the HOMELAND’. Her relatives, though so unsympathetic to the Baha'i Cause, yet because of the exquisite fragrance of her Baha'i life, and witness and standard bearing of It - had the Baha'i service on Friday following the orthodox service, because as some of them stated ‘we knew

Mother would wish it so!'" ‘

"Yes, surely sincere prayer always has its effect and it has a great influence in the other world. We are never cut off from those who are there..., "Abdu'l Baha,

Please note that this "news letter" formerly know as the Bulletin, will hereafter be known as the National Baha'i Bulletin, designated as such by the_National spect Assembly. And hereafter it will be issued regularly on the 15th of the month, or perhaps every nineteen days according to conditions,

A suggestion has come to us asking that a page be devoted to "Hints on Teaching", If this meets with approval, please forward to us any helpful hints on spreading the Message which may have come to you as a result of your own experience,

"Prayer and supplication are so effective that they inspire one's heart for the whole day with high ideals and supreme sanctity and calmness, One's heart must be sensitive to the music of prayer. He must feel the effect of prayer, He must not be like an organ from which softest notes stream forth without having con sciousness of sensation in itself," pases *Abdu'l Baha. 1910 Kalorama Road, National Baha'i Teaching Committee Washington, D. C, Mariam Haney, Secretary,

Oct, 15, 1923,

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