National Teaching Committee Bulletins/1924/April 10/Text

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"Take heed lest the changes and chances of this world of self and passion divide you; nay, be even as fingers of one hand, the members of one body....... Well is it with him that hath known the Purpose of GOD in that which hath been revealed from the Heavens of His Holy Will that transcendeth all mankind." Baha'u'llah.

"Do not let any conflict arise between two friends. When there is a difference both will become grieveds There must be only love, You must never offend any soul. You must always have love. As soon as you see any dissatisfaction between souls, strive to create love between them. For the Kingdom of GOD does not accept differences." 'Abdu'l Baha.

"The friends must TEACH and must be united. If they will not be united, even 'Abdu'l Baha cannot help them." A Message from Shoghi Effendi. April 10, 1924 NATIONAL BAHA'I BULLETIN Issued by the Teaching Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly

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"TEACHING IS OF PARAMOUNT IMPORTANCE IN THESE DAYS."

“Every aim, and every purpose, however lofty and desirable for the advancement of the Cause, should, in this day, be subordinated to the vitai and pressing need of delivering GOD'S Divine Message to waiting humanity. Not that all other issues should be forgotten and suffer neglect, but rather that this matter of urgent importance should be given, by all the friends, the widest publicity and the fullest support, as I feel it is the most direct, the most feasible, the most effective means for the immediate expansion of the Cause we love so dearly."

These instructions quoted from very recent letters of our Beloved Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, indicate that our “ardent devotion" must manifest in enthusiastically and heroically heralding the Message which means the salvation of the world.

Progress will depend upon a new firmness in the Covenant - obedience, literally, joyfully, radiantly to every instruction of Shoghi Effendi, Who is the Perfect Mirror of 'Abdu'l Baha; an understanding of the “expedient measures" of today; the ability to “bear our burden with steadfastness and fortitude" and being in the thankful attitude at all times.

The wealth of loving messages recently received from Shoghi Effendi for the American friends, the stirring appeals, the tender solicitude expressed in all of them, the explicit and positive instructions poured upon us once again through these vital communications given with Divine Power and Authority, have created the capacity to understand the true significance of His purpose, and all are longing to follow the Beloved Guardian whithersoever His instructions may lead, knowing that He is the Master of our souls, and that He knows the Path for us to travel which will eventually bring us into a divine harmony.

We hear of the renewed resolutions to press forward with radiant acquiescense, with an alertness, vigor and zealousness not attained heretofore.

All realize that through the Bestowals of Baha'u'llah every problem is solved and all perplexities vanish. Our hearts are full of faith and trust, and [Page 2]Pe

happy in the renewed and fresh hope that joyous reports may be promptly forwarded to Shoghi Effendi, of the brilliant work of all the friends in serving the Cause more and more, even sacrificing life itself if need be, for the spread of the Most Great Message which alone will bring humanity into oneness and unity.

"O ye the faithful loved ones of 'Abdu'l Baha! It is incumbent upon you to take the greatest care of Shoghi Effendi"...........'Abdu'l Baha.

THE TEACHING TOUR OF JENAB-I FADIL

During the months that Jenab-i-Fadil has been with us on his second tovr in America, he has been teaching us by precept and example that in order to show our ~ love for Shoghi Effendi and our allegiance unto Him, in order to bring happiness to our Beloved Guardian, we must be active, more active, and still more active in spreading the Teachings.

Jenab-i Fadil “gladly and gratefully responded to the kind invitation of the ‘American friends" to assist them in their endeavors “to promote far and wide and with greater efficiency and vigor the all-important work of Teaching.” How marvellously he has fulfilled his mission is told in the repeated stories of his successive confirmations wherever he goes. "It has become evident how the Power of the Kingdom works."

Glowing accounts of Jenab-i Fadil's extended travels and visits have reached us from time to time, many of which have already been published. If it were possible all of these reports would be published in full, and undoubtedly they will be compiled in the future as they form a vitally interesting and important chapter in the history of the progress of the Cause in this country.

Among the Cities visited in the last few months have been Cleveland, Detroit, Akron, Dayton, Philadelphia, Washington, Baltimore, and lastly the brilliant tour in the South. In all of the Cities, Jenab-i Fadil met and taught the friends of GOD, and likewise spoke to the public in many churches, before Club organizations of various kinds, Theosophical Societies, schools, colleges, and other specially arranged public meetings. The beloved friends in each City rendered every assistance possible, and through Divine power and help all preparations and plans were fully executed, and rare and interesting programs were fulfilled. It is sure and certain that our devoted sisters and brothers who served so diligently and faithfully witnessed the fulfillment of the Master's Promise to those who sincerely arise in service to the Cause of GOD, for He has written in His Divine Tablets: "They, the friends, shall see with their ovm eyes the confirmations of Baha'u'llah." We cull just a few excerpts from some of the letters received:

CLEVELAND. Jenab-i Fadil, Khanum and the two children, were entertained in this city in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Potter who were greatly assisted in their endeavors by Mr. and Mrs. Cole and the friends generally. Mrs. Potter's letter states:

“We in Cleveland surely feel that Jenab-i Fadil is a pure channel for the outpouring of the Holy Spirit. He is a wonderful teacher. We have been greatly blessed, and we hope and pray that the fruits of his visit will be greater devotion, greater inner activity and deeper sincerity in the Cause."

Mrs. Dale S. Cole sent a detailed report, a very beautiful and inspiring account, from which the following is an excerpt:

We all feel that it has been a great bounty to have Jenab-i Fadil here in Cleveland for so long and the friends have become better acquainted with him. His beautiful spirit, his devotion to 'Abdu'l Baha, his clear logic, tact and love, have made it clear why his presence is so inspiring and effective."

DETROIT. "What we tried to do in Detroit during Jenab-i Fadil's stay was to give all the Baha'is a chance to talk to him. He answered all questions of both friends and inquirers most convincingly, and this, of course, without the aid of an [Page 3]see”

interpreter. His stay here was short, but the Detroit Baha'is were most grateful for the beautiful spirit of encouragement he brought."

DAYTON. In this City our dear Frances Fales and Mr. and Mrs. Howard Ives were very active in arranging meetings and they were confirmed in their efforts and made happy in heart with the results. Mrs. Ives stated in her letters:

"Many questions were answered by Jenab-i Fadil in a most beautiful and illuminating way. His wisdom in answering the questions of earnest souls is most impressive."

AKRON. From a letter received from Mrs. Luxmore, we find a repetition of the heartfelt appreciation expressed by so many others:

“We surely did énjoy the blessing of Jenab-i Fadil's visit, and only wish we could have him for a longer time, and sit at his feet and learn the ways of truth and peace and love.”

Mrs. Wagner has sent a most beautiful account of all the meetings. Her records are accurate and complete, and she has rendered a distinguished service in transcribing her notes taken at the various gatherings. Just one excerpt shows how a vital teaching is given in a simple yet most effective way:

"One young man from Holland, in a meeting of university students, asked the relationship between this religion and Christianity. Jenab-i answered that the basic principles were the same, -- in fact the same as in all religions of the past, but we must practice them, not merely talk. We have talked 1,900 years about the Principles of Christ, but we have been fighting all the time. This Revelation has come to put these Divine Principles into practice, to live that life which Jesus taught."

Jenab-i Fadil himself has written refreshing reports of the progress of the work in all of the Cities he has visited, and his observations of the work in Ohio may be summed up in the following from his letters:

“What we need in America is to renew our activity and to bring refreshment to our souls and to our service, We need very much to sacrifice, not only in a material way but also in a spiritual way, that is, to sacrifice our desire for the progress of the Cause of GOD......-+...«eeAll these several Cities, Cleveland, Akron, Detroit and Dayton, make me very happy, because I saw the sincerity of the friends in the service of the Cause and their Baha'i unity under the shadow of the ABHA Flag. But they need to have different Baha'i teachers come time after time and water the spiritual plant and make it grow. This is the duty of the Teaching Committee: to let teachers like Mr. Vail or Mr. Gregory travel to these Cities and continue the Baha'i work."

PHILADELPHIA: Here as elsewhere there were splendid openings and Jenab-i Fadil proclaimed the Baha'i Message of Life from one viewpoint or another before several large public audiences, and the more intimate meetings with the friends were a great source of encouragement and happiness. Our well beloved Mrs. Brittingham, the blessed Revell family and our beautiful and devoted Mrs. Haggarty, as well as all the friends served with the utmost selflessness and pure love.

WASHINGTON: Jenab-i Fadil and his charming family were entertained at the home of Mrs. Parsons, and through a united effort, meetings were arranged which brought our revered teacher in touch with the general public. Two meetings with the Theosophists, a talk to all the assembled students at Howard University, another at the International Arts and Letters Club, another talk before’ the American League of | Penvyomen, a specially arranged large public meeting at a hall, the regular Friday night meetings at Mrs. deLagnel's home, the meetings for inquirers at Mrs. Parson's home, the group meetings throughout the City in various homes, with both friends and strangers, private interviews between times, left little or no time for Jenab-i Fadil to write or feel at all lonesome. He was happy because of the series of meetings successively arranged, and every one was greatly pleased with the way the Message was heralded far and wide. [Page 4]whe,

Jenab-i Fadil is now a this time again in Washington and an account of his present confirmed services will be recorded later.

ALTIMORE: The friends in this City feel that the services of Jenab-i Fadil on both his visit in Janvary and also now at this time have refreshed and encouraged them. He talked on both occasions to the believers and also at public meetings, and as one of the friends wrote: "We hope Baltimore will now wake up." They also expressed the utmost regret about Jenab-i Fadil's leaving this country.

"We must endeavor always, moan, supplicate and invoke the Kingdom of GOD to grant us full capacity, in order that the Bestowals of GOD may become revealed and manifest in us." *Abdu'l Baha.

FEAST DAYS IN THE SOUTH

In one of His Tablets to the Southern States, 'Abdu'l Baha said: "In reality every day which man passes in the mention of GOD, the diffusion of the Fragrances of GOD and calling the people to the Kingdom of GOD, that day is his feast."

Ever since Jenab-i Fadil arrived in this country over a year ago, the members of the Teaching Committee and many, many of the friends everywhere, were looking forward with joy arid unusually keen interest to the promulgation of the Divine Teachings in the South by our illumined teacher. While many teachers have made brief visits in some sections of the South, such as, for instance, Mr. Remey, Mr. Hannen, Mr. Haney, Mr. Cobb and others who served both the white and colored people, also our illumined Mr. Gregory and Mr. Williams who have taught among the colored, and in the last three or four years Mr. MacNutt teaching during the winter seasons, yet there are sixteen States in the Southern Section, and as some of the important Cities in the South have not yet been visited, we might even to this time call this entire section pioneer territory.

Mr. MacNutt was in the South touring for several weeks in advance of Jenab-i Fadil end prepared the way as much as possible. In reviewing the existing conditions which he found every place, he summed up the prospects in somewhat of a forecast, from which we quote the following:

"In more than one aspect, spreading the Baha'i Message in the Southern States is pioneer work. Racial feeling is everywhere more or less acute. To blend the white and colored even in the Religion of GOD is a slow and most difficuit task. The natives of both races are either apathetic and negligent in spiritual matters, or if connected with church and creed, hold blindly to faiths and beliefs of the most primitive, orthodox kind, fearful of change, refusing everything that differs from ancestral forms, and hostile to any new presentation of Divine Truths. Another element difficult to reach and impress is the transient tourist population, particularly in Florida. They come from every part of the United States, and as a rule, combine money-making motives with non-religious tendencies. Jenab-i Fadil's work should be planned for the larger more progressive Centers where he will be heard by the greatest percentage of spiritually intelligent audiences. Briefly: The Southern States constitute pioneer territory which will try and test the most devoted seedsowers of the Baha'i Cause......-. If we depended upon human effort alone in the unifying and purification of human attitude toward the Manifestation of GOD and His Covenant, there would be no accomplishment. But, praise be to GOD! Before His Ascension, 'Abdu'l Baha, the Beloved, pointed the way and sounded the call to service in this and all other sections of our vast country, at the same time announcing that the Invisible Legions of the Supreme Concourse would surround, and the Power of the Holy Spirit of Sanctity would confirm and accomplish."

We will see what really did come to pass as Jenab-i Fadil stepped into the South with a spiritual determination and an eloquent tongue.

Arriving in St. Augustine, the first City visited, Jenab-i and his family were the guests of the blessed ones, Dr. and Mrs. Walter B. Guy. [Page 5]«6s

Here the services of Jenab-i Fadil were utilized by both white and colored. Dr. and Mrs. Guy have a wonderful understanding of the Principle of the Oneness of Mankind and their most ardent wish is for the establishment of the Principles which will bring about the Unity of all races and religions. Among the noteworthy meetings was the one arranged for the Tourist Club with a membership of several hundred gathered from all sections of the country. Here Jenab-i Fadil gave the Glorious Message to an interested audience. Other notable meetings were the ones arranged at the Normal and Industrial Colored School especially the one which seemed like a miracle with mere than one hundred white friends in attendance. At a Colored church there was a most. enthusiastic service: this together with several group meetings in Dr. Guy's home and other places, kept the visiting teacher busy.

From St. Augustine Dr. Guy accompanied Jenab-i Fadil on a trip to Jacksonville and Fernandina, in both of which Cities most vital work was accomplished. Dear Mrs. Hart in Jacksonville very successfully arranged beautiful meetings in her own home and in colored schools, and Mrs. Harris from Washington, assisted very materially at all of the meetings. It seemed like part of the divine plan to have Mrs. Harris there to cooperate with those not so far advanced in the work of the Cause. Among the white and colored a great interest was awakendéd, a large number expressing the great desire to know more and to become identified with the Cause, in fact Jenab-i Fadil found this City READY. He has expressed in a letter this view: "Jacksonville looks like an uncultivated land, having oapacity for great growth and greatly in need of a spiritual farmer. The people are thirsty for the River of Life which came down from the Mountain of GOD through Baha'u'llah."

In Fernandina there is always spiritual happiness. The devoted friends of GOD there are a magnet; their pure and selfless service reaches out and touches the life of the whole community so that all know and recognize the purity and sincerity of their intentions and purpose. Jenab-i Fadil said: "I found in that little town a few spiritual jewels." Mrs. Nagel and her daughters entertained Jenab-i Fadil and Dr. Guy in their home where very precious meetings for the study of the Teachings were held and the Message proclaimed. Our dear brother, Mr. Stone is ever spiritually zealous in the work of the Kingdom. He wrote most wonderfully of the visit and expressed the wish of the friends that the visitors might have remained longer.

Jenab-i Fadil was very happy over the successive confirmations which reached all, and felt that the work in St. Augustine and vicinity had been well planned by Dr. Guy, and that it had been, through divine help, most successful, and, as he stated in one of his letters: “Dear Dr. and Mrs. Guy spent all of their time for the Cause the weeks we were there. Their desire is to wrk always for the Cause, and I pray from my heart that the Master will help them."

Mrs. Guy stated in one of her letters:, "It has been a great privilege to get so close to Jenab-i, and he has been a great” benefit to us all."

Dr. Buy sums up the season of seed sowing in that section in the following manner: "Good work was done in Jacksonville, and the friends in Fernandina were aglow with the divine fire, their faces were shining with spiritual joy and fervor. Mr. MacNutt is speaking to many people at many towns, and Florida will soon be on the Baha'i map vith many souls alive and shining and establishing the Cause.....We have received much from Jenab-i's visit. Our vision has been made clearer, our faith more strongly rooted, and our decision to see none but HIM intensified."

MIAMI: "A new and memorable era in the history of the Cause" in Florida was started during the visit of Jenab-i Fadil to that City, if we judge by all the reports received. God's confirmations are powerful, and they are likewise mysterious. "All must TEACH" and we are slowly but surely reaching this active condition, for both friends and strangers in Florida assisted in the great work of the New Day.

The home of Mr. and Mrs. Atwater in Miami, where Jenab-i Fadil and his family made their home during their visit in that City, became a center of great activity. This home has always been a Baha'i Center, and for several years this [Page 6]«ijn

faithful family have held aloft the Divine Standards and assisted every teacher who travelled that way.

A few excerpts from Mrs. Atwater's account of the recent activities will bring us spiritual refreshment:

"It has been a great pleasure and privilege to administer to the material needs of these great souls and I cannot be thankful enough for the great bounty of the spiritual food which Jenab-i Fadil has given us.....The last week of his stay was an extremely busy one, and people followed him from one meeting to another.......-No dates were made for him until after the first reception in our home, after which the doors of opportunity swung open. Not until after this reception did the Theosophists or Advanced Thought people have a public meeting place, and upon securing a room, ~ they invited Jenab-i to speak for them on each occasion of their meeting together, and at one of their last meetings when Jenab-i spoke on the subject 'The New Vision of Immortality;' they offered their Foom to the Bahatis at any time they wished to use it, and Mr. MacNutt was also invited to address them on the Baha'i Revelation.... Another important meeting was at a Grammar school where aur teacher s poke to a group of twelve hundred children telling them about Persia, the Superintendent of the school announcing that the child writing the best essay on what they heard would have their article printed in the school Bulletin.....The advanced Jews were very enthuSiastic over his talk given in their hall, as were the colored people; two meetings having been arranged for them by Mr. Taite. There were also two meetings at Studios in town, one at a friend's house at Miami Beach and another meeting for the American Pen Women....+..Twenty lectures, an average of five a week; -- but of course, they were mostly given in the last two weeks........I cannot close without telling you of the wonderful enthusiasm of the Spiritualists where Jenab-i talked at three different meetings, and of the beautiful songs of our nightingale, Julia Grundy, and also the wonderful violin selections of Mme. Hall given at her studio meetings.".....

Mrs. Boyle of Washington, who was also in Miami during Jenab-i Fadil's stay there, and who was very active in arranging meetings, has written a detailed account from which we quote the following very interesting items:

"The people here have come from every part of the country, unusual business opportunities in a new region attracting progressive and intelligent types. The physical warmth and color really has its analogy in the hospitality and cosmopolitan character of the people. So in this picturesque and democratic city Jenab-i Fadil found a truly cordial welcome and it was most gratifying to see how deeply he was appreciated.....sec«

“On his last Sunday in Miami Jenab-i Fadil gave three unusually fine addresses. In the morning he spoke at the New Thought Center on ‘A New Vision of Immortality,! and after the meeting his friends of this group consulted with the | Baha'i friends as to the possibility of his continued stay and spoke of calling him at some future time to live permanently among them in order to receive his great spiritual knowledge......

“In the afternoon a large meeting had been arranged in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Sedgwick Cooper at Miami Beach. Mr. Cooper is the editor of the newspaper of the Beach.......--A group cf interesting people had been asked to meet Jenab-i Fadil, and after a felicitous introduction by the editor, he spoke for a full hour upon the Baha'i Revelation, giving its histery and Principles. His address was followed with wrapt attention, and afterward a veritable ovation was tendered him, the splendid presentation of the Movement as well as his facility in English, having clearly impressed this group of cultured people.

"Among the first guests to greet Jenab-i Fadil were Mr. and Mrs. Spicer Simpson, the former being the celebrated medallist who made a portrait of 'Abdu'l Baha for Mr. and Mrs. Arthur Jeffrey Parsons during the visit of the Master to America, ‘The daughter of Mr. William Jennings Bryan, Mrs. Owen, was also present.

“It is impossible, as a matter of fact, to exaggerate the attitude toward dJenab-i on the part of everybody here. The people seemed to really love him and some [Page 7]-7 of them were in tears at his departure......"

From the pen of Mr. MacNutt, we have received the following beautiful expression:

"Jenab-i Fadil's accomplishment in this new field of service cannot be measured by the number of meetings or a list of new believers in the Baha'i Message. The Baha'i Splendor, like the sunshine, defies enumeration and estimate. Wherever he went and whenever his voice was heard, the Holy Spirit of Sanctity descended and the ABHA presence was manifest. Trained and taught in the East, he has been a mirror of radio-effulgence and messenger of guidance in the West. Blessed indeed are those who have heard him, caught the inspiration of his limpid spiritual purity and beheld the impressive simplicity of his holiness, The fruits of such service in the Cause of GOD are imperishable, eternal. We cannot measure them; we may not even see or be able to pojnt them out...<sesce

“Jenab-i goes from us, but his ‘works do follow him.' GOD will give the increase of his faithful and efficient planting. We will water the precious seeds he has sowvm, praising and glorifying GOD that this beautiful and beloved mirror of ‘Abdu'l Baha has led us more and more into the Light."

AUGUSTA, GA.: After eleven years of patient, loving, intelligent ad efficient service in this City, Miss Margaret Klebs was very happy to see her pioneer work produce good fruits. In spite of her busy professional life as vocal teacher, she has made the work of sowing the seeds of Truth that of primary importance in her life. A travelling teacher has now md then passed that way assisting for a day or two in heralding the Message, -- the last among them being Mr. MacNutt who served with such notable success last fall. And now with the spiritual program fulfilled by Jenab-i Fadil, the Cause of Baha'u'llah has become widely and favorably known. iiss Klebs sent a very encouraging report, a part of which we quote:

"If feel that the visit of Jenab-i Fadil here was a very successful one.... The most important public meeting was very gratifying, the big hall being filled with various types of people, social representatives, the learned and scholarly and others from nearly every walk of life, gathered to hear Jenab-i Fadil speak on the subject ‘Life after Death.' Such a deep subject and expressed in English remarkably well. Many stayed to ask questions. Two of my pupils. sang beautiful sacred songs at this meeting.......I am deeply grateful that Jenab-i could come here."

There were several other meetings on the program, both public and private-among them the one at the home of Mrs. Sego, at Miss Kelb's Studic, the meetings with the groups of colored people as well as the meeting with the Jews and others.

Through invitations and the splendid publicity work accomplished in Augusta, it is evident that the work and all preparations were carried forward with great intelligence and successive confirmations.

In writing about the work accomplished in Augusta, Jenab-i Fadil said: "During these few days in Augusta the door of confirmations of the ABHA Kingdom were open to us. We had many interesting meetings.........No doubt the seeds of the ABHA Kingdom are planted in the hearts of hundreds of people.”

From Augusta, Jenab-i Fadil and family came directly to Washington where they are again the guests of Mrs. Parsons, and where they will remain until Jenab-i leaves for the Annual Baha'i Convention and Congress at Worcester, April 26th to 29th.

Mrs. Parsons arranged several group meetings at her home. Group meetings were also arranged at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Warsaw, Mrs. Hannen and Mrs. Barnitz; likewise Mrs. deLagnel gave a beautiful after reception for Mme. Fadil and the children at -rhich Jenab+i was also present. Jenab-i Fadil also speaks at the reguler Wednesday night public mectings and the Assembly mcetings in the home of Mrs. de Lagnel. Meetings have also been held at the International Arts and Letters Club and [Page 8]at the home of Dr. and Mrs. Riley. z "The blessed meeting is the meeting of TEACHING, and in this Day confirmation is the companion of those who teach this Message." 'Abdu'l Baha.

Among the many Instructions from 'Abdu'l Baha received by Mr. MacNutt is the following: "Travel thou as much as thou canst to all parts and directions and deliver eloquent speeches through the Power of the WORD of GOD and the Grandeur of the Covenant and Testament."

Our good brother, Mr. MacNutt is always striving to fulfill this Command, and many others to him of a similar nature. This winter he toured through Florida, spending many weeks at Indian Rocks. Enroute to Miami from there, the MacNutt party stopped in several Cities, Mr. MacNutt speaking to large groups, particularly in St. Petersburg, Lakeland, Orlando, Daytona and lastly at Fulford and Miami, and Mr. MacNutt writes: "We are making quite a number of believers among our dear friends here in Fulford, and now holding regular meetings in this place and Miami."

Soon they will be on their way North again, and will make return visite in St. Augustine, Jacksonville and Fernandina.

ALBERT R. VAIL, "The Herald of the Kingdom"

Within the past few months Mr. Vail has again enlisted as one of the travelling teachers in America and will no longer be connected with the "STAR" as Editorin-Chief. Shoghi Effendi has written several times that “Mr. Vail is too precious a teacher" not to be before the public all the time giving the Glad-Tidings of the Kingdom. From one of Mr. Vail'ts Tablets we quote the following Words of 'Abdu'l Baha which convey such divine power, and will help all to fully realize the great importance of Mr. Vail's wonderfully confirmed services to the public, for he has been given, as**Abdu'l Baha said "the confirming power": "Rest thou assured! The favors and bounties of the Merciful One are all-encircling, and likewise My Love for thee is perfect. Every night from the Divine Threshold I beg for thee confirmation and assistance so that on the Continent of America thou mayst become a brilliant proof, a shining light and a beaming star."

Recent lectures by Mr. Vail in and around Chicago have been on the following subjects: “The True Modernist and Fundamentalist," a series of lectures on "The New Interpretation of the Bible and Present Day Fulfillments of Bible Prophecies" -"New Proofs of the Oneness of Mankind" -- and "Evolution and Religion."

Mr. Vail will be one of the principle speakers at the coming Convention and Congress, and will thereafter make a teaching tour visiting some of the Cities in the Northeastern States. It is surely hoped that during this year he will be able to visit every Baha'i Center in the country.

"We must present to the public the proofs and evidences of this Cause with a tongue of fire, so that the souls may be exhilarated, the minds become full of tumult and acclamation." ‘Abdu'l Baha.

MR. REMEY'S TEACHING TOUR

A message from Shoghi Effendi to Mr. Remey to the effect that "he should give first consideration to TEACHING" at this time, made it possible to execute a long cherished plan. Mr. Remey started from Washington, and made a trip to the Pacific Coast, going out one route and returning by another, and visited every Baha'i Assembly both large and small enroute. It was a teaching tour of great importance and one that brought happiness to hundreds of hearts. Meetings were arranged in every Center both for the public and for the friends. The Message of the Kingdom was given to hundreds of strangers who became greatly interested. Letters from the friends throughout the country state: "Mr. Remey's visit greatly strengthened us." A detailed report of the wey many important events of this trip will be recorded at some future time. [Page 9]ate

MR. LOUIS G. GREGORY was in Washington for several weeks this winter at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Ashton and while here was ever active in spiritual service. He spent much of his time visiting the public schools, and found many opportunities to converse with the Principals and teachers about the Cause and things related; -he was often asked to address the dlasses and sometimes the assembled school. Two of the more important talks were at the Lincoln Congregational Church and to the Philips Parent-teacher Assoviation, the latter a meeting attended by many parents and a number of school officials.

Later Mr. Gregory went to New York where he was one of the speakers at many important public meetings, afterwards going to Boston to assist the work there.

He is now at Worcester helping the beloved friends of that City in the preliminary work of the Convention.

Dr. Zia Bagdad made a teaching trip to Washington by invitation of the Spiritual Assembly of that City. He spoke ata large public meeting on the subject “Physical and Spiritual Healing." The audience caught some of his enthusiasm and were greatly attracted to the Cause. Though his stay was short, he was kept very busy every moment speaking to all the assembled friends at a special meeting in the home of Mrs. deLagnel, and also to groups and individuals. He encouraged and

strengthened every one, and was particularly successful in making every one cheerful. and happy.

A recent letter from Dr. Bagdadi from Chicago contains an. dnapiration for us all and is therefore shared:

"Phe Chicago Baha'i Assembly, with utmost love and unity gathered for the Naurooz Feast at the Baha'i headquarters. Souls were cheered by listening to the heavenly Words, hearts rejoiced by chanting prayers, all sang sweet melodies of thanks to the Greatest Name for the glad-tidings that were contained in letters: from all parts of the world; a delicious Feast was served in perfect joy and fragrance. But that was not all. Remembering the fact that on all such blessed occasions, important deeds are inaugurated, -- therefore, the friends opened their hearts first-then their pocketbooks -- and a sum of money was raised at the close of the meeting. This money is to be sent to Haifa as a contribution from the Chicago Baha'i Assembly to help pave the road that leads to the illumined Shrines of the BAB and 'ABDU'L BAHA. I hope and pray that all the Baha'i Assemblies throughout America have been inspired with such inspiration that shall leave glorious and ever-remembered records."

MONTANA: Mrs. Mary Richardson of Seattle has spent three winters working for the Cause of GOD in Montana. Her pure and illumined services cannot be too highly praised and commended. She is a deep student of the Baha'i Teachings, she knows the Teachings herself very well, she is a public speaker of exceptional ability, and she is an enthusiastic and fearless server in the great field of teaching. She pays all her own expenses travelling from City to City working and teaching; during» the day time she sells toilet articles, and never a night but finds her before.the public giving a lecture. She has spoken before the Theosophists, Spiritualists, Open Forum Meetings, special meetings arranged for her, in some instances invited to return again and again to give another talk, also she has given the Message in ever so many churches of the colored people. In Great Falls, Helena, Butte, Lewiston and other Montana Cities, she has left a host of friends, some of whom will try and carry on and water the precious seeds she has sown....... In Helena she was entertained at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Fred Mortensen where the regular Friday evening meetings are held. Mr. Mortensen works on the Record-Herald newspaper and has been very successful in getting fine articles in the newspapers each week which enables him to reach people far and near. We have seen many of Mr. Mortensen's articles, and through them, we believe, he is rendering distinguished services to the Cause. In [Page 10]108

Butte Mr. and Mrs. Frank Symons open their home for meetings, and through their efforts, through the great work of Mrs. Richardson and other travelling teachers, the Cause is well and favorably known in that City. lirs. Richardson is surely a very “live-wire" and a magnet, for we hear through all reports that she attracts very large audiences everywhere, the halls and churches being crowded to the doors. The ABHA Light is shining in Montana, but only the Master can measure the extent of her very beautiful and confirmed work in its fullness. However, results are so apparent on all sides that one can readily see how one true, firm, selfless soul arising in the service of the Kingdom, fortified with the Holy Utterances and on fire with the Light of the New Day, can awaken thousands, directing them to the Path of Real Life.

In every part of America the friends of GOD are realizing that the need of this time is TEACHING. Mrs. Finch in the Northwest has had marvellous opportunities to proclaim the Message before large public audiences; Mrs. ‘Yaite and Mrs. French in Southern California have rendered invaluable services to the Cause in their beautiful and illumined presentation of the Teachings; all of the friends around San Francisco have faithfully served in spreading the Teachings; Dr. Orrol Harper, Mrs. Schneider, Mrs. Bates, Miss MacCutcheon and other friends in St. Paul and Minneapolis; the great -vork in teaching of the Urbana group -- each and every one of them serving; Mrs. Greenleaf, Miss Jack, and Dr. Edna McKinney serving in Canada all winter; the great work accomplished in Philadelphia through the Revells and others, all form such thrilling pages in the teaching program in America, that we feel sure future harvests will be traced to these precious seed-sowing days.

'‘Abdu'l Baha once addressed Mirza Abul Fazl in a Tablet: "O thou whom GOD hath assisted to diffuse the Fragrances of GOD and promote the WORD of GOD: I do not find any attribute more excellent than this whereby I may praise thee."

From this we can understand that there is no service greater than teaching

and why 'Abdu'l Baha in His Will and Testament declared TEACHING to be “the head corner stone."

VITAL ACTIVITIES IN NEW YORK CITY

Miss Jean Anthony has very kindly sent two very wonderful reports of recent beautiful work accomplished in that City, especially emphasizing the meetings of the Baha'i Congress, the large public meeting at the Town Hall and the Public Conference devoted to Inter-Racial Harmony.

The Baha'i Congress with its vital subjects, namely: "The ONENESS OF Humanity" and "The Religion of the New Civilization" was given great publicity, in fact, scarcely, if ever, has any greater publicity been achieved for any Baha'i meetings anywhere. This was due particularly to the eiforts of an editor of the Associated Press end Mr. William Inglis, a writer of note and a veteran Journalist of the newspaper world. The speakers were Rabbi Stephen S. Wise, Mr. Mountfort Mills, Mr. Louis G. Gregory, Mr. Hooper Harris and Zia Bey. "World peace, religious unity and racial accord were the points stressed by the speakers. They aimed to show that the basia principles of all the great world religions are similar, and that a lasting peace can be obtained only through the elimination of religious and race prejudice, for which the Baha'i Movement stands."

New York is indebted to Mrs. Movius for the inspiration and accomplishment of the beautiful and vital meeting at the Town Hall, which Miss Anthony tells us in cooperation with the fricnds, “was a great success, largely attended, and thru advertising, personal notices, etc., achieved, perhaps, more publicity, than any one public meeting we have ever held."

"The Amity Conference was a splendid nchievement in cooperation with other organizations, for this great purpose. We all feel much encouraged by the results of these recent efforts, and feel inspired to work in unity and in absolute faith and confidence that if we obey the Commands of ‘Abdu'l Baha, we shall certainly see 'the Hosts of success following one another' -- and confirmations that -vill bring joy to all hearts." [Page 11]6Bhn

"Though Death Destroys the Body It has no Power over the Spirit."

A letter from Mrs. Marcella Morgan of San Diego asks us to share the following notice with the friends:

"I want to inform the friends of the passing of our dear Baha'i sister, Mrs. Kevah Hambrough. She has been an indefatigable worker for the Cause for years and is well known to many of the older Baha'is. Her frail state of health has prevented mich activity for the past three or four years, but prior to that time, she did much pioneer work, ad since being confined to her home entirely for the last two years has still been engaged in spreading the Cause by writing and by loaning the literature. Hers was the quiet, deep work unheralded by the fanfare of trumpets, but none the less most solidly laid and carefully built up. Her life motto was "Radiant acquiescence’ -- and she accepted all life's tests and vicissitudes in just that spirit. The unruly tear might stand in the eye, but ever the brave, bright smile accompanied. We rejoice that this soul is set free from the prison house of flesh and may now join the bright spirits who are one with Him. Mrs. Hambrough and Mrs. Brittingham were dear soul friends, and no doubt they have foregathered in joyful meeting ere this."

a ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee ee eee

"Let us take heart and be thankful to our Beloved 'Abdu'l Baha, as we remember His manifold blessings and unfailing care and protection ever since the hour of His departure from our’ midst.........

"I assure you, beloved friends, that His special care and loving kindness is always bestowed upon you, and the Power of His Grace will aid whomsoever ‘vill arise, with a pure heart, holy ardour and unslacking effort, to diffuse His spirit throughout the world." Excerpts from letters of Shoghi Effendi.

NATIONAL BAHA'I TEACHING COMMITTEE

Mariam Haney, Secretary.

1910 Kalorama Road, Washington, D. C.

April 10, 1924.