National Teaching Committee Bulletins/1924/June/Text
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"We shall send forth from Thee, people (possessors) of straight feet, who will walk forward in the Path and not deviate from it..,.." Baha'u'llah.
"The friends must be real peacemakers, - not stirrers up of strife nor sowers of seeds of discord nor acting with superiority one over another......
"How my heart leaps with joy when I hear the friends love each other, always overlooking one another's small mistakes, and thot they are forgiving their enemies!" ‘'Abdu'l Baha.
“Just as discord among the friends has deeply grieved me, in like manner will their unity and harmony fill my heart with joy and win over my life and strength to themselves." Shoghi Effendi.
"My days are numbered and my life is flying to a close, and yet I feel certain that those dear ones abroad will accept this eager and humble appeal, and will make me cherish the hope that before I am called oway.....I can see genuine love and unity prevail among those my Master so dearly loved, and I can witness with humen eyes my Guardian's heart overflow with joy." Baheyeh Khanun.
June 1924. NATIONAL BAHA'I BULLETIN
Issued by tne Teaching Committe of the National Spiritual Assembly
Utterances like those quoted above and many similar ones, move and stir the soul's depths, and bring us back to the time when our Blessed Master dwelt among us and admonished us over and over again in such terms as the following:
"Come ye together. Concentrate your spiritual forces. Arise with much fervor and enthusiasm. Show ye a united effort. Let a new attraction take possession of your hearts. Let a new spirit sweep over your temples. I desire to make manifest among the friends in America a new Light that they may become a new people, and that a New Foundetion shall be established, that concord and harmony may be realized.......”
"I desire that you be ready to sacrifice everything for one another even life itself; then I will know that the Cause of Bahatu'llah has been established.
"We must be loyal to the Threshold of the Blessed Beauty (Baha'u'llah), and be willing to give our lives for Him; sacrifice all our conditions in the pathway of His service. If we do this, our service will be productive of great results. Other GOD will raise up souls to do this work in our stead." 'Abdu'l Baha.
The day is past for beautiful words md beautiful expressions only. Action and accomplishment are the requirements of the time. "Fear GOD, O people” has an added meaning, for unless we do "Fear GOD" and fully realize that we heve not as yet fulfilled the Commands in tho Day of GOD, and unless we now put aside
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"the playthings of children" and attain the good pleasure of Shoghi Effendi, we will be "doomed". As it is said in the Holy Utterances:
"Beware of being like those ug0n whom the Signs of GOD passed and they failed to know them; verily, are they not of those who are neglectful."
TEE ANNUAL CONVENTION
‘abdu'l Baha said about one of the Conventions in the past: "The essential thing is TEACHING; this gathering of the Convention is for this object."
It may well be said of the Convention of 1924 that it was a "Teaching Convention" - for in truth it was a teacher to both friends and strangers. In attendance it was the smallest Convention we have had in many years, but nevertheless a very vital one, for since the “most important affair" is the establishment of Unity, this gathering of the friends was a "sign" of the beginning of real unity. It was the preliminary step to the "essential Unity of GOD", which means thinking and being end living in Oneness.
The latest letter of instructions received from the Beloved Guardian of the Cause, Shoghi Effendi, and the letter of the Greatest Holy Leaf addressed to all the American friends, were rend in full. It is impossible to convey any adequate description cf the group of loyal and sincere lovers of the Manifestations, and the Most Great Cause which they founded, - as Mr. Lunt, Secretary of the Convention read sympathetically and with such deep reverence and devotion these latest instructions and appeal. The voices were hushed, tears were flowing, on overwhelming stillness prevailed, - indeed 2 conscience-stricken group had become softened snd mellowed and filled with grief. Then suddenly the vision became clearer and they were keenly feeling the dismel failures of the past. The Greatest Holy Leaf had administered a "strong remedy." It was assimilated end understood. A deeper love ond appreciation of the spiritual and divine verities than can be sensed through 2 mere surface emotion, moved the hearts touched with the pathos of a condition which required such on appesl from the Grentest Holy Leaf. Every one realized more fully the importance of explicit obedience to the Commands of Shoghi Effendi, and that the happiness and unity worth while could and would only come by and through arising to assist our Beloved Guardian in carrying forword His divine plans, knowing that whatever He wishes accomplished is an order issued through sDiritual inspiration and ‘vith Divine authority. Progress and advancement depends on trensiating these Orders into the world of action.
After a silence of some minutes, broken only by an occasional outburst of grief, our beloved Mrs. May Maxwell, who had so recently returned from a prolonged stay in the Holy Land, addressed the friends. It must have been guidance the guidance from Him in whom "we live ond move and have our being" which brought our sympathetic and comprehending sister to this Convention. She certsinly spoke to us "out of the abundance cf her heart." The talk to us then, and her notes which she shared with us lster, are herewith presented. It is to be regretted that we cannot convey with them even a trace of the exquisite tenderness and reverence with which she presented them to us. Also we would wish to share with you the blessing of being Annointed with the Attar of Rose prepared by the Greatest Holy Leaf at the request cf Shoghi Effendi and sent by Him to His dear ones in America, asking Mrs. Maxwell to anncint 211, not any specinl one, - if it was acceptable to the friends. This blessing was conveyed by Mrs. iJexvell in a most sweet spirit of sacredness, reverence ond devotion. The follcewing ere her notes:
"You will like to hear scmething cf the daily life and more intimate
impressions of our beloved Gu*rdian from those who have had the great privilege and
blessing of being near him for many months.
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"Shoghi Effendi does not wish us in any way to dwell on his personality, but to turn our heart's love and longing, as he does, to the Infinite Sun of Truth, to the Bab, Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l Baha, and through adoration of that Divine Beloved to attain perfect love for one another, because this is the sign of real faith and sincere devotion.
"Every form of separation or division, of classifying ourselves or one another, of having a group consciousness, or of thinking of the Baha'is in terms of duality, is a reflection of the material world of today, and not of that realm of truth and oneness which the Bahatis are destined by God to reflect and manifest.
"He says we must entirely banish from our thoughts all such limited concepts and realize that absolute oneness is the Baha'i consciousness. It is not necessary that all Baha'is should think and feel exactly alike, but that all should unite in obeying the divine instructions, and in active co-operative service to the Cause of God.
"We must never speak or think for a moment of these limited ideas, but create in ourselves and in each other a oneness and solidarity of thought and action, which shall constitute a mighty spiritual power subduing unto itself all the limited, narrow and negative concepts and conditions of the world.
"It is this Baha'i attitude, this closely knit and united Baha'i body in America, rather than any organized plan of action, which will profoundly affect the people and constitute a magnet drawing to itself ail those who are seeking spiritual happiness and tranquility for themsclves and for mankind.
"Thus the standard of life and conduct of Shoghi Effendi for the believers is very high, and his family told us that he is not satisfied with anything short of perfecticn.
"He wants the Baha'is to so live amongst themselves and in their communities that they will show forth the light of Baha to the world.
"Ruhe Khanum told me the following significant words spoken by the beloved Master to His Family. He said in substance as follows: ‘I am a loving and indulgent Father to all. I am very kind. You know omly my iove, my mercy, my forgiveness, my leniency, but it will not be always so. The time will come when I shall not be here to pour this love so freely, because you must be trained and disciplined and become obedient and attain to the divine standard.'
"The sweetness of the Master's love on which He nurtured us for years would have been sufficient, and would have created in us an ontircly new life and condition had we been more pure and selfless, had our capacity for this celestial food been greater.
"But certain spiritual sickness and weakness crept in among us for which the remedy lies in the hands of our guardian.
"One day he said: 'I know it is difficult to reconcile the teachings and instructions of the Master.
"'In one case He exhorts us to be brave and courageous, and on the other hand to be prudent.
"tHe commands us to exercise justice, on the other hand to be merciful. He wishes us to be frank and direct, at the same time to be discreet.
"thow can we reconcile these things?
"tit is very difficult, I realize that it is difficult, but as the believers grow in spiritual strength and maturity they will find the perfect balance of truth and justice, they will attain to wisdom.’
"Shoghi Effendi discusses the affairs and conditions of the Cause with astonishing openness and frankness, he does not like secrecy and told us many times that this openness, frankness and truthfulness among the friends constitutes one of the great remedies for many of our difficulties, and he sets us the example of free and open consultation.
"With a modesty and simplicity which one must see in order to appreciate,
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because it is foreign to our American temperament, he invites suggestion aad consultation from the visiting friends and from those around him.
"He listens to every suggestion with the utmost courtesy and seriousness and then brings to bear upon it the light of his wonderful lucid mind, his clear ail comprehensive thought, his powerful and penetrative judgment.
"The spirit of criticism is ubhorrent to Shoghi Effendi, he will not permit a breath of criticism of one believer of another; and although he wants to hear the truth of every matter, this must be based on sincerity of purpose. He instantly detects the least insincerity of motive, or effort to influence him in any Way
"He is never influenced or swayed in the divine suthority with which God has vested him, but exercises a perfect protcction and tender guardianship over every soul.
"In speaking of a cortain matter which was troubling him at the time he said: ‘You see I wish to know the motive behind these actions,' and then with his beautiful young face full of laughter, 'I do not like to be put off and put off and have the matter delayed, and when they ®re dealing ‘rith an impatient person like myself it becomes very difficult.'
"He laughs at his own impatience for ection, for the growth of the Cause. for the deep results of real unity, and one of the highest terms of praise from his lips is - 'He is active’ - or 'She is an active Baha'i’.
sR IK kK
“One day in discussing the question of submission to the authority of the Spiritual Assemblies Shoghi Effendi said: "The Master has not left any latitude for personal opinion; it is not a matter of reason, it is a matter of faith.
"tSome of the instructions and commands may seem unreasonable, but if we believe we have faith in them and the sign of faith is obedience. The whole question resolves itself into a matter of faith, and obedience is the proof of faith It is the result of faith, if we do not obey it is because wo have not faith in the commands of the Master.
"tl cannot see it in any other way.
"When a certain believer was here she put the question to the Master very plainly; supposing that in a Convention the will of the majority, the decision of the majority is against my individual conscience, suppose that my sonscience cannot agree with their decision, must I submit my conscience to the will of the majority? : "*The Master answered thet the individual conscience must yield to the majoritye He left no room for doubt on this point. He not only gave the command, but He explained the reason for it. He snid that if each one followed his own conscience theré would be no result, confusion would reign, as no two consciences agree, therefore we must follow the will of the majority.
"IAt the present time this institution, this organization is uddudieteds necessary, it may not always be so but now it is necessary, and 411 must follow it without any exceptions.'
"The energy of our Guardian is inexhaustible, and as he retires at one or two o'clock in the morning his working day is very long.
"His strength and vigour never flag, the stress of work, the magnitude of the complex problems pouring in daily in voluminous mail from every corner of the earth, seem to serve to renew his forces, the progress of the Cause is reflected in his joy, his buoyancy, his eager enthusiasm and absorbed interest.
"But when the welfare or progress of the Cause is menaced through the lack of love and harmony among the believers in any part of the world, when this sad news reaches him, his divine happiness suffers eclipse, his strength ebbs away.
ROR OK KO EK
"On another occasion Shoghi Effendi said in substance that he had
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written explicitly to America saying that the work of teaching was first in importance and overshadowed everything else, even the Mashriqu'1l-Adhkar.
"He said that the believers should grasp the essentiel and important things at this time and not diffuse their energies in many directions........ The friends must trust the National Spiritual Assembly with their problems and with their money. As this trust in one another grows and deepens the Cause of God will grow stronger. The friends in the East heve great trust and confidence. I hope that the friends in America will have this same trust.'
"If I could only ecnvey to you the spirit of his words, how vividly he pictures the true Cause of God on earth, the association, solidarity, co-operation and mutual support of all the friends!
“With his dazzling smile He left us saying: 'I am verv busy. My time is full. Now I must go with Mirza Azizullah Khan and go through some writings and papers. At three o'clock Miss L (n American pilgrim) is coming to see me. She is leaving tomorrow and I want to talk with her. ‘Then Mong. Rachrad (a pilgrim from India) is coming. Then I have to go over the manuscript of Mirza Mahmood, ar important book he is writing on the Cause. Afterwards I go to the Shrine on Mount Carmel to oversee the excavating, the garden and the new pump which is sending water to the upper level. I will attend the men’s meeting tonight, and before retiring go through all my meil.'
ft + Re eee FC
"Shoshi Effendi says that the burning question before us is the means of spreading the Cause and the most perfect and wise way to present the Message to the people.
, "Mankind in general is ready and eager for the divine teachings and the principles of Beha'tu'lieh meet with universal response and supply a universal necessity.
"But this is not sufficient.
"The high standard of Shoghi Effendi is not satisficd with this widespread attraction and sincere admiration. He says, 'We must make real Baha'is, those who will become active supporters ond ardent adherents to the Cause of God.'
"Then he said: 'There are certain things one must accept in order to be a Baha'i, - 2 faith and belief in the Manifestation of God, in the Bab, Bahalleh and ‘Abdu'l Baha. People will say this is dogme; certainly this is dogma, ‘rc must not be afraid of dogma, which is a statement of certain unchangeable truths.
"tThe Principles of the religion of Baha'tu'llsh which cre being spread in the world today, cre only a part of the Baha'i religion. To believe in these Principles, ind to teach these Principles, is not sufficient. It is necessary to teach these Principles of Bahatu'liha, because through them the world will become awakened and true civilization will becomeestablished, but it is only through the belief in the Manifestation of God Himself, through the recognition and adoration of the Source of the Light, that the world will become regenerated.'
"The working of this mysterious power is not seen at once, its signs steal over the earth like the finger of dawn setting all things in unconscious motion, and in the vast outer changes, the crumbling away of old social systems, the breaking of political crystalizations, the growth and expansion of a new born consciousness in mankind sweeping away barriers and limitations of the past, seeking new, wider and deeper forms of cxpression, - these are among its visible signs.
"As I write one of the last incidents comes to my mind: I was in the home of the Blessed Master, that home of perfect divine love, and had been with the dear members of His Family when Shoghi Effendi entered.
"He said to me: 'You arc most fortunate to be so near the Greatest Holy Leaf, bodily close to her. I hope that you will be able to receive something of her spirit to take to the friends in America. Her spirit is the remedy for all their
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troubles. HORI OR SOK KK
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“Again we are at Bahje -- the strip of intense blue sea, the distant lapping of the waves, the sunlit olive orchard and that all-surrounding peace and stillness broken only by the occasional soft note of a bird, and into this outer chalice of nature pours continually the emanations of the Shrine, a subtle, divine afflatus, permeating earth and air and sky, so that one feels that here and on Mount Carmel alone, earth is connected with heeven.
"On this holy mountain the soul frees itself from earthly entanglement, and the cloudy mortal atmosphere is dispelled in the beaming rays of light and truth.
"Such divine thoughts and fcelings are engendered in the human heart near these Holy Shrines as cannot find their true expression in words, but must be translated into the beauty of character and into a life wholly dedicated at the altar of God.
"In closing I want to say to all my loved brothers and sisters thot Shoghi Effendi's hopes and wishes for us, his explicit instructions are contained in his general Epistles to america, but that in sharing vith you these notes and impressions -- alas! so inadequate -- it is my hope to bring us all nearer to that glorious life of servitude and sacrifice, to the beloved Guardian of the Cause of God, the visible Sign of our invisible Lord."
"Now also our hope is that in these days the Holy Cause may yield its fruits. That the friends of GOD may becoms so selfsacrificing that the Cause may bring forth much fruit. The days are passing, before long a whirlwind of dust will place everybody in their graves." ‘Apdu'l Beha.
Mr. Schopflocher, also a returned pilgriw from the Holy Land, was invited to speak, and in an attitude of utmost sincerity and devotion to the Cause, he presented his message most effectively. Among other things, he said:
"....iie must promulgate the Cause with love - love that forgets self... There is a great manifestation of love found in Haifa, a love which we cannot describe. It is like electricity. "Ye cannot tell what it is. Shoghi Effendi is a GIFT from 'Abdu'l Baha snd He has Him in His arms. Shoghi Effendi is the essence of love and humility, and yet of great majesty and power........If we do not obey, the Guardian of the Cause is of no use. That is why He has turned His back on Americadssseeeeel was expecting Shoghi Effendi to inquire about some of the friends, but He did not. Then I realized that Shoghi Effendi knows all about these dear friends, and I also realized that personality does not exist in Haifa.......We must each be willing to serve without recognition. The evening before I left, Shoghi Effendi called me to His room. He was suffering, but He told me to tell the friends of His love and appreciation, deepest affection and gratitude, His remembrance and His prayers. When I asked Him to pray for the friends His face was so happy. He told me to tell the- friends to have daily meditations with themselves, to find out whether we are doing our duty to ourselves and to others. If we will do this, we will find most of the trouble is in oursclves. We will decide to be very severe with ourselves, and very lenient with others..........Shoghi Effendi said that the Spiritual Assemblies must excel each other in prudence, good will, patience, love, forbearance, justice and sacrifice. They must be models in conduct - first to themselves, then to others. The implicit obligation of the fricnds is to give them full support. Partisanship must be forgotton and abolished. Formation of small circles must be abolished. In voting, 2 decision must be whole-heartedly supported. e.e-eif we could only realize with what longing the people in Haifa are looking to America, we would sacrifice everything for the promulgation of the Cause. '‘Abdu'l Baha said that this Cause dawmed in the East, bub it must unfurl its standard from the West...ee++eeeeelf we can only forget ourselves, if we can only put love into action, the fruit will come. A chain is not any stronger than its weakest link.
If we look to this link - which may be ourselves - I am sure other links will take
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care of themselves. Machinery will not run when wo put sand into it. We must
put oil in it. This lubricant is not only love, but love which oxprosses itsclf
in actions ond deeds, and in a spirit of sacrifice...."
Jenab-i Fadil at the Convention
Our revered teacher was the principle speaker at one of the Congress meetings open to the general public, and at which his subject was, “Abolition of Prejudice and the Religion of the Future." He particularly stressed the difference of names and terms which so divide humanity, citing as an example the Trinity in the various religions which if understood would result in harmony of thought and purpose on this point alone. Many important lessons were conveyed in this Talk.
At the Ridvan Feast, Jenab-i spoke most eloquently to the friends; again on the subject of all kinds of prejudice, especially individual prejudice. He said in part: "We must sacrifice more, work more, prepare ourselves more with faith, sincerity and concentration." Some of the wise sayings of our teacher at other meetings of the friends during the Convention sessions, in brief, are as follows:
",.ssThere is no difference in the Baha'i spirit, but there are different opinions about the Words of Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l Baha, but all have the one desire to serve the Cause. Some look to the minds instead of the hearts. They make opinions the cause of difference. The spiritual healing of Baha'is is the unity of heart, not of the mind."
Then Jenab-i Fadil told how he had been chosen to be one of a group to see 'Abdu'l Baha and request that He take more care of His health, eat more, ctc,: this was in the fall of 1921. ‘Abdu'l Baha said in answering their appeals that material food had no effect in His body - His food was spiritual food which was the news of the unity of the believers. And Jenab-i Fadil continued: "Of course Shoghi Effendi has the same spirit of the Master. News of inharmony will make Him unhappy and sick."
Jenab-i Fadil arrived in Worcester a few days before the opening of the Convention and remained after its close, and during this time he spoke at several public meetings apart from the Convention, and to groups of new and attracted people, some of this service being chiefly "follow-up" or confirming talks, - building upon the pioneer work of the Worcester Assembly. Also his illumined personal attention to the delegates in private interviews, formed a very vital part.of his teaching.
The cable from the Greatest Holy Leaf reading: "Tell Fazel remain" brought forth much applause indicating the happiness of the friends.
Jenab-i Fadil with his family are now at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Lotze in Brooklyn, and our brother is teaching in New York and nearby cities. After the Annual Souvenier Feast of 'Abdu'l Baha at the home of the Wilhelms in West Englewood, the last of June, Jenab-i Fadil and family will travel northward, and it is planned that they will spend sometime in Worcester, Green Acre, and later a number of weeks as the guests of Mrs. Parsons in Dublin.
Our Baha'i Magazine, the Star of the West, will undoubtedly give a more
detailed account of the Congress meetings and that part of the Convention which
would particularly interest the general public. We wish to share briefly just the
intimate spiritual family news which belongs to each friend. If only every Baha'i
in America could have personally been present to hear Dr. Randall's talk to the
assembled delegotes and friends, at one of our private meetings, 211 would have
expericnced those thrilling moments never to be forgotten when our helpful and experienced brother with his trained mind, abundant knowledge and real spiritual
vision, talked to us heart to heart and mind to mind. It was a masterly presentation of the needs of this time, and the opportunities ot hand for Baha'i service.
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He spoke with a fire, enthusiasm and conviction which could only be manifested
by one whose own heart had been deeply touched, and who first of all was firmly convinced himself and was in full possession of facts. The Master's oft repeated statements that - "The world is ready" - "The people are hungry for spiritual truth" - "There is capacity everywhere" - "The prople are receptive" Dr. Randall knows by close contact with conditions, to be exactly true. The following is a portion of his address, which was given the same afternoon as the reading of the letters from Haifal
"I hesitate to intrude upon an hour which is so peculiarly a personal hour for heart-searching and self-examination. These Messages which have come from Haifa have been as the attar of roses (also brought from Haifa by Mrs. Maxwell) which fills this room. It seems to me every one of us must have felt the greatness of the love of Shoghi Effendi for the friends throughout the world, especially here in this country as He sends this Message to us particularly, but I am sure also that our hearts must have been filled with a sense of unworthiness to represent the greatness of this Cause in any adequate and worthy way. It needs no words of mine to make very clear to our hearts thet the great principle which was true of the early disciples of Jesus is just as true of the Baha'is - : “By this shall ell men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.’
There is no other way. It is not what we profess. It is what we live. The dear brother who has preceded me (Mr. Schopflocher) has stated the very essence of the meaning of love when he translates it into the phrase ‘loving action', for a love which does not translate itself into ection, is a mere sentiment which sooner or later recoils upon itself, and ceases to be a power, and the great call today for our relations in our every day life, is the call to loving action, for that only is love at its highest and best. It needs no words of mine to make very clear to our hearts that to (work for unity among others) we must first of 21] achieve unity among ourselves.....We have to learn how to love one another in action, and I am very sure that you, who represent your Assemblies, will go back again to your homes to carry a clearer vision and a deeper sense of our responsibility in this great Movement for world unity.
"I am sure that these great Messages from Haifa fill our hearts with joy and also with gloom, gloom that we have not measured up to the greatness of our opportunity, the divinity of our supreme task, to the dignity of that which we profess."
Then Dr. Randall spoke at some length and most forcibly about the ripeness of the people everywhere for the Message, and among other things said:
"Since the year 1912 when 'Abdu'l Beha visited this country the experiences of the war and strife of individuals, prepared the world as perhaps no other experiences could have done for the Message of the Baha'i Movement. I do not think thot any one begins to appreciate the fact that today there are a thousand people ready for this Message, mentally, morally and spiritually, where in 1912 there was one. The experiences of the last ten years or more, have undoubtedly brought to the minds and hearts disillusionment, uncertainty, a sense of futility.. --eMany have passed through the crucible which has left them in this attitude. I want to tell you that such a time is a great moment for the Message that is ours.e..
"Man doesnot live by theology. It is spiritual food thnt men are searching for, and the tragedy of organized religion today is thnt at a time when men and women are perishing for spiritual life and power and nourishment, the church is so absorbed and the leaders of organized religion are so engaged in the things which have nothing to do with real religion, that they have no vital message for mankind. It is a slow disintogration...ccccseeeeeeeThe job of the churches just now is clearing the ficld of an absolete theology. Every community is filled with men and women disillusioned and heartsick and searching for spiritual nourishment...
"In my experience as I go about speaking as I have on the Principles of
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this Movement, I find whatever the group and wherever it is, an instant response that demonstrates to me beyond peradventure that the human mind and heart today, generally speaking, is ready for the verr Message we have to Givecseceee
"today the watchword everywhere is Unity anG Cooporatione.csccceee
"In lecturing for Clubs and numerous organizations, I have been tremendously impressed with the fact....th*t there is no subject which claims such interest and gets such a response from these various groups as this one subject which is ourS.....-eIt has been my privilege to visit mony Colleges also. You cannot find 4 more responsive audience than a group of college students.........they ere no longer interested in the old terms and phraseology, they have been brought up in @ scientific way. They are interested in 2 religion that can express itself in universal terms. The teachers should go to our colleges and universities....."
Then Dr. Randall referred to the tragedy of our lack of attainment after twenty-five years, stressing particularly the ripeness of the opportunity which confronts us just now, ond continued:
"Unless my judgment is absolutely wrong, today is the hour and now is the time.....I have not a word of criticism for the Assemblies, for I have enjoyed end been enriched tremendously by my relationships.........but from my point of vier you are missing the biggest chance in the world for service. Having these beautiful love feasts together is all benutiful, it is all fine; but, in view of the nced of this hungry world of ours for spiritual food - for the Message which no other religion or organization in the world today except the Bahn'i Movement can give, to be content to sit in our Assemblies and enjoy fellowship one with another, is to hide our Light under a bushel, is to be false to the spirit and Message of 'Abdu'l Baha when He was in this country......++.e..-.lt is because I mot 'Abdu'l Beha face to face and in His spirit, and caught something of His charm......thet I say to you today thet the condition of this Movement not only numerically but spiritually in America twelve years after 'Abdu'i Baha left our shores, is the fault of our lack of vision end our lack of earnestness and our lack of devotion and our lack of willingness to sacrifice for the highest.........If this dream is ever to be realized, it will be because every one of us has caught the spirit of snerificial devotion, is villing to leave no stone unturned, until the Message has been carried to the people. And it is not enough to have these meetings and invite people in a general way. We who have cought this vision, we who want to cooperate with Shoghi Effendi, we ourselves have got to be lifted above every petty self-seeking attitude; we have to become loving crusaders in the greatest task of all the ages, the task of bringing humanity into One, making possible the coming together of races tnd nations and classes and-men everywhere.-ceses.
"The trouble with the world today is that the amalgam has dropped out of
society - something which holds mankind together has gone, - and today we see races
and netions and individuals refusing to recognize his brother and failing to cooperate with others. This Movement possesses the only Amalgam thet can bring society
together again.....This Movement holds in its hands the great secret for growth in
the life of humanity, and we are keeping our secret to ourselves, we are hiding cur
Light, These Assemblies which should be great power-houses, are places of pitiful
weakness compared to what they might be. I just want you to sce that you have the
biggest thing in the world, and you are asleep at the switch, and I hope that out of
these glorious mectings here in Worcester will come a longing to go back and translate your love into action to every group, to every nook, to every place and every
cranny in the whole community. There is not a single community but has at least
one, more or less liberal church. Go to the minister and ask him to have the Baha'is
meet with them or have a meeting in the church, and if you do it right, you will get
a return date every time. Don't wait for people to be knocked down and dragged into
your Assembly."
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Has Dr. Randall caught the spirit of the Teachings of 'Abdu'l Baha? Has Dr. Randall the truce vision? Let the Holy Uttcrances become his witness:
"Convey the Message. Attract the hearts. Sow the seeds. Teach the Cause to those who do not know......
"I have planted the seeds in America. You must nurture them and care for them. If you do this, they will yield an abundant harvest....You must arise with superhuman strength to spread the Teachings, for the Cause is Great; and whosoever shall srise in this Dey to Teach, know that he will be assisted by the Divin Concourse. This is not the day of silence! It is the Day of the Proclamation of the Kingdom! It is not the day of rest! We must ACT, ACT, Act!......<.
"The trouble in America is lack of firmness in faith!" ‘Abdu'l Baha.
"Every aim, and every purpose, however lofty and desirable for the advancement of the Cause, should, in this day, be subordinated to the vital and pressing need of delivering GOD'S Divine Message to waiting humanity."
Shoghi Effendi.
SPIRITUAL HOURS
One cf the most spiritual moments of the Convention was when the sweet and gentle voice of our dear Jessie Revell was heard from the floor of the Convention as she paid on exquisite tribute to the life and service of our departed sister, Mrs. Brittingham, referring particularly to the immensoly vital part she contributed to Baha'i service throughout the years by bringing to the attention of her pupils the importance of rebirth, firmness in the Covenant and actively serving the Cause. Mrs. Brittingham's spiritual children express their “love in action.” It was precious indeed to hear the story of how Mrs. Brittingham's influence still lives, - how while Jessie, her sister ond mother wore visiting Mrs. Brittingham's grave, they met a gentleman -vhose wife had recently been buricd in the next grave. They told him of the Baha'i Teachings on immortality, of the history end Principles of the Baho'i Cause, and then something about Mrs. Brittingham's life. He reverently joined them in prayer for the departed. All this hed such an effect that the following week found him placing flovers on Mrs. Brittingham's grave as well as thet of his wife. Then Miss Revell told of the fund being raised for the monument to be placed at Mrs. Brittinghem's grave.
As Mrs. Brittingham was 2 national teacher and even an international teacher well known around the world, the Convention pissed a resolution of tribute to her services for record on the Convention minutes.
Another moment of real Oneness at the Convention was when the names of our faithful and loving servers in other lands were mentioned, and @ message was voted sent to Martha Root in China, Miss Holsapple in South America, Mr. and Mrs. Dunn in Australia, Miss Fanny Knobloch in South Africa.
Mr. Latimer spoke enthusiasticaliy of the progress of the work in China through the blessed services of our own dear ‘Martha Root, citing a few notable incidents and accomplishments like tho translation of the Hidden Words into Chinese, also into Russian,the preparation of Dr. Esslemont's book for publication, that a Baha'i College and Club have been opened, that pictures of 'Abdu'l Baha ond of the Temple have been placed in an important Library; ‘Baha'i, the Spirit of the Age' has also been translated. (More about the work of these faithful ones in other countries will be sharcd in another Bulletin.)
Mrs. Ruth Randall was a very energetic server at this Convention. She contributed a vital part tc the program at one of the meetings by taking us on ean imaginery trip to Haifa and to the very door of the Shrines. Her vivid word picture will long be remembered. She finished her talk with the reading of a portion of the latest letter of Shoghi Effendi.
At another meeting she made a splendid appeal for Green Acre, inviting
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the cooperation of the friends and extending a warm invitation to all to assist vitally in this most splendid 2nd wonderful field of service.
Realizing over and over again that Unity means Oneness, it is sure and certain that Green Acre this year will be the most successful of any year since the work there was so nobly and sacrificially established.
Miss Genevieve Coy, lately returned from a year in Persia, gave a most comprehensive talk on the work of the Tarbiat School in Teheran. Through her intelligent and very interesting presentation of facts, we gleaned more knowledge of the educational work being accomplished there, than at any previous time. She said the. in returning to this country so unexpectedly and after so short a period of service, she did so because she felt that some ono should be sent to fill the position of Principal of the Girl's Tarbiat School who had administrative ability. She had understood that the position required the services of some one who had initiative and who could systematize and organize a satisfactory curriculum, planning different courses of study, etc., and that after her close contact with conditions, she recommended that a teacher be sent who had exceptional administrative ability.
Dr. Coy related many interesting and convincing stories about the work there, particularly paying a magnificent tribute to the late faithful and devoted Miss Kappes, and also to our beloved, revered and distinguished sisters, Dr. Moody end Miss Stewart. She said their work could not be overestimated, and that no one except those who have actually witnessed it, could possibly appreciate the character of their services, whet they have accomplished and are accomplishing. We were thrilled with her illumined accounts, and felt justified in being spiritually and humanly proud of our relationship to two such noble and entirely selfless souls. Dr. Coy said there were over three hundred girls in the school, about one hundred of whom are Mohammedans; and fifteen or twenty teachers, all Baha'is. These teachers are heavenly souls, who are really in truth and in fact serving the Cuase of GOD.
Ghodsea Khanum, Dr. Coy told us, is not connected with the Tarbiat school, but she has founded on organization known as the Society for the Progress of Women. The women meet weekly for iessons in reading, writing, arithmetic and English; also they are receiving an industrial education, paralleling our domestic science course, somewhat modified to suit the ccnditions there.
br. Coy again and again emphasized the importance of the education of the children; aiso she expressed great hope that the feeling of equality between the men and women in Persia would be unceasingly stimulated. And just to give us a glimpse of the life there and AN bring us closer to their activities, she told us of how our thoughtful brother, Roy Wilhelm, had financed a dinner, which Dr. Coy and Ghodsea prepared for the entire school. It was cooked and served in American style, - a regular American dinner; and it was immensely appreciated and enjoyed.
THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
The election of our National Committee this year was one of the most important events, for slowly but surely all are realizing that our Baha'i activities will not progress in accordance with the onward march of the Cause everywhere, and also what is required of us, unless this Board really becomes the heart, functioning as the heart functions. Mrs. Maxwell was invited to speak on the subject of electing the members of our National Committee, and the following, in brief, are excerpts from her talk:
"Our instructions are very oxplicit as to how to proceed to the election
of our National Body and the qualifications of its members. In regard to geographical difficulties: Shoghi Effendi feels these difficulties very much. He would like
to have this country represented on the National Spiritual Assembly - the West,
Canada and all the North American Continent, in so far as possible.
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"We must not consider the question of money at all. We must put the essential question first, namely - qualifications. Our choice of members must be
based on qualifications, capacity, spirituality, etc. If necessary, we should make
an appropriation to pry the expenses of members who have these great gifts. Shoghi
Effendi said He would like to have nine members function on the Board at all times
if possible, but that if only seven members could be present, constituting a quorunif the seven served in perfect harnony nnd unity, that they would be very successful. That the National Spiritual assembly is the heart of the Cause in America,
and that -shen the heart is in perfect accord and throbbing with life, and love and
unity, it will cffect the entire Cause in america, and that not until this is the
case, or becomes a fnet, will we be able to carry out the great plan of GOD. Shoghi
Effendi said that the elective body, the delegates to the Convention, is responsible
to GOD; that wo must not clect members through the functioning of our ninds,
through our personsl opinions and preferences, through love for certain persons;
that we should not even suggest the name of any one who should or should not be
voted for, that this is a breach of honor; that the friends should not breath the
name of any one except at the time of nominations, and that before the nominations
or before considering qualifications, we should h*tve several moments of silent
prayer, - for the election of the National Spiritual Assembly should be through
the Power of the Holy Spirit."
It consumed some time te cloct the nine new members of the Board: Mr. Mills, Mr. Vilhelm, Mr. Lunt, Mr. Holley, Mr. Schopflocher, Mrs. Maxvrell, Mrs. Parsons, Mrs. Greenleaf and Mrs.Morton, but when the final ballot was cast and the choice made known, every one rejoiced.
We are glad that the writing of this Bulletin hes been delayed for one reason or another, perhars waiting for this psychological moment when in truth we can record the expression of a large number who are heping and cagerly waiting for opportunities to manifest their love and devotion to the National Spiritual Assembly, and their unqualified wish to cooperate with them willingly cnd joyfully. We are sure the heart of Shoghi Effendi will sense the degree of Oneness already attained, and which will steadily increase as the days go by and we realize more and more the joys of 2 cdOmplete confidence and an abiding faith. It is a real inspirasion to support and cooperate with not only our honored National Committee, but with 211 sisters nnd brothers in faith who have left behind the signs of duality and are happily functioning in unity, love and oneness, thereby “living the life" required at this time, and with a “radiant acquiescence” which we hope will be the magnet to attract the Beloved Guardian of the Cause back to Haifa. And furthermore it is the expressed longing of every heart to “act in such wise" that the "human eyes" of the Greatest Holy Leaf shell witness thnt Oneness for which she is longing and praying.
From the opening of the Convention, when Mr. Randall, President of the retiring National Committee, gave us a beautiful md inspiring talk, closing with the reading of some Utterxnces of 'Abdu'l Baha, - up to the very closing hour of the Convention, it was evident that the Holy Spirit was moving upon the hearts of the friends, sc that a "New Foundation" might be actually established.
Many cf the loved ones present contributed a vital and always inspiring part to the program; the indisoluble bond between the hearts was further cemented and strengthened, perhaps because a certain degree of humility melted all inte One and each one vas perfectly willing to consider himself or herself the weakest link in the chain. 4
Mr. Vail's message at the Convention is always 2 joy, every believer
feeling 2 seise of keen satisfaction in his ability to carry his audience with him.
Mr. Gregory never fails to speak just at the right time, giving us words of comfort
and cheer, which always are informing and bring a sense of spiritual justice. He
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envisions for us the Path of the Kingdom, "Mother" Beecher, who has always radiated the beauty of holiness, prayed with, and served the friends as she has never done before, so it seemed to us who know her well. Mr. Kinney's voice was heard several times, never foiling to carry us right into the realm of the spirit with his enchanting melodies. Then there was our old friend and brother, Roy Wilhelm, who is such an ideal Chairman for the Ridvan Feast. Mr. Mills served with the dignity he is famous for as Chairman of the Convention. He was absolutely impartial, and manifested a loving kindness toward all. Mrs. Boyle gave an interesting talk ebout the progress of the work in Florida during the past winter. Mrs. Bidikian, with enthusiasm and joy, spoke of the "Children's Gardens" and Child Welfare work which is so vital a part of our Baha'i activities. Mrs.Brooker of Akron, Mrs. Ober, and others spoke briefly at various times, touching upon some of our most vital problems.
Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, in charge of all publicity work, deserved a vote of thanks, for he executed the work assigned to him with efficiency. His talents were used to advantage and for the glory of the Couse.
And last, but by no meons the least, let us record here a great depth of appreciation of the beautiful sorvices rendered by the Worcester group of Baha'is, one and all. We will never forget their exquisite hospitality. Indeed they captured the heart of every one, for they served vith distinct ability, with love, with devotion and the very best of all, with self-effacement. In her address of welcome, Mrs. Florence Morton made the delegates feel they had arrived "at home.” Mrs. Collins is victorious wherever she goes with her spiritual poise and her ability to "smile" a person right into spiritual harmony. The Struvens with their nearness, divine courtesy ond spiritual cordiality mede every one feel that if they had any grievance, the place for it was in the deep bosom of the ocean. And so the story goes: we could write on and on, especially about the spiritual radiance we found at Worcester. The group of friends in that City is small, and because of this and all that was being accomplished, we repeatedly recalled the Master's Words:
"Remember that importance is not attached to numbers. Importance concerns faith, concerns assurance, concerns veracity, concerns firmness, concerns attainment to the Kingdom of ABHA, concerns self-sacrifice in the Path of the Kingdom. If you attain to this, though there be but two people, remember that two people are equivalent in strength of character to the whole world."
Just a few moments ago we read together an excerpt from one of the sacred epistles of Shoghi Effendi, and we leave it with you now as it grips the heart:
"You stand at this challenging Hour in the history of the Cause at the Threshold of a New Era. The functions you are called upon to discharge are fraught with immense possiblitties; the responsibilities you shoulder are grave and momentous; and the eyes of many peoples are turned, at this hour, towards you, expectant to behold the dawning of a Day that shall witness the fulfillment of His Divine Promise."
BAHA'I NATIONAL TEACHING COMMITTEE By Mariam Haney. 1910 Kalorama Road,
Washington, DL. C. June 9, 1924,
