National Teaching Committee Bulletins/1924/September 15/Text
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"Know thou verily the desire of God is never restricted to the limits of the servants; verily He doth not walk in accord with their ways; it is incumbent upon all to hold to His right path..Verily He is to be praised in His deeds and to be obeyed in His command. He hath no associate in His behest and no helper in His power; He doeth whatsoever He willeth, and commandeth whatsoever He desireth"!
Baha'u'llah.
"Today the confirmations of the Kingdom of ABHA are ‘vith those who renounce themselves, forget their own opinions, cast aside personalities and are thinking of the welfare of others..Whosoever is occupied vith himself is wandering in the desert of heedlessness and regret"! ‘Abdu'l-Baho.
"Now is the time to set eside, nay, to forget altogether, minor considerations regarding our internel relationshios, end to present 2 solid united front to the orld, animated by no other desire but to serve and propagate His Cause."
Shoghi iffendi.
September 15, 1924
NATIONAL BAHA'I BULLETIN Issued in Compliance with Instructions from the National Spiritual assembiy
The National Spiritual assembly, at its last meeting, ‘requested the publication of one more Bulletin ere this particuler branch of service should be discontinued. This is the final chapter, therefore, in the work assigned to us by the National Committee of 1920, and continued each year for the four succeeding years. The Master Himself sanctioned the rork, He confirmed it, He protected it, His Precious Spirit o'ershadowed and His Divine Mercy was ever present. To Him ‘re confessed our ignorance, and to Him also we appealed for assistance - that assistance so absolutely necessary to the success of any Baha'i activity. All Glory and Praise belong to Him, for from Him flowed the Pure Bounty of spiritual blessing which was ever real and altogether amazing. He is the Divine Friend, the Comforter of our hearts, the Saviour of our souls, the Divine Companion who has promised never to leave us if we do our part, ond assuredly we have all realized in the actual living that "He never disappoints those who beg of Him."
Now the exigencies of the time and the requirement of the hour cell for a change, and so the National Spiritual assembly (as stated in their recent letter) have arranged a different plan or program to meet the needs of this pericd in our Beha'i activities. Whatever the conditions, we alweys find Light on the Path somewhere in the Master's Teachings to His “loved ones," - and we wonder if the following, which is just one of many similar Utterances, does not carry an enormous significance as it registers in both mind and heart:
"There mist always be change of position, movements, revolutions and
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calamities for the believers that they may grow day by day.." and again He has said: "Tf one knows of anything to be of service to the Cause he will immediately arise anc wish to put it into practice.."
We have loved the work assigned to us in the past; likewise there is an immeasurable gratitude for the part assigned to us now. The Cause is God's Cause; if He permits us to serve, it is a privilege and blessing which we do not deserve, and for which now and throughout all eternity we shall be rendering thanks unto the Most Glorious Lord. No words of ours can adequately express the measure of apprecia-~ tion or the quality of gratitude we would like to convey to each end every friend who so sincerely and lovingly cooperated, demonstrating thereby hovr wonderfully the Baha'i law of cooperation and oneness works; hundreds of letters bear witness to the force and power generated through the operation of this law.
Now if through the guidance of the National Spiritual assembly our beloved Baha'i Magazine, the Star of the West, to which we have all been so devoted since its very first issue, has a new editorial staff, which will include the Bulletin service, it is hoped from our hearts that all this sincere cooperation will greatly assist the furtherance of our work, and we most lovingly appeal for help and prayers in that great bond of unity which becomes dynamic if sincere, that the ~rork may progress, and that re may fulfill the wishes of our beloved Guardian, Shoghi kffendi. May our precious "Star" be held sacredly in the heart of the friends, for it is of paramount importance that the Baha'i publication should continue to be of great teaching value so that its pages may be a source of enlightenment to those outside as well as inside or the Cause.
Through another avenue, you will doubtless hear how each and every friend can effectively serve the Cause through the "Star," perhaps in one vay by using it as often as possible to pass on to others. We can make Shoghi Effendi, and, in fact, all the members of the Holy Family very heppy, cheer and encourage them greatly, by demonstrating through our absolute oneness in the publication of the "star" that we have attained to some degree, that Unity even in this service, which will bring us before the world a united and consecreted body.
We cannot refrain from most lovingly inviting the friends to renew their subscriptions promptly, and thereby sustain our official Baha'i Magazine (which not carrying any advertisements is dependent almost entirely upon its subscriptions) and about which Shoghi Effendi has said "there should be no financial difficulty concerning it since every Assembly and every individual will support it."
There will be some very visal and absorbing articles in the forthcoming numbers of the "Star," and therefore they will be of immense value in teaching. Suggestions from all are earnestly solicited, for as the friends read the magazine each month, perhaps some may notice where it can be vitally improved. Be assured that we will be only too grateful for your help. ‘'Abdu'l-saha said that the "Star must be so universal that even the strangers may subscribe to it." The Master's instructions and Shoghi Effendi's wishes are the basis upon which we shall attempt to build, and then with the National Spiritual Assebly back of us encouraging the work, and all of the friends really and truly united in an effort to assist, we will press forward in that spirit of oneness which is unique in the beloved Cause to which we are all so earnestly endeavoring to become devoted and loyal adherents, and for which we should be manifest signs.
The news usually intended for the Bulletin will be covered through the regular letter from Mr. Holley, Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, to all Secretaries of Local Assemblies monthly, as stated in his recent letter, and also more or less through the inter-Assembly correspondence.
The above is written simply because it seems a matter of courtesy to keep all of the friends just as closely in touch with this transition period, and as well informed on every phase of the work as they have been heretofore.
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A BRIEF SURVEY OF TEACHING ACTIVITIES
MARTHA
A sufficient headline, for when we see that name, we can guess what will follow. The latest news from and about this "swift-flying bird" is that she is continuing to produce the Melody of the Kingdom every place she goes. In a Tablet the Master told her "to cover long distances" and that the “doors of might and power" would be opened for her. All this is assuredly coming to pass. In this same Tablet, He said - "At present the whole world is prepared for the call of the Kingdom...ears are awaiting the summons for Universal Peace....it is therefore advisable for thee to travel to the different parts of the glcbe...wide-reaching consequences thou shalt witness and extraordinary confirmations shall be exhibited unto thee." Now our beloved sister is in Australia, and as this Bulletin is really a confidential letter to the Baha'i family, why not share in full the refreshing news item just received from Marthe:
",...-1 am very busy, very happy, very well. Am speaking day and night and writing articles. Am speaking thirty-six times in Perth, and the Holy Spirit is sweeping Western Australia. A Baha'i Assembly will be organized tonight. Mr. and Mrs. Dunn are living saints. Shoghi Effendi will inhale the fragrances of love and unity from Australia. His heart will sing. Father and Mother Dunn, as everybody calis them, are loved as anzels heres The new believers are so sweet, so dynamic, they will move the world. Will try to write adequately about their glorious services.
"We are arranging a big lecture on 'The Renaissance of China,' admission will be charged for this and the funds used for the Cause. The Mayor will introduce me and the American Censul sit on the platform. It is to be a beautiful event, in a fine hell. The women will decorate the platform with Australian wild flowers (they are famous as the most beautiful wild flowers in the world); there will also be a large map of China, also flags of all nations...
"My plan is to proceed from here to Melbourne for four weeks of lectures, then to New Zealand, returning to Sydney I will lecture three weeks there. Mrs.
Dunn will go with me all these places, and Mr. Dunn will also be with us in Sydney.
"I cannot express in words the love and kindness of Mr. and Mrs. Dunn and the friends in Australia; it is the JkitY which ig bringing such astonishing confirmations. Everybody feels he is in heaven."
Our dear sister will later journey to Cape Town, S. Africa, and efter a season of seed sowing there, she will proceed to Europe, and may later turn back from there to the Orient again, as she is guided.
The confirming, the strengthening, the encouraging Words from the Center of Life and Light to Martha are all-sufficient. ‘Abdu'l-Baha said in her Tablets "The contents (of your letters) produced great joy for they indicated a benevolent purpose, an untiring effort...Praise be to God, they imparted glad-tidings and joyful news. ‘Thou art indeed serving in the Path of God, art with all thy energy showing love to others, art raising the call of the Kingdom and art illumining the hearts of mene Rest thou assured that the confirmations of the Kingdom shall encompass thee and thou shalt become the recipient of the bounties of the Lord of Hosts. Strive as much as possible to be ever activee..and summon all to the oneness of the world of
humanity and to universal peace..."
SOUTH AFRICA
Has been prepared most wonderfully by Miss Fannie Knobloch in both her
former tour, and now for the past year, while she has been serving so intensively in
the various sections of thet land. When Miss Martha Root arrives in $8. Africa, she
will have a sister-teacher to pilot her about, and in due season we will receive
news of their combined efforts.
A recent letter from Miss Knobloch tells us of her recent travels and
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delightful experiences with the very interesting veople she constantly meets. At Kimberly, where the diamond mines are nov closed, being overstocked with stones and the recent election making mining of all kinds uncertain, Miss Knobloch gave a talk to the Library Club, several calls “ere made, and two lectures arranged for the return trip. Later Bulaweyo was visited, a tovm laid out on a vast scale by Cecil Rhodes, buildings and homes scattered over a wide area, a few rickshaws and autos for conveyances, but too expensive, and one walks miles in a day. Baha'i addresses were given before the Banker's Club, the W.C.T.U., Bible Study Class, Theosophical Society, Legion of Loyal Women, the Salvation Army, and in many home groups. The Teachings heave been widely spread and heve created quite a stir. ‘The Press has been most courteous, and every day some of the Words of ‘Abdu'l-baha have been accepted and printed in the daily papers. "“Bvery hour of every day is full, not even the early morning hours are mine" Miss Knobloch says, and she adds "men and women call to ask questions or secure reading matter: there is work for more than one." An interesting experience is recorded of travelling fourteen miles in the country over a dry parched prairie road, dust two inches thick, water at a premium, hot during the dey, bitter cold at night. A number of neighbors arrived in autos at this place and after all were gathered for tea, Miss Knobloch talked on the Most Great Gladtidings giving the Message of Truth which is the Solvent for the -vorld's ills. She met five different groups at this farm home during her week-end visit, and so hungry were the people, so attracted, so really interested and anxious for more knowledge, that she found the time all too short. Pretoria, another importent City, was next visited, and just a glimpse of the work there will give us an idea of the possibilities:
"All of next week is booked up full with Baha'i work, and like in other places, I.find myself wishing there were more than one of me. Oh! if the friends of God but knew how much this country needs the Revelation, the Divine ‘'ruth, they would be willing to make the greatest sacrifices, bringing the Message here themselves or assisting some one else to do so for them." Then she tells us of the pathetic existence of.so many, due to the unawakened condition, and states - "Only the Divine power of the New Word of the Almighty can and will arouse the pure and true, the divine spark which lives in humanity. It is our opportunity, our Godgiven opoortunity, the harvest is ripe, snd the reapers - all too few."
"It is said that in South Africa, a diamond mine is discovered. Although this mine is most valuable,yet after all it is stone. Perchance, God willing, the mine of humanity may be discovered and the brilliant pearls of the Kingdom be found. '
'Abdu'l-Bahe.
GREEN ACRE
On September 2nd, the conferences at our summer "meeting place" closed for the season, and with many regrets, for it seemed to be the unanimous opinion that the season could have been prolonged for two weeks with much profit to all. Probably next year Green Acre will not close its doors until at least September 15th.
From all the expressions regarding this year's work, we gather that every
one came to the same conclusion, namely, that this was a most vital year at Green
Acre and one which will ever be remembered. Each succeeding year this attractive
Center has been developing toward its intended Goal; to some, at times, it seemed a
slow process of growth, but the reality wes ever present in some form to keep alive
its beauty and purity, and today Green Acre has demonstrated that through Unseen
Assistance it has emerged from its various stages of development, until now it is
becoming a real Baha'i Center. Many very important steps were taken on the Right
Path this summer, and with a Convention in prospect, and all united and eager to
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serve, it looks as if next year Green Acre would attain to the distinction of becoming "a great Baha'i Center" for it will surely be "a focal point for the concentrated efforts of the friends of God."
Some very beautiful souls, formerly Jews, but now no longer recognizing differences in race or creed, became one with us, desired to join our ranks and to help further the great work of unity through the application of the Baha'i Teachings. These friends are a most welcome accession to the Green acre group; they will likewise join the Baha'is in their various home Cities during the winter.
Mrs. Anna M. Cohn,one of the most enthusiastic members of the Green Acre Colony, writes such a glowing letter about her experiences that we wish it might be published in full. One gathers the fragrance of her pure spiritual concept as she writes: “What a beautiful spirit, a truly holy spirit at Green Acre. It just permeates my being....And during the winter when we shall be heavily burdencd with material responsibilitics, we need only recall our dear Green Acre memories and we shall be refreshed as we heve been before and our spirits revived and strengthened... I could never give an adequate description of Green Acre and its lovely people. It is beyond my power."
It was not surprising to hear so many say this summer - “I heard the Message for the first time at Green Acre." The fruit is worth all the trials and all the sacrifices of the years. It is our fervent hope that there will be a large representation from many nationalities next year, so that the principle of the Oneness of Mankind may be ever in action in that lovely spot where so long this Divine Standard has been held aloft.
Dr. Tehyi Hsieh, called the "Roosevelt of China," gave one of the most illuminating, convincing and entertaining talks of the entire season. He held his audience spellbound as he set forth in rapid fire succession the progress of events in the China of today. His brilliant mind and receptive heart, in turn, immediately grasped the importance to humanity of the Green Acre conferences, end he most eloquently stressed the beauty and dynamic power of the Baha'i Cause, particulerly emphasizing one of its great principles, the Oneness of Mankind. No one in that audience, we think, will ever forget this distinguished speaker. He has promised to come again to Green Acre next year end it is certain he rill be warmly and enthusiastically received. Surely such a scholar, publicist and genius with the dynamic power of the spirit, is a powerful instrument for awakening those yet unconscious of the part each person should contribute towards the world's great progress and developement. One is reminded of 'Abdu'l-Baha's statement that there are many divine personages among the Chinese people "who mav become bright candles of the world of humanity."
Jenab-i-Fadil gave several public addresses during the last two weeks of the season, and which have been more fully referred to in the "Star." His morning classes were very spiritual and a most vital part of his services. He and his family are now in Philadelphia where they will remain for a few weeks and where his services will be of immense value in preparing the field for the forthcoming Amity Convention. Later they will proceed to California.
From time to time Green Acre activities will be reported in the "Star" during the winter, for from now on the program for next summer will be in the process of making.
"As to Green Acre, it is indeed an important spot. Far-reaching consequences shall result from the gathering at that svot...I always beg assistance and confirmations for the friends in Green Acre."
"Abdu'l-Baha.
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FRESH CONFIRMATIONS
Mr. and Mrs. Howard Macilutt and party started from New York in July on a motor trip across the United States, primerily for the purpose of spreading the Mes-° sage. Preparations were in the making for some time for this truly important teaching tour, and an itinerary had been arranged which included all important Centers enroute. Likewise a program of surpassing interest and spiritual beauty was planned, to be carried into the world of accomplishment through those continued "fresh confiri. ations" promised to Mr. MacNutt by 'Abdu'l-Baha with such tenderness and loving solicitude. We have in our possession copies of many of these Tablets. One so fortunate as to be the recipient of these Bestowals, must of course arise “to do what is required by the Lord."
At Buffalo, N. Y., the first City visited, two glorious public meetings were held; from there the party proceeded to Toronto where another glorious meeting planned and arranged by our good Dr. Wetson and held in his home foreshadowed the success of this seed-sowing tour. Ali reports from the friends seem to carry the same comment - "Glorious" - this is the word used by all in describing the visit in each City. Public and private addresses and talks were delivered in Detroit, Lansing, Muskegon, Chicago, Kenosha, Racine, Milwaukee, St. Paul, Minneapolis, Helene Butte, Greet Falls, Spokane, Seattle and Portland, and soon the party will be in San Francisco. Add to this the many, many personal interviews and contacts with Baha'is and numbers of strangers met en route in which the Message was paramount, gives one an idea of how the teachers of the Cause are kept busy from morning until night.
Mr. MacNutt's comment on the trip is brief but significant: "Praise be to God! for this wondrous opportunity for service in the Heavenly Cause. 'Abdu'l-Baha's blessed Presence and Protection overshadowed and guided throughout. We hed a wonderful vision of Him in the mountains which we will record at another time."
So many letters have been received expressing the happiness and enthusiasm of the friends for all that has been accomplished, and as br. Orroi L. Harper of St. Paul strikes a note in her letter which is expressive of all, it is quoted:
“an angel choir has been in our midst and has left us to travel on to western fields of service. Mr. and Mrs. MacNutt and Mrs. Julia Grundy do indeed constitute a choir angelic. Although outwardly their songs and their talks are varied and numerous, in reality they sing but one meiody and speak but one thought end that is Service in the Kingdom of ABHA.....How can I tell you about Mr. Maclutt? That man of simple tastes and tender heart, that faithful servant of 'Abdu'l-Baha is a veritable giant in his penetration of the mysteries.....°atiently,with great humility, he tries to awaken in the human consciousness a realization, a love of the Divine Bounties that are permeating all creation in this universal age. His sincerity is absolute, his depth of vision marvellous; while his thoughts become living entities in their setting of beautiful imagery. Howard MacNutt is alive with the joy of service. Contact with these dear friends hes left a spiritual glow in our midst thet will continue to grow. An eternal bond has been established; we are united with them in the love of service.”
Mr. MacNutt will be one of the principle speakers at the coming Convention in San Francisco. Severai weeks or months will doubtless be spent in visiting all the Centers on the Pacific Coast, after which another teaching tour will be planned.
“Today the greatest of all affairs is to teach the Cause of God and to promote the Glad-tidings of the Appearance of the Lord of Hosts! This work precedes all other works. This work is confirmed by the Holy Spirit...." na i: os
ae er 'Abdu'1-Baha.
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Heralding the MESSAGK
In the Middle West by Mr. Louis G. Gregory has brought a season of rejoicing to the hearts of the friends. He has been teaching and addressing audiences in Buffalo, Toronto, Detroit, Columbus, Cleveland and other Centers, and always the “spiritual simplicity of his appeal created the prayed-for response in the hearts." One of the very important places visited was Idlewild, a summer resort in Michigan owned end directed by colored people. It has hotels, many beautiful cottages pavilions and a Tabernacle where all the different denominations have union services. "It is most inspiring to see how this place has been developed in a few years, and many are deeply interested in the Baha'i Cause" writes Mr. Gregory, “and among those most interested is a young Ossawotamie Indian." The outstanding note in Mr. Gregory's service to the friends is that "as an illumined teacher, he has done much to promote harmony and a better understanding.” As one of the friends said: "Mr. Gregory has left us much comforted...I find in my present reflection some assurance of knowing the power of conference, and I think Mr. Gregory has shovm me a few pages from his knowledge.....-Hvery Baha'i calling himself or herself that much, must be determined to exemplify the existence of the Master and the Message of His Holy Words in the performance of the every day life."
"Life, life - let us have more life! Let us have the life of the spirit, a life which is a collective center of the beneficial forces, a life of sympathy, of practical cooperation, of celestial brotherhood.” tAbdu'l-Baha.
MISCELLANEOUS NOTES
A "Baha'i Teacher's Institute” is one of the most vital activities in progress any place in this country. It is eld every Sunday morning in Chicago, or rather in the Foundation Hall of the Temple at Wilmette. It is under direction of the Central States Teaching Committee (Corinne True, Carl Scheffler, Albert Vail). As the notice states, “the purpose of this course is to assist teachers to present with wisdom, logic and eloquence the Teachings of Baha'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha which are the ‘divine solvent' for the ills of the world. Short talks will be given by those attending, and consulting teachers will offer suggestions in methods of presentation." Some of the subjects for discussion thus far have been - "How to Present the Baha'i Principles," “How to Give the Message," "How to Present Baha'i Proofs," "Our Relation to the Movements of the Day," "How to Relate the Teachings to the Different Religions,” “How to Explain Bible Prophecies."
We would all do well to copy this splendid program.
San Francisco: “Among recent events which proved both pleasureable and helpful" Dr. D'Evelyn reports, “was the visit of Horace Holley, Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly. This occasion afforded us an opportunity to consort together in love and fragrance, and proved rich in fruitage of contact and elucidation of mutual “assembly experiences and responsibilities. Out of this visit came the suggestion of a new agency that could not fail to be of marked constructive value, viz: an official visiting member who would make an itinerary of Baha'i Assemblies, not as a teacher, but as an inspector - expert if you will - a stock-taking enterprise, to gain acquaintance with local conditions, their needs, their capacity and environment, so that in due time each Baha'i community would become known in its personality and all essentials, to secure in that particular arena its highest measure* of fruitage."
A Teaching Convention is on the program in San francisco for the latter
part of this month. If it is as successful as a similar conference held there two
years ago, it will once again effectively bring to the attention of the people of
the Pacific Coast, in a big public way, that Spiritual Remedy which the world so
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sorely needs. It will be an occasion when the friends will unite and concentrate
all efforts on a service of immeasurable value, and with Mr. MacNutt as one of the
notable speakers and several other well known teachers who will present different
aspects of the Message, the Cause in that section will start another season of
progress on a firm foundation and with the renewed enthusiasm of its devoted followers.
Miss Marion Carpenter, our radiant sister, student at Leland Stanford University in California, a graduate of this zear, and now returning for a post graduate course, gives us a few thrilling moments as she imparts a little story of the progress of her work. You will recall the news item in the Bulletin of a few months since about her indefatigable services in raising the Call of the Kingdom at Stanford. She has never been so busy with her college activities that she could not find time first of all for the work of the Kingdom which precedes all other work.
We know of no college student who is so gioriously active in the service of the Cause, at the same time carrying so many difficult studies. The mention of this is only to repeatedly bring to the attention of the friends how successive confirmations do descend upon those who sincerely and earnestly spread the Message. This is the great work, and a work that is bound to succeed. An enthusiastic report is shared by Mrs. Cooper who has herself spoken to the attracted group at Stanford, and who so endeared herself to all with her fascinating and enthusiastic presentation of the Baha'i Message. The following brief excerpt from Miss Carpenter's report shows once egcin how true are all the reports about the preparedness of our college groups:
"I am so glad that I went to Stanford this year because the response to the Cause is so ready there. Now that Miss.......has become such an active little Baha'i, she is a great help. She is spreading the Message in her Sorority, boldly invites her Professors to our meetings; is interesting her family snd friends, and is indeed a perfect treasure, and I am most proud of what she is doing for the Cause. Opposition only makes her ten-fold stronger.
"I know you would like to hear about our last big meeting. I invited bDean..... of whom we are all so proud. The meeting was in my room - an informal Feast. The Dean asked us to tell about the Movement, for she knew little more about it then the Name. This all of us combined to do and evidently made an impression, for the next day she told one of the Professors that she had been to a Baha'i meeting with the girls and that 'we certainly had vision.' Best of all she has invited us to her home for ong of the first meetings we hoid in the fall......Also we have been offered Dr. J's office on the campus for our meetings, and as my brother will also be a student at the university this year, between us, we hope to have an enthusiastic crowd!
"Nov while I am at home for the vacation, I am temporarily Corresponding Secretary of the Santa Paula Assembly. We have started a new program here, taken a ‘new lease of life' as a result of being greatly stirred by the Notes of the Convention. Truly when we consider the bigness of our task, it would seem, as Dr. Randall said, thet we are ‘asleep at the switch.' It is a little late to tell you about the 4th of July meeting, but it was a lovely meeting in spite of the surrounding 'melody' of fireworks. Our subject was the 'Onerness of Mankind' which seemed particularly appropriate. I tried to bring out the idea that a tremendous advance had been made by Baha'u'llah when He declared the 'Oneness of the World of Humanity' eighty-seven years after the signing of the Declaration of Independence, for now we realize that greater then Independence is Interdependence ~- no nation can live unto itself. Mrs. Long of Minnesota is with us and took charge of the meeting. It is so good to have these staunch friends come to visit us."
Los Angeles: Mrs. Wagner, Secretary of this Assembly sends a beautiful
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account of one of the unity meetings held at the grave of Mr. Chase. Her report
states - "We read prayers and Tablets for two hours, and when our English sister,Mrs.
Bodkin, arrived, she stood at the head of the grave, where 'Abdu'l-Baha stood, and
read His talks and prayers at that very spot. Mrs. Bodkin has a fine voice, having
been educated in England for Shakesperian drama, and she has added much to this meeting and the meetings at Mrs. Waite's by her wonderful reading of the prayers and
Tablets. All felt the divine influence of the heavenly concourse and went away
strengthened and greatly uplifted."
September 30th is the day appointed to make the annual visit to the Tomb of Mr. Chase as requested by 'Abdu'l-Baha. In a Tablet dated December 2, 1920, He wr ote:
"Po glance upon the picture of the luminous tomb of Mr. Chase imparted grea joy, because that pure soul is shining like unto a star in the Kingdom of ABHA, and this tomb is a memorial of him. Therefore, this memorial should be highly esteemed. When I went to Los Angeles, one day especially I went and visited thet fragrant dust, spending the day in supplicating and mentioning that revered personage. I prayed to God to raise his station. That visit to his tomb gave me the utmost joy and happiness." Thus did our Master, 'Abdu'l-Baha honor the "first American Baha'i."
The Divine Exemplar spoke with Divine Authority and alvays He, Himself, was the first to live the law.
Miss Julia Culver is once again in this country after a few years spent in France and Switzerland, devoting all her time to the promulgation of the Divine Teachings in accordance with instructions she had received from the Master. Now she is making a brief visit to these shores, chiefly to gather strength for another season in the arena of active service. "Work while you rest" is the injunction, and this is something worth thinking about and remembering well. While Miss Culver is "resting" in a somewhat secluded corner, she has even there found an opportunity for service as the following indicates: "There is a work to be done right here which will go to the ends of the earth"! And then she tells an interesting story of how the very first morning she was there some one saw her baggage which still happened to retain the tag bearing the ship's name which she came over on, and a lady had sent for her because she herself had crossed several times on the same boat. The unexpected and unusual seems to always happen especially if one has (mentally anyway) decided upon a rest, and when Miss Culver responded in person she was questioned as to what she was doing, what she believed, etc. Her response that "I am interested in a Universal Movement which recognizes that all great Truths have the same basic principles and that God is the Father of all" - awakened an immediate interest and the exclamation, "Oh! you ere a Baha'i"! "When I asked why she thought so" Miss Culver writes, "she replied by the word universal." Then this woman told how she had returned to the United States on the same boat with Mr. Schopflocher, that he had given the Message to every one and had left some literature with her! It is a small world after all, and that the paths of these two women should cross out in a small town in Illinois is not the least bit astonishing when we realize that the Holy Spirit of God is ever at work with the soil of human hearts. The seeds scattered are watered by the Mercy of God. He giveth the increase. A young man likewise inquired of Miss Culver "What is your work"? And so the very day she entered her temporary abiding place she found souls ready and waiting.
A note from Mrs. George of London speaks of the happy times at her Sunday
afternoon Studio meetings when American visitors unexpectedly arrive,how much the
teachers and speakers are always appreciated and how valuable are their services. It
is well known that the travelling Baha'is are most welcome at the home of Mrs.George.
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She especially comments on the great need of presenting the Cause properly to new
groups, and adds - “Tt is more and more borne in on me how inadequate all one does
is, - we want saints to teach the Cause, not faulty or halting beingss One devotes
one's life, but vhat is that after all"?
“One must arise to spread the ‘ord of God with a supernatural force and energy. I shall not rest one second as long as iife lasts in this body....This is the dey of spreading the Message of the Kingdom....The friends of God should learn from Ne. The duty of every Baha'i is to awaken souls, to promulgate the Teachings, to make mindful those who are heedless and to create spiritual susceptibilities in the hearts." 'abdu'l-Baha.
The following is quoted from a letter written by Ru'hi Af'nan a few months ago to Mrs. Louise Waite:
"Shoghi Effendi wos most pleased to hear of your many services to the Cause; He hopes that through God's infinite bounties, the Master's constant care and the friends ever increasing spirit of service, the Cause will soon enter a new era of progress and thousands will flock to its fold. For if the friends do not nerve themselves and redouble their energies; if the Master denies us His Help due to some misconduct of ours; if God seals His ears to our prayers due to our umvorthiness, the Ceuse of God ‘rill, God forbid, remain stagnant and never spread. Shoghi Effendi's hope is in the service and faithfulness of the friends; let us not let Him loss it."
"TODAY THE MOST RsMARKABLS FAVOR OF GOD CENTSRS AROUND UNION AND HARMONY AMONG THe FRIaNDs." 'ABDU'L-BAHA,
ee ee ee ee ee
Issued by authority of the NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY fariam Haney
1910 Kalorama Hoad,
Washington, D. C. September 15, 1924.
