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Vol. 1 Chicago, (Nov. 23, 1910) Qaul No. 14
TABLET FROM ABDUL-BAHA.
To the Members of the Spiritual Assembly of Esphahan, Persia.
Upon them be the Glory of God the Most Glorious!
HE IS GOD!
O ye illumined Friends of Abdul-Baha!
Praise be to God, that you have organized and
established a new assembly in the land of Esphahan
and with the utmost devotion its members are arising
to serve the Blessed Perfection (BAHA'O'LLAH). I
was pleased to know, also, that you have organized
a committee for correspondence with all parts of the
world, and another committee to teach the Truth to
the youths. Wonderful confirmation and complete
assistance is destined for all the members of these
various committees. This move is identical with
blessing and this glorious intention is accepted in
the Threshold of Oneness. It is my hope that you
may perform these services in a befitting manner;
that you may become the dawning-places of the
Bounties of the Infinite; centers of merciful feelings
and the manifestors of the rays of the Everlasting
Glory.
I trust that you may make the land of Esphahan
a salubrious fountain, so that the cool water of
knowledge and the flowing river of assurance may
make that region the envy of the green garden of
Paradise. That city was illumined with the presence
of His Highness, the Bab, after he left Shiraz;
the Word of God was promulgated; many blessed
souls became believers; a number of them hastened
toward the arena of martyrdom; his highness, the
leader of the righteous ones, the "King of the Martyrs,"
and the master of the friends, the "Beloved
of Martyrs," gave up their lives at the altar of
love. His Highness, Ashraf and many other martyrs
drank the cup of trials and sacrificed their lives
with the utmost severance. Therefore, it is the hope
of Abdul-Baha that that region may become the
Green Garden and that city the delectable Paradise.
Upon ye be the Glory of God!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, Nov. 11, 1910, especially
for the BAHAI NEWS.
ABDUL-BAHA IN EGYPT.
Second of a series of special news items pertaining to the sojourn of Abdul-Baha in Egypt.
"OUT OF EGYPT HAVE I CALLED MY SON."
To those who are familiar with the sacred prophecies
and the history of the Bahai (Glorious) Revelation,
Abdul-Baha's "going down into Egypt,"
after forty years' confinement in the Holy Land―in
the prison town of Acca, near the foot of Mt.
Carmel―is an event fraught with wonderful and
tremendous significance; for it is, undoubtedly, that
event whereby the Word of God, as uttered by the
Prophet Hosea (11:1), finds its complete fulfillment―although
foreshadowed in the sojourn of the infant
Jesus in that land nearly two thousand years ago
(St. Matt. 2:15).
It is an event that has stirred the Bahais everywhere,
for when it became known that Abdul-Baha
had departed for that ancient country of Joseph,
there swept over the Bahai world a mighty spirit of
activity. It is an event that will, doubtless, soon
command the serious attention of the Jewish and
Christian worlds (especially those who await the
coming of the Son "in the glory of his Father"),
as it has already commanded the attention of the
Mohammedan world; for, at present, the Egyptian
newspapers―the most influential in the Mohammedan
world today―are divided into two camps: some
praising Abdul-Baha's work; others trying to stop
the floodgate of his irresistible influence.
Moamid, a paper respected by all the Islamic world,
says: "Although he (Abdul-Baha) has lived the
greater part of his life in Acca, Syria, yet there
are millions of people―in Persia, India, Europe and
America―who follow him and respect him to the
point of worship and adoration. Whosoever associates
with him, finds him a man who has information
upon all subjects of human interest; his words
are eloquent and attract the hearts, and enkindle the
souls. His teachings and conversation revolve around
the centre of the greatest of the world's problems:
To remove entirely, religious, racial and patriotic
prejudices, and lay the foundation of a brotherhood
and unity that will last throughout the ages and
eternity."
Such is the statement of the leading newspaper
printed in Arabic, while the editor of an influential [Page 3]
Persian newspaper printed in Cairo writes in a
personal letter that he was summoned by Abdul-Baha
to his presence, and although a few weeks
before, he wrote and published an article against
the Cause of BAHA'O'LLAH, he accepted the invitation
and left Cairo for Alexandria. He met Abdul-Baha
and became a changed man. He went a
stranger and an avowed antagonist; he returned a
friend, and will write an article in favor of the
Cause. He writes: "Indeed, I was very much benefitted
in meeting Abdul-Baha. The Arabic newspapers
are now anxiously waiting to read my comment
upon the matter. You shall read my paper
No. 20 and believe you will prize it very highly.
There is no doubt that some people will slander and
accuse me of being bought, but I do not care. I
have seen the Truth, and I will write the truth, no
matter what may happen."
Many others, who have been the enemies of the
Cause, have gone, either through curiosity or honest
investigation, to visit Abdul-Baha―the Servant of
God and man―and have returned with the Glory of
Truth in their faces.
What is the key to this irresistible spiritual power
that thus opens the locked doors of the hearts of
men? Those who are familiar with his Teachings,
answer that it is his practice of them. He says:
"Be ye kind to the human world and be ye compassionate
to the race of man. Deal with the
stranger as you deal with the friends. Be ye gentle
toward the outsiders as you are toward the beloved
ones. Know ye the enemy as the friend. Look upon
the satan as upon the angel and receive the unjust
with the utmost love like unto a faithful one."
Truly, as of old, great miracles are transpiring
on the banks of the river Nile, in the ancient land
of the Pharoahs!
NEWS FROM THE ORIENT.
EGYPT.
Epitomized from many long letters recently received by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab.
PORT SAID.―News of the progress of the Cause in
Persia, India, Turkey, Arabia and the West, is received
weekly and forwarded to Abdul-Baha in Alexandria.
Pilgrims arriving from various parts of the
world go to Alexandria. Thus, for the present, the
eyes of all the Bahais are turned toward that city,
seeking enlightenment, wisdom and divine love.
CAIRO.―The friends here are looking forward to a visit from
Abdul-Baha, and find it difficult to be patient until he arrives.
Mirza Hossein Rouhy has established a school in this city
for boys and girls, giving it the name of Abbasieh.
INDIA.
BOMBAY.―The friends in Bombay congratulate the friends
of the West who have issued the BAHAI NEWS and Occidental Messenger, and we pray for its success. Already thirty have
subscribed for it, and we hope to enlist many more.
RANGOON.―The Cause is progressing wonderfully in this
region, and our Mashrak-el-Azkar is filled almost every night
with an enquiring crowd from various quarters. Seyed Mustafa
visited Shevebo, a district of Upper Burma, where he delivered
the "Great Message." The mullahs fronted him with
opposition which resulted in creating a big gathering and
many were greatly attracted.
PERSIA.
ESPHAHAN.―The problem of national education is taking
hold of the minds of the people here and they are eager to
establish graded schools based upon Western methods. Mirza
Anayetullah Sohrab (a cousin of Mirza Ahmad Sohrab), who
graduated from the American college at Teheran last spring,
has accepted a call from Abadé, a city where hundreds of
Bahais reside, to found a school for their children. Now, he is
on his way to take up this important work, and we trust
the Persian-American Educational Society will do everything
in its power to help in this noble undertaking.
GAZVIN.―The third issue of the Occidental Messenger has
been received. It was read at the general meeting and its contents
uplifted the souls into the heaven of joy because of
this great bond of unity and evident miracle of the Word of
BAHA'O'LLAH.
During the past year a school for girls has been organized
by the believers and at present thirty-five attend. They
study Persian, Arabic, writing, embroidery, and other household
arts. For some time the school of Tavakkal for boys
has been established. Now, we are anxious to have the service
of an American teacher, hoping that he may not only train
the boys, but may assist us in establishing a channel for
uninterrupted commercial co-operation between Persia and
America.
MASHAD.―The friends here, more than ever, are arising for
service in the Cause. From all parts of this province, assemblies
are asking for teachers, and we are equipping those who
are capable, to go forth and spread the Fragrances of the
Kingdom. The respected Aga Rahmatullah has just departed
for Rizwan, Khazra and Shahrood; Mirza Abdul-Hossein, the
son of Samandar, has gone to Jazbar and Boshrouyyeh, and
Haji Mollah Yossof, a very learned man, has left Gayn for
other parts. These three men are busy night and day, teaching
wherever they go. We have already received excellent
reports of this work and many souls have been awakened
through their Call and accepted the Message.
The Occidental Messenger is read in all the meetings and
is producing great effect. As the mail brought only a limited
number of copies, and as the believers all desired to
possess one, we would have cabled for more had we the cable
address.
SANANDAJ.―All the hearts are made happy through the
appearance of the Occidental Messenger, and the minds are
astonished at this manifestation of the power of the Word
of God in the West. It is indeed the effect of the Utterance
of BAHA'O'LLAH, and a mighty proof of the spread of
His Call to Universal Brotherhood. We supplicate the Lord
of Hosts to establish the structure of this publication upon a
firm foundation.
SHIRAZ.―On account of some internal disturbances along
the route from Bushire to Shiraz, the mail containing the
first issue of the Occidental Messenger has not yet been
received, but we are exceedingly glad that such a Bahai publication
has been started and we are anxious to receive it.
An article on the Bahai Revelation, appearing in the
Baltimore American of July 31st, has been received by the
friends in this city. Although our hearts are made happy, yet
we are grieved on account of some flagrant misrepresentations
made therein. We hope the Western believers will endeavor
to correct similar mistakes whenever or wherever such
slaughtering of Truth is made. We are indeed much surprised
to read such erroneous representations in a leading newspaper
incorporating the name "America" on its title page, for
America, to us, is synonymous with freedom, truthfulness and
honesty.
TABRIZ.―The Cause is growing in this city and the believers
are working faithfully to spread the Fragrances. During the
past month we have been greatly assisted and blessed through
the presence of two renowned teachers: Mirza Hossein Zanjan
and Mirza Golam Hossein. Also, Mirza Ali Akbar of Nakjevan,
a merchant of Bakou and an eloquent teacher, is with us
temporarily. Every day extra meetings are held. It is a great
privilege to live in this age and behold the Kingdom of Peace
and Brotherhood established in the hearts of men.
We are anxious to establish commercial relations with
America, and as we buy a great deal from Europe through
catalogs, we will be thankful for catalogs of various goods
manufactured in America if the friends there will be kind
enough to send them to us.
ZANJAN.―The last issue of the Occidental Messenger has just
been received and distributed among the friends. It is read
and re-read in our meetings, and we pray to God that it may
continue and increase its activity and usefulness in the world
from day to day. We send congratulations to its editors.
RUSSIA.
BATOUM.―A few days ago our eyes were brightened by the
rays of the Occidental Messenger, which appeared from far off
America; our love and affection for our Western brothers and
sisters was increased an hundred fold through its loving and
spiritual expressions, and we thanked God that they had arisen
to serve the Cause in such a glorious manner. We in the East
are deprived of the privilege of rendering such service, for the
political laws restrict the freedom of the press; but we are
not sad thereby, for if the Western Bahais are assisted to serve
the Cause in this befitting manner, we also share in its glory
and honor, as we are all one.
NEWS FROM THE OCCIDENT.
BUFFALO, N. Y.―Greetings from the Bahais to the "Friends"
in every land. Our meetings are held on Sunday and Thursday
evenings at 494 Elwood Avenue.
Henrietta F. Mills.
CHICAGO, ILL.―The annual report of the Sick Committee, of
which Mrs. Christine Loeding is Chairman, shows that forty-one
visits were made to the sick in hospitals and fifty-three in
homes.
Mr. Charles Scheffler left Chicago, Nov. 14th, for Germany
and expects to return in January.
Ida M. Brush.
MONTCLAIR, N. J.―Miss Alice Buckton, of London, England,
and Mr. Percy F. Woodcock, of New York, visited the friends
Oct. 30th. About thirty seekers for Truth gathered at the
home of Mr. Charles E. Edsall, to hear them tell of the Revelation
of BAHA'O'LLAH. Those present received with enthusiasm
Miss Buckton's description of her recent visit to Acca, as well
as the teachings given by Mr. Woodcock.
Lenora W. Edsall.
NEW YORK, N. Y.―A Bahai Home has been established at
No. 6 West Nineteenth Street. It was opened on the night of
Nov. 5th by a Feast―a beautiful spiritual gathering―at which
Miss Alice Buckton, of London, presided by request. The house
has rooms for renting purposes, making it a hospice for traveling
friends, and has two large rooms which can be thrown into one,
with a seating capacity of one hundred. Classes will be held
there during the week and a meeting every Sunday afternoon at
3 o'clock.
Isabella D. Brittingham.
PORTLAND, ORE.―Mr. Thornton Chase recently visited the
friends in Portland, giving a number of splendid talks.
Mary M. Rabb.
WASHINGTON, D. C.―An election was held on Oct. 15th, at
which time a new Working Committee was chosen, to serve for
one year, as follows:
Charles Mason Remey, Chairman.
F. J. Phelps, Treasurer.
Joseph H. Hannen, Secretary.
Arnauld Belmont, Assistant Secretary.
Miss Leone St. Clair Barnitz, Local Secretary.
| Mrs. Claudia S. Coles, | Temple Committee. |
| Miss Mary Little, | |
| Mrs. Aseyeh Allen, |
Arthur D. Mayo, Chairman Music Committee.
Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, Translator.
W. H. Bowman,
W. P. Ripley,
Dr. E. H. Egbert,
Mrs. M. C. Hotchkiss.
At a called meeting of this Committee, Nov. 5th, the following additional Committees were appointed or provided for:
Miss Little and Miss Barnitz, Unity Feasts.
Mrs. Hotchkiss, Chairman, BAHAI NEWS.
Dr. Egbert and Mr. Bowman, Question Box.
Two important special meetings held since our last report
were the Unity Feast of Sunday, Oct. 16th, at a Memorial
Service, commemorative of Mrs. Amalie Knobloch, on Tuesday
evening, Oct. 26th. The Unity Feast was given at the
Conservatory of Music, and our colored friends joined with us,
the hosts being Mr. and Mrs. George S. Hopper, Miss Hopper,
Miss Little and Mr. Louis G. Gregory. The attendance was
over one hundred and some of the most influential representatives
of the colored people were present. Tasteful decorations, beautiful
music and eloquent speeches adorned this spiritual meeting.
The memorial service was held in the McNeal studio,
which was decorated with a profusion of cosmos and chrysanthemums.
Tablets or prayers were read for the friends who
had left our circle during the year, among those thus remembered
being Mrs. L. A. Hester, Mrs. Mayo, little Louise
Hopkins, Miss Charlotte Colt and the mother and father of Mrs.
Fred J. Woodward. The spirit of this meeting was very powerful
and all present felt the "peace which passeth understanding."
On Sunday morning, Oct. 30th, Mr. Arnauld Belmont addressed
the People's Church on the subject of the Revelation
and his talk was gratifyingly received.
Mrs. Fleming, of the Brooklyn, N. Y. Assembly, was a recent
visitor.
Large gatherings subsequent to the foregoing were the Unity
Feast of Nov. 4th and the service in commemoration of the
birthday of BAHA'O'LLAH. The Feast was given by Mrs.
"Aseyeh" Allen and Mrs. "Nategha" Woodward. Beautiful
decorations and a delightful material feast enhanced the appreciation
of the spiritual program. At the Birthday Celebration,
Nov. 12th, arranged by Miss Leone St. Clair Barnitz and
Mrs. Bradbury, Mirza Ahmad Sohrab presided, speeches were
delivered by Mr. Remey and Dr. Fareed, and musical selections
by Prof. Mayo.
Joseph H. Hannen.
THE MASHRAK-EL-AZKAR IN AMERICA.
"When the Mashrak-el-Azkar was erected in Ishkabad, its influence
was felt in all the Oriental countries. Whosoever heard
of it, commenced an investigation of the Cause. Now, the Mashrak-el-Azkar
of Ishkabad, like an evident banner, waves in the
world. And if in Chicago the Mashrak-el-Azkar is established,
even as in Ishkabad, then you will see what the recognition
of the Cause will do; particularly the arrangement of the
Mashrak-el-Azkar is such that it will exert the greatest effect
upon the civilized world, for it has many accessories. Among
them are the following: A school for orphans; a college for
higher scientific education (or higher knowledge); a hospital; a
home for cripples; a hospice. When the Mashrak-el-Azkar, with
its accessories, be established in the world, aside from its religious
or spiritual influence, it will have a tremendous effect
upon civilization. Aside from the religionists who will feel its
influence, materialists will not be exempt therefrom. Moreover,
it contains Divine wisdoms, spiritual effects upon the intellects
and thoughts. Subsequent to its erection these will become evident."―ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Above the head of America today is suspended a
golden crown whose jewels will scintillate throughout
centuries and cycles. Shall she adorn her head
with this priceless diadem? The old adage, "no
cross, no crown," is true regarding this glorious
crown. Can we work hard enough and sacrifice deep
enough and look far into the future for results?
This Mashrak-el-Azkar will, perhaps, be the only one
built in America during the remaining years of
Abdul-Baha's earthly mission and it behooves us to
bring this project to a point of completion that its
corner stone may be laid in the event of his coming
to America next spring. If we do not awake to this
golden opportunity, future generations will point
to us and say: "Why did the early Bahais of
America sleep so long and let this, one of the most
glorious privileges of the ages, slip by unheeded?"
Stop and meditate, friends, upon the necessary part
a Mashrak-el-Azkar, dedicated by his holy presence,
will play in the future history and development of
the world. Will it not become a visiting point for
all nations and people throughout centuries and
cycles? The inflow thus produced will return an
outflow of vitalizing spiritual influence and its accessories
will shed the light of the highest sciences,
arts and crafts and the most magnanimous works of
charity and hospitality.
Balance on hand at convention, 1910 | $5,709.46 |
Received since | 4,593.27 |
| $10,302.73 | |
Expended | 6,138.37 |
On hand, Nov. 19, 1910 | $4,164.36 |
To be raised by Jan. 1, 1911 | $1,360.64 |
CORINNE TRUE.
Financial Secretary Bahai Temple Unity.
BAHAI NEWS
ISSUED MONTHLY
ALBERT R. WINDUST―EDITORS―GERTRUDE BUIKEMA
Address all communications to
BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, Ill., U.S.A.
Persian Editor.―MIRZA AHMAD SOHRAB, 1800 Belmont Road, Washington, D. C.
SUBSCRIPTION PRICE PER YEAR
Sent postpaid throughout North America, including Canal
Zone and Panama; and following islands: Cuba, Porto Rico,
Hawaii, Philippines; also England, Ireland, Scotland, Wales,
Germany, and Shanghai City (China); Unsealed $1.00; single
copy 10c. Sealed $1.25; single copy 12c.
Sent postpaid throughout other parts of Occident and adjacent
islands including Newfoundland: Unsealed $1.00; single copy
10c. Sealed $1.75; single copy 15c.
Sent postpaid throughout Orient, including Egypt and Russia;
Sealed $1.75; single copy 15c. Note.―Through agents when established
in Oriental centers: $1.00 per year.
Vol. 1. Chicago, (Nov. 23, 1910) Qaul No. 14
With issue No. 9 of the BAHAI NEWS, a slip with the following wording was sent to the men on our
mailing list:
Dear Brother―Please read Mr. Remey's letter published in
this issue of the BAHAI NEWS. A statement of what you are
doing and planning to do for the advancement of the Cause in
your vicinity will be a source of encouragement and may suggest
ways and means to the men of other communities who are
interested in the progress of the Cause of EL-ABHA in the West.
A letter from you will be appreciated. Sincerely yours in His
Service,
THE EDITORS.
A few interesting letters were received. One of
them we publish herewith, believing it will demonstrate
what can be accomplished for the spread of
the Cause, no matter how adverse the conditions. We
are pleased to present this letter from Mr. John H.
Wilcott, who will be remembered as a former active
member of the Kenosha, Wis., Assembly:
Kendall, Mont., Sept. 12, 1910.
To the BAHAI News.
Dear Servants of Abdul-Baha:―I know you will be pleased
to hear from this part of the West. Although the work of
giving the Message is rather slow, we allow no opportunity to
pass. Mother and I are the only Bahais around here that we
know of, and up to this time we have only had cowboys, shepherds
and a few ranchers to talk to, who live many miles apart.
My nearest ranchman owned 27 miles long of land which has
now been sold to the railroad company. This is the way I reach
these people, which may seem strange to you: First of all, my
claim is just where every one has to make their roundup. Hundreds
of cattle are around us all the time. I have a full cowboy's
suit, and I am out with the boys and seem to be as
tough as they are, so not to be a tenderfoot. From one to eight
come to my tent daily and I am now called "the preacher" for
miles around. Well, this is something new to the boys―some
one to talk of God to them―and yet I seem like one of them.
They tell it all over and I frequently meet a new one who has
heard of us. One old sheep-keeper, who used to come and rest [Page 9]
under a tree in my yard while watching his sheep eat, and to
whom I would then talk, regretted so greatly the life he had
lived that he told me he was going away from this life after living
here thirty years. Before leaving, he came to bid us goodbye
and we gave him a good meal. I think the seed had started
to grow.
Many of the cowboys shoot game and bring it to us. Of
course we have to feed many of them at times, but that is the
only way we can reach them. At first some of them did not
want to hear anything of God―said there was no God―but
after some of the great hidden mysteries were explained to
them, they became interested, and you would be surprised to
see us sitting on a log outside, or in the tent, until 10 o'clock
at night.
My dear mother is the only doctor around here for forty-five
miles. The land is now all taken up and settlers are coming in
―PHOTO―
--PERSIAN TEXT--
Translation of inscription on above illustration: "Mr. Wilcott, Bahai, who is spreading the Cause of ABHA among the cowboys of the Western plains of America with great enkindlement and attraction, and whose letter of experience is printed herewith in English."
rapidly. The cowboys told them that mother was a diploma doctor,
so they have started to come after her, traveling from
fifteen to twenty miles. She is not a bit slow in giving the
Message. A few weeks ago when it was warm, a cowboy
came and was resting by the tent. He asked mother is she had
anything to read. She gave him one of our Bahai books. He
cursed and said: "That is religion. Haven't you any papers?"
So she gave him a newspaper from Santa Anna, which was sent
to us by a missionary there, to whom I am trying to give the
Message, but who has not been able to grasp it yet. Well,
this paper told about God, and the cowboy, after looking at it
for a while, said: "Why, this is religion―just as bad as the
other book." Mother said: "This is all we have here. We
live for God." When I came in with a bunch of prairie chickens
he said to me: "Hello, preacher! This is a great place―nothing
to read." I replied that I had just what he wanted,
and going to my trunk, brought a book called "Indian Wars
and Brave Deeds." Well, you should have seen that man!
He was very much pleased and called for a few days until he
had finished reading it. He then said: "If there is a God, [Page 10]
why did He let those Indians kill those poor people in such a
way?" That gave me an opportunity, and now the man begins
to read Bahai books and does not curse any more in our tent.
I enjoyed reading Mr. Remey's letter in the BAHAI NEWS. I
was very much impressed with his statement that when one is
out trying to give the Message, he needs encouragement from
the other believers. I find it so here and feel that the friends
should think more of this. A little of my experience would convince
one of the truth of this statement. I have received one
letter from Johnstown, two from Chicago, and a few from
Mrs. Goodale, of Kenosha, that put new life into me to do more
work. * * *
Any literature regarding the Cause will be gladly accepted
and handed to some of the new settlers here. These cowboys
are all good fellows and tired of this life. They are seeking
for something and do not know where to get it―it is this
Message. So when any one goes out to try to give the Message,
let us encourage them. In a place like this God is not
known. They believe there is no God, no heaven or hell, because
they have been taught so. It is not easy and one should
be encouraged. * * *
This country is wild with rattlesnakes and wolves. I have
killed many snakes, but as the country is now being settled
the snakes are disappearing. One was in our tent last night.
We heard him rattle. We dare not sleep with an arm outside
of the bed. It is getting cold; the mountains are covered
with snow and we had four inches of it. We are still in a
tent, but I am building a log house. Frost killed nearly all we
had, but God giveth and God taketh away―praise His Name!
When I go for mail, I carry a gun because of wild steers.
Every one carries a gun because of cattle and snakes.
My mother is 70 years old and keeps up quite well. We
have lots of hay on the ground in the tent to keep our feet
warm, but we have been laid up with colds. Everything here
has to be hauled from Lewistown, forty-five miles. Our nearest
place is Kendall, a small town, 5,800 feet high in the mountains―a
gold mining town―about ten houses built on rocks on
the side of the hill. Oil costs 50 cents a gallon, potatoes 4
cents a pound, etc. Before this cold weather came I used to
lie in bed in the morning and take my gun from the side of
my pillow and shoot sage hens or prairie chicken. They destroyed
my garden, and four or five times a day I used to go
around the garden to drive them out and also the rabbits.
I have taken some pictures and send you one of myself
now as I go among the boys. * * *
Here comes another old shepherd who likes to come here―I
can hear his voice over the hill calling the sheep, so I must
stop writing.
We send all our Bahai love and ask your earnest prayers.
Your servant in His Name,
JOHN H. WILCOTT.
Our Persian section, this issue, contains a Tablet
to the Denver, Colo., Assembly revealed about 1907,
and a continuation of the article on Universal Bahai
Peace. Statistics are given of the enormous number
of killed in all wars and the heavy cost of some of
the famous battles of history; the number of soldiers
and warships maintained by the different Western
nations; an outline of the Constitution of the
"United Nations of the World," the "Congress of
Nations," and the "Supreme Court of Nations;"
quotations from Voltaire, Franklin and others,
against war: quotations from the note of the Emperor[Page 11]
of Russia inviting all nations to the first Hague
Conference, and quotations from Tablets of Abdul-Baha,
giving the Bahai plan of the establishment
of Universal Peace.
Beginning with this issue, we present a series of
Tablets revealed by Abdul-Baha for Oriental Assemblies,
believing it will bring the Assemblies of the
East nearer to the hearts of the friends in the West.
Mirza Ahmad Sohrab has consented to translate them
especially for the BAHAI NEWS.
ASSEMBLIES IN THE OCCIDENT.
Secretaries are requested to see that their Assembly is correctly represented.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
BALTIMORE, MD.―Regular weekly meetings Tuesday evenings
at 629 West North Avenue, and Sunday evenings at 516 Broadway.
Residence of Secretary, 629 West North Avenue.
BOSTON, MASS.―Sunday mornings, at 11 o'clock, in Beckton
Hall, 200 Huntington Avenue.
BUFFALO, N. Y.―Meetings every Sunday and Thursday evening
at 494 Elwood Avenue.
CHICAGO, ILL.―Regular weekly meeting, Sunday, 11 a. m., at
Corinthian Hall, 17th floor Masonic Temple, State and Randolph
Streets. Address of Assembly, P. O. Box 283, George Lesch,
Secretary.
DENVER, COLO.―G. Nathaniel Clark, Secretary, 4141 Xavier
Street.
ITHICA, N. Y.―Regular meeting of assembly, Friday evenings
at the residence of Dr. W. E. House, 241 South Cayuga Street.
KENOSHA, WIS.―Regular weekly meeting, Sunday, 10:30 a. m.;
Sunday school, 9:30 a. m., at Gronquish Hall, 218 Park
Street. Address of Assembly, Fountain Nicholas, Secretary, 868
Park Street.
LOS ANGELES, CAL.―F. B. Beckett, Secretary, 429 Citizens'
National Bank Building.
NEW YORK, N. Y.―Regular weekly meeting, Sunday, 11 a. m.,
at Genealogical Hall, 226 West 58th Street. Paul T. G. Marshall,
Secretary, 139 Shippen Street, Weehawken Heights, New
Jersey.
PORTLAND, ORE.―Regular weekly meeting, Thursday, 2 p. m.,
at 501 Yamhill Street, corner Fifteenth Street. Mrs. M. M.
Rabb, secretary, 1146 Willamette Boulevard, Station F.
SEATTLE, WASH.―Regular weekly meeting held at 2916
Beacon Avenue, South.
SPOKANE, WASH.―Regular weekly meeting held Friday evenings
at the home of Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Killius, 124 Fifth
Avenue. Miss E. Mabel King, Secretary, E413 Mission avenue.
SUMERDUCK, VA.―Meetings on fourth Sundays; address care
Mrs. R. H. Duckett.
WASHINGTON, D. C.―Regular meetings Friday evenings at
8:15; Sunday mornings at 11:15, at 1219 Connecticut Avenue.
Mail address of Assembly, P. O. Box 192. Residence of Secretary,
Joseph H. Hannen, 1252 Eighth Street, N. W.
ENGLAND.
LONDON, ENG.―Regular meeting of assembly Friday, 8:15 p. m.,
at 10 Cheniston Gardens, Wright's Lane, Kensington
High Street.
GERMANY.
STUTTGART, WURTEMBERG.―Regular meetings of assembly,
Friday evenings. Kanzlei strasse 24P. ZUFFENHAUSEN.―At
the home of Herrn und Frau F. Schweizer, Karl strasse 26r.
Vol. I No. 14
نجم باختر . 23 نوامبر 1910
جلد 1 . شماره 14
صفحه 1
address:- Najmé Bakhtar 1800 Belmont Road. Washington D C U S America
دنور اعضاء محفل روحانی علیهم بهاء الله الابهی
ای بندگان حقّو کنیزان الهی همچو گمان منمائید که دقیقۀ فراموش گردید همواره عبدالبهاء در نهایت تحیّت و مهربانی ذکر شما نماید و از درگاه احدیّت طلب عون و عنایت کند تا مدد غیبی رسد و فیوضات لاریبی رخ بگشاید یاران آن دیار مانند شمع برافروزند و اماء رحمن بمثابۀ نجوم بدرخشند آن کشور را منوّر نمایند و آن اقلیم را جنتّ النعیم کنند صهبای هدایت بنوشانند و مشتاقان ملکوت ابهی را سرمست کنند دبستان روحانی بگشایند و از ادیب عشق اسرار محبّت تو بیاموزند بیکدیگر در نهایت خضوع بیامیزند و طلعت روحانی حاصل نمایند هر یک جان و دل فدای دیگران نماید و هرکس عیوم این جان مهربان باشد پردۀ بیگانگی بدرند و با جمیع خلق به یگانگی آمیزش نمایند حتیّ خائنان را امین باشند و مخالفان را محبّت کنند و دشمن را دوست شمرند بیگانگان را آشنا پندارند این است نصایح و وصایای الهی . ای یاران ای اماء رحمن باشد که آیۀ بدایت کبری از نهایت لزج وسرار با خلق محشور شوید تا منتظر عنایات حق گردید از هیچ بلائی محزون نشوید و از هیچ امتحانی دلخون نگردید ثبات و استقامت باشد تا عاقبت امرالله شاهد انجمن گردد و ملتهای آمال خلق نماید . طوبی لکم بکلّ و لکم الرحمن و علیکم و علیکنّ بهاء الابهی .
صلح عمومی بهائی
حضرت عبدالبهاء میفرمایند : عالم مانند شخص انسان است مریض و ضعیف و ناتوان گشته چشم او نابینا شده گوش او ناشنوا گشته قوای حسّی تمامه تحلیل رفته یاران روح جدید طبیب حاذق گردند بموجب تعالیم الهیّه باین عارضه پرستار شوند و علاج کنند . اوّل علاج هدایت خلق است تا بحقّ تحققّ یابند و از سماء نصائح الهی بگوشی شنوا و چشمی بینا مبعوث شوند .
صفحه 2
یکی ازبزرگترین و مهمترین نصائح الهی همانا برقرار نمودن صلح عمومی است که بهائیان جهان در استقرار آن باید جانفشانی نمایند دمی نیاسایند و آنی راحت نجویند تا این امر نازنین از پس حجبات جهل خارج شده و کرشمۀ رحمانی در انجمن جمیع ملل دنیا داخل گردد نور بخشد و خلق سلام عامّ انتشار نماید چه امروز ممالک دنیا عالم قورخانۀ عظیم مهیبی بنظر می آید که محتمل است هر ساعتی آتش گرفته و نژاد انسان را از صفحۀ ارض محو و نابود کند چون اطمینان و صداقت و درستی بین المللی حکم کیمیا پیدا نموده هریک از ملل حمیّه شب و روز سعی مینمایند که چنگال و دندانهای خود را تیز و برنده نگاه داشته تا در وقت جنگ بتواند بیشتر از سائرین درّندگی و خونریزی نماید کلمۀ صلح عمومی بر زبان رانند ولی سال بسال بر خرج آلات حرب و قتال می افزایند ظاهرا اخوّت و ترقیّ سائر ملل را ابراز نمایند و باطنا اسارت درقیّت آنها را از جان و مال مایل و خون آنها را در شیشه نمایند و عساکر خود را به بهانۀ بیهوده داخل دیگر ممالک کنند . نه از خدا شرم نمایند و نه از بندگان بیچاره حیا کنند دست و دهان را به دم بیگناهان آغشته دارند و در سنگدلی و التمی اتبلی فخر و مباهات نمایند این ملل متمدّن که آوازۀ اختراعات خود را بگوشمکان عرش رسانیده اند در نظر انسان بصیر من حیث ترقیّات وجدان هنوز وحشی و خودپرست هستند و از سنبل محبّت عمومی هنوز مشام را معطرّ ننموده اند خون هزاران نفوس بیگناه را میریزند تا بکام دل خود برسند و ممالک را تاراج نمایند تا اسم خود را شهرت دهند .
یکی از موّرخین موّثق در کتاب خود اتلاف جنگ های مشهور تاریخ را جمع نموده و بانجمن نبوّت ادّعا و اطلاع قارئین در این مقام درج مینمائیم تا دهشت و بربریّت آن بر هریک معلوم گردد . از اوّل تاریخ معلوم عالم عدد انسانها که در جنگ ها کشته شده به 15000000000 رسیده و فقط در قرن نوزدهم مسیحی که روشن و متمدّن ترین قرنش مینامند شمارۀ جوانان مقتول در حربها به 14000000 رسیده است امّا جنگهائیکه مبالغ هنگفت در آن خرج گردیده از اینقرار است : جنگهای ناپلیون اوّل که فرانسه و انگلیس و آۀمان و ایتالیا و استریا و اسپانیا و روس و عثمانی پایدار آن شدند 15000000000دلار جنگ ملی آمریک 13000000000 دلار جنگ کریمی 1666000000دلار جنگ فرانسه و پروس 3000000000دلار جنگ روس و ترکی 1100000000 دلار جنگ انگلیس و ترانسوال 1300000000 دلار جنگ روس و ژاپون 1735000000 دلار و این ارقام هیچ دخلی به ضرر اموال ملتّ و توقفّ طرق تجارت و صناعت و زراعت ندارد یکی از خیرخواهان میگوید که انگلیس با پولی که خرج جنگ ترانسوال نمود میتوانست صد خانه برای مردمان پیر عددی 100000 دلار هزار باغ برای بازی کردن اطفال به عددی 50000 دلار هزار کتابخانه عمومی عددی 50000 دلار هزار مدارس صناعت عددی 300000دلار پانصد مریضخانه عددی 200000 دلار سیصد مدرسه عمومی به عددی 100000 دلار و صد و پنجاه هزار خانه برای مردمان فقیر دانه ای 2000 دلار بسازد .
صفحه 3
و امّا حال از منظر دیگری از شمارۀ لشگرهای دون اله و کشتی های جنگی ملل متمدّن قدری باریک گردید تا محققّ گردد چگونه ساکنین ارض از این صفت آدمکشی منزجر گشته اند و ناله و فغان مینمایند . عدد لشگر آلمان امروز به 400000 فرانسه به 2072000 روسیه 4500000استریا هنکادی 1800000 ایتالیا 1046000 انگلیس 764000 ژاپون 1500000عثمانی 725010 و امریک شمالی 100000 نفوس میرسد و سائر دول کوچک از سیصد الی شش هزار سپاه نگاهداری مینمایند ولی عدد کشتی های جنگی دول از قسم ورومات و زره پوش و موشک شکن و زیر دریائی از این قرار است انگلیس 455 آمریک 125 آلمان 424 ژاپون 236 فرانسه 547 ایتالیا 225 روسیه 160 باری این است وضع حالیّه دول و رقابت مابین آنها بقسمی شدید است که اگر مثلا دولت انگلیس امروز خیال ساختن یک کشتی نماید فردا آلمان توحشّ نموده در فکر ساختن دو کشتی میگردد و مسلمّ است که در هیچ یک از دو اثر اختراعات عالم جدید بیشتر از ادارۀ جنگ عقل و ذکاوت و هوش و هنر بجهت اکتشاف آلات منهدمه استعمال نمیگردد
و اگر در اوّل این مقاله عرض شد که دول متمدّن جهان مانند قورخانۀ عظیمی گشته بی دلیل و برهان نبود و خطر بزرگی که در پس جمع نمودن اینهمه سرباز و فروندهای کشتی جنگی است بر بزرگان هر یک از ملل غرب کم کم مشهود گردیده و کتبی در این باب تصنیف کرده اند و انجمن های صلح تشکیل نموده اند و در روزنامه ها و مجلات دائما مقالات بر ضدّ طبقۀ جنگجویان مینویسند و شکایت میکنند که چرا اینهمه ملیونها نفوس باید بیکاره راه بروند و مردم بیچاره از آنها نگاهداری کنند و حتیّ یک نفر از وکلای پیشین این پارلمان امریک یک قانون اساسی بجهة ملل متحدۀ عالم نوشته و انتشار نمود و موادی متقنّ برای آنها ترتیب داده که چگونه هر ملتّی برای پارلمان ملل بفرستد و در مواقع اختلاف عدالتخانه عظمای ملل بین آنها حکم نماید و رئیس شهنشاهی فرامین و قوانین پارلمان ملل را مجری دارد و این تغییر افکار بزرگان دول نیست مگر از اثر کلمات حضرت بهاء الله مثلا « ولتر» فیلسوف فرانسوی در حالت تمسخر میگوید : « فی الحقیقه جنگ صفت بسیار شریفی است که ممالک را کن فیکون و ساکنین را قتل و در هر سالی از چهل الی صد هزار نفر را منهدم مینماید و عجیب ترین وجه این امر جهّنمی آنکه هریک از رؤسای خونریز علم خود را بدست اساقفه مبارک مینماید و قبل از دخول در میدان جنگ برای کشتن همسایگان خود از خداوند تأیید و توفیق میطلبد و اگر فقط دو سه هزار نفر را از دم شمشیر یا توپ بگذراند شکر الهی بجای نمی آورد ولی اگر ده هزار نفر را با آتش و تیغ منهدم نماید و چند شهر های آباد را با خاک یکسان کند آنوقت همه جمع شده شادی و وله نمایند و حضرت پروردگار را به هلهله و سرور دعا کنند » و دکتر فرانکین میگوید « اگر پولهائی که در جنگ خرج شده برای ترقیّ انسان و پیشرفت طرق حیات صرف شده بود چقدر عالم بهتر بود مزارع حاصلخیز تا قله کوهها میرسید و رور ها بواسطه حفر قنال ها بهم متصّل میشد پل ها قناتها راههای صاف و عمارات عمومی ساخته میشد
صفحه 4
عالم بهشت برین میگشت » . تیرائل گرانت میگوید « اگرچه من برای صفت جنگ تربیت شده و در جنگهای بزرگ مروری نموده ولی روزی بل دقیقۀ نگذشته که از صمیم قلب دعا ننموده ام که عوض آنکه مردمان بیچاره را در میدان قتال میفرستیم و جوانان بیگناه را در کشمکش حرب داخل مینمائیم طریقی برای اصلاح اختلافات بین المللی پیدا شو » مستر ویلیم برایان میگوید : « شاعری مرثیۀ نوشته که در یکی از جنگهای ملیّ امریکا سربازی نیزۀ بطرف دشمن انداخت و چون نزدیک گردید که آن نیزه را از بدن مقتول بیرون کشد و چون در صورت او نظری انداخت دید برادر خود او است در اینموقع انتشار عبارات حزین غم و اندوه آن برادر را شرح میدهد که چگونه خاک بسر ریخته و فریاد و فغان مینمود که جوانی را که کشته برادر او بوده این حکایت دل انسان را بسیار محزون مینماید ولی آیا بی نتیجه خواهد بود که امیدوارباشیم که بر حسب تمدّن عالم انسانی ما ها هم کم کم درک خواهیم نمود که هیئت جامعه بشر نیست مگر یک عائله بزرگتری که از این عائله که شاعر شرح داده است آیا میتوان امیوار بود که بهمان درجۀ که دائرۀ محبّت بین المللی توسعه می یابد این قرابت و اخوّت میرود به اعضای یک عائله و یا یک طائفه و یا یک ایل و یا یک مملکت نخواهد گردید بل جمیع کوشندگان جهان را چون برادران حقیقی در بر خواهیم گرفت » و امپراطور روس در فرمانی دول عالم را به کنفرانس لان لاهی نام گرفت در هیجده ماه می سنه 1895 مسیحی منعقد شده میگوید بابت نگاهداری صلح عمومی و تخفیف مخارج زیاد لشگر آرائی که جمیع ملل سنگینی آنرا احساس مینمایند بر حسب مقتضیّات زمان حال بهترین مسائلی است که افکار حکومت باید بجانب آن جلب گردد . اکثریّت قوّۀ عقلانی و جسمانی و عمل سرمایۀ دول از مجرای طبیعی خود برگشته و بدون فائده استعمال میشود مثل صد ها ملیون نفوس آن است که جهد و سعی نموده تا استعمال آلات خوفناک انهدام را یاد برند و اگرچه آن ملات امروز مفید و بهترین اختراع مردمان با علم است فردا بواسطۀ انکشاف جدیدی بکلیّ بیفایده میگردد لذا اکمال این آلات حربیّه سبب فلج و یا توقیف و تربیت آتی و ترقیّ اقتصادی و حصول ثروت است . بحرانهای اقتصادی که اکثر آنها نتیجۀ این مسائل لشگر آرائی است و خوف دائمی که در جمع نمودن آلات حرب مخفی است این صلح مسلحّ امروزه را به یک بار پشت شکنی تبدیل نموده است که مردان در بردن آن شکیّ کرده بر زمین گذاشته اند بنابراین واضح است که اگر این اوضاع بیشتر از این بطول انجامد ما را در همان طوفان خواهد انداخت که از دست آن فرار مینمودیم که که تفکرّات آن مردمان دانا را از قبل مرزان مینماید . ای بهائیان خانه ای دوستداران صلح عمومی این است اوضاع حالیه علی الاصول کلّ سرگردانند و در پی علاجی جهت شفای این ناخوشیها میگردند و شما حکمای حاذقید شما ها آن علاج اعظم را در دست دارید شما علمدار صلحید شما ها عاشق محبوبید برخیزید همّتی کنید شجاعتی بفرمایید ترویج صلح عمومی نمائید ازسر غلغلۀ مکر بیرون آرید نظر فرمائید که حضرت عبدالبهاء در خصوص انجمن صلح لاهی چه میفرماید قومه و قومه کن . در خصوص صلح عمومی مرقوم نموده بودید که عنقریب انجمن لاهی تشکیل گردد و ترقیّ در بابت صلح شود این مسئله بواسطۀ انجمن دائمی که فضایش نووای و دل است انجام نپذیرد
صفحه 5
بلکه بقوّۀ کلیّه نافذۀ الهیّه این دلبر رعنا در جمیع آفاق رخ بگشاید و جلوه نماید . انجمن الهی شاملش هست که خمّارها یعنی می فروشها محفلی بیارایند تا تا مذاکرات در مضرّت شراب بکنند و شرب شراب را از عالم براندازند و حال آنکه صفت خودشان می فروشی است مثلش بقیّه اینست و آنها که دائما بفکر جهانگیری هستند با توسیع ممالک خویش یا خصومت با اعدا آنان وزرائی و وکلائی بمجلس لاهی ارسال میدارند که مذاکرات صلح عمومی نمایند و قرار در وضع جنگ دهند و همچنین میفرمایند ظلمت احاطه نموده است و خلق و خوی وحشیانه مستولی گردیده عالم بشر خوابگاه وحشیان درّنده گردیده و میدان جاهلان نادان و نفوس یا گرگ خونخوارند و یا حیوان بلا ادراک یا سمّ قاتل و یا گیاه عاطل و باطل . جمیع من علی الارض یعنی کلّ قبائل و شعوب هریک تیشۀ در دست گرفته و ریشۀ یکدیگر قطع نمایند خونریزند و فتنه انگیز سر جنگند و بداندیش هلاک یکدیگر خواهند و اضمحلال همدیگر جویند افق عالم را سحاب تیره احاطه نموده و ظلمات عداوت و بغضاء و جور و جفا و ذلتّ کبری انتشار یافته جمیع خلق در غفلت عظمی و خونخواری و درندگی اعظم ثبات برپا . پس چاره کو و راه خلاصی کجا؟ طریق نجات ملل در این بیانات روحانیّه ذیل است : قدرت آسمانی و قوّت یزدانی و پدافند امر الهی خیمۀ وحدت عالم انسانی در قطب امکان بلند نمود و علم صلح اعظم رایت محبم مشگ معّت و راستی و حقّ پرستی بلند کرده یاران خادم این خیمه اند و دوستان بندۀ این علم پس باید بآنچه لائق اسرار است برخیزند و شور و ولهی انگیزند و بر مشام مشگ معطرّ ریزند و بمذاق شهد و شکر ریزند آیات هدی گردند و بشارات ملاء اعلی شوند و لشگر ملکوت ابهی نزاع و جدال را بنیاد براندازند و حرب و ضرب را آثار از عالم امکان زایل نمایند شجرۀ بیگانگی از ریشه قطع نمایند و در گلشن آفاق نهال یگانگی بنشانند نار بغض و عداوت خاموش کنند و دریای الفت و محبّت بجوش آرند و دیگر مذاق از لوح آفاق بیفزایند و آیات وثاق ثبت فرمایند خار و خس و کره و عدوان را از مزرعۀ امکان براندازند و بگل و ریاحین بیارایند حضرت کبریا بر یمین جمهورمشیریار ترا انتخاب فرمود و به هدایت کبری و موهبت عظمی تخصیص داد تا آنکه کلّ بجان و دل بکوشیم جانفشانی نمائیم و به هدایت خلق برخیزیم و نفوس را تربیت کنیم تا درندگان منتظر بحر وحدت شوند و گرگان اغنام الهی گردند و خونخواران ملائکه آسمانی شوند نار عدوان خاموش گردد و شعلۀ روی آئین بقعۀ مبارکه روشنائیکه جمیع ملل را بخشد رایحۀ گلخن جفا متلاشی شود و نفحات گلشن وفا انتشار کلّ یابد . باری صلح و سلام و محبّت آئین جمال مبارک است که در قطب امکان خیمه زده و جمیع ملل و اقوام را دعوت مینماید . ندای ملکوت بلند شد و فضائل و کمالات روحانیّه جلوه نمود شمس حقیقت اشراق کرد و انوار صلح علم و وحدت عالم انسانی و الوهیّت عالی بشریّت ساطع گشت امیدواریم که اشراق این انوار روز بروز شدید تر گردد و این کلمات معنویّه جلوه بیشتر کند تا به کلیّه عالم انسانی ظهور و بروز کند و دلبر محبّت الله در نهایت ملاحت و صباحت شاهد انجمن گردد . اگر تغنّی دیدۀ انصاف باز کند مدهوش و حیران گردد و انصاف دهد که جمیع اقوام و ملل عالم و طوائف و دول جهان باید از تعالیم و وصایای بهاء الله مسرور و ممنون و خوشنود باشند شماها که بهائیانید باید در مقابل این جور و ظلم و عدوان ابواب الفت و محبّت و یگانگی و آزادگی بر وجه عالمیان بگشائید آتش جنگ و جدال را دریای صلح و صفا شوید و ظلمت جور و جفا را به نور حبّ و وفا زائل نمائید تا آن نائره جهانسوز خواموش و مخمود شود این است صلح عمومی بهائی این است خوان گوناگون الهی که جمیع ملل و دول را به تناول از آن وعده میگیریم .
