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Vol. 1 Chicago, (Dec. 31, 1910) Sharaf No. 16
TABLETS FROM ABDUL-BAHA.
Stating the Conditions Requisite for His Coming to America.*
TO THE MEMBERS OF THE ASSEMBLIES OF BAHAIS IN AMERICA.*
To the beloved ones and the maid-servants of the Merciful!
HE IS GOD!
O ye dear friends and maid-servants of God!
Your epistle was received.† You have expressed joy and happiness because of the trip of Abdul-Baha
from the center of prison (Acca) to the land
of the divine Joseph (Egypt) There are divine
wisdoms in this journey! I am hopeful that it will
be productive of results.
Now―praise be to God!―some time is passed with
the utmost of spirit and fragrance in this country,
and we are occupied with the service of the Cause
of God and servitude to the Holy Threshold.
When the service which is our (present) purpose
is realized for the Kingdom of God, perhaps we shall
journey to other parts.
If the beloved of God in all America strive for
unity and harmony, attain perfect love and accord,
and act according to the divine teachings and the
precepts of the Blessed Perfection, this will prove a
magnet attracting Abdul-Baha, so that, perchance,
he may journey to America.
But, until the light of oneness, unity and love
shine forth from the lamp of America, and the beloved
act in accordance with the divine teachings and
precepts of the Blessed Perfection, and all the believers
in America become united and harmonious,
my coming to America will be hindered―nay, impossible.
Therefore, strive ye that ye may become the embodied
* Through Lua M. Getsinger. † A letter sent by the Washington (D. C.) Assembly on behalf of the Assemblies of America, supplicating Abdul-Baha to visit this country.
teachings of the Blessed Perfection, confirmed
in the divine precepts, resurrected in holiness and
purity, severance, humility and meekness, set aglow
with the fire of divine love; and loosen your tongues
with the praises and commendations of the Heavenly
Kingdom.
Thus may the great attainment be realized.
Upon ye be BAHA'O'LLAH-El-ABHA!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Translated by Dr. Ameen U. Fareed, December 8, 1910.
Note―It is the wish of Abdul-Baha that this Tablet be read in
all Assemblies.
TO THE ATTRACTED MAID-SERVANT OF GOD, LUA M. GETSINGER.*
UPON HER BE BAHA'O'LLAH-El-ABHA!
HE IS GOD!
O thou dear maid-servant of God!
Your epistle was received and the desire and request
of the beloved ones and the maid-servants of
the Merciful became known.
The conditions requisite for the coming of Abdul-Baha
to those regions have just been written for the
friends and the maid-servants of the Lord―through
you. I am hopeful that these conditions will be
carried out, perchance at some time a trip to those
regions may be taken; but if these conditions be not
realized, this will hinder a trip to those parts.
Convey most reverend ABHA greetings with the
utmost longing to his honor, the dear friend, the
Doctor (Getsinger).
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Translated by Dr. Fareed, December 6, 1910.
TO THE ATTRACTED MAID-SERVANT OF GOD, ASEYEH KHANUM (WELLESCA POLLOCK ALLEN).†
Upon her be BAHA-El-ABHA!
HE IS GOD!
O thou dear maid-servant of God!
I hope, through the Lord, that thy request and
desire may be granted. Thou hast written of the
*† Through Dr. Ameen U. Fareed.
joy and happiness of the beloved, together with a request for my presence in America.
Abdul-Baha is like the nightingale. The nightingale
soars to the rose-garden. Should you desire my
presence there, you must make America a rose-garden.
That is to say, you must make that country
well adorned with every rose of spiritual qualities
and human attributes. Then certainly, God, the
Generous, will reward you greatly, and, perchance,
this Nightingale will then fly to that rose-garden.
Thou hast written of thy new house wherein thou
hast prepared a place for the travelers of the East
and West. This is very acceptable.
Now the beloved must strive to make America a
rose-garden. Then your desire will be realized.
O thou dear maid-servant of God! Thou art ever
in mind and present before me. I hope, through the
bounty and bestowal of God, that thy dear son may
be blessed and become dear in both worlds.
Upon thee be BAHA'O'LLAH-El-ABHA!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Translated by Dr. Fareed, December 8, 1910.
NEWS FROM THE OCCIDENT.
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.
BOSTON, MASS.―This Assembly was brought very near to the
Spirit of Abdul-Baha a few Sundays ago, when Miss Alice M.
Buckton of London, England, visited us and addressed the meeting.
Mrs. Buckton was in Acca a few months ago for a fortnight.
She has come forth from that Rose-garden carrying the
choicest flowers which are lovingly shared with all. His benediction
upon her is felt everywhere she goes.
Mr. Stanwood Cobb of the Washington (D. C.) Assembly, has
been with us twice during the holiday season and has brought
us inspiration and the Spirit of the Washington Assembly. Miss
Ella Robarts, from New York, was also in Boston for a Sunday
and added her Bahai spirit to our little group. These glimpses
we have from other Assemblies from time to time are a source
of great joy and thanksgiving.
Greeting and love to all of the believers everywhere, and our
earnest prayer is that through our unity, love and harmony, we
may make "straight and right the way" that Abdul-Baha may
be with us at the Chicago Convention, and that that visit may
witness the laying of the cornerstone of the Mashrak-el-Azkar.
Evidences of "awakenings" are apparent on all sides.
Grace Robarts.
CHICAGO, ILL.―Mr. Charles H. Greenleaf has been conducting
the Sunday meetings during his month's stay in town.
Mr. Charles Scheffler has returned from a few weeks' visit to
Germany.
The last nineteen-day tea of the Woman's Assembly of Teaching[Page 4]
was held at the home of Mrs. Eva W. Russell; falling on
Sunday afternoon there was a goodly gathering of gentlemen as
guests. The reports of the officers were most interesting and
spoke well for their zeal and untiring work. Letters have been
received by the Corresponding Secretary from Japan, Resht,
Yazd, Teheran, Bombay, Honolulu and Shiraz, all bearing loving
greetings to the friends throughout America.
The Bahai Sunday school was given a holiday party on December
26th, presents were distributed to the children and a
joyous spirit prevailed. A supplication to Abdul-Baha was
signed by every one present, to be forwarded through our
brother. Dr. Zia Bagdadi.
Louise R. Waite.
CINCINNATI, OHIO.―When the glorious glad-tidings reached
Cincinnati of the probable visit to America of Abdul-Baha, a
new life-giving breeze was wafted and all arose as never before
in love and unity, and from the lips came forth, "Praise be to
God!" that he looks upon America with favor. O dear co-workers
in all parts of the land, what an impetus to service in
building the Mashrak-el-Azkar and in loving service to all humanity!
We pray God if he should come, each beloved one in
America be granted the blessed privilege to enter his presence
in an attitude so selfless that his rejoicing be unceasing. Bahai
love and greetings to all from the Cincinnati Assembly.
Annie L. Parmerton.
DENVER, COLO.―Mrs. E. J. Bell, Aurora, Colo., holds a group
meeting on Monday evenings. Mrs. George Haeberlie also holds
a Bahai gathering every nineteen days at her residence 2747
West Thirty-fifth Avenue.
Ella T. Nash.
GOBLEVILLE, MICH.―On Dec. 13th, the friends and relatives
of Mrs. Ruddiman gathered at her home to pay respect to
her departed mother. The beautiful Bahai funeral service,
conducted by Mr. Charles H. Greenleaf, who came from Chicago
especially to serve in that capacity, created such an
atmosphere of strength, comfort and peace, that many were
attracted, and, after the interment and return to the home,
he was called upon to deliver the Message.
LOS ANGELES, CALIF.―The friends of the Assembly gathered
Sunday afternoon, Dec. 18th, at the home of Mr. and
Mrs. Haney to consider matters pertaining to the Cause for
the ensuing year. An Executive Committee was appointed
for the year, consisting of Messrs. Haney and Chase, Miss
Wise and Miss Hammond of Pasadena and Mrs. Beckett of
Tropico. It was decided to continue the monthly public meetings,
which have been held in Blanchard Hall on the first
Sunday afternoon of each month, and also to have alternate
meetings on Sunday afternoons at the homes of believers,
especially at the Haney home on the third Sunday of each
month.
On Sunday, Dec. 11th, the friends came from far and near
to the home of Mr. and Mrs. Chase for a social Bahai gathering.
On Monday, the 12th, the Unity Feast was held at the
home of Mr. and Mrs. Frankland in Tropico. The next Unity
Feast will be at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Haney in Los
Angeles. The friends of Pasadena and Tropico are working in
happy unity with those of Los Angeles for the progress of the
Cause, all as one body of sincere believers.
The coming of Mr. and Mrs. Rice-Wray of Newark, N. J.,
Mrs. Nash from Denver, and others, all earnest workers, together
with the efforts of Madame Bethlen, tends to the more
rapid spreading of knowledge of the Great Message. Mrs.
Nash, with her daughter Louise, has settled at Eagle Rock,
a delightful suburb of Los Angeles, where she is gathering
in the neighbors to listen to the Glad-tidings. She holds
meetings on Sunday afternoons at 3 p. m., excepting the first
Sunday of the month when they are held by all groups in[Page 5]
Blanchard Hall. Mrs. E. B. Kading has recently come from
Nebraska. She has been separated from all believers for
about ten years, but made it her first pleasure here to seek
and find the Bahai friends. The Bahai Revelation is a "live
wire," and when the real being of any soul has been once
touched by its vitality, there is truly no rest in separation
from it. This is being proved often by the coming to its
portals of those who have been afar from its outward influence.
Two of our former Greenacre (Me.) friends were at
the gathering at the Chase home, and they showed as earnest
an interest in the Cause and its teachings as if they had
been associated with it during the years. A number of people
are becoming interested in the wonderful Message and
are coming again and again to hear its words of comfort and
strength. The prospect for an increased and united Assembly
in Los Angeles is excellent.
Thabet.
NEW YORK, N. Y.―The regular weekly meetings are as follows:
Sunday mornings in Genealogical Hall, 226 W. 58th
St.; Sunday and Friday afternoons, classes for instruction,
held by Mr. MacNutt, in the Bahai Home, 6 W. 90th St.,
where many are hearing the Message; Friday evenings, the
reading of the Word in Miss Thompson's studio, 119 E. 19th
St.; a group meeting in the Bronx, New York City, Sunday evenings.
In BROOKLYN, Sunday evening meetings in the home of
Mr. Frank Osborne, 1076 Bergen St., and a meeting one
evening during the week in the home of Miss Foote, 547 Hancock
St. In Newark, N. J., weekly meetings are held on
Wednesday evenings in the home of Mr. Hooper Harris, 1180
South Broad St. Much interest is being manifested in these
meetings.
A beautiful Feast was held on the evening of Dec. 31st,
1910, in the Bahai Home, given by Mrs. Hoar of Fanwood,
N. J., seventy of the believers being present, some even coming
very late in order to be there. As in the Feasts given
in Acca, a long table was spread, many precious Tablets were
read, several addresses made, and Mirza Raffie chanted a Tablet
which he had recently received. The friends reluctantly
parted at a late hour, with "New Year's Greetings" to one
another. Our dear sister, Mrs. Wilhelmina Logie, has charge
of the Bahai Home and is giving her entire time and service
to it. At a meeting of the subscribers the following Bahai
Home Committee was appointed: Mr. W. H. Hoar, chairman;
Mr. E. B. Kinney, treasurer; Mrs. I. D. Brittingham,
secretary.
For several years some of our New York brothers have been
considering an organization of the men for active service in
the Cause of God, and the communication upon this subject,
by Mr. Remey, in the BAHAI NEWS of Aug. 20th, 1910, focalized
this thought, the result of which is the founding of a
"Brotherhood of Baha," which its members hope will spread
both nationally and internationally. It is founded upon the
Word of God, and its aim is harmony, as servants of the
Covenant of God, and collective effort for the uplift of mankind.
Mr. Percy Woodcock and family expect to sail for Egypt,
January 7th.
Miss Buckton, our Bahai sister from London, England, will
present to the public during the present month her Mystery
Play, "Eager Heart"* which is a symbolic progress of the
Christ Child every two thousand years. It is dedicated "To
the Glory of God in the Service of Life."
Isabella D. Brittingham.
* This play has met with much favor in England.
PHILADELPHIA, PA.―The work in our city is manifesting
results and two new homes have been opened in which to
hold meetings.
On Dec. 18th we were favored by a visit from Mrs. Marie
L. Botay of New York City, and on Dec. 22d, Mr Stanwood
Cobb of Boston gave us a very interesting address. He has
visited Acca and other parts of the world and had much to
tell us.
Miss Edna McKinney, formerly of Chicago, is now in Philadelphia
and expects to make it her home. We are very
glad to have her with us at our meetings.
Anyone passing through our city will be welcomed by the
believers of our Assembly. We have two regular meetings
every week and commemorate the nineteen-day feast; also we
hold a business meeting once a month.
Jessie E. Revell.
SEATTLE, WASH.―A beautiful meeting was held at the
home of Mrs. Geary on the 20th. It had been agreed at the
Sunday meeting previous to write a holiday letter to the absent
members of the Assembly, so each one of the believers
present was assigned the privilege of writing to an absent
member. These letters were combined into one and read and
all signed it, making the communication one of unity. This
was indeed a joyous gathering, and the meeting closed by
reciting in concert the "first commune."
We are endeavoring to organize an Assembly in Tacoma
where interest is being manifested; also another Assembly
in Everett, where one of the friends is building a home.
Mrs. Laura Luther of Omak, is working very strenuously
in the Cause there. Mr. Dirk Verloop has undertaken journeys
from town to town in the more isolated districts and is
delivering the Message to all who will listen.
Mr. D. D. Babcock is quite isolated in a distant lumber
camp, but we are sure he is not idle. Mr. Finch, for the
past month, has been going to Tacoma and returning to Seattle
every day by boat. This gave him an opportunity to give
the Message, which he availed himself of with great success.
Everyday he found some one who would listen and several
evinced evident interest.
We have distributed about 3,000 "Commands of Abdul-Baha,"
200 of my "Notes," 50 of Mrs. Goodall's "Notes,"
and other literature in like measure. We are also contributing
to an orphan home here, helping the needy, visiting the
sick and doing whatever our hands find to do for the advancement
of the Great Cause.
Ida A. Finch.
WASHINGTON, D. C.―The meetings of the Assembly are being
well attended, and the spirit of Unity is evidenced and powerful.
The friends are bending every effort toward adding to the
Mashrak-el-Azkar fund; the ladies are taking orders for fancy
work, and report substantial receipts incident to the holiday season.
Everyone is helping, and in this way, not only is the fund
growing, but what is more important, the solidarity of the
Assembly is enhanced.
Special meetings since the last report have been the Unity
Feasts of Nov. 23d and Dec. 12th, and the Fete Day of
Abdul-Baha on Nov. 26th. The Unity Feasts were well attended,
and particularly helpful; that of Dec. 12th was given
at the Conservatory of Music and attended by the colored
believers and inquirers, a considerable number of whom evidenced
their continued interest by their presence.
The Fete Day, Saturday, Nov. 26th, was a memorable occasion.
For this meeting the spacious parlors at 1013 L
Street, where our regular meetings were held prior to the
removal to the present location, were made available, through
the courtesy of Miss Stamper and Mrs. Smith. The meeting
was given by the friends now in Washington, who have[Page 7]
had the blessed privilege of a visit to the Holy City. The ladies
decorated the room most attractively. A long table, extending
the length of the parlor, provided seats for thirty-two
and chairs for at least twice that number were on the
sides, so that the attendance was well over 100. A garland
of smilax was suspended over the table, which was further
decorated with chrysanthemums and other flowers, and with
candelabra, the lights from which lent a fairylike aspect to
the scene. Each pilgrim present narrated an experience of
the visit which had proven particularly impressive; several
of the friends who were not with us, had sent letters,
and these were read. The following were present or
represented: Mrs. Aseyeh Allen; Mrs. Louise Dixon Boyle;
Mrs. Emily Dixon; Mrs. Eleanor Dixon Doyle; Mrs. J. C.
deLagnel; Mrs. Joseph H. Hannen; Miss F. A. Knobloch;
Mirza Ali Kuli Khan; Mirza Ahmad Sohrab; Mirza Farajullah
Khan; Dr. Ameen Ullah Fareed; Mr. Stanwood Cobb; Dr. E.
C. Getsinger; Mr. Joseph H. Hannen; Mr. F. J. Phelps, and
Mr. Charles Mason Remey; these were the speakers, and
their experiences brought the audience close indeed to the
Sacred Presence! At the close of the meeting, copies of the
Misses Knobloch's and Mrs. Finch's notes were presented
as a souvenir.
A valued visitor recently was Mr. Howard Struven, now
again located in Baltimore, whose narration of experiences in
his trip around the world with Mr. Remey proved most helpful.
Mrs. Marie A. Watson is now with us, her address being
804 B Street, S. W., care Mrs. Allen. Miss M. Althea Dorr
is also spending the winter season here.
On Sunday, Dec. 11th, our dear sister, Miss Mayo, passed
suddenly into the higher life. Bahai services were held on
Tuesday evening following. Our loving sympathy is extended
to brother Arthur D. Mayo, whose mother departed this life
a few months ago. Both were believers, and the joy promised
to the faithful is theirs. For us is the sorrow of the
empty chair and the vacant place!
The practical demonstration of the value of effort toward
a definite end, afforded by the Mashrak-el-Azkar fund, should
be an incentive to continued effort everywhere. The most
conservative estimate places the number of active Bahais in
this country at over 2,000. If every one were to contribute
one dollar weekly, we should have two thousand dollars every
seven days, or more than one hundred thousand dollars in the
course of a year! This should be possible as an average. Let
no one hesitate because of the smallness of individual contributions.
Remembering the great goal, which is nothing
less than the presence of Abdul-Baha on our shores, let everyone
strive during the coming year to complete the undertaking.
This will be a demonstration of Unity which the
world cannot overlook.
Joseph H. Hannen.
CONVERSATIONAL PERSIAN TAUGHT BY CORRESPONDENCE.[edit]
The Bahai Correspondence School teaches Persian by simple
lessons and phonographic records. Each pupil receives all
necessary individual help and attention through a system of
written lessons and criticisms. No Persian written characters
are used; the English letters only are employed and pronunciations
expressed in English characters. Many are taking advantage
of this system, both in Europe and in America.
For particulars address MIRZA S. M. RAFFIE, S. B., 729
Livingston Hall, Columbia University, New York City, U. S. A.
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. I. Chicago, (Dec. 31, 1910) Sharaf No. 16
BAHAI CALENDAR.[edit]
MONTH | NAME | FIRST DAYS |
1st | Baha' (Splendor) | Mar. 21 |
2nd | Jalal (Glory) | Apr. 9 |
3rd | Jamal (Beauty) | Apr. 28 |
4th | Azamat (Greatness) | May 17 |
5th | Nur (Light) | June 5 |
6th | Rahmat (Mercy) | June 24 |
7th | Kalamat (Words) | July 13 |
8th | Isma (Names) | Aug. 1 |
9th | Kamal (Perfection) | Aug. 20 |
10th | Izzat (Wealth) | Sept. 8 |
11th | Mashiyat (Will) | Sept. 27 |
12th | Ilm (Science) | Oct. 16 |
13th | Qudrat (Power) | Nov. 4 |
14th | Qaul (Saying) | Nov. 23 |
15th | Masa'il (Questions) | Dec. 12 |
16th | Sharaf (Honor) | Dec. 31 |
17th | Sultan (Sultan) | Jan. 19 |
18th | Malik (King) | Feb. 7 |
| Four intercalary days. | ||
19th | Ola (Sublimity) | Mar. 2 |
| (Month of fasting) | ||
Our Persian section this issue contains a Tablet to
the Cincinnati (O.) Bahai Assembly revealed, probably,
in 1900, and an article on Universal Bahai Unity
showing the power and influence of the Bahai Cause
in uniting various nations and religions. This article
contains quotations from the Tablets of BAHA'O'LLAH
and Abdul-Baha bearing upon this important
subject and also answers the false statements concerning
this great Cause, made in one of the Persian
newspapers recently printed in Mashad, Persia.
THE MASHRAK-EL-AZKAR IN AMERICA.
When the friends gathered again in the fall after
the usual scattering for the summer months it was
found the contributions were coming in very slowly
for the Mashrak-el-Azkar fund. The Executive Board
of Bahai Temple Unity met early in October and
sent out a call to the friends through the pages of
the BAHAI NEWS. Statements of the financial condition
have followed each month and the Financial
Secretary is glad to be able to report to the friends
that from Maine to California, and Canada to Florida,
the friends have arisen to meet the January
note. It was not until Christmas day, however, when
a contribution from the Assembly of Seattle, Washington,
was received and our receipts amounted to
$788 and our deficit was $742, that the Temple Unity
found itself delivered from a deficit by one of the
noblest efforts of united arising we believe history
has ever known. Since the first general Convention
in March, 1909, the Executive Board has paid off
$20,000 on the Mashrak-el-Azkar site, leaving only a
mortgage of $12,500―which was already on the land
when secured and which was extended for two years.
Abdul-Baha says: "In Eshkabad, the believers of
God made the erection of the Temple conducive to
affinity and unity, so that it really became the cause
of Oneness of the Word. Ye also make the erection
of the Temple in America conducive to the Unity
and Oneness of the believers, of the maid-servants
and servants of the Merciful, so that in one thought,
one aim they engage themselves in the building of
the Temple."
From the above words it is clear that the great
Unity being formed by the Mashrak-el-Azkar will be
the magnet to attract to America a visit from Abdul-Baha.
Therefore, let us continue to strive and sacrifice
for this noble Edifice and prepare it to be dedicated
by his presence.
The Executive Board extends to all its deepest
gratitude for their noble support in this critical time.
Corinne True.
The price of the Bahai Hymns―a collection of ten songs,
the words and music by Mrs. Louise R. Waite―has been reduced
from twenty cents to ten cents per copy. The proceeds
from the sale of these books are devoted to the Mashrak-el-Azkar
fund. Orders should be sent to the composer, 5217
Winthrop Avenue, or to the Bahai Publishing Society, P. O. Box 283,
Chicago, Ill.
MEMBERS OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD OF BAHAI TEMPLE UNITY.[edit]
Mr. Mountfort Mills, President, 327 West End Ave., New York, N. Y.
Mrs. Annie L. Parmerton, Vice-President, 543 Mitchell Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio.
Mr. Bernard M. Jacobsen, Secretary, R. F. D. 35, Kenosha, Wisconsin.
Mrs. Corinne True, Financial Secretary, 5338 Kenmore Ave., Chicago, Ill.
Mr. Arthur S. Agnew, Treasurer, 2406 Smalley Court, Chicago, Ill.
Mr. Albert H. Hall, Legal Adviser, 723-726 New York Life Bldg., Minneapolis, Minn.
Mr. William H. Hoar, Fanwood, N. J.
Mr. Joseph H. Hannen, 1252 8th St., N. W., Washington, D. C.
Mr. Roy C. Wilhelm, 104 Wall St., New York, N. Y.
Trustees―Mr Bernard M. Jacobsen, Mrs. Corinne True, Mr. Arthur S. Agnew.
Architecture and Building Committee―Mr. Albert H. Hall, Mr. Mountford Mills.
Ways and Means Committee―Mr. Roy C. Wilhelm, Chairman: Mr. Albert H. Hall, Mrs. Annie L. Parmerton, Mr. William H. Hoar, Mr. Joseph H. Hannen.
Honorary Members―Mrs. Helen S. Goodall, 1317 Jackson St., Oakland, Cal.; Mr. Charles Mason Remey, 1527 New Hampshire Ave., Washington, D. C.
LETTER FROM TEHERAN, PERSIA.
TO THE SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF FRUITPORT, MICH.
O kind friends―May our souls be a sacrifice to you!
Your dear letter of June 28th 1910, received, and its
reading gave us a world of happiness. As you had written in
the Persian language our correspondence became very much
wider, and now at the top of our voices we address you
and say: "May all your hours be full of joy, because you
made us joyful!"
If you desire to inquire about our Assembly in this country:
Everything is very good through the Divine blessing.
In these days many of the respected and important souls
have realized the value of the physical and spiritual phases
of this blessed Cause and have accepted the same.
Our Assembly, which is called "Mahfali-Murattab," is composed
of nineteen members. Its program is derived from
the order of the Blessed Perfection (Exalted is His Great
Glory!) and Abdul-Baha (may the soul of existence be a sacrifice
to him!). We meet once a week; we open our meeting
first by reading the Tablet which was revealed for us
last year and which contains supplications for confirmations
from the Divine Threshold to our Assembly. After the reading
of the Tablet, we begin our discussion and consultation.
We correspond with most of the centers in Persia and with
the important cities of Europe and with some cities in America.
In this manner we get our information about the progress
of the Cause, and then spread it to other parts. One
of the recent events which we think is important enough to
mention to you is this: About three months ago two of the
firm and steadfast believers, Aga Seyed Abdul Hussein Ardestani
and Aga Muza Assadollah Fazil Mazandarani, had permission
from Abdul-Baha to go to Nadjief (a sacred spot
near Bagdad) and teach in the Cause of God. It happened
that these two friends arrived in that place at the time when
the chief Mohammedan priest was shot by an unknown hand.
But through the power of God, which overcame this action,
they were set free and have returned to this city and all the
friends were glad to see them.
The Members of Mahfali-Murratab of Teheran, Persia.
Vol I No. 16
نجم باختر .جلد 1 شماره 16
14 دسمبر 1910
صفحه 1
Address:= Najmé Bakhtar. 1800 Belmont Road. Washington D.C. U. S. America.
سینسیناتی . اعضای محفل روحانی . علیهم بهاء الله الابهی
ای یاران روحانی من آنچه مرقوم نموده بودید ملاحظه گردید جمیع تضرّع و ابتهال بود و آرزوی ملمأنت حضرت پروردگار از الطاف حضرت یزدان امیدوارم که روز بروز بر ایمان و ایقان و اطمینان بپردازد و آنا فآنا شعلۀ نار محبّت الله افزونتر گردد و ندای کلمة الله در آن اقلیم بلند تر شود نفحات قدس بمرور آید و انجذابات وجدانیّه آن کشور را بحرکت آرد عون و عنایت حقّ همدم است و تأییدات ملکوت رحمانیّت دمبدم وقت آن است که آن یاران روحانی محافل رحمانی بیارایند و به تبلیغ امرالله پردازند و به نشر نفحات الله قیام کنند و به ترویج کلمة الله برخیزند تا نفثات روح القدس جانها را جان بخشد و جان را بجانان رساند مکتوبی که از پیش ارسال نموده بودید تا بحال نرسیده و اگر رسیده بود البّته جواب ارسال میشد زیرا این عبد به احبّای آن شهر نهایت محبّت و تعلقّ را دارد و همیشه مخابره خواهد . « مناجات » : « ای خداوند مهربان این یاران سرگشته کوی تو اند و دلدادۀ روی تو متوجّه به ملکوت تو از صهبای ایمان سرمستند و در محفل میثاق جام اشتیاق در دست محتاج الطافند و مشتاق موهبت آسمان ای پروردگار این نفوس را مورد عنایت فرما و ملحوظ سفر ولایت کن هریک را شمعی روشن فرما تا به نور هدی آن اقلیم را منوّر نمایند جمیع را با این عبد در عبودیّت آستان مقدّس شریک و سهیم کن . ای پروردگار نفوس ضعیفه را قوی کن و دیدۀ مشتاقان را بمشاهدۀ جمال ملکوت منوّر فرما تا کلّ به قوّتی ملکوتی و فیضی جبروتی و موهبتی آسمانی و نفسی رحمانی و تأییدی تبیانی
صفحه 2
بر خدمتت قیام نمایند شبهات اهل ارتیاب را زائل کنند و طالبان را بیان حجّت و برهان نمایند مریضان را شفا دهند و فقیران را رئوف و مهربان گردند بیچارگان را ملجاء و مأوی شوند و افسردگان را مشتعل نمایند توئی مقتدر و توانا و توئی خداوند مهربان »
ای یاران من تا توانید بکوشید که روز بروز الفت و اتحّاد ازدیاد یابد و محبّت الله در قلوب چنان استیلا کند که آنچه ذکر دون حقّ است فراموش شود شب و روز به ذکر ملکوت و آثار جبروت و آیات لاهوت مشغول گردید اگر محبّت و یگانگی و الفت و اتحّاد چنانکه باید و شاید در میان احبّاء حاصل گردد ابواب جمیع معانی مفتوح شود و هریک از احبّای الهی تفسیر و تأویل جمیع کتب مقدّسه نماید . ای احبّای الهی امتحانات حقّ شدید است باید که تضرّع و زاری نمود که در موارد امتحان ثابت و مستقیم ماند و علیکم النحیّة والثناء . ع ع .
اتحّاد عمومی بهائی
« گفت پیغمبر که اندر ساق عرش . نور این چنین نبوده نقش . و ذلتّ اولاد عالم بی خلاف . زاختلاف است ز اختلاف است ز اختلاف» . اتحّاد و اتّفاق قوای لطیفۀ غیر مرئیّه ایست که آثار مرئیّه آن مورث هزار گونه سعادت و سیادت عالم بشر و هدایت و علویّت نوع انسان اسن بلکه ملکۀ محبوبۀ با جمال و کمال است که گمشدگان بادیۀ مذلتّ و فقر را به جنتّ عزّت و غنا داخل نموده شمس متنوّره است که قلوب مظلمه و افئدۀ تاریک شده را به جلوه های نورانی روشن میفرماید چشمه زلال ماء ظهور است که تشنگان صحرای اسارت و رقیّت را به آب گوارای حریّت و آزادی سیراب میکند شجرۀ مبارکه است که جمیع ملل و نحل را در زیر سایۀ جهانگیر خود استراحت و آرامی عطا نماید دوا بردالعلاج است که ناخوشی و آلام باشنده گان روحی ارض را در آن واحد شفا دهد روح پر نفوذی است که خرابیها را آباد بیابان را سبز و خرّم و فرد فرد ملتّ را وطن پرست و آگاه بر مقتضیّات وقت نماید و اقیانوس متلاطم الامواجی است که ملاحان حقیقت از عمق آن جواهرات ثمینه ترقیّ و مرواریدهای پر قیمت تمدّن بیرون می آورند لاجرم حضرت بهاء الله که ظهور اقدسش بجهة ایقاظ و بیداری جمیع ملل و ادیان است در کتب و الواح خود اطفال انسانی را کرارا به سفرۀ گوناگون اتحّاد عمومی دعوت فرموده و میفرماید و اگرچه هریک از فرستادگان حضرت داور و قادیان روحانی طریق یزدانی در هر قرنی ملتّ خود را به اتحّاد و اتّفاق خوانده اند ولی در شریعت بیضاء حضرت بهاء الله این حکم الهی عمومیّت کلیّ پیدا نموده و از هیچ نفسی از داخل شدن در این بهشت غلبا عذری قبول نمیگردد و آن بی شعوران متعصّب که فی الحقیقه مشامشان را از نفحات طیّبۀ گلبن
صفحه 3
عدل معطرّ نگشته اگر بمعارضۀ این امر قیام نمایند و بخیال خودشان در قلع و قمع ریشۀ این شجرۀ مبارکه سعی و جهد کنند حکایت مشت زدن به درفش است زیرا دستور خداوند بیهمتا چنین مقدّر فرموده که : « امواج بحر اعظم را هیچ سدّی حائل نگردد و پرتو شمس حقیقت را هیچ حجابی مانع نشود و نسمة الله را هیچ حائل منع نکند و روح الله را هیچ قوّتی مقاومت ننماید و آهنگ ملکوت عاقبت جمیع صداها را خاموش نماید » امروز حضرت بهاء الله چون کوه نور در میان ملل و ادیان عالم ایستاده و جمیع اقالیم و ممالک از انوار طلعت بیمثالش روشن گشته است و به نفحات داودی و مزامیر سلیمانی مردمان را باین بیانات صدا میفرماید : « النظرولالعالم کهیکل انسان املترته الامر فلق و برئه منوط باتحاد من فیه اجتمعوا اشرفبا لکم . تمسّکوا بحبل الاتفاق فی کلّ الاحوال لینظر منکم اراده الله ربّ العالمین . قد جاء الغلام حیی له العالم ایتحد من علی الارض اکلنا شوف مانعلیب ما ارادالله و تری الارض جنتّ الابهی کذلک رقم من قلم الامر علی لوح قویم . تمسّکوا بالمعروف و تشبّثوا بما ینتفع به اهل العالم کذلک امرتم من لدی الله مالک القدس . و بیانات ذیل در حقّ ادامه احد و وفوق نازل گردیده : یا ملاء الارض اعملوا انّ اوامری سرج عنایتی بین عبادی و مفاتیح رحمتی لبریّتی کذلک نزّل الامر من سماء مشیّته ربّکم مالک الادیان و المختصون یرون حدود الله الحیوان وبل الله دیان و مصباح الحکمة وابییان متن فی الارض والسموات . لهذا این تق اتحّاد و اتفاق که از نوامیس مبرم و اوامر روشن جمال ابهی است امروز سبب گردیده که خاصّان ادیان مختلفه و مذاهب متفرّقه بغض و ضغینۀ کانثه در صدور محو نموده و چون برادران حقیقی با هم معاشرت مینمایند و اگر در قبل دشمنی و حسادت نسبت بهمدیگر روا میداشتند در این وقت در خدمت و جانفشانی بهمدیگر مسابقت و پیشقدمی مینمایند مثلا ملاحطه فرمائید که هزارو سیصد سال است که جماعت مسیحیان همه نوع افترا و بهتان به حضرت رسول ص زده اند و چقدر کتب و رسائل که در ردّ دین مبین اسلام تصنیف نموده اند و حتیّ از زمان شیرخوارگی دشمنی آن حضرت را در دل اطفال خود جای داده و میدهند و اسم حضرت خاتم النبیّین را با کذب و دغل و دین اسلام را با تقهقر و وحشت مساوی نموده اند و در مجالس بزرگ که هزار هزار مستمعین حاضرند اساقفه و کشیشان از جای خود برخاسته پیروان اسلام را به بت پرستی و وحشت و بربر معرّفی مینمایند و آنچه الفاظ تحقیر و بد در کتاب لغت پیدا میشود شریعت غرّاء اسلام را بآن آرایش میدهند و چون حضّار ناطقین را نادیان دین و بزرگان ملت میدانند هرچه شنیده حقیقت فرض نموده نفرت و دشمنی نسبت به حضرت محمّد ص و دین اسلام تا آخر حیات در دل خود جای میدهند چنانچه نویسنده این مقاله در اسفار خود در غرب بدفعات در این
صفحه 4
مجالس عظیم حاضر شده و بگوش خود شنیده است مطالبی را که قلم از نوشتن آن خجالت میکشد حال روی خود را به علماء و سروران اسلام نموده جسارتا عرض مینماید ای نادیان شریعت ای روحانیّین ای آن کسانی که دعوی ریاست ملتّ مظلوم را مینمائید آیا در این هزار سال حرکتی فرموده اید که سدّ این مفتریّات و نشریّات دروغی مسیحیان را در حقّ حضرت رسول ص و خودتان و اسلام بنمائید ؟ آیا تا بحال برای نشر اسلام در آفاق جهان جمعیّتی فراهم آورده اید ؟ آیا در ترویج دین مبین کنکاش و مشورت نموده اید ؟آیا مبّلغین و دعاة حقّ باطراف عالم فرستاده اید ؟ آیا در دل بقدر تخم خردل محبّت و دوستی اسلام را دارید؟ ولی دعاة و کشیش های مسیحی در هر شهر و در هر قریّه شما داخل شده مردم را به دین خود دعوت مینمایند . امّا از زمان ظهور سمحۀ بیضاء حضرت بهاء الله فقط به تأییدات الهی و بدون هیچ شئونات دنیوی بهائیان ثابت قدم همین مسیحیان را که بر ضدّ حضرت رسول ص و دین اسلام مینوشتند و نطقها میدادند مؤمن نموده اند چنانچه کتب استدلالیّه بر حقانیّت خاتم النبییّن تصنیف نموده و در مجالس کبری لسان به تمجید و ثناء آن به درگاه ابرار میگشایند و چنان رشتۀ محبّت و اخوّت مابین پیروان این دو دین مستحکم گشته است که حتیّ زنان بهائی امریک اغلب بر ضدّ کشیشان خود که از دین اسلام بد میگویند قیام نموده و به عبارات سلیس ردّ آن توهین ها را مینمایند ای داد بیداد این مسیحیّان بودند که ماها مسلمانان را وحشی و بت پرست مینامیدند ماها همان مسلمانانی هستیم که که این مسیحیان را ملحد و کافر میخواندیم پس چه شد و چه قوّۀ ظاهر گردید و چه علم و حکمتی هویدا گشت که در قلیل مدّتی آنهمه بغض و کینه و دشمنی فراموش شده و هزاران مسلمین و مسیحییّن برادران و خواهران حقیقی بحساب آمدند . خوب ای علماء ای روحانیّین آیا بقوّۀ بیان شما این تغییر قلوب حاصل گردید ؟ آیا به نفوذ سخنان شما این معجزه واقع شد؟ آیا جانفشانی شما این اخوّت ادیان را تحققّ نمود؟
نه و البّته نه بالله شما خودتان خوب میدانید که علماء سوء اسلام بزرگترین دشمنان این امر بوده و هستند چرا که یکی از علماء حضرت باب را حکم به شهادت داد حضرت بهاء الله بدست علماء نفی بلد گردیدند هزاران نفر از بهائیان بدست علما شهید شدند و اموالشان به تاراج رفت و عیال و اولاد آنها دربدر بیابان ها گشتند بلی در جمیع اعصار و قرون علماء سوء موجود منشاء فساد و طغیان اهل عناد بودند اینست در قرآن میفرماید واختلم ان الله علی علیم و در آیه ثانیه میفرماید « فرحوا بما عندهم من العلم » و در حدیث میفرماید « فقها ما ذلک الزّمان شرّ افق و تحت ظلّ السّماء منهم ظهرت الفتنه والیهم تعود » ولی با وجود اینهمه حکم که پیروان اسلام نسبت بامر حضرت ابهی روا داشته باز این امر بزرگترین خادم و ناشر دین اسلام بوده و اعظم ترین
صفحه 5
مروّج بیضۀ غرّاء در میان ادیان مختلفه است چنانچه هرکس میداند که زردشتیان و اسرائیلیان و بودائیان امروز بواسطۀ ایمان بامر بهاء الله ایمان به حضرت رسول و اسلام می آورند و اغلب دیده شده که یک نفر اسرائیلی بهائی از روی آیات قرآنیّه مسلمی را به دین بهاء الله دعوت مینماید و یا یک نفر مسلم از روی انجیل عیسوی مذهبی را به به قبول اسلام فائز میکند و دوستی و اخوّت پیروان ادیان مختلفه که بهائی شده اند ضرب المثل است در صورتیکه در قبل همدیگر را کافر میدانستند و حکایت کیخسرو سهال زردشتی که جان خود را فدای مستر اسپریگ بهائی امریکائی نمود بر احبّاء معلوم است . حال با وجود اینهمه آثار نیکو و محسن که از دین بهاء الله در عالم هویدا شده باز جمعی خود غرض به اغتشاش اذهان مشعولند که بلکه خود را محبوب ملتّ قرار داده و باز خون بی گناهان ریخته شود چنانچه در روزنامۀ نوبهار که در مشهد چاپ میشود شرحی که سراپا اغراض نویسنده و نادانی او را از تعالیم امر بهائی ظاهر میسازد درج شده زیرا در نهایت جهل نوامیس روحانیّه و آیات سبحانیّه این امر را موهومات مضحکه و خرافات باطله قلم میدهد ومزه در آنجاست بهائیان را دشمن تمدّن جدید و مشروطه و مجلس شورای ملیّ معرّفی میکند و از ایالت جلیله دستگیری و پراکندگی این اخوان شیاطین را خواستگاری میفرماید . نمیدانیم ایشان از کجا دشمنی بهائیان را نسبت به مشروطه و مجلس ملیّ بدست آوردند زیرا برقرار نمودن پارلمان و مشروطیّت یکی از اوامر حضرت ابهی است و بهائیان از هر جهت عاشق مجلس ملیّ و بیت العدل اند و از طبقۀ استبداد و ارتجاعیّون گریزان و روگردان و این مسئله پرواضح است زیرا همیشه فرقۀ حریّت پرستان و مشروطه خواهان اگر هم بهائی نبودند طبقۀ ممتازه آنها را به بهائی مشهور مینمودند تا مردم از ترقیّ دوری جویند ولی تا بحال نشنیده بودیم که بهائیان مستبدّند آنهم از التفات آقای مدیر نوبهار نمردیم و شنیدیم در این نقطه مدیر محترم نوبهار را در محکمۀ وجدان طلبیده و ایشان را به آنچه مقدّس است قسم میدهیم که آیا شما نظری در مجلهّ هایی که از امریک به ایران فرستاده میشود و میگویند بر ضدّ مشروطیّت است نموده اید ؟ آیا بر تعالیم این امر مبین آگاهی دارید که پیروان آنرا موهوم پرست و مفسد یاد مینمائید؟ آیا میدانید آمریک مثل ایران خانۀ ظلم نیست بل قصر حریّت و آزادی است ؟ آیا بر نفوذ و غلبۀ جهانگیر دین بهائی کمی مطلعّ هستید ؟ ای آن کسیکه خود را هادی ملتّ و مدیر محترم روزنامۀ جلیلی میدانید خوب است قدری انصاف پیدا نمائید سفید را سیاه نام نگذارید عدالت را ظلم نخوانید آمریک را مثل ایران مرکز استبداد فرض نکنید به دینی که من لدی الله از برای بزرگی و استقلال شما نازل شده پشت پا نزنید ای رفیق شفیق اگر شما ترقیّ ملتّ نجیب ایران را آرزو دارید هیئت جامعه را به اتحّاد و اتّفاق بخوانید
صفحه 6
نه به نفاق و اختلاف محبّت و الفت بیاموزید نه خصومت و دشمنی اخوّت و معاشرت درس دهید نه ضدیّت و درندگی حقّ شاهد است که زمان تعصّبات دینیّه گذشته و دورۀ هیجانهای مذهبی فراموش شده چه عیب دارد که مسلمین و بهائیان و اسرائیلین و زردشتیان ایرانی کلّ دست بدست یکدیگر داده متحّدا و متفقا آن ملتّ خفیف را که نزدیک به موت است شفا داده و باعلی رتبۀ ترقیّ برسانند ؟ مگر ایران خانۀ ما و شما نیست ؟ مگر ایران محبوب و دلبر ما و شما نیست ؟ بچه قانون عدل و دادی پراکندگی ما را طالبید ؟ کدام گناه را مرتکب شده ایم و کدام فتنه را برانگیخته ایم ؟ خداوند گواه است که جمیع این شورش های مذهبی بر ضدّ بهائیان زیر سر دشمنان داخلی و خارجی ایران است که چون میدانند شما ها اینقدر متعصّب هستید به بهانه های پا در هوا به قتل و غارت برادران وطنی وادارتان مینمایند زیرا قانون « اختلاف بینداز و ظفر حاصل کن » یکی از اصول دول غرب است حال این گرگان پر دغل و خرس های پر حیل در میان ما داخل شده به هزار دسیسه و تزویر سبب تشویب عقول میگردند و بوسائل دین میان ما اختلاف می اندازند آنوقت ها هم از شدّت جهل بجان همدیگر افتاده آتش قصّابی روشن نموده و بکش بکش در میگیرد برادران نوعیمان را که باید با جان عزیز تر داریم سر میبریم عیال محترم آنها را که باید عصمتشان را حفظ کنیم در بدر می نمائیم اطفال محبوب آنها را که باید بزرگ شده خادم ملتّ گردند قطعه قطعه مینمائیم و خداوند باریتعالی و حضرت پیغمبر را از خونخواری خود خجل و شرمسار میکنیم و این وحشیّت را خدمت به دین اسم میگذاریم ولی نتیجۀ اینهمه ظلم نه به مسلمانان و نه به بهائیان خواهد رسید تر و خشگ با هم خواهد سوخت آنوقت دول خارجه داخل مملکت شده و ماها و شماها را اسیر و ذلیل و غلام و آب و بارکش خودشان خواهند نمود و هیچ فرقی میان بهائی و مسلمان نخواهند گذاشت بلی ای دوست عزیز این خواهد بود نتیجۀ اعتصابات دینیّه . آخر تا کی ماها ایرانیان باید همدیگر را ملحد و کافر و سائر ادیان را ناحقّ بخوانیم . ای ایرانیان ای هموطنان از خواب غفلت بیرون آئید و دست بدامان دلبر اتحّاد و اتّفاق زنید مذهب الله محض اتحّاد و اتّفاق اهل عالم از سماء مشیّت مالک قدم نازل گشته و ظاهر شده آنرا علتّ اختلاف و نفاق نکنید لهذا بر همه کس معلوم باشد که بهائیان محبّ عالم و خواستگار اتحّاد اممند و ازصمیم قلب برای ترقیّ و تمدّن ایران دعا مینمایند و بقدر قوّۀ خود ایرانیان مشروطه خواه آزاد شده را کمک و تأیید خواهند نمود زیرا : بهاء الله در تربیت و تشویق بخش اخلاق و تحصیل معارف و فنون آفاق و حسن سلوک با جمیع طوائف عالم و خیرخواهی کلّ امم و تألیف و اتحّاد و اطاعت و انقیاد و تربیت اطفال و تحصیل مایحتاج الیه عالم انسان و تأسیس سعادت حقیقیّه مردمان نهایت کوشش نموده .
