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Vol. 1 Chicago, (Aug. 20, 1910) Kamal No. 9
AROUND THE WORLD WITH MESSRS.
REMEY AND STRUVEN.
Second of a Series of Letters Under This Heading.
TABLET FROM ABDUL-BAHA.
Through Mr. Howard Struven, to the Spiritual
Assembly of Baltimore, Maryland:
HE IS GOD!
O ye Merciful Assembly!
Mr. Struven became the herald of the Kingdom
and traveled through the countries of China, India
and Japan. The Supreme Confirmations bestowed
assistance, so that he attained to this heavenly
Bounty. He became the cause of the glory of the
believers of Baltimore and imparted happiness
and joy to the friends and maid-servants of the
Merciful. He sacrificed everything in the Path of
the Kingdom and imparted life to many souls.
The results of this trip, ere long, will become apparent
and manifest like unto the sun and moon,
and the Most Great Confirmation be unveiled.
O ye friends and the maid-servants of the Merciful,
hearken to the counsels of Abdul-Baha. The
world of matter is not worthy of consideration or
indulgence therein. Soon the life of everything will
come to an end, therefore you must endeavor to
raise the banner of greatness in the unicolored
universe of God, attract the splendors
of the Sun of Truth, become the cause of the illumination
of the realm of man, serve all humanity,
spread the essential oneness, become the embodiment
of Divine Mercy, the impersonation of
the Gift of His Highness the Almighty, seek
eternal life, and discover the majesty of the age-abiding
sovereignty.
Ponder and reflect a moment, millions of kings
have stepped forth from the invisible world into [Page 2]
the arena of appearance, and all of them have vanished
and disappeared. But a servant of the servants
of the True One, who finds eternal life
through the Breaths of the Holy Spirit, establishes
everlasting dominion in the Kingdom of God; even
in this temporal world his signs are spread and
are known, his name becomes famous and his
light diffused in every region.
Upon ye be the Glory of God!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, Washington, June 17, 1910.)
As stated in our last edition, the letters written
by Mr. Remey to the Washington (D. C.) Assembly
and the House of Spirituality (Chicago)
have been obtained for publication, two of which
we present herewith:
PASADENA, CALIF.
Sept. 30, 1909.
To the Bahai Assembly of Washington, D. C.
Beloved Friends:―The farther west that Bro. Struven
and I travel the more impressed we are by the
degree of firmness of the friends in the Centre of the
Covenant―our beloved Abdul-Baha. * * *
In June, a year ago, while I was with Abdul-Baha he
spoke of the necessity of the believers coming together―only
the believers―to read the Holy Verses and to
speak of and discuss the Holy Teachings. I am sure
that this is more necessary for us than that we should
come together to hear one of our number give The
Message to truthseekers who have assembled to seek
knowledge of the Cause. There are two types of meeting.
One for receiving spiritual guidance and one for
giving the same. One when the beloved meet together
for strength and enlightenment and one when they call
the seekers together to share the heavenly blessings.
Undoubtedly, Abdul-Baha saw the necessity of
the believers coming together in the close communion of
a meeting essentially for those of the Faith, when he
spoke to me as he did. I remember some years ago in
Washington we tried holding these meetings (which
were not for the public) for the study of the inner
spiritual Teachings and for the reading of the Holy
Words―in other words to found the Teachings in our
own heart. At that time, however, we were not very
successful because the friends persisted in bringing
those of their acquaintances into the meeting who knew
nothing of the Holy Cause and each time a meeting for
reading and study was announced many visitors came
and the time was consumed by giving the historical
sketches of the Bahai Movement and the friends went
without having accomplished the object for which they [Page 3]
had assembled, and some were disappointed. Now,
surely, with the present degree of unity and harmony
of the Washington friends, all of this past is changed
and now, through united action, they can arrange study
meetings and carry them out in a united way.
This leads me to my point. Thousands of teachers
are needed in the Holy Cause, teachers who are ready
and capable of going out and proclaiming The Message.
Bro. Struven and I have been traversing an immense
field in which there is but a handful of laborers. The
people are hungry for the Word. Now we must do all
in our power to arise to this situation and prepare to
fulfil this calling and need.
Wherever we go we find that the men in the Cause
need encouragement, and need to come together as
brothers and work in the Cause. Sometime since I
wrote to some of the men of the Washington Assembly,
suggesting that they form an assembly of Teaching
among the men. Now is the time for us to carry on
a systematic spreading of The Message―sowing of the
seed. The Washington friends through concerted action
could with ease establish Bahai centers in the towns
about the city, as well as in the various parts of the
city, and then as the work progresses they will be able
to go to other cities and then establish assemblies.
Whenever there is a soul interested in a town there is
a chance to interest others. Wherever a door is thrown
open to the Cause, there the believers can go and meet
new people and give The Message. * * *
Here in Pasadena, Bro. Struven and I have been for
ten days busy every moment. The work in this vicinity
is growing each day. From here we go north to San
Francisco, Portland, Seattle and to other places in
Washington (state). Then we sail for Hawaii, Japan
and other places. We both join in love and greeting to
each and all.
Your brother in His Service,
CHARLES MASON REMEY.
GEYSERVILLE, CALIF.
Nov. 9, 1909.
To the Members of The House of Spirituality of Bahais,
Chicago, Ill.
Dear Brothers:―* * * Of the forty and more centres
which we have visited on this present tour, but
very few are organized for efficient work. In most
places the work is carried on by the women almost
entirely. The fact that in many places the meetings
are held in the early afternoon would indicate the absence
of many men. Wherever we have gone we have
tried to stir up the men to organized effort. Now, if
you could work for this end with all of the organized
assemblies in the country, I am sure that a great work
would be accomplished. In order to hold and interest
men they must be kept busy. Women naturally gravitate
together in meetings even when there is no work
doing, but men do not. Just now the men are most in
need of being reached.
In some assemblies they have started organizing
[Page 4]
Women's Meetings before organizing the men and women
together, thus accentuating, rather than ministering
properly, to the difficulty. Only today I had a letter
from a good maid-servant saying that the only man
in her assembly had refused to come to meetings because
he was the only man present. I mention this because
this condition is typical of that in most of the
assemblies of America. No one can gainsay that the
dear maid-servants have far more zeal than we have,
but I know that in many places the men are simply
waiting for men to show them how to work and what
to do.
Now, brothers, if you can through correspondence
arouse the men in the various assemblies to organization,
you will indeed do a work for Abdul-Baha. In
most places the men are doing but little. As soon as
they are organized and working together they will bring
in more men―and so on.
This work of organization is, I feel, especially necessary
in the early growth of an assembly. I have seen
the ill-effects of unorganized efforts which have been
allowed to run along indefinitely. * * *
From what I have seen upon my recent travels I
know that the Bahais throughout the country would hail
with delight and respond to a plan of simple organization
which you could suggest. Now is the time for such
a move. The results of it will be far-reaching. All the
people need is a good suggestion and a little encouragement. * * *
Dear brothers. I know you will understand my motive
so I will not apologize to you for giving so much
advice. * * *
Yours in His Service,
CHARLES MASON REMEY.
ACCA, SYRIA.
The Ottoman officials have recently opened two
large gateways through the thick, solid and ancient
walls of the old fort of Acca. Both open out
on the green plain in front of Behje, where the
Holy Tomb is located. Wonderful to relate, one of
these gates is situated back of the old house of
Abdul-Baha, where he often walked, during the
time of his confinement, to the fortress!
Furthermore, official men, architects and masons
have come from Constantinople for the express
purpose of planning a beautiful city outside of the
old prison walls! To live today and witness
the actual fulfillment of the old prophecies is
verily a blessing for which we cannot be sufficiently
thankful. Let the Bahai young architects
and engineers get ready for work in the Holy
City!
Ameen U. Fareed.
INTERVIEW WITH ABDUL-BAHA.
Extract from a letter written by a Mrs. Crockett,
May, 1910, to Miss Frances Johnson, Pearl City,
Hawaii:
I must tell you a little about Palestine and about
one experience in particular. A visit to Palestine
does certainly make the Bible seem like a new
book and brings home to one's heart the reality of
Christ's life and teachings.
I felt this particularly at Nazareth, the home of
His boyhood, and at the Sea of Galilee, which is
so associated with His ministry. We had a lovely
early morning row on the peaceful lake, and the
memories of Christ that came to us seemed to
make His presence very real.
Now, I know you will be eager to hear of my interview
with the one in Palestine whose teachings
mean so much to you, the Prophet, or Abbas
Effendi,* as he is generally called.
I found that he is not now kept a prisoner at
Acca, but since the order of constitutional government
in Turkey he is free to live in his home at
Haifa (near by) and go and come as he will.
I planned my trip so that I could stop and see
him, for I remember when you gave me some of
the literature to read you said: "If you go to
Egypt, Palestine is not far away and you will
surely want to see him." So I planned for the interview
with him when the others of the party
went to Acca for a drive. (Perhaps you know that
Haifa is a pretty little town right at the foot of
Mt. Carmel.)
Well, I sent word to him of my wish to see him
and he replied that he would see me in the afternoon,
as his time was taken up that morning in
seeing some people from India. So I went to his
house at the time appointed and was shown into
the presence of an old man, clothed in the flowing
robe of a Persian, with white hair and a long white
beard, with eyes that seemed to look me through
and yet were most friendly, too. It was the
Prophet! He received me most graciously, and his
interpreter, a young Syrian, a student at the American
Missionary College at Beyrout.
* Abdul-Baha
I told him first about the little circle of his
friends in far off Honolulu―you who meet together
to discuss his teachings―and I told him of
your love and loyalty. He seemed very happy at
this and his face lighted up as he asked for the
names of those who knew and loved him. * * *
He sent you all his love and blessing and said he
would pray for each one of you, and he added:
"Tell them that they have a great mission―to make
the blind eyes see, to make the deaf ears hear and
to shed the light of knowledge where the darkness
of ignorance prevails." That was his message to
you. He talked with me for some time, first telling
me of his country, Persia, of his life and then
of his teachings.
As he talked with me I felt my heart soften under
the influence of his goodness and kindness,
and the tears came to my eyes. He asked me about
myself, if I were well and if I were happy. I replied
to the latter question: "I have had many
sorrows." "Forget them!" he answered. "When
your heart is filled with the love of God there will
be no room for sorrow. There will only be love
and happiness." I cannot tell you the sweet sympathy
of his voice as he said these beautiful and
comforting words.
Then he had the attendant bring in tea, a cup
for him and a cup for me. We drank together,
wishing each other health and happiness, and then
he told me that he hoped he should take tea with
me in the Kingdom of Heaven!
When I praised the tea he said it was real Persian
tea and presented me with a package to take
away with me. (I wish I could send you some of
it. I am afraid it would lose its strength though
before it reached you.)
When I finally said good-by he put his hand on
my head and blessed me and wished that I might
be a blessing. * * * I went away feeling softened,
uplifted and blessed. I am so glad you told
me of him and urged me to see him. He wrote his
name in my book for me and told me always to
remember it.
I tell you all these little incidents as I know
they will interest you.
TEHERAN, PERSIA.
Eskander Khan (Mr. Sydney Sprague) left for
Acca, June 20th, as far as Baku, Russia, with
Mirza Ali Kuli Khan, who has been appointed
Charge d'Affaires for Washington, or rather, all
America. The former will return with his bride,
Farahngese, the sister of Doctor Fareed, in the
fall. We are all hoping that Mirza Assad Ullah
will also come, as well as Razeah Khanum (Mirza
Assad Ullah's wife).
Mirza Ali Kuli Khan had six Persian boys in his
charge, some to be left in Europe, others taken
to America to be educated. Dr. Mohammed Khan
gave a dinner party for Mirza Ali Kuli Khan, to
which Mr. Sprague and I were invited. He told
us of his parting call on the young king that
morning. The Persian parliament has given his
wife a title and a decoration. He was pleased that
the title, "Maker of Souls," coincides so well with
the one previously granted by Abdul-Baha, Rouhaniah,
or "Spiritual One." He also read his last
Tablet, which he received after his arrival here.
In this Abdul-Baha confirms him in the Cause and
also prophesies the glorious future of Persia, the
land of BAHA'O'LLAH.
A long and interesting article has recently been
published in the journal of the Society of Arts,
London. It is a reprint in full of a lecture given
by Mr. Bernard Temple, who spent some months in
Teheran last winter. He was in the Orient one
year, making a close study of the Bahai Revelation,
and the lecture is devoted to the Cause. The
London Spectator of June 4th has quite a review
of the lecture. It will attract attention to the
great work being accomplished. Mr. Temple is a
Jew and while he states, "I am not a Bahai," his
article shows a clear and really ardent appreciation
of its principles, and as he quotes voluminously
from the "Hidden Words" and gives the full facts
and teachings in part by quoting from Sydney
Sprague's books―thus he gives out the essence,
and we believe his work will be fruitful in leading
many who seek the Light. Mirza Azizullah Khan
wishes to translate it into Persian.
Susan I. Moody.
THE MASHRAK-EL-AZKAR.
A recent pilgrim to Acca wrote to the Financial
Secretary that when she was in Haifa last winter
she asked Abdul-Baha if it was not of great importance
to help in the sending of spiritual people to
Syria to be taught by him, and he replied: "It is
now of utmost importance for the Mashrak-el-Azkar
to be built."
Corinne True.
SPOKANE, WASH.
The home of Mr. and Mrs. Lehmann, 8 2d Ave., is open Wednesday evenings for teaching.
―PHOTO―
BELIEVERS OF SPOKANE, WASH., HOLDING A UNITY FEAST
IN A SUBURB OF THEIR CITY.
The Unity Feast is regularly observed, being
served at the homes of the different believers.
Your correspondent served the Feast falling on
June 5th; it was an out-of-door meeting, with
twenty in attendance. The day was perfect, and
as we wended our way up the hillside and spread
the feast beneath the pine trees in a pleasant spot
overlooking the valley, a sweet spirit of harmony
and unity prevailed. After the Feast photographs
were taken, copies of which will be forwarded to
the friends in Persia. On June 24th the Feast was
held at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Killius; it was
well attended and a time of spiritual uplift.
The Assembly recently held its annual election
of officers, resulting as follows: Miss Mabel King,
Secretary; Mrs. Annie Killius, Treasurer of Mashrak-el-Azkar
Fund; Mr. Albert Killius, Librarian;
Mrs. Evelyn Moore, Mr. Orson O. Wolcott and Mrs.
Killius, Board of Council; Mrs. Cora Ditmars, Mr.
Killius and Mrs. Lesley O'Keeffe, Visiting Committee.
Each month the BAHAI NEWS comes with the
welcome news from all parts, like wave after wave
of sweet perfume.
Lesley O'Keeffe.
SEATTLE, WASH.
Regular meetings of Assembly held at 2916 Beacon Ave. South.
The Feast of Aug. 1st was held at the home of
Mrs. Frank Geary, 127 Belleview Ave., North. In
Everett, a near-by-town, Mr. and Mrs. Washington
MacCormick are building a home in which they
hope soon to hold meetings. In Omak arrangements
are being made to hold meetings in the
home of Mrs. Laura Luther. In Tacoma a decided
interest is now being manifested in the Cause. Mr.
D. D. Babcock is attracting many souls in the town
of Bremerton. Mrs. Charlotte Gillen is devoting
her summer outing to the care of some small children
on Whidly Island
Ida A. Finch, Sec'y.
HONOLULU, HAWAII.
The coming of the BAHAI NEWS, every nineteen
days, is awaited by one and all with the greatest
eagerness.
The Unity Feast of August 1st was observed
very pleasantly by a number of Bahais and friends
of the Cause at the home of Mrs. R., Thurston Ave.
The presence of Abdul-Baha seems indeed a reality
at these Unity Feasts, and the home which is
opened for them seems to hold a blessing that lingers
ever within its walls.
Ella T. Rowland.
According to the Government Census Bureau
statistics gathered in 1906, dealing with the religious
life of the United States, and now in press at
Washington, D. C., Bahais have twenty-four assemblies,
aggregating a membership of 1,280.
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, (Aug. 20, 1910) Kamal No. 9
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) | ||
The letters of Mr. Remey, published in this issue,
and the following extract from a Tablet to a
believer in Persia, should receive the careful perusal
of the men who are interested in the progress
of the Cause in the Occident:
You have written regarding the Assembly of Women.
Undoubtedly, show ye great effort in this matter, and
make constant endeavor in the expansion of its spheres, and know ye of a certainty that it will be crowned with great success. This subject is pregnant with far-reaching results and when it is directed in a benefitting manner, such women will be trained in that Assembly that the whole world will be astonished by their eloquent speeches and fluent utterances, and they will silence and discomfort the orators of the East and the West. Today the women in the West lead the men in the service of the Cause, summon the people under the shade of the Blessed Perfection, and loosen their tongues in eloquent lectures, delivery of wonderful proofs and the elucidation of new arguments.
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
We can testify that the above statement is the
truth. Nine-tenths of the active workers in the
Cause in the West are women. This should not
only encourage the women of the East, but should
awaken the men of the West to their duty in the
field of service.
Our Persian section this month contains: (1)
a Tablet to the Washington (D. C.) Assembly;
(2) an article on Universal Bahai Education, quoting
from Tablets of BAHA'O'LLAH concerning the
necessity of studying sciences and modern knowledges,
citing statistics to show how much the
United States spends for public schools and education;
3) news items of interest to our Oriental
brothers and sisters.
We are pleased to announce the engagement of
Mr. Charles Mason Remey of Washington, D. C., to
Miss Juliet Thompson of New York City. On behalf
of all the friends the BAHAI NEWS wishes
them every happiness.
CHICAGO.
Regular weekly meeting of Assembly, Sunday, 11 a. m., at Corinthian Hall, 17th floor Masonic Temple, State and Randolph Sts. George Lesch, Sec'y. Address of Assembly, P. O. Box 283.
A word concerning the work faithfully performed
by the Board of Women's Assembly for the
past year: The records were beautifully kept, the
Treasurer performed her work faithfully and the
little box was supplied with the necessary means
for the work done by the different chairmen. The
work done by the Corresponding Secretary is as
well known as it is universal. Mrs. Loeding, Chairman of the Sick Committee, and her assistants, Mrs. Schefffler and Mrs. Bonds, visited the sick in many hospitals and homes, bringing fruit and flowers, and, best of all, Bahai love and cheer. Mrs. Foster, Chairman of the Philanthropic Committee, is doing good work for the needy ones, as is also Mrs. Bara. Miss Jones, Chairman of the Educational Commitee, is interested in developing the Sunday School. We have established the truth of Abdul-Baha's words to our Chairman of Organization, Mrs. Waite, while she was in Acca, that women should organize assemblies for the spreading of the Truth. He said: "There must be organization to accomplish orderly and systematic work. Without it no headway can be made."
Ida F. Brush, Pres. Women's Assembly.
DENVER, COLO.
Secretary of Assembly, G. Nathaniel Clark, 4141 Xavier St.
While Mrs. Ella T. Nash and her daughter, Miss
Louise Nash, were visiting Mrs. Willard Ashton, at
Horse Shoe Ranch, Estes Park, a sad accident occurred,
caused by horses being frightened by an
automobile, and resulted in the death of baby Ashton.
Mrs. Ashton was thrown out of the vehicle,
followed by Mrs. Nash, who was holding the baby.
Mrs. Nash sustained an injury of a fractured collar
bone. The baby never regained consciousness.
His little body was laid away on a beautiful hilltop
overlooking the valley. The natural surroundings
fittingly lent themselves to the meaning
of the service, which included the following readings
and prayers:
To consider that after the death of the body the
spirit perishes, is like imagining that a bird in a cage
will be destroyed if the cage is broken―though the bird
has nothing to fear from the destruction of the cage.
Our body is like the cage, and the spirit is like the bird.
We see that without the cage this bird flies in the world
of sleep; therefore, if the cage becomes broken, the bird
will continue to exist; its feelings will be even more
powerful, its perceptions greater and its happiness increased.
In truth, from hell it reaches a paradise of
delights, because for the thankful bird there is no paradise
greater than freedom from the cage.
Infants are under the shadow of the favor of God,
and as they have not committed any sin and are not
soiled with the impurities of the world of nature, they
are centers of the manifestation of bounty, and the Eye of Compassion will be turned upon them.
In the Name of God, the Supreme, the High! I ask
Thee, by the sorrow of the hearts of the beloved and
by the tears of the eyes of the lovers, to deprive me
not from the fragrances of Thy Godliness in Thy Days,
and from the melodies of the Dove of Thy Oneness at
the appearance of the Lights of Thy Face!
Hold Thou my right arm, O God! and dwell continually
with me! Guide me to the fountain of Thy
Knowledge and encircle me with Thy Glory. Let mine
ears hearken unto Thy melodious tone and comfort me
with Thy Presence. For Thou art the strength of my
heart, and the trust of my soul, and I desire no one beside
Thee!
It is the desire of the parents to have on this
hill-top an open sanctuary―a place of worship for
others as well as for themselves.
Willard H. Ashton.
FRUITPORT, MICH.
A picnic dinner was served near the home of
Mr. and Mrs. Nelson Petersen on July 31st. Bahais
from Muskegon, Grand Rapids and Chicago were
present―about fifty in all―an invitation having
also been extended to those who were not Bahais.
After dinner the Glad-tidings of the coming of the
Kingdom were given. The meeting was a very
impressive and profitable one, awakening the hearts
of those who had known nothing of the Teaching
before, as has been evidenced by their growing
interest in the Cause since then.
Sec'y Fruitport Assembly.
GREEN ACRE, MAINE.
During my nine days at Green Acre five large
Bahai meetings were held, many from Kittery,
Portsmouth and other neighboring towns assembling
to hear The Message. Mirza Sinore M. Raffie
and Mr. Woodcock and family were also there, the
latter for two days. Mr. Woodcock was tired out
and not lecturing, although he spoke most impressively
and with much spirit in one of the meetings.
The last Unity Feast was held at the summer
home of Mrs. Aline S. Devin in Eliot, quite a number
of Bahais and truthseekers gathering for tea
late in the afternoon.
Mrs. Ives and Mrs. Stansell, as well as Mrs.
Magee and her daughters (all from New York)
are now in Green Acre. Mrs. Stansell has been
conducting conferences upon the Teachings. Miss Jack, who spent some time in Acca, was at the Green Acre Inn.
Miss Brittingham and Miss Zimmerman, both of
Washington, D. C., and Miss Robarts, of Boston,
were in camp near Green Acre. Twice during the
past week there were gatherings there, where The
Message was given to many.
Charles Mason Remey.
NEW YORK CITY.
Regular weekly meeting of Assembly, Sunday, 11 a. m., at Genealogical Hall, 226 West 58th St. Paul F. G. Marshall, Sec'y, 139 Shippen St. Weehawken Heights, New Jersey.
Mr. Percy Woodcock and family left New York
City Aug. 1st to spend a few weeks at Heron Island,
off the Maine coast.
During the past three weeks Mrs. Brittingham
has been visiting Miss Dorr, a Bahai sister in
Forge Village, Mass., spent a Sunday in Boston
and addressed that assembly and visited Hudson,
N. Y., holding several meetings. She is now in
Philadelphia.
James F. Brittingham.
WASHINGTON, D. C.
Regular weekly meeting of Assembly, Friday evening, at 1219 Connecticut Ave. Joseph H. Hannen, Sec'y. Address of Assembly, P. O. Box 192.
Since our last report a delightful supper and
lawn party was given at the residence of Mrs.
Helen S. Moss, Silver Springs, Md., in honor of
Mrs. Russell and Miss Davies, of Chicago, and
Mirza Farajullah Khan, of Isphahan, Persia. A
large number of the friends were present, and the
ability of this charming hostess to dispense hospitality
on a large scale was again proven. On
such occasions the joy of unity from the social
aspect is demonstrated, showing anew that in all
the walks of life the Revelation of BAHA'O'LLAH
adds a plus sign to the possibilities of the past.
The Unity Feast of August 1 was particularly
successful because of the participation of our colored
friends, the large hall of the Conservatory of
Music being well filled. Louis G. Gregory presided
and introduced the speakers, who were listened
to with rapt attention. Mrs. Hannen superintended
the material feast, which was the occasion of social intercourse and individual teaching.
The work in Sumerduck, Va., referred to in the
edition of July 13, has been followed up, the writer
having addressed another capacity audience at the
schoolhouse on July 24th. It is now planned to
make the trip on the fourth Sunday of every
month, and as there is regular preaching service
also once a month, this may now be termed an organized
assembly. Furthermore, other points nearby
are asking for meetings, and it is hoped that
the Glad-tidings can be spread quite thoroughly as
time passes.
It is with sincere regret that we must chronicle
the departure from this sphere of action of our beloved
sister, Miss Charlotte J. Colt, who entered
the Better Land on the morning of August 3. Her
dear, gray hair, surmounting a face of unalterable
sweetness, will be greatly missed, as it seemed
that she was like some angelic presence, commanding
respect and lending an air of devotion and
spirituality wherever she went. None was more
faithful in attendance upon the meetings, despite
her age―she was 73 when she left us. The assurance
of unfathomed joys in the spirit world is
a sweet comfort to our sorrow, and again the great
test of religion is successfully passed―that it is
good enough to live by and sufficient unto death.
Joseph H. Hannen.
It is reported that a little daughter has come to
bless the home of Mr. and Mrs. W. S. Maxwell of
Montreal, Canada.
CONVERSATIONAL PERSIAN TAUGHT BY
CORRESPONDENCE.
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.
Vol. I No. 9
جلد 1 . شماره 9 . ماه کمال سنه 67 . برحسب تاریخ ئبهائی هر نوزده روز چاپ و نشر میگردد
Adress:―
- Peyam Baré Baktar.
- 1800 Belmont Road.
- Washington D. C. U. S. America.
واشنگتن . احبّای الهی علیهم و علیهنّ بهاء الله الابهی
ای ابناء و بنات ملکوت الله نامۀ مبارکی که ارسال نموده بودید رسید مضمون تأسیس محفل روحانی بجهت نشر نفحات روح القدس بود چنین محافل ملکوتی است آسمانی است ربّانی است رحمانی است اگر دوام و ثبات نماید مرکز سنوحات رحمانیّه گردد و مصدر آثار ربّانیّه شود سبب ترقیّ عالم انسانی گردد و اسباب انتشار تعالیم الهی شود امّا ثبات و استقامت لازم نه اینکه ایّام چندی دوام کند بعد متفرّق و پریشان گردد باری من از مطالعۀ آن نامه بسیار سرور روحانی یافتم و سبب امیدواری گردید که عنقریب نتائج ممدوحه حاصل گردد و در آن محفل شمع تأییدات روح القدس برافروزد . ای یاران و اماء رحمن حصر افکار در تحصیل فضائل عالم انسانی و خصائل رحمانی نمائید بکمال روح و ریحان در محفل رحمانی اجتماع کنید و در هر خصوص مذاکره
صفحه 2
نمائید تا آنکه آن محفل سبب الفت و محبّت و یگانگی عالم انسانی گردد . ملکوت الهی مانند گلشنی است که بانواع ریاحین و ازهار و اوراد و اشجار تزئین یافته چون در ظلّ تربیت یک باغبان است و از یک آب سقایه گیرد و به حرارت یک شمس تربیت شود و از یک نسیم استفاضه نمایو و از یک زمین انبات شده است اختلاف الوان و ترکیب و هیئت و اشکال و طعوم و شموم سبب تزیین یکدیگر است و جلوۀ همدیگر . باری تا توانید بالفت و محبّت و یگانگی پردازید و بکوشید که این اقلیم را بهشت برین نمائید و حیات جاودانی بخشید علم صلح و آشتی برافرازید و محبّت به نوع انسانی ظاهر نمائید و موهبت الهی آشکار کنید و نورانیّت ملکوت ظاهر و عیان نمائید . این است وصیّت عبدالبهاء . این است نهایت آرزوی این مشتاق اشهد فدا اگر بدانید که چقدر عزیز منید البّته شب و روز آرام نگیرید و بآنچه لایق و سزاوار عالم انسانی است قیام مینمائید و علیکم البهاء الابهی ع ع
تربیت عمومی بهائی
مسئله تربیت و تعلیم پسران و دختران هر مملکتی در دین حضرت بهاء الله یکی از نوامیس محسوب و در این باب از قلم مبارک تعالیم روشن و اکید نازل گردیده در ادیان قبل قبل امر تحصیل علوم و فنون ظاهری و مادّی باین وضوح ذکر نشده و اشتغال به صنائع مانند نماز و دعا بقلم نرفته . چنانچه بارها در این اواخر به تجربه رسیده و در صفحات تاریخ خوانده میشود که علماء اسلام و کشیشان متعصّب و برهمن های مبتکر و خاخامهای نفس پرست مردم را از تحصیل صنائع و علوم دور داشته و اکتساب هنرها و پیشه های این قرن را مذموم دانسته اند و این مسئله بخوبی در ممالک شرق هویدا گردید که به چه بهانه های بی پایه و به چه هیاهوهای
صفحه 3
وا دنیا واشریعتا بعضی علماء قشر تحصیل علوم غربیۀه را حرام و مردم را از شرب ماء حیوان آزادی محروم داشته اند ولی اوّل امر دین حضرت بهاء الله که در کتاب جهانگیر اقدس نازل تربیت اجباری دختران و پسران است و حکمت بالغه و عنایت کاملۀ این امر و آثار و نفوذ آن بر هر بصیری معلوم زیرا هیچ ملتیّ باعلا درجه تمدّن حقیقی صعود ننموده مگر آنکه هر نفس آن ملتّ دارای علم و صفت باشد تا آنکه مجبور به گدائی که در این دین عظیم گناه بزرگ شمرده میشود نگردد مصداق آیه کریمه « بعض الناسّ عندالله من یقعد یطلب » نشود و مصدر کلمات دریّۀ « نمکو بحبل الاسباب متوکلین علی الله مسبّب الاسباب » گردد از فرات معین عبارات الهی که در این ظهور اعظم کلّ بکسب و اتطراف و صنایع متوکلا علی الله المهیمن القیّوم مأمورند بیاشامند و بر معانی روحانی باید فقراء همّت نمایند و به کسب مشغول شوند و این امری است که بر هر نفسی در این ظهور اعظم فرض شده و از اعمال حسنه عندالله محسوب پی برده . ایالات متحّدۀ امریک را میتوان گفت که باندازۀ اوامر حضرت بهاء الله را بکار انداخته و باین وسیله خود را در میان ملل مشهور نموده . مثلا در سال گذشته خرج مدارس ملیّ مجانی به هفتصد کرور تومان عدد دختران که در مدرسه داخل به هیجده کرور و پسران به هیجده کرور رسید . و چهارصد هزار معلمّین زن و صد و پنجاه هزار معلمیّن مرد شب و روز در دویست و هشتاد هزار مدارس به تعلیم اطفال مشغول بوده اند . بنابراین در این کور عظیم بهائیان بطوری باید در تحصیل علم نافعه جهد نمایند و بوعها در اکتساب معارف و کمالات بکوشند که ساکنین هر مملکتی آنها را جنود ترقیّ و حیات بشمرند و هادیان و پیشوایان تمدّن این قرن محسوب دارند و چون تربیت وتعلیم اطفال دلیل ترقیّ و سعادت هر ملتیّ است این است که حضرت بهاء الله پیروان خود را در کتاب مهیمن اقدس باین مقام رفیع دعوت مینمایند قوله تعالی :
صفحه 4
« کتب علی کلّ است تربیته دینه و نسبة بالعلم والخطّ و دونهما حدّ و فی اللوح والذ ّی ترک ماالر بر فللا مناء ان یأخذوا منه ما یکون لارتألرّ بیتها ان کان غیثا اللا یرجع الی بیت العدل انا جعلناه ودی الفقراء و المساکین انّ الذ ّی ربّی ابنه روایتا من الابناء کانّه ربّی احدا بنائی علیه بهائی و عنایتی و رحمتی التیّ سبقت العالمین » . و در مقام دیگر میفرماید « یا اهل البهاء قد وجب علی کلّ واحد منکم الاشتعال بامؤمن الامور من الصنائع و الافتراف و امثالها و جعلنا اشتغالکم بها نفس العبادة لله الحق ّ . . . لاتضیعوا اوقاتکم بالبطالة و الکسالة و اشتغلوا بما ینتفع به انفسکم لانفس غیرکم» و به عبارات فارسی شیرین میفرماید : « در تحصیل کمالات ظاهره و باطنه جهد بلیغ نمائید چه که ثمرۀ سدرۀ انسانی کمالات ظاهریّه و باطنیّه بوده انسان بی علم و هنر محبوب نه مثل اشجار بی ثمر بوده و خواهد بود لذا لازم که بقدر و قوّه سدرۀ وجود را باثمار علم و عرفان و معانی و بیان مزیّن نمائید . » از این بیانات ذریّه را حضرت بهاء الله که فقط چند قطره از دریای بی پایان است بر قارئین معلوم که بهائیان عالم چقدر مسئله تربیت و تعلیم اطفال را همّت میگذارند و در اکمال اولاد های خود به هر وسیله میکوشند و مدارس جدید در هر نقطه افتتاح مینمایند . و بسی واضح است که چون این اوامر الهی واحد که چهارصد ملیون جمعیّت و دربند که سیصد ملیون نفوس دارند و سائر ممالک ایران و عربستان و روس و ترکستان انتشار یابد و ساکنین آن ممالک براین نعمات سبحانی واقف گردند در تربیت و تعلیم اطفال خواهند کوشید ریشۀ جهل و نادانی را خواهند کند مدارس باز خواهند نمود و هرکس دارای حرف و صنف شده کلمۀ فقر و مسکنت معدوم خواهد گردید آنوقت مسافت بقول او بهشت ابهی گردد عالم پائین آئینه جهان بالا شود قلوب نورانی گردد و ارواح سازج محبّت رحمانی این است یکی از تعالیم جهانگیر دین عمومی حضرت بهاء الله . ای اهالی شرق و غرب باین
صفحه 5
نصیحت ملکوتی گوش دهید . ای باشندگان جنوب و شمال این شهناز آسمان را استماع نمائید زیرا مورث تمدّن و روشنائی ممالک است و سبب عمار و آبادانی ولایات و اقالیم .
اخبارات
حضرت دکتور امین الله فرید که تحصیل طبّ در دارالفنون شیکاغو کامل فرموده پس از اقامت دو سال در حیفا در این ایّام مراجعت به امریک نموده اند و از 25 ماه مارچ به واشنگتن تشریف آورده و در مریضخانه های بزرگ این شهر به تکمیل نکات عالیّه جرّاحی و درد عیون در نزد جرّاحان و اطبّای ماهر مشغولند . جناب مستر ریمی پس از آنکه از سفر دور جهان و زیارت حضرت عبدالبهاء در 2 ماه جون وارد امریک شدند در مجالس و محافل بهائیان ذکر سفرهای عمدۀ خود را در جزائر هونولولو و ژاپون و چین و هندوستان و مصر و ملاقات یاران نموده سبب حرکت و اشتعال قلوب گردید و دوستان بر ترقیّ امرالله در اطراف جهان اطّلاع یافتند و بر حسب امر مبارک مشار الیه و مستر استردون همسفر کتابی بزودی در شرح اسفار خود تصنیف و چاپ و انتشار خواهند نمود . اردشیر بهرام سروش جوان زردشتی بهائی که دو سه سال قبل بهمراهی جناب مستر هویس از بمبئی به این صفحات آمدند پس از تحصیلات ابتدائی خود در واشنگتن و ماندن در خانه امة الله مس لوئیز شومن در آخر این ماه به ایالت میسوری برای تحصیل علم طبّ « استتوماپاتی » تشریف خواهند برد پیام بر باختر صعود و ترقیّ ایشان را به مدارج عالیّه از پیشگاه پروردگار خواهان است مکتوب فارسی روحانی که متضمّن 35 صفحه و دارای وقائع مهمّه امری است از جانب مجلس دوّم عمومی مشرق الاذکار به یاران شرق عرض شده در همین ماه سه هزار نسخه چاپ و به مجامع بهائی خاور ارسال خواهد شد .
