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Tablet revealed by His Holiness
Baha'o'llah
HE IS GOD!
THE Supreme Pen says: O friends of the Truth! The purpose of bearing these continuous sufferings and uninterrupted calamities is, that the souls who are assured in God may, with utmost unity, associate with one another to such an extent that discord and difference between two individuals may vanish from them, except in special ordinances revealed in the divine Books. The man with innersight does not see imperfection in any condition. Whatsoever happens is a proof of the greatness of his condition and of the purity of his entity. For example, if a soul becomes humble, indeed this humbleness to the friends of God returns to God, for they look at his faith. By God! In
this case, if the opponents do not act similarly, or if arrogance is shown by them, the person with insight (and humbleness) is in his own sublime deed and has already received and will receive recompense. The harm of the action of the opponents will return to them. Likewise if a soul becomes arrogant this arrogance returns to take refuge in God from that!
O people of comprehension! I declare by the Greatest Name that it is a pity for you to consider incidental conditions. Arise for the Cause of God and with one another affiliate in the utmost love and sincerity, for the sake of the Face of the Beloved. Burn the veils of self with the fire of oneness and with bright and cheerful faces associate with one another. All of you have seen with your own eyes the qualities of the Truth. It was never approved that a single night should pass and any of the friends of God be away from this Slave. The heart of the world is ablaze by the Word of God. It is a pity that you do not become ablaze by this fire. God willing, we are hopeful that this blessed night you may call "The night of unity." Become united with one another and adorned with the embroidery of goodness and praiseworthy conduct. Your efforts should be to guide a strayed, perishing soul to the laws of eternity and among the creatures conduct yourselves in such manner that the sign of Truth may become manifest in you; for you are the first of existence, the first worshipers, the first who bowed and the first to encircle the Holy Threshold. By the one who caused me to utter that which He desired, your names in the Supreme Kingdom are more famous than they are to you. Do not think this utterance is imagination. I wish that you could behold what your Lord, the Merciful, sees of the sublimity of your condition, the greatness of your degrees and the supremacy of your stations. We ask God that your desires may not prevent you from that which was ordained for you. We are hopeful that in the utmost harmony, love and friendship you may deal with one another in such a manner that the banner of oneness may be raised. Surpass ye one another in good affairs and in showing contentment.
His is the right to command! He doeth whatsoever He wisheth and ruleth whomsoever He desireth, and verily He is the Powerful, the Dear, the Mighty!
(Translated by Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi, Chicago, July 9, 1918.)
STAR OF THE WEST
"We desire but the good of the world and the happiness of the nations; that all nations shall become one in faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men shall be strengthened, that diversity of religion shall cease and differences of race be annulled. So it shall be; these fruitless strifes; these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the 'Most Great Peace' shall come."—BAHA'O'LLAH.
Vol. 10 Baha' 1, 75 (March 21, 1919) No. 1
Tablets of Abdul-Baha recently revealed
MR. AND MRS. VAIL
To his honor Mr. Albert Vail and the maid-servant of God, Emily Vail, Chicago, Illinois, U. S. A.—Upon them be greeting and praise!
He Is God!
O ye who are firm in the Covenant!
Verily, your letter was the third of those received from America subsequent to the extinction of the fire of war. I was indeed gladdened to peruse it for it was indicative of a pure purpose and a lofty ideal, to wit: the service of the world of humanity.
The most advisable thing, therefore, is to gather every Sunday in order to discuss "Pure and Sanctified Living," "Universal Brotherhood," and the "Philosophy of Universal Religion."
As to the promulgation of Truth, verily it is divine and heavenly character, action in accordance with the divine and merciful instructions and the propagation among men of lordly behests and exhortations.
I pray God that He may therein confirm ye.
Upon ye be greeting and praise!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Haifa, Palestine, December 17, 1918.)
GEORGE LATIMER
To his honor, George Latimer, France—Upon him be greeting and praise!
He Is God!
Your letter dated November 13, 1918, was received. Praise be to God, throughout this terrible war, you have been kept safe and protected and have endured every sort of trouble for the sake of your favored land.
I have written a letter to thy father and have forwarded it directly, and now, too, I am engaged in writing thee, begging for thee a soul gladdened by divine glad-tidings and an illumined heart that thou mayest be ever enkindled and illumined.
When thou shalt be released from military service thou hast permission to present thyself at the Holy Land.
Upon thee be greeting and praise!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Haifa, Palestine, December 30, 1918.)
(Continued on page 7)
STAR OF THE WEST
PUBLISHED NINETEEN TIMES A YEAR
By the BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, 515 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, Ill., U. S. A.
Entered as second-class matter April 9, 1911, at the post office at Chicago, Illinois, under the Act of March 3, 1879.
Editorial Staff: ALBERT R. WINDUST — GERTRUDE BUIKEMA — DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI
Honorary Member: MIRZA AHMAD SOHRAB
Terms: $1.50 per year; 10 cents per copy
Make Money Orders payable to BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, Ill., U. S. A.
To personal checks please add sufficient to cover the bank exchange.
Address all communications to BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, Ill., U.S.A.
TABLET FROM ABDUL-BAHA.
HE IS GOD!
O thou Star of the West!
Be thou happy! Be thou happy! Shouldst thou continue to remain firm and eternal, ere long, thou shalt become the Star of the East and shalt spread in every country and clime. Thou art the first paper of the Bahais which is organized in the country of America. Although for the present thy subscribers are limited, thy form is small and thy voice weak, yet shouldst thou stand unshakable, become the object of the attention of the friends and the center of the generosity of the leaders of the faith who are firm in the Covenant, in the future thy subscribers will become hosts after hosts like unto the waves of the sea; thy volume will increase, thy arena will become vast and spacious and thy voice and fame will be raised and become world-wide—and at last thou shalt become the first paper of the world of humanity. Yet all these depend upon firmness, firmness, firmness!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Vol. 10
No. 1
ALLAH'O'ABHA!
Nine years ago a little sixteen-page pamphlet, made to fit an ordinary business envelope, calling itself the BAHAI NEWS, was printed and distributed among the Bahai friends in the Western World. Its word of introduction read as follows: "The need for a Bahai News Service is apparent to those who are in touch with the progress of the Bahai Movement throughout the Occident. To meet this need this humble publication has stepped forth from non-existence into the court of existence. Whether it shall remain and grow into a distinct department of service in this Glorious Day, we cannot foretell, knowing that 'God doeth whatsoever He willeth.'"
With issue No. 8 of the BAHAI NEWS was inaugurated a section in Persian, and in issue No. 13 is recorded that it had "taken the Orient by storm" and that Abdul-Baha requested one of the friends to read the latest copy before a large gathering of the Bahais (in Port Said), and while it was being read, he was smiling and commenting upon it. A Tablet received at that time by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab stated: "Truly, I say, in this publication you have written instructive articles. May God assist and confirm you! Unquestionably, confirmations shall descend upon the workers of this paper!"
A letter from Esphahan to the editor of the Persian section, beginning: "A star shone forth from the West and became the sun of the heaven of Truth in the East," together with a suggestion from Abdul-Baha to change the name of the Persian section from Payam Bare Baktar (Occidental Messenger), suggested the title: STAR OF THE WEST—which was adopted for the English section beginning with No. 1, Vol. II.
In issue No. 17 of the BAHAI NEWS the confirmation promised by Abdul-Baha descended in the form of a glorious Tablet which has ever since been a source of joy, inspiration and help, and which has been incorporated as a permanent feature of the editorial heading of the magazine, beginning: "O thou
Star of the West! Be thou happy! Be thou happy! Shouldst thou continue to remain firm and eternal, ere long than shalt become the Star of the East and shalt spread in every country and clime...."
Then came the great privilege of serving the Cause in publishing the Addresses of Abdul-Baha during his sojourn in America in 1912.
Nine years of service have been completed. Those who have rendered it did so in weakness and difficulty, and had not the sustaining power of God protected and assisted it could not have been accomplished. Those who undertook this labor of love have lived to see another nine years begin. "Ya-Baha-el-Abha!"
A new era dawns for the Cause. The doors of the Holy Land are open wide and Abdul-Baha is flooding the West with the Glorious Light of the Kingdom through Tablets recently revealed; an ocean of love is submerging the souls, uniting them with that power which only the Covenant possesses. Soon will His wondrous words have effect and great will be the results therefrom. We are happy in presenting many of these Tablets in this issue of the STAR OF THE WEST.
—The Editors.
The Teaching Campaign
BY ALBERT VAIL
WORD is coming of new journeys for teaching. Mr. Remey and Mr. John Basset, Mr. Louis Gregory and Mr. Roy Williams are all starting for the Southland to present the divine Glad Tidings in all the states mentioned in the Master's great Tablet to the South. Mr. Stanwood Cobb is starting a new circle in Annapolis. Mr. Remey gave there on February 5th at St. John's (the State University) an illustrated lecture on the Mashrekol-azkar. The hall was crowded and great interest was manifest. Mr. Remey's lectures on "The Universal Temple of the Future" are one of the most attractive ways of presenting to a new community in terms of concrete beauty the universal glory of the Bahai Cause.
Mr. Randall and Mrs. Maxwell are speaking to new centers in the East. Miss Jack and Mrs. Greenleaf are starting north with the breaking of the spring into the great Canadian West. Mr. Vail visited Omaha and Kansas City in December and is making a teaching journey into Iowa, Nebraska, Kansas, Missouri in March and April. Mrs. Ford has been serving the Cause in Kansas City this winter and gave a series of talks to a deeply interested group of people in Topeka, Kansas.
Mrs. Pamerton is beginning a journey into Missouri and Kansas and the Central West.
In the far West Mr. Gunn, Mr. and Mrs. Killius have been traveling and teaching.
For two years Mrs. Brittingham has been giving her time to seed sowing with beautiful devotion. When asked for some words concerning her work, she writes: "I feel I have never done anything and the page of report must be empty. Every new year I realize with deepened awakening my sense of nothingness in trying to advance in that Path." But she adds: "Since January 1917, I have raised the call of the Kingdom in Arizona, Southern California, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, Utah and very briefly in Reno, Nevada. I have given the Message in one church in Arizona and three in California, to
employees of the lunch room of the Great Northern Shipping Dock, Seattle, to army boys at Fort Wright, Spokane, in the State Prison, Salt Lake City, and to Metaphysical, Theosophical and many other gatherings in halls and homes, having thus addressed up to January 1, 1919, one hundred and thirty-three assemblages."
Mr. and Mrs. Killius recently held a stirring meeting in the Unitarian Church in Helena, Montana. Mr. Fred Mortensen has been working there telling the good news to those he met. A paper in Helena kindly published a fine article by Miss Jean Masson on "The Bahai Movement;—Is it the Coming Universal Religion?" Mr. and Mrs. Killius have been travelling and teaching in Montana with splendid energy.
Without this "superhuman energy," as the Master so often tells us, we cannot lay the foundation of the divine and universal city. But those who do arise and go forth into the new regions, God assists with a perfect glory of confirmation. Doors of opportunity to proclaim the heavenly glad tidings open as by a divine hand, radiant faces appear at the meetings as though sent there by the angels, the fire of the spirit often descends like ancient Pentecost and the Glory of God is revealed and many see it together. Such is the testimony of the teachers in this most wonderful springtime of God. The teachers seem to go to the new city alone; but verily a cohort of the Supreme Concourse have gone before them and when they speak the angels of confirmation stand around them, give words to the lips, fire to the heart and victory to the teacher's persuasions.
"In the Name of God, the Victor of the most victorious," cries the Bab, "proclaim: 'God will help all those who arise to serve Him! No one is able to deprive Him of His Majesty, His Dominion, His Sovereignty for in the heaven and the earth and in all the realms of God He is the Victorious and the Conqueror.'"
Idea of the League of Nations given by Abdul-Baha in 1875
From "The People 's Forum" in the Montana Record-Herald, February 18, 1919.
To the Record-Herald:
In your issue of Saturday the 15th you have an article headed, "Taft is treading path blazed by French King." It also stated that "the idea of a League of Nations peacefully reposed under the dust of ages until after the great war broke out; that the league idea was first broached anew in 1915 by some New York gentlemen; that Taft was approached and indorsed it; that the first public meeting was held June 17, 1915," etc.
This is an evident error and the credit should be given to whom it is due. The truth is that BAHA'O'LLAH, undoubtedly the greatest figure of this age, over sixty years ago laid down twelve basic Bahai principles, the eighth being Universal Peace and the twelfth an International Tribunal.
BAHA'O'LLAH, more than fifty years ago addressed epistles to all the kings and rulers of the earth, calling their attention to the Will of God, and predicting in an unmistakable and clear tone the events and happenings of these days.
BAHA'O'LLAH addressed Professor Browne of Cambridge University, England, April 14th, 1890, saying: "These fruitless strifes and ruinous wars shall pass away, and the 'Most Great Peace' shall come. Is not this that which Christ foretold? Yet do we see your kings and rulers lavishing their treasures more freely on means for the destruction of the human race than on that which would conduce to the happiness of mankind: these strifes and this bloodshed and discord must cease, and all
men be as one kindred and one family."
Abdul-Baha, the eldest son of BAHA'O'LLAH, and the present leader of the Bahai Movement, who has millions of followers throughout the world in Asia, Africa, Europe and America, traveled in this country in 1912. He constantly exhorted the people of the world to think peace, to talk peace, for, he said, in a talk given to the students of Stanford University, California, "Europe is like unto a powder magazine and one little spark shall set all the world aflame, and the time is two years hence."
Abdul-Baha, in 1875, wrote a book entitled, The Mysterious Forces of Civilization, in which he states: "Yes, the true civilization will raise its banner in the center of the world, when some noble kings of high ambitions, the bright suns of the world of humanitarian enthusiasm, shall, for the good and happiness of all the human race, step forth with firm resolution and keen, powerful minds and hold a conference on the question of Universal Peace . . . establish a union of the states of the world and conclude a definite treaty . . . which, verily, would be a treaty of universal peace and would be accounted sacred by all peoples of the earth. It would be the duty of the united powers of the world to see that this great treaty be strengthened and should endure. In such a universal treaty the limits of the borders and boundaries of every state should be fixed and the customs and the laws of every government; all the agreements and the affairs of state and the arrangements between the various governments should be propounded and settled in due form; the size of the armaments for each government should likewise be definitely agreed upon, at any rate the basis of this powerful alliance should be so fixed that if one of the states afterwards broke any of the articles of it the rest of the nations of the world would rise up and destroy it. Yes, the whole human race would band its forces together to exterminate that nation."
The nations would require but a few soldiers as a means of assuring the safety of the state, punishing the wicked and rebellious and preventing the growth of civil sedition.
I have been asked by the friends of Abdul-Baha in Helena to write you asking this correction and have the truth known.
Fred Mortensen,
Helena, Mont.
Tablets of Abdul-Baha recently revealed
(Continued from page 3)
MARION JACK
To the maid-servant of God, Miss Jack, Chicago, Ill.—Upon her be greeting and praise!
He Is God!
O thou who art the well-wisher of mankind!
Thy letter was received and was perused most attentively; its contents were exceedingly pleasing. Thy wish, as well as that of the friends of America, is that I may undertake a voyage to that land; but my heart is there and I am always thinking of them; and as they associate and affiliate in the utmost of love and union therein, my heart and spirit reside. Entertain no doubts whatever for I am linked with you spiritually even though separate in body. We are all under the shade of the unicolored pavilion of the world of humanity, but heedlessness forms a veil and an obstacle. When it is removed the veil will be rent asunder and we shall see one another gathered up together and present.
Thou hast written of thy wish to use the money of the Mashrekol-azkar to aid some of the dear sisters to get well: If you have gathered the sum from your own money, spend half of it for the sisters, and the other half, spend it for the Mashrekol-azkar; and if the sum is from other people, refer to them (i. e., the contributors) and act according to their wish.
Convey on my behalf greetings and the utmost of respect to the maid-servant of God, Mrs. Eva Cooper, (of Fruitport, Mich.).
Upon thee be greeting and praise!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Haifa, Palestine, December 27, 1918.)
AMY WILKINSON
To the maid-servant of God, Amy K. Wilkinson, Boston, Mass.—Upon her be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou who art enkindled with the fire of the love of God!
Your letter dated November 26th, 1918, was received. Those souls that, in this day, enter into the divine Kingdom and attain everlasting life, although they materially dwell on earth, yet in reality they soar in the realm of heaven. Their body may linger on earth but their spirit travels in the immensity of space. For as thoughts widen and become illumined, they acquire the power of flight and transport man to the Kingdom of God.
I beg of God that Mr. Randall and thyself may both become two lofty soaring birds; that ye may nestle and abide in the loftiest summits of the Kingdom; that ye may behold the glorious signs and may perfume the nostrils with the fragrances of the Abha Paradise.
Upon ye be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, January 9, 1919. Home of Abdul-Baha, Haifa, Palestine.)
ELLA GOODALL COOPER
To the maid-servant of God, Mrs. Ella Goodall Cooper, California—Upon her be greeting and praise!
He Is God!
O thou respected maid-servant of God!
Your letter, dated October 22nd, 1918, was received. Although for four years communication between us has been interrupted, yet the spiritual messenger was heartily and continually engaged. At all times I implored from the divine Kingdom, begging for the maid-servants of God and the friends of the Merciful divine assistance and confirmation.
At present, praise be to God, your detailed letter is at hand, and its news of the health and safety of the believers of God imparted a joy unlimited. From the unity of the friends of that land we have felt greatly happy and glad. I pray God that this union, firmness, steadfastness and spiritual consultation may become day by day more pronounced, and this rose-garden which has been planted in that continent may bestow perfume, through the scent of its flowers and blossoms, upon the nostrils of the people of the world.
How beautifully thou hast expressed the thought, namely; "We hope that the love and unity of the friends may soon become the magnet of attraction which will draw thee again to our shores." This is evident and sure—that if the light of love among the friends will be as resplendent as it ought to be and like unto a candle will illumine that gathering, it will surely exert the effect of a magnet.
Convey on my behalf the utmost longing and love to all the assemblies. Upon thee be greeting and praise!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Haifa, Palestine, December 12, 1918.)
SHAHNAZ KHANUM
To the maid-servant of God, Shahnaz Khanum, Los Angeles, Calif.—Upon her be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou revered maid-servant of God!
Thy letter from Los Angeles was received. Thank divine Providence that thou hast been assisted in service and hast been the cause of the promulgation of the oneness of the world of humanity.
Not until the darkness of differences among men is dissipated will the pavilion of unity of races cast its shadow over all regions; otherwise rest and comfort, peace and universal reconciliation are unachievable. This illumined age requires and necessitates its fulfillment. Every century has its ideal which in accordance with that century is confirmed. In this illumined era that which is confirmed is the oneness of the world of humanity. Every soul who serves this oneness will undoubtedly be assisted.
I hope that in the assembles thou mayest sing praises with a sweet melody and thus become the cause of joy and gladness to all.
Convey on my behalf greetings and respect to thy revered husband.
Upon thee be El-Baha-el-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Haifa, Palestine, December 30, 1918).
ROY C. WILHELM
To his honor, Mr. Roy C. Wilhelm, New York.—Upon him be greeting and praise!
He Is God!
O thou who art firm in the Covenant!
Thy letter was received and its contents imparted the utmost of gladness. Thou hast inquired about our health. Notwithstanding the great agitation in the East, thanks to Divine grace and bounty, we have passed these years of war in joy and gladness under the care and protection of Divine Providence. Now, praise be to God, the darkness of oppression has passed away and the light of justice has dawned and a just government has been ministering to this land.
O thou who are firm! What glad-tiding better than the one which thou hast imparted, to wit: that misunderstanding from among the friends has
been eliminated and harmony and concord established! This good news has made everybody hopeful that soon the torch of the Oneness of the World of Humanity may be enkindled in New York. . . . . . .
As to my voyage to India, it is not yet decided. In case it is settled we shall inform you.
Convey the utmost love and attachment of Abdul-Baha's heart to the favored and respected maid-servant of God, Mrs. Parsons, Mr. Randall, Mr. Mills, Mr. Ashton and Mr. Hall. I hope from the bounties of the Kingdom these souls may enlighten the world of humanity, may promulgate the oneness of the world of existence and like unto stars may shine upon men by the light of union and concord from the horizon of the world.
I always remember your mother as well as your father. Convey to both my respect and love.
I ever remember Mr. Bourgeois, particularly the night I was his guest, a night that we passed in joy and fragrance. Send to me the design of the Mashrekol-azkar as produced by him. I pray God that this year the construction of the Mashrekol-azkar will be started.
Convey greeting and respect to Miss Lloyd.
Concerning communication with the Holy Land, that is to say, Haifa, communicate directly for the hinderances and obstacles have been eliminated. Convey to each and all the believers of God the utmost longing and greeting.
Upon thee be greeting and praise!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
P. S.: The enclosed booklets* have been perused. Send for us one hundred copies of each for they are exceedingly praiseworthy. Verily, you are engaged in serving the Cause and thus His Holiness BAHA'O'LLAH is well pleased with you and I am also satisfied and content.
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
*Booklets "Big Bens" and "Little Bens."
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Haifa, Palestine, December 12, 1918.)
CORINNE TRUE
To the maid-servant of God, Corinne True, Chicago, Ill.—Upon her be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He is God!
O thou firm in the Covenant!
Your letter dated November 23rd, 1918, was received. Its contents indicated that, praise be to God, you were engaged in the service of Mashrekol-azkar; that this Universal Edifice may be erected. Indeed you spare no effort in this respect, and I entertain the hope that this endeavor may grow day by day. Deeds are like unto trees, for to plant a shrub is no difficult matter, while the care necessary for its growth and yielding fruit is hard and difficult. So far, effort was expended to lay the foundations of the Temple, but now its erection and completion is a difficult matter, and my hope is that the friends of God may be therein assisted.
The second question which is of vital importance is that the friends of God must strive with heart and soul and promulgate heavenly teachings and spread
far and wide the Light of the Kingdom; for the world of humanity has acquired, as a result of this great carnage, a great capacity for the propagation of universal peace. Ears are longing to hearken to the call of the oneness of the world of humanity, to universal reconciliation, and to the abandonment of ignorant prejudices.
In fine, if all the friends of God engage in the promulgation of heavenly teachings, the establishment of universal peace shall be a foregone conclusion.
Praise be to God, whatever has been explicitly recorded in the divine Tablets has been fully realized, and all the warnings and appeals of Abdul-Baha in the temples and gatherings of America have come to pass. At present we hope all will engage in the service of the Kingdom and will promulgate whatever is the will of God.
The teachings of His Holiness BAHA'O'LLAH are today the spirit of life, the means of peace and reconciliation, the cause of amity and union, and the promoter of the oneness of mankind. One should engage in such a service.
Thy eldest and respected daughter, having striven hard and cared for the wounded, is permitted to present herself whenever she has the opportunity. Praise be to God, the condition of your youngest daughter has ameliorated. . . .
As to Mr. Fugeta; He is permitted to present himself, but he must first go to California to meet the maid-servants of God, Mrs. Goodall and Mrs. Cooper, and thence start for the Holy Land. . . . .
Convey longing greeting to all the friends of God.
Upon all be Baha-el-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, February 7, 1919. Home of Abdul-Baha, Haifa, Palestine.)
BEATRICE OWENS
To the maid-servant of God, Beatrice Owens.—Upon her be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou who art serving the world of humanity.
Thy letter was received and from its contents we felt exceedingly glad. It was a decisive proof and a brilliant evidence. It is appropriate and befitting that in this illumined age—the age of the progress of the world of humanity—man should be self-sacrificing and should serve the world of mankind. Every universal cause is divine and every particular one is temporal. The principles of the divine Manifestations of God were, therefore, all-universal and all-inclusive. Every imperfect soul is self-conceited and thinks of his own good. But as his thoughts expand a little he will begin to think of the welfare and comfort of his family. If his ideas still more widen his concern will be the felicity of his fellow citizens; and if still they widen he will be thinking of the glory of his land and of his race. But when ideas and views reach the utmost degree of expansion and attain the stage of perfection then will he be interested in the exaltation of humankind. He will be then the well-wisher of all men and the seeker of the weal and prosperity of all lands. This is indicative of perfection.
Thus, the divine Manifestations of God had a universal and all-inclusive
conception. They endeavored for the sake of everyone's life and engaged in the service of universal education. The area of their aims was not limited—nay, rather, it was all-inclusive and all-wide.
Therefore, ye must also be thinking of every one, so that mankind may be educated, character moderated and this world may turn into a Paradise of Eden.
Love ye all religions and all races with a love that is true and sincere and show that love through deeds and not through the tongue; for the latter has not importance as the majority of men are, in speech, well-wishers, while action is the best.
Convey to each of the friends of God and the maid-servants of the Merciful greeting and praise. The pictures you have sent, you did very well to enclose them. I attentively looked at each one of them and found in those faces the light of the love of God.
Upon thee be greeting and praise.
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Haifa, Palestine, December 27, 1918.)
DR. ZIA BAGDADI
To his honor, Dr. Zia Bagdadi, Chicago—Upon his be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou favored servant at the Threshold of the Almighty!
The letter thou hast written on September 25th, 1918, has been received. Praise be to God, thou hast remained safe and protected throughout these years of disturbance and commotion. Thou wert guarded by the eye of Bounty and wert the recipient of infinite blessings. Now that disturbance and commotion have abated, you must more than ever before endeavor in teaching and promulgating the divine teachings. Today the promulgation of the foundation of the divine teachings, which has been explicitly recorded in the blessed Tablets, is the cause of the life of the world. Emphasize and attach importance to this great cause. Arise in teaching. These are the days of seed-sowing. One's time must be occupied continually in sowing so that the station of the divine gardener may be attained and great harvests be prepared.
As soon as the way of communication has been opened I have taken up correspondence with thee.
Convey on my behalf to the maid-servant of God, Zeenat, my greetings. . .
Embrace and show utmost affection in my behalf to thy little daughter.
Upon thee be El-Baha-el-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
To his honor, Dr. Zia Bagdadi, Chicago.—Upon him be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
Thy letter dated December 21, 1918, reached us. . . . .
Concerning the House of Spirituality: I pray God to assist them in all conditions and confirm them for the elevation of the Word of God and the promulgation of the divine teachings, so that they become the cause of the establishment of the oneness of humanity and the diffusion of the Merciful fragrances, in order that the prejudice among the religions, the sects and the races may not remain and all together take hold of the rope of God, the misunderstandings
among all the parties may vanish and the human world may become the mirror of the Kingdom of God on which the lights of consciousness shine. Convey thou my greeting and longings to the House of Spirituality. . .
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, January 10, 1919. Home of Abdul-Baha, Haifa, Palestine.)
JESSIE REVELL
To the maid-servant of God, Miss Jessie Revell, Philadelphia, Pa.—Upon her be greeting and praise!
He Is God!
O thou beloved maid-servant of God!
Thy letter was received. Thou hast wished and asked for help and assistance. As thy purpose is right and thy aim service to the world of humanity, the propagation of the light of truth and the abandonment of the superstitions of the nether world, undoubtedly divine confirmations shall encompass thee and thou shalt be assisted and confirmed.
Convey my love and my kindness to thy respected mother and likewise to thy brothers and sisters. Present my considerable respects to Mrs. Isabella D. Brittingham and similarly to Mr. Paine, Mr. and Mrs. Walter Bowen and their children.
Upon thee be greeting and praise!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Haifa, Palestine, December 30, 1918.)
ISABEL CHAMBERLAIN
To the maid-servant of God, Isabel Chamberlain, Boston, Mass.—Upon her be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou beloved maid-servant of God!
Thy letter was received and its contents revealed the fact that the friends, in perfect energy and vitality are engaged in the propagation of heavenly teachings. This news has caused intense joy and gladness, for to every era is a spirit; the spirit of this illumined era is the body of the teachings of His Holiness BAHA'O'LLAH. For these lay the foundation of the Oneness of the world of humanity and promulgate universal brotherhood. They are founded upon the unity of science and religion and upon the investigation of Truth. They uphold the principle that religion must be the cause of amity, union and harmony among men. They establish the equality of both sexes and propound economic principles, i. e., the felicity of individual beings. They diffuse universal education that every soul may as much as possible have a share of knowledge and abrogate and nullify religious, racial, political, patriotic and economic prejudices, and so on and so forth. Those teachings that are disseminated throughout the Epistles and Tablets are the cause of the illumination and the life of the world of humanity. Whoever promulgates them he will verily be assisted by the Kingdom of God.
His Eminence, the President of the Republic, His Honor Dr. Wilson is
indeed serving the Kingdom of God for he is restless and strives day and night that the rights of all men may be kept safe and secure, that even small nationalities, like unto big nations may dwell in peace and comfort, under the protection of right and justice. This purpose is indeed a lofty one. I trust that the incomparable Providence will assist and confirm such souls under all conditions.
Upon thee be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, January 9, 1919. Home of Abdul-Baha, Haifa, Palestine.)
Strikes
Abdul-Baha's Words to Mme. Dreyfus-Barney
From American edition Some Answered Questions. Copyrighted by Laura Dreyfus-Barney.
Published and distributed by the Bahai Publishing Society, Chicago.
YOU have questioned me about strikes. This question is and will be for a long time the subject of great difficulties. Strikes are due to two causes. One is the extreme sharpness and rapacity of the capitalists and manufacturers; the other, the excesses, the avidity and ill-will of the workmen and artisans. It is therefore necessary to remedy these two causes.
But the principal cause of these difficulties lies in the laws of the present civilization; for they lead to a small number of individuals accumulating incomparable fortunes, beyond their needs, whilst the greater number remains destitute, stripped and in the greatest misery. This is contrary to justice, to humanity, to equity; it is the height of iniquity, the opposite to what causes divine satisfaction.
This contrast is peculiar to the world of man: with other creatures, that is to say with nearly all animals, there is a kind of justice and equality. Thus in a shepherd's flock of sheep, in a troop of deer in the country, among the birds of the prairie, of the plain, of the hill or of the orchard, almost every animal receives a just share based on equality. With them such a diffierence in the means of existence is not to be found; so they live in the most complete peace and joy.
It is quite otherwise with the human species, which persists in the greatest error, and in absolute iniquity. Consider an individual who has amassed treasures by colonizing a country for his profit; he has obtained an incomparable fortune, and has secured profits and incomes which flow like a river, whilst a hundred thousand unfortunate people, weak and powerless, are in need of a mouthful of bread. There is neither equality nor brotherhood. So you see that general peace and joy are destroyed, the welfare of humanity is partially annihilated, and that collective life is fruitless. Indeed, fortune, honors, commerce, industry are in the hands of some industrials, whilst other people are submitted to quite a series of difficulties and to limitless troubles; they have neither advantages nor profits, nor comforts, nor peace.
Then rules and laws should be established to regulate the excessive fortunes of certain private individuals, and limit the misery of millions of the poor masses; thus a certain moderation would be obtained. However, absolute equality is just as impossible, for absolute equality in fortunes, honors, commerce, agriculture, industry would end in a want of comfort, in discouragement, in disorganization of the means of existence, and in universal disappointment; the order of the community would be quite destroyed. Thus, there is a great wisdom in the fact that equality is not
imposed by law; it is, therefore, preferable for moderation to do its work. The main point is, by means of laws and regulations to hinder the constitution of the excessive fortunes of certain individuals, and to protect the essential needs of the masses. For instance, the manufacturers and the industrials heap up a treasure each day, and the poor artisans do not gain their daily sustenance; that is the height of iniquity, and no just man can accept it. Therefore, laws and regulations should be established which would permit the workmen to receive from the factory owner their wages and a share in the fourth or the fifth part of the profits, according to the want of the factory; or in some other way the body of workmen and the manufacturers should share equitably the profits and advantages. Indeed, the direction and administration of affairs comes from the owner of the factory, and the work and labor from the body of the workmen.
In other words, the workmen should receive wages which assure them an adequate support, and when they cease work, becoming feeble or helpless, they should receive from the owner of the factory sufficient pension. The wages should be high enough to satisfy the workmen with the amount they receive, so that they may be able to put a little aside for days of want and helplessness.
When matters will be thus fixed, the owner of the factory will no longer put aside daily a treasure which he has absolutely no need of (without taking into consideration that if the fortune is disproportionate, the capitalist succumbs under a formidable burden, and gets into the greatest difficulties and troubles; the administration of an excessive fortune is very difficult, and exhausts man's natural strength). And the workmen and artisans will no longer be in the greatest misery and want. They will no longer be submitted to the worst privations at the end of their life.
It is, then, clear and evident that the repartition of excessive fortunes amongst a small number of individuals, while the masses are in misery, is an iniquity and an injustice. In the same way, absolute equality would be an obstacle to life, to welfare, to order and to the peace of humanity. In such a question a just medium is preferable. It lies in the capitalists being moderate in the acquisition of their profits, and in their having a consideration for the welfare of the poor and needy; that is to say, that the workmen and artisans receive a fixed and established daily wage, and have a share in the general profits of the factory.
It would be well, with regard to the social rights of manufacturers, workmen and artisans, that laws be established, giving moderate profits to manufacturers, and to workmen the necessary means of existence and security for the future. Thus, when they become feeble and cease working, get old and helpless, and die leaving children under age, these children will not be annihilated by excess of poverty. And it is from the income of the factory itself, to which they have a right, that they will derive a little of the means of existence.
In the same way, the workmen should no longer rebel and revolt, nor demand beyond their rights; they should no longer go out on strike, they should be obedient and submissive, and not ask for impudent wages. But the mutual rights of both associated parties will be fixed and established according to custom by just and impartial laws. In case one of the two parties should transgress, the courts of justice would have to give judgment, and by an efficacious fine put an end to the transgression; thus order will be re-established, and the difficulties settled. The interference of courts of justice and of the government in difficulties pending between manufacturers and workmen is legal, for the reason that current affairs between workmen and manufacturers cannot be compared with ordinary affairs between private persons, which do not concern the public, and
with which the Government should not occupy itself. In reality, although they appear to be matters between private persons, these difficulties between patrons and workmen produce a general detriment; for commerce, industry, agriculture and the general affairs of the country are all intimately linked together. If one of these suffers an abuse, the detriment affects the mass. Thus the difficulties between workmen and manufacturers become a cause of general detriment.
The court of justice and the Government have therefore the right of interference. When a difficulty occurs between two individuals with reference to private rights, it is necessary for a third to settle the question; this is the part of the Government; then the question of strikes—which cause troubles in the country and are often connected with the excessive vexations of the workmen, as well as with the rapacity of manufacturers—how could it remain neglected? Good God! is it possible that, seeing one of his fellow-creatures starving, destitute of everything, a man can rest and live comfortably in his luxurious mansion? He who meets another in the greatest misery, can he enjoy his fortune? That is why, in the Religion of God, it is prescribed and established that wealthy men each year give over a certain part of their fortune for the maintenance of the poor and unfortunate. That is the foundation of the Religion of God, and the most essential of the Commandments.
As now man is not forced nor obliged by the Government, if by the natural tendency of his good heart, with the greatest spirituality, he goes to this expense for the poor, this will be a thing very much praised, approved and pleasing.
Such is the meaning of the good works in the Divine Books and Tablets.
Salutations.
Three kinds of martyrdom
Martyrdom has many explanations, of which the first is to stand bravely and meet death unflinchingly in the path of God, as those wonderful souls have recently done in Persia without wavering for an instant in constancy, nor, under the hands of torture, denying for a single moment their faith.
The second is to, little by little, detach one's heart entirely from this world, laying aside, deliberately and voluntarily, all vanities, wordly seductions, and devoting one's self to the Vineyard of God in whatsoever capacity he is fitted to serve, letting every action, word and deed become a telling monument, a fitting praise and an everlasting glory for His Holy Name!
The third consists in doing the hardest and most difficult things with such willingness and self-sacrifice that all behold it as your pleasure. To seek and accept poverty with the same smile as you seek and receive fortune. To make the sad and sorrowful your associates, instead of frequenting the society of the careless and gay. To dress in such a simple, plain manner that your appearance becomes a comfort to the poor and an example to the rich. "To yield to the decree of God and to be rejoiced at the most violent calamities, even when the suffering is beyond endurance." And he who can fulfill these last conditions becomes a martyr indeed. Then your good deeds will be your garments, your words of praise to God will be your jewels, and your purity of spirit will be your riches.
(A portion of a letter from one of Abdul-Baha's daughters, Monever Khanum, to a Paris believer.)
