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STAR OF THE WEST
PUBLISHED NINETEEN TIMES A YEAR
In the Interest of the BAHAI MOVEMENT
By the BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, 515 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, Ill., U. S. A.
Publishers: ALBERT R. WINDUST—GERTRUDE BUIKEMA—DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI
Entered as second-class matter April 9, 1911, at the post office at Chicago, Ill., under the Act of March 3, 1879.
Terms: $2.50 per year; 15 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.
WORDS OF ABDUL-BAHA.
"Great importance must be given to the development of the STAR OF THE WEST. The circle of its discussion must be widened; in its columns must be published the essential problems pertaining to the Bahai life in all its phases. Its contents must be so universal that even the strangers may subscribe to it. Articles must be published, dealing with the universal principles of the Cause, the writers proving that this Cause takes a vital interest in all the social and religious movements of the age and is conducive to the progress of the world and its inhabitants. In short, the STAR OF THE WEST must promote the aspirations and the ideals that will gather little by little around these general Tablets, bringing into the light of day all the historical, religious and racial knowledge which will be of the utmost value to the Bahai teachers all over the world."
From Unveiling of the Divine Plan.
| Vol. 10 | CONTENTS | No. 12 |
| PAGE | |||||||||||
"These are the Teachings which are the Spirit of this Century and the Light of this Age"—Recent Tablet to the Paris Assembly | |||||||||||
Unveiling of the Divine Plan for the Dominion of Canada | |||||||||||
Recent Tablets from ABDUL-BAHA to American Bahais | |||||||||||
| |||||||||||
Celebration of the One Hundredth Anniversary of the Birth of the Bab | |||||||||||
PERSIAN SECTION (Continued) | |||||||||||
Century and the Light of this Age"
RECENT TABLET TO THE PARIS ASSEMBLYTo the friends of God and the maid-servants of the Merciful One, in Paris, France—Upon them be the Glory of God El-Abha!
He Is God!
O friends of God!
Your letter was received through Mrs. Stannard. Its contents gave me the utmost joy, for—Praise be to God!—the Spiritual Meeting has been organized also in Paris. Confirmed believers come together and engage in speaking of the Kingdom of God, in seeking the Truth, and in speaking the teachings which are the spirit of this age:
The establishment of universal peace, right and justice.
Showing that religion must be conducive to harmony amongst men, and conforming to reason and science.
The equality of men and women.
Freedom and liberty for all.
The enlightenment of heavenly morals.
Love for all men and even for animals.
The universalization of general knowledge.
A profession, trade, agriculture, are worshiping God. A farmer who cultivates his land with the utmost application is like a worshiper who, with deepest reverence and humility, prays to God in a temple. When the laborer works honestly and sincerely it is as though he
were praying.These are the teachings which are the spirit of this century and the light of this age. Whoever inhales their fragrance is drawn to them, especially as they are confirmed by the Testament and the Covenant, the Covenant which is the cause of illuminating the world, which gives the Spirit of Life, makes souls enlightened, divine and celestial, causes them to shine like a light and transforms them into scintillating stars.
O friends of Paris! Know that no soul is quickened except through the spirit of the Covenant, no eye is illumined except by the light of the Covenant, no ear is thrilled except by the melody of the Covenant, and no heart shows forth the divine sentiments except by the bounty of the Covenant. The people of Paris are full of enthusiasm and become attracted with the utmost swiftness. Therefore, the fire of the love of God will burn intensely and spread everywhere.
Some of the regions of Europe are extremely enthusiastic. Day by day more souls enter the Cause. You have heard of this certainty. Now, make an effort, and with all your might enkindle the fire of love of the Covenant, so that Paris may surpass the other regions; and if the Covenant is made to shine forth as it should, in a short time wonderful results will become apparent; for, in this day, the moving power throughout the whole world is the power of the Covenant: it is the artery pulsating in the body of the phenomenal.
To sum up, I am greatly pleased with these few souls who are in Paris, and I love you very much. I hope that you will fill the meeting with enthusiasm, and be the cause of guidance to others. Convey greetings on my behalf to each one, and upon you be greetings and praises.
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(July 23rd, 1919.)
"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 | Elm 1, 75 (October 16, 1919) | No. 12 |
Unveiling of the Divine Plan for the Dominion of Canada
Tablet* of ABDUL-BAHA read at the Fifth Session of the Eleventh Annual Mashrekol-Azkar Convention and Bahai Congress, held in McAlphin Hotel, New York City, April 26-30, 1919.
TABLET
To the believers of God and the maid-servants of the Merciful in the Dominion of Canada, Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Yukon, Mackenzie, Keevateen, Ungava, Franklin Islands and Greenland—Upon them be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O ye kind friends and the maid-servants of the Merciful!In the great Koran, God says: "Thou shalt see no difference in the creatures of God." In other words, He says: From the ideal standpoint, there is no variation between the creatures of God, because they are all created by Him. From the above premise, a conclusion is drawn, that there is even no difference between the various countries; nevertheless the future of the Dominion of Canada is very great, and its historical events infinitely glorious. Thus it shall become the object of the Glance of Providence and the manifestation of the favors of the Supreme Lord.
Abdul-Baha during his journey and sojourn through that Dominion obtained the utmost joy. Before my departure, many souls warned me not to travel to Montreal, saying, the majority of the inhabitants are Catholics, and are in the utmost fanaticism, that they are submerged in the sea of imitations, that they have not the capability to hearken to the Call of the Kingdom of God, that the veil of bigotry has so covered the eyes that they have deprived themselves from beholding the signs of the Most Great Guidance, and that the dogmas have taken possession of the hearts entirely, leaving no trace of Reality. They asserted that should the Sun of Reality shine with perfect splendor, throughout
*NOTE—This second Tablet for the Canadian friends was revealed February 21, 1917, in the room of BAHA'O'LLAH at Acca. The first Tablet in the Divine Plan for the Dominion of Canada was revealed April 5, 1916, in the garden of the Blessed Tomb of BAHA'O'LLAH at Bahjee; it was published in the STAR OF THE WEST, Vol. 7, No. 10 and Vol. 9, No. 14.—The Editors.
that Dominion, the dark, impenetrable clouds of superstitions had so enveloped the horizon that it would be utterly impossible for anyone to behold its rays.
But these stories did not have any effect on the resolution of Abdul-Baha. He, trusting in God, turned his face toward Montreal. When he entered that city he observed all the doors open, he found the hearts in the utmost receptivity and the ideal power of the Kingdom of God removing every obstacle and obstruction. In the churches and meetings of that Dominion he called men to the Kingdom of God with the utmost joy, and scattered such seeds which will be irrigated with the hand of divine power. Undoubtedly those seeds will grow, becoming green and verdant, and many rich harvests will be gathered. In the promotion of the divine principles he found no antagonist and no adversary. The believers he met in that city were in the utmost spirituality, and attracted by the fragrances of God. He found that through the effort of the maid-servant of God, Mrs. Maxwell, a number of the sons and daughters of the Kingdom in that Dominion were gathered together and associated with each other, increasing this joyous exhilaration day by day. The time of sojourn was limited to a number of days, but the results in the future are inexhaustible. When a farmer comes into the possession of a virgin soil, in a short time he will bring under cultivation a large field. Therefore, I hope that in the future Montreal may become so stirred, that the melody of the Kingdom may travel to all parts of the world from that Dominion and the breaths of the Holy Spirit may spread from that center to the east and the west of America.
O ye believers of God! Do ye not look upon the smallness of your number and the multitudes of the nations. Five grains of wheat will be endued with heavenly blessing, whereas a thousand tons of tares will yield no results or effect. One fruitful tree will be conducive to the life of society, whereas a thousand forests of wild trees offer no fruits. The plain is covered with pebbles, but precious stones are rare. One pearl is better than a thousand wildernesses of sand; especially this pearl of great price, which is endowed with divine blessing. Ere long thousands of other pearls will be born from it. When that pearl associates and becomes the intimate of the pebbles, they also all change into pearls.
Therefore, I repeat, that the future of Canada, whether from the standpoint of civilization or from the viewpoint of the virtues of the Kingdom, is very great. Day by day civilization and freedom shall increase. Likewise the cloud of the Kingdom will water the seeds of guidance sown in that Dominion. Consequently, rest ye not, seek ye no composure, attach not yourselves to the luxuries of this ephemeral world, free yourselves from every attachment, and strive with heart and soul to become fully established in the Kingdom of God. Gain ye the heavenly treasures. Day by day become ye more illumined. Draw ye nearer and nearer unto the Threshold of Oneness. Become ye the manifestors of spiritual favors and the dawning-places of infinite lights! If it
is possible, send ye teachers to other portions of Canada, likewise dispatch ye teachers to Greenland and the home of the Eskimos.
As regards the teachers, they must completely divest themselves from the old garments and be invested with a new garment. According to the statement of Christ, they must attain to the station of rebirth:—that is, whereas in the first instance they were born from the womb of the mother, this time they must be born from the womb of the world of nature. Just as they are now totally unaware of the experiences of the foetal world, they must also forget entirely the defects of the world of nature. They must be baptized with the water of Life, the fire of the love of God and the breaths of the Holy Spirit; be satisfied with little food, but take a large portion from the heavenly table. They must disengage themselves from temptation and covetousness, and be filled with the Spirit. Through the effect of their pure breath, they must change the stone into the brilliant ruby and the shell into pearl. Like unto the cloud of vernal shower, they must transform the black soil into the rose-garden and orchard. They must make the blind seeing, the deaf hearing, the extinguished one enkindled and set aglow, and the dead quickened.
Upon ye be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
The spreaders of the fragrances of God should peruse every morning the following supplications:
Praise be to Thee, O God! Verily these are Thy servants, who are attracted by the fragrances of Thy mercifulness, enkindled by the ignited fire in the tree of Thy Singleness and their eyes are brightened by beholding the effulgences of the light in the Sinai of Thy Oneness!
O Lord! Loosen their tongues in Thy commemoration amongst Thy people; suffer them to speak Thy praise through Thy favor and grace, assist them with the cohorts of Thy angels, strengthen their loins in Thy service and make them the signs of Thy guidance amongst Thy creatures!
Verily, Thou art the Powerful, the Exalted, the Pardoner and the Merciful!
O God! O God! Thou beholdest this weak one begging the strength of Thy Kingdom! This poor one supplicating the treasures of Thy heaven! This thirsty one longing for Thy fountain of the water of Eternal Life! This sick one invoking Thy perfect recovery through Thy boundless mercy, which Thou hast especialized for Thy chosen servants in Thy Supreme Kingdom!
O Lord! I have no other helper save Thee; no other comforter beside Thee, and no other sustainer except Thee! Assist me with Thy angels in the diffusion of Thy holy fragrances and the dissemination of Thy teachings amongst Thy elected people!
O Lord! Suffer me to sever myself from aught else save Thee, holding fast to the hem of Thy garment; make me sincere in Thy religion, firm in Thy love and living in accordance with that which Thou hast commanded me in Thy Book.
Verily, Thou art the Powerful, the Mighty and the Omnipotent!
(Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, April 3, 1919, Washington, D. C.)
CORINNE TRUE
To the maid-servant of God, Mrs. Corinne True, Chicago, Illinois—Upon her be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou who art firm in the Covenant!
Your numerous letters have been received. The question of the Mashrekol-Azkar is of supreme importance and of great results. It is the first edifice to be placed in that country and—Praise be to the Almighty!—the friends of God, all, from all parts are contributing. Numerous designs for its erection have been drafted. One of these designs must be chosen in the Convention.
His honor, Mr. Albert Vail is prepared and has capacity for great services. From the favors of God I hope that he may enkindle in the globe of that land a light that shall illumine with its rays of guidance the vicinity and the surrounding regions.
The organization of joint assemblies for white and colored people shall manifest the oneness of the world of humanity; shall dissipate totally and eradicate ignorant racial fanaticism, and shall satisfy all from the fountain of the water of Life.
We have cabled Mr. Remey to postpone his tour, for his presence, in these days, in America is necessary. In reality, he has been and is engaged in the utmost power in service and I love him infinitely, and verily he merits this love of Abdul-Baha.
. . . . . . Convey on my behalf the utmost love and kindness to Miss Jean Masson for she has expended the utmost effort in writing the article in the newspaper. She serves thereby the Kingdom of God and promulgates divine teachings. Deal ye with love and kindness with Mirza Ahmad Sohrab.
God wishes love, unity and harmony. Upon this exert ye all effort. This is the cause of the glory of God; this is the cause of drawing near to the court of the Almighty, and this is the cause of entrance into the Kingdom of God.
Convey on my behalf, to Dr. Zia (Bagdadi) the utmost love and kindness. In my estimation, he is very near, for he is the son of his honor Agha Muhammed Mustafa.
Upon thee be El-Baha-el-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Haifa, Palestine, May 23rd, 1919.
ROY C. WILHELM
To his honor Mr. Roy C. Wilhelm, New York, N. Y.—Upon him be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou who art firm in the Covenant and the Testament!
Thy letters dated March 22nd and 29th, as well as thy card of April 11th, were received. The organization of the meeting representative of different denominations in New York, at which all religions and sects had affiliated together in the utmost love and harmony, was conducive to extreme joy.
My hope is that meetings of such nature may often be organized so that representatives of all the different races, religions, sects and countries of the world may in the utmost love embrace one another, that no trace of bigotry and of ignorant prejudice, of obstinacy and rancour may remain, and the pavilion and canopy of the oneness of the world of humanity may be raised upon the apex of the world. For all men are the sheep of God and divine providence the kind and loving Shepherd.
Similarly the meeting that had been called at Washington, my hope is that remarkable consequences may result therefrom. . . .
Upon thee be Baha-El-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Haifa, Palestine, May 25th, 1919.)
KOKAB MAC CUTCHEON
To the maid-servant of God, Kokab MacCutcheon, Minneapolis, Minnesota—Upon her be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou brilliant Kokab (Star)!
Praise be to God! Thou hast become resplendent with the light of guidance and from the bestowals of the Kingdom of God thou hast partaken a share and a portion. In tests thou hast remained firm and upright.
At present thy purpose is to organize a meeting and to guide the souls in the divine Kingdom. Excellent is thy intention. Found thou this assembly in thy own home and arise in the guidance of souls.
Be thou not grieved on account of the departure of thy father, mother and brother because they became delivered from the world which is full of sadness and sorrow and they have hastened to the realm of joy. They have become freed from the fetters of this prison and soared to the divine court.
Thou hast asked for permission to come. At present your presence there is necessary, so that the Cause may be established. After the establishment of the Cause thou hast permission to come.
Should it be possible for thee to establish a school for the Bahai children and teach, it will be exceedingly acceptable.
Upon thee be El-Baha-el-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi, Chicago, Ill., July 25th, 1919. Revealed at Haifa, Palestine, May 31st, 1919.)
CORA DITMARS
To the maid-servant of God, Cora Ditmars, Spokane, Washington—Upon her be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou who art firm in the Covenant!
Thy letter was received. Thou hast exerted a great effort for that imprisoned person. Perhaps it may prove to be fruitful. Tell him, however, that the denizens of the world are confined in the prison of nature—a prison that is continuous and eternal. If thou art at present restrained within the limits of a temporary prison, be not grieved at this; my hope is that thou mayest be emancipated from the prison of nature and may attain unto the court of everlasting Life. Pray to God day and night and beg forgiveness and pardon. The omnipotence of God shall solve every difficulty.
O thou dear maid-servant of God! Praise be to God, thou art endowed with a pure heart and an exalted determination. Thou hast an eloquent tongue and givest to every person a share and portion of the teachings of God.
Abdul-Baha does not seek membership at the Peace Congress. He promulgates peace through the power of the Word of God. It is impossible to establish universal peace save through this power.
Convey on my behalf to those souls whose names thou hast mentioned in thy letter, greeting and kindness. I pray God that they may be confirmed in service to the Kingdom of God.
It is preferable that in the meetings, one of the attendants should read or chant the Tablets of His Holiness BAHA'O'LLAH and the others listen to the reading.
Upon thee be Baha-El-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Haifa, Palestine, June 3rd, 1919.)
ANNIE L. PARMERTON
To the maid-servant of God, Mrs. Annie L. Parmerton, Cincinnati, Ohio—Upon thee be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
O thou who art firm in the Covenant and the Testament!
Your detailed letter dated April 30th, 1919, was received. It contained joyful
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!
O ye apostles of BAHA'O'LLAH—May my life be a ransom to you!
. . . . Similarly, the Magazine, the STAR OF THE WEST, must be edited in the utmost regularity, but its contents must be the promulgator of the Cause of God—so that both in the East and the West, they may become informed of the most important events.
STAR OF THE WEST FOUNDATION
| Northeastern States: HOOPER HARRIS. | Western States: HELEN S. GOODALL. |
| Southern States: JOSEPH H. HANNEN. | Dominion of Canada: MAY MAXWELL. |
| Central States: ALBERT VAIL, CARL SCHEFFLER. | |
| Editorial Staff: ALBERT R. WINDUST—GERTRUDE BUIKEMA—DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI | |
| Honorary Member: MIRZA AHMAD SOHRAB | |
| Vol. 10 | Elm 1, 75 (October 16, 1919) | No. 12 |
tidings that—Praise be to God!—thou hast been assisted to raise the call of the Kingdom and hast become the cause of the guidance of many a soul. In assemblies thou hast shed light like unto a candle, has eloquently spoken and hast promulgated the divine teachings. Today whosoever arises to serve the Kingdom, heavenly angels shall confirm him, spiritual forces shall be his help and support, the breaths of the Holy Spirit shall vivify his heart and all existent beings will be his assistants.
Consider how all the contingent beings have supported and served those blessed souls who have arisen in service to the Kingdom. A fisherman became the most great Peter; Mary Magdelene, only a peasant, gained a precedence of the queens of the world, for a hundred-thousand queens have come and gone and no trace and memory have they left behind, but Mary Magdelene to the present day, like unto a star, is shining from the horizon of the most Supreme Glory. This is what is meant by everlasting life, by baptism with the Holy Spirit and by being born again to which Christ refers.
Convey on behalf of Abdul-Baha, the utmost love and longing to the friends in St. Louis, in Cincinnati and in Kansas City, and to the maid-servant of God, Mrs. Jones. From the bounties of God I hope that, through spiritual power and the remedy of the Spirit of God, thou mayest acquire physical health.
As to the questions thou hast asked: Concerning Malachi, chapter 3, verses 16, 17 and 18 refer to the friends of God, and in St. Matthew, chapter 25, the object of verses 31, 32 and 33 is the Blessed Beauty. As to Micah, chapter 5, the 4th verse refers to Christ. In Zephaniah, chapter 1, verses 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18, and in Zechariah, chapter 2, verses 10, 11, 12 and 13, and in St. Luke, chapter 21, verses 20 to the end—all these refer to the century of the Blessed Beauty.
Upon thee be Baha-El-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Haifa, Palestine, June 4th, 1919.)
HARLAN FOSTER OBER
To his honor, Mr. Harlan Foster Ober, Cambridge, Massachusetts—Upon him be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou who art firm in the Covenant!
Your detailed letter was received. Praise be to God, that in the utmost energy, the friends of God have arisen to promulgate heavenly teachings and are self-sacrificing from every standpoint. Verily, this is the sign of the confirmations of the divine Kingdom which, like unto the sun, are manifest and evident. The sending of teachers to different parts is highly acceptable and praiseworthy. Act in accordance with the instructions previously sent.
Today the stirring power that exhibits itself throughout all regions is the power of the Covenant which, like unto the artery, beats and pulsates in the body of the world. He who is firmer in the Covenant is more assisted, just as ye are manifestly witnessing how firm souls are enkindled, attracted and confirmed.
Strive, therefore, day and night that ye may cause the hearts to become firm and resolute. The journey of teachers to different parts is like unto the rays of the sun which radiate from a central point to the surrounding regions and undoubtedly great illumination will be obtained.
You had inquired concerning the financial question of the Mashrekol-Azkar and the expenses of the teachers. Appropriation of the Mashrekol-Azkar fund for purposes different from those that pertain to the Temple is not permissable and conversely the teaching fund is not to be used for Mashrekol-Azkar purposes. Both should be used in their own respective spheres. If it is not done accordingly matters will be completely upset. The future should be taken into consideration and not the present. I beg God that He may confirm you always in that which is the cause of the gladness of your heart.
Concerning the STAR OF THE WEST, the organ must be so promulgated in America and Persia that at least its necessary expenses may be provided. Upon this point a letter shall be written to Persia.
Upon thee be Baha-El-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Haifa, Palestine, June 24th, 1919.)
EXECUTIVE BOARD OF BAHAI TEMPLE UNITY
To the members of the Executive Board of the Mashrekol-Azkar—Upon them be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O ye blessed souls!
Praise be to God, that ye have been confirmed with such a supreme bounty and have arisen with all your power in the service of the Kingdom, which is no other than service to the oneness of the world of humanity.
The magnet attracts unto itself the iron, while this promulgation of divine teachings attracts heavenly confirmation. Soon ye shall consider what a profound effect it shall exert and what a manifest sign it shall display.
I am greatly pleased with you, for day and night ye concentrate your time upon the commemoration of God, that ye seek the divine good-pleasure, pray for heavenly bounty and are firm in the Covenant.
Upon ye be Baha-El-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Haifa, Palestine, June 24th, 1919.)
SARAH VAN WINKLE
To the maid-servant of God, Sarah Van Winkle, Boston, Massachusetts—Upon her be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou maid-servant of God!
Thy letter was received. Thou hast written that in view of the questions of
violation thou art perturbed. There is no occasion for perturbation for the Blessed Beauty has closed all doors of error and doubt and has entered with all the friends into a Covenant and a Testament, beginning first with the Aghsans, the Afnans and the relatives. Explicitly and in a way that shuts out all interpretation, he says that "after My ascension, turn your faces toward him who has branched from the Pre-Existent Root," and then he manifestly says that by him who is branched from the Pre-Existent such a person is meant. In fine, he has appointed the Center of the Covenant as the authority and the Expounder of the Book. Now it must be either said that the Blessed Beauty has done wrong and was ignorant of the fact that this person deserved this station, or obedience should be shown. In brief, it must be either said that the Blessed Beauty was wrong or right, there is no third alternative. And furthermore, through the assistance and the bounty of the Blessed Beauty, a power and might has been displayed by the Center of the Covenant that all the contemporary great men and philosophers are amazed, and bear witness to the fact. There should be no occasion therefore for agitation. If, God forbid, a weakness and inability is exhibited, how will Bahai unity be preserved and how will the teachings of the Blessed Beauty be promulgated? Will they be promulgated through the senseless words of those who pretend to be philosophers, or through the doubts of the people of violation and lust? In brief, strive thou to remain firm in the Covenant and under the guarding protection of His Highness the Merciful.
Convey on my behalf to the maid-servant of God, Miss Wilson, the utmost kindness.
Upon thee be Baha-El-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani; Haifa, Palestine. July 18th, 1919.)
MARTHA ROOT
To the maid-servant of God, Martha Root, Cambridge Springs, Pennsylvania.—Upon her be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou who art firm in the Covenant!
Thy detailed and brief letters have all been received, and have been attentively perused. Praise be to God, they imparted glad-tidings and joyful news. Thou are indeed serving in the path of God, art with all thy energy showing love to others, art raising the call of the Kingdom and art illumining the hearts of men. Rest thou assured that the confirmations of the Kingdom shall encompass thee and thou shalt become the recipient of the bounties of the Lord of Hosts. Strive as much as possible to be ever active, travel to the north and south of that land and summon all to the oneness of the world of humanity and to universal peace, saying: "O ye men! His Holiness BAHA'O'LLAH has, fifty years ago, laid the foundation of universal peace. He even addressed epistles to the kings wherein he declared that war destroys the foundation of the world of humanity, that peace is the cause of everlasting life and that a great danger awaiteth the world of mankind. Likewise, Abdul-Baha, prior to this world war and three years before its outbreak traveled throughout Europe and America and raised his call at all gatherings, temples and churches saying: 'O ye who are present! The continent of Europe has become a huge arsenal abounding with combustible material and below which are stored inflammable materials which only a spark will set aflame and will shake the world to its very foundation. O ye who are wise! Strive perchance these inflammable materials will not be set aflame.' But the appeal was not heeded and therefore this great carnage has come to pass. At present all the peoples have realized what a great calamity war is, that war turns man
into a rapacious animal, razes to the ground flourishing cities and towns and causes the foundation of mankind to totter. As all men have been awakened and are harkening to the call, it is time for the promulgation of universal peace—a peace which has for its basis right and justice; so that mankind will not be exposed to danger. At present it is the dawn of universal peace, we hope that its sun will soon shine and flood the East and the West with its light. The establishment of universal peace is not possible save through the power of the Word of God and hence one must endeavor to promote the Word of God and thereby establish universal peace. Strive at present as much as possible to raise the call of the divine Kingdom for this call bestows the Spirit of Life. Endeavor to raise the call of the Covenant and the Testament for the power of the Covenant, like unto arteries, pulsates in the body of the world!"
Thou hast mentioned a great number of souls in thy letter. Verily each one of them deserves a separate letter, particularly some who, with all their power, are serving the Kingdom of God, have no purpose save the common weal and no aim except the exercise of the utmost love and kindness to each and all the individuals of the world of humanity. These souls, although they pertain to the nether world, yet their souls belong to the world of spirit; i. e., they have been vivified by the breath of spiritual life. Their hearts are the mirrors of the Sun of Truth wherein this sun shines with the utmost splendor. Convey on my behalf to each of those souls the utmost love and kindness and tell them that day and night I entreat and supplicate to the Kingdom of Glory with the utmost humility and lowliness and beg for those souls heavenly confirmations.
Thou hadst written, concerning the friends of Pittsburgh, that misunderstanding has been caused among them. Misunderstanding cannot be eliminated by any power save that of the Covenant. The power of the Covenant is all-inclusive and solves all difficulties, for explicitly and by the Supreme Pen it is declared that whatever misunderstanding takes place, ye must refer to the Center of the Covenant for he eliminates all difficulties. Therefore, no power will do away with misunderstanding among the friends except the Covenant and the Testament of God. Encourage and draw, therefore, all the friends to firmness in the Covenant and the Testament. His Holiness Christ said to Peter: "Thou art a rock and upon this rock I shall build my Temple." This is not written by the Supreme Pen of Christ and does not manifestly command anyone to turn his face to him and has not been revealed and recorded in the book of His Holiness Christ. It is only a tradition transmitted by the Apostles. This tradition, however, has exacted obedience from all and has eliminated all misunderstanding among the Apostles and the Christians. At present this is the Book of the Covenant and not a tradition and is revealed by the Supreme Pen and not transmitted orally. He explicitly declares that "ye must turn after Me to the Center of the Covenant and whatever misunderstanding may happen he is its Expounder, and whatever he says it is right." He made it all-exclusive and this Tablet is the last one which has been revealed by the Supreme Pen before ascension. All previous books are subordinate to this Book of the Covenant for it has been revealed subsequently to all the previous ones. He has named it the "Book of the Covenant" and, therefore, consider that if the friends remain firm in the Covenant, will there be any misunderstanding among them? No, by God! Except those souls who have an evil intention and are thinking of leadership and of forming a party; those souls, although they have written epistles with their own pen and have execrated the violators denouncing them as having destroyed the foundation of the monument
erected by His Holiness BAHA'O'LLAH and have written that he has written this Covenant with his own pen and that whoever deviated the least from the Center of the Covenant is of the people of treachery and well deserves the wrath of God—these souls are themselves at present among the pioneers of violation. This is because of their personal motives for they had thought of securing leadership and wealth, but when they considered that in remaining firm in the Covenant their purpose would not be realized, they deviated from it. Those souls must have been either at first truthful and now disloyal or at first disloyal and now truthful. At any rate their lie is manifest. Notwithstanding this, some souls who are not aware of this fact waver when those cast the seeds of suspicion. Awaken all the people and send a copy of this letter to Mr. Remey, Mrs. Goodall and Mrs. Cooper.
Upon thee be Baha-El-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Acca, Palestine; July 20th, 1919.)
AMY WILLIAMS
To the maid-servant of God, Miss Amy Williams; Cleveland, Ohio—Upon her be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou living flame of the love of God!
Thy letter was received. It was indicative of the illumination of thy heart and the spirituality of thy soul. Praise be to God, thou hast attended the Convention and hast beheld the signs of the power of God, that in such a place He hath gathered together different people under the shadow of the pavilion of the oneness of mankind. This Convention shall expand in the future and shall gain preference over all the Conventions of the world for it is a Convention of the Kingdom divine, and its basis lays upon love, kindness, the promulgation of the oneness of the world of humanity, and non-interference in political matters. Undoubtedly divine confirmations shall be extended and the assistance of the Lord shall be secured.
Upon thee be greeting and praise!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Haifa, Palestine, July 18, 1919.)
THE Hundredth Anniversary of the Birth of the Bab, October 9th, 1919, was celebrated by the Chicago Bahai Assembly by a feast, given at the Stevens Grill Room. Present were one hundred-twenty of the friends to do honor to the memory of the great Herald of the Bahai Dispensation.
Mr. Albert R. Windust, who presided, spoke briefly and effectively upon the meaning of the occasion, the spiritual significance to the world of the appearance and mission of the Bab, as the precursor of the universal Teacher of men.
Mrs. William F. Slater read nine of the Hidden Words and closed with that proclamation and prophetic utterance of BAHA'O'LLAH that thrills the heart of every Bahai the world over—words that will continue to thrill the heart to the end of all time: "We desire but the good of the world and the happiness of the nations," etc.
Mrs. Mary D. Hall read a selection from Unveiling of the Divine Plan, in which Abdul-Baha, indicates in no uncertain words the station of this day and the great work to be performed by the Bahai.
Mrs. Mary C. Byron Clarke read the address delivered by Abdul-Baha on Mt. Carmel, in 1910, at the annual celebration of the Bab's declaration in which the Covenant proclaimed that "the commemoration and celebration of this meeting shall remain and be duly observed forever throughout endless ages; it is under the merciful glances of the Blessed Beauty."
The Story of the Bab—his declaration, his teachings, his life and martyrdom, his burial—was eloquently presented by Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi, a participant in bringing the body of the great Herald of the Manifestation to Haifa in 1909, and delivering it into the safe keeping of Abdul-Baha. An impressive story, which never fails, and should be recorded with great accuracy of detail for reference by future generations.
A brief greeting by Mrs. Mary Hanford Ford and the singing of the Benediction closed the Chicago celebration of the centenary of the Bab.
O ye friends of the Blessed Beauty! Today is the day of attraction and enkindlement! This day is the day of Unity and nobility! This century is the century of the teaching of the Cause of God and summoning the people to the Kingdom of God! This Call is the Call of ecstasy and bliss! This time is the time of serving the world of humanity, and diffusing the rays of universal ideals! This age is the age of the eradication of vice, pauperism and social defects! This cycle is the cycle of awakening, progress and the promotion of the principles of Divine Civilization! This period is the period of lights! This Dispensation is the Dispensation of the appearance of the perfections of man and the manifestation of the virtues of the Lord of the Kingdom! This season is the season of a new springtime, spiritual, celestial and divine. O men! The sweet fragrances of the flowers of the pure hearts are wafted abroad; the Sun of Love is rising high above the horizon, the overflowing cups of the Wine of Significances are passed around! Drink ye thereof deeply; thus ye may become unconscious to all else save the love of the Beloved of the world!
--PHOTO--
The Bahai Assembly
of Chicago
cordially invites you to participate in the celebration of the
One Hundredth Anniversary of the Birth of
The Báb
to be held at the
Stevens Grill Room
Eighth floor Stevens Building
Thursday Evening, October the Ninth at six o'clock
Nineteen Hundred Nineteen
PAGE ONE
| READING—From the utterances of Baha'o'llah | |
| MRS. WILLIAM F. SLATER | |
| MUSIC | |
| READING—Tablet of Abdul-Baha | |
| MRS. MARY D. HALL | |
| ADDRESS—The Message | |
| MR. HOWARD C. IVES | |
| ADDRESS—The Story of the Bab | |
| His Declaration His Teachings His Life and Martyrdom His Burial | |
| DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI | |
| MUSIC | |
| READING—Address delivered by Abdul-Baha on Mt. Carmel in 1910 at the annual celebration of the Bab's declaration. | |
| MRS. MARY C. BYRON CLARKE | |
| THE BENEDICTION |
صفحه 1 - 6
بهائیان پیدا میشود جز الفت و محبّت و یگانگی و خلوص دیگر در بین نیست اگر شبانه روز شکر کنیم مطابق باندازۀ یک دقیقه از موهبت خودش که بما عطا فرموده نخواهد شد . در همین موقع فانی با یک خانم روحانی صحبت کردم که فورا این خانم محترمه یک دانه عکس کوچک جوانی حضرت عبدالبهاء را در یک گردن بند طلا گذاشته بود نشان داد و گفت این عکس سبب شد که مرا از ظلمت غفلت و نادانی نجات داد سئوال کردم آیا ممکن است مختصرا حکایت را ذکر کنید گفت که روزی در منزل یکی از خانمهای بهائی مهمان بودم وقتیکه داخل اطاق شدم چشمم روی میز افتاد و چون این عکس مبارک را دیده ام حالم به کلیّ منقلب شد مثل اینکه دیدم انوار مسیح در این وجه صبیح ظاهر و باهر بود و بی اختیار از خانم مهماندار استفسار نمودم که صاحب این عکس کیست و در کجاست و او حکایت مختصری از تاریخ و حیات و تعالیم عبدالبهاء ذکر کرد
صفحه 2 - 6
بعد به نهایت شوق دین بهائی را تحقیق کردم والحمدلله آنچه باید ببینم و بشنوم و بدانم دیدم و شنیدم و دانستم خدا را شکر می نمایم که از تقالید و نادانی رها یافتم و باین امر مفتخر شدم . باری وقت غروب شد شام مختصری صرف شد و جمیع احباب رو بشهر حرکت کردند که در مجلس عمومی که رسما اعلان شده بود حاضر شوند در این موضع احباب و اغیار جمع شدند وقتیکه رسیدیم و نشستیم یکی از خانمها دستۀ گلی بسیار بزرگی داشت که بین احباب و اغیار توزیع کرد و مجلس گلستان گشته تقریبا ساعت هشت بود که جناب مستر جاکوبسن کرسی دار افتتاح مجلس مناجاتی تلاوت کرد و باندازه نیم ساعت از تاریخ امر بهائی صحبت نمود که سبب حیرت اغیار شد بعد زینت خانم لوح عربی در نهایت تبّتل و خشوع با صوت بلند تلاوت کرد این خیلی بانظار حضّار جلوه نمود بعد جمیع برخواستند
(Continued on page 224)
صفحه 1 - 5 و مستان بهوش آیند که از این گرداب جهالت و ظلمت و بیگانگی به معرفت و روشنائی و الفت تبدیل گردد ماها در ظاهر زارع هستیم باید دهقان حقیقی شویم و تخم های پاک یعنی تعالیم حضرت بهاء الله و نصایح عبدالبهاء را در زمینهای قلوب نورانی کشت که از هر دانه میوه های شیرین ابدی به ثمر آید . باری خیلی نطق مفصّلی بود که تمام مستمعین بسیار مشعوف شدند بعد یک یک پیش آمدند دست دادند و اظهار امتنان نمودند و این مجلس خصوصی بیک مناجات بانتهی رسید موقع نهار شد میزی بسیار بزرگی در سایۀ درختها گذاشتند و چند نفر از خانم ها به چیدن اسباب خوراک خوری و غذاهای رنگارنگ بروی میز مشغول شدند تقریبا صد نفر از مؤمنین و مؤمنات باطراف میز نشستند بجهت صرف غذا لکن اطفال روی چمن جالس شدند و از برای هر یک از اینها یک ظرف خوراک معیّن کردند در نهایت روح و ریحان
صفحه 2 - 5
و شادمانی کلّ به خوردن مشغول شدند اینگونه دور هم جمع شدن نوعی طراوت و لطافت و منظر خوشی جلوه داده بود که جذب انظار هرکس شد که تمام احباب نگاه میکردند و بیکدیگر میگفتند که ملاحظه کنید که چگونه تربیت بهاء الله این اطفال را با هم متحّد کرده حتّی در حین خوردن غذا با همدیگر بطور محبّت صحبت میکردند و اگر یکی چیزی از خوراک کمش بود دیگری قدری از غذای خودش یا آنکه از آشپزخانه بجهت آن طفل می آورد و بنوع مهربانی خدمت یکدیگر میکردند در همین حین عکس گرفتند و در این شماره چاپ شده تا قارئین نجم باختر بچشم خود مشاهده نمایند که چه منظری خوشی رخ داده بود و احبّاء از بزرگ و کوچک چطور در نهایت الفت و مهربانی ایّام خودشان را بخدمت و جشن و شادمانی و بذکر اسم اعظم میگذرانند . بعد از صرف نهار دوستان دسته دسته شدند و بر روی چمنهای آن ییلاق باصفا مشی نمودند فی الحقیقه در هر جا جمعیّتی از
[Page 240]
(Continued from page 252)
4
صفحه 1 - 4
بهائیان بود اوّل باندازۀ چند دقیقه زبان گشود بمدح و ستایش حضرت بهاء الله که به چه قوّۀ معنوی که مانند مغناطیس است ادیان مختلفه و اجناس متفرّقه را متحّد و متفقّ کرد بعلاوه مولائی مثل مرکز میثاق حضرت عبدالبهاء بالای سر ما گذاشته اند که از سجن اعظمشان در زیر سلاسل و اغلال این اقوام و امم که قبلا مانند گرگ و میش بودند حال یک عائلۀ پر محبّت ساختند و جمیع را از خلق و خوی خودش مثل یک روح در اجسام متعدّد قرار دادند . بعد چند نفر از نفوس خالصۀ مخلصه از شیکاغو و شهرهای دیگر چون عادت کرده بودند هروقتی که دکتور بغدادی جایی سفر کند برای تبلیغ امرالله آنها نیز بجهت استماع میرفتند لهذا در این مجلس حاضر شدند و هر یک نطق مختصری ملیح ادا کردند زینت خانم مناجاتی به لحن شیرین و بحالت انجذاب تلاوت نمودند که جمیع حاضرین متأثرّ گشتند
صفحه 2 - 4
پس از مناجات یکی از سرود های مبارک که اوّلش میفرمایند : « کیمکه بود درکاه ده . در باله اولور کشور جاور و دله سلطانه اولور خوانده شد . نوبت بچّه ها رسید . هرکدام از کلمات مکنونه و از سائر بیانات و الواح مبارکه حتیّ مختصری از تاریخ امر بهائی حفظ کرده بود جلو آمد در نهایت خضوع و خشوع و لطافت دستهای کوچکش را روی سینۀ خود گذاشت و با صوت رقیق خواند خصوصا طفلی بود که شاید عمرش بیش از پنج سال نداشت چون شروع به تلاوت مناجات کرد جمیع حضّار بی اندازه محظوظ گشتند که هر یک این طفل را در آغوش گرفت و مانند گل معطرّ بوئید و بوسید . پس از این دکتور بغدادی خطابه ئی از اهمیّت اتحّاد و اتّفاق احبّاء القا نمود که امروز وظیفۀ همه اینست که باید بیش از پیش بخدمت امر مقدّس قیام کنیم و سعی و کوشش به نشر تعالیم الهیّه نمائیم شاید خفتگان بیدار شوند .
