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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. 13 |
| PAGE | |||||||||||
Illustrations—Ruins of the Fortress of Nur. Group of Bahais assembled on Mt. Carmel | |||||||||||
"You will find Bahai Centers in most parts of the World" | |||||||||||
| Talk by ABDUL-BAHA at San Francisco, October 5, 1912. | |||||||||||
Recent Tablets from ABDUL-BAHA to American Bahais | |||||||||||
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A Day in Kenosha | |||||||||||
Persian Section | |||||||||||
--PERSIAN TEXT--
Mazandaran, Ruines de la forteresse Nouri.
--PHOTO--
RUINS OF THE FORTRESS OF NUR
The city of Nur, Persia, was the birthplace of BAHA'O'LLAH. He was born November 12, 1817.
(Photograph sent by Dr. Susan I. Moody, Teheran.)
--PHOTO--
GROUP OF BAHAIS ASSEMBLED ON MT. CARMEL
During the summer of 1919.
(Photograph sent by Shoghi Rabbani.)
"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 | Kudrat 1, 75 (November 4, 1919) | No. 13 |
"You will find Bahai Centers in most parts of the World"
Talk by ABDUL-BAHA in Assembly Rooms, San Francisco, California,
October 5, 1912.I HAVE the utmost joy to find in the distant West such an established Bahai center, where the friends of God have assembled associating with each other in the utmost love. This affords me great joy and I ask God that this revered assemblage may be made the cause of illumining the East and the West. This is my wish, and with the utmost of happiness I am grateful on account of the susceptibilities of your conscience.
Today the people in general are self-occupied. They are engaged either in warfare, or in commercial, political, industrial, or agricultural pursuits. Their interests are of a personal nature; they are thinking of self-aggrandizement, having no desire, no purpose save the acquisition of worldly possessions.
The assemblage in the world which today is thoughtful of God, the assemblage which is occupied with the thought of illumining the world of humanity, the assemblage which is occupied with the mentioning of the Kingdom of God, the assemblage which has as its chief motive the good pleasure of the Lord of Hosts, is verily the assemblage of Bahais, for they have no intention, aim, or purpose save the attainment of the good-pleasure of God, and entrance into the Kingdom of God, and of being the promulgators of the religion of God. They are the spreaders of the fragrances of God. These are the desires of the assemblage of the Bahais.
All the sects of the world are on the wane except the Bahai assemblages which day by day are achieving ideal progress, for they are confirmed by God's assistance.
I hope that many such assemblages may be founded in America, and that from all the centers of the world people may come to the Bahai assemblages and there manifest the oneness of the world of humanity.
The people in general are all asleep; they are all inadvertent; they are all slumbering, because their thoughts are confined to materialism; they are not at all thoughtful of God's thoughts except you, who are thinking of God. Verily, you are the spirit of the world! You are the cause of the light of the world! You are the salt of the earth!
Do not look at your limited numbers now. Ere long you will see that the divine Radiance has flooded all regions. The believers in the various sects are decreasing in numbers, whereas the people of God are constantly increasing, progressing, developing, day by day growing stronger and greater, day by day becoming more effective.
Consider how the assembly of His Holiness Christ was limited to eleven souls, but that assemblage has given birth to innumerable assemblies! How many denominations are sheltered beneath it! Its efficacy is evident, and it has become the dominant factor of all the civilized world.
Now, praise be to God, your assembly is a great one; you are about two hundred in number; judge thereby of the future.
The Bahais are not in one place only, but you will find Bahai centers in most parts of the world, and they are daily increasing and spreading. You must rest assured, knowing for a certainty that the confirmations of the Kingdom are yours, that the favors of BAHA'O'LLAH are with you, that the power heavenly is with you, that the assistance of God is with you. If all the inhabitants of the earth should gather they will fail to withstand you, for they are on the wane, whereas you are waxing stronger. They are retrogressing; you are progressing.
When they exiled us from Persia, from Teheran to Baghdad, the journey was made in thirty stages and in these thirty stages we did not find one Bahai. Now in every one of these places there are great numbers of Bahai friends.
Notwithstanding that the ruler of Persia and the Sultan of Turkey opposed the Cause so violently—exercising tyranny and oppression thinking to extinguish the Lamp of God—yet this Lamp day by day grew in radiance, its power increased and its illumination became greater, until it reached such a degree that now its lights are spread throughout the world—even as far as San Francisco, which is very far from Persia. See what this will mean in the future!
At the time His Holiness Jesus Christ was crucified, there were eleven disciples and even they were doubting—Peter heading them—until Mary the Magdalene, that lioness of God, strengthened them and was the cause of confirming them. Then consider how great were the results!
And now, His Holiness BAHA'O'LLAH, when He ascended, had half a million souls who were self-sacrificing and all were perfectly firm and staunch! Consider what a marvelous potency this will exercise.
Rest assured in the favor of God, and know that God is your Assister. So with great power, with great confidence, strive that the lights of God may be spread and in this country from East to West the light may be shining.
Be confident! Have no doubt about it! This banner of BAHA'O'LLAH will be unfurled, waving toward all regions! The lights of the Kingdom of God will illumine all these climes, and the call of God will reach the hearing of all the American Republic!
Hence, you must in the utmost of love, in the utmost of sanctity strive night and day that you may be the cause of spreading the light. If we are not the instruments in spreading this Cause, others will be chosen. Then let us strive so that this crown may be placed upon our heads—that we may be the promulgators of the light, that we may be the resuscitators of souls, that we may be sight-givers to the blind, that we may be the remedies to the sick, that we may guide the people. Otherwise, God will raise up a people who will hoist the standard of God, who will ignite the Lamp of God, who will conquer the cities of the hearts, who will show forth the potency of the Word of God.
But for us the desire is that we may be the instruments and thus we may be crowned. Otherwise, God is able to create instruments whereby His Word shall be published broadcast. If this does not happen today, and if not on the morrow, then on the day after tomorrow. But the desire is that today the Word may be spread, that our activity shall be beneath this banner and standard, that we shall be the cause of giving forth the summons of God, that we may invite the souls to the Kingdom, that we may be their guides.
Thus, this will be the cause of illumining faces and will win the praise of all the Manifestations of God. This is our
hope. This is the utmost of our desires, and I ask God that He may aid you all, that He may aid me, that together we may be occupied in the service of the Kingdom of God.
This is a very blessed gathering. It is a source of great joy. It is a source of great potency in the world. This very gathering has its effects. The assemblage here and the fellowship exercised are a magnet attracting the confirmations of God. Even now the confirmations of God are surrounding such a gathering as this. Ere long you will see its signs and your joy will reach the superlative degree.
MOTHER BEECHER
To the maid-servant of God, Mother Beecher, care of his honor, Mr. Roy Wilhelm, New York City, N. Y.—Upon her be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou green leaf of the Tree of Life!
Thy letter was received and from its contents it became known that in the past summer, in Green Acre, a remarkable Bahai movement took place, blessed souls gathered in that place such as Mr. Remey, Richard Mayer, Harry Randall, Howard Ives, Albert Vail, Harlan Ober, Saffa Kinney and Stanwood Cobb. These souls indeed are firm in the Covenant, are the heralds of the Kingdom of God, promulgating the divine teachings, are self-sacrificing in the path of the Kingdom, are ignited candles and twinkling stars. At present this is not known; in the future it shall be made evident.
The Pharisees, during the time of Christ, did not consider the Apostles as worth addressing and took them as the lowest of people, although they were the stars of guidance and the lamps of the Supreme Concourse. But at present consider what has happened!
I hope that this year in Green Acre the candles of supreme guidance will be better enkindled, the melody of the nightingales of Truth may reach the supreme heights and attain the ears of the denizens of the Abha Kingdom, and this shall be to such an extent that all people may be amazed. This shall be attained if the friends of God will in the utmost union, love and harmony associate with one another, strive day and night to relieve one another's burden, promulgate the divine teachings and raise so high the call of the oneness of mankind and the melody of universal peace that the world of humanity may be stirred.
As to his highness, President Wilson, the fourteen principles which he has enunciated, are mostly found in the teachings of His Holiness BAHA'O'LLAH and I therefore hope that he will be confirmed and assisted. At present it is the dawn of universal peace; my hope is that its morn will fully break, converting the gloom of war, of strife and of wrangling among men into the light of union, of harmony and of affection.
Convey on my behalf to Mrs. Champney the utmost love and kindness. From the bounties of God, I hope that she may become utterly attracted to the Kingdom and become wholly spiritual. Convey my love and kindness to Mrs. Watt. I beg for her from God assistance and bounty. Convey to thy grand-daughter, Dorothy Beecher, the utmost kindness on my behalf and extend to Mr. Hilgert my warm and heartfelt sentiments; I am greatly pleased with him.
Upon thee be Baha-El-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA-ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Bahjeh, Acre, Palestine, July 23rd, 1919.)
MARY MORRISON
To the maid-servant of God, Mary Morrison—Upon her be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou dear maid-servant of God!
When I was in Denver I enjoyed greatly the climate, the beauty and the views of that city; and, therefore, I wished that therein the light of the love of God might spread, and hearts might be stirred by lordly sentiments, and the pavilion of the oneness of mankind might be pitched in that city. I, therefore, encouraged those friends who resided there, and urged them to acquire the perfections of the world of humanity.
At present, praise be to God, the signs of the attraction of hearts by the divine fragrances are manifest. I rest assured, therefore, that the perfections of mankind may be made resplendent in that city, and human souls may become heavenly angels, may acquire the characteristics of the Merciful; and that thou mayest become the sign of guidance and the cause of the illumination of the hearts of friends.
Upon thee be greetings and praise!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Bahjeh, Acca, Palestine, July 22, 1919.)
CORINNE TRUE
To the maid-servant of God, Mrs. True, Chicago, Illinois—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 expressed satisfaction with the Convention, that this gathering has been the means of the elevation of the Cause of God and the demonstration of the power of His Word. The greatness of the Cause will clear away these differences and may be compared to health in the body of man, which when established cures all diseases and weakness. Our hope is that no trace of opposition may remain, but some of the friends in America are restless in their fresh ambitions and strive and seek under the ground and in the air to discover anything that breeds dissension.
Praise be to God, all these doors are closed in the Cause of BAHA'O'LLAH for a special authoritative Center has been appointed—a Center that solves all difficulties and clears up every problem. The Central House of Justice, likewise, disentangles every complication and whatever it prescribes must be accepted and he who transgresses is rejected; but this Universal House of Justice, which plays the role of an expounder, has not yet been instituted. Thus it is seen that no means for dissension has been left, but carnal desires are the cause of difference as it is the case with the violators. These do not doubt the validity of the Covenant, but selfish motives have dragged them to this condition. It is not that they ignore what they do—they are perfectly aware and still they exhibit opposition.
In short, the ocean of the Covenant is tumultuous and wide. It casts ashore the foam of violation and thus rest ye assured. Be engaged in the furtherance of the Mashrekol-Azkar and prepare the means for the diffusion of the divine fragrances. Be not engaged in anything but this, for it would dissipate the mind and the work would not advance.
Convey on my behalf the utmost kindness to thy respected daughters.
Upon thee and upon them be Baha-El-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Bahjeh, Acca, Palestine, July 24, 1919.)
AGNES ALEXANDER
To the maid-servant of God, Miss Agnes Alexander, care of his honor, Mr. Joseph Hannen, Washington, D. C.—Upon her be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou daughter of the Kingdom!
Thy letters were received. The journey
to Japan was in the utmost necessity. Thou hast undoubtedly met the attracted maid-servant of God, Mrs. Maxwell, before sailing to Japan, for that maid-servant of God is ablaze with the fire of the love of God. Whosoever meets her feels from her association the susceptibilities of the Kingdom. Her company uplifts and develops the soul.
Thou didst well to travel to Japan, for the seed thou hast sown needs watering. Capable souls are found in Japan. The breath of the Merciful is necessary to stir and enliven them and to bestow a spiritual liveliness. A blind soul is there who is in the utmost enkindlement, and likewise a priest lives there who is endowed with great capacity. I hope that thou wilt find the doors flung open and become the cause of the guidance of souls.
Convey on my behalf the utmost love and kindness to the maid-servants of God, Elizabeth Stevens and Maud Gaudreaux. Through the bounties and blessings of God, I supplicate that Mr. Weirs may become attracted to the divine Kingdom and may be so enkindled with the love of God that he may illumine the surrounding regions.
By the death of Richard Potter we were made infinitely sad, but that nightingale of the Kingdom has flown to the rose-garden of the Kingdom, and that drop returned to the limitless ocean. That wanderer has ascended to his original abode. On his behalf I supplicate from the Threshold of Oneness pardon and forgiveness.
Convey on my behalf to the maid-servants of God, Miss Ragina Sunshine, Mrs. Louise Smith and Louise Bosch the wonderful Abha greeting. I have entreated and supplicated to the Abha Kingdom and have begged for those maid-servants of the Merciful unbounded blessings, that each may unloosen an eloquent tongue and engage in the commemoration of the Beloved of the world.
Convey to the friends of Geyserville the intensity of my love and my spiritual attachment. At dawn I entreat at the Threshold of the All-Knowing God and beg for them the exaltation of the Kingdom.
Remain for some days in Honolulu and then immediately hasten to Japan.
Upon thee be Baha-El-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Haifa, Palestine, July 30, 1919.)
BAHAIS OF THE CENTRAL STATES
The friends of God and the maid-servants of the Merciful in the Central States of the United States of America, care of Mr. Carl Scheffler, Chicago, Illinois—Upon them be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O ye faithful friends and maid-servants of the Merciful!
Verily, ye are self-sacrificing in the path of the Kingdom and have no wish save the diffusion of Light throughout all regions. Ye are the real gardeners, are sowing the seeds of guidance in the soil of hearts and assuredly ye shall be confirmed and assisted. The expert gardener ever reaps rich and plentiful crops, obtains a pure and fertile soil, sows the seed, waters it and always secures heavenly blessings. Praise be to God, ye are expert gardeners, your soil is the heart, wherein ye sow the seed of the love of God, and water it from the fountain of knowledge. Ye depend upon the Sun of Truth that its light and heat may develop that blessed plantation, that the breeze of His bounty may waft and the dew of His blessing may fall, thus securing for it luxuriance, freshness and prolific results. The earthly gardener obtains but one fruitage while the heavenly One with one casting of the seed secures an everlasting result.
From the bounties of God, I supplicate that this Second Convention (for
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 | Kudrat 1, 75 (November 4, 1919) | No. 13 |
Teaching) held in the Central States may exert a great influence, may be assisted by the confirmations and bounties of the Supreme Concourse, and may give forth remarkable results.
Upon ye be Baha-El-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Haifa, Palestine, July 29, 1919.)
GERTRUDE BUIKEMA
To the maid-servant of God, Miss Gertrude Buikema, Chicago, Illinois—Upon her be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou dear maid-servant of God!
Thy letter was received. From its contents it became known that thy eager wish is to serve the STAR OF THE WEST. This wish is due to the exaltation of thy nature and is highly praiseworthy, and in the divine Kingdom is accepted and praised. Verily, Mr. Windust has so far exerted a great effort for the arrangement of the STAR OF THE WEST and I am greatly pleased with him.
At present both of you must, as ye have been doing in the past, endeavor for the arrangement and the publication of the STAR OF THE WEST. However, the means of subsistence are necessary for both of you and ye cannot concentrate your time in this matter. Serve, therefore, as much as it is possible, the STAR OF THE WEST, and in order to secure the means of livelihood, do not abandon your own occupations. When the STAR OF THE WEST will be so widely published as to insure your necessary expenses, then if we abandon your occupation and concentrate upon the STAR, it will be preferable. But at present ye are forced to engage in your occupation that the means of livelihood may be secured.
As I have no time, I have written thee in brief. Whatever question comes up, submit it to the Editorial Staff Committee for discussion and consideration and then hold to what ye deem advisable and suitable.
Convey, on my behalf, the utmost love and kindness to his honor Dr. Zia Bagdadi and his honor Mr. Windust.
The seven bound volumes of the STAR OF THE WEST have been received and your labor is indeed worthy of praise.
Upon thee be Baha-El-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani; Haifa, Palestine, July 29, 1919.)
ALBERT R. WINDUST
To his honor Mr. Albert R. Windust, Chicago, Illinois—Upon him be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou servant of His Holiness BAHA'O'LLAH!
The letters thou hadst written on October 1st and November 23rd, 1918, were received. Their contents indicated thy joy at the victory secured by the just government, the safety of Abdul-Baha and the good tidings of thy health and safety of thy honorable wife and thy three respected daughters.
Thou hadst written that all throughout the days of severed communication ye were engaged in service, were printing and publishing books, while the STAR OF THE WEST was also published and regularly circulated. Verily, ye have labored hard and have not fallen short of your duty.
Indeed, the respected maid-servant of God, Miss Mary Lesch, has been directing affairs with the utmost loyalty, faithfulness, good wishes and endeavor.
Name the book* which Mr. MacNutt is compiling, "The Promulgation of Universal Peace." As to its introduction, it should be written by Mr. MacNutt himself when in heart he is turning toward the Abha Kingdom, so that he may leave a permanent trace behind
* The Addresses of Abdul-Baha delivered in America in 1912.
him. Send a copy of it to the Holy Land.
The STAR OF THE WEST must, at present, be Written both in English and Persian. Miss Gertrude Buikema is indeed serving the STAR. We hope that with his honor Dr. Zia Bagdadi—Upon him be the Baha-El-Abha!—ye may be both assisted in remarkable services. Your efforts are evident and well known in the sight of Abdul-Baha. I pray God that, under all conditions, ye may be assisted and confirmed. As to the editorship of the STAR OF THE WEsT, whatever ye deem advisable is accepted by Abdul-Baha.
Upon thee be Baha-El-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Bahjeh, Acca, Palestine, July 20th, 1919.)
DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI
To his honor, Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi, Chicago, Illinois.—Upon him be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou merciful youth who art the son of that glorious man!
Verily, thy letters have been received. They indicate thy great love to God, thy attraction to His fragrance, thy attachment to His Kingdom, the establishment of a meeting for the singing of the verses of God, the reading of the Holy Books, the study of the Tablets by the youths of that city, who have sincerely turned their faces to God and became enkindled with the fire of the love of God, abandoned all the conditions that prevent the acquiring of the merciful virtues and the good illumined morals, so that they may love one another and become united in the promulgation of the fragrances of God. The love of God kept them busy from ought else. This establishment is a blessed establishment. I ask God to make this meeting sanctified and holy above the human temperaments, illumined and
adorned with the outpourings of severance to the Lord of mankind, so that they may become as one bouquet, spiritually and physically in the service of the Cause of God.
As to the matter of the Mashrekol-Azkar, it is of the most important affairs. Relaxation therein is not permissible. Verily, I shall write to the Easts of the earth and to its Wests and urge them to assist the Mashrekol-Azkar. Concentrate thou thy thought in the service of the Mashrekol-Azkar under all conditions so that thou mayest obtain confirmations and assistance under all conditions and circumstances. . . . .
As to the translation of the Surat-el-Hykl, at present we do not find a translator who can give it its merit. God willing, in the future a committee shall be organized whose members are experts in Arabic, Persian and English. By that perfect committee, the Surat-el-Hykl will be translated, but one person cannot arise and give the translation that it deserves. God willing, this committee will be organized and thou shalt be an important member thereof.
Convey thou on my behalf the utmost mercy and tenderness to Bessie Digget, her mother and her sister. Convey my abundant greeting to Mr. Anderson and his wife. Verily, I ask God to make them manifestations of His merciful bounties. Convey my hearty sympathy to Julia Jordan, Emma Marky Appel, and Walter Bohanan. Verily, I pray God to make them the signs of guidance among the people and the banners of the Supreme Concourse. Convey my greeting and tenderness to Mr. and Mrs. Alfred Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. August Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. Peter Nelson, Mr. and Mrs. Henry Bennings, Mr. and Mrs. Schend, Mrs. Hertel, Mr. and Mrs. Yeager, Mr. and Mrs. Lindstrom, Mrs. Redeen, Mrs. Tressa Jacobsen, Mr. William Redeen, Mr. George Steppy. Verily, I pray God to guide them in their affairs, to make them attracted to the Kingdom of Abha, sanctified above self and desire, seeking nothing for themselves save severance to God, delivered from the selfish suggestions in the Cause of their Lord, the Precious, the Exalted! For, verily, to God is the praise. They are lamps with the fire of the love of God, majestic trees in the rose-gardens of the knowledge of God.
Upon thee be greeting and praise!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Dated July 24th, 1919, Haifa, Syria.)
Contributions collected for the teaching fund must be used for teaching. Likewise contributions collected for the Mashrekol-Azkar must be used for the Mashrekol-Azkar. These two must not be mixed.
Convey thou on my behalf the fatherly greeting to Katherine Ferguson and say: "I ask God to confirm and guide your brother and sister of whom you have written in your letter. Convey thou the utmost respect to Mr. Chapman. Appreciate thou him for he became the cause of thy everlasting life and thou hast become of the people of the Kingdom. This is thy real father."
Upon thee be El-Baha-el-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
P. S.—The maid-servant of God, Zeenat, is permitted to come. Be very kind to Hasheim Zadeh and give him the Message and Bahai literature.
(Dated at Haifa, September 20th, 1919.)
ELLA QUANT
To the maid-servant of God, Ella Quant, New York City, N. Y.—Upon her be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou daughter of the Kingdom!
Thy letter was received. It was indicative of thy attendance at the Convention where thou hast witnessed the
lights of the divine teachings resplendent and hast seen the souls vivified by the spirit of everlasting life. As thou wert endowed with the power of insight, thou hast in this manner discovered Truth. Whoever is firm in the Covenant and the Testament is today endowed with a seeing eye, and a responsive ear and daily advances in the divine realm until he becomes a heavenly angel.
Convey on my behalf to the two respected souls, Margaret LaGrange and Grace Vosburgh, heartfelt sentiments. I pray God that they may become the recipients of bounty and the manifestations of limitless favors.
Upon thee be Baha-El-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Bahjeh, Acca, Palestine, July 20, 1919.)
SUNDAY morning, August 24th, many of the friends from Racine, Chicago and Kenosha, assembled at the country home of Mr. and Mrs. Bohanan near the city of Kenosha. The gentle summer breeze, the spirituality of the friends, and the quietness of the place, made the day ideal. At noon a feast was served on the lawn under the trees. During the afternoon there was a beautiful, spiritual meeting.
Mr. Bohanan, secretary of the Kenosha Assembly, opened the meeting. He spoke of the invincible power of BAHA'O'LLAH and Abdul-Baha, and the change that has come to the hearts of men. Hate, prejudice, and ignorance are giving place to love, unity, and harmony. Short talks were also given by A. P. Chapman, N. Peterson, and others. Zeenat Khanum chanted a beautiful prayer, and Dr. Bagdadi and Mirza Mahmoud Khan sang one of Abdul-Baha's favorite Persian poems. Then the children gave selections from Hidden Words and prayers which they had learned in the Sunday School. The first child's prayer was beautifully recited by little Roy Anderson of Kenosha. Dr. Bagdadi spoke of the importance of unity and harmony. In this day all must promulgate the divine teachings that the world may be freed from the darkness of ignorance, enmity, and discord. The teachings of BAHA'O'LLAH and Abdul-Baha are the seeds that bring forth everlasting fruits. The meeting closed with a short prayer.
In the evening a public meeting was held in a hall in Kenosha. Many friends and strangers were present. Mr. Jacobsen of Kenosha was chairman and gave the Bahai history to the visiting friends. Dr. Bagdadi of Chicago was the speaker for the evening. He gave an excellent address that was much enjoyed by all. In his address the human body was compared with the body of the world. The normal health of the body depends upon the maintenance of the right proportion of the elements that compose the body. If certain elements are added or decreased abnormally, health becomes impaired and death may result. The divine Manifestations are the only spiritual physicians of the human world, and BAHA'O'LLAH and Abdul-Baha are the real physicians of this cycle. BAHA'O'LLAH found that the chronic ailments of the human family had been caused by the increase of such elements as selfishness; religious, racial, patriotic, and political prejudices; old imitations, misunderstandings; immorality; war preparations for conquest; ignorance; envy, etc. Therefore, He revealed teachings and laws in order to eliminate these deadly elements. The singing of the Benediction was a fitting close for the day that we shall ever recall with many happy memories.
Molly D. Butts.
صفحه 1 - 3
حضرت بهاء الله ادا نماید و همچنین اهالی آن شهر را رسما وعده خواسته بودند که در مجلس نطق حاضر شوند . شهر کنوشا در هفده فرسنگی شمال شیکاغو و در ایالت ویسکانسن است و جمعیّت این شهر دارای پنجاه هزار نفر است و اهالی از حسن خلق و روش بهائیان نهایت رضایت را دارند . ساعت ده و نیم وارد شدیم بمحض ورود جمعی از دوستان در محوّطۀ راه آهن منتظر بودند و از آنجا با اتومبیل چاکران را به یک ییلاق بردند که تقریبا یک فرسنگ خارج از شهر بود در نزل مستر بوهانن منشی محفل روحانی کنوشا در آن محلّ جمعی از رجال و نساء نورانی منتظر آمدن فانیان بودند و در موقع رسیدن هنگامه غریبی رخ داده هر یک از بلبلان
صفحه 2 - 3
ملکوت در نهایت وجد و سرور خنده کنان پیش آمد خانمها دست دادند و مردها مصافحه نمودند و جمعی از اطفال در دور هرکدام از فانیان حلقه زدند و به صدای شیرین الله ابهی میگفتند و خودشان را در آغوش هر یک از ماها می انداختند از شادی و خوشحالی بعضی بحالت گریه افتادند این همه از شعلۀ نار محبّت الله بود که به چگونه یاران شرق و غرب را در آغوش یکدیگر مانند دو دلبر رحمانی می آورد . بعد از این خوش آمد و احترام در جلو منزل که یک چمن طبیعی سبز شده بود بزیر سایۀ درختها کرسی های متعدّد گذاشتند و جمیع جالس شدند در ابتدای مجلس مسیس کودیل لوح غرّائی تلاوت نمود بعد جناب میهماندار نظامنامه ئی ترتیب داد بجهت این مجلس خصوصی که فقط از برای
(Continued on page 240)
صفحه 1 - 2
و ترک تقالید عتیقه است و وحدت عالم انسانی است . الفت و محبّت دینی است . یعنی دین باید سبب الفت و اتحّاد باشد . تطبیق دین و علم و عقل است ترک تعصّب دینی و تعصّب جنسی و ملیّ و تعصّب خاکی . و تعصّب سیاسی است . وحدت لسان یعنی تعیین لسان عمومی است . تا هر نفسی دو لسان بداند یکی لسان وطنی و دیگری لسان عمومی . مسئله اقتصاد است . مسئله تساوی حقوق رجال و نساء است . مسئله حقّ و عدل است . مسئله حریّت ملکوتی است و امثال آن بسیار است . حال الحمدلله بهمّت حضرت رئیس مسئله صلح عمومی و حقّ و عدل به میان آمده است از الطاف حقّ امیدوارم که نفوذ کلمة الله صلح عمومی در کمال شکوه تمام شو د و آنجناب مظهر
صفحه 2 2
تأییدات ملکوتی از هر جهت گردید . عبدالبهاء عبّاس
ضیافت بهائیان کنوشا
صبح روز یکشنبه 24 ماه اگست سنه 1919 ساعت 9 فرنگی دکتور ضیاء بغدادی و عائله شان و یک خانم امریکائی میس مالی بطس رئیسۀ مدرسۀ بنات با این عبد از شیکاغو به شهر کنوشا حرکت کردیم بر حسب خواهش بهائیان آن شهر که رسما در چند روز قبل در روزنامه ها اعلان کرده بودند که دکتور بغدادی روز یکشنبه دعوت شده است که در مجلس عمومی نطقی در خصوص ظهور و تعالیم موعود جمیع انبیا و اولیا و مشتهای کل من فی العالم رئیس السلم حضرت
PAGE 1, VOL. 10
TERMS: $2.50 PER YEAR.
ADDRESS: Bahai News Service, Box. 283, Chicago, ILL, U.S.A.:
شمارۀ 3 ماه عزّت سنه 75
صفحه اوّل جلد 10 . شماره دهم . سپتمبر 8 سنه 1919 ماه ذی الحجّه سنه 1337
صفحه 1 - 1
لوح مبارک بافتخار حاکم نیویورک سابق نازل شده : نیویورک : جناب ویلیم سولزر علیه التحیّة و الثناء . هوالله
ای خیرخواه عالم انسانی نامۀ فصیح و بلیغ شما رسید و بکمال سرور قرائت گردید و همچنین مقاله ئی که در خصوص جمعیّت امم مرقوم نموده بودی کلّ ملاحظه گردید و امیدوارم
صفحه 2 - 1
که اعضای جمعیّت امم علی الخصوص حضرت رئیس خیرخواه عالم انسانی موفقّ بر آن شوند که بموجب تعالیم الهیّه حضرت بهاء الله محکمۀ کبری اعضا از جمیع ملل و دول عالم تشکیل نمایند . این محکمۀ کبری حامی و کافل صلح عمومی خواهد شد . حال اوّل طلوع صبح صلح عمومی است امید چنان است که آفتاب صلح عمومی اشراق کند به شکوهی که ظلمات جنگ و نام و ننگ بکلیّ متلاشی شود مسئله صلح عمومی یک مسئله از تعالیم حضرت بهاء الله است متمّمات دارد . تحرّی حقیقت
--PHOTO--
THIS IS FROM THE FAVOR OF GOD UPON THE FRIENDS OF BAHA'O'LLAH AND ABDUL-BAHA IN KENOSHA, WIS. - 9
(AUGUST 24th, 1919)
--PERSIAN TEXT--
نجم باختر . جلد 10 . شماره 10
نجم باختر 1329
شیکاغو . امریکا
فهرست مندرجات :
1 . عکس بهائیان کنوشا
2 . لوح مبارک برای مستر سولزر
3 . ضیافت بهائیان کنوشا
4 . اخبار شرق
5 . اخبار غزب
