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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.
Entered as second-class matter April 9, 1911, at the postoffice 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."
Vol. 10 CONTENTS No. 7
| PAGE | |
Views on Mashrekol-Azkar grounds, May 23rd, 1919 | |
The Heart—Lesson by MIRZA ABUL FAZL | |
The Mysterious Forces of Civilization Address by ALBERT R. WINDUST. | |
The Universal House of Worship Address by MRS. CORINNE TRUE. | |
Unveiling of the Divine Plan for the Central States Tablet by ABDUL-BAHA; talk by AHMAD SOHRAB. | |
Editorials By the Editors and MOTHER BEECHER. | |
Tablet to Bahais of Persia regarding the STAR OF THE WEST | |
The Central States Second Teaching Convention By ALBERT VAIL. | |
Eighth Annual Feast of Commemoration By MARTHA L. ROOT. | |
Proposed World Tour of Abdul-Baha Letter and Tablet. | |
News from India—Letters | |
How the Door of Communication Was Opened Letter and Tablet. | |
| Tablets Recently Revealed by ABDUL-BAHA: For Alfred E. Lunt, Edna True, Ella and Ellah A. Rice-Wray, C. Mason Remey. |
--PHOTO--
Some of the delegates and friends attending Central States Teaching Convention assembled at the heart of the Mashrekol-Azkar grounds, Wilmette, Illinois, May 23rd, 1919.
--PHOTO--
Sunset on the Mashrekol-Azkar grounds, May 23rd. 1919. Looking toward Refectory on lake shore where Feast of Naurooz was being prepared.
Photographs by ALICE WILLIAMS, of Detroit, Mich.
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 Kalamat 1, 75 (July 13, 1919) No. 7
The Heart
Lesson by MIRZA ABUL FAZL given to Mrs. Corinne True, summer of 1904. Interpreted by M. Eshte'al Kalanter. Read at the Second Bahai Teaching Convention of the Central States, May 23rd-25th, 1919.
THE likeness of the world is like the body of man; the likeness of God is like the spirit in the body. As the spirit pervades and controls the whole body, so likewise God pervades and controls the whole universe. As none of the limbs on the body of man are in communication with the spirit in the body of man and not one of the five senses can ever feel the spirit, therefore, God has created the heart in man to be the central ruler and has endowed it with two phases, spiritual and material. Through its spiritual phase the heart absorbs the commandments of the spirit, and then through its material phase it transmits them to all parts of the body through the agency of the organs, veins, arteries, muscles, etc.
Likewise all the different particles of the universe are beyond having any communication with God, but God, the Supreme Ruler, chooses one man from among the world and makes him to be the heart to the body of the universe and calls him the Word of God. This man or center is Moses, Jesus, BAHA'O'LLAH—according to the different cycles or ages—and is endowed with two phases, spiritual and material. Through his spiritual faculty he receives the teachings and bounties of the Almighty God and then imparts them to the world through material means in which he shares with other men. This Center is, according to the spirit, the recipient of the divine names and attributes, while in regard to his material side he is no other than a man and shares their material requirements such as eating, sleeping, etc., and it is for this reason that you Christians always testify to the fact that Jesus Christ was both a perfect God and a perfect man. Your testimony of Christ being a perfect God proves his being the manifestation of divine power, glory, grandeur and might, and your testimony to his being a perfect man proves that he should be perfectly endowed with material requirements such as eating, sleeping, etc., inasmuch as if any of such requirements are not perfect in him, it would be as a flaw in his perfection.
It is not possible for the body of man to be established without its being fortified by the heart, so likewise the body of the universe can never continue in a perfect establishment unless it is enlightened by the Word of God. The likeness of the Word of God in the body of the universe is like the heart in the body of man. Therefore this primal Word is always in the universe, but the difference is that sometimes it manifests itself to the people while at some other time it is concealed and people are veiled from its presence. For instance, Moses was the Word of God and in manifestation, and Joshua was also
the Word in concealment. But had Joshua manifested himself in this name he would have to bring new laws and ordinances. All the Israelitish prophets have been the manifestation of the Word of God in concealment. Jeremiah 1:10: "See, I have this day set thee over the nations and over the kingdoms, to root out and to pull down and to destroy and to throw down, to build and to plant," proves that these prophets were the Word. In that day God appointed Jeremiah to do those things and gave him the power, and those who denied Jeremiah denied God himself. The same was said to Peter, and had men denied Peter, they would in reality have denied Jesus.
Likewise BAHA'O'LLAH appointed Abdul-Baha to be the Center of his Covenant and endowed him with great power, and those who deny him in this day have denied God and His Cause.
In every age and dispensation the distinction between a believer and a denier would become manifest by his belief in or denying the appointed successor of the Word of God. For instance, if among the followers of Moses one denied David, Jeremiah, et. al., this would be a proof of his lack of faith in Moses.
As it is proved that not one part of the body can ever move unless the heart is cognizant thereof, so likewise no one of the people of the world can do anything anywhere unless the Manifestation of God, the Word, is cognizant of it.
The Mysterious Forces of Civilization
Address by ALBERT R. WINDUST, delivered at the Third Session of the Bahai Congress at Hotel McAlpin, New York City, Sunday evening, April 27th, 1919. Stenographically reported.
WHEN we look out upon this phenomenal existence of which we are a part, we find distinctive planes which the mind of man has classified and named: The mineral kingdom, the vegetable kingdom, the animal kingdom, the human kingdom.
If we investigate any one of these planes we find a great force or urge for unity dominating each group or species. For instance: In the mineral kingdom, the atoms of a lump of iron are held together by a force which unites them. In the vegetable kingdom the same force is manifest in the grouping of the various kinds of vegetation—the grasses assembling so thickly upon the meadow that it has the appearance of a carpet, and the trees of like kind making a grove or forest. In the animal kingdom it is the same—the flocks of birds and herds of cattle manifest this force or urge. So also on the human plane. Everywhere we behold this uniting force:
"Like seeks like and has affinity with its own kind."
On the human plane this force manifests in all degrees and we speak of some of them familiarly as: Fellowship, the family, the tribe, the city, the state, the nation, the empire—such as the Egyptian, the Assyrian, the Medo-Persian, the Grecian, the Roman.
This uniting force or urge is natural to all the kingdoms mentioned and the combinations produced by it on the human plane are, therefore, natural.
But this force is not the mysterious force of civilization referred to in the subject assigned to me this evening. Rather we are to consider a force above the natural. It is often termed mysterious because not generally recognized and understood.
In brief: Natural civilizations are racial, political, philosophical, commercial, etc.
Furthermore, when we examine carefully the individuals constituting a
group or species in any of the kingdoms, we find no two alike. Among all the grains of sand no two alike, no two blades of grass alike, no two shrubs or trees alike, no two animals alike, no two human beings alike.
Observe also the varying degrees in addition to the diversity in every kingdom. In the mineral kingdom, from the dull grain of sand to the sparkling diamond; in the vegetable kingdom, from the lowly blade of grass to the tall cedar; in the animal kingdom, from the weakest creeping thing to the strong lion, and in the human kingdom we find all the degrees from the humble peasant to the powerful king, wise philosopher, or diplomatic statesman.
There is another plane, a higher kingdom, to which the Bahais direct particular attention. It is the super-natural* plane or divine Kingdom. This plane becomes manifest through a supernatural type of men who make known or reveal in their lives and words this higher Kingdom. History recognizes them as prophets. Manifestations of God, the Bahais term the highest of such men. Their force or power, they say, is of the Holy Spirit and they come to lead mankind from a material outlook upon life unto a spiritual outlook. They come as guides, as teachers to lift men up from the natural to the supernatural, from the human to the divine. Such men were Moses, Jesus Christ, Mohammed, BAHA'O'LLAH.
History shows that they manifested an attractive force a power which drew men and women to them while in the body and after leaving it, which was above racial, political, philosophical and commercial interests.
Consider: Moses, a humble man, meek, after years of exile in the wilderness of Canaan, returning to Egypt,
Note—Abdul-Baha even terms the inventive faculty supernatural because inventions make it possible for men to overcome the natural.—Editors.
leading and teaching the slaves of the Egyptians in such a manner, with such force that within a few centuries they became the dominant spiritual civilization of the world and the philosophers of Greece and Rome went to sit at the feet of the Hebrew sages to learn from them.
Christ: His influence we are all familiar with. Consider how he changed civilization after his advent; for through his teachings he united Romans, Greeks, Chaldeans, Assyrians and finally Europeans and Americans, revealing more than any previous Manifestation the power of the Holy Spirit—the mysterious force of civilization.
Mohammed, six hundred years after Christ, astounded the world with this wondrous force. Consider a people who were surrounded by the civilizations of Egypt and Palestine, and near to Greece and Rome—wild tribes roving the plain of Arabia untouched by these civilizations—changed in a few hundred years to become the wonder of history; even the Christians of Europe sending their sons and daughters to Mohammedan universities in Spain to be educated by those who but a few generations before were the wild tribesmen of the desert!
This is indeed the mysterious force of civilization.
But even these supernatural or divine civilizations arose and fell as well as the natural or racial and political civilizations of old. The Jews fell away from the teachings of Moses into such a condition that at the time of the appearance of Christ they were ruled by Rome, and soon after were scattered over the world. Mohammedanism today has degenerated from what it was, and the Christian world is witnessing the fall of its civilization through the great war and the attending horrors in Europe.
Students of the sacred Books recognize that up to the time of the fall of Jerusalem it was the "Jewish age" and from the scattering of the Jews
until recently, it was a period known as the "times of the Gentiles." And now the Gentile age has ended.
It would seem then that the civilizations founded by such great Manifestations on the supernatural or divine plane have birth and death. But they foresaw, as well as the prophets and disciples who carried on their teachings, that a time would come when the spiritual Kingdom they had helped to prepare mankind for would become manifest in its fullness. They foresaw a time when the spiritual Kingdom set up would not fall.
Isaiah gave word pictures of that promised age. Daniel said, "In the days of these kings, the God of heaven shall set up a kingdom that shall never be destroyed, and "it would stand forever." Jesus holds forth this same promise in his teachings and in the Lord's prayer—wherein his disciples and followers pray for the coming of the Father and His Kingdom on earth, that the Father's will should be done on earth, and that His Kingdom should have the power and the glory forever.
In reality, the civilizations of Moses, Christ and Mohammed did not die, but were rather the different phases of preparation for the final accomplishment by "Him Whose right it is," for these great Manifestations of the Will and Word of God in this phenomenal world, were bound together by a Covenant. Each spoke of the other. Moses spoke of Christ, not mentioning the name, but telling of his coming; Christ spoke of Mohammed, not mentioning the name, but telling of his coming. And all spoke of the coming of the Great One who should appear in the latter time, "King of Kings and Lord of Lords." This Covenant is the bond between this Great One and those who prepared the way for His coming. This is the mysterious force that binds the religionists of the former Manifestations to the Great Manifestation today, BAHA'O'LLAH.
That Covenant has been fulfilled and its door of bounty opened to all on earth through the appearance of BAHA'O'LLAH, the Glory of God. As Isaiah said, "the Glory of the Lord shall be revealed and all flesh shall see it together"—that is, universally.
This is the Day of the Lord. This is the day when the Kingdom of heaven has been established on earth. Its power is here. Its mysterious force is creating a new civilization, a divine civilization that shall not be overthrown and it shall stand forever. That mysterious force has drawn us here from all parts of the continent to be present at this meeting, and that same force is uniting the hearts of men everywhere. This force is reconstructing civilization.
When Abdul-Baha, the son of BAHA'O'LLAH, was in America in 1912, he saw the particular phases necessary for the spiritual reconstruction of this western world. Most of us are familiar with the principles he laid down, expounded, elaborated, made clear to the minds of the peoples of the West. Other speakers will undoubtedly elaborate them here in this Congress before it closes. I will just outline them:
BAHA'O'LLAH taught the actual oneness of the religions of the world, the oneness of all humanity, the universal brotherhood of man, universal peace; the perfect harmony of religion and science. He enjoined men to search diligently for truth and to abolish all prejudices, religious, national, racial, social. He proclaimed the equality of the sexes, commanded equal educational advantages for both, besides vast equitable social readjustments, the equalization of the means of livelihood and the complete establishment of justice among men. He proclaimed the urgency of a universal language to bring men into closer fellowship and mutual understanding. He emphasized the incumbency of a Parliament of Man—a universal tribunal of justice or arbitration for the adjustment of international affairs. And, unequivocally, he taught the
power of the Holy Spirit in the life of humanity.
In brief: The Holy Spirit revealed by the Manifestation of God, BAHA'O'LLAH, is the mysterious force of civilization in this new age.
Abdul-Baha has revealed a prayer vibrant with this force. I will read it:
"Bring them together again, O Lord, by the power of Thy Covenant and gather their dispersion by the might of Thy promise, and unite their hearts by the dominion of Thy love; and make them love each other so that they may sacrifice their spirits, expend their money, and sacrifice themselves for the love of one another. O Lord, cause to descend upon them quietness and tranquillity. Shower upon them the clouds of Thy mercy in great abundance and make them to characterize themselves with the characteristics of the spiritual. O Lord, make us firm in Thy noble command and bestow upon us Thy gifts through Thy bounty, grace and munificence. Verily, Thou art the Generous, the Merciful and the Benevolent!".
Today, on earth—according to the Will of BAHA'O'LLAH—Abdul-Baha is establishing the new civilization through this mysterious force.
Allah'o'Abha!
The Universal House of Worship
Address by MRS. CORINNE TRUE of Chicago, at the Third Session of the Bahai Congress, held at New York City, Sunday evening, April 27th, 1919. Stenographically reported.
MR. Windust has so beautifully led up to the present subject of the Mashrekol-Azkar; and the Mashrekol-Azkar is one of the greatest proofs of the working of this mysterious force of civilization. It is the first outward symbol, the first divine institution, under the teachings of BAHA'O'LLAH, to be erected in the West. I will read you BAHA'O'LLAH's own Words about the construction of this house of worship. In the Book, Kitab-el-Akdas, BAHA'O'LLAH says:
"O concourse of creation! O people, construct homes or houses, in the most beautiful fashion possible, in every city and every land. In the Name of the Lord of religion, adorn them with that which beseemeth them, not with pictures or paintings. Then commemorate the Lord, the Merciful, the Clement, in spirit and fragrance. Verily, by His mention, by this commemoration, the breasts shall be dilated, the eyes illumined, and hearts gladdened, and thus shall you pray the Orient of Praises in the Mashrekol-Azkar."
When the Executive Board or Committee on Program asked me what I would speak upon, they suggested the Mashrekol-Azkar, or any subject I wished. I telegraphed them this subject, "The Universal House of Worship for the New Age".
In Chicago we had a peace meeting not a great while ago. Mr. Taft came and held a conference regarding the League of Nations; the different religious denominations met and worked together as hard as they could, and on the last afternoon of that conference, someone arose and suggested that the League of Nations was a Christian institution. A Jewish rabbi, who had worked equally as hard as the Christian, insisted that it could not be limited to a Christian institution.
And so today in all walks you will find the same thing, because we are in a new day. You cannot put wine into old bottles when it is new wine. It will ferment. It will burst your old bottles. You must put your new wine into new bottles. Abdul-Baha, says "The gift of God to this enlightened age is knowledge of the oneness of the world of humanity"
and the Mashrekol-Azkar is the great outward symbol to humanity of this oneness of the world of humanity. Abdul-Baha sent us word and he has written in his own handwriting that in Ishkabad, the believers of God made the erection of the temple conducive to affinity and unity, so that it really became the cause of the oneness of the world. He also makes the erection of the temple in America conducive to the unity and oneness of the believers, of the maid-servants and servants of the Merciful, so that in one thought, one aim, they engage themselves in the building of the temple.
The work of this mysterious force of civilization brought to us by the Manifestation of this age, is to establish upon the earth a divine civilization. We have been living under the material civilization, but the day has come when the divine civilization must be established—the spiritual brotherhood of man. The reason we have wars and strife is because the people are not serving one aim, one purpose. Each one has his own thought, his own self-interest—each person, each nation—and this leads to separation and division. We will always have wars until some great power comes into the world and inspires and fills us with one great aim and one great purpose and we sacrifice our lesser aims to this great, this enormous aim; so that we forget our individual interests and the interest of all becomes our interest.
The great Mashrekol-Azkar stands for that sacrifice of self, that sacrifice of the personal, so that we may come into this knowledge of the oneness of humanity. We must find out that we are a part of this one great body of humanity and the working for the Mashrekol-Azkar will bring humanity into this knowledge. Abdul-Baha sent Tablets to the orient as well as to the occident, and encouraged the believers all over the world to arise and take part in the contributions for this tremendous work. He said that every soul in the orient, whether he was rich or poor, should give something. We received letters telling how they would go out and sell a little article of clothing, perhaps a tin pan from the kitchen, because they had not the ready money to send us. One of the most touching contributions we have had for the Mashrekol-Azkar came during this last year from India. The different assemblies of India collected a contribution for the Mashrekol-Azkar and sent it in a lump sum in September and a letter from one of the prominent believers in India itemizes what each assembly had sent. In 1910, when Mr. Remey and Mr. Howard Struven made their wonderful trip around the world and visited India, we had a most interesting letter published about the junglemen of India, how perfectly wonderful was their hospitality. That letter was printed in the little Baha'i News, the beginning of the STAR OF THE WEST. It would really do you good to read that letter and see the fire and spirit that was among those junglemen when they received Mr. Remey and Mr. Struven. When Miss Martha Root was in India, she was to have visited that assembly but could not do it, and one of the believers, I think, made three hundred buttons with the face of Miss Root on it, and sent them up to the junglemen in order that they might all have a visit from Miss Root. Well, those junglemen have sent a contribution to the Mashrekol-Azkar, and the same spirit came with that contribution of the junglemen that comes from the men and women from the centers of civilization and cultivation, from Paris, or London or New York, or any other part of the world; the one spirit, the one fire, of the love of God, emanates from the letters which bring these contributions to the Mashrekol-Azkar.
When such a dynamic force as that is working in the world, surely great changes are imminent. It cannot help but make great changes. From all the
various religions of the world these contributions come. From all the various continents. One year I was very much embarrassed because in giving my report I had to say that all of the continents had contributed to the Mashrekol-Azkar except South America, and just before I left for San Francisco that year, South America arose with a contribution, the wife of the owner of a large coffee plantation in Brazil, sending a contribution to the Mashrekol-Azkar, so that with the greatest joy I could say at that convention that all of the continents had contributed to the Mashrekol-Azkar.
I want to give you the Bahai definition of the house of worship or church; so that you may see why we call this the Universal House of Worship. Abdul-Baha has so beautifully defined these things. There was a believer who wrote to Abdul-Baha, because she was a member of the church, and this is what Abdul-Baha wrote to her:
"O maid-servant of God, what thou hast written has been perused and its contents became manifest. Thou hast questioned, how thou canst accept this divine Cause. Thou art a member of the church. Know thou that in the day of the manifestation of Christ many souls became portionless or deprived from the favor of God because they were the members of the holy of holies in Jerusalem. According to that membership they became veiled from that brilliant Beauty. Therefore, turn thy face to the Church of God which consists of divine instructions and merciful exhortations, for what similitude is there between the church of stone and cement and the celestial Holy of Holies? Endeavor that thou enter in this Church of God."
Abdul-Baha gave a marvelous talk in the Church of the Ascension here in New York, giving definition of the church, of what the Bahais mean by the church. He says the church is a place where people of differing sorts and divergent tendencies, where all races and nations, may come together in a covenant of permanent fellowship. In a temple of the Lord, in the house of God, man must be submissive to God. He must enter into a covenant with his Lord in order that he shall obey his commands and become unified with his fellow man. He must not consider divergence of races nor differences of nationalities. He must not view variation in denomination and creed. He should look upon all mankind and realize that all must become united and agreed; he must recognize all as one family, one race, one nativity, all the servants of one God, dwelling beneath the shelter of the mercy of one God.
When we really and truly arise and fulfill the building of such a church as that we will not relegate certain nationalities to the Chinese section, other nationalities to the Ghetto section; we will not separate our brothers and sisters into these divisions; we will recognize the oneness of all humanity. And so this Mashrekol-Azkar is the universal house of worship because it is the only house of worship in the world except the one at Ishkabad, Russia, that does really carry out these teachings.
Regarding the Mashrekol-Azkar and its accessories, Abdul-Baha said to Mr. and Mrs. Holbach, of London, England: "When these institutions, college, hospital, hospice, and establishments for the incurables, the university for the study of the higher sciences and giving postgraduate courses, and other philanthropic buildings, are built, its doors will be open to all the nations and to all religions. There will be drawn absolutely no line of demarcation. Its charities will be dispensed irrespective of color and race. Its gates will be flung to mankind, prejudice toward none, love for all; the central building will be devoted to the purpose of prayer and worship. Thus for the first time religion will become harmonized with science and science will be the hand-maid of religion, both showering their material
and spiritual gifts on all humanity. In this way the people will be lifted out of the quagmires of slothfulness and bigotries."
I must tell you of one of the last contributions which we have had. We owe everything to Persia. It is the birthplace of the Bab. It is the birthplace of BAHA'O'LLAH. It is the birthplace of Abdul-Baha, and there is an emanation from Persia that you do not get from any other place. A traveler came through Chicago the other day bringing a contribution from the believers in Teheran, Persia, to me, and he told his sister of the dreadful conditions that they had been suffering under in Persia. He said he had paid $400 for a small sack of sugar. In certain parts the people were becoming cannibals, they were so hungry—it was reducing them to that—and yet, with all the suffering and denial, those friends sent a good contribution for the Mashrekol-Azkar. There was pure, unadulterated sacrifice.
When we can follow the example of Persia, it will not take us very long to build the Mashrekol-Azkar; because America is not suffering from the same things that Persia is. May this great example from Persia inspire our hearts so that very quickly—to make the heart of Abdul-Baha happy—we may complete the sum he has requested us to raise in order that we may actually start the building of this Universal House of Worship, the Mashrekol-Azkar.
Allah'o'Abha!
Unveiling of the Divine Plan for the Central States
Third talk by MIRZA AHMAD SOHRAB delivered at the Eleventh Annual Mashrekol-Azkar Convention and Bahai Congress, held in McAlpin Hotel, New York City, Sunday evening, April 27th, 1919.
"IS THIS day the day of rest? No, by the Lord of the worlds. Is this day the day of silence? No, by Myself, the True One, were ye of those who know. Verily, all things are stirred with the fragrance of revelation. Are ye resting on your seats and ye call yourselves the sincere ones?"—BAHA'O'LLAH, from Appendix to Surat El-Hykl.
In the above stirring appeal BAHA'O'LLAH calls his followers to a high station of service and action. From it we gather the idea that those who call themselves Bahais must not sit idle, nor must they remain silent. Through their words and deeds they must show their love for all humanity and from their faces there must appear the joy of heaven. In their minds must center the loftiest ideals of this age, and in their hearts must dwell the sweetest sentiments of sympathy and kindness towards all creatures. In their search for truth they must be impartial, and in their march along the path of right they must show fearlessness and courage. Enthusiasm must be their watchword and broad-mindedness their ultimate aim. Perseverance in the investigation of reality must be their guide, and conviction of the final victory of the cause of brotherhood their inspiration. They must work day and night, so that the satanic world may become angelic, the darkened hearts may be illumined, confidence may replace distrust and the sweetness of love may remove the bitterness of hate.
It is a well known fact that the power of love leads men to work together and co-operate with each other in all the undertakings of modern civilization. In all the transactions of human society, in the harmonious adjustment of the relation of capital and labor, in the balancing of the law of supply and demand, in the working out of the principle of production and consumption, and in the practice of the theories of exchange and distribution, we must invariably use the universal solvent of the love of God and
the love of man, if we are desirous of avoiding any future social disorganization. The law of love opens on all sides the innumerable avenues of human and divine progress. For example, let us consider the history of the twelve Central States, how over a century ago, there were scarcely any souls living there excepting Indians and a few scattered trappers. Now there are about twenty-seven millions living peacefully in those States; large cities are built, giant factories founded, thousands of schools established, agriculture and industries advancing by leaps and bounds. For example, the site of Chicago, which today is the second city in size in the New World, in 1804 was nothing but a great bog, and probably at that time no one would have dreamed that a century later such a magnificent city would rise over that piece of marshy ground. In 1830 it boasted of only twelve families of poor people; in 1840 it had about 4470 inhabitants, but now it has the huge population of more than two million and a half! This single example shows us in a concrete and clear manner how the power of love and co-operation changed the desert and wilderness of these States into blooming gardens and prosperous communities. Now if the sphere of this human love be widened, so as to include the various aspects of the divine love; if the people would realize that the security and permanence of the national progress is dependent upon international progress-then we could feel sure that our advancement would not be hindered by racial or religious fanaticism which surges now and then from the unknown depths of the animal man.
The pioneer discoverers of the Central West have demonstrated to us, through their lives and actions, that if we are zealous in the promotion of the divine principles, and do not turn back when confronted with opposition, we shall at last gather many harvests. Consider the lives of Joliet and Father Marquette, who in 1673 braved all dangers, set out from Mackinaw to find the source of the Mississippi River. Day after day they kept on their silent journey on the bosom of the Mississippi, now gliding by castle-shaped cliffs, now coming into the sunlight of open prairies, now entering the long shadows cast by miles of unbroken forests, past the muddy torrent of the Missouri, past the lovely mouth of the Ohio, and finally reached the mouth of the Arkansas. From there they returned, patiently paddling their way back. It was indeed a tremendous piece of uphill work, battling for more than a thousand miles against powerful currents. . . . .
These examples go far to show us that if there were men in the past—and there are men and women in our days—who were and are ready to give up even life for material reward or fame, how much more we who call ourselves Bahais must be prepared to sacrifice everything, to undergo every danger, so that the knowledge of God may increase, the brotherhood of man may be proclaimed, and the noble ideals of life be shared by all men, irrespective of race and color.
Having now proven that nothing must daunt us when the line of our duty is quite plain, I take pleasure in reading to you the translation of the first Tablet revealed to the friends in the Central States, on Wednesday morning, March 29, 1916. Picture in your mind the patriarchal presence of Abdul-Baha, with his long, flowing robe, walking in the beautiful Garden of Bahjee, and dictating these words of wisdom to his followers across oceans and continents, directing them to arise with all their hearts and souls in the promulgation of the Word of God and the proclamation of the Manifestation of God.
[Here followed the reading of the Tablet received in America before the doors of communication closed. It was published in the STAR OF THE WEST Vol. 7 No. 10 and Vol. 9 No. 14.]
This first general order for the mobilization of the forces of the Kingdom was mailed in April of the same year. I have understood since my arrival in this country that a good deal of pioneer work of teaching has been done in these States, and that many souls have gone forth into new fields, so that they might sow the seeds of the new divine knowledge. I am sure that Abdul-Baha will be most pleased to hear that the friends are at least trying to carry out his behest.
And now I would like to read to you for the first time the translation of the Second Tablet revealed to the friends of the Central States on Thursday morning, February 8th, 1917, when he was staying in Acca. He Was then living in the very room where BAHA'O'LLAH passed his last years in the prison city, and so the atmosphere of the place brought to one's mind sweet memories of other spiritual and significant events transpiring in the same spot:
TABLET
To the believers and the maid-servants of God in the Central States—Upon them be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He is God!
God says in the great Koran:—"He especializes for His Mercy whomsoever He willeth."
O ye old believers and intimate friends!
These twelve Central States of the United States are like unto the heart of America, and the heart is connected with all the organs and parts of man. If the heart is strengthened, all the organs of the body are reinforced, and if the heart is weak all the physical structures are subjected to feebleness.
Now, praise be to God, that Chicago and its environs from the beginning of the diffusion of the fragrances of God have been a strong heart. Therefore, through divine bounty and providence it has become confirmed in certain great matters.
First: The Call of the Kingdom was in the very beginning raised from Chicago. This is indeed a great privilege, for in future centuries and cycles, it will be as an axis around which the honor of Chicago will revolve.
Second: A number of souls with the utmost firmness and steadfastness arose in that blessed spot in the promotion of the Word of God and even to the present moment, having purified and sanctified the heart from every thought, they are occupied with the promulgation of the teachings of God. Hence the call of praise is raised uninterruptedly from the Supreme Concourse.
Third: During the American journey Abdul-Baha several times passed through Chicago and associated with the friends of God. For some time he sojourned in that city. Day and night he was occupied with the mention of the True One and summoned the people to the Kingdom of God.
Fourth: Up to the present time, every movement initiated in Chicago, its effect was spread to all parts and to all directions; just as everything that appears in and manifests from the heart influences all the organs and structures of the body.
Fifth: The first Mashrekol-Azkar in America was instituted in Chicago, and this honor and distinction is infinite in value. Undoubtedly out of this Mashrekol-Azkar thousands of other Mashrekol-Azkars will be born.
Likewise the General Annual Conventions; the foundation of the STAR OF THE WEST; the Publishing Society, for the publication of books and Tablets and their circulation in all parts of America, and the preparations now under way for the celebration of the Golden Centenary Anniversary of the Kingdom of God. I hope that this jubilee and this exhibition may be celebrated in the utmost perfection; so that the call to the Word of Unity: "There is no God but One God, and all the Messengers, from the beginning to the Seal of the Prophets (Mohammed), were sent on the part of the True one!" may be raised; the flag of the oneness of the world of humanity be unfurled, the melody of universal peace may reach the ears of the East and the West; all the paths may be cleared and straightened, all the hearts may be attracted to the Kingdom of God, the tabernacle of unity be pitched on the apex of America, the song of the love of God may exhilarate and rejoice all the nations and peoples, the surface of the earth may become the eternal paradise, the dark clouds may be dispelled and the Sun of Truth may shine forth with the utmost intensity.
O ye friends of God! Exert ye with heart and soul, so that association, love, unity and agreement be obtained between the hearts, all the aims may be merged into one aim, all the songs become one song and the power of the Holy Spirit may become so overwhelmingly victorious as to overcome all the forces of the world of nature. Work! This is the great Work, should ye become assisted therein. Thus America may become the fulcrum of merciful susceptibilities, and the throne of the Kingdom of God be established upon earth with the greatest joy and majesty.
This phenomenal world will not remain in an unchanging condition even for a short while. Second after second it undergoes change and transformation. Every foundation will finally become collapsed; every glory and splendor will at last vanish and disappear; but the Kingdom of God is eternal and the heavenly Sovereignty and Majesty will stand firm everlastingly. Hence in the estimation of a wise man the mat in the Kingdom of God is preferable to the throne of the government of the world.
Continually my ear and eye are turned toward the Central States; perchance a melody from some blessed souls may reach my ears, souls who are the dawning-places of the love of God, the stars of the horizon of sanctification and holiness—souls who will illumine this dark universe and quicken to life this dead world. The joy of Abdul-Baha depends upon this! I hope that you may become confirmed therein.
Consequently, those souls who are in a condition of the utmost severance, purified from the defects of the world of nature, sanctified from attachment to this earth, vivified with the breaths of Eternal Life—with luminous hearts, with heavenly spirit, with attraction of consciousness, with celestial magnanimity,
with eloquent tongues and with clear explanations—such souls must hasten and travel through all parts of the Central States. In every city and village they must occupy themselves with the diffusion of the divine exhortations and advices, guide the souls and promote the oneness of the world of humanity. They must play the melody of international conciliation with such power that every deaf one may become hearing, every extinct person may be set aglow, every dead one may obtain new life and every indifferent soul may find ecstacy. It is certain that such will be the consummation.
The spreaders of the fragrances of God may peruse this Commune every morning:
COMMUNE
O Lord! O Lord! Praise and thanksgiving be unto Thee for Thou hast guided me to the highway of the Kingdom, suffered me to walk in this straight and far-reaching path, illumined my eye by beholding the lights, made me listen to the melodies of the birds of holiness from the Kingdom of Mysteries and attracted my heart with Thy love among the righteous ones.
O Lord! Confirm me with the Holy Spirit, so that I may call in Thy Name among the nations and give back the glad-tidings to the manifestation of Thy Kingdom amongst mankind.
O Lord! I am weak, strengthen me with Thy power and potency. My tongue falters, suffer me to utter Thy commemoration and praise. I am lonely, endear me through my entrance in Thy Kingdom. I am remote, cause me to approach to the threshold of Thy mercifulness.
O Lord! Make me a brilliant lamp, a shining star and a blessed tree, adorned with fruits, its branches overshadowing all these regions! Verily, Thou art the Mighty, the Powerful and Unconstrained!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, March 30, 1919, Washington, D. C.)
Having revealed the above wonderful Tablet for the Central States, the Center of the Covenant spoke often about the future work of the friends of God, and I have gathered his scattered words into one heavenly rosary.
He said: "In reality the geographical position of the Central States has great importance, for just as I dictated to you now, it is like the heart of America. Passengers going east or west, north or south pass through that section. Similarly, it is a point of connection for the friends of God. The believers in Chicago must be so enkindled with the fire of the love of God and must be so characterized with the characteristics of unity and agreement, that other states may learn from them this all-important lesson; that their pure lives and holy words, their selfless services and deeds may affect the hearts of all the outsiders.
"Just as the earth attracts everything to the center of gravity and every object thrown upward into space will come down; so also material ideas and wordly thoughts attract man to the center of self. Anger, passion, ignorance, prejudice, greed, envy, covetousness, jealousy and suspicion prevent man from ascending to the Realms of Holiness, imprisoning him in the claws of self and the jail of egotism. The physical man, unassisted by divine power, trying to escape from one of these invisible enemies, will fall unconsciously into the hands of another. No sooner does he attempt to soar upward than the density of the love of self, like the power of gravity, draws him to the earth. But the only power that is capable of delivering man from this captivity, is the power
of the breaths of the Holy Spirit.
"The believers in the Central States must, through this all-conquering power, free the inhabitants from the claws of self, negligence, lust and imagination. The attraction of the power of the Holy Spirit is so effective that it keeps men ever on the path of upward ascension. The malevolent forces of no enemy will touch those sanctified souls who have made this universal power their guide. With tranquil heart and assured spirit they are flying upward day and night and are journeying through the illimitable space of the teachings of BAHA'O'LLAH.
"The believers in America must be like lighthouses, lightships and searchlights, so that in the tempestuous sea of the world the arks of lives may reach the haven of security. Each individual Bahai must be a life-saver who, facing the rough waves of the sea, may plunge into the whirlpool and save the souls from drowning. To sit, to talk, to listen—there is no virtue in that. To rise, to act, to help—that is a Bahai life.
"The sincerity and earnestness of the friends in the Central States must appear through deeds. Deeds are the standards! I have done all that is necessary. I have drawn for them the Plan of God which must guide them through all the coming years. I have explained to them the principles of BAHA'O'LLAH. Now the promotion of those principles depends upon their co-operation with each other and their turning their faces to the Kingdom of Abha. Without walking, a traveler will not reach his destination. Without working, a poor man will not obtain wealth. Without diving to the bottom of the sea, a diver will not gather pearls and corals, and without going through the lower classes, a student will not be able to take up the higher courses in sciences and literature.
"The believers of God, in reality, display much effort; but this effort must be expended in the right direction. A sagacious thinker will always perceive the end before he takes up a certain kind of work. A youth desiring to prepare himself for a medical career must study those courses which are directly or indirectly connected with his profession, so that he may become efficient and skillful. Consequently, the friends of God must themselves become the fountain heads of divine characteristics and attributes, and then call others to this exalted station. They must first be attracted and enkindled, then try to attract and enkindle others. Let them cleanse their own hearts like unto clear mirrors, then strive in the purification of the hearts of mankind.
"In brief, I hope that the friends in the Central States may become assisted in rendering these great services. May they become centers of merciful susceptibilities and spiritual guides to the Kingdom of Abha! From every standpoint, ways and means for the teaching of the Cause of God must be prepared. The question of teaching, like any other question, is evolutionary and not revolutionary. This matter must become very plain to everyone, so that all the friends, like so many spirits in one temple, may arise in the accomplishment of this great service.
"When the foundation of the Mashrekol-Azkar is laid in America, and that divine edifice is completed, a most wonderful and thrilling motion will appear in the world of existence. The Mashrekol-Azkar will become the center around which all these universal Bahai activities will be clustered. From that point of light, the spirit of teaching, spreading the Cause of God and promoting the teachings of God will permeate to all parts of the world. I hope that ere long the foundation of this celestial temple will be laid—thus it may become conducive to the happiness of the heart of Abdul-Baha. All the inhabitants of the world are in these days engaged in warfare and strife, but the friends of God are striving with heart and soul to lay the basis of this palace of The Kingdom;
(Continued on page 138)
STAR OF THE WEST
TABLET FROM ABDUL-BAHA
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.
TABLET FROM ABDUL-BAHA
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 with the most important events.
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
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 | Kalamat 1, 75 (July 13, 1919) | No. 7 |
Allah'o'Abha!
The STAR OF THE WEST has "a place in the Sun" amid the galaxy of Bahai institutions founded in the center of America.
The cry of "Ya-Baha-el-Abha!" arises from the hearts of those who were instrumental in founding it.
For nine years, it has been like a small tree in the garden of the Cause, more or less overshadowed by other important institutions. But today—through the sustaining power of God and the bounty of BAHA'O'LLAH descending in the Tablets and Words of Abdul-Baha unveiled at the recent Convention and Congress—it is illumined by the Orb of the Covenant.
Stunned by this sudden blaze of light, we are slowly responding to its radiance.
It will be noted that the first expression of development is found in the endeavor to arrange the cover and first part of the issue to interest strangers, the middle to interest teachers and friends, and the latter part to be for the Persian section as formerly.
At the Second Bahai Teaching Convention of the Central States, held at Chicago, May 23rd-25th, 1919, the STAR OF THE WEST offered certain suggestions regarding its development. Among them was, that a representative from every section of the American continent be invited to become a member of its foundation for enlargement. It was deemed advisable by the editors and publishers that nine Bahais constitute this foundation: Five to be in the Central States at Chicago, because published there—the three constituting the present staff
to be augmented by two more—and four to represent the other sections. The following friends were invited by word and telegram to become members of this foundation—subject, of course, to the approval of Abdul-Baha and the ratification of their respective sections: Northeastern States, Hooper Harris; Southern States, Joseph H. Hannen; Central States, Albert Vail, Carl Scheffler; Western States, Helen S. Goodall; Dominion of Canada, May Maxwell; Editorial Staff, Albert R. Windust, Gertrude Buikema, Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi; Honorary Member, Mirza Ahmad Sohrab. A stirring appeal from "Mother" Beecher (see following editorial) was read. The delegates from Michigan were the first to respond. The Convention endorsed the suggestions.
The Words of Abdul-Baha quoted from Unveiling of the Divine Plan, published on the first page of this issue, is an invitation to all to prepare such articles as Abdul-Baha desires. Those who have photographs of interest, data of value, historical facts, etc., are invited to send them in. Limitations of space may withhold their publication for a time.
One word more: In addition to the bounty revealed for the STAR OF THE WEST in the General Tablets, Abdul-Baha has caused the treasury of the Kingdom to descend through an appeal to all the Bahais of Persia (see page 131) to subscribe for "this growing magazine only for service to the Cause of God."
Many emotions sweep over us as we read it. It would seem that the first phase of its development has been completed, namely, "although for the present thy subscribers are limited, thy form is small and thy voice weak, yet shouldst thou stand unshakable" (see Tablet in editorial heading); that we have entered upon the next phase, namely, "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"—and that, in due time, the remaining promise will become manifest.
—The Editors.
Editorial—An Edict from Abdul-Baha
By ("Mother") E. V. Beecher.
Many times the STAR OF THE WEST has been pronounced the official organ of the Bahai Cause by Abdul-Baha, and each decree comes with added force and authority as one of the ordinances of the latter day dispensation.
If a decree should be sent forth by an earthly potentate it must be enforced at any cost. Such an appointment would be respected by all of his subjects and every effort put forth to honor his royalty by perfect obedience and acquiescence with the command.
Have we, as the followers of Abdul-Baha, fully realized the fact that he is the Center on the earth today to which we are expected to turn for light and guidance?
Again, have we considered the import of that wonderful paragraph at the top of the editorial page of our little magazine which stands there as an ensign,
year after year lest we forget its importance and neglect our responsibility in relation to it? Were those wonderful words of assurance and promise intended only for the Editors? Can those faithful and well-tried workers continue to stand unaided in a large degree and still be expected to bring the above words to pass? Shall they continue to be asked to make bricks with straw? Can the STAR OF THE WEST become "the first paper of the world of humanity" without a hearty co-operation of all believers of this Faith? Can it live and grow and become a power in the world without sacrifice on the part of us all?
Other magazines may come into existence which are really worth while, but that does not constitute them official organs of this Cause.
Our little nineteen-day messenger is far too limited in space. Each issue should be rich in the inspirational utterances of BAHA'O'LLAH and Abdul-Baha with plenty of space allowed for the glad news coming from all parts of the world and the various Bahai assemblies. The teachers going abroad to sow the seeds of truth should send in their live reports knowing that there will be room for them in the very next number.
Every now and then we hear such expressions from those who are real seekers for Truth, as the following: "What mines of wealth one finds in looking over the back numbers of the STAR OF THE WEST;" or, "I came across such a wonderful compilation of the words of Abdul-Baha on a certain subject which I had read long ago but did not grasp its meaning or make it mine before;" again, "a wonderful confirmation has come to me by the reading of such and such an article in the STAR OF THE WEST."
Yes, this little publication has become an archive of many hidden jewels which may be discovered by all who search for them.
When we look over the news-stands of today found on every hand we are amazed to see the immense sales going on every day in the year. And what are the contents of the larger part of these periodicals? Only fictitious stories written to feed the sense life and cater to morbid imaginations. We have become a nation of novel readers until the sciences and realities of life are largely lost sight of and the minds of the people have become too blunted by this overdose of fiction to relish the real drama of life about us.
When shall we awake from our lethargy? When shall we determine to make our official organ a living power in the East and the West and so cause it to become a phenomenal success?
Beloved readers, let us hasten to honor the official organ of our great Leader and Teacher before, perchance, its sun shall set behind the clouds of negligence and lack of faith.
Let us arise without delay and surprise the world by our breadth and bigness of vision and be able to place our magazine on the news-stands of America to be sold to the busy passerby who may never catch the rays of the rising sun of this great day of God from any other source.
May God speed the efforts to radiate this light while the opportunity is at hand.
"Strive ye in the promulgation of this growing magazine only for service to the Cause of God."
RECENT TABLET TO THE BAHAIS OF PERSIA
To the members of the Spiritual Committee, Teheran—Upon them be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He is God!
O friends of God!
The magazine of the STAR OF THE WEST, notwithstanding great difficulties during the days of the war, has continued until these days of quietness and tranquillity which have come. Although it had been cut off entirely from Persia, yet it managed to exist itself. Therefore financial hardships obtained.
But now that war has ended in peace, there must be given regularity to the STAR OF THE WEST, so that it may circulate throughout the East and the West. And this is conditioned upon the increase in number of the subscribers. Therefore, the friends in all the provinces of Persia must subscribe to this blessed matter. Strive ye in the promulgation of this growing magazine only for service to the Cause of God, in order that it may become the means of the stimulation of its editors and for the best regularity of the institution.
Likewise, if possible, some of the friends may subscribe to the newspaper Chehreh Nema in Egypt and pay the subscriptions in advance.
Upon ye be El-Baha-el-Abha!
(Revealed, June 27, 1919. Translated by Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi, Chicago, July, 1919.)
--PERSIAN TEXT--
The Central States Second Bahai Teaching Convention
Chicago, May 23rd to 25th, 1919.
BY ALBERT VAIL.
ON May twenty-third, the seventy-fifth anniversary of the Bab, that glorious gateway to the Kingdom of God, the friends of the Central States gathered in Chicago to make plans for the proclamation of the glad tidings of this new day. The fourteen great teaching Tablets have brought to the beloved in America a call clear as the bell of the voice of God. The friends of the Central States felt that they must not delay a moment but must rise for "instant, exact and complete obedience."
Friday morning, May 23rd, the friends met at the home of Mrs. True and ratified the business of the sublime New York Convention. In the afternoon they assembled on the temple grounds in Wilmette and later gathered for a heavenly feast in a nearby room overlooking the shining lake. Dr. Bagdadi, Mirza Ahmad and many others spoke of the new era now dawning on earth. Mr. Harlan Ober presided. Love and joy shone like beams of light from the faces. Mrs. Marie Hopper told of the spiritual experience of her husband when he first met Abdul-Baha—a story which kindled all the hearts with joy and wonder. Mr. Hopper went to Acca in the days when the Master was closely confined in the prison city. He came a critical, skeptical man who was proud never to be swept by an emotional experience. He was suddenly ushered into Abdul-Baha's prison room. Before he knew what had happened he saw a blaze of white light and like Paul on the road to Damascus, fell down in wonder, overwhelmed by the spiritual glory which shone through and around his Beloved. The next moment Abdul-Baha, with infinitely tender love was lifting him to his arms. The Master had opened to him the doors of the unseen kingdom of Glory; then gently he closed them again.
On Saturday friends from practically all the assemblies in the Central States gathered in order that through consultation they might turn the new "river of glory" flowing in their hearts into channels of united and systematic teaching. Mr. Windust read the divine words to the Central States. Reports were given of the work already accomplished, of the meetings in Indianapolis and St. Louis, Sioux City and Davenport, of the new and joyous groups started this winter in Keokuk, Kansas City, Topeka and Omaha. Mr. William H. Randall spoke of the work of the general teaching committee of nineteen, how it had been formed not to direct but to serve, to offer itself in humble love as a clearing house for the helping of those teachers whom the Holy Spirit bade arise for the sublime campaign of spreading God's message into every city and hamlet of this continent and of the world. Mirza Ahmad Sohrab presented a series of comprehensive suggestions recently framed by friends in Washington for the Southern States. Mrs. May Maxwell spoke of the need of absolute severance, utter self-sacrifice if we are to succeed in walking this heavenly pathway. We must lay down our money, even our principle—our strength, our time, our opinions, our selves, our spirits, all for Him, if we are to be baptized with that holy spirit, that white flame of love which alone can teach His Cause and melt the hearts of stone into amity and unity.
Practical suggestions were brought forward of how important it was that all who know of Bahais living in isolated districts or of openings for Bahai speakers anywhere in the Central States should send word to the Secretary of the
Central States Committee, Mr. Carl Scheffler, 56 East Congress St., Chicago. This Central States Committee consists of one member from each of the assemblies in the Central States. In a few
Second Bahai Teaching Convention
of the
Central States of the United States
to be held in
Chicago, May 23rd to 25th, 1919
PROGRAM
FRIDAY, MAY 23rd.
| At the Home of Mrs. Corinne True, 5338 Kenmore Avenue | |||
| 10 a.m. | Ratification meeting of the Eleventh Mashrekol-Azkar Convention recently held in New York City. | ||
| At the Mashrekol-Azkar Grounds, Linden Ave. and Sheridan Road, Wilmette. | |||
| 3 p.m. | - | Speakers from different localities. | |
| 6 p.m. | Feast of Commemoration on the Grounds. |
SATURDAY, MAY 24th.
| At Sts. John Hall, 18th floor, Masonic Temple. | |
| 10 a.m. | First Session, Teaching Convention. |
| 2 p.m. | Second Session, Teaching Convention. |
SUNDAY. MAY 25th.
| At Sts. John Hall, 18th floor, Masonic Temple. | |
| 3:30 p.m. | Address: "How Baha'o'lla,h 50 years ago, laid the Foundation for a League of Nations." Address: "The Covenant for the Most Great Peace—the Universal Peace among Races, Nations and Religions." |
| Speakers to be announced. | |
| At Corinthian Hall, 17th floor, Masonic Temple | |
| 7:30 p.m. | Address: "The Divine Method of preventing Social Revolutions and establishing Economic Justice." Address: "Education for the New Era—When the Universal Educator comes, How shall we know Him?" |
| Speakers to be announced. |
joyous moments of divine enthusiasm for the new campaign of teaching over two hundred dollars was contributed for the traveling expenses of teachers, with the thought that much more would follow. It was suggested that two boxes be placed in the meetings of each assembly, one for the Maskrekol-Azkar, one
for the teaching fund. In these boxes contributions might be placed.
Toward the close of the session Mr. Windust spoke of the STAR OF THE WEST, the need of a broader foundation,
and the longings of its editors to make it rise to the exalted and universal service which the Master has destined for this happy-starred messenger of the West. It was suggested that contributions from the friends would help it expand its horizon. If the believers could subscribe to two or more subscription,
one or more for distribution, one for bound copies, that would help the editors increase the number of pages. The Convention unanimously endorsed Mr. Windust's suggestions.
The Saturday session closed with a reunion of the Chicago friends which filled many eyes with tears and every heart with joy. They adjourned to celebrate that divinest blessing "the night of unity." And now that this unity is reestablished they pray that they may be worthy to become, as the Master says, "the heart of America."
The Convention closed with a splendidly attended congress on Sunday with the following program:
| 3:30 p.m. | Address: "How BAHA'O'LLAH, 50 years ago, laid the Foundation for a League of Nations." Albert Vail Address: "The Covenant for the Most Great Peace—the Universal Peace among Races, Nations and Religions." Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi |
| 7:30 p.m. | Address: "The Divine Method of preventing Social Revolutions and establishing Economic Justice." Howard Ives Address: "Education for the New Era—When the Universal Educator comes, How shall we know Him?" Harlan F. Ober, Ahmad Sohrab. |
Eighth Annual Feast of Commemoration
BY MARTHA L. ROOT
THE Mystery of God, Abdul-Baha, the living Center of the Covenant on earth today, filled and thrilled all hearts at the eighth annual feast held in West Englewood, N. J ., June 28th, 1919. Bahais know Abdul-Baha as "The Branch" foretold in our Bible. On this feast day of his commemoration it was significant that the peace of the world was signed. New York's bells and whistles rang wild with demonstrations of joy.
Rain and cold had prevailed in the morning, but the sun shone out gloriously warm and bright as some 150 pilgrims assembled. This Eden-like pine grove where Abdul-Baha in 1912 gave his first feast to eastern believers, is a natural, living temple of forest charm and woodsy fragrance. Thrushes fearlessly sung there in the heavenly atmosphere. Joyous Bahais brought food for themselves and others, for both dinner and supper. It was a holy feast. Rays of the Holy Spirit reflected the light and love of BAHA'O'LLAH and Abdul-Baha upon the polished mirrors of hearts. Faces were full of light; the happiness of everybody made the woods vibrant. Just as in the days of pentacost there was spoken the one tongue—love.
Certainly it was a cosmopolitan feast. They were gathered from nearly every "kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation." English, French and Germans were represented. A professor of the Imperial University of Tokyo, sojourning in this country, gave a splendid talk on spiritual advancement in his land. A Serbian writer, in his speech explained that although he spoke eight European languages fluently, it was only through Esperanto he could communicate with his brothers in Japan and China. He advocated Esperanto as the universal language and said that Abdul-Baha's life was well known in 107 Esperanto periodicals because Abdul-Baha stood for a universal language, urging the adoption of Esperanto as the universal tongue. A Scandinavian scholar present has since translated the blue booklet descriptive of the Cause into Danish. A Jewish woman spoke eloquently of the uplift to womanhood this Bahai Movement had brought. Several Bahais on their way to other states and countries to teach the Cause were guests.
Friends were also present from Riverton, New Haven, Bridgeport, Boston, Pittsburgh and Chicago. One hundred friends attended the evening meeting in the home of Mr. and Mrs. J. O. Wilhelm. Roy C. Wilhelm presided at both meetings.
Abdul-Baha said of his feast in 1912: "This gathering has no peer or likeness upon the surface of the earth. This outward meeting is a prototype of the inner and complete spiritual meeting. Hundreds of thousands of meetings shall be held to commemorate such an assembly as this and the very words I utter to you on this occasion shall be reiterated by them in the ages to come."
Friends in the afternoon, visited the Bourgeois home near the grove where they were inspired by the marvelously beautiful model of the Mashrekol-Azkar temple which Mr. Bourgeois has designed. This model is full of a new splendor which is brought by the using of curves. It is the geometrical line of the starry heavens and the wonderful combinations of line create a living tracery as the pictures of life in activity. It also gives the impression of fire flame, which is the symbol of the greatest aspiration. No one has attempted to describe this great new art which gives the essence of all religious art of the past, uniting it harmoniously with a new light which symbolizes well the Bahai teachings. All are impressed with awe and reverence when they behold this model. Some who do not know the teachings when they see the temple model instinctively exclaim, "I am on holy ground."
An artist attended the feast a few moments and the next day was so inspired by the spirit of the place she came again to paint it. Without knowing much about the Revelation and nothing of the temple with its circles and curves, she instinctively started painting her picture in circles, something she had never done before. The principal feature of her beautiful canvas is its pathway of light. She did not know that Abdul-Baha had walked this path but she said: "I do not know why, I feel I must make this a pathway of light and glorious sunshine."
Proposed world tour of Abdul-Baha
Letter from Shoghi Rabbani—Tablet recently revealed for the Bahais of the British Isles—Tablet to Lotfullah Hakim, London.
LETTER FROM SHOGHI RABBANI TO LOTFULLH HAKIM.
Haifa, Palestine,
May 8, 1919.
My dear brother in the love of El-Baha:
This long silence that I have assumed lately and this interruption of correspondence with you on my part has been solely due to a great pressure of work in connection with the dictation and translation of Tablets. This, however, has not by any means prevented me from remembering you all this time, particularly during the blessed days of Rizwan which Abdul-Baha passed with his friends on Mount Carmel in the utmost fragrance and spirituality. I have received your kind letter dated April 17th, enclosing the poem of Rudyard Kipling, for which I heartily thank you. The packages you have sent to the Master, enclosing supplications from the friends in England, dated January 24th and April 17th, have been received as well as the pictorial paper you have been sending every week.
The Master has been quite busy of late and has revealed many, many Tablets to the friends in America, England, France, Switzerland, Corsica, Germany,
Persia, India, Japan, New Zealand and Egypt. Notwithstanding that he has carefully perused your letters and will in due course reveal Tablets in answer.
From India refreshing and encouraging news is being received. The Bahai work is assuming great proportions, is being centralized and is receiving a great impetus from the unceasing and well-directed activities of friends. An annual consultative Bahai Convention for the friends of India (including Burma) is to be convened this coming Christmas and many pamphlets have been edited, compiled and distributed as an introduction and preliminary step for this great representative assemblage. In short, the friends are stirred and active and are convinced that an increase of energy on their part, a fresh outburst of zeal and ardor and efficient service to the Cause of God will draw Abdul-Baha to their shores. What is significant and alluring is the intimation of the Beloved himself that he is planning and thinking of such a journey across the Indian Ocean. He even declared that, God willing, he wishes to undertake a voyage to India, and thence to Indo-China, Japan and the Hawaii Islands, from there across the American continent to your beloved city of London, to France, Germany and Egypt.
Oh! how fervent, how deep and how sincere is our hope that such a great journey which he himself has fixed its duration to be four or five years, will be undertaken. Let us hope and prepare for it. Extreme pressure of work obliges me to stop abruptly. I hope I shall receive your good news and see you in body very soon.
May I announce to you that your two supplications with the enclosed letters have been considered by the Beloved this afternoon. The whole afternoon has been spent in translating for him only the contents of a part of the supplications from London. A Tablet has been revealed for you opening with loving and affectionate sentences.
I enclose, out of my Bahai and particular affection for you, two photographs taken recently in April in the vicinity of the Tomb of the Bab. They are the latest pictures of the Beloved.
Requesting you to acknowledge their receipt, I remain
Your Bahai brother,
Shoghi.
RECENT TABLET REVEALED FOR BAHAIS OF THE BRITISH ISLES.
Through his honor Mr. Tudor-Pole, Egypt—Upon him be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!—To the friends of God and the maid-servants of the Merciful, British Isles.—Upon them be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He is God!
O ye sons and daughters of the Kingdom!
Your joint letter was received. Its contents made us exceedingly glad, for it indicated that, praise be to God, during those days of trial these blessed souls have withstood every test in the utmost steadfastness and perseverance. Like unto pure and unadulterated gold they shone with infinite brilliancy in the flaming fire of tests. Verily, this is the bounty of divine Providence. For the gift of guidance is great, it illumines the soul, converts the court of the heart into a rose-garden and gladdens the spirit with the good-tidings of God.
But all this is dependent upon firmness and steadfastness throughout all trials. Not until the tree is rooted and firmly planted can it give forth fruit; no matter how fresh and graceful it may appear, eventually it will wither, fade away, and only be fit for the fire.
At present, praise be to God, these sons and daughters of the Kingdom have, like unto blessed trees, strengthened their roots, are unaffected by the blowing of violent winds, and they are like
unto a building resting on a solid foundation.
This world-war has come to an end. We trust that at least it will lead to the preliminaries of universal peace, just as it is plainly foretold in the blessed Tablets.
The greatest means for its realization is in the entreaty and supplication of the friends to the Kingdom of God. Ye should all implore and pray, supplicate and beseech that, through the grace of God, this world-consuming war may be changed into a world-illuminating peace. It is certain that the entreaty and supplication of these servants will be acceptable at the divine threshold, for we wish nought save the tranquillity of the world of existence; purpose nothing but unity among men and aim at nothing save the eradication of ignorant prejudices, so that all religions and races, embracing one another, may gather under the shade of the pavilion of the oneness of God.
O ye sons and daughters of the Kingdom! The most pressing need today is harmony and union among the friends of God. Strive your utmost for this. Not until this intimate unity is realized can universal harmony be established. Therein lies the reason of Christ's saying: "Ye are the salt of the earth; but if the salt have lost its savor, wherewith shall it be salted." Exert ye a great deal of effort on this momentous question.
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, January 28, 1919. House of Abdul-Baha, Haifa, Palestine.)
RECENT TABLET TO LOTFULLAH HAKIM.
His honor Mirza Lotfullah Hakim, London—Upon him be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He is God!
The letter which thou hadst written on December 16, 1918, was received. Praise be to God, it was an evidence of the comfort and the spirituality of the friends of God and therefore infinite joy and satisfaction ensued.
Concerning the gathering on the 30th of November at the house of the maidservant of God, Roseh, at which ye composed and prepared a letter; as the contents of the letter are known and noted, its despatch at present is unnecessary. Postpone the time of its forwarding.
Praise ye God, that He hath assisted ye in calling a meeting in the utmost of union and love, in endeavoring to promote rest and comfort for the world of mankind, in doing away with dispute and wrangling and in converting misunderstanding among religions to full understanding and good will; so that all races and nations may affiliate in the utmost love.
Convey, on my behalf, the utmost regard and respect to Setareh Khanom and her daughters, Parvin and Noori, and present my utmost respect and greeting to the respected maid-servant of God, Mrs. Cropper, and similarly to the maid-servant of God, Roseh, who indeed continually and uninterruptedly is engaged in service to the world of mankind; and to Mrs. Stannard, who is the true maid-servant of the Kingdom and who is restless day and night.
Mr. George Latimer, of America, who is in active service, is an illumined, Godlike youth. When released from military service he is permitted to present himself.
Convey, on behalf of Abdul-Baha, infinite longing to Dr. Esslemont. Through translating the Hidden Words into Esperanto, a copy of which he has sent, he has in reality served the Kingdom of God and has likewise rendered a distinguished service to the Esperanto language. May God confirm him!
Send Professor Browne's book. Neither object to nor correspond with this person. Leave him to himself.
His honor, the beloved Daniel (Jenkyn) addresses you from the hidden Kingdom as follows: "O ye friends of God! Be not grieved because of my separation, for I am abiding in a realm wherein all my wishes are realized!"
When Dr. Esslemont has finished his book, send a copy thereof.
I have felt deeply sad at the passing away of Professor Cheyne at Oxford. Send a copy of his book, which is (partly) on the Cause.
Praise be to God, in these regions, due to the establishment of an equitable government, security and comfort have been realized for everybody, and all denominations are safe and protected from all calamities and are engaged in providing the means of their welfare and prosperity.
The hope is entertained that, through the blessings of Providence, the standard of universal peace may be raised and the pavilion of the oneness of the world of humanity may be pitched upon the apex of the contingent world; that the different races may be fused into one, and the surface of the globe may become one native land; so that the divine Kingdom may be fully represented and gloriously shine in the nether world.
Upon ye be greeting and praise!
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, January 19, 1919. House of Abdul-Baha, Haifa, Palestine.)
Unveiling of the Divine Plan for the Central States
(Continued from page 127)
so that the call of prayers and supplications may ascend to the heights of heaven. The flowers of material and divine civilization shall grow in the Mashrekol-Azkar, perfuming the nostrils with the fragrance of truth, Its doors will be open before the faces of all races, nations and religions. Whosoever enters therein is welcomed. BAHA'O'LLAH is the universal Shepherd. All mankind are His sheep, and the adherents of all religions are welcomed in the Mashrekol-Azkar to worship the Father of all humanity with perfect freedom and reverence and obedience.
"Likewise, 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.
"In a similar manner, the scope of the Bahai Publishing Society must be greatly enlarged, so that books and pamphlets may be translated into different languages and published. These short pamphlets and historical reviews, giving the proofs and arguments of the Cause, must be written in accordance with the intellectual and spiritual capacity of each people.
"In short, for the diffusion of the fragrances of God the friends must think of detailed ways and means and year by year add to their efficiency, practicality and thoroughness. They must organize classes for teaching the young and preparing teachers to go to all parts of America. God willing, the believers like unto bright candles will illumine the assemblage of the world of humanity with the light of truth."
News from India
All-India Bahai Convention to be held in December—New Bahai paper to be established in India.
LETTER FROM ABBASALI
Madras, India,
May 23, 1919.
Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi, Chicago.
My dearly-beloved brother:
You will no doubt be pleased to know that we are going to start a Bahai paper in India and I have taken the liberty to write this letter to you in connection with the same. We have a column in the said paper entitled "From Our Contemporaries," in which we intend to insert cullings from the Najm-i-Bakhtar (STAR OF THE WEST) and Khurshid-i-Khawar. May I, therefore, ask your indulgence to mail me the latest number of Najm-i-Bakhtar to my Rangoon address, and to continue sending the same every month. We shall, of course, send you our paper in exchange and shall further beg you to extend a helping hand to us in our efforts to keep this paper going. The paper will be printed in three languages—English, Urdu* and Persian—all in one issue and every is being made to make it as artistic and instructive as possible.
Further, may I beg you to kindly furnish me with the addresses of all the American assemblies and individual friends to whom the paper should be sent. In case of assemblies, you will please let me know the number of copies to be sent to them. I trust you will kindly give an early reply to this request, so that you may be in time to guide us from the very first issue. A few days ago when on a visit to Bombay, I heard from brother Aga Mirza Mahmood that the translation done by me of the Book of Wonderful Signs was
* Urdu is a dialect, an Indian name. This dialect arose in the camps and bazaars as a means of communication between Mohammedan invaders and the Hindus.—Editors.
sent to sisters Goodall and Cooper in California for correction and polishing. This translation was done by me under very trying circumstances, yet I am confident it shall not give much trouble to my brothers and sisters sitting in committee for its correction. If any further information regarding the translation is wanted, I shall ever feel esteemed to correspond with you or any other brother or sister.
You are perhaps aware that we are going to hold an All-India Bahai Convention during the coming Christmas season. We are confident that through the inexorable will of the Blessed Beauty and ever-effective prayers of Abdul-Baha, we will be able to move the dormant population of India. We are expecting the arrival among us of Mr. Remey and the other young brothers of whom you spoke in your last letter to dear Mirza Mahmood.
Kindly convey my humblest Bahai love to all the friends and sisters in Chicago. Please send my sincere love to Mirza Ahmad Sohrab and Mr. Joseph Hannan when next you write him. Kindly convey my best Bahai love to Miss Root.
Yours affectionately,
At the feet of Abdul-Baha,
Abbasali.
LETTER FROM MIRZA MAHMOOD
Bombay, India,
June 1, 1919.
Dear friends:
Your letter of April 9th has filled us with great delight and rejoicing. We rejoice in the divine fatherly care of Abdul-Baha who while he sent you Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, also favored us with a messenger, Mr. Aflatoon, bringing Tablets for the devoted servants in India. We have perused with greatest pleasure your letters and program of the Annual
Convention and Congress which we hope has been carried out with complete success and great results. The Bahais in India have also proposed to hold an Annual Conference during the Christmas season when we earnestly wish some of the American friends will be present among us to add to the success of the gathering and the joy of the friends in India.
We are very thankful to you for sending us your literature and keeping us in touch with all the earnest doings of the friends in America.
We have submitted a request to his blessed Presence, Abdul-Baha, to permit us to hold the Annual Conference. We hope he will graciously accord his approval to our request. We therefore learn with special pleasure from Dr. Zia Bagdadi's letter that a Japanese Bahai is coming to Acca and Mr. Remey with some other American friends to India. This latter news is of greatest interest to the friends in India, all of whom long to see Mr. Remey and hear his vigorous, inspiring addresses. His presence among us is sure to add a special charm to the Conference and in our opinion will be productive of important results.
Mrs. Goodall and Dr. Zia Bagdadi have asked me for the English translation of my book Safar Namai Mobaraka, i. e., An Account of Abdul-Baha's Visit to America. I sent a typed copy of the translation to Mrs. Goodall and Mrs. Cooper for correction and improvement. I have not yet heard whether they have received the work. I had sent it by registered post and a copy of the original Persian also accompanied it. I hope it has reached them and that they will be pleased to expedite the work of correction, revision and improvement so that it may soon be published.
With prayers for the happiness of our western brothers and Bahai greetings to all of them, on behalf of the Assembly, I am
Your brother,
Mirza Mahmood.
LETTER FROM SYED MUSTAFA
Rangoon, Burma,
May 16, 1919.
Mrs. Corinne True,
Dear Bahai sister in the supreme service of His great Cause.
Your kind letter dated February 7th, 1919, detailing the progress of the Mashrekol-Azkar has given me immense pleasure. The receipts enclosed therein have been forwarded to the respective Secretaries.
We eagerly look forward, and pray day and night for divine assistance for the speedy completion of this historic edifice which shall proclaim to the world at large the marvelous fusion of the East and West—the wonderful result of the harmonizing influence of the teachings of BAHA'O'LLAH. This is indeed an achievement which will ever redound to the everlasting credit of the American people. May God crown with success the noble efforts of our American brothers and sisters in this direction!
I am confident before the world fully recovers from the shock of the terrible convulsion that it has just passed through, the Mashrekol-Azkar building in the United States will unfurl from the summit of its high dome the flag of universal peace, love, and unity.
The news of Mr. Remey's ensuing visit to India, as announced in your letter under reply has caused a great rejoicing among the friends here. The fragrance of his kind disposition and cheerful manners is still redolent in India and Burma. That brother has a very loving personality and a heart well illumined with love and faith. We all, young and old, welcome this opportunity of enjoying his pleasant company once more.
It is always a great pleasure with us to render service to our occidental brethren and co-operate with them as far as circumstances permit in the establishment of His Kingdom on earth,
and in the solidarity of the union of the East and West.
The recent Tablets received from Abdul-Baha show that direct communication has been restored, and they gave us great joy, as they brought the happy news of the Master's good health. They are in reality blessings to the friends, and all glory to those who had the honor to receive the privilege.
The friends here are all doing well and have most devotedly engaged themselves in the service of His Covenant. All are animated with the same feeling, the same sentiments and the same aspirations, namely: To hold aloft the sacred ensign of His mighty command.
With Bahai love and greetings I beg to remain,
Ever your devoted co-worker in the service of the Holy Covenant.
Syed Mustafa.
How the door of communication was opened
Letter from Mirza Azizollah Shirazi, Haifa, to Mirza Mahmood Baghir Khan Shirazi, Teheran, Persia—The first Tablet received in Egypt,
Haifa, Palestine,
Sept. 25, 1918.
Greetings:
The believers here were more at rest than any one else, because all the troubles were upon the shoulders of the holy Person.
It is impossible to tell the troubles borne by the Beloved during the past four years. The Commander-in-Chief the Turkish oppressor, Jamal Pasha, after a written complaint from the nakezeen, said: "After I am through fighting and conquer on the Suez canal, and return to Jerusalem, in the same place where Christ was crucified I will crucify Abdul-Baha." Praise be to God, he had not reached the canal when the English army poured missiles like rain upon his camp. He could do nothing but flee like a deer.
Thank God, after he was overcome God gave him no opportunity to carry out his evil design, for on the 23rd of September, while we were looking out from the Travelers' Rest near the Tomb of the Bab, we saw English and Indian horsemen coming from the eastern side of Haifa, attacking the Turkish cannons and coming into and taking the city. The remaining Turks who were fighting and had no chance to escape were taken prisoners. The General of the attacking army, the conqueror of Haifa, reached Khezr. And between Khezr and the German colony, the mayor of the city and the prominent men went out to meet him. The first question he asked was this: "Is Abdul-Baha in this city and is he safe?"
Later, he, himself, and his chief officers were often visiting the Beloved, going and coming, and receiving spiritual nourishment. The name of the conqueror and captor of Haifa, who asked the question concerning the welfare of the Beloved, is General Andrew Allenby.
Last night also, Colonel Storrs, the Governor of Jerusalem, who speaks Arabic correctly and fluently, rode in his own automobile to Haifa and immediately came to the house and visited the Beloved. He said: "I have come on the part of the government which I serve, namely, Brittania. I am a messenger, and came especially to inquire about the health of the Master, and send the glad tidings." This morning he came with another General and visited the Beloved. Soon after taking leave, he returned to Jerusalem.
The health of the Beloved, thank God, is good and he is joyful and free from trouble.
You will kindly spread the news in Shiraz and thereabouts. Our venerable spiritual father, Aga Hadji Mirza Heydar Ali—May I be sacrificed for him—is
well, light-hearted and happy, and sends especial greetings and love to all.
Azizollah.
(Translated by Dr. S. I. Moody and Mirza Farajollah Khan, Teheran, Persia, February, 1919.)
The first Tablet received in Egypt after the opening of the doors of communication.
He is God!
To the believers of Egypt:
O true friends! Separation from the friends causes the burning of heart and soul. Separation, distance and foreignness are the cause of injury and loss, especially as no fragrant messages, nor a faithful messenger, nor courier, nor post, nor information, nor news from any source have been received, and the mind has been deprived of comfort. Life and spirit were in the utmost sadness and grief until the conquering army arrived in the Holy Land and seized the reins of government from the cruel ones, and overthrew the authority of the tyrants, and quietness and safety were assured. The leaders of the country and the army showed sympathy and kindness, soothing every oppressed one; the black cloud was dispersed and the horizon of the political situation cleared. Believers and unbelievers were at rest, and acquaintances and strangers were playing cheerful melodies. Verily, the darkness of injury and error was uncovered by the light of equity and justice, and the government put on the garment of probity.
Praise be to God! By the bounty and favor of the Blessed Perfection, amid such great confusion and severe whirlwind of calamities and severe oppression, these distressed ones were in safety and rest. No distress came upon any one. There was no trouble or suffering nor pain, until the Ark of the Cause of God reached the shore of rescue from the whirlpool of danger. Now the ruling government was overcome and all the people of the country of every nationality and tribe were made comfortable on the couch of rest and safety.
His honor Mr. (Colonel) Storrs came from Egypt and gave tidings of the health and safety of all the believers. I became very happy and grateful that, praise be to God, the friends in Egypt were also preserved and guarded.
Night and day we are remembering you and sincerely praying for you and the hope that we may meet. With heart and soul I am longing for all the friends.
Upon them be the Glory of God!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Dr. S. I. Moody and Mirza Farajollah Khan, Teheran, Persia, February 1919.)
MOVING PICTURE FILMS OF ABDUL-BAHA.
Recent inquiries have been made as to the price of the film of ABDUL-BAHA, for shipment to India. It occurs to us to publish this price list for general information, as follows:
1 Film—complete | $160.00 |
2 Films—complete | 295.00 |
3 Films—complete | 375.00 |
4 Films—complete | 445.00 |
5 Films—complete | 500.00 |
This is bottom quotation from the film company and cannot be exceeded or lowered.
Voice records of ABDUL-BAHA still 85c each, delivered by parcel post. Address HOWARD MACNUTT, 935 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, N. Y.
Tablets recently revealed by Abdul-Baha
ALFRED E. LUNT
To his honor, Mr. Alfred E. Lunt, Boston, Mass.—Upon him be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He is God!
O thou firm in the Covenant!
Your last letter dated October 28, 1918, was received. Its contents caused joy and gladncss for they indicated the firmness and steadfastness of the friends in the Cause of God.
Praise be to God, the gloomy clouds of war have been partly dissipated from the horizon of the world. The hope is entertained that gradually they will utterly vanish and rest and comfort will be established. Grasp therefore the present opportunity, for a wonderful capacity for the hearing of divine teachings has been manifested among men. Concentrate, therefore, at present your whole effort in spreading the Message. It is time for the diffusion of fragrances and the promulgation of divine teachings and for nothing more. The world of humanity is athirst and these divine teachings are pure and limpid water. Exert effort in teaching and if blessed souls undertake to travel through all the states of America, complete and thorough confirmations from the Kingdom of Abha shall be witnessed by them, so much so that they shall be bewildered. Verily, this is an exceedingly momentous question.
You had inquired about the despatched and unsigned letter. That letter is authentic and its original copy is safely kept and signed. Whenever an unsigned letter arrives, inquire before putting it into action and wait until an answer is given.
Convey respectful greeting to all the friends. The question of the Mashrekol-Azkar is of great importance. The friends accordingly must exert a great deal of effort and must be self-sacrificing so that its construction may begin.
As to appeal and encouragement for the Mashrekol-Azkar, in view of the glory and eminence of the Cause, it must be made orally or through private personal letters.
Your children who indeed are mine, embrace each of them and show them on my behalf utmost kindness and amiability.
Upon thee be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, January 10th, 1919. Home of Abdul-Baha, Haifa, Palestine.)
EDNA TRUE
To the maid-servant of God, Miss Edna True, Paris, France—Upon her be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou respected one!
Your letter dated February 2nd, 1919, has been received, and thy service to the world of humanity, during these days of terrible war, acceptable at the Kingdom of God. Verily, thou hast magnificently engaged in service; hast given up thy rest and comfort in America and hast hastened to Europe so that thou mayest be of service to the world of humanity.
Praise thou God for having been therein assisted. At present continue these services until the end in the same department and whenever it has been made possible for thee to undertake a trip to the Holy Land in the utmost joy and fragrance, thou art permitted to present thyself.
Convey in writing to thy respected mother greeting on my behalf.
Upon thee be El-Baha-el-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, March 30th, 1919. House of Abdul-Baha, Haifa, Palestine.)
ELLA AND ELLAH A. RICE-WRAY
To the maid-servants of God, Ella. and Ellah A. Rice-Wray, Detroit, Michigan—Upon them be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He is God!
O ye two dear maid-servants of God!
Your letter dated December 4th, 1918, was received. Praise be to God, His Holiness BAHA'O'LLAH—May my life be a sacrifice to his friends—hath expounded and fully explained everything in the manifest Book, hath not given any soul the chance to be confounded, hath designated the Expounder of the Book that he may fully explain and expose the manifest teachings of God; and hath devolved the ordinances which are not literally recorded in the Book, upon the Universal House of Justice which, whenever it is organized, will engage in the service of promulgating those ordinances which are not manifestly mentioned.
Indeed, as thou hast written, the trials are severe. I, however, entertain the hope that as the winds of tests wax more severe, the friends of God will exhibit and assert more firmness and steadfastness; that souls will be assisted through the confirmation of the Abha Kingdom and will conquer and quench the uproar of self and worldly desire which is nothing but the world of nature to which man is enslaved and from which he can be emancipated only through the power of God.
Concerning the effect of translation, it is evident that it is not as effective as the original. For instance, the Tablets of His Holiness BAHA'O'LLAH which have been translated from Persian or Arabic, the original text exerts a wonderful power, while translation may produce certain effect but cannot be measured with the original. The delicacy, smoothness and sweetness of the Words of His Holiness BAHA'O'LLAH are beyond any human conception. It is, however, conditioned upon one's knowledge of Persian and Arabic.
Convey greetings to all the friends.
Upon thee be greeting and praise!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, January 26th, 1919. Home of Abdul-Baha, Haifa, Palestine.)
C. MASON REMEY
To his honor Mr. Remey, care of his honor Mr. Roy Wilhelm, New York City—Upon him be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O my dear son!
Numerous letters have been received from you and their contents have all been conducive to happiness. Praise be to God, thou art confirmed in service to the Kingdom art promulgating divine teachings, art raising the call of the oneness of mankind, art detaching the souls from ignorant racial prejudices, art summoning them to the investigation of truth, art showing forth unto them the light of guidance and art offering them the chalice of the wine of the love of God. This blessed purpose of thine is the magnet of the confirmations of the Abha Kingdom.
Rest thou assured and engage with Mr. John Bassett in service to the Kingdom of God throughout the same southern states. This is what is required at present. Later on, undertake a tour to the north of America and after that thy course of action and that of Mr. John Bassett shall be determined.
Convey, on my behalf, the utmost love and kindness to Miss Margaret Klebbs and say: "The people of the Supreme admire your work that, praise be to God, you are firm in the Covenant and Testament, and are serving the Kingdom of God."
Upon thee be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, May 23rd, 1919, Haifa, Palestine.)
