| ←Issue 9 | Star of the West Volume 11 - Issue 10 |
Issue 11→ |
 Proofread onceReturn to PDF view
|
We are working hard to have proofread and nicely formatted text for you to read. Here is our progress on this section:
|
PUBLISHED NINETEEN TIMES A YEAR
In the Interest of the BAHAI MOVEMENT
By the BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, 515 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, Ill., U. S. A.
Publishers: ALBERT R. WINDUST — GERTRUDE BUIKEMA — DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI
Entered as second-class matter April 9, 1911, at the postoffice at Chicago, Ill., under the Act of March 3, 1879.
Terms: $3.00 per year; 20 cents per copy.
Two copies to same name and address, $5.00 per year.
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.
"Great importance must be given to the development of the STAR OF THE WEST. The circle of its discussion must be widened; in its columns must be published the essential problems pertaining to the Bahai life in all its phases. Its contents must be so universal that even the strangers may subscribe to it. Articles must be published, dealing with the universal principles of the Cause, the writers proving that this Cause takes a vital interest in all the social and religious movements of the age and is conducive to the progress of the world and its inhabitants. In short, the STAR OF THE WEST must promote the aspirations and the ideals that will gather little by little around these general Tablets, bringing into the light of day all the historical, religious and racial knowledge which will be of the utmost value to the Bahai teachers all over the world."
From Unveiling of the Divine Plan.
| Vol. 11 | CONTENTS | No. 10 |
| PAGE | |
A Photograph from Teheran | 154 |
The House of Spirituality in Persia | 155 |
| Talk by JENABI FAZEL MAZANDARANI. | |
Tablets Received by American Bahais in 1919 | 159 |
Letter from the House of Spirituality, Teheran, to the STAR OF THE WEST | 160 |
Recent Tablet to the House of Spirituality, Chicago | 161 |
Recent Tablet to the Women's Assembly, Teheran | 162 |
BULLETIN—Jenabi Fazel Mazandarani has undergone an operation and was in the hospital for some time. On behalf of the Bahais everywhere we extend to him heartfelt sympathy and the prayer for a complete recovery and greater strength to serve the Cause. We also hope the Persian section of the STAR OF THE WEST will soon be restored.—Editors.
--PHOTO--
A Photograph from Teheran
STANDING (left to right):
ELIZABETH H. STEWART.
MOHAMMED LABEEB, just returned from Haifa.
DR. SARAH CLOCK.
MIRZA NUR-ED-DIN.
SEATED (left to right):
LILLIAN KAPPES.
MAHBOOBEE, niece of Mohammed Labeeb.
DR. SUSAN I. MOODY.
MONAVER, orphan from Kazwin in Tarbiat School.
GHODSEA ASHRAF, just returned from America.
Photograph taken April 3, 1920, Teheran, Persia.
Sent by Isabella D. Brittingham—see page 162.
"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. 11 | Eizzat 1, 76 (September 8, 1920) | No. 10 |
Talk by JENABI FAZEL MAZANDARANI, given at the Twelfth Annual Mashrekol-Azkar Convention, New York City, April 29, 1920. Interpreted by Manucher Khan. Stenographically reported by
Harris & Stacy, N. Y.WE thank God, friends, for the bounties which He has bestowed upon us. For what He has done for us let us express our thanks. We have come at a befitting time, when the Bahais are working in the beautiful time and day of the Rizwan.*
Praise be to God, you have undertaken great services, one of the most important of which is the raising of the fund for the Mashrekol-Azkar. We have been reading about the Mashrekol-Azkar and this news has been heralded throughout the world, the Bahais everywhere praying earnestly and watching its progress. Praise be to God, that sufficient funds have already been collected to start the work of building.
Having heard Abdul-Baha speak of the Mashrekol-Azkar and having read his writings, we know how he feels about the matter. The Bahais throughout the world have not only heard about the other Mashrekol-Azkars, but also about the one that is to be built in America. Many Tablets have been written about
*The Feast of Rizwan (Paradise) commemorates the Declaration of BAHA'O'LLAH in the Garden of El-Rizwan in Bagdad, April 21st, 1863. The season of feasting lasts twelve days—April 21st to May 2d, inclusive. April 21st, April 28th and May 2d, are especially celebrated.—Editors.
the Mashrekol-Azkar in Ishkabad. In the Book of Akdas it is commanded that Mashrekol-Azkars be built. There should be a Mashrekol-Azkar in every city. It is Abdul-Baha's wish that the Mashrekol-Azkar be as grand as it is possible to make it, for the more beautiful it is, the more attention it will attract, and by this, the outward manifestation of the spiritual temple, will many be drawn to the Revelation of BAHA'O'LLAH.
Praise be to God, that you are going to build a grand Mashrekol-Azkar. There is no doubt that it will require a large sum of money to erect such a structure, but the sincerity of the Bahais will remove all difficulties, and when the effort is made every obstacle will be overcome.
During the past year a number of Mashrekol-Azkars have been built in Persia. There is one in Hamadan, Persia. First, a large tract of ground was acquired and a building was erected thereon. They are adding to the building from time to time, so as to make it grand and impressive. Other buildings have been placed around it, such as a school for boys and a school for girls, a Bahai library and a guest house for the Bahais. The Bahais of Hamadan thought it impossible to erect such a building because of the great expense, but after they had started it, everything worked out right.
It seems that new life has entered into the Bahais of the world for many institutions have already been started. For instance, the house where BAHA'O'LLAH resided during his sojourn in Baghdad is to be rebuilt, as it is a place that will be visited by people from all parts of the world and should be preserved. The Bahais have started to rebuild it. When you undertake to do anything, no matter how difficult its accomplishment may seem, it will work out right.
Another thing that has greatly pleased us is the committee of teachers. Nothing is as important as teaching. Everything else comes after this. The more the teachings are spread and the Bahais are increased in number, the greater will be the possibility of their accomplishment. The more we do, the sooner will we attain the goal. That is why Abdul-Baha has said repeatedly that this time is the springtime of teaching. He has repeatedly emphasized that we must do our best to teach and he has said that the Bahais should hold meetings to consult about this matter.
We will tell you about the Eastern method of teaching, as it may throw some light on the matter: In accordance with the commands of Abdul-Baha, they have established a Spiritual Meeting (House of Spirituality) in every town of Persia. They elect, that is to say, all the Bahais elect, at least nine men out of their number. Sometimes it is nine, sometimes twice as many and sometimes even three, four, five or even six times as many. This Spiritual Meeting is like a fountain-head from which flows instructions for all the committees and subcommittees—that is to say, it has the authority. This Spiritual Meeting has many sub-committees and many sub-meetings are held. Every branch of the work is referred to one of these committees. For instance, one of these committees is specified as the committee of teaching; that is, teachers are elected, a separate committee is appointed, of which all the members are teachers. A report of their work is made every week to the Spiritual Meeting. Meetings for teaching are held in every part of the city or town and the people are informed thereof. The time is appointed and the Bahais attend such meetings, taking their friends with them who are not Bahais, the one who addresses such a meeting being the teacher who has been appointed by the committee. The teacher informs the committee of his work and the committee makes a report of the work of all the teachers to the Spiritual Meeting. To bring people to a teaching meeting once may not be sufficient, for the words may not have taken effect, so they should be brought a second and even a third time. Another meeting is held which is called the encouraging meeting, that is, those who have been partly convinced are encouraged after they have passed the meeting of the teachers. Then they are taken to another meeting, where fuller information is given them and everything possible is done for them.
Much work is accomplished by the Spiritual Meeting and great responsibility rests upon it. In addition to the work of teaching, their duty is to keep the Bahais together, to unite them and to remove all cause of difference and dissension. They do everything they can to interest and do not allow anything to enter that will cause dissension and difference. Thus spirituality always prevails. This is of the utmost importance. Abdul-Baha has repeatedly emphasized the importance of unity. It is Abdul-Baha's wish that we should all enter the Kingdom, of God, but it is hard to be firm and steadfast therein. We must all strive to keep unity and harmony.
Before a Bahai teacher arrives in a city of Persia, the friends are notified of his coming and are given full information about him. Plans for his coming are made and are sent to the committee
of teaching. That is the best way to spread the teachings. The Bahais living in a town and understanding the conditions there, are in a better position to know how to spread the Cause than would a stranger coming to the town. The plan should, therefore, be drawn by the Bahais of the town and should be carried out by the teacher.
That is the way meetings and sub-meetings are held in the East. If you have Spiritual Meetings like those in the East, it will be very advantageous to you and it will also be beneficial to have a committee of teaching. I hope that ere long you will have Spiritual Meetings everywhere, so that wherever we go we will find the plans have been made and we can proceed with our work.
MR LUNT: I think in the minds of many there has been a doubt as to just what is intended by the term "Spiritual Meeting" as used by our brother Jenabi Fazel, and with his permission I want to ask a question as to what qualifications, in the Orient, are required of those believers who elect what we call the House of Spirituality.
JENABI FAZEL: The House of Spirituality is the same as the Spiritual Meeting. That is the mode of procedure in Persia. You can do likewise. In every town of Persia they have a House of Spirituality, or a Spiritual House or a Spiritual Meeting, which are all the same. The members of the Spiritual Meeting are elected by the Bahais, those receiving the majority of votes being elected. The Bahais elect certain ones of their own number and those elected become electors who choose the House of Spirituality. These are the conditions for choosing the House of Spirituality. There are numerous Tablets on this subject and one of the conditions is that the Bahais chosen as members of the House of Spirituality should be firm in the Covenant and well known for their steadfastness; that is to say, those who are sincere and are well known to the others. After such members have been chosen, they proceed according to a plan determined by Abdul-Baha as to what they should do. For instance, they should consult about teaching. The assemblies that the teachers are to visit should communicate with them and they should be consulted beforehand. They should consult how to spread the Bahai literature and every step taken must be a matter of consultation. Of course, everything cannot be discussed at the meetings of the House of Spirituality. There should be sub-committees to do the work. One of the committees is the committee of teaching. The only subject discussed at these meetings is how to promote the Cause. These teachers should not sacrifice all of their time in teaching. If it is necessary to do that, the work should be divided among different ones, so that only a part of their time will be required in teaching. These teachers are versed in the prophetical books, can make a good address and can afford to spend part of their time at these meetings. A teacher is sent to every one of these meetings, in whatever place or home it is held, he being informed beforehand what meeting he is to attend and the appointed time, and the Bahais invite their friends to these meetings of teaching. The subject is chosen and the teacher goes to the meeting and gives his lecture. The teacher informs the teaching committee and the latter reports to the House of Spirituality. Those who were invited, who have read the words and have been impressed by the teacher, are invited to other meetings where they are given more information and a deeper insight into the teachings. That is the way the Bahais in Persia have their sub-committees work. If you think it feasible, it would be very good to select nine members to look after such matters—nine or more, twice as many as nine does not matter. They should have full authority and should hold a meeting of consultation at least once a
week about spreading the Cause, and of course they should make it a point to ascertain what has already been decided upon.
Another important thing is that all these meetings should work together in harmony and unity. The mission of the Bahai is one of service and there is nothing besides that. Our greatest desire is to render service. Consultation is one of the explicit commands of Abdul-Baha, but the time and place can be of your own choosing.
MR LUNT: Just one point. I wish to clarify one point: How is the membership of the friends who elect the House of Spirituality to be determined, who determines that membership, and what are the qualifications of those who elect the House of Spirituality?
JENABI FAZEL: The members (of the assembly) should elect those who choose the (nine) members (of the House of Spirituality).
MR LUNT: How are we to determine the qualifications, the conditions, how do we determine the membership, the general membership which elects these nine—I mean the whole body of the assembly?
JENABI FAZEL: The first condition is sincerity and firmness in the Cause—this is the law—and of course this should be carefully considered. This is more important than anything else because it is the center of the Cause. The center should be clear and pure. It is like a source from which all the streams spring. If the source is not clear, how can the stream be clear? It must be pure. If it is not, it will be of no use. The first condition is sincerity and firmness, and they should be firm in the Center of the Covenant, sincere in every way and be ready to sacrifice their lives for the Cause. One should have no will except the will of God. He should not be tenacious and persist in his own opinion. If somebody has a better opinion, he must change his opinion at once.
What aim do we have except servitude? This position is a very important one and carries with it much responsibility. In the Tablets revealed by Abdul-Baha these conditions are mentioned in detail. You have all heard of the important position which such a Spiritual Meeting holds. They are the chosen representatives of Abdul-Baha in every city and town.
MR. WINDUST: I should like to have it clearly defined if there is any difference between the Spiritual Meeting and the Spiritual Assembly and the House of Spirituality?
JENABI FAZEL: So far as I know, the House of Spirituality and the Spiritual Assembly (and Spiritual Meeting) are exactly the same.
MR. LUNT: Suppose new people come to a meeting today (or have been) coming for a number of months. Suppose they say, "We believe we are Bahais." Suppose we have a meeting called to elect the House of Spirituality, shall we notify these people, who say they believe, to come and help elect the House of Spirituality, or shall we have some committee pass upon their qualifications?
JENABI FAZEL: All those who are Bahais have the right to vote. They should elect a number of people, and those who are elected should choose the nine (constituting the House of Spirituality). The Bahais are known everywhere. They could not be anything else.
MRS. HOAGG: Just one question: In choosing the members of the House of Spirituality, should the committee be larger than the number chosen; do you usually have a larger committee to choose the House of Spirituality?
JENABI FAZEL: Naturally, a larger committee should choose a smaller committee; of course they cannot be nine themselves and choose eighteen. They must choose out of their own members.
JOHN WOLCOTT
To his honor, Mr. Wolcott, Spokane, Washington—Upon him be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou faithful servant of God!
Thy letter was perused. Thou hadst written that "I am striving to cause the friends of Spokane to become self-sacrificing." I hope that each and all of the friends may become self-sacrificing and set forth the example to others. Until man becomes self-sacrificing in the path of God, his life will be void of any result and will be like unto that of a mineral; he will resemble a fruitless tree, and a tree must bear fruit. I hope that the friends of God may all become fruitful trees and illumined lamps and may not remain extinguished.
As to the questions thou hadst asked, I have no time for a detailed answer for letters are pouring in from the East and the West and if I answer a word to anyone, it is indicative of the utmost love for I have not any time at my disposal. At present I answer thy questions briefly and if in the future an interview is made possible, I will give thee a detailed answer.
Existence is of two kinds: One is the existence of God which is beyond the comprehension of man. He, the invisible, the lofty and the incomprehensible, is preceded by no cause but rather is the Originator of the cause of causes. He, the ancient, has had no beginning and is the all-independent. The second kind of existence is the human existence. It is a common existence, comprehensible to the human mind, is not ancient, is dependent and has a cause to it. The mortal substance does not become eternal and vice-versa; the human kind does not become a Creator and vice-versa. The transformation of the innate substance is impossible.
In the world of existence, that which is comprehensible, is in three stages of mortality: the first stage is the mineral world, next the vegetable world, and in the latter the mineral world does exist but has a distinctive feature which is the vegetable characteristic. Likewise in the animal world, the mineral and vegetable characteristics are present and in addition the characteristics of the animal world are to be found; it has the faculties of hearing and of sight. In the human world the characteristics of the mineral, vegetable and animal worlds are found and in addition those of the human kind are existing. That is the intellectual characteristic, which discovers the realities of things and comprehends the all-important facts.
Man, therefore, on the plane of the contingent beings is the most perfect being. By man is meant the perfect individual, who is like unto a mirror in which the divine perfections are manifested and reflected. But the sun does not condescend from the height of its sanctity to enter into the mirror, but when the latter is purified and turned towards the Sun of Truth, the perfections of this Sun, consisting of light and heat, are reflected and manifested in that mirror. These souls are the Divine Manifestations of God.
Upon thee be Baha-El-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Acca, Palestine, July 20, 1919.)
MR. AND MRS. LATIMER
To their honors, Mr. James and Rouhani Latimer, Portland, Oregon—Upon them be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O ye two faithful and assured souls!
Praise be to God, your son, George Latimer, is enkindled with the fire of the love of God, and is with all his
(Continued on page 163.)
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.
O ye apostles of BAHA'O'LLAH—May my life be a ransom to you!
. . . . Similarly, the Magazine, the STAR OF THE WEST, must be edited in the utmost regularity, but its contents must be the promulgator of the Cause of God—so that both in the East and the West, they may become informed of the most important events.
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
| Northeastern States: HOOPER HARRIS | Western States: HELEN S. GOODALL. |
| Southern States: | 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. 11 | Eizzat 1, 76 (September 8, 1920) | No. 10 |
Translation by Manucher Khan, of the fac-simile reproduction of the Persian
printed on page 26 of the STAR OF THE WEST.To the STAR OF THE WEST—Compliments and congratulations!
The members of the Spiritual Assembly (House of Spirituality) of Teheran, Persia, offer the sincerest congratulations to the editors and the staff of the STAR OF THE WEST.
The STAR OF THE WEST had ceased its radiation owing to the dense clouds of this destructive world-wide war; but in this happy and joyous time, from the unlimited bounty of the Almighty God, those clouds have been dispelled and dispersed and again the STAR OF THE WEST has shone forth in a new style.
We beg at the Threshold of God the success and the prosperity of the honorable editor and his staff, and hope that, God willing, day by day the refulgence and resplendence of the STAR OF THE WEST may be increased and that it may be lighted in such a manner that it may bestow upon the hearts of the people of the West illumination, that the sleeping ones may arise from their slumbers and the uninformed ones may be informed of the rising and the dawning of the Star of Reality from the horizon of Persia, and may not be bereft of the effulgence of the Sun of Guidance and Wisdom. But alas, alas! most of the people arc narrow-minded, short-sighted, and are unaware of the Highway of Reality. Some have been contented with a small cup of water and have deprived themselves of the ocean and the limpid and salubrious water, and a few are in search of it but they wish to confine that boundless water of life in a small jar or dish, but how impossible! How well He has said, "And by the Name of God, the sayer is from God—If anyone searches for light in the daytime that self same
search is a demonstration of his blindness." God is manifest and has come like unto a luminating Star, but what a pity that He has come in the towns of the blind people.
We continually invoke at the Threshhold of the Almighty God that the minds of the people may be purified from the ashes of cruelty and injustice, and may be adorned with the light of justice and toleration, so that they may witness the rays of the Sun of Reality with their outward and inward eyes, and that they may drink from the River of Life which is flowing in the heart of the world, and that they may obtain eternal life. He is the Ancient above all things!
THE SPIRITUAL HOUSE OF TEHERAN,
(Seal) President: Shoao'llah.
(INVITATION)
We most respectfully inform the Spiritual Houses (Houses of Spirituality) of Europe and the United States) that the Spiritual House of Teheran will gladly correspond with the above-mentioned Spiritual Assemblies, either in the English, French or Esperanto languages. If any of the Bahai Assemblies wish to communicate with us in any of the above languages we will answer them as soon as possible. All letters should be addressed as follows:
Rouhani Davachi
Khiabani Naserie
Teheran,
Persia.
THE SPIRITUAL HOUSE OF TEHERAN,
(Seal) President: Shoao'llah.
To the members of the House of Spirituality, Chicago—Upon them be the Glory of God, the Most Glorious!
He Is God!O ye dear friends of Abdul-Baha!
The letter which ye had written to the Central States was perused. My hope is that this Convention for Teaching will remain firm and permanent and that its honorable members will serve the Kingdom of God with utmost unison and harmony, so that the effulgent light of the Sun of Reality may illumine the horizons of America, and the call of His Holiness BAHA'O'LLAH may reach everywhere. The teachings of His Holiness BAHA'O'LLAH, like unto the breaths of the Holy Spirit, revives the people. The favors of His Holiness BAHA'O'LLAH will encompass all mankind.
Abdul-Baha feels great attachment towards the Chicago friends, for the call of the Kingdom of God, first of all, reached Chicago and made some souls in that city attracted to the Heavenly Kingdom. As in the beginning they did before all attain to the Spirit of Life, so should ye now try to preserve this bounty to the end. Resist ye like unto a firm foundation every violent storm. Withstand ye like unto a strongly-rooted tree the severe winds. Be ye released from every thought save that of the Kingdom of God. Be ye freed from every bond. Have ye no attachment save that to His Holiness BAHA'O'LLAH. Strive ye day and night with heart and soul so that ye may render some service to the Kingdom of God. These are virtues which bear fruits, otherwise rootless trees fall to earth by furious winds; weak lamps are extinguished through a breeze; languid bodies become overwhelmed by the slightest attack (accident) and the superficial people run away from Reality, as it is plainly mentioned in the Gospels.
At all events, O ye friends of God, the tests are verily severe.
It needs a heavenly power so that man may remain firm.
Convey, on my behalf, longing greetings to all the friends of God, one by one.
I intended to go to Chicago by way of the Pacific Ocean, but obstacles appeared, so (at present) I have given up the idea, waiting to see what the will of God will be and what confirmation His Holiness BAHA'O'LLAH bestoweth.
Upon ye be the Glory of Abha!
(Translated by Mirza Azizullah Khan S. Bahadur, Mount Carmel, Palestine, August 1st, 1920.)
Through his honor the pilgrim Sobhie and his honor Mirza Ahmed Yazdani—Upon them be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!—to the attracted leaves, teachers of the Women's Assembly—Upon them be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O fragrant leaves of the Assembly of Teaching!
Endeavor until royal teaching comes from the powerful King. Speak eloquent words until the promise of service to the Kingdom of Abha appears. Supplicate at the Threshold of the Blessed Perfection until the signs of the Most High appear. Make the ear attentive to the Supreme Apex until ye hear the melody of the Kingdom of Abha!
Make the heart pure and spiritual until from it radiates the illumination of the Word of God; and devote thyselves to the work and action which will be the cause of the awakening and education of the people.
This magnetic period of existence is the cause of the progress of divine instruction. The instruction of the Ancient Beauty, which is the myrtle of ascent to the condition of the world and the favor of ascent to the world of the Kingdom, must be made to flow. Then endeavor, take no rest, be occupied with service to the Holy Threshhold, and this is teaching the Cause of God and divine instruction.
The hope is that ye may be aided and prospered.
Upon ye be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated April 28, 1920, Teheran, Persia, by Amatola'llah (Dr. Susan I. Moody); revealed 14 Safar 1338, Haifa, Palestine.)
Letter from Isabella D. Brittingham
To the STAR OF THE WEST:
With greatest joy I am mailing to you a photograph from Teheran.
Many original photos I am planning to file in the archives in Chicago. To the next generation they will be more precious than millions of jewels. We little realize all we now have in the Word and in the lives of its servants. Twenty centuries ago there were only a few pages, recorded from memory, from the day of Jesus—and no other authentic treasures!
This photograph was mailed from Teheran the middle of April with a letter from my niece. It came in about two months.
I have a later letter enclosing a Tablet revealed for the Women's Assembly of Teaching with Dr. Moody's translation, which I send herewith.
My niece states in this last letter, which is dated May 10, 1920, concerning the Teheran work:
"The women are alive about teaching. They have fourteen different places for
teaching in various parts of the city, and many seekers. We have a meeting here (in the united home of Dr. Moody and Miss Stewart) every Tuesday afternoon with a Persian woman teacher, and it is wonderful to hear her teaching from all the different holy books, according to whom she has present, Armenian, Jew, Moslem or Zoroastrian. Saturdays, at sunset, we have a meeting for men. Mirza Farajo'llah teaches and has taught here in our office, this men's meeting, for seven years."
Such floods of the ocean of His Utterance, and the knowledge of their effect upon the arising souls, pour in from all parts that, indeed, we could not bear more upon our sensitive spirits and remain conscious—as Mirza Abul Fazl once said.
I. D. Brittingham.
power engaged in service. This youth shall be confirmed and shall plant for you a tree that shall eternally yield fresh fruits.
The meeting which ye prepared at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Nash, on the day of Naurooz, was an illumined assemblage and the recipient of merciful blessings. Such gatherings are pregnant with remarkable results and their importance shall, in the future, be made evident and manifest. During the autumn season the seed is sown and its significance is veiled, but when springtime approaches and causes it to thrive, then its importance is revealed.
At present the principle of the Oneness of Mankind resembles a seed which is sown and which at first commands no importance, but when the springtime of Universal Peace draws near, then it shall grow and its importance be made known.
Upon ye be Baha-El-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Bahjeh, Acca, Palestine, July 20, 1919.)
SOPHIE LOEDING
To the maid-servant of God, Sophie Loeding, Chicago, Illinois—Upon her be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou daughter of the Kingdom!
Praise be to God, thou hast attended the Mashrekol-Azkar Convention at New York, hast witnessed that great stir and celebration, hast associated with the friends and joined them in their songs, hast been animated and quickened and with a new spirit hast returned to Chicago. Associate intimately with the class of young friends and join them in their activities. Convey to them my respectful greeting and say: "O class of young people! Praise be to God, ye are strong in body and are gladdened in spirit by the divine glad-tidings. Ye must exert an effort and must labor hard. The light of the oneness of the world of humanity and of universal peace must radiate from your class to the surrounding regions, ye must be the cause of the promulgation of heavenly teachings and must summon the souls to merciful characteristics that they may acquire a Bahai training and may be confirmed by divine assistance."
Upon thee be greeting and praise!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Bahjeh, Acca, Palestine, July 20, 1919.)
MABEL RICE-WRAY
To the maid-servant of God, Mrs. Mabel Rice-Wray, Detroit, Michigan—Upon her be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou pure leaf of the Blessed Tree!
Thy letter was received and its contents noted. From lack of time a short answer is given, for letters pour down like unto rain from the East as well as from the West. I have no time for a detailed answer. In brief it is this:
It is not permissible to hang the sacred picture on the walls of rooms; but to hang the Greatest Name, or the picture of the sacred tomb, or the picture of a spot where His Holiness BAHA'O'LLAH has been, is permitted.
I pray to God that ye may ever be enkindled with the fire of the love of God, attracted by the fragrances of God, assisted in benevolent deeds, in good and faithful conduct and firm in the Covenant and Testament. Whatever thou deemest advisable for the promulgation of the Cause, it is acceptable.
As to the election of women, this is a political question. I avoid all politics, but I say this much, that men and women are both parts of the human branch, and for mankind two wings are necessary. If either one is weak the bird will not fly, but if both are strong mankind will soar to the exalted summit.
Upon thee be greeting and praise!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Bahjeh, Acca, Palestine, July 22, 1919.)
[NOTE—Mrs. Rice-Wray sends the above Tablet to the STAR OF THE WEST with the following word of explanation: "I am enclosing the copy of a Tablet received recently and which I feel is not intended for me but for someone who asked the questions which it answers. And someone may have my Tablet. Perhaps you have heard of someone who has a Tablet plainly not for them. Someone surely is looking for this one."—Editors.]
EDWARD STRUVEN
To his honor, Mr. Edward Struven, Beverly, Massachusetts—Upon him be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou who art firm in the Covenant!
Thy letter was received. Thou hast mentioned in it the name of the attracted maid-servant of God, Lua.* Lua pertained to the Kingdom, was lordly, was merciful and was attracted by the divine fragrances. That blessed leaf has been the cause of the guidance of many a soul for she was endowed with a heart that was attracted, a tongue that was eloquent and spent her time day and night in teaching. At present she is calling ye from the Abha Kingdom saying: "O ye my children! Are ye aware of what bounty I have attained? If so, ye would cast behind this earthly body and would hasten and fly to this Divine Realm." In fine, Lua has acquired an everlasting fame and an eternal bounty.
Thou hast written concerning the difficulties arising between Labor and Capital, ye may discuss this question at Green Acre. When I was in America, I delivered different addresses on that subject; get those speeches and discuss the topic in accordance with them.
Upon thee be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Bahjeh, Acca, Palestine, July 20, 1919.)
L. B. NASH
To his honor, Mr. L. B. Nash, Portland, Oregon—Upon him be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou servant of God!
Thy letter was received, and was the cause of gladness. Thou hast expressed
*Lua Getsinger.
thy ardent wish that I should attend the Peace Congress. I do not present myself at such political conferences, for the establishment of peace is unachievable save through the power of the Word of God. When a conference is held composed of representatives of all nations and working under the influence of the Word of God, then Universal Peace will be established, but otherwise it is impossible.
At present it is certain that temporary peace is established, but it is not lasting. All governments and nations have become tired of war, of the difficulties of travel, of huge expenditures, of the loss of life, of the affliction of women, of the great number of orphans, and are driven by force to peace. But this peace is not permanent, but temporary.
We hope that the power of the Word of God will establish a peace that shall eternally remain effective and secure.
Convey on my behalf to all the family greetings and kindness.
Upon thee be Baha-El-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Bahjeh, Acca, Palestine, July 22, 1919.)
KOKAB MAC CUTCHEON
To the maid-servant of God, Kokab MacCutcheon, Chicago, Ill., care of the maid-servant of God, Mrs. True, Chicago, Ill.—Upon her be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou resplendent Kokab!
Thy letter was received. Associate as before with Mrs. True and contribute to the Mashrekol-Azkar as much as possible. Strive for unity among the white and the colored so that color may no more be taken into consideration but instead the hearts be considered. The hearts must be illumined, must be pure and white and not the body of man. Many are the colored ones who, in the field of faith, have surpassed the white and won the goal, and many are the white who in view of a darkened heart have been deprived of the bounties of God.
In short, five races exist upon the surface of the globe: the white, black, brown, yellow and red races. This resembles the different species and colors of doves, but, on the other hand, there is no distinction of color among them, on the contrary the white, black, yellow, blue, red and purple doves, all associate together in the utmost love and harmony. How can man who is endowed with reason and intelligence be limited by these considerations of color? This is nothing but heedlessness, ignorance and counter to human laws.
Upon thee be Baha-El-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Bahjeh, Acca, Palestine, July 24, 1919.)
OSCAR HANKO
To his honor Mr. Oscar Hanko, Newark, N. J.—Upon him be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou servant of the Divine Kingdom!
Thy letter was received. Its contents indicated that at a time when, due to war, the world was in confusion and commotion, thou wert in utmost tranquillity and composure, engaged in servitude to the threshold of the Lord of Hosts, wert serving the Kingdom, wert wishing nothing save the illumination of the world of mankind and had no object but the exaltation of the Word of God and the promulgation of heavenly teachings. Thus thou hast been confirmed and assisted.
Convey on my behalf to Dr. Guthrie and Mr. LeDoux the utmost kindness and respect. On their behalf, at the midnight hour, I pray and entreat at the Threshold of the All-Knowing God and beg assistance, bounty and everlasting blessings. Undoubtedly they shall be
confirmed by the heavenly legions and assisted by the Divine Spirit.
Upon thee be Baha-El-Abha.
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Acca, Palestine, July 26, 1919.)
MRS. JENNIE ANDERSON
Through his honor, Dr. Bagdadi—Upon him be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!—to the maid-servant of God, Mrs. Jennie Anderson.
He Is God!
O thou leaf of the Tree of Life!
Your letter has been received. Because you are exceedingly worthy of an answer, therefore this epistle has been written.
Happy is thy condition for the thickly condensed clouds did not prevent thee from seeing the Sun of Reality. With thine own car thou hast heard the call of the Kingdom of God and with thine eye thou hast witnessed the lights of guidance. Rest thou assured that thou art under the protection of the Lord of Hosts and art considered one of the daughters of the Kingdom. Appreciate thou this station because this is a great station.
Convey thou, on my behalf, to thy revered husband the utmost kindness. Likewise, to the children.
Upon thee be El-Baha-el-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi, November 10, 1919, revealed September 20, 1919.)
MRS. CARPENTER
To the maid-servant of God, Mrs. Carpenter, the Secretary of the Spiritual Assembly, at Santa Paula, California—Upon her be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou wooer of the love of God!
For a long time I have desired to correspond with thee, but I had no time whatever. At present as the respected maid-servant of God, Mrs. True, is returning to those regions, I am writing thee in brief that thou mayest know that thou art ever within sight and present before me.
I beg for thee from the bounties of God advancement in the Kingdom and nearness to His Highness the Merciful One. Thy services in the Spiritual Assembly are accepted in the sight of the Almighty and are well known to the friends. I supplicate thy reward from His Holiness BAHA'O'LLAH.
Upon thee be Baha-El-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Haifa, Palestine, November 12, 1919.)
JAMES SIMPSON
To his honor, Mr. James Simpson, Washington, D. C.—Upon him be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou servant of God!
Thy letter and thy poems arrived. From their contents it became known that, praise be to God, thou art ablaze with the burning fire of the love of God, hast secured a share and portion from the bounty of the Spirit and hast purposed to render a distinguished service to the divine Kingdom and to be the cause of the promulgation of the oneness of mankind.
If it is possible and easy, undertake a journey to North Africa and enkindle there the fire of the love of God and summon the souls to the Revelation of BAHA'O'LLAH and to the unity of mankind, so that religous, racial, sectarian and worldly prejudice may not remain and all may be brought to a full realization of the Truth. If thou goest, assuredly the confirmations of God shall assist thee.
I pray on your behalf that the light of guidance may shine in the hearts, divine bestowals may be extended and heavenly bounty may shine in full radiance.
In this world whatever thou doest is ultimately fruitless save service to the Kingdom of God and to all mankind.
Upon thee be greeting and praise!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Acca, Palestine, July 20, 1919.)
CHARLES MASON REMEY*
To Mr. Remey—Upon him be BAHA'O'LLAH!
O thou who art firm in the Covenant!
Thy letter was received! It became the cause of the utmost happiness and rejoicing; for it contained the news that the white and the colored are gathered in one meeting in America and are associating with each other with infinite love and kindness. Consider thou the power of the Word of God which has brought together those who were against each other. To bring the white and the colored together is considered impossible and improbable, but the breaths of the Holy Spirit will accomplish this fact.
The world of America must be very thankful for this realization; for this enmity and hatred which exist between the white and the colored races is very dangerous and there is no doubt that it will end in bloodshed unless the penetration of the Word of God, the breaths of the Holy Spirit and the teachings of BAHA'O'LLAH are diffused amongst them and love instead of hatred is established between the two races.
They must destroy the foundation of enmity and rancour and lay the basis
*Note—This Tablet written nine years ago, has just been received. It was delayed in transmitting.
(February 28, 1920.) C. M. R.
of love and affinity. The power of the
Teachings of BAHA'O'LLAH will cause
the disappearance of this danger from
America.
But if Mr. M...... was completely attracted to the Kingdom of Abha these difficulties would not have appeared. Now he must become a real Bahai so that the heavenly army may assist and these troubles may be entirely wiped away. Write to him to read the supplications and implore toward the Kingdom of Abha! He must rest assured that these difficulties will be cleared.
Convey to all the friends of God the wonderful Abha greeting.
Upon thee be Baha-El-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, Nov. 27, 1911, Paris, France.)
EMMA B. STOTT
To the maid-servant of God, Emma B. Stott—Upon her be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou blossom of the Tree of Life!
Happy art thou to have girded thy loins in service; to have risen with all thy power in the promulgation of the divine teachings, to have convened gatherings and to have striven for the exaltation of the Word of God.
In this mortal world every important matter has an end; and every remarkable achievement a termination; none having permanent existence. For instance, consider how the important achievements of the ancient world have been at present totally exterminated and not a trace remains therefrom save the great Cause of the Kingdom of God, which has no beginning and will have no end.
At best, it is only renewed and at the beginning of each renewal it commands no attention in the sight of the people. But when once definitely established, it
will daily advance and in its daily exaltation will reach the supreme heavens.
For instance, consider the day of Christ, which was the day of the renewal of the Kingdom of God. The people of the world attached no importance to it and did not realize its significance to such an extent that the Tomb of His Holiness the Christ remained for three hundred years lost and unknown, until the maid-servant of God, Helene, the mother of Constantine arrived and discovered the sacred spot.
My purpose in all this is to show how unobservant are the people of the world and how ignorant, and on the day of the establishment of the Kingdom, they will remain heedless and negligent.
Ere long the power of the Kingdom will encompass all the world and then they will be awakened and will cry and lament over those who were oppressed and martyred, and will raise their sighs and moanings. Such is the nature of people.
Praise thou God, therefore, that thou hast offered thyself in the early days of the renewal, has known the Lord of the Kingdom, and hast become one of the hosts of the Kingdom. The results of this guidance and this bounty will, like unto a star, shine from the horizon of the Kingdom, and will illumine the world.
Upon thee be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, August 27, 1919, Haifa, Palestine.)
DR. HILLS COLE
Through his honor Mirza Ahmad Sohrab—Upon him be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!—to his honor Dr. Hills Cole—Upon him be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou who art firm in the Covenant!
The friends of God are most pleased with thee. They have loosened their tongues in thy praise that thou art firm in the Covenant and Testament and art self-sacrificing in the Path of God.
I hope from the bestowals of the True One that thou mayst advance in the Kingdom of God and become conducive to the guidance of souls.
Upon thee be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, October 28, 1919, at Minneapolis, Minn.)
ELIZABETH STEVENS
To the maid-servant of God, Elizabeth Stevens—Upon her be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou daughter of the Kingdom!
Two letters have been received from thee, one from New York and another from Bermuda. Verily, thy letter was eloquent and from it the purpose was quite manifest. Thou didst well to undertake such a good voyage to Bermuda.
I entreat and supplicate to the divine Kingdom and beg for thee the confirmations of the Kingdom. Rest thou assured, thou shalt be confirmed. Engage with all the power of thy heart in the promulgation of divine teachings in those islands, and be certain that the doors will be wide opened.
After this war, all men are thirsty for universal peace, and the Divine Teachings lay the foundation of universal peace and promulgate the oneness of the world of humanity. Praise thou God, that He hast made thee of the chosen and has selected thee for the promulgation of heavenly teachings. Be assured that thou shalt be confirmed.
Convey on my behalf the utmost love and kindness to the maid-servants of God, Maud Gaudreaux and Agnes Alexander.
Upon thee be Baha-El-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Bahjeh, Acca, Palestine, July 20th, 1919.)
