Star of the West/Volume 11/Issue 18/Text
| ←Issue 17 | Star of the West Volume 11 - Issue 18 |
Issue 19→ |
 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 post office 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.
WORDS OF ABDUL-BAHA.
"Great importance must be given to the development of the STAR OF THE WEST. The circle of its discussion must be widened; in its columns must be published the essential problems pertaining to the Bahai life in all its phases. Its contents must be so universal that even the strangers may subscribe to it. Articles must be published, dealing with the universal principles of the Cause, the writers proving that this Cause takes a vital interest in all the social and religious movements of the age and is conducive to the progress of the world and its inhabitants. In short, the STAR OF THE WEST must promote the aspirations and the ideals that will gather little by little around these general Tablets, bringing into the light of day all the historical, religious and racial knowledge which will be of the utmost value to the Bahai teachers all over the world."
From Unveiling of the Divine Plan.
| Vol. 11 | CONTENTS | No. 18 |
| PAGE | |
Bahai Class of Mirza Mohammed Labib in Kazvin, Persia | 298 |
International Language | 299 |
| Address by ABDUL-BAHA delivered at Edinburgh—Translated into English and Esperanto. | |
"This Question of an Auxiliary International Language is of the utmost importance." | 304 |
| Message of ABDUL-BAHA to Esperantists. | |
Esperanto Class in Kazvin, Persia | 305 |
| Letter from J. B. ESSLEMONT, M. B. | |
Tablets to Bahais in America received in 1919 and 1920 | 306 |
PERSIAN SECTION—Written by Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi | 312-309 |
| 1. Glad Tidings to the Bahai children. 2. Solution of the Economic Problem. 3. Visit to His Holiness Abdul-Baha. |
"The kings—may God assist them—or the counsellors of the world—must consult together, and appoint one of the existing languages, or a new language, and instruct the children therein in all the schools of the world, and the same also must be done in respect to writing (i. e., the characters employed must be similar for all languages)."
BAHA'O'LLAH—The Glad Tidings.
"We have formerly decreed that speech was to be in two languages, and that there should be an effort made to reduce it into one. So likewise should it be with the writings of the world, in order that people may not waste and lavish their lives in the study of various languages, and that the whole earth may be considered as one city and one land."
BAHA'O'LLAH—Words of Paradise.
--PHOTO--
BAHAI CLASS OF MIRZA MOHAMMED LABIB IN KAZVIN, PERSIA
Those marked with cross (X) are Esperanto students.
(Photograph taken February 28, 1919. Sent to the STAR OF THE WEST by J. E. Esslemont, M. B. See letter on page 305.)
"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 | Mulk 1, 76 (February 7, 1921) | No. 18 |
Address by ABDUL-BAHA, delivered at Edinburgh on January 7th, 1913, under the auspices of the Edinburgh Esperanto Society. Translated into
English and Esperanto."La personon de Abdul-Baha kaj lian laboradon mi tre alte estimas: mi vidas en li unu el la plej grandaj bonfaranto de la homaro."—
DR. L. L. ZAMENHOF.
"EVERY movement in the world of humanity bringing on its back unity and accord is good; and every matter which creates discord and inharmony is evil. This century is a radiant century. Its discoveries are many. Its inventions are great. Its undertakings are multitudinous. On account of these great accomplishments, this century is superior to all other centuries. But the greatest undertaking is the unification of language, because it is more beneficial and productive of more pleasure than any other undertaking of this age. The unity of language brings about great fellowship between hearts. The union of language is the cause of the attainment of accord. It brings about the entire sweeping away of misunderstanding between the people; it establishes accord between all the children of men. It gives broader conceptions and greater vision to human minds, and today the greatest undertaking in the world of humanity is to understand and make yourself understood. Every individual member of the body politic, on account of the widespread of an auxiliary international language, will be enabled to put himself in touch with the current events and ethical and scientific discoveries of the age. An auxiliary universal language will give us the key—or the master key—to the understanding of the secrets of the past ages. Through an international language every nation in the future will be enabled to pursue its scientific discoveries very easily and without any difficulty.
Ĉiu movado en la mondo de la homaro, portas kun si unuecon kaj konkordon, estas bona; kaj ĉiu afero, kiu kreas malkontenton kaj malharmonion, estas malbona. Ĉi tiu jarcento estas hela jarcento. Ĝiaj eltrovaĵoj estas multaj; ĝiaj elpensitaĵoj estas grandaj; ĝiaj entreprenoj estas multmultaj. Pro tio ĉi tiu jarcento superas ĉiujn aliajn jarcentojn. Sed la plej granda entrepreno estas la unuigo de lingvo; ĉar tio estas pli bonefika, kaj plezurdona, ol iu alia entrepreno de la epoko. La unuiĝo de lingvo efektivigas grandan kunecon inter koroj. La unuiĝo de lingvo estas kauzo de konkordo. Gi forbalaas ĉian malkomprenon inter la popoloj; ĝi starigas konkordon en la homidaro. Ĝi donas pli vastan konceptpovon kaj pli grandan vidpovon al la homa intelekto. Hodiaŭ la plej grava laboro en la mondo de la homaro estas, kompreni kaj kompreniĝi. Ĉiu individua membro de la komunumo, pro la disvastiĝo de helpa internacia lingvo, povos sciiĝi pri okazantaĵoj kaj rilatiĝi kun etikaj kaj sciencaj eltrovaĵoj de la epoko. Helpa universala lingvo donos al ni la ŝlosilon—la ĉefŝlosilon—por la kompreniĝo de la sekretoj de pasintaj tempoj. Per internacia lingvo ĉiu nacio en la estonteco povos elserĉi tre facile kaj senpene siajn sciencajn eltrovaĵojn.
It is well known to you that the Oriental people, young men coming to the West trying laboriously to study the discoveries of the West, for many years, must work hard, so that first they may study the language and then their special branch of learning. At the very least, they must give many years of their life to the study of the language of the country they go to; then they can start on the study of that special branch of science in which they are interested. For example, let us suppose that a young man from India or Persia or Turkestan or Arabia, desiring to study medicine, comes to this country; at the very least he must study the English language for four years, and nothing else; and then he may begin the study of medicine. But if this international auxiliary language were a part of the curriculum of education in all the schools, in his childhood he would study that language in his own country; and then, no matter to which country he desired to go, he would be enabled to study his special branch of science very easily, without losing any years of his life.
Today, even if each one of us studied languages, yet, if some one desired to travel abroad, he might be handicapped on account of not knowing the special language of a given country. I have studied the Oriental languages very profoundly, knowing the Arabic language more deeply than the Arabians themselves, having studied the Turkish language and the Persian in my own native land, and knowing other languages of the East, yet, when I came to the West, I was obliged to bring a translator with me, and it is as if I know no language whatever. But if there were an international language, well, the Persian language of my own native land and the other one would have been sufficient to carry me along in all the countries of the world. Just think how the international language will facilitate communication between all nations of the world. Let it be said that half of our lives is spent in the acquirement of
Estas bone sciate inter vi, ke Orientanoj, junuloj venantaj al la Okcidento, penegantaj studadi la eltrovitaĵojn de la Okcidento, devas dediĉi jarojn el sia vivo, por laborege akiri la lingvon de la lando al kiu ili iras, kaj nur poste ili povas sin turni al la studado de la speciala scienca fako, pri kiu ili interesiĝas. Ekzemple, ni supozu, ke junulo, el Hindujo aŭ Persujo aŭ Turkestano aŭ Arabujo, deziranta studadi la medicinon, venas al ĉi tiu lando. Li devas lernadi dum kvar jaroj la anglan lingvon, kaj nenion alian; kaj poste li povas komenci la studadon pri medicino. Sed, se ĉi tiu internacia helpa lingvo estus parto de la programo de instruo en ĉiuj lernejoj, dum sia infaneco li lernus tiun lingvon en la propra lando; kaj poste, en kiu ajn lando, al kiu li dezirus iri, li povus studadi sian specialan fakon de scienco tre facile, ne perdinte jarojn de sia vivo.
Hodiaŭ, eĉ se ĉiuj el ni lernis lingvojn, tamen, se iu deziras vojagi alilanden, tiu povus esti grave malhelpata pro tio, ke li ne scias la specialan lingvon de unu lando. Mi tre profunde studadis orientajn lingvojn, kaj scias la araban lingvon pli bone ol la Araboj mem, kaj studadis la turkan, kaj la persan en mia propra nasklando; kaj tamen, sciante ankaŭ aliajn lingvojn de la Oriento, kiam mi vojaĝis okcidenten, mi devis venigi kun mi tradukiston, kvazaŭ mi scius neniun lingvon. Nu, se ekzistus internacia lingvo ĝenerale parolata, la persa lingvo kaj la internacia sufiĉus por mi en ĉiuj landoj de la mondo. Pensu, kiel la internacia lingvo faciligos interkomunikadon inter ĉiuj nacioj de la mondo! Duono de niaj vivoj cluziĝas en la akiro de lingvoj, ĉar en ĉi tiu epoko de klereco ĉiu homo devas lerni lingvojn, por ke, se li esperas vojaĝi en Azio kaj Afriko kaj Eŭropo, li povu
languages; for in this enlightened age every man must study languages, so that if he expects to travel to Asia and Africa and Europe he may be able to converse with the people; but by the time he has studied one language, there is another one to travel to. So you see that his life is spent in the acquirement of these languages, which are a handicap to international communication. Well, this international language will free man from all these problems. In short, to understand and make yourself understood, there must needs be an international instrument. The teacher and the student must know each other's language, so that the teacher may be able to impart his knowledge and the student acquire that knowledge. In the world of humanity there is no greater factor than to make yourself understood to your fellowmen, for civilization itself, the progress of civilization, depends upon this process. To acquire arts and sciences one must know how to speak, make himself understand and understood at the same time. So on this understanding and making yourself understood will depend the acquisition of sciences, and it will make men comprehend all affairs of life; and this process of understanding and making yourself understood depends upon language. Therefore, if this auxiliary language is established, all the members of humanity will then be enabled to understand each other. As I speak now, an episode comes to my mind which happened in Bagdad. There were two friends who did not know each other's language. One of them got sick; the other one called upon him, but he could not express his sympathy, so by making a sign he asked him, "How are you?" By making another sign, the sick man answered "I am almost dying," and the friend who called, thinking that he had told him that he was feeling much better, said, "Thanks be to God." By such incidents you realize that the best thing in this world is to be able to make yourself understood by your friends, and also to
interparoli kun la popolo; sed tuj, kiam li akiris unu lingvon, jen alia estas bezonata. La tuta vivo do forpasas en la akirado de tiuj lingvoj, kiuj estas malhelpo al internacia komunikado. Ĉi tiu internacia lingvo liberigos la homaron el ĉiuj ĉi tiuj problemoj. Mallonge, por kompreni kaj sin komprenigi, devas esti internacia ilo. La instruisto kaj la studento devas scii la lingvon unu de la alia, por ke la instruisto povu transdoni sian scion kaj la studento povu akiri tiun scion. En la mondo de la homaro estas nenia pli granfla afero, ol vin komprenigi al viaj kunhomoj; ĉar la civilizeco mem, la progresado de la civilizacio, dependas de tiu ĉi procedo. Por akiri artojn kaj sciencojn, oni devas scii paroli, sin komprenigi, kaj kompreni samtempe. De ĉi tiu interkompreno dependas la akiro de sciencoj, kaj ĝi igos ĉiujn homojn kompreni pri ĉiuj aferoj de la vivo; kaj ĉi tiu procedo de kompreno kaj komprenigo dependas de la lingvo. Se do ĉi tiu helpa lingvo stariĝos, ĉiuj membroj de la homaro ricevos la eblon kompreni unu la alian. Dum mi parolas, venas en mian cerbon epizodo, kiu okazis en Bagdad. Estis tie du amikoj, kiuj ne sciis la lingvon unu de la alia. Unu malsaniĝis; la alia vizitis lin, sed ne povis parole esprimi sian simpation, kaj do faris geston, volante diri: "Kiel vi fartas?" Per alia signo la malsanulo respondis: "Mi estas tuj mortonta"; kaj la vizitanto, kredante, ke li diris, ke li ekresaniĝas, diris: "Dank' al Dio!" El tiaj ilustraĵoj vi konstatos, ke la plej bona afero en la mondo estas, povi vin komprenigi al viaj amikoj, kaj ankaŭ ilin kompreni; kaj ke ne estas io pli malbona en la mondo, ol ne povi komuniki viajn pensojn al aliaj. Sed, se estus helpa lingvo, ĉiuj tiuj malfacilaĵoj estus forigitaj.
understand them, and there is nothing worse in this world than not to be able to convey your thoughts. But if there is this auxiliary language, all these difficulties will be removed.
Now, praise to God, this language of Esperanto is invented, and this is one of the special endowments of this brilliant century; this is one of the greatest undertakings of this great age. Up to this time the world of humanity has failed to bring about this invention. This unification of languages had never crossed the minds of the thinkers of the past ages, and in reality it was an impossibility in those times, because then there was no freedom in going and coming, and no traveling and no intercourse between the various countries. Now the means of communication and transport are greatly increased, therefore it is necessary and it is possible to bring about the use of this international language.
His Holiness BAHA'O'LLAH fifty years ago wrote a book; that book is called "The Most Holy Book," and in that book one of the fundamental principles of the Bahai movement is that there must be the invention of an auxiliary language; and then he goes on to explain the benefits and profits that will accrue through such a medium. Now, let us thank the Lord because this Esperanto language has been created. Therefore we have commanded all the Bahais in the Orient to study this language very carefully, and ere long it will spread all over the East. Therefore I request you also non-Esperantists and fellow-Esperantists, to put your utmost exertion into the spread and promulgation of this language, because it will hasten that day, that millennial day, which has been prophesied by the past prophets and seers, that day in which, it is said, the wolf and lamb will drink from the same fount, the lion and the deer graze in the same meadow. The signification of this Holy Writ is that the contesting races, warring nations, inimical religions, will come to each other in the spirit of love and amity—then, the day-spring of that
Nu, Laŭdo estu al Dio! ĉi tiu lingvo Esperanto elpensiĝis. Tio estas unu el la specialaj donacoj de ĉi tiu brilega jarcento: unu el la plej grandaj entreprenoj de ĉi tiu granda epoko. Antaŭe la homaro malsukcesis efektivigi tian elpensaĵon. Ĉi tiu unuigo de lingvoj preskaŭ neniam prezentis sin al la pensuloj de pasintaj epokoj; kaj vere ĝi estis neeblaĵo en tiuj tempoj, ĉar tiam ne ekzistis libereco iri kaj reiri, kaj nenia intervojaĝado nek intertraktado inter la diversaj landoj. Jam nun, kiam la rimedoj por interkomunikado kaj transportado multe pligrandiĝis, estas nepre necese, kaj estas fareble, efektivigi la uzadon de internacia lingvo.
Lia Sankta Moŝto BAHA'U'LLAH antaŭ multaj jaroj verkis libron, nomatan "La Plej Sankta Libro," kaj en tiu libro unu el la fundamentaj principoj estas, ke devas esti elpensiĝo de helpa lingvo; kaj li klarigas la bonon kaj profiton, kiuj venos per tia ilo. Nu, ni danku la Sinjoron pro tio, ke ĉi tiu lingvo Esperanto estas kreita. Ni do ordonis al ĉiuj Bahaj' anoj en la Oriento, studadi ĉi tiun lingvon tre zorge, kaj post ne longe ĝi disvastiĝos tra la tuta Oriento. Mi petas ankaŭ al vi, Esperantistoj kaj ne-Esperantistoj, energie klopodadi por la disvastigado kaj propagandado de ĉi tiu lingvo; ĉar ĝi akcelos la alvenon de tiu tago, tiu miljara tago, kiun antaŭdiris profetoj kaj viduloj, tiu tago en kiu, estas dirite, la lupo kaj la ŝafido trinkos el la sama fonto, la leono kaj la cervo sin paŝtos sur la sama herbejo. La signifo de ŝi tiu sankta Skribo estas, ke la batalantaj rasoj, militantaj nacioj, malamikaj religioj, alproksimiĝos unu al la alia en la spirito de amo, kaj kunligiĝos unu kun alia.
millennium; and every means, every instrument which confers unity and amity upon the children of men, that is love and that is the spirit.
As we said, the greatest affair in this world is the reality of an auxiliary international language. The unification of language will transform the world of humanity into one world; the unification of language will do away with the misunderstandings between religions, and the unification of language will bring together the East and the West in the spirit of fellowship and love. The unification of language will change this world of many families into one family. This auxiliary international language will gather the various races under one cover, as if the five continents of the world had become one continent, because then they can convey their thoughts to each other. The international auxiliary language will do away with ignorance and superstition, for each child, no matter to which race or nation he may belong, will be able to pursue his studies in science and art, because at that time he will be called on to study only two languages—one his own native language, and one the international auxiliary language. Let us hope for that day, when even the boundaries of native languages will be swept away and the world will enjoy one language. What greater bounty is there than this? What more munificent welfare is there than this? Then the world of humanity will become the delectable paradise, just as it is said that in heaven there is one language. The material world will become the expression of the world of the inner. Then the discoveries will be unfolded; inventions will become multiple; sciences will advance by leaps and bounds; scientific agriculture will take a wider sphere of accomplishment, because at that time the nations will be able quickly to assimilate the thoughts which are expressed, and because all these thoughts will be expressed in that universal language. If this international language is a factor in the future, all
Kiel ni jam diris, plej grava afero en ĉi tiu mondo estas la efektiviĝo de helpa internacia lingvo. La unuiĝo de lingvo aliformigos la homaron en unu mondon; forigos la malkomprenon inter la religioj; kaj kunigos la Orienton kaj la Okcidenton per la spirito de frateco kaj amo. La unuiĝo de lingvo ŝanĝos ĉi tiun mondon el multaj familioj en unu familion. Tiu ĉi helpa internacia lingvo kolektos la naciojn sub unu kovrilon, kvazaŭ la kvin kontinentoj de la mondo fariĝus unu kontinento; ĉar tiam ili povos interkomuniki siajn pensojn unu al la alia. La internacia helpa lingvo forigos nescion kaj superstiĉon, pro tio, ke ĉiu infano, el kiu ajn raso aŭ nacio, povos sekvi siajn studaĵojn pri la science kaj la arto, ĉar tiam li bezonos lerni nur du lingvojn—unu, lia nacia lingvo, kaj la alia la internacia helpa lingvo. Ni esperu ankaŭ al tiu tago, kiam eĉ la limoj de la naciaj lingvoj foriĝos, kaj la tuta mondo ĝuos unu lingvon. Kia pli granda donaco povus esti, ol tio? Kia pli malavara bonfaro povus esti, ol tio? Tiam la mondo de la homaro fariĝos rava paradizo, ĝuste kiel estas dirite, ke en la ĉielo estas unu lingvo. La materia mondo fariĝos la esprimado de la interna mondo. Tiam eltrovaĵoj malkaŝiĝos; elpensaĵoj multobliĝos; la sciencoj antaŭeniros per saltoj; la scienca terkulturado disvolviĝos laŭ pli vasta grado; ĉar tiutempe la nacioj povos rapide asimili la pensojn esprimatajn, kaj ĉar ĉiuj tiuj pensoj esprimiĝos per la universala lingvo. Se ĉi tiu internacia lingvo estas faktoro por la estonteco, ĉiuj landoj en la Oriento povos rapide akiri la sciencojn de la Okcidento, ĉar iliaj loĝantoj povos legi la librojn kaj kompreni ilian signifon; kaj la Okcidentaj nacioj povos akiri la pensojn kaj ideojn de la Oriento; kaj per tio
(Continued on page 306)
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 | Mulk 1, 76 (February 7, 1921) | No. 18 |
of the utmost importance."
Message of ABDUL-BAHA to Esperantists, Washington, D. C., April, 1912."Today the greatest need of the world of humanity is for the discontinuance of the existent misunderstandings amongst nations, and that can be brought about through the unity of language. Unless unity of languages is realized, the Most Great Peace, and the unity of the human world in a binding manner, cannot be accomplished and established. For the function of language is to portray the mysteries and secrets of the human hearts. The heart may be likened unto a box, and language to the key. We can open the box only through the key, and observe the gems contained in that box. Therefore, this question of an auxiliary international language is of the utmost importance. Men can be trained and educated internationally through this language. They can acquire the evidence of past history and ages through language. The spread of the known facts of the human world depends upon language. The explanation of divine teachings can only be brought about through language. Because of the diversities of languages, and the lack of human comprehension of the languages of each other's nationalities, these glorious aims cannot be realized. Therefore, the very foremost service to the world of man is to establish an auxiliary international language. It will become the cause of the tranquillity of the commonwealth of man. It will become the cause of the spread of sciences and arts amongst the nations of the world. It will be the cause of the progress and development of all the races. Therefore we must with all our powers make an effort so that we may establish an international auxiliary language amongst the nations and races of the world."
Home of Abdul-Baha, Haifa, Palestine,
November 27, 1919.
To the STAR OF THE WEST:
Among the many dear Persian friends here, I have been particularly interested in meeting Mirza Mohammed Labib, of Kazvin, Persia, who is not only a brother Bahai, but a brother Esperantist, and one of the pioneers of Esperanto in Persia. I am sure that readers of the STAR will be interested in some details of the progress of the Cause in Kazvin, as reported to me by Mirza Labib.
Kazvin is a town of some 50,000 inhabitants, among whom there are now some 300 Bahais. There is a general meeting for men and one for women, each week, and the Spiritual Assembly [House of Spirituality] also meets weekly. Besides these three meetings there are a number of others all of which have been initiated by Mirza Labib.
There is first an assembly called Tanzih (i. e., Purity) a weekly meeting where women gather to learn the Bahai Teachings, read and discuss books (such as Some Answered Questions), chant Tablets and prayers and converse about the Movement. The number of members is at present nineteen.
Another is called Nashre-Nafahat (i. e., Spreading of the Fragrances). This is a group which meets specially for correspondence with Bahais in other parts of the world. Hitherto the correspondence has been chiefly in the Persian language, with other cities of Persia, but some of the members are now beginning to correspond in Esperanto and English with centers in Europe, America and elsewhere. Readers of the STAR are cordially invited to write to this group.
Mirza Labib also has a girls' class with about 35 members, and a boys' class with 30, for instruction in the Bahai teachings, memorizing of extracts from the Tablets, etc., and Esperanto classes for women, girls and boys.
Lastly, an Association known as the Nonahalan (i. e., young trees) was founded in August, 1918, for the encouragement of mutual aid and the propagation of divine teachings among the Bahai women and children of Kazvin. This is partly a commercial concern and has a share-capital. Children are encouraged to invest their savings in it. Books and many other articles are bought and sold, but it is a rule that one-fourth of all profits made must be devoted to the Cause of God (in defraying necessary expenses of teaching, helping the poor, etc.). This Association has started a lending library (the first lending library for women and children in Persia), and contributions of books in Esperanto, English, Persian or Arabic will be gratefully received. Donors of books are requested to write on each book their name and address with the date of sending. The Association hopes ere long to purchase a cinematograph and Mirza Labib has many plans for future development of the society's work.
Abdul-Baha has shown a lively interest in these various associations. He has become a shareholder in Nonahalan and has revealed three Tablets, one for Nashre-Nafahat, one for Nonahalan and the children's classes jointly, and one for Tanzih, praying for the continued success, development and confirmation of these organizations.
Communications may be addressed to Mirza Mohammed Labib, Nonahalan, Kazvin, Persia.
With best wishes,
Yours sincerely,
J. E. Esslemont, M. B.
P. S.—I am sending this, with a photograph of Mirza Labib's girls' class, through Mr. Vail.
the countries of the East will be enabled to acquire the sciences of the West in no time, because they will be able to read these books and comprehend their meaning; and the Western nations will be enabled to acquire the thoughts and ideas of the East, and through this they will be enabled to improve their condition. In short, on account of the establishment of this international language, the world of humanity will become another world; extraordinary progress will be attained. Take, for example, a family in which the various members speak each a different language; how difficult it is for them to convey their thoughts to one another, and how great and wonderful it is when they are able easily to understand one another's thoughts. For if they know one another's language, they will go on very rapidly; there is no doubt whatever about this. Therefore it is our hope that the Esperanto language will spread universally before long, that it may be promulgated in all the countries, so that all the people may live together in the spirit of amity and love.
ambaŭ povos plibonigi sian staton. Mallonge, pro la starigo de ĉi tiu internacia lingvo, la mondo de la homaro fariĝos alia mondo, kaj eksterordinara estos ĝia progreso. Ekzemple, pripensu pri familio, kies diversaj membroj parolas diversajn lingvojn; kiel malfacile estas por ili komuniki siajn pensojn unu al alia, kaj kiel mirinde estas, kiam ili povas facile kompreni reciproke siajn pensojn. Ĉar, se ili scias ĉiu la lingvojn de la aliaj, ili progresos rapide. Do estas nia espero, ke la lingvo Esperanto disvastiĝos post ne longe tra la tuta mondo, por ke ĉiuj popoloj povu vivi kune en la spirito de amikeco kaj amo.
JAMES MORTON, JR.
Through Mr. Wilhelm to Mr. James Morton, Jr., New York City—Upon him be the Glory of God, the Most Glorious!
He Is God!
O thou firm in the Covenant!
As to thy attendance at the Esperanto Congress at the Hague in the month of August, it is very advisable. Thou shouldst show utmost efficiency thereat, in order to spread the divine teachings, one of which is the oneness of language; and thence thou shouldst proceed to the desired land (Haifa and Acca). Then from here thou shouldst hasten to Persia, and return to America, where thou shouldst give lectures, explain what thou hast experienced and give the glad tidings of the greatness of the Cause of God.
Upon thee be the Glory of the Most Glorious!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Azizullah S. Bahadur, March 27, 1920, Haifa.)
MARIE WATSON
To the maid-servant of God, Mrs. Marie Watson—Upon her be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou Herald of the Covenant!
Thy detailed letters have been received,
and have been attentively perused. Praise thou God, that thou art confirmed in service to the Kingdom and art encompassed by the blessings of His Holiness BAHA'O'LLAH. Heavenly confirmations are descending upon thee and lordly assistance is encircling thee. Thou art eloquent at every gathering and art responded to at every assemblage. Souls listen in the utmost gladness to thy words and in case a soul objects or antagonizes he will ultimately be awakened and made aware, for the powerful and mighty souls and the ruling potentates have failed to resist the call of the Kingdom. Nasser Ed Din Shah, the Sovereign of Persia, and Abdul Hamid, the Sultan of Turkey, have tried to resist the call with all their power and might, but the call has been raised higher every day and those two blood-thirsty autocratic sovereigns have been inflicted with a severe loss and disappointment.
In short, engage with all thy power in raising the call of the Kingdom of God and rest thou assured that assistance and confirmation shall descend upon thee. The attracted maid-servant of God, Miss Juliet Thompson, is indeed spiritual, lordly and merciful. Extend to her my greeting. His honor, Mr. Wilhelm, exerts his effort under all conditions and contributes extensively for the Bahai Cause. Undoubtedly, other souls should join him in promoting the work of teaching. To the believing maid-servant of God, Miss Buskin, convey greeting and congratulation for her marriage.
Souls are still unaware of the power of the Covenant. This testament is neither a tradition or a tale. It has been established through the pen of His Holiness BAHA'O'LLAH with the utmost firmness and undoubtedly if all the people of the world join in endeavoring to uproot it, they will all eventually fail and be disappointed. What can therefore a handful of people do?
The power of the Covenant is like unto the sun and those who have acted contrary to it are like transparent clouds. The Sun of the Covenant dissipates dense clouds and causes them to vanish. What then will it do to these imaginary mists? Thou dost consider that in all regions the Call of the Covenant is being raised and in the utmost power. His Holiness Christ said to Peter, "Thou art Peter and upon this rock I will build my Church." This Word could not be resisted by all the people of the world and eventually it has been made evident and manifest. At present His Holiness BAHA'O'LLAH has through His sacred pen established this Covenant in the utmost power, perfection and clearness. Consider then what power it yields. At present some superficial souls like unto bats are plotting together in the dark, and say to one another that this Sun of the Covenant shall be eclipsed and the resplendent Moon of the Testament shall be concealed. But the Sun of the Covenant through one effulgence shall disperse and annihilate these bats.
The poems were in the utmost sweetness and delicacy. My hope from the bounties of His Holiness BAHA'O'LLAH is that thou mayest, become the cause of the awakening, the supplication, the prayer and the guidance of souls.
In case Mr. Kelsey will in the utmost longing and desire join thee in thy journey to China, Japan and India, and is able to endure its hardships, and will not give up its responsibilities, it is highly advisable.
Convey to Dr. Mullaney on my behalf the utmost kindness and give her this message: "Praise thou God, that in the midst of this darkness that has encompassed this world thou hast been illumined, and hast been guided and hast been made the recipient of bounty. Thou must be eternally grateful to the soul who has been the cause of thy guidance, for that soul hath guided thee."
Convey to Dr. McMannon on my behalf respectful greeting. My hope is that through the light of the love of God he may become an ignited candle and a flower of the rose-garden. Upon them be BAHA'O'LLAH!
Any soul that may like to accompany thee with the utmost pleasure and satisfaction in thy trip and has ability and capacity and will show thee full consideration, thou mayst select and choose to be thy fellow-traveler.
Upon the be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Shoghi Rabbani, Haifa, Palestine, December 24, 1919.)
MR. AND MRS. KILLIUS
To Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Killius, Montana—Upon them be the Glory of God, the Most Glorious!
He Is God!
O ye two who are firm in the Covenant!
Your letter dated January 28, 1920, has been received. Its contents were indicative of heart-felt realities, which were conducive to firmness and steadfastness in the Covenant of God.
Although in the body of the universe there are innumerable nerves, yet the main artery, which pulsates, energizes, and invigorates all beings, is the power of the Covenant. All else is secondary to this. Nobody is assisted and confirmed save that soul who is firm. Consider it well that every soul who is firm in the Covenant is luminous, like unto a candle which emanates its light on those around it. While every wavering soul is an utter failure, frozen, lifeless, dead yet moving. This one proof is sufficient.
Ye should render thanksgiving unto God, that ye are able to travel throughout the states and regions, and like unto the breeze of spring, transmit new spirit to every city through which ye pass.
Praise be unto God, that thy departed father turned his face to the Supreme Aspect. He drank from the Chalice of Guidance, and soared without feather or wing to the Infinite Paradise. I am supplicating unto God that thy honored mother may also attain to guidance.
The date* 1335 is not lunar, it is solar, therefore it has not yet arrived.
Praise be unto God, that in Springfield, Illinois, the fragrances of the love of God have been diffused and the call of the Kingdom hath been raised. The photograph of dear son Russell was observed. Verily, the expression of his face indicates great skill. I am beseeching unto God that the friends of that city may day by day attain unto heavenly progress.
Upon ye both be Baha-el-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Adizullah S. Bahadur, Haifa, Palestine, March 27, 1920.)
*See the 12th chapter of Daniel.
RUSSELL JURGENS
Through Mr. and Mrs. A. C. Killius, of Montana—Upon them be the Glory of God, the Most Glorious!—to Russell Jurgens, Springfield, Illinois—Upon him be the Glory of God, the Most Glorious!
He Is God!
O dear child!
Thanks be unto God, that in thine infancy thou hast entered the divine Kingdom and hast obtained a portion of the graces of the Lord of Hosts. My supplication to God is this, that thou mayest be reared in the bosom of the love of God, and in the utmost attraction attain to thy maturity.
Upon thee be Baha-el-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Azizullah S. Bahadur, Haifa, Palestine, March 27, 1920.)
--PERSIAN TEXT--
--PERSIAN TEXT--
--PERSIAN TEXT--
--PERSIAN TEXT--