| ←Issue 3 | Star of the West Volume 11 - Issue 4 |
Issue 5→ |
 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:
|
STAR OF THE WEST
PUBLISHED NINETEEN TIMES A YEAR
In the Interest of the BAHAI MOVEMENT
By the BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, 515 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, Ill., U. S. A.
Publishers: ALBERT R. WINDUST — GERTRUDE BUIKEMA — DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI
Entered as second-class matter April 9, 1911, at the post office at Chicago, Ill., under the Act of March 3, 1879.
Terms: $3.00 per year; 20 cents per copy.
Make Money Orders Payable to BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, Ill., U. S. A.
To personal checks please add sufficient to cover the bank exchange.
Address all communications to BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, Ill., U.S.A.
WORDS OF ABDUL-BAHA.
"Great importance must be given to the development of the STAR OF THE WEST. The circle of its discussion must be widened; in its columns must be published the essential problems pertaining to the Bahai life in all its phases. Its contents must be so universal that even the strangers may subscribe to it. Articles must be published, dealing with the universal principles of the Cause, the writers proving that this Cause takes a vital interest in all the social and religious movements of the age and is conducive to the progress of the world and its inhabitants. In short, the STAR OF THE WEST must promote the aspirations and the ideals that will gather little by little around these general Tablets, bringing into the light of day all the historical, religious and racial knowledge which will be of the utmost value to the Bahai teachers all over the world."
From Unveiling of the Divine Plan.
| Vol. 11 | CONTENTS | No. 4 |
| PAGE | |
Frontispiece—Groom, Bride and Philosopher | |
Twelfth Annual Mashrekol-Azkar Convention and Bahai Congress—(Illustrated) | |
| BY LOUIS G. GREGORY | |
PERSIAN SECTION—Written by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab | |
| 1. Brief account of trip of the writer throughout the United States. 2. Arrival of Persian teacher, Jenabi Fazel Mazandarani and his interpreter, Manucher Khan. His addresses in New York and forthcoming trip throughout America. 3. The Twelfth Annual Mashrekol-Azkar Convention in New York. Selection of the design of the Temple by Mr. Bourgeois. The work of the National Teaching Committee and the wedding of Miss Juanita Storch and Mirza Ahmad Sohrab. 4. Article: "Result of the World War," by Mirza Abdul Hossein Khan of Shiraz. 5. The greatest duty of the Bahais is to teach the Cause. | |
--PHOTO--
GROOM, BRIDE AND PHILOSOPHER
Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, Mme. Sohrab (Juanita Storch) and Jenabi Fazel Mazandarani
(Photograph from Wide World Photos)
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. 11 | Azamat 1, 76 (May 17, 1920) | No. 4 |
and Bahai Congress
BY LOUIS G. GREGORY.
THE FEAST OF EL-RIZWANTHE Feast of El-Rizwan and its introductory reception opened the Twelfth Annual Mashrekol-Azkar Convention. The Aldine Club, Fifth Avenue, New York City, was the scene of this shining company at 5 o'clock Saturday afternoon, April 24th, 1920. Those receiving were the Executive Board of Bahai Temple Unity, the Board of Nine of the New York Assembly and representatives of various assemblies and groups in New York City and its environs. The reception hall was soon filled to overflowing with delegates and visiting friends and the affectionate greetings made bright faces and joyful hearts.
Later, these representatives of various centers, who outwardly were also identified with various races, nations, philosophies and religions, found the fragrances of concord in the Rizwan of Abha. The guests sat around many tables in the spacious dining room and partook of a simple repast. The friends, rising to their feet, united, as befitting so great an occasion, in a chorus of praise. The hymn selected was "Great Day of God." The presiding officer, Mr. Mountfort Mills, of New York, dignified and genial, then read from the Creative Words as revealed by His Holiness, BAHA'O'LLAH:
"O people of God! Be not occupied with yourselves. Be intent on the betterment of the world and the training of the nations. The betterment of the world can be accomplished through pure and excellent deeds and well-approved and excellent conduct. The helper of the Cause is deeds, and the assistant, good character."
"This call and this mention have not been and are not peculiar to a country or a city. All the people of the world must take hold of that which is revealed and hath become manifest, so that they may attain to real liberty. The world is illumined with the rays of the Orb of Manifestation. . . . Now the majority of the population of the countries are ready to hearken to the Most High Word, for the revival and resurrection of all depends upon and is related to it."
Mr. Mills said in part: "Just a year ago we gathered in a feast similar to this. It was then in our hearts to realize the Most Great Peace among the nations. We fear the full realization of this is still far away. But far be it from me to sound a note of sorrow or depression. It is rather to emphasize our hopes and expectations, for great is our joy that we have been shown the path that leads to the ultimate goal. The nations cannot realize their highest hopes without turning to the mighty power of God in sacrifice and service to the great Center. Permitted to gather once more under the banner of BAHA'O'LLAH, under whose Covenant victory alone is possible, New York City is especially happy and expresses the spirit of welcome."
Mr. Roy C. Wilhelm, of New York,
was introduced to speak and with his[Page 60]
delightful humor seemed to remind us
that the house of the Master is "the
home of laughter and exultation." The
friends were filled with merriment as he
read a cablegram from Dr. Vargas, of
Argentina, who, representing the Bahais
of that great nation, happily reminded
us of the universal spread of the Cause
and more specifically of the teaching
work of our illumined sister, Miss
Martha Root. As Dr. Vargas speaks no
English, the cablegram read, with bright
Celebration of the
FEAST OF THE RIZWAN
by the Delegates and Visitors
to the Twelfth Annual
Mashrekol Azkar Convention
and
Bahai Congress
Saturday, April Twenty-fourth, 1920
(15 Jalal, 71)
The Aldine Club, New York City
MENU
GRAPE FRUIT
| CELERY | RADISHES |
OLIVES
CREAM OF CELERY
PILAU
| ORANGES | APPLES | BANANAS |
| BISCUIT TORTONI | CAKE |
DEMI TABBE
Page 1—Feast of El-Rizwan Menu.
originality: "Argentina Bahais brotherly adhesion Congress!" Roy said, "This was another proof that Bahais would stick. Both attachment and adhesion to each other are among their traits. As there are more than a thousand million people in the world and the Bahais are hardly more than one in a thousand, New York is fortunate in having so many candles in one light. He reminded the friends of their duty to be happy. All, we proclaim, must be in actuality."
A wire from the Portland, Oregon, Assembly brought to the feast Abha greetings, prayers that the confirmations of the Covenant might encircle and that all hopes of the Mashekol-Azkar and the teaching plans might be richly fulfilled. This wire also brought felicitations to Juanita and Ahmad.
Dr. Frederick W. D'Evelyn, of San Francisco, followed in a delightful flow of wit and humor in which the spirit shone, voiced the intense and radiant lives of the San Francisco friends. A wire from the point mentioned read, "San Francisco Assembly gathered at its feast sends joyous greetings to all."
Take a walk with me in the garden where the flowers are so pretty and so fragrant, And the Gardener,—maybe we can see him, He told the plants to grow and to blossom and to have fragrance, so that the sons of men could glimpse something of the paradise of God. He planted a garden, all over the world, and he put his people in it, and showed them the loving bounty of their Father; and he said, Come, all ye who are heavy laden with sorrow, with care, with perplexity, come, come unto me, come to my garden, to the garden which I have prepared that you may enjoy the beauty and the fragrance, that you may grow and develop into flowers, human flowers, that you also may exhale joy and fragrance of love, of compassion, of tenderness to each other; and thus you will people the world, and love and harmony will dwell together in this great garden. Come all ye, without money and without price; come, bring loving service and obedience to the loving commands for your development; for you are souls, pure and holy, loaned from the Garden of God to dwell for a space in earth to beautify, to elevate, to make a garden dedicated to the love and service of the Great Gardener. And one day, in the setting of the sun, you will walk in this garden beautiful, and you will meet the Gardener, who will welcome you with love and tenderness, welcome you all to abide forever in the shadow of the beauty and fragrance of perfection, God.
The Mashrekol Azkar is a finger-post of time because it is universal; it does not belong to any one country or any one race, it belongs to all countries and every race, There will be but one language spoken in it, and that the language of the Spirit of God. There will be but one aim among all the people who meet there, and that the aim to disseminate the prayer for universality, for solidarity, throughout the whole world; because the Spirit of God has placed that finger-post, and said, It is, and so it must be, and it will be.
And what will be the influence of that finger-post on all who, as yet and for sometime to come, do not know of this universal proclamation of love and unity in the world? What? and, How? and; Why? are the questions that will be asked by those who do not know; for humanity is ever curious, is ever looking for problems to solve. And what will be the influence of it on these minds? Is it for good? It cannot be for evil.
This magnificent monument to the Universal God will command admiration by its stately dignity and by its humane work, housing, as it will, most of the needs of the human family—it will command admiration, veneration and profound respect; and then? Most minds will not be satisfied with that; they will say: "Why is this so?" "Why placed here?" "Why subscribed to by all the nations of the earth?" "Why?" And then they will begin to investigate the fundamental principles on which this great monument of time is builded. Then they will see the beauty, the holiness, of the sincere and pure spirit of loving, loyal service, not only to God, but to all His creatures, a service and desire born of the love of God in the hearts of His people. And there are no confines to love, the Spirit of God.
And so this magnificent monument shall be a signal tower on the shores of time, a beacon to the sin-sick, weary soul, a rest and refreshment to the storm-tossed, a place of serenity, of holiness, of spiritual refreshment.
Every dollar, yea, every cent, given in love, in appreciation, toward building this temple of God will be blest a hundredfold. It is your holy of holies; it is my holy of holies; it belongs to the whole world, and every nation of the earth will contribute to its erection. It is impossible to place in terms of common English, the power and blessing, the far-reaching results which shall go directly out from this monument; for it is a monument to the greatness, to the broadness, to the universality of all the world. It is not your building; it is not my building; it is our building—and that includes the whole earth, the whole world.
Page 2—Feast of El-Rizwan Menu.
In deference to the New Day of women
Dr. D'Evelyn said, "From time of old
wise men came from the East. But now
wiser men go West—to meet the wiser
women who are there." He quoted an
educator who said that goodness is not
achieved until it is socialized. "So spirituality
too, must, to be real, become
sacrificial. Perfection is impossible
without humility, the love of God and
self-sacrifice. If we attain the goal it is
certain that recognition will come. It is
certain that this attainment can be frustrated
by no power outside of ourselves.
Juggling and compromise must be done
away. Self-determination cannot be a
substitute of self-renunciation. Oneness[Page 61]
is universal. Follow the sun! Day and
night are earthly conditions. In the
sun they are unknown. There is endless
light! Therefore follow the risen
sun! Mere machinery and organization
cannot make the new heaven and new
earth. Welcome the risen Sun! 'O Son
of Man! Magnify My Command that
I may reveal to thee with the Lights
of Eternity!'"
Mr. Albert R. Vail was the next speaker
(Copyright, 1908, by L. R. Waite)
IGreat day of God, long looked for,
Thy dawn we do proclaim.
Great day when ev'ry nation
Shall praise His holy name.
Great day of resurrection,
Of unity and love,
Soon bright in all its splendor
Thy Sun shall shine above.
Great day of might and power,
Of knowledge and of light,
No clouds of superstition
Can now bedim our sight,
Great day when God the Father
Is known o'er all the earth
And to His whole creation
Hath given a new birth.
Great day of the unveiling
Of truth's deep mysteries,
When every hidden secret
Of earth, and sky, and seas,
In all their wondrous beauty,
To man shall be revealed;
Nor can an act or motive
By man now be concealed.
Great day of God, All Glorious,
Great day of peace, so blest;
The thought of thee brings gladness,
And dilates every breast.
Great day of one religion,
When all are understood;
One faith in life eternal,
One God, one brotherhood.
We praise Thee, O God!
Thou Father of pure light!;
Of knowledge and wisdom,
Of justice and of right.
Thy word of might and power,
Which sets the captive free.
To man now is given
In all its purity.
We praise Thee, O God!
Thou Father of us all.
O may we ever hear
Thy sweet melodious call,
All truth may be ours,
And living waters free,
If we but look with faith
Alone, O God! to Thee.
We praise Thee, O God!
Thou Father of pure love,
With joy we lift our hearts
And join the hosts above.
An anthem sweet of praise
Creation now doth sing
To Thee, loving Father
And Everlasting King.
With joyful hearts we do proclaim
The power of the Greatest Name;
Today, for evermore, the same;
Allaho Abha!
Great name that is a shining light
To lead us onward through the night
Dispelling darkness by its might:
Allaho Abha!
Let nations rise from shore to shore,
And sing it over o'er and o'er;
Then wars shall cease for evermore;
Allaho Abha!
Great name of joy, and peace, and rest,
That fills with harmony each breast;
Its glory shines from east to west:
Allaho Abha!
Repeat it, and it reaches far;
From world to world, and star to star;
Naught can its glorious radiance mar:
Allaho Abha!
Great name we love more every day;
To say it over is to pray;
And angels listen and obey:
Allaho Abha!
Its rhythm swings from pole to pole;
Its music soon shall fill each soul;
And heaven's scroll shall backward roll:
Allaho Abha!
Allaho Abha! Let it ring
Up to the throne of God, our King;
Let men and angels joyous sing;
Allaho Abha!
His glorious sun has risen
To set for us no more;
The echo of his praises
Now rings from shore to shore.
He came to banish darkness,
To show the perfect way;
This is the radiant morning
Of the millenial day.
Go tell the joyous tidings:
His Kingdom now hath come!
Wherein all pain and sorrow,
And ev'ry doubt succumb.
Establish'd here on earth it is,
And whosoever will
May enter in, and love divine
And peace his heart will fill,
He came and dwelt among us,
With all his wondrous powers;
His love embraced all nature—
The birds, the trees, the flow'rs,
King of a royal kingdom,
We praise thy holy name,
Thy glorious sun has risen, Its light no more to wane.
Page 3—Feast of El-Rizwan Menu.
and began by reading the beautiful words of Abdul-Baha:
"This period of time is the promised age, the assembling of the human race to the Resurrection Day, and now is the Great Day of Judgment. Soon the whole world as in springtime, will change its garb. The bleakness of the winter time is over and the spiritual springtime is at hand. The black earth is becoming a verdant garden; the deserts and mountains are teeming with red flowers. Along the borders of the wilderness the tall grasses are standing like advance guards before the cypress and jessamine trees, while the birds among the rose branches are singing loudly like the angels of the highest heavens, announcing the glad tidings of the spiritual springtime and the sweet music of their voices is causing the real essence of all things to vibrate and quiver.
"O my spiritual friend! Dost thou know from what airs emanate the notes sung by those birds? They are from the melodies of peace and reconciliation, of love and unity, of justice and security and of concord and harmony. In a short time this heavenly singing will
Rejoice, rejoice, believers—
The night of doubt is o'er;
The sun of truth has risen,
Its rays reach ev'ry shore,
Doubt's shadows now with night must flee,
This is the day of certainty.
Rejoice, rejoice, believers—
As children of the King,
Give forth his proclamation,
Let ev'ry nation sing,
Doubt's shadows now with night must flee,
This is the day of certainty.
Rejoice, rejoice, believers—
For knowledge, faith, and love,
Fall o'er God's whole creation
Like sweet dews from above.
Doubt's shadows now with night must flee,
This is the day of certainty.
Rejoice, rejoice, believers—
With banners white unfurled,
Whereon sweet peace is written,
Yea, peace in all the world.
Doubt's shadows now with night must flee,
This is the day of certainty.
Out of darkness and repining—
Praise Thee, O God!
Out of faith that was declining—
Praise Thee, O God!
Out of days of tribulation,
Days when nation hated nation.
Thou hast made us one relation—
Praise Thee, O God!
May the sword and gun be broken—
Praise Thee, O God!
As a sign, a loving token—
Praise Thee, O God!
That no more Thy sons we're sending
To a cruel war and rending,
Ties of love but as one blending—
Praise Thee, O God!
Man has learned that he was dreaming—
Praise Thee, O God!
All division was but seeming—
Praise Thee, O God!
Now in Thee he is united,
And eternal love hath plighted,
With Thy word of peace delighted—
Praise Thee, O God!
Tell the wondrous story
Tell it near and far,
Of the living father
Of Baha'o'llah,
Tell it, ever tell it,
That all men may know,
Now has come God's kingdom
On this earth below.
Tell the wondrous story
Tell it near and far,
Of the living father
Of Baha'o'llah,
He has come as promised,
He, the Prince of Peace,
Come in might and power,
And all strife must cease.
He has come in glory,
Darkness now must flee.
Father of all nations,
We will tell of thee.
Tell the wondrous story
Tell it near and far,
Of the living father
Of Baha'o'llah,
Softly his voice is calling now,
Calling to you and me,
Hark to those tones so sweet and low
Over the distant sea
Children of mine abide in love,
Ever he seems to say.
Abdul Baha, we turn to thee;
Thou art the perfect way.
Softly his voice is calling now,
Calling to every heart:
Come little children unto me,
And from me ne'er depart,
Oh! be ye tender, kind and true,
Ever he seems to say.
Abdul Baha, we turn to thee;
Thou art the perfect way.
At eventide, when hearts are worn and weary,
As tired children seek their mother's breast,
We turn to thee, and feel the spirit o'er us,
And in thy love we find our home and rest.
Abdul Baha, we turn our hearts to thee,
For thou art love divine eternally.
At eventide, when darkness falls around us,
Earth's sorrows dim and burdens fall away.
As we with dear ones meet in sweet communion,
Love's holy presence doth all fear allay.
Abdul Baha, we turn our hearts to thee,
For thou art love divine eternally.
At eventide, when life's short day is ended,
And death's glad tidings fall upon our ear;
As into realms of bliss and joy and rapture,
Thy hand will guide us, thou wilt still be near.
Abdul Baha, we turn our hearts to thee,
For thou art love divine eternally.
May God's love now hover o'er us
As a dove with outstretched wings,
While His peace that flows around us,
To each heart sweet comfort brings.
May we now receive His spirit,
And its radiance shed afar,
Now and here in love abiding
In the realms of El Abha.
Page 4—Feast of El-Rizwan Menu.
bewilder all humanity. The foundations of enmity shall be destroyed and the lovers of the love of God at these festivals shall behold their splendor. Therefore, contemplate what a spirit of life God has breathed into the body of the world that it may attain existence everlasting. The Paradise of Abha will soon spread a pavilion from the Pole-star of the world under which the beloved shall rejoice and the pure hearts shall repose in peace."
Mr. Vail said: "Bahai means springtime.
It is the springtime of harmony,
peace, light, knowledge and universal
understanding. When it comes the
whole world is upset. The rays of the[Page 62]
sun bear upon the world directly. The
dawn of all the ages is to be realized
and the light is universal. The brilliant
Sun today, flooding the whole
world with light, teaches the oneness of
education, the oneness of religions, the
oneness of language, the oneness of truth
and the power of the divine Spirit. All
this is the light of the Great Day of
God in which fanatical people are tamed
and subdued. The great springtime
from Acca flows through the world. All
efforts at unity will converge in this.
One could, with Abdul-Baha on Mount
Carmel, visualize the greater Mashrekol-Azkar.
Equally wonderful is that beautiful
voice, sounding and resounding to
all. Abdul-Baha has drawn to that
mountain of unity all religions. His
face to each religionist is like the face
of the Prophet of his own faith. It is
a face resplendent and beautiful. Here
you may see the fulfillment of all prophecies.
Here you may find peace and rest.
Here you may meet your brother and
your God! This is the Bahai message!"
Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, our Persian brother, said: "The Feast of El-Rizwan is a garden that all may enter, carrying away the fragrance of the spirit. One of the teachings of Abdul-Baha is the league of nations. BAHA'O'LLAH came to establish the league of peoples, the league of hearts. The league of big nations does not realize this. All must enter that the unity may be complete. When BAHA'O'LLAH was exiled from Persia after twelve years at Bagdad, he and his followers left for a garden near the city. Here he revealed his teachings and the cycle of unity. There appeared the unity of religions, races, etc. There many celebrated men went on foot to meet him during twelve days. Even the haughty governor was impressed and went. From that time the Cause spread rapidly. This gathering in the West is a proof of the power of Divinity and the Center of the Covenant. The Great Sun has brought many rays. Among those rays are: universal patriotism, ignorance must disappear, the all-inclusive brotherhood of humanity, universal sympathy, the parliament of man, remove misunderstandings, no confession and forgiveness of sins before man, no clerical order, love of mankind, universal peace." In conclusion, Mirza Ahmad quoted the words of a Persian poem on the ecstacy of love.
At this point the program was varied by the choral singing of the Bahai hymn:
"Rejoice! rejoice! believers, the night of
doubt is o'er
The Sun of Truth has risen, Its rays reach
every shore.
Doubt's shadows now with night must flee!
This is the Day of Certainty!"
Mr. Albert H. Hall, of Minneapolis, who was made cordially welcome by the chairman and the friends, next spoke. He said: "This heart is too full to speak tonight. There is just one text in my heart. 'Arise! Shine! for thy light has come and the glory of the Lord hath arisen upon thee.' We have heard the call from afar and the light is in our hearts. The world is in darkness, but the light has come. This light must enter the hearts of the millions or it will never spread; self-sacrifice is the flame of love in the hearts."
Mrs. H. Emogene Hoagg, who has
spent some time teaching in Alaska, was
next introduced: "Self-sacrifice," she
said, "is given back to us in the great
joy of this reunion. We think of Alaska
as the frozen North. It is frozen neither
outwardly nor inwardly. Sometimes
there is no snow and the hearts are
full of kindness and love. There are
over nine millions of respectful, well-bred
people. They are most appreciative
and noble. I hope the teachers will
go to them. They will be received everywhere
with wonderful cordiality. If literature
is sent them, it must not be from
September to the middle of June, the
frozen period, when there are no mails.
The people are open-minded and the[Page 63]
newspaper are generous in publicity.
Teaching among these friends should be
continuous. Here is a large field for
service."
Mr. Henry McConaughy, of Seattle, Washington, most interestingly described the activities of that assembly, which he reported very much united. "We should look forward to ways and means, according to the Divine Plan," he said. "As one means of reaching people an open forum was started in Seattle. Once
--GREATEST NAME--
Twelfth Annual
Mashrekol-Azkar Convention
and
Bahai Congress
Feast of El-Rizwan
Cover—Convention and Congress program.
a week a Bahai teacher is introduced to
speak there. A new friend bought $94
worth of books for circulation. Later
he gave $100 more for this purpose. Now
he has books and literature and runs a
circulating library of his own. He has
enlarged his offices and added facilities
for copying Tablets and combining them
into books. The people want the Truth.
We tell them the King has come. Explanations
follow. A house in the center
of the city with an acre of ground has
been secured as a Bahai home. A cordial
welcome awaits the friends who
visit Seattle."
Mary Hanford Ford: "We should all be light bearers of El-Baha. Some of us are so worried with what we have to do that we have forgotten to attach the match to our torches. The world cannot remain in darkness. How can we make people know the real light? The Bahais have the light of reality. We must illumine the world. We must have a new consciousness. Abdul-Baha has said that the only difference between a man of genius and other men is that
Twelfth Annual
Mashrekol-Azkar Convention
and
Bahai Congress
Feast of El-Rizwan
ENGINEERING SOCIETIES' BUILDING
29 West 39th Street, New York City
April, twenty-fourth to April twenty-eighth, inclusive
Nineteen Hundred Twenty
The principle of faith is to lessen words and to increase deeds. He whose words exceed his acts, know verily, that his non-being is better than his being and death better than his life.—Baha'o'llah.
Page 1—Convention and Congress Program.
in the former the veils are drawn aside and the vision of reality, the light, comes through. 'Be not a cause of grief to anyone.' Forget self and make others happy. We are living in the Rizwan. Make known the fragrance of that Garden! Shew forth the light and happiness that are in the world for everybody through the Messengers of God!"
A supplication by the Chairman
brought the visible Feast of El-Rizwan to
a close. But the hearts alone know
those mighty, invisible confirmations by
which, in the Cause of El-Abha, the
Feast of Paradise never ends.[Page 64]
The first session of the Bahai Congress was held Sunday evening in the large and beautiful hall of the Engineering Societies' Building, which was well-filled with friends and inquiries. Mrs. Mabel Rice-Wray of Detroit and Dr. Frederick W. D'Evelyn of San Francisco were joint chairmen. The former read from the Hidden Words: "O Son of Spirit! I have created thee rich:
COMMITTEES OF BAHAI TEMPLE UNITY FOR CONVENTION AND CONGRESS
Convention and Congress Committee
| MABEL RICE-WRAY | W. H. RANDALL |
| CORINNE TRUE | HOWARD C. MACNUTT |
| MARJORY MORTON | ALFRED E. LUNT |
| MAY MAXWELL | MOUNTFORT MILLS |
| AHMAD SOHRAB | |
Publicity Committee
| WANDEYNE DEUTH | HORACE HOLLEY |
| ZORAYA FRASER CHAMBERLAIN | WENDELL DODGE |
| AHMAD SOHRAB | |
Music Committee
| RUANO BOG'SLAV | CHARLOTTE MULLER | SAFFA KINNEY | |
Decoration Committee
| MARJORY MORTEN | JULIET THOMPSON |
| MARGARET BULL | MARK TOBEY |
COMMITTEES OF THE NEW YORK ASSEMBLY
Executive Committee
| HOWARD C. MACNUTT, Chairman | CURTISS D. KELSEY, Treasurer |
| FRANCES CARRE, Secretary | NELLIE LLOYD |
| DR. HILLS COLE | WM. G. LOTIZ |
| HOOPER HARRIS | JAMES F. MORTON, JR. |
| ROY C. WILHELM | |
Finance Committee
| CURTIS D. KELSEY, Chairman | ROY C. WILHELM |
Housing Committee
| WM. G. LOTIZ, Chairman | BERTHA HERKLOTZ |
| CHARLOTTE BINGHAM | MRS. FRANK MOXEY |
| MRS. HOOPER HARRIS | LOUISE WASHINGTON |
| MRS. JOHN WATT | |
Page 2—Convention and Congress program.
Why dost thou make thyself poor? Noble
have I made thee: Why dost thou
degrade thyself? Of the essence of
knowledge have I manifested thee: Why
searchest thou for another than Me?
From the clay of love I have kneaded
thee: Why seekest thou another? Turn
thy sight unto thyself, that thou mayest
find Me standing within thee, Powerful,
Mighty, and Supreme!"
Dr. D'Evelyn, in his introductory address, spoke of the illumination of the Manifestation of today as the consummation of all God's movements. It carries with it the brilliancy of the sun at noon-day. It has a significance which we dare not set aside. It signifies that we must know the meaning of the message. He referred to previous Manifestations, as Moses, Christ and Mohammed, whose light and stations of exaltation had been veiled to people, but now became clear through this manifest light. Through the knowledge which comes in this Manifestation man need no longer be unguided or misdirected. Therefore it is
Decorations Committee
MRS. F. D. CHAMPNEY, Chairman
Music Committee
EDITH INGLIS, Chairman
Seating Committee
ROY C. WILHELM, Chairman
Publicity Committee
HOOPER HARRIS, Chairman
RECEPTION AND FEAST OF EL-RIZWAN
5 o'clock P. M., Saturday, April 24th
Reception at The Aldine Club, 200 Fifth Avenue,
to all delegates and friends,
Receiving
The Executive Board of Bahai Temple Unity
Board of Nine of New York Assembly,
Representatives of all Group Meetings in New York and Vicinity.
6 o'clock P. M., Feast of El-Rizwan
Reception Committee
| MISS NELLIE LLOYD, Chairman | MRS. CHAS. L. LINCOLN |
| MRS. WANDEYNE DEUTH | MRS. MARIE MOORE |
| MISS ANNIE T. BOYLAN | MRS. FRANK MOXEY |
| MISS JULIET THOMPSON | MRS. JULIET SHERMAN |
| MRS. M. L. EMERY | MRS. WM. H. HOAR |
| MRS. HOWARD MACNUTT | MRS. ARCHIBALD BAXTER |
| MRS. L. B. WILDER | MRS. ALICE IVES BREED |
| MRS. VALERIA KELSEY | |
FIRST SESSION BAHAI CONGRESS
8:15 o'clock P. M., Sunday, April 25th
I have created thee rich: Why dost thou make thyself poor? Noble have I made thee; Why dost thou degrade thyself? Of the essence of Knowledge have I manifested thee; Why searchest thou for another than Me? From the clay of Love I have kneaded thee; Why seekest thou another? Turn thy sight unto thyself, that thou mayest find Me standing within thee. Powerful, Mighty and Supreme—Baha'o'llah.
Page 3—Convention and Congress program.
all-important to be illumined by the Great Light of this Day.
"The Oneness of Mankind" was the subject of the next address, by Louis G. Gregory.
[The modesty of the writer, Mr. Gregory,
in making no comment upon his address
gives us the opportunity to testify
to its masterly presentation. His
warm sympathy and keen intelligence,
dominated by the fire of the love of
God, roused his audience to an appreciation
of the subject entrusted to this
splendid brother.— Editors.][Page 65]
Mrs. Corinne True, with the Mashrekol-Azkar as a subject, charmed by the simplicity and beauty of its presentation. "Jesus," she declared, "told of the Great Day that was to come. As a sign of the coming bounty he revealed the Lord's prayer. Now we are realizing this bounty in a new creation. Blessed art thou, O world, this day imprinted by the footsteps of God! The Mashrekol-Azkar, to be erected on Lake Michigan, is the greatest sign that the blessed
MABEL RICE-WRAY, Detroit
DR. FREDERICK W. D'EVELYN, San Francisco.PIANO-IMPROVISATION
"The Oneness of Mankind"
LOUIS G. GREGORY, Washington
The Mashrekol-Azkar
CORINNE TRUE, Chicago
SONG—"Over the Steppe" | Gretchaminoff |
RUANO BOGISLAV
"The Power of the Word of God"
WILLIAM H. RANDALL, Boston
SONG—"Hymn at Dawn" | G. Henschel |
RUANO BOGISLAV
TWELFTH ANNUAL MASHREKOL-AZKAR CONVENTION
ENGINEERING SOCIETIES' BUILDING
29 West 39th Street
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.—Abdul Baha.
Page 4—Convention and Congress program.
hope and promise have been fulfilled. The blessed Sun and glorious springtime inaugurate a new day.
"The first general Mashrekol-Azkar Convention was held in Chicago at the same time that Abdul-Baha was burying the body of the Báb on Mount Carmel. The Tomb of the Báb is the first Mashrekol-Azkar. That at Ishkabad, in Russia, is the second. The friends of the Cause in the West will emulate those of the East in this effort, which unites the two. This third Mashrekol-Azkar will be erected at Chicago. It is the outward symbol of the Manifestation. It is built on the Word of God. 'It is the substance of things hoped for.' In its erection the East now helps the West. Its great principle is 'prejudice toward none, love for all.'"
Mr. William H. Randall, of Boston, delivered an address on "The Power of the Word of God." The bright traces of his recent pilgrimage to the holy Tomb and meeting with Abdul-Baha appeared in this address: "We have met," he declared. "to commemorate the laws
Morning Session
10 o'clock A. M., Monday, April 26
Afternoon Session
2:30 o'clock P. M., Monday, April 26
SECOND SESSION BAHAI CONGRESS
8:15 o'clock P. M., Monday, April 26th
Justice is loved above all. Neglect it not, if thou desirest Me. By it thou wilt be strengthened to perceive things with thine own eyes and not by the eyes of men, to know them by thine own knowledge and not by the knowledge of any in the world. Meditate on this—how thou oughtest to be. Justice is of My Bounty to thee and of My Providence over thee; therefore, keep it ever before thy sight.—Baha'o'llah.
Chairmen:
MAY MAXWELL, Montreal
MOUNTFORT MILLS, New YorkHARP PRELUDE
"Economics and Religion"
THE REV. DR. PERCY STICKNEY GRANT
Church of the Ascension
SONG | From the Persian of Hafiz |
Music by FRANK HARTING
RUTH WALES RANDALL
"The Need of a Divine Remedy for the World Unrest"
The REV. ALBERT R. VAIL
SONG | London Ronald |
MAUD GAUDREAUX
Page 5—Convention and Congress program.
of God. Seventy-five years ago few people
talked of God, but today the whole
universe does. The divine power enters
the race consciousness and penetrates
the hearts. The world is flooded
with light. The world of man is darkened,
but the world of God is illumined.
The eye of the mind sees reason, but the
eye of the heart turns inward and sees
the world of God.
"Is there anyone today, small or great,
who is not seeking assistance? Let us
not think, in our seeking, that God has
forgotten us. In various meetings we
have many expressions of power. But[Page 66]
the Bahais say, 'Turn to the power of
God.'
"There is in everything a center. From the Center of the Covenant of God shines the bounty of the contingent world. The sun is the point of light. All owe their existence to the sun."
"The real message today is the appearance of the Center of the Covenant. At the table of Abdul-Baha hundreds feed upon the bounty of the Creator. All differences fade and all hearts unite. All
CONVENTION
ENGINEERING SOCIETIES' BUILDING
29 West 39th Street
SECOND DAY
Morning Session
10 o'clock A. M., Tuesday, April 27th
Afternoon Session
2:30 o'clock P. M., Tuesday, April 27th
THIRD SESSION BAHAI CONGRESS
8:15 o'clock P. M., Tuesday, April 27thThis is that which descended from the Source of Majesty, through the tongue of Power and Strength upon the prophets of the past. We have taken its essences and clothed them with the garment of brevity, as a favor to the beloved, that they may fulfill the Covenant of God; that they may perform in themselves that which He has entrusted to them, and attain the victory by virtue of devotion in the Land of the Spirit.
—Baha'o'llah.
EMOGENE HOAGG, San Francisco
ALFRED E. LUNT, Boston
PIANO—IMPROVISATION
Words from Baha'o'llah
AGNES S. PARSONS, Washington
"Divine Revelation the Basis of Civilization"
HOOPER HARRIS, New York
PERSIAN SONG | Words by Abdul Hossein Khan |
RUANO BOGISLAV
"The Bahai Revelation"
FAZEL MAZANDARANI, Persia
Page 6—Convention and Congress program.
nations flow to the mountain of God and
are submerged in the divine peace and
unity.
"This is the Day of God of which all the Prophets have sung. Do not blame us for rejoicing in it! Love us as we love you!"
Madame Ruano Bogislav added much to the happiness of the meeting by several beautiful vocal selections.
Spiritual consultation marked the sessions of the Twelfth Annual Mashrekol-Azkar Convention which began Monday morning. Dr. D'Evelyn, as acting chairman, appointed a committee on credentials which speedily certified the role of delegates, which was adopted by the Convention. Mr. Mountfort Mills, of New York, was elected president, and Mr. Alfred E. Lunt of Boston, secretary, of the Convention. The delegates and visiting friends gave strict attention to the reading of the instructions of Abdul-Baha, who directed that the work of
CONVENTION
ENGINEERING SOCIETIES' BUILDING
29 West 39th Street
THIRD DAY
Morning Session
10 o'clock A. M., Wednesday, April 28th
Afternoon Session
2:30 o'clock P. M., Wednesday, April 28th
At 4:30 o'clock will be celebrated the marriage of
JUANITA MARIE STORCH
daughter of
MRS. JOHANNA STORCH of Oakland, California
and
MIRZA AHMAD SOHRAB
of
Isphahan, PersiaPraise be to God that in the cause of Baha'o'llah the East and the West are united in the bonds of love and amity.—Abdul Baha.
Page 7—Convention and Congress program.
selecting plans for the Mashrekol-Azkar
must be carried on in such a way as to
avoid differences. Many beautiful drawings
in color and two beautiful models
adorned the adjoining rooms, and the
delegates and friends who viewed them
with admiration expressed the hope that
each and all of them would at some time
be adopted as the plans for future temples,
although but one of them could
serve the present need. Three architects
were present in person, and to each
of these, Mr. Charles Mason Remey, Mr.
W. S. Maxwell and Mr. Louis Bourgeois,[Page 67]
twenty minutes was allowed that
each might explain his plans, etc. As
each of these Baha'i architects spoke, a
world of love and sympathy, as well as
admiration, seemed to flow to him from
every heart. Can one imagine a loftier
conception in the mind of an architect
than that of the Mashrekol-Azkar, the
Temple of the Living God!
When the balloting began the result was awaited with eager interest. The announcement was a clear majority for
8:15 o'clock P. M., Wednesday, April 28th
The root of all knowledge is the Knowledge of God; Glory be to Him! And this Knowledge is impossible save through His Manifestation.
Chairmen:
JULIET THOMPSON, New York
HOWARD C. MACNUTT, Brooklyn
HARP PRELUDE
"The Source of Unity"
ZORAYA CHAMBERLAIN, New York
SONG—"Care Selve" | Handel |
OBRAD DJARIN
"Leaves of the Greater Bible"
The REV. DR. WILLIAM NORMAN GUTHRIE
SONG—"O Thou Billowy Harvest Field" | Rachmaninoff |
OBRAD DJARIN
"Abdul Baha, the Center of the Covenant"
AHMAD SOHRAB, Persia
HARP SOLO
Fellowship Press Service, 31 St. Mark's Place, New York City
Page 8—Convention and Congress program.
the Bourgeois model. Then it was that
Mr. Remey, the only other architect at
this time, arose to the sublime
height of self-effacement. He expressed
the opinion that it would please Abdul-Baha
to have the vote unanimous and so
moved. Upon this motion the Bourgeois
model was unanimously adopted.
Mr. Albert R. Vail, amid impressive silence, read the healing prayer for Miss Fanny Knobloch, who was reported dangerously ill. At a later session of the Convention she was reported better.
The second session of the Congress was held Monday evening, Mrs. May Maxwell and Mr. Mountfort Mills presiding. The latter said: "One of the most important of the Bahai teachings concerns economics. BAHA'O'LLAH says: 'Justice is loved above all. Neglect it not if thou desirest me. By it thou will be strengthened to see things with thine own eyes and not by the eyes of men; to know them by thine own knowledge and not by the knowledge of any in the world. Meditate on this, how thou oughtest to be. Justice is of my bounty to thee and of my providence over thee. Therefore keep it ever before thy sight.'
"The Bahai Movement is the operation of a great spiritual law. Periodically there is a revivification. There is a bursting into life in springtime, a maturity in summer, harvest in fall and death in winter. Renewal follows darkness. After growth there is recession. Today there is rebirth, rejuvenation. Human nature is to be subjected to the law of God, and exalted above the plane of the animal. Abdul-Baha reveals to us the method of partaking of the divine bounty and of being able to solve the difficult problems of humanity. The object of the Bahai Revelation is the quickening of our understanding. The Bahais express their own progressiveness and welcome his in welcoming Dr. Percy Stickncy Grant, who is one with us in our new ideals of hope and spirit."
Dr. Grant, Pastor of the Church of the
Ascension, the first church to receive
Abdul-Baha during his visit to America,
said: "I particularly appreciate
this invitation. I have been associated
with members of your group who honor
their friends and the community. I welcomed
the visit of Abdul-Baha. I do
not live in the past, which is dead. It
is unfortunate that religion is so immobile.
Like real estate, it is slow to
undergo a change of value. There is a
supposed antagonism between religion[Page 68]
and economics. Religion is the worship
of ideals. Economics is the production
and distribution of wealth. Some see
no connection. They separate themselves
from economics in order more fully
to pursue the ideal, while others separate
--PHOTO--
12th Annual MASHREKOL-AZKAR CONVENTION New York, April 24th, 1920.
BAHAI DELEGATES AND FRIENDS, ATTENDING TWELFTH ANNUAL
themselves from religion in order
to have a freer hand in business. Religion
puts up the Golden Rule. Does
anyone carry it out? No; rather the old
Latin injunction, Caveat Emptor! (Let
the buyer beware!) is the rule of business.
Working men now insist that religion
should enter into wealth, wages,
production. Religion is the result of our
best thought and knowledge in all the
expressions of life. It is not something
else, but something dependent upon life.
In the economic world today there is a
passing from agriculturalism to industrialism.
It is impossible to separate
religion from this and all the other problems
in life. The people who do the
work are brothers and sisters. There
will be no satisfaction until what we
want for ourselves we are willing to give
to everybody. Then we shall secure[Page 69]
what that splendid man, Abdul-Baha,
wants—love and peace."
Mrs. Ruth W. Randall sang a song from the Persian Hafiz. "The Nightingale and the Rose."
--PHOTO--
"SCHLESINGER—©" N.Y.
MASHREKOL-AZKAR CONVENTION, CELEBRATING FEAST OF EL-RIZWAN.
Mrs. May Maxwell, presiding, said,
"Dr. Grant has spared our feelings by
not picturing too deeply the woes and
sorrows of the world of humanity.
Abdul-Baha says: 'The darkness
of this gloomy night shall
pass away. Again the Sun of Reality
will dawn from the horizon of the hearts.
Have patience; wait; but do not sit idle.
Work while you are waiting; smile when
you are wearied with monotony; be firm
while everything around you is being
shaken. Be joyous while the ugly face
of despair grins at you; speak aloud
while the malevolent forces of the nether
world try to crush your mind; be valiant
and courageous while men all around
you are cringing with fear and cowardice.
Do not yield to the overwhelming
power of tyranny and despotism. Serve
the cause of democracy and freedom.
Continue your journey to the end. The[Page 70]
bright day is coming. The nucleus of
the new race is forming. The harbinger
of the new ideals of international justice
is appearing. The trees of hope will
become verdant. The copper of scorn
and derision will be transmuted into the
gold of honor and praise. The arid
desert of ignorance will be transmuted
into the luxuriant garden of knowledge.
The threatening clouds shall be dispelled
and the stars of faith and charity
will again twinkle in the clear heaven
of human consciousness.'"
Mr. Albert R. Vail, quoting Abdul-Baha, said: "'Every call will become weak except the call of the Kingdom.' Dr. Grant has presented two kinds of religion, live religion and dead religion. Pure religion always enters the life of man. Pure religion dispels superstition, hatred and prejudice. The Light of Christ dispelled the darkness of dogmas and the materialism of philosophy. What would happen to us if we attempted to start a religion? Could we endure the sacrifices and sufferings? There arise for this those marvelous beings whom we call the Prophets of God.
"The whole trouble of the economic problem is selfishness. Love is required to dispel this condition. This is impossible without the Holy Spirit. The early Christians were very good Socialists. If there were a new power in the world to change the hearts of the captains of industry as well as the labor leaders, what a transformation there would be in industry!
"You cannot abolish war by human politics. Let us turn from this to a scene in the Holy Land. Listen to Abdul-Baha. Study his method for constructing humanity. The human world is one of selfishness, limitations, narrowness. The Divine World is universal and loving. People of all religions pour in to receive the wisdom and guidance of Abdul-Baha, in whom is the power of love. Abdul-Baha says, the time will come when the German will say, 'I am a Frenchman!' and the Frenchman will say 'I am a German!'
"When the league of nations will be free all nations will be as one. The covenant of nations is very weak, but the Covenant of God is very mighty. Abolish prejudice! Make women free! Transform the earth! The kings of the earth are but figureheads today. The real Sovereign is God. Abdul-Baha is the great collective Center in whom everything good in all the world is found. Behold the transforming power of the Word of God. 'The Holy Spirit makes all things new!'"
A song by Mrs. Maud Gaudreaux closed this session.
During the second day's session of
the Covention the fire of unity was increased
by the arrival of two Persians
from the Orient. Their presence
brought great illumination and cheer.
Jenabi Fazel Mazandarani spoke, his
words being translated from the Persian
by his young companion, Manucher
Khan: "We are very glad to see
you. Our hearts are pleased. There is
such ecstasy and longing that beyond it
nothing can be imagined. So vast is
the distance between East and West that
unity and harmony in the Cause alone
caused our meeting. The Holy Manifestations
establish love and unity. See
what love and unity this Cause has
brought about even in a short time. It
is the grace and bounty of the Master.
We do not deserve it. We left Haifa
two months ago. There were many obstacles
in the way of our coming. They
were overcome by the invisible bounty.
Praise be to God, that it is the time of
Rizwan. It is the greatest Feast for the
Greatest Manifestation. It is the time
of unity between East and West, and of
consultation to spread the divine fragrances.
This is the time when all spiritual
things are renewed. The Cause is[Page 71]
spreading everywhere. From East and
West comes good news. Great news
has come to the Orient from America.
"In former times in the Orient there were so many difficulties. There was no security of life. Now there is better work and greater security. In the same city many meetings are held, sometimes thirteen in one night. The Master is exceedingly pleased. The more success the more happiness. The prophecies are fulfilled today and the calamities of the world show that there is no way out of difficulties other than the divine Cause. I hope that all the friends will unite in serving humanity. This is what is most pleasing to the Master."
Mrs. H. Emogene Hoagg, presiding at the third session of the Congress, read the divine Words: "This is that which descended from the Source of Majesty, through the tongue of power and strength upon the Prophets of the past. We have taken its essences and clothed them with the garment of brevity, as a favor to the beloved, that they may fulfill the Covenant of God; that they may perform in themselves that which He has entrusted to them and attain the victory by virtue of devotion in the land of the Spirit."
Mr. Alfred E. Lunt, also presiding, spoke: "The harmony of the past has to such an extent ceased that that peoples are sounding sharps and flats without the real tones. All quarrel among themselves and are off the real key. How greatly do we need the divine harmony! Everything in the world has a counterpart, which is counterfeit. This is the law of duality. Travelers in the desert see the mirage as water, but it is unreal. Duality penetrates this world. But this condition of material things may be analyzed and disclosed to the mind. But duality in the realm of mind and heart are not so easy to discern. It is impenetrable to the senses, but not to the eye of the soul. Jesus said, 'Flesh and blood hath not revealed it to thee, but the Spirit of my Father.'
"Now in the appearance of the great Bab, in the lives and teachings of BAHA'O'LLAH and of the Center of the Covenant, Abdul-Baha, we find the Messengers of the Ages. The voices of this world call to the swamp and the mirage. But the voice of the True One calls to the heavenly Path. This is attained through sacrifice. These friends who have come from the East represent the martyrs of Persia. When Badi offered himself, he came from the Holy Presence a new creation. It is from this type that our dear friends have come. We welcome them to America. They have brought us happiness and unity."
Mr. Hooper Harris, in part said: "What do we mean by divine Revelation? The words, precepts and teachings which come through the Prophets of God, with the authority of God. The Prophet of God always speaks with authority. Thus it was with Jesus, who voiced the power and great inspiration of the Holy Spirit. In these latter days the torrent of revelation has again come to us. The authoritative will of God by His dominion and power is divine Revelation.
"God has revealed Himself in this
day to teach us what civilization really
is. All that is good in the Christian
civilization must be traced to Jesus
Christ, whose influence was transcendent,
but whose example is now refused.
But He brought victory to those who
really followed Him. How wonderful
was He! How much more so than Plato
and the other great philosophers! The
power of the Words of Jesus changed
the hearts and stirred the souls to action
and sacrifice. So, too, the Prophets of
God are greater than the scientists. The
war has shown that the greatest fruits of
science may be used for waste and destruction.
Civilization based upon science[Page 72]
alone may result in horror. But
the moral uplift of the world is divine
Revelation. This is the source of true
science and pure morals. Moses, Christ,
Mohammed, in turn appeared and
brought true civilization to the world.
Today the world needs and is begging
for a great leader, one who can speak
with the voice and authority of God.
The answer of God to the longing of the
hearts and urgent call is the Voice of
His Greatest Manifestation, BAHA'O'LLAH
and the Light of the Center of
His Covenant, Abdul-Baha."
Chairman Lunt: BAHA'O'LLAH has spoken of the inward calm light, but outward fire. Let us beware lest this fire be without its flame. Fire is the power and flame is the evidence. 'A falcon preys not on a dead mouse!'"
Jenabi Fazel Mazandarani of Persia spoke: "There are two powers and possessions in man, the powers of morality and spirituality. These cause distinction in man. One who lacks them is a mere animal. There is no doubt that man needs an education for his soul and morals. History proves that without education man cannot attain. The greatest morality is love. Love and unity cause the honor, and prosperity of man and his entrance into the Kingdom of God. All the holy Manifestations came for this purpose, to cause love and unity. The heavenly books reveal this as their sole aim, to perfect humanity in love and unity. All the discord in the world is brought about by ignorance. People, because of this, flee from pure religion and cling to imitations and forms. Their religion is like a mirror that is rusty. This rust causes wars and bloodshed.
"The first principles of religion are unchangeable; but the secondary principles of religion meet the exigencies of time. The only difference lies in matters of secondary importance. It is unfortunate that people do not consider the important things but look only at the outward forms. BAHA'O'LLAH has arisen from the horizon of Persia and has taught the unity of all religions. His Book is most effective and influential. With our own eyes we can see that divine power dispels differences. What both our eyes and our hearts see cannot be denied. The beautiful structure is before our eyes. The East was formerly a center of fanaticism. People were so ignorant that they thought murder praiseworthy. They thought it would bring them nearer to God. This was not according to the Holy Books but the result of superstition. But since the teachings of BAHA'O'LLAH have spread, different nations are in the utmost love. The Jews, very superstitious and fanatical, did not formerly accept Christ. Now many of them have entered under this standard. Different men of different races and religions so mingle in Bahai meetings that people cannot tell one from another. Can there be greater proof of the power of God!
"Were it not for the Bahai Cause the people of the world would be fleeing from religion. BAHA'O'LLAH says, 'All are branches of one tree, one race, one creation.' Put aside blind imitation. Try every day to promote the prosperity of the world."
On April 28th many of the friends gathered in an early morning prayer meeting around the Bourgeois model of the Mashrekol-Azkar, which had been adopted by the Convention. There was concentration in prayer and reading of the verses and Jenabi Fazel Mazandarani chanted in Persian.
The new Temple Unity Board, whose selection was completed at this session, are: William H. Randall, Roy C. Wilhelm, Alfred E. Lunt, Corinne True, May Maxwell, Mountfort Mills, Albert R. Vail, Louise D. Boyle and Frederick W. D'Evelyn.
The new Committee of Nineteen on
Teaching, as appointed by the Convention,[Page 73]
are: Messrs. Randall, Mills, Scheffler,
McConaughy, (George) Latimer,
MacNutt, Wilhehn, Sohrab and Ives;
Mesdames Parsons, Haney, Ledyard,
Slater, Barton-Peeke, Cooper, French,
Maxwell, Cowles of Montreal and Rice-Wray.
A Tablet from Abdul-Baha about the Tarbiat School in Persia and a report of the work were given to the Convention by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab. Funds for this noble work can now reach the school if sent to Mrs. Louise D. Boyle, 2602 Wisconsin Ave., Washington, D. C. The name of our beloved and ascended brother, Joseph H. Hannen, is gloriously connected with this noble work. The Convention honored his blessed memory by the adoption of a resolution of praise presented by Urbain J. Ledoux and Mrs. Marie A. Watson.
On this afternoon, in the midst of a joyful company, the marriage of Miss Juanita Marie Storch, daughter of Mrs. Johanna Storch, of Oakland, Calif., and Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, of Isphahan, Persia, was solemnized. The surroundings were beautiful, the large assembly hall of the Engineering Societies' Building being used, the architectural attractions of which were increased by spring flowers and soulful music. Tablets were read by Mr. William H. Hoar and Mr. Howard MacNutt. The spiritual atmosphere was intensified by the harmonious blending of East and West. The past and present were linked in the two ceremonies. That of the Episcopal Church was read by Dr. William N. Guthrie of New York. The Creative Words of nuptial union, with their brief but impressive majesty, were read by Rev. Howard C. Ives:
"Verily, we are content with the Will of God!"
"Verily, we are satisfied with the Desire of God!"
This attitude of heart and soul is the means of creating loving companionship throughout all the worlds. Miss Rouhieh Jones was maid-of-honor. The bride was given in marriage by Mr. William H. Hoar and Dr. Frederick W. D'Evelyn was best man.
On the last night of the Congress, Mr.
Howard MacNutt, Chairman, read a
prayer revealed by Abdul-Baha, after
which he said: "We have reached the
end of our glorious Convention, not convention,
but a foretaste of Heaven. Invigorated
by a new breath of the Spirit
of God, the Holy Spirit has overpowered
me. The bestowals of the Covenant have
descended upon us as upon Zecharias
of old. It has come in proportion to our
unity and even in greater proportion.
The Holy Spirit has descended upon us,
eclipsing self. Heavenly love and unity
have characterized this Convention. By
our spiritual attitude it has descended
upon us as the bounty of God. What
endless and supernal vision it has lent
us! It is as the marriage of the Lamb
and the Bride, pure and spotless, coming
down out of heaven. This love is
the real message and the greatest proof.
Each messenger declares his Divinity
and brilliant souls arise and accept his
Divinity. This Divinity is the source
of his power. In 'the time of the end'
all the Divine messengers merge and
blend. By their fruits they are known.
Today the Bahais speak a new language.
It is not the outer words but the tongue
of the heart. One day Abdul-Baha said
to me, 'You have long been a Bahai
teacher, what is your method?' I replied
that I tried to find a point of contact
and then to teach. He replied, 'Reverse
this. Give him the message, flood
him with light, proclaim the Covenant.'
The oneness of humanity runs through
his message. It is the oriflamme of love.
It covers everything. The whole creation
groans, awaiting the liberty of the[Page 74]
sons of God. The Bahais strive not for
money, but for souls."
Mrs. Zoraya Chamberlain was the next speaker: "'You are loosed from your ancient superstitions, destroying the foundation of humanity!' This was the salutation of Abdul-Baha when in London, in his greeting to the Western world, awakening the universal race consciousness. And Abdul-Baha told the story of the Majnoon of love. The divine love is ideal freedom. Be free, like the balloon that has no rope of attachment to catch in the tree tops! Fellowship! Unity! That is the cry! This is the new consciousness. There are different colors, viewpoints, pre-conceived ideas. But all agree in the new dawn. Mirza Abul Fazl said the important thing to know is the greatness of the Day in which we live. Agree on this and there will be agreement about other things."
Miss Juliet Thompson, presiding, read from the Words of Abdul-Baha telling how the Spirit confers "that brilliant intuition which is independent of tuition." She then introduced Dr. William N. Guthrie as one who was ever demonstrating at St. Marks, in the Bowery, one of the great Bahai principles, the oneness of religion.
The subject of Dr. Guthrie was, "Leaves from the greater Bible." He said that truth could be presented as well humorously as solemnly and thereupon made a plea for tolerance which entertained with its pithy statements and proved the speaker's standing as a scholar and philosopher. Some of his pungent sayings were:
"To know and study man, visit the zoo!" He probably had in mind the animal nature in man, which is one side of, but not the reality of man.
"Love the things that disagree with you because they agree with somebody else."
"I want you to be you and nobody else."
"Every man who is really educated and intelligent is tolerant. The name of ignorance is bigotry."
"All religions are true and beneficial and from God. The best religion is the most lovable."
"Every one can see the devil, but only rare souls can see God."
"The Greater Bible is all the Bibles."
"Mountain peaks can see each other and therefore admire each other; valleys cannot, therefore hate each other."
"Beautiful things will vindicate character when beautifully presented."
"Friends share all things, even prayers."
Mrs. A. S. Parsons, just off the steamer and returning from her pilgrimage to the holy Shrine and meeting with Abdul-Baha, brought a beautiful message. Abdul-Baha gave this message April 15th. The spirit of it was: "Ye must think now of spiritual affairs. Try to enlighten the minds and spread the teachings of BAHA'O'LLAH, which bring light to the darkness. The snows of dissention are melted by the Sun of BAHA'O'LLAH. This is the true life. It makes the blind see, the lame walk and brings heavenly assurance."
The next day he said: "You are now on your way home. For each one there is a message. My greetings to all my dear friends, the servants of BAHA'O'LLAH and for this reason dear to me. I am always praying for them; that they may attain the height of Guidance, that they may not be comfortless; that they may live in accord and that they may be physicians of the sick."
Mme. Ahmad Sohrab, the bride, here read a Tablet which told of the impregnable condition found in the Covenant, the fortified fortress of the religion.
Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, with power and
penetration, proclaimed the Covenant.
He said: "The power of the Covenant
makes possible this luminous gathering
in which East and West are united and
the bounties of the Lord of Hosts appear.
We are all the children of Abdul-Baha.
We are the creation of his love.[Page 75]
East and West, we carry the banner of
love. Praise be to God, the Bahais have
a Center, not human, but divine! It is
the rock of ages and the eternal light
and inspiration. The light and power
of God make this day glorious. We feel
it! We are thrilled with it! It is the
new spirit of brotherhood. It is from
the heavenly rose-garden of God. Let
us aim to make in this garden, filled with
the anemonies of divine love, heavenly
beings, angels! Enough of animalism!
Now we need heavenly joys! The basis
of these joys is universal and eternal in
the hearts of His friends. All who have
heard the message find it necessary to
go to the Center of divine Truth. The
longing for the true One is universal.
"'Go even to China to find a divine man!' says Emerson. Men of the West go to Acca to learn not only how to teach but how to live. The life of Abdul-Baha is a book to be made a part of one's life. He is up before sunrise, offering his prayers at the threshold of the Almighty. He goes about doing good, visiting the sick and the poor and often interrupted in his work by calls. During all this period he is constantly busy, teaching and explaining the Words of BAHA'O'LLAH. Often he receives the governor and others. Pilgrims come in dozens. The two pilgrim houses are filled to overflowing. Often two sleep in the same bed. Often the house is so crowded that there is hardly room for a rat to run from one chair to another. The Master is in good health and keeping very well."
A harp solo by Miss Anna W. Lawrence was pleasing and refreshing.
Jenabi Fazel Mazandarani spoke briefly: "We are late but it is necessary to end in prayers, and to beg for confirmation and assistance to act in His path. Bahai meetings are for the sake of God. They have no other purpose save the investigation of truth. This is the aim of all the people of the world. You know the existing religions are blind imitations or inherited superstitions. Jew follows Jew; Christian follows Christian. Opinions are accepted without proof. But there is one religion that has few followers and that is the religion of investigation. If you have difficulties come to the Bahai centers and they will gladly tell you the Truth.
"This is the time of feasting among Bahais in different parts of the world. BAHA'O'LLAH was exiled from Persia. Both Persia and Turkey attempted his destruction. They opposed his words and were hostile to his teachings. He resisted dissentions and called the people to unity. From outward appearance all was against him. But the Manifestation was supported by divine confirmation. Prophecies are fulfilled in the coming of BAHA'O'LLAH and today 'East and West seek the presence of the Master."
Mirza E. Shirazi of Cairo, a student of the University of Beirut, who came from the East on the same steamer that brought the party of Mrs. Parsons, made a pleasing address and described the sweet humility, universal love, kindness and service which entered into a day in which he was permitted to observe the life of Abdul-Baha.
A closing prayer ended what proved
to be an extraordinary session of the
Congress for teaching. The large gathering
of friends dispersed, but hearts
and minds were filled to overflowing
with the treasures of the Kingdom and
the jewels of God. The Spirit of His
Holiness BAHA'O'LLAH, in sweet commemoration
affected friends and strangers.
The Convention and its attendant
meetings were as rays from the heart of
Abdul-Baha. The brilliant Orb of the
Covenant shone in the work of the Convention,
where nearly all important decisions
were reached by a unanimous
vote. The teaching efforts were confirmed
by this mighty power of love
which brightens the mind, mellows the
heart and attracts souls to the pathway
of All-Glorious Light.[Page 76]
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 | Azamat 1, 76 (May 17, 1920) | No. 4 |
Word of God
RECENT TABLET FROM ABDUL-BAHA TO L. B. NASHTo his honor, Mr. L. B. Nash, Portland, Oregon—Upon him be BAHA'O'LLAH EL-Abha!
O thou servant of God!
Thy letter was received, and was the cause of gladness. Thou hast expressed 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 convened, representative 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.)
ADDRESS: Bahai News Service, Box 283, Chicago, Ill, U. S. A.:
--PERSIAN TEXT--
--PERSIAN TEXT--
--PERSIAN TEXT--
--PERSIAN TEXT--
