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STAR OF THE WEST
PUBLISHED NINETEEN TIMES A YEAR
In the Interest of the BAHAI MOVEMENT
By the BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, 515 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, Ill., U. S. A.
Publishers: ALBERT R. WINDUST—GERTRUDE BUIKEMA—DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI
Entered as second-class matter April 9, 1911, at the postoffice at Chicago, Ill., under the Act of March 3, 1879.
TERMS: $3.00 per year; 20 cents per copy.
Two copies to same name and address, $5.00 per year.
Make Money Orders Payable to BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, Ill., U. S. A.
To personal checks please add sufficient to cover the bank exchange.
Address all communications to BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, Ill., U. S. A.
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. 12 | CONTENTS | No. 3 |
| PAGE | |
The room where BAHA'O'LLAH was placed the night of his arrival in Acca | |
The Latter Days of BAHA'O'LLAH—By GEORGE LATIMER | |
Orientation of the Mashreq'ul-Azkar—Letter from the Engineer in charge | |
Recent Tablets to Bahais in America | |
Tablets from Abdul-Baha to Bahais in Japan | |
PERSIAN SECTION—Written by Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi | |
| 1. Glad-tidings of starting to build the Mashreq'ul-Azkar. 2. Brief history of the Mashreq'ul-Azkar and the Convention in Chicago. 3. Bahai Magazines: STAR OF THE WEST, Reality, Bahai News, Sun of Truth, and Star of the East. 4. Visit to His Holiness Abdul-Baha (continued): Safety in truthfulness. Story of the truthful Solomon. His Holiness BAHA'O'LLAH and a high priest in Bagdad. Childhood of BAHA'O'LLAH | |
--PHOTO--
THE ROOM WHERE BAHA'O'LLAH WAS PLACED THE NIGHT OF HIS ARRIVAL IN ACCA
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. 12 | Jamal 1, 77 (April 28, 1921) | No. 3 |
The Latter Days of Baha'o'llah
BY GEORGE LATIMER
"Blessed is the one who has visited Acca, and blessed is the one who has visited the Visitor of Acca."—From the Traditions of Mohammed.
LATE one September afternoon in the year 1868 the entire population of the little city of Acca, on the coast of Palestine, gathered on the shore to witness the arrival of several small sail boats containing some seventy or more prisoners of the Turkish government. Little did they realize, as these victims of Mohammedan oppression were led through their jeering midst to the prison barracks, that this event would be far-reaching and world-affecting in its results—so momentous in its consequences that the former historic events which marked Acca, the battle-ground of the Crusades, would well-nigh disappear in comparison. Acca, once the seat of war and bloodshed, the goal of conquest of such mighty warriors as Richard Cœur de Lion, Philippe Auguste, Napoleon, Sir Sydney Smith and Ibrahim Pasha, was suddenly transformed to become the home of the Prince of Peace.
In more recent years, with its fortifications in ruins, Acca had become the depository for thieves, cutthroats, suspects and the religious and political prisoners of the Ottoman government, because of its well-known foul and insanitary conditions and death-dealing diseases. But with the arrival of this little band of exiles, who preferred anything rather than separation from their leader, BAHA'O'LLAH, this ancient and ruined town became the center of world destiny, a Mecca to the Orient and Occident alike, mirroring forth such splendor and light as to make it appear as the "New Jerusalem."
The Star of Bethlehem shines from age to age over the haven longed for by the tried and persecuted pilgrim in his search for the pathway to the Kingdom of God. The inspiration of the weary traveler is the faith and certainty that this star shines for all mankind. The city over which it appears changes from cycle to cycle, but the light it reflects is always the same. The city in its splendor becomes a veritable paradise and refuge for the searcher.
The same intense longing that impelled the three Wise Men two thousand years ago, later manifesting itself again in the pilgrimage to the Kaaba, has once more returned to possess the heart of the sincere seeker, drawing him to Acca, the prison home of BAHA'O'LLAH, the Glory of God.
How strange the working of fate! The effort of man is ever exerted to prevent the shining of the star and the spreading of the Light of God by His chosen ones; yet these same efforts become the means of the fulfillment of prophecy and the establishment of the Cause of God in the world. Thus, as the crucifixion of Christ became his everlasting sovereignty, the defeat of Mohammed his undying renown, likewise the exile and incarceration of BAHA'O'LLAH have become his majestic splendor and eternal glory.
As the color of the leaves announce
--PHOTO--
The City of Acca
the change of seasons, so the color of man's thoughts mark the progress of his soul. The divine palette with its variegated hues is ever found in the city of the star, and the star always shines over the Holy Land, the home of the prophets. The soul of the pilgrim is the canvas prepared for the handiwork of the Creator.
It is difficult to describe the effect produced by the matchless blending of colors in the masterpiece of the artist; it is even more difficult to portray the emotions and sensations of the heart of the pilgrim when he visits the sacred abode of the Manifestation of God. As the pilgrim enters Acca he feels his soul transcending the earthly ties to the realm of spiritual susceptibilities. The framework of the picture, such as the life and customs of centuries gone by, vanishes and the design itself commences to unfold.
Passing over a moat, the traveler suddenly finds himself in the courtyard of
--PHOTO--
The Prison Barracks
the prison barracks. His pulse quickens, his whole being attunes itself to higher vibrations. The first glance discloses the horse stalls where the little band of exiles were crowded together. Then the small room, now in ruins, where BAHA'O'LLAH was cast that first night of his arrival, is seen. The detail of the picture becomes clearer as he mounts a steep and narrow stairway to the room of stone flags without bed and chair, where BAHA'O'LLAH was confined for two years. What lofty thoughts must have surged here! Glancing across the inner court, a barred window is noticed.
--PHOTO--
Baha'o'llah's prison room where he was confined for two years
Here BAHA'O'LLAH was wont to stand that the foot-sore and weary pilgrims from distant Persia might catch a fleeting glimpse of him from the plain of Acca, now called "the worshipping place of God." The masterpiece has expanded but the work is not yet finished.
The pilgrim leaves the city and travels over the desert plain to the Rizwan Garden. Here BAHA'O'LLAH spent the latter years of his life perfecting the design of the Creator. Again the wanderer sees prophecy literally fulfilled, for "the desert has rejoiced and blossomed as the rose." The Rizwan, rich in foliage and myriad blossoms, breathes
forth the glad-tidings of a New Day. The picture now assumes color and feeling, yet the final expression, the finishing touches which added the soul-stirring qualities are yet to come.
After a short journey, the pilgrim enters the Bahjee Palace, the last resting place of BAHA'O'LLAH on earth, and continues on to the sacred shrine. All thought of time and place vanishes as the seeker reaches the Place of Visitation, and enters into communion with his Lord. The masterpiece in all its matchless beauty is imprinted with glowing radiance on the canvas of his soul. The Holy Grail has been attained, the design completed; a heavenly vista is revealed. New emotions and new aspirations are created, great love expands the heart, knowledge and certainty take the place of doubt and fear, the great longing has been satisfied, the search rewarded and the pilgrimage ended—the transformation is complete.
The pilgrim departs with the intense desire of finding other souls upon which
--PHOTO--
The barred window where the pilgrims caught a glimpse of Baha'o'llah when denied entrance to the prison
this masterpiece can be reproduced; the imprint of the Spirit is eternal.
* * * *
Amid such surroundings it is wonderful to hear Abdul-Baha relate some of the graphic events which marked the latter days of BAHA'O'LLAH's life as unique and peerless in the annals of history. It is the lot of every prisoner to be meek and oppressed, yet BAHA'O'LLAH, under the yoke of two powerful and despotic rulers, shows forth the utmost majesty, while yet their prisoner,
--PHOTO--
The Plain of Acca
proving that the only prison is the prison of the self. Such was his majesty that for five years the Governor of Acca, his jailor and keeper, begged for admittance to His Holy Presence without avail. But Abdul-Baha tells the story to the pilgrim:
"For nine years, the first two of which were passed in strict confinement in those barracks, the Blessed Beauty (BAHA'O'LLAH) did not leave the gates of the building and for quite a long time he did not leave his room. Seventy of his followers, men and women, healthy and sick, old and young, were confined in those barracks, at the gate of which stood ten or twelve gendarmes, while two of them accompanied one of the friends who left the gates every morning in order to provide the daily means of subsistence (for the friends).
"It was toward the end of this period of nine years that His Holiness BAHA'O'LLAH made the following remark: 'I have not gazed at verdure for a long (period of) time.' This remark reaching my ears indirectly, I started immediately outside the city gates, notwithstanding the repeated prohibitive declarations that had been made in successive firmans (orders) with respect to
our trespassing the limits of the city walls.
"The next day with some friends and officials, I went out again, unmolested and unopposed, although the guards and sentinels stood on both sides of the city gates. The third day I arranged a sumptuous banquet, stretched a royal
--PHOTO--
The Rizwan Garden
table under the pine trees of Bahjee, and gathered around it the notables and officials of the town. I then arranged a sort of landau [this was the first carriage to be seen in Acca] and prepared the house Mazraeh, which lies a couple of miles north of Bahjee. This house was nearly in ruins, but I arranged with its proprietor, who was one of our deadly enemies, to expend its rent for its restoration. Gardens, a courtyard, a grove of fruitful trees were soon arranged and the whole site looked as if it were a Paradise of Eden.
"Then I solicited the Blessed Beauty to move to that place for I knew every barrier would break down, every resistance would be destroyed, every obstacle removed as soon as his divine will passed a certain decision. The sure and determined answer that I received to my repeated appeals was this: 'I am a prisoner; I am confined.' At last I arranged for a certain mufty, a clever, humorous and kind-hearted person, who was greatly favored by BAHA'O'LLAH, to intercede, to fall on his knees, to grasp his blessed hand, to take hold firmly of the hem of his garment and not to leave until he would secure the blessed consent. He did this and his earnest solicitations made him at last successful. He then gave to me joyfully the news of His Holiness' consent. In spite of the strict firman of Abdul Aziz, which prohibited my meeting and association with the Blessed Perfection, and our residence was in the same house, I drove with him in that closed carriage with no one to approach or raise a word of objection, until we reached the palace of Mazraeh.
"Two years elapsed in a charming, lovely and highly contrasting environment until it was decided to move to Bahjee. This palace was thickly occupied, the upper story reserved for the proprietor's household and the lower rooms crowded with the inhabitants of Acca who streamed out to pass the warm season beyond the hot, oppressive and nauseating atmosphere of the city. It was indeed providential that a disease, highly contagious, broke out in the midst of these people and soon the palace was evacuated, the proprietor himself fleeing
--PHOTO--
Under the mulberry trees. The seat at the right is where Baha'o'llah sat and wrote Tablets
in distress and ready to offer the house free of charge to any applicant When we moved to the palace after having fixed an exceptionally low rent, the doors of majesty and of ideal, eternal
sovereignty were flung wide open to our face.
"Outwardly a prisoner, once enchained and once under the drawn sword, yet in reality wielding an influence and exerting a power over his friends and entourage, whether foes or
--PHOTO--
The Bahjee and Tomb of Baha'o'llah
followers, that kings might envy and emperors sigh for in vain! Governors and mayors, generals and local officials would repeatedly request the favor of attaining the court of His Presence, but this favor would not be granted. At last the governor-general of the city implored this favor on the ground of his being ordered from higher authorities to meet, in company with a certain general, the Blessed Perfection. The request being granted, the general, who was a corpulent, fleshy person, was so humbled and struck by the majestic, awe-inspiring presence of His Holiness that he remained kneeling on the ground very close to the door, although that posture was unbearably difficult for him. It was only after repeated insistence of BAHA'O'LLAH that the General complied with the blessed wish and accepted the nargileh [pipe or hubble-bubble] that was offered him, and then he only touched it with his lips, put it aside, crossed his arms, dropped his head and sat in silence close to his companion.
"Other and numerous instances go to show that it was not confinement but sovereignty which was exhibited by the Blessed Beauty's conduct and activities. The conduct of friends, the humbleness and sense of reverence and awe which they manifested, the officials and notables, the bustle that reigned outside and around the place of BAHA'O'LLAH'S residence, the influx of pilgrims and outsiders, the spirit of devotion and service that was manifest everywhere; the majestic and royal countenance of the Blessed Perfection, the effectiveness of his words, the power of his command, the extent of his retinue, the number of his zealous devotees—all these assured beyond the shadow of a doubt, a certain Mohammedan orderly of a Bahai pilgrim who had come from Persia to meet BAHA'O'LLAH. He thought, assuredly this person wields a prestige parallel to if not surpassing that of Nassered-din Shah. He was at least convinced that this mighty personage was not a king but a prisoner in exile.
"This is why it has at repeated instances
--PHOTO--
Garden in front of the Tomb of Baha'o'llah
been stated by His Holiness BAHA'O'LLAH that 'Verily, verily, the most wretched prison has been converted into a Paradise of Eden.'"
(This talk of Abdul-Baha was taken from Shoghi's diary, dated June 13, 1919.)
STAR OF THE WEST
TABLET FROM ABDUL-BAHA
O thou STAR OF THE WEST!
Be thou happy! Be thou happy! Shouldst thou continue to remain firm and eternal, ere long, thou shall become the Star of the East and shall 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 shall become the first paper of the world of humanity. Yet all these depend upon firmness firmness, firmness!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
TABLET FROM ABDUL-BAHA
O ye apostles of BAHA'O'LLAH—May my life be a ransom to you!
. . . . Similarly, the Magazine, the STAR OF THE WEST, must be edited in the utmost regularity, but its contents must be the promulgator of the Cause of God—so that both in the East and the West, they may become informed with the most important events.
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Editorial Staff: ALBERT R. WINDUST—GERTRUDE BUIKEMA—DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI
Honorary Member: MIRZA AHMAD SOHRAB
| Vol. 12 | Jamal 1, 77 (April 28, 1921) | No. 3 |
Orientation of the Mashreq'ul-Azkar Building
Letter from the Engineer in Charge
Mr. Alfred Lunt, Sec'y.,
Bahai Temple Unity.
Dear Mr. Lunt: Regarding the orientation of the Temple building, I think the best way for me to express the situation to you is as follows:
Take a globe on which mark Wilmette and Acca. Then with a string connect these two points, and you will find that the great circle which this string will form, will lie at an angle of approximately 45 degrees with the meridian. If an engineer's transit is set up over the center up on the temple site and pointed toward Acca it would point into the earth at a rather sharp angle and the line in which it would project would be a cord of the great circle marked by the string.
If the transit is then revolved in a vertical plane, the line of sight will cut the surface of the earth on this great circle. If the intervening space were all water this circle marks the course that would be taken by a ship in sailing from one point to the other.
If the engineer's transit were set up at the site of the Temple and a right angle turned off from the meridian, the course thus set would cross the equator before getting as far east as Acca and would manifestly be wrong in course. Set further south than this would be still greater in error.
A course set in an effort to follow a parallel of latitude would not in fact point toward Acca, but such a course would require a constant change of direction, because all courses on the surface of the earth are laid out in a plane tangent to the surface and when projected on the curved surface of the earth, follow a great circle and the only great circle which will pass through these two points is the one first described.
I submitted this matter to Mr. McDaniel and Mr. Boyle and they were unable to offer any solution other than the one first described, which is scientifically correct.
The orientation thus laid out fits the local situation very well. The lake shore
at this point bears almost northwest, the approach will thus be nearly at right angles to the lake shore and will cross the property which you now own, instead of cutting across the Teuffel property as would have happened with the former layout.
I have had this new orientation layout on the ground and work will be started on this basis, unless you direct otherwise.
Yours very truly.
H. J. Burt.
Recent Tablets to Bahais in America
ARTHUR S. AGNEW
His honor, Mr. Agnew—Upon him be the Light of God, the Most Luminous!—through his honor, Mr. Albert R. Windust, Chicago.
He Is God!
O thou spiritual person!
As far as thou art able, do thou practice self-sacrifice in the path of His Holiness, BAHA'O'LLAH—May my soul be sacrificed for His friends—and this self-sacrifice is the greatest cause of success (prosperity), because today every soul who approaches His Holiness, BAHA'O'LLAH one step, verily doeth he rear up his flag on the zenith of the Kingdom, and like unto a star shineth he from the horizon of Reality.
Upon thee be Baha-el-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Azizullah S. Bahadur, Haifa, Palestine, June 15, 1920.)
ALBERT R. WINDUST
To his honor, Mr. Albert R. Windust—Upon him be the Light of God, the Most Luminous!
He Is God!
O thou true friend!
Through the graces of the Sun of Reality do I supplicate that rays of assistance and favor be projected upon thee, and that thou together with his honor, Mr. Agnew, may live in utmost attachment, love, firmness and steadfastness.
But as regards the writer of the Persian section of the STAR OF THE WEST, I have this in mind, Whenever somebody is found, I shall send him. I am beseeching a new confirmation and especial grace and favor for thee.
Upon thee be the Light of the Most Luminous!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Azizullah S. Bahadur, Haifa, Palestine, June 15, 1920.)
GEORGE LATIMER.
To Mr. George Latimer, Portland—Unto him be the Glory of God, the Most Glorious!
He Is God!
O thou who art firm in the Covenant!
Praise be unto God, that thou wert confirmed to visit many of the Assemblies and see the attractive faces of the friends.
His honor Fazel is verily of the utmost sincerity, without any desire save service to the Cause of God. Miss Martha Root is a loved maid-servant of God. My hope is that Miss Martha Root and Mrs. Lucy Wilson will be assisted and confirmed to attain to perfect spirituality and enlightenment. Mr. Agnew is a truthful servant of God and Mr. Wilhelm self-sacrificial. Of course you see how they are, at every assembly, confirmed to deliver eloquent speeches.
Do thou always keep up thy correspondence with the friends in Germany, Japan and Australia. I am praying to God to enable some active teachers to arise and give light unto the horizons of America. The erection of the monument to the memory of his honor Agha Mirza Abul Fazl is very appropriate and advisable.
Convey the utmost love, on my behalf, to Mr. and Mrs. Weed and family. Verily they have done their best, with the utmost sincerity, in the formation of meetings. This service has been accepted in the Kingdom of Abha. . . .
His honor Mr. Remey, that luminous person and heavenly man, is occupied in service in Germany and Holland. He does not rest for a moment and does not breathe but to raise the call to the Kingdom of God.
Unto thee be the Glory of Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Azizullah S. Bahadur, Haifa, September 17, 1920.)
O. O. WOLCOTT
O. O. Wolcott, Spokane, Washington—Upon him be the Glory of God, the Most Glorious!
He Is God!
O thou who art confirmed by the grace of the Kingdom!
Thy long letter has been perused. Thou hast given convincing answers to the questions of the lawyer. The souls who are free from every tie and are baptized with the Holy Spirit, while speaking, are inspired with divine inspirations. This is why it is said that (when) you are speaking you should not think: you should speak what the heart is inspired to.
The teachings are from His Most High, The Father. The Son is the Expounder of the teachings of the Father. Therefore, the teachings of both are one. As to the line of poem which is mentioned in the Seven Valleys, it is from His Highness Ali, "Dost thou imagine that thou art an insignificant molecule, while in thee is enwrapped the Great Universe (Macrocosm)?"
He says, "Thou shouldst not look at the smallness of thy body which is cast out of the dust and is simply a handful of earth; nay, rather shouldst thou look at that pure spirit which is inclusive of all the lofty attributes, and has some affinity to this body." Because that pure spirit is one of the graces of God and is inclusive of all the virtues of humanity. This pure spirit is like unto the light which is potential and in the candle and gets enflamed with the fire of the love of God, then streams its light in the stage of visibility.
The Jewish doctors have interpreted the Bible according to their own selfish desires, and not that they have discovered the Truth.
But regarding the word Israel, this is the title of Jacob himself and not that of his children. Then from the word of "Bani Israel" Bani (descendants) was dropped and they sufficed with the word "Israel." In Encyclopaedia there are many such examples. The descendants of Ham, for example, are called "Ham," the descendants of Yafes are called "Yafes." The descendants of the Turks are named "Turks," and those of Yaarub are called "Arab." Examples such as these are many. Afterward the word Israel was used to denote the "people of God" as it is mentioned in the Bible, i. e., the nations of God. Thus it was gradually generalized as to denote all the souls who accepted the religion of God.
Upon thee be Baha-el-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Azizullah S. Bahadur, Haifa, Palestine, June 4, 1920).
MIRZA AHMAD SOHRAB
To his honor Mirza Ahmad Sohrab—Upon him be BAHA'O'LLAH!
He Is God!
Thy letter written May 19th, 1920, duly received. Notwithstanding the lack of time I answer the matters referred therein.
His honor Fazel—Upon him be BAHA'O'LLAH El-Abha!—whenever he finds an opportunity, if he writes an article for the STAR OF THE WEST, unquestionable
it will be good, nay rather effective; likewise whenever you find an opportunity you write also articles. The duty of his honor Fazel, is to travel in all parts of America and raise the call of the Kingdom of Abha in all the meetings, churches and gatherings. If he finds time and an occasional opportunity he may write an article.
A cablegram was forwarded to you that if possible on important occasions and cities you must become the associate and intimate of his honor Fazel; especially at the time of his meeting with the scholars, philosophers and professors, unquestionably you must be present.
His honor Manucher Khan, must strive by day and night so that he may obtain the utmost proficiency in the English language.
Regarding the Bahai Library and the magazine Reality, truly I say they have great expenses. No matter how much Mr. Deuth may show self-sacrifice he cannot meet all the expenses. Therefore the believers of God from amongst the rich, must show magnanimity regarding this matter; so that this library and this magazine may continue forever. It is my hope that a heavenly blessing may be vouchsafed.
In Green Acre, unquestionably, you must be the associate of his honor Fazel.
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Tablets from Abdul-Baha to Bahais in Japan
MR. TORII
To one who longs to enter the Kingdom of God, Mr. Torii—May his soul be enraptured!—Care of Miss Agnes Alexander, Tokyo, Japan.
He Is God!
O thou who hast turned thy attention to the Kingdom of God!
Thy letter arrived and imparted joy. Thou hast been longing to spread the light (the teachings) in those regions. My wish is also that the musk of the love of God should be diffused in that land, and that Miss Alexander and Mrs. Finch may conjointly strive so that the rays of the Sun of Reality may be projected all over that country.
Whenever the means of travel are secured, thou art permitted to come. I am supplicating God to strengthen thee and make thee grow like unto a lily in the Garden of the Kingdom.
O faithful friend! The inhabitants of that region are bright and noble-minded. Through the great distance however, the musky breeze has not yet reached their nostrils. They know not of the rise of the Sun of Reality upon the horizon of Persia. If you who are there be self-sacrificing and become enkindled with the love of God, and like unto stars shine from the horizon of Truth, that country will before long be turned into a paradise of comfort; Japan will become illumined, and like unto a meadow and a rose-garden will invigorate the hearts of every assembly. Do ye strive as hard as possible in order to be attracted to the beauty of the Beloved of the world, and through the fire of his love inflame that country.
Upon thee be Baha-el-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Azizullah S. Bahadur, Haifa, Palestine, June 11, 1920.)
TOMONAGA NOTO
To his honor Tomonaga Noto, care of his honor Mr. Torii—Upon him be Baha-el-Abha! Upon ye be Baha-el-Abha!
He Is God!
O thou wooer of Reality!
Thy letter was received. Praise be to God, the sight of thy mind has been
opened and thou hast acquired the power of spiritual healing. Thou hast sought and found the Truth and hast been aware of heavenly mysteries.
The teachings of His Holiness BAHA'O'LLAH like unto the rays of the sun illumine the East as well as the West, vivify the dead and unite the various religions. They prove the oneness of God, for they gather all communities of the world under the pavilion of the oneness of the world of mankind.
Consider how stirred the world is and in what a commotion are the people of the world. Heavenly power is needed to do away with this stir and agitation. Otherwise this great cause will not be realized through human power. Human power, no matter how strong it may be, illumines like unto an ignited lamp a limited space and trains a small number of souls. It is the sun which illumines all regions, and it is the heavenly power which gathers around a single spot all the sects and communities. Strive therefore that thou mayest serve this remarkable power and attain unto profitable and far reaching results.
Upon ye be Baha-el-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Haifa, Palestine, December 17, 1918.)
AGNES ALEXANDER
To the daughter of the Kingdom, Miss Agnes Alexander, Tokyo, Japan—Upon her be the Glory of God, the Most Glorious!
He Is God!
O thou who art the daughter of the Kingdom!
Thy letter has been received. Praise be unto God, that in those regions the breezes of the rose-garden of Abha are spreading. It is my hope that those regions may become perfumed, the breezes of favor waft, the lights of guidance radiate and the graces of the Merciful be unveiled.
Convey on my behalf respectful greetings to Mrs. Finch. I hope that you two shall, in utmost affection and union, start in the service of the Kingdom, become the cause of the illumination of that dark country and that the breezes of the heavenly rose-garden may be spread.
Convey my deepest love and affection to Mr. Torii and Mr. Inouye and Mr. Saiki, and also to all other friends. Through the graces of the bounty of Abha I cherish the hope that these souls may become sublime emblems and fruitful trees in this Supreme Paradise, because a productive man is like unto a tree which is fruitful and of large shadow, and so he is the ornament of the garden of Paradise.
This world, though apparently ornamented, yet its ornamentation is like unto the freshness of the flowers on the meadow whose prosperity lasts but for a short time, fading speedily through the heat of the sun and the blowing of the wind. The heavenly trees, however, are always green, fresh, full of blossoms and continually yielding fruits. They remain till eternity in perfect fineness, freshness and vigor.
Extend my great kindness and praise to the maid-servant of God, Fuye Muchizuki, so that she may with a divine power, a heavenly purpose and Godly motive, start her writing and that the breaths of the Holy Spirit may help her pen.
I am supplicating to God to help Mr. Fukuta progress day by day, to guide the Japanese women to tear up the curtains of superstitions, observe the lights of Truth, seek eternal life and long for everlasting bestowal.
Upon thee be Baha-el-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Azizullah S. Bahadur, Haifa, Palestine, June 3, 1920.)
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