Star of the West/Volume 14/Issue 5/Text
| ←Issue 4 | Star of the West Volume 14 - Issue 5 |
Issue 6→ |
 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:
|
--PATTERN--
THE spirit of the age demands the establishment of universal peace. No power on earth can stand before it. God has purposed that peace must reign in this age, and it will come to pass. Let the advocates of peace work with greater zeal and courage for the Lord of Hosts is their supporter.
In this radiant century and merciful age the ears are open, hearts awakened, eyes seeing, consciences stirred.
The age of estrangement has passed. The century of friendship has arrived. The dark hours have disappeared and the Orb of Unity has dawned. Now is the time to be illumined with the rays of the sun of the solidarity of the human race. This is the hour of self-sacrifice for the good of humanity.
* * *
- Glad Tidings! Glad Tidings! The Sun of Universal Love hath dawned.
- Glad Tidings! Glad Tidings! The banquet of friendship and divine association is spread.
- Glad Tidings! Glad Tidings! The banner of the Kingdom of God is unfurled.
- Glad Tidings! Glad Tidings! The heavenly spring hath appeared.
- Glad Tidings! Glad Tidings! The cloud of Spiritual Grace is pouring down.
- Glad Tidings! Glad Tidings! The trees of the orchard of humanity are verdant and a'bloom.
- Glad Tidings! Glad Tidings! The Herald of the Kingdom hath become manifest.
- Glad Tidings! Glad Tidings! The prophecies of the Holy Books have become fulfilled.
- Glad Tidings! Glad Tidings! The age of human brotherhood is dawning upon mankind.
- Glad Tidings! Glad Tidings! The century of light and universal peace hath come.
From words of 'Abdu'l-Bahá.
Avenue in Haifa, Palestine, leading to Mount Carmel. The Shrine of the Bab and of 'Abdu'l-Bahá is seen halfway up the mountainside. This picture makes clear how the steps shown on page 148 will be in line with the avenue.
| VOL. 14 | AUGUST, 1923 | No. 5 |
THOUGHTS of universal peace are not new in the world. Outstanding thinkers and philosophers of the past have mentioned it with hope. Seers have visualized it. Bards have sung. Even statesmen of high rank have at times looked beyond the field of nationalism into the broader field of inter-nationalism, with human welfare in mind. But it has remained for the Prophets of God, with the voice of authority, to promise this happy day of the realization of universal peace.
As the world advances and people become more thoughtful, dissatisfaction with war as the solvent of human problems grows apace. The abitrament of arms places right and wrong upon the same level. It stirs up the worst passions of human nature. It banishes judgment. It imbrutes the finer instincts of man. It is the sum of all calamities. War cripples commerce, impedes agriculture, lays waste cities, makes desolate homes, perverts science, suspends education, consumes wealth, vandalizes art, dethrones reason, degrades manhood, violates womanhood, deifies violence, abases morals, dispirits religion, blasphemes God. In wartime people worship the god of hate, however sacred the name by which they invoke him. To this idol they supplicate for confusion upon foes! To this creature of passion they return thanks when foes are destroyed! What has the God of love and mercy to do with all this? The god of hate is without ruth. Overnight he transforms men into fiends. People who under normal conditions are so gentle and kind that they avoid harming an ant, when war is on not only breathe out cruelty and slaughter against their fellow beings, but do not hesitate to desecrate the very sanctuary of God. Not the least of war's ills is the arrogance of the victor and the hatred of the vanquished. These spiritual distempers may endure for ages.
It must be conceded, however, that some good may come through warfare. But alas! How little is this when compared with the great good of settling the issues between nations upon the durable basis of justice, peace and arbitration! The good that is by comparison a modicum seems mainly to arise in spite of rather than because of, the terrific slaughter of humanity. Peace is life. War is death. Peace is heaven. War is hell. Pride, ignorance, jealousy, suspicion, fear and their ilk unite their hideous faces in the orgy of bloodshed. How long shall these guileful imps deceive the intelligence of mankind?
In the past, numberless cases can be cited of the futility of war to right wrongs or to improve conditions. The thirty years' war in Germany between
Catholics and Lutherans was so terrible that during this long period of suffering the population of that country was reduced from thirty million to five million souls. As fully five-sixths of the population was destroyed during this carnage, it is interesting to note the result. At the end of this bitter struggle both sides adhered to their respective faiths. The Catholics continued to be Catholics and the Protestants remained Protestants. The war changed no one's religion. But how frightful was the cost of this bitter hatred which remained to vex long after to destruction so many people!
The war of a hundred years between England and France was equally fruitless of results. The English king was ambitious to rule France. Under English law his succession to the throne was justified. According to French law his right was barred. For a time he succeeded in imposing both himself and his dynasty upon France, only to invite the continual force of opposition. The end of a century of fighting saw the king of England confined to his own land and the king of France established upon his throne. For through the heroism of a woman, Joan of Arc, although French law debarred a woman from reigning in France, the French dynasty was restored and the foreign invaders expelled. Void was the effort for those who started it.
The wars between the West and East, known as the Crusades, covered more than two centuries. Their object, on the part of the Christians, was the delivery of Jerusalem from the hands of the Muhammedans, who were regarded as heathen and infidels. Seven efforts were made to conquer and hold Palestine, netting a total failure. But the terrible acts of the invaders reflected the savagery of the dark ages, to which they belonged. Had these ignorant people, who called themselves Christians, paused to investigate the Muslim faith, they would have discovered that the people of Islam had not only the greatest love and reverence for Christ, but in the practice of the religion which their Prophet, Muhammed taught them they had attained a civilization far superior to the people of Europe, whose religion had then lapsed into idolatry and their civilization into barbarism. But the recent hatreds of the Cross and Crescent for each other are the heritage of those bitter memories.
The world has stood aghast at the terrific losses of the world war. Huge natural resources were destroyed. A vast area was reduced to ruins and shambles. Countless families were reduced to homelessness, beggary and starvation, about $358,000,000,000.00 in wealth and treasure was consumed, and approximately 30,000,000 lives were prematurely cut off. After four years Europe is still on the verge of collapse and the whole world still feels the effects of war. One of the delusive claims made for the war was that it would destroy militarism. With more men now under arms in Europe than at the outbreak of the great war nine years ago, with the powers scrapping only a few of their armaments, with the preparation of poisonous gases and great fleets of destructive aeroplanes, this aim is far from being realized. But perhaps we have now dwelt long enough with shadows to prove that force and violence accomplish no lasting results. Can the realm of humanity survive another war?
Let us turn to the armies of peace. Day by day these shining ranks increase in numbers and power. Theirs is the assurance that in the end, victory will adorn their banners. Among the great forces mobilized in this cause is that of popular education. The training of the masses to think for themselves and the diffusion of knowledge will become more and more a deterrent to warfare. If the few people who bring on a war were the only ones to do the fighting, all wars would be of short duration. It is necessary for the people to discern the motives of those who would stir up their passions and exploit their prejudices for personal and selfish ends. The limelight of knowledge will expose those sordid interests,
which would impoverish the many to enrich the few. The killing of a human being is at any time a most serious offense among civilized people. But the killing of millions, perhaps to avenge the deaths of a few, seems not only a great calamity but amazing folly. The righteousness of peace, the criminality of war, will more and more challenge the intelligence of the world. Especially is this appeal to the rising generation, the children in schools, the students in the universities. Dispassionate thinking and common sense are needed to prevent a return of the horrors of the past.
Another sign of universal peace is the growing freedom and influence of women. It is to the eternal glory of that sex that rarely in human history have they lent their powers to the killing of their fellow beings. Their benign influence, through fine intuitions and tender hearts, is cast on the side of life and construction, peace and healing. Happily there is now a growing tendency on the part of the governments of the world to give to women representation in their councils. These helpers are producing from their ranks many brilliant advocates of peace. Their logic is so incisive, their eloquence so appealing, their vision so large, that men listen to them with attention and admiration. From among many of these peace advocates two are mentioned, representing, respectively, the East and the West.
About the middle of the last century Kurratu'l-Ayn arose in Persia. Through the Báb and her training as his disciple, she perceived that a new day of ideal brotherhood and peace had dawned for all humanity. Her powers included personal charm, great natural gifts cultivated by study and a heart purified by divine love. These she dedicated to the evangel of Truth. She stood for the freedom of women and for the harmony of the world. Her inspired eloquence attracted many to the standard of peace. She traveled from city to city, suffering with serene composure every difficulty from the persecution of benighted and ignorant foes. After years of exalted service, her life was victoriously sacrificed for the truth she espoused. Men of many nations today are thrilled as they read of her wonderful life and character. Today her traces are visible in every reform looking toward the elevation of women, international peace and the harmony of life. She is easily one of the foremost characters of all time.
Another shining example of the brilliant advocate of peace is Justice Florence Allen, of the Supreme Court of Ohio. One passing through Ohio will find the women and the wise men all behind her with their support and very proud of her. No doubt she is destined for even greater honors than those to which merit has already called her. Not only is she a great jurist, but she shows the powers of an international statesman of the highest rank. Nor is the womanly sweetness lacking withal. Her arguments for international peace are so noted for sound logic, array of facts, choice diction, power of analysis, nobility of purpose and moral enthusiasm as to be rarely equalled in the arena of discussion. After this remarkable young woman has spoken, the impression of her hearers is that naught remains to be said. It is inconceivable that an advocate of war can answer her arguments. These are signs that the ranks of women, increasing in potency, are marching toward peace. When they once highly resolve, who can impede their progress?
A third division of the army of peace is the working people of the nations. The farmers in the rural districts and the industrial workers in cities have discovered a common interest. This bond of unity is being extended so as to include the laborers and farmers of all countries. These coöperative societies are a powerful influence for peace among the nations of the earth. It is astonishing how these coöperative societies have grown both at home and abroad. Through coöperation they are building their own
mills, factories, banks, etc., hoping, as one of their leaders recently said, "To build a new world in which service and not greed is the mainspring of human action and in which gain without labor shall no longer exist." As the losses of warfare are borne chiefly by the workers and those who suffer upon gory fields are likewise drawn from these classes, they naturally begin to think soberly of peace. Perhaps their thoughts will inspire even those who in the past have exploited them, to be less eager for the gain which means spiritual loss. It is certain that their influence will be felt.
BUT how can universal peace, in a rational, effective and stable way, be realized? How can the nations keep peace? How can the continents be peaceful? How can the races enter a durable bond of peace? For there must be laws as well as sentiments to maintain peace. This is truly the greatest thought of today. It appeals to all noble natures. And now comes the publicist and humanitarian, Edward W. Bok, offering a prize of $100,000 for the best essay, unfolding the most practical basis for this nation to enter into a union of durable peace with the other nations of the earth. This is indeed one of the hopeful signs of the times.
The wise men of the world, its statesmen and philanthropists, may well at this time study the luminous text of Bahá'u'lláh and the brilliant Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahá, for therein they will find all their questions answered and the heavenly manna of peace offered, now as of old, "without money and without price."
First of all, there must be an improvement in the character and attainments of men selected for high positions. Ignorance of leaders has ever been a bar-sinister to human advancement. In public life among all the nations, there is the greatest demand for leaders who are just, noble, self-sacrificing, free from prejudices, learned in the sciences and arts, informed about both national and international affairs and having minds that expand with universal intelligence. Such pure servants will not only work for peace, but will adopt the means provided in the Sacred Writings for the realization thereof. The great international Tribunal which is to be the permanent foundation of peace must be a fortress of justice. It must be more than a loose agreement among some of the nations, so that it may not when a crisis comes, as the Hague Tribunal, ingloriously fail. It must include the representatives of all nations and be supported by all peoples. The nations, unitedly and of one accord, must resign to it so much of their powers as will give to it executary authority, enabling it to enforce its decrees. The majestic might of all the rulers must uphold it. Bahá'u'lláh calls the kings to unity. 'Abdul-Bahá, in his wonderful volume, "Mysterious Forces of Civilization," reaveals the following plan:
"Yea, the true civilization will raise its banner in the center of the world, when some noble kings of high ambitions, the bright suns of the world of humanitarian enthusiasm, shall, for the good and happiness of the whole human race, step forth with firm resolution and keen, powerful minds and hold a conference upon universal peace; when, keeping fast hold of the means of enforcing their views, they shall establish a union of the states of the world, and conclude a definite treaty and strict alliance between them on conditions not to be evaded. When the whole human race has been consulted through their chosen representatives and invited to confirm this treaty, which, verily, would be accounted sacred by all the peoples of the earth, it would be the duty of the united powers of the world to see that this great treaty be strengthened and caused to endure.
"In such a universal treaty the limits of the borders and boundaries of every state should be fixed, and the customs and laws of every government; all the
agreements and the affairs of state and the arrangements between the various governments should be propounded and settled in due form; the size of the armaments for each government should likewise be definitely agreed upon; because, if, in the case of any state there were to be an increase in the preparation for war, it would be a cause of alarm to the other states. At any rate the basis of this powerful alliance should be so fixed that if one of the states afterward broke any of the articles of it, the rest of the nations of the world would rise up and destroy it. Yea, the whole human race would band its forces' together to exterminate that government.
"If so great a remedy should be applied to the sick body of the world, it would certainly be the means of definitely and permanently healing its illness by the inculcation of universal moderation. Reflect that, under such conditions of life, no government or kingdom would need to prepare and accumulate war materials, or would need to pay heed to the invention of new materials for the vexation and hurt of mankind. On the contrary, they would require but a few soldiers as a means of assuring the safety of the state, punishing the wicked and rebellious and preventing the growth of civil sedition. Not more than these few would be needed."
It is for the lovers of peace to consider its inner as well as outer aspects. The universal treaty, the arbitral House of Justice and the federation of the world, however well organized, can never endure without the confirmation of the spiritual power. Without this mystic power, man will speedily return to the depths of ignorance, vibrating upon the animal plane. The animal plane is ever dark and selfish and heedless of the commonweal. But the Holy Spirit rectifies human nature. It changes the satanic works of men into angelic deeds. It converts self-seeking into self-sacrifice. It transforms narrowness into universality. It creates the oneness of humanity. It expands national love into world patriotism.
Those who follow in the footsteps of the lowly Nazarene, of whom there are still, happily, a few in the world, readily think and act human brotherhood, whether the point of contact be the native or the alien, the mighty or the weak, the learned or the ignorant. The creative Breathings of Christ, in the early centuries of the Christian era, established unity among various races and nations, through the power of his Word. His prayer for the descent of the Father's Kingdom is now happily realized. The followers of Bahá'u'lláh throughout the world today are potentially the world's federation. Through the power of the creative Word, as revealed by him, they have abandoned racial, religious and national bias. Their ideals are pure, their sympathies are broad, their hearts are universal. Trained by the lives and precepts of Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá, the universal educators, they in turn strive to guide the people of the world. Because their hearts are at peace and their spirits rejoice, they are the cause of peace and joy to others. On every continent, amongst all races, in every religion, these people are found. They seek to serve. They believe in one God and one humanity. Under the banner of Divine Love they point all mankind to the great, abiding and perfect peace.
IN 1911-1913 His Holiness 'Abdu'l-Bahá, who was the exponent of the teachings of his father, Bahá'u'lláh, traveled extensively in Europe and America. In churches and audience-halls, in America, especially, he gave long, important addresses. These addresses were translated into many languages and were spread broadcast. Those who saw him at that time can remember how impressive was his personality; and it may be that that sweet voice which spoke of the oneness of the world of humanity can be heard by the ears of the friends even today.
Because His Holiness 'Abdu'l-Bahá worked in reality for the service of the world of humanity, therefore his teachings had a marked effect in each part of the world, and he left in the hearts of his loved ones, those who were affected by his teachings, a peculiar love and affection.
'Abdu'l-Bahá worked very hard for the oneness of the world of humanity. For forty years he was imprisoned in the barracks and fortress of Acre, Palestine, where the climate was the worst that could be imagined. After that, he traveled across the sea, to America and Europe. For three years he traveled. He gave to the world the principles of Bahá'u'lláh.
Now it is as though 'Abdu'l-Bahá speaks to us, saying, "In 1911, in 1912 and 1913 I invited you all to universal peace and to the oneness of the world of humanity. In America, repeatedly I said, ere long the world war will appear, nay rather, my words and writings as published in papers and books exist today, in which I said, Europe has become an arsenal. This war will break forth from one spark. The well wishers of the world must work for universal peace; they must establish a court of universal international arbitration. They must lay aside superstitions and limitations, so that no religious, racial superstitions, or political or patriotic prejudices exist. The great ones of the earth should look upon mankind with a single eye, so that the world may become at peace, and may rest at ease."
The spirit of 'Abdu'l-Bahá is calling from the worlds of the Kingdom, "O ye people of the world! has there not been enough of these wars and strifes, this restlessness and enmity? Surely there has been enough. How long must the innocent ones be killed in battle? How long must mothers lament their children? And how long must fathers cry and lament? Is not this bloodthirsty earth yet satisfied with the blood of the youth of the world? Must this bloodshed, and these sanguinary conditions still go on? Will the world continue at war?
"God has created the world for all people. O children of humanity! be kind to one another. Do not see any strangeness in one another. Consider this word which His Holiness Bahá'u'lláh spoke sixty years ago: 'O people of the world! Ye are all the leaves of one tree, the fruit of one branch, the drops of one sea.'"
Perhaps, still, that melodious voice of 'Abdu'l-Bahá is sounding in the ears of those that search for the truth and who say the time for superstition has passed away, the time of illumination has come, the whole of mankind must be servants of humanity (servants of one another.)
'Abdu'l-Bahá used to say that the members of all nations and religions were from God, that all religions have come for the training of mankind, all have come for the unity of hearts and for the showing forth of affection, one
toward another, and, because the truth of all religions is one, all the prophets praised God, all the religions worshipped one God, the prophets are from one Reality.
We must hold to reality, and set aside the superstitions which have crept in.
'Abdu'l-Bahá used to say we should not have prejudice, saying, "I am a Christian, I am a Jew, etc., I am of the West and this one is of the East, or, I am an American and that one an European. Nay rather, we should say that we are all children of Adam and sisters and brothers of each other." How much 'Abdu'l-Bahá wished that there might be unity between the coloured and white races, between the East and the West. He repeatedly said, do the white doves and the black doves fight each other? Do the Western sheep and the Eastern sheep contend with each other? No, God forbid, they are rather in utmost love and friendship with one another, because they are of the gentle creatures. Fighting, quarreling and strangeness are found among the ferocious creatures. How can man, who is the best of created beings, become involved in such a state!
Is it not good economics that the money spent in wars and destruction be expended instead in promoting and developing human welfare and in improving the conditions of life? Is it not good economics that we should gather together our strength and might to bring forth those treasures which are hid in the earth, and then use them for the betterment of humanity?
But the teachings of 'Abdu'l-Bahá are many. The whole of Persia was too small to contain such a precious jewel as 'Abdu'l-Bahá. When a pearl is in a shell gradually it grows and grows until the shell cannot contain the pearl. Then the shell breaks and throws out the pearl because the shell has not the capacity to hold it. In the same way, Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá were the two precious pearls of whom Persia formed the shell, but that shell was small and could not keep these precious pearls; therefore it broke and threw them forth.
Although the exile to Baghdad, to Constantinople, to Adrianople and to Acre was an act of great oppression, yet there was great good in it, for the teachings of those souls were more widely spread in the world. This is why, repeatedly, both Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá said they were happy and glad because of their imprisonment and exile.
We said that Persia was too small to hold these precious jewels, yet we must remember the high attainments of that land, for the learned ones of the world know that that land has brought forth great men, philosophers, poets and leaders, nay more, in ancient times Persia had seers like Mahabad and Zoroaster. And in this century, although the civilization and progress of that country have declined, she can now be proud of these jewels, the Bab, and Bahá'u'lláh, and 'Abdu'l-Bahá, and Persia can say, "O people of the world! God still is with me; truth has not turned its face away from me!
"It is my horizon, shining brilliantly, which gives forth light to all the world."
THE husband of my sister's daughter had been martyred, one of eighty-four persons who were martyred together, in Yezd, in 1903. The young man was twenty-five years old. His mother had only this one boy. She gathered up and brought all her money to the executioners and begged them to take it and not to kill her boy. They took the money from her, then shot the boy before her eyes.
About a month afterward a Tablet was revealed by 'Abdu'l-Bahá, without anyone's having written to tell him of what had happened. The Tablet came through me to the wife of the young man:
"O thou persecuted handmaiden of God!
"Although rich women may be brought up in utmost ease and comfort and luxury, yet at last that comfort and ease will be buried in the dust, in the narrow grave, in a dark place.
"The ease of the day will pass away, and the happiness of the evening be spent. But in reality and in truth the handmaidens who have entered the Divine Path, though they receive persecution, trouble and martyrdom, and see their loved ones persecuted, and drowned in their blood, their end will be everlasting glory and their home eternal.
"Then be thou not sad that thou hast sacrificed thy husband in the path of the beloved of the Lord, that illumined youth whom thou didst see immersed in blood, and in the dust. That was not death, it was life. It was not annihilation, it was existence itself. It was not calamity, it was divine grace. Then praise thou God that thou hast reached such a station and that thou hast come to such a position. Ere long the world and whatsoever is therein will pass away; but the traces of the martyrs in the path of God will remain forever. This world will become a paradise, this world will be seen as heavenly, and the station of these souls will become apparent and known.
"Upon thee be greeting and praise."
"The appearance of such a woman as Kurratu'l-Ayn is in any country and any age a rare phenomenon, but in such a country as Persia, it is a prodigy—nay, almost a miracle. Alike in virtue of her marvelous beauty, her rare intellectual gifts, her fervid eloquence, her fearless devotion and her glorious martyrdom, she stands forth incomparable and immortal amidst her countrywomen. Had the Babi religion no other claim to greatness, this were sufficient—that it produced a heroine like Kurratu'l-Ayn."—Prof. E. G. Browne, of Cambridge University, England.
ONE of the great principles of the Cause is the progress of woman and equality between men and women. When we speak of equality between men and women many people think that this idea is not new. But it was new at the beginning of this Cause and came from it. It was so new and so important that it was one of the greatest signs of the progress of this age. No one had ever conceived of this idea of equality; nothing definite concerning it was written in any religious book of any age, and some people have even thought that the opposite was taught.
Many women of the early period of the Cause in the Eastern countries rose like flames of fire, like the stars of God. Even in the Occident accounts were written of one of them, Kurratu'l-Ayn. Her history is very long and interesting. Her sublime faith, her lofty thought, her ardent work and service were truly a great miracle. She was indeed a woman whose equal is seldom found in the history of mankind. Her name, Kurratu'l-Ayn, means "Consolation of the Eyes." This title was hers because in knowledge, in sagacity, in radiance of soul and spirit, she was unique among the women of her country. She was a great and illumined soul who shone at the beginning of the movement, eighty years ago.
Kurratu'l-Ayn's father and uncle were members of the clergy of Persia, and were conspicuous for their dogmatic beliefs. Her greatuncle, especially, was a bitter enemy of the Cause. She and her sister were trained, in their home, by their father and uncles, according to the education of that time, scientific, literary and religious. But Kurratu'l-Ayn hungered for greater knowledge; she was never satisfied with the education which her father and uncles could give her and she finally left her native city to study
in a theological institution which was a center of religious education.
Women at that time were not supposed to leave their homes to further their education, nor were they supposed to go to other cities in search of the knowledge of God. But Kurratu'l-Ayn was graduated from the seminary, and received a diploma. This was contrary to the custom—to give a woman a diploma in theology—and up to that time men only had received them. But Kurratu'l-Ayn's attainments were so extraordinary that they were obliged to give her a diploma.
She then returned home, and married the son of her uncle. Difficulties now arose, for she was very brilliant, very illumined, and her husband was a reactionary leader. She was much esteemed, and at whatever gathering she appeared she spoke upon profound religious subjects. She was a gifted poet and wrote in both Persian and Arabic poetry of a very high order. She had two sons and one daughter.
The Bahá’í Movement had not as yet arisen, but the minds and the hearts of the people were awakening and becoming ready for this Cause. Kurratu'l-Ayn was still so eager for spiritual knowledge that she left her home and family to study a second time at the religious center. She spent much time in meditation and supplication, and received inspiration from God. From her deep study she understood that God was about to manifest Himself again, and she was very anxious to meet and speak with the Manifestation. Continually she talked of this, teaching the people and telling them that He would arise. There were several other great and illumined souls who, also, knew that the Light of God was about to appear. They tried to find the Manifestation, seeking diligently from city to city for the Light of God. Kurratu'l-Ayn was, herself, not permitted to travel, but she asked them to notify her when they found the Divine One. After some time spent in traveling at last, in the year 1844, they found His Holiness the Bab. They recognized his station and understood that he was the morning star in the early dawn of this great Day. Filled with this knowledge they wrote to Kurratu'l-Ayn.
One night Kurratu'l-Ayn had a vision. A beautiful being, with illumined face, and wearing a green turban, stood between earth and heaven, praying in new words, with a new meaning, a prayer she had never heard before. When she awoke she remembered the prayer he had chanted and wrote it down. She was waiting for news of this heavenly being when those other great souls met the Bab and wrote to her of him. They sent her several lines from the early writings of the Bab; these lines were exactly the same as those which she had heard in her dream. She became aflame with interest, and sought eagerly for further news of His Holiness the Bab.
One of those early disciples of the Bab was sent by him to the city where Kurratu'l-Ayn lived and studied in order to work with her. The Báb soon wrote an epistle to the head of the faculty at the theological center, revealing to him the Glad Tidings. This epistle was given to this disciple and to Kurratu'l-Ayn. In it the Báb said: "If you have spiritual insight you will know that this is the Word of God. If you can distinguish the Word of God from human thought, you will know that this is the truth. If, with the knowledge you possess, you are not sure, after studying together you must pray and God will send a sign to make clear the truth."
They went to the head of the theological institution and gave him the message; and the news of the Cause spread in that city. Some of the people believed. But many of the mullahs did not, and arose in opposition.
One day Kurratu'l-Ayn, while talking of the Cause at the home of a woman believer, knew intuitively, all at once, that difficulties had arisen, and she said, "I must go home." Soon after she had
left enemies surrounded the house and took the believer prisoner, thinking her to be Kurratu'l-Ayn. They inflicted injuries upon her, but she was happy to bear them. As they carried her through the city, surrounded by enemies, a man, who knew her, told the captors that she was not Kurratu'l-Ayn, whereupon they set her free. After this Kurratu'l-Ayn went to these enemies and said, "I am Kurratu'l-Ayn. What do you wish?" They took her and banished her with her friends to Baghdad.
In Baghdad she was placed, under Government guard, in the house of a leading mufti.* The Governor of the city declared, "I cannot understand this matter for I do not know enough about this religion. We will call a meeting of the mullahs and question her."
When this was done, Kurratu'l-Ayn, being a woman, could not come into the presence of the mullahs, but must remain behind a curtain. From that place she gave the message with great power. Many people were present and they asked many questions, to all of which she gave answers which were in accordance with religious and scientific knowledge. Those who listened were completely satisfied and many believed her, realizing that she had profound spiritual insight. A Jew, who was present, became a believer because of her explanations. He recognized in her words the knowledge of God. The mufti of the city also became greatly attracted to the teachings.
The Governor of Baghdad finally exiled her with the friends who came with her. But wherever they went they gave the message and awakened the people. They would enter a city, go to a large house, and invite everyone to come and listen to them. Then, in a few days, the enemies would band together and wreck the house in order to break up the meetings. The Governor would then command Kurratu'l-Ayn to leave the city. On one occasion, when they had been driven quite a distance from the city—there were no trains—the driver left Kurratu'l-Ayn and her companions in the desert, taking the horses with him that there might be no means of escape. Kurratu'l-Ayn wrote an eloquent letter which one of the men of the party carried back to the city. The heart of the Governor was touched when he read this letter and he sent a horse and donkeys to carry them on. Thus Kurratu'l-Ayn overcame all manner of difficulties.
When she returned to her native city she was opposed by all her relatives, and was made practically a prisoner in her own home. Every day and night these relatives met to question her, but they could not confound her, she was so much better informed than they. Her uncle said, "If you told us you were a Manifestation we would believe it because you have such great knowledge; but when you tell us that a young man without education is the Manifestation we cannot believe it." She told them that earthly knowledge is but a drop from the unlimited ocean of the revelation of God.
While these events were taking place the Báb was a prisoner on the top of a high mountain, in the extreme end of western Persia. He was surrounded by Persian guards and cut off from all communication with his followers. Although his jailers were very vigilant and tried in every way to prevent his disciples from seeing him, yet the friends of the Bab came to the castle where he was imprisoned from every direction, traveling from the north, south, east and west, and by many ingenious ways met him, received his blessing and returned home.
There were many apostles of the Bab who were highly trained in deep spiritual knowledge. They were busy heralding in every way the new day and the coming of the new truth.
Kurratu'l-Ayn was a prisoner in her own home, a disciple of the Bab appeared in the city of Qazvin, and started a class for the study of these spiritual teachings, giving the New Message.
Through the patience and fortitude of Kurratu'l-Ayn in teaching the Cause, and the spreading of the Message by this follower of the Bab, many people became believers, and the fire of opposition was kindled among the Muhammedan clergy. The greatuncle of Kurratu'l-Ayn seized this moment to rise in the mosque and speak against the Bab, thus still further augmenting the opposition. These vehement speeches so inflamed the animosity against the believers that they were scoffed at and derided everywhere.
On one occasion a fanatical mob took one of the teachers and a few others to the gate of the house of this greatuncle of Kurratu'l-Ayn, bastinadoed them, and there left them. Another believer was beaten almost to death, and then carried to the house of the Governor. When his brother went to ask for the release of the tortured one the Governor answered by placing a foot of each in the stocks, and beating them mercilessly.
One may imagine how Kurratu'l-Ayn, in her home, felt when she heard of these deeds. Although her relatives tried in every way to prevent her from leaving the house yet she managed to meet the friends, in a home where the pilgrims gathered who had visited the Bab. They met together with greatest unity and joy, encouraged each other, and gained wisdom and strength.
Two great difficulties now arose for Kurratu'l-Ayn, one within the Cause, one without. Through her intuitive wisdom she realized that the day had come when the old dispensation should end and though she had had no direct instruction from the Bab, she herself began to inaugurate changes and to spread them abroad. It was in the earliest days of the Cause and the time had not yet come for the Báb to announce these innovations, for the hearts of the people were not ready.
One of the pillars of superstition was the veiling of Muhammedan women and their non-association with men. Kurratu'l-Ayn, with supreme courage, laid aside her veil, and came out heroically to mingle with men. There were many of the friends who were strong and sincere, but, having heard or read nothing on this matter (of the veil) from the Bab they were shocked and astonished and they blamed Kurratu'l-Ayn, calling her a heretic. Then it occurred to them to ask the Báb what he thought about the matter. They forthwith sent him, by a special messenger, long epistles against Kurratu'l-Ayn. On the way the messenger met a prominent believer and told him of this difficulty in the movement. The great man said, "I believe that Kurratu'l-Ayn is right, although I have no authority for saying so."
When the Báb received these documents he wrote a wonderful epistle, praising the extraordinary qualities of Kurratu'l-Ayn and calling her "The Pure One." When this glorious epistle arrived all the doubts of the friends disappeared and an understanding of the greatness of Kurratu'l-Ayn grew in the minds of those who had judged her.
The other difficulty was this: the greatuncle of Kurratu'l-Ayn, he who was so opposed to the Cause, had the habit of reviling in the public meetings, the Bab and the forerunner of the Bab, Sheikh Ahmad. At one of these meetings a disciple of Sheikh Ahmad, who loved him very much, was in the audience and he became very much excited when Sheikh Ahmad was attacked. So one morning, when the uncle was praying in the mosque, this disciple killed him. Although the murderer was not a follower of the Cause, but of Sheikh Ahmad, yet, because this sheikh had foretold the coming of the Bab, the whole city arose, blaming the friends of the Bab. The mob attacked and pillaged the homes of the believers, imprisoning them and putting chains around their necks; and it was decided that Kurratu'l-Ayn must be placed in still closer confinement.
The father of Kurratu'l-Ayn at first held the mob at bay before his house, and tried to save her. But he was soon
overcome and they rushed in, took her with two other women, and carried her before the Governor of the town. The Governor questioned them minutely about the murder and Kurratu'l-Ayn with the greatest eloquence explained that the Babis had had nothing to do with it. The Governor, however, was not appeased, and he had hot irons brought to brand the women who were with Kurratu'l-Ayn to compel them to tell a different story. Kurratu'l-Ayn turned her face toward heaven and began to pray. The court was filled with curious spectators, all watching eagerly this terrible deed.
Just as the burning iron touched the hand of one of the women there arose a commotion at the back of the court, the people crying out that the murderer had been found. He had heard what was being done to the women, and his conscience caused him to confess. So he asked to be taken to the Governor. This confession was such an unheard-of occurrence that the people were incredulous, but he said, "If you do not believe me, I will dig up the dagger that you may see it." He showed them where to find the dagger, and they were convinced.
The persecutions of Kurratu'l-Ayn continued, and a number of the friends were taken, with the murderer who had confessed, to Tihrán, the capital of Persia. They were all kept prisoners for several months, and then the command came to execute several of them. The relatives and family of Kurratu'l-Ayn so hated her that they tried in every way to injure her and her followers. The Governor at last set her free, but ordered her to stay in her own home and not to go out. This she did for a long time, always closely guarded. Fearful lest her food be poisoned some of the friends, in the guise of servants, took special dishes to her. She lived, thus, in close confinement, until released by Bahá'u'lláh.
Bahá'u'lláh, in Tihrán, sent a letter to Qazvin to Kurratu'l-Ayn, by special messengers who brought a horse and left it outside the city wall. The messengers entered the city at sunset and were taken secretly to Kurratu'l-Ayn in the middle of the night. She escaped from her house and the city with them, mounted the horse which was waiting for her and, traveling day and night, reached Tihrán. With greatest joy she stood in the presence of Bahá'u'lláh.
Of the two men who accompanied her in her flight from Qazvin one was a believer and the other was not. Bahá'u'lláh entrusted to this second escort a large sum of money; this he was to carry in his saddle bag. The money was in gold and silver and the man reasoned with himself that it would be safer to put the silver pieces on top; then if robbers attacked him they would take the silver and leave the gold. When they reached their journey's end Kurratu'l-Ayn expressed great appreciation of his services and, without looking at the money, took nine handfuls from the bag and gave them to the man. She picked up the silver pieces as they were on top, and he was disappointed. Surmising this Kurratu'l-Ayn said to him, "You will prosper greatly in the future. This money is but for the expenses of the journey. God will bless you."
In the absence of this man the enemies of the Cause stirred up the people against the believers and, knowing this man to be friendly to them they searched for him. However, upon his return, the search was discontinued, in almost miraculous fashion. The man then realized the truth of what Kurratu'l-Ayn had told him. Later he became very rich.
During these days there were many meetings of great spiritual importance, the friends sitting at the feet of Bahá'u'lláh and learning new truths. One day, at one of these meetings a very learned man was present. He discoursed upon philosophy, giving proofs and evidences regarding the Cause. Kurratu'l-Ayn listened for a while, then arose, and cried out, "This is the day of deeds. If thou art a man show forth deeds!"
Again, there was a great meeting, where many of the friends were gathered, (The Conference at Badasht). Up to that time women had taken no part in such a meeting; the veil was still worn, and prejudice was strong. In the middle of the meeting Kurratu'l-Ayn entered, suddenly, without her veil. The believers were utterly astonished, and much excited, and the meeting was thrown into confusion. Then Bahá'u'lláh, who was present, told one of the friends to chant the chapter from the Qur'an about the Resurrection: "The old conditions have passed away and the new conditions have been set up. The old ideas have vanished and the new principles have appeared."
After this Conference Kurratu'l-Ayn started upon a long journey, teaching from city to city. She was continually followed by spies who sought a pretext to accuse her. Finally she was arrested, carried back to Tihrán, and imprisoned in the top of a house, in a room which could only be reached by climbing a ladder. Here she was kept for nearly four years. It so happened that this house was the home of the Mayor of Tihrán. His family became interested in Kurratu'l-Ayn and often invited her to come down stairs and take part in their entertainments.
One of these occasions was the wedding of the son of the Mayor, and Kurratu'l-Ayn was invited to be a guest. Now a wedding day is a time of merry making and not a religious festival; so there was music and dancing. But when Kurratu'l-Ayn appeared, with majestic carriage and spiritual face, the assembled company looked upon her with awe and asked her to speak to them. She talked eloquently upon the Cause and its teachings of justice.
Shortly before her life was ended Kurratu'l-Ayn was ordered to appear before the Shah of Persia, an awe-inspiring despot. He had heard many tales of her, of her wonderful personality and magnetic powers which could win the hearts of her enemies even. So he wished to see her.
When she arrived at the audience room the Shah was there surrounded with all the pomp of his high position. In she walked, carrying herself straight as an arrow, and began to speak to the Shah of the great spiritual principles of the Cause. He became so interested because of her beauty, eloquence and depth of knowledge that his mother feared lest he be converted; so she called the guards to remove Kurratu'l-Ayn.
In the year 1852 orders were given by the Shah that all the believers be killed, and the life of Kurratu'l-Ayn was demanded. On the day appointed, the first man assigned the task of martyring her refused to perpetrate the deed. A second man was then sent. He was intoxicated and strangled her with a handkerchief; then he threw her body into a well and covered it with stones.
So she gave up her life, and her spirit ascended to the Kingdom. Though her body returned to the dust, yet her light is ever shining; she is living always. Her name and her services are eternal.
A large volume might be written of the life of this peerless woman. In the history of the world there are few like her. Educated and beautiful, a gifted poet, she was still willing to sacrifice all, even her life, for the sake of truth, that through the spreading of truth the world of humanity might become enlightened.
When Kurratu'l-Ayn was in prison the jailers refused to give her paper and ink. But so eager was she to write to her sister that she used a straw from the broom for a pen and the juice of green vegetables as ink. She wrote thrilling poems, sublime ideas, eloquent verses on the bits of paper which were wrapped around her food and sent them to her friends. These poems are today chanted throughout the East. Her verses are full of the fire of divine love.
RECENTLY a joint statement was issued by some of the most prominent scientific men, college presidents, religious teachers, editors and men of affairs in the United States declaring the conformity of science and religion. It reads as follows:
"We, the undersigned, deeply regret that in recent controversies there has been a tendency to present science and religion as irreconcilable and antagonistic domains of thought, for in fact they meet distinct human needs, and in the rounding out of human life they supplement rather than displace or oppose each other.
"The purpose of science is to develop, without prejudice or preconception of any kind, a knowledge of the facts, the laws, and the processes of nature. The even more important task of religion, on the other hand, is to develop the consciences, the ideals, and the aspirations of mankind. Each of these two activities represents a deep and vital function of the soul of man, and both are necessary for the life, the progress, and the happiness of the human race.
"It is a sublime conception of God which is furnished by science, and one wholly consonant with the highest ideals of religion, when it represents Him as revealing Himself through boundless ages in the development of the earth as an abode for man and in the age-long inbreathing of life into its constituent matter, culminating in man with his spiritual nature and all his God-like powers."—From The Science News Letter: Through the courtesy of Science Service, Washington, D. C.
We see this number steadily growing, of thoughtful men and women who realize the truth which 'Abdu'l-Bahá has stated with such clearness and spiritual power that science and religion are both revelations of the deep mysteries of the universe and that in the divine civilization of the future they will unite for the upbuilding of the City of God.
The World Conference on Education held in San Francisco, June 28-July 6, 1923, was called under the auspices of the National Education Association of the United States, "to promote friendship, justice and goodwill among the nations of the earth," and, "throughout the world, in all schools, to emphasize the essential unity of mankind upon the evils of war and upon the absolute necessity of universal peace."
Representatives of sixty-two nations were present at this conference. Their endeavor is to interest the 5,000,000 teachers, instructors of the 200,000,000 children of the world, in a worldwide campaign for international understanding through the medium of the schools.
One of the sessions was held in union with the National Education Association of the United States. May eighteenth was chosen as "World Goodwill Day."
At the Universal Education Section of this Conference, devoted to the education of women, Mrs. Stuart W. French of Pasadena, California, told of Kurratu'l-Ayn, the heroic pioneer for the education of women and of the Bahá’í ideal for the emancipation of women and for universal peace.
The Federal Council of the Churches of Christ in America are holding in various large cities, conferences of progressive thinkers to discuss the following questions: What elements in the present economic situation are in accordance with the Spirit and Teachings of Jesus and what are opposed? What elements in the present international situation are in
accordance with the Spirit and Teachings of Jesus and what are opposed?
Such a conference among the local workers of Cleveland occupied Saturday and Sunday, some weeks ago. The scene was the sequestered environs of Lake Erie College, thirty miles away, "far from the madding crowd." This place was chosen so that a gathering for so noble a purpose might have time for deep reflection, undisturbed by the distractions and noises of a great city. It brought together social and coöperative workers, men and women, clergymen, Y. M. C. A. secretaries, college professors, lawyers, judges, teachers, etc. There Catholic and Protestant, Jew and Gentile, colored and white, radicals and conservatives, Easterner and Westerner, men of ideals and men of action, discovered a common purpose in their united thought to rid the world of the present distressing conditions. So earnest and sincere were these souls, who have without doubt discovered the effulgence of the Great Light that has arisen in the East, that one could imagine 'Abdu'l-Bahá addressing them, gently and wisely guiding them to the "Holy and Radiant Outlook":
"O noble friends, seekers after Reality, advancers unto God! You are loosed from your ancient superstitions, destroying the foundation of human solidarity."
Although these dear friends were so sincere in purpose, so noble in their wish to rid the world of its ruinous conditions of discord, the few friends of 'Abdu'l-Bahá who were present could readily see that, through their many creeds, they were veiled from the pure Teachings of Jesus and without the specific and definite program of Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá for the solution of the economic and peace problems, they were quite vague as to a workable plan. It was against the rules of the conference for anyone to label his own religion. Yet to each and all it was permitted to take part in the discussions and to express any ideas and thoughts that might help. Under the circumstances, the Bahai ideals could be given publicly, and privately, to individuals whose expressions marked them as outstanding in their weariness with the old order and readiness for the new.
SIGNS OF THE TIMES
GOD is greater than sects, or creeds, . . . . or fancies; and some day, when men have better understanding, all these creeds and church divisions will vanish, and there will be but one great, . . . universal religion, and it will be one of happiness and joy.—From "Pep," by Col. Wm. C. Hunter.
There is no doubt that if the world of the Occident should abandon dogmas of the past, turn away from empty imitations and superstitions, investigate the reality of the divine religions, holding fast to the example of His Holiness Jesus Christ, acting in accordance with the teachings of God and become united with the Orient, eternal happiness and felicity would be attained.—'Abdu'l-Bahá, from an address given at The Church of the Ascension, New York, June 2, 1912.
The International Women's Suffrage Alliance at its congress held in Rome in May, admitted thirteen new countries, including India, Egypt, Japan, Palestine, Ireland, Rumania and Newfoundland. This brings the number of countries represented at the Alliance to forty-three. Both in the Orient and in South America the women's movement is gaining strength very rapidly.
THE REAL PREVENTIVE OF CRIME
AN article by Charles L. Chute, in The American Review of Reviews, contains these interesting words: "The apparent increase in spectacular crime today is due to several things. First, after effects of the war: unemployment, unsettled conditions, general lawlessness, familiarity with weapons. This result
has followed every great war. Other factors in the situation today are: the availability of the high-powered automobile; the unrestrained publicity given to successful crime through the moving pictures and especially the newspapers. But more important than any of these is the growing inadequacy and incongruity of the old system of law and treatment to meet modern conditions."
In a Tablet to Mr. Arthur S. Agnew, of Chicago (1907), 'Abdu'l-Bahá outlines in a few luminous sentences the way in which the coming spiritual civilization will become the real preventive of crime:
"As to the difference between the natural civilization which is, in the present day, in force, and the divine civilization which shall be,. . . . material civilization prevents and safeguards people from committing evil deeds through the force of the laws of retaliation and correction. Thus you see how prohibitory laws and rules of correction are constantly being framed, yet no law for the prevention of crime is to be found, and in all the cities of Europe and America spacious prison buildings have been founded and established for correcting and punishing criminals.
"But the divine civilization will so train mankind that no soul will commit crimes, except a few individuals, which exception is of no importance whatsoever. Consequently, there is much difference between preventing people from evil actions and crimes through correction and retaliation, or through violent punishment, and so training them, enlightening them and spiritualizing them that they will shun crime and evil deeds without any fear of punishment, prevention or retaliation. Nay, they will consider crime itself as the greatest punishment and mightiest retribution, will be attracted to the virtues of the human world and devotedly spend their lives in that which is conducive to the enlightenment of mankind and to spreading qualities acceptable at the threshold of the Almighty.
"Consequently, consider what a difference and distinction is there between material civilization and divine civilization. Natural civilization prevents men from doing harm and wrong through force and punishment and thus withholds them from committing crimes. But divine civilization so trains men that human individuals avoid sin without having any fear of punishment, and the very sin itself becomes unto them as the severest punishment. And they will engage with utmost zeal and fervor in acquiring human virtues, gaining that by which mankind will be uplifted and that which will enlighten the human world."
THE PROBLEM OF LAW ENFORCEMENT
THIRTEEN hundred years ago, in the Arabian Desert among a group of savage people so degraded that they buried alive their daughters, there arose a prophet of God, named Muhammed. One of the laws which he transmitted from the heaven of the Divine Will was that of abstinence from alcoholic liquors.
For over a thousand years the millions of his true followers refrained from the drinking of wine. One of our American university presidents, in a tour around the world some years ago, remarked upon the striking absence of drunkenness in all the Muhammedan cities which he visited.
Thirteen hundred years later the voters of the United States passed a prohibition law and, to make it adamantine and everlasting, incorporated it in the Constitution itself. Yet all the authorities of this, one of the strongest nations of the world, are unable really to enforce this law.
The only authority that can truly establish a law is the conscience of a people. The outer authorities cannot watch all the multitudes every moment. The secret, hidden infractions of a law they can never prevent. But if the conscience of a people recognizes an ordinance as the will of God, they will obey it. For God is Almighty, Ever-Present. He sees the inmost heart. By His divine justice He
punishes and rewards not only deeds but thoughts and motives. Once the love and the fear of God arise in the hearts of a people and they behold a law as the will of their Eternal Beloved, they will obey it. Even the flames at the stake cannot prevent that obedience.
This is the record of all human history, that the Great Prophets transmit this love for God and His commandments. They are the mouth-pieces of God, the Manifestations of God. "The law of God is a collective center which unites various peoples, nativities, tongues and opinions. All find shelter in its protection and become attracted to it. For example, His Holiness Moses and the Mosaic Law were the unifying center for the scattered sheep of Israel. He united these wandering flocks, brought them under the control of the divine law, educated them, unified them, caused them to agree, and lifted them to a superlative degree of development. At a time when they were debased, they became glorified; ignorant, they were made knowing; in the bonds of captivity, they were given freedom. In short they were unified. Day by day they advanced, until they attained to the highest degree of progress witnessed in that age. It is therefore proved that the Manifestation of God and the law of God accomplish unity. . . . .
"Consider the time of His Holiness Christ. How many different peoples, races and governments there were, how many varying religions and denominations. But when His Holiness Christ appeared the Messianic reality proved to be the collective center which brought together and united them beneath the same tabernacle of amity. . . . Therefore it is proved that the Manifestations of God, the great mouth-pieces of God are the collective centers of God."—'Abdu'l-Bahá.
Today this voice of Divine Authority, for multitudes of Christians and Jews, is silent. New conditions of society, new sciences, a new industrial order have obscured the shining commandments of Moses and the Christ. Many Muhammadans, Hindus, Buddhists, Chinese, are finding the same difficulty in obeying and following their sacred scriptures.
The time has now arrived when from every corner of the world comes the cry for a new outpouring of the Spirit of Truth, to lead us into all truth. We need a new spiritual and scientific explanation of sacred scriptures and symbols, a new voice that speaks with authority, a new application of the divine law to present world conditions. Science is new, world-communication is new, crime has a new power, war has become a new and world-enveloping terror. Therefore we must have a new revelation of the Eternal Truth, powerful enough to solve these problems of the potentially marvelous age in which we are living. We need a teaching which will gather together the broken rays of new sciences, new world movements and longings into the pure white light from which they came.
In the writings and life of Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá we find in world illuminating splendor the new manifestation of the Ancient Glory of God. These great teachers explain in scientific terms the bibles of old, their prophecies, their miracles and their commandments. They make the sacred scriptures of all religions one continuous revelation, and reveal the real process of creation, over its millions of years. They manifest again that Holy Spirit which produces a new creation. They transmit God's voice so clearly that a multitude from all religions and races are laying down their prejudices, their fears, their points of separation that the law of universal love and the oneness of mankind may be established among the nations. Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá have become the center of the new world of brotherhood and peace.
--PHOTO--
--PHOTO--
Cutting the new steps up the side of Mount Carmel to the Shrine of 'Abdu'l-Bahá and of the Bab, Haifa, Palestine. The electric light on the top of the Shrine can be seen far out at sea. It is marked on the new mariners' charts. These pictures were taken in May, 1923.
"THE air here at Mount Carmel," said 'Abdu'l-Bahá, "is fragrant and the earth is sweet." "Syria is a most wonderful country. It is a world in miniature. The trees of the hot climates, datepalm, orange, mandarine, etc., are found in Syria. Tiberias is known for its hot weather, but Mount Lebanon is a cool summer resort."
"In reality the air of Mount Carmel is most energizing. I have breathed the air of many country places and have seen much natural scenery, but the air of this mountain is most wholesome, vitalizing, and its scenery is very entrancing. Purity of air, sublimity of panorama and beauty of landscape are united on Mount Carmel presenting to the eye a noble and inspiring spectacle of nature; its panorama of sea and land is very unique, its sun is all-glorious, its moon all-beautiful and its stars are all-sparkling."
"Many Israelitish prophets either lived here or passed a portion of their lives or sojourned for a while or spent the last days of their existence on this mountain." "This is the Holy Land, the land which gave birth to the prophets—Abraham, Isaac, Joseph, David, Solomon,
Moses, Isaiah, Zechariah and, last of all, Christ. Elijah lived on Mount Carmel. You must love this land very much because all these holy happenings have taken place here. His Holiness Christ came to this holy mountain many times. The atmosphere is permeated with wonderful spirituality."—From the unpublished Diary of Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, 1914.
A TABLET REVEALED BY THE PEN OF BAHA'U'LLAH
IN the Name of Him through Whom the fragrances of the Merciful are diffused in the world of creation!
Glorious is the blessed Day the like of which cannot be found in past ages and cycles. Glorious is this Day in which the countenance of the Ancient Beauty hath turned toward his station. Therefore all the people of the Supreme Concourse and, behind them, the hearts of all things declared:
O Carmel! Rejoice! for the face of God hath advanced toward thee. Verily He is the Possessor of the Kingdom of Names, and the Breaker of heavens!
Then the spirit of gladness overtook Carmel and it cried out in a lofty voice:
May my soul be a sacrifice for Thy advancement, a sacrifice to Thy bestowal and a ransom to Thy attention. Verily Thy separation hath killed me, O Thou Dawning-Place of Life, and Thy remoteness hath burned me. Glorified art Thou, for Thou hast heard the call, hast honored me with Thy feet, hast resuscitated me with the fragrances of Thy verses and the voice of Thy pen which Thou hast made a trumpet call amongst Thy servants. Then, when thy incontestable cause was revealed Thou didst breathe in it. Therefore the Most Great Resurrection appeared, and the hidden mysteries which were deposited in the treasuries of the Possessor of Things were disclosed.
When its voice reached to this Supreme Station we declared:
O Carmel! Praise thou thy Lord, for verily thou wert burning with the fire of separation. Therefore the sea of union waved before thy face, whereby thine eyes and the eyes of creation were brightened and the lips of the visible and the invisible world were wreathed in smiles. Blessed art thou, for on this Day God hath made thee the throne of His temple, the dawning-place of His verses and the orient of His proofs. Blessed is the servant who circles around thee, mentions thy appearance and manifestation and obtains that which the bounty of God, thy Lord, hath bestowed upon thee. Hold thou in thy hand the goblet of immortality, in the name of thy Lord, El Abhá, and offer to Him thanksgiving, for He hath changed thy sorrow into joy and thy grief into most great gladness. This is naught but mercy on His part. Verily, He loves the spot wherein His throne is established, distinguished by His presence, honored by His meeting and from which place His voice is raised and His lamentations heard.
O Carmel! Give the glad tidings to Zion and say: Verily the Hidden hath come with such dominion as to conquer the world and with such light as to illumine the earth and all that is therein. Beware lest thou remainest stationary in thy place. Hasten! Again hasten! and circle the City of God, which hath descended from heaven, the Tabernacle of God which was the object of worship and adoration by the people of righteousness and uprightness and the angels of the Most High. Verily I love to impart the glad tidings of this Manifestation to every city of the cities of the world and every country of its countries, a gladness by which the heart of the Mountain of Tor was attracted and the Tree cried out: The world and the kingdom belongeth to God, the King of Lords!
Verily this is the Day concerning which prophecies were given to land and sea and predictions were revealed in former times regarding the appearance of the bestowals of God which were
concealed and hidden from the minds and eyes. Ere long the ships of God will advance toward thee and the people of Bahá who are mentioned in the Book of Names will appear in thy midst. Glorified is the Lord of mankind, through whose mention the atoms are attracted toward each other. Verily, the Tongue of Majesty spoke that which was hidden in His knowledge and concealed in the Treasury of His power. Verily He is Mighty and Omnipotent over all that is upon earth and in heaven through His Name, the Powerful, the Exalted and the Almighty.
THE FUTURE OF THE CAUSE
THE Governor of Acre called upon the Master this morning. Having heard of the success of the Cause in America, he wondered how it was possible to unite Muslims, Christians, Jews and Zoroastrians. 'Abdu'l-Bahá said:
"Things will come to pass in a wonderful way after my departure. God has brought about this, that He should be on earth and, at the same time, not be (on earth), in order that the beloved ones may not relax their work.
"There will be a little time of quiet, after my departure. Then there will be a great (spiritual) blaze. Especially will this happen if the divine friends remain firm and steadfast in the Covenant, if they are not troubled or disturbed.
"The Blessed Beauty has crowned his believers, and especially those who were in the Great Prison, with an everlasting diadem of sovereignty. In the days of Jesus, the Son of Mary, those who were under the shelter of Jesus could not realize under what shelter they were abiding. But after His Holiness Jesus ascended they served Him faithfully—may my life be a sacrifice to them! In the days of His Holiness Jesus they did not accomplish anything.
"And now no one can realize what a crown is laid upon the heads of the believers, especially those who were associated with the Blessed Beauty in the Great Prison. They underwent great troubles; for days they did not rest. Therefore we must in appreciation of this grace and virtue arise and serve the Cause of God. A similar crown should be placed upon our heads. We were poor, he made us rich. We were looked down upon, we became respected. We were ignorant, we became learned. We were blind, we found sight. We were deaf, we now can hear. There has been no bounty which he has not shown to us. As a sign of gratitude for these gifts and blessings we must be firm and steadfast in the Cause of God. . . .
"All this place will be filled with schools, hospitals, asylums, orphanages and pilgrim houses. The kings of the earth will go forth from the Supreme Shrine at Haifa to the Blessed Shrine at Acre. In the future Haifa and Acre will be united. There will be villas, suburbs and gardens. Here will be the eternal pilgrimage for the world."—From the Diary of Mirza Badi Bushrui, dated: Shrine of Bahá'u'lláh, Bahji, Acre, April 16, 1916.
O Most Mighty Branch!
On Wednesday two written leaflets have been received from thee and every letter thereof testified unto the Unity of the Divine Essence and the Sanctity of God, the True One, above all resemblance and likeness. Blessed be thy pen, thine ink and the scroll that beareth thy remembrance.
I pray God that by thee He may graciously enable His servants to sound the inmost depths of the Ocean of Divine Unity, that through thy remembrance He may aid them to drink deep from the stream of Everlasting Life, that through thine utterance He may cause them to quaff the mystic wine of the knowledge of God, that He may assist thee to triumph by the Hosts of understanding and wisdom in such wise that by thee He may gloriously conquer the citadels of worlds and of hearts! There is none other God but He, the Gracious, the Beloved!
O thou that art the apple of mine eye! My Glory rest upon thee. Mine ocean of lovingkindness, the Day-Star of my Grace, the heavens of my mercy be with thee. We pray unto God that He may illumine all mankind with the light of thy knowledge and wisdom; that He may ordain for thee that which may gladden thy heart and solace thine eyes!
Mighty and Powerful is He over all things!
Glory, mercy and praise rest upon thee, and upon whomsoever circleth around Thee!
Tablet written by Bahá'u'lláh to 'Abdu'l-Bahá. Translated by Shoghi Effendi.
--PATTERN--
--PHOTO--
A view of the beautiful village of Wilmette, Illinois, looking north from the roof of the foundation hall of the Bahá’í Temple. Sheridan Road is seen in the foreground, Lake Michigan to the right.
Meetings are now being held in the Temple foundation hall, on Sunday afternoons and Friday evenings. Lectures are given upon the oneness of God, the oneness of mankind, the oneness religions, the conformity of religion with science and reason, universal education, universal peace, the power of pure and sanctified living.
Over the foundation structure of the Temple will be built the magnificent auditorium with its dome 161 feet high. In the exquisite tracery of the Temple will be blended the great religious symbols of the world, and its nine doors will be open to all sects, religions and peoples.
Haifa, Palestine, April, 1923.
THE unbounded devotion of the friends, their cooperation and unity joined with a strong and continual desire to spread widely the Divine Message, may be taken as a true index to the rapid growth of the Cause in different places in so short a time. At each step we take we realize that the least effort on the part of any lover of 'Abdu'l-Bahá will cause mountains to move and will transform darkness into a world of illumination and blessing.
Acre, the Great Prison of Bahá'u'lláh and the place of the incarceration of the Master for many years, has now witnessed the establishment of a Bahá’í Spiritual Assembly. In this connection we may mention that of the some three score and ten spiritual souls who accompanied the Blessed Beauty to Acre the only survivor in Acre is Aghá Husayn-i-Ash-chi, who from childhood was the cook of Bahá'u'lláh, and is now the head of the Acre Spiritual Assembly. Though affected, physically, by the many vicissitudes of life, his heart is full of joy and happiness, and what a pleasure it is to watch him as he listens to the good news from the different assemblies! His face brightens, and he enters into a new world.
The friends in Port-Said are today very active in the service of the Cause. In their letter of April the seventh they state that the members of the, Spiritual Assembly have been elected and that they have started correspondence with twelve centers, in Egypt, India, Persia and America. They have assigned an especial duty to each of the nine members of the Spiritual Assembly, president, vice-president and treasurer, secretary, associate-secretary, Persian translator, one member to be in charge of the external affairs of the Assembly, a helping hand to the pilgrims and travelers who come to Port-Said, and organizer of general meetings.
These beloved souls were greatly persecuted about two years ago. But this persecution caused the fire of the love of God to blaze stronger than ever. Many new souls joined the Movement and the field of service was widened.
We are in receipt of a letter from Hamadan, Persia, dated April, 1923, from which we take the following extracts:
"The general progress and growth of the Cause in this city are fully under way and we may truly say that the aspirations and hopes which we have entertained for years are becoming realized. Many meetings are being held each week and good results achieved. Last week, under the auspices of Amiri-Lashkar, military commander of one of the regiments, a play was exhibited by the young men, at the Ta'yid School, where many of the Notables of the city were present. The gathering bespoke the power of the Cause of God here. The Bahá’í Mawhibat School for Girls had its commencement exercises, and twenty-three diplomas, officially endorsed by the Government, were presented. Many non-Bahá’í ladies attended and they were astonished to hear the young Bahá’í graduates speak upon social and educational subjects.
"The Spiritual Assembly has been duly elected, and the newly elected members are busy carrying out the instructions of our beloved Guardian of the Cause, Shoghi Effendi."
In one of his Tablets the beloved Master draws our attention to the fact that, in the world of nature, the more one turns over and tills the soil the greater is the chance of good crops. The same line of reasoning may be taken concerning the hearts of men. The more they are subjected to hardship and persecution
for the sake of God the deeper will grow the roots of the tree of faith and love. Such has been the case with the friends of 'Ishqábád. In their last letter we read that a noted teacher, from Caucasus, is visiting their assemblies. The arrival of two new pilgrims from the Holy Land, Mirza 'Ali-Akbar-i-Milani and Haji Ahmad 'Alioff, has given a new impetus to all the friends in 'Ishqábád. Several meetings are being held each day. Physical forces cannot impede spiritual growth. This is their firm conviction.
We are in receipt of the last issue of the Sun of Truth from Germany. The contents were translated into Persian and read in our meetings with great interest. We pray for the German brothers and sisters that they may be assisted and that through the power of faith they may be able to overcome all difficulties. May their noble efforts result in the leading of the people to the true path of salvation. (Signed)
Mirza Badi Bushrui, Secretary.
IN April Mrs. Clara Dunn, who has been speaking on the Most Great Glad Tidings in New Zealand, sailed for Australia; so many are there in that great land who are eager to be assisted in the study of the Bahá’í teachings. The response to the Bahá’í Teachings in New Zealand has been wonderful. Mr. Dunn who on his journeys has been speaking continually writes that the confirmations have been perpetual and that it is a delight to serve even in a small way, so remarkable is the response to the Bahá’í principles and the abundant love of God manifest in the Bahá’í writings. "The wonderful bounty and gift to the Cause in dear Shoghi Effendi," continues Mr. Dunn, "are amazing, I think, to all of us. It is a most glorious day in which we live—a day that will not be followed by a night. Again, the Greatest Holy Leaf seems more to us than ever before. 'The leaves shall be for the healing of the nations.'"
Recently Shoghi Effendi wrote to the friends in Australia and New Zealand the following letter:
"My dearest co-workers in that distant land:
"How great was my joy to learn that in that far-away continent, remote from the turmoil and restlessness of a weary world, the Voice of God has been raised and proclaimed and has attracted such a promising number of ardent and faithful lovers of Bahá'u'lláh!
"I offer you my heartfelt love and sympathy and the assurance of my unfailing assistance in the great work of service to mankind which is now so gloriously unfolding itself to your eyes.
"I have shared fully your news with those loving pilgrims and resident friends in the Holy Land whom I meet regularly in what was in the past the audience-chamber of the Master and who thirst after the tidings of the progress of the Cause in every land. They, and myself with them, will pray most fervently for every one of you that the seeds of faith and loving fellowship that you are casting in the soil of hearts may germinate and swell the ever increasing numbers of the valiant hosts of Bahá and enable them to attain glorious victory.
"I shall await with eager expectation the welcome news of the extension of your activities, the widening of your correspondence with the various spiritual centres throughout the world, the plans you contemplate for the spreading of the Movement and the means you will utilize for their speedy execution. On my part I shall never neglect to send you such news as will urge you to press forward your great work for the Cause and hearten you in your labours of love and devotion at His Sacred Threshold.
"Your brother in His Service,
(Signed) SHOGHI."
London, England.
I AM very happy to inform you that good news is coming from all parts of the world. Everywhere they have elected the new Spiritual Assemblies.
Since Jinab-i-Avarih's visit to England our spiritual power is much stronger and our faith is deeper. Everyone tries to justify the hopes of our teacher, and works heartily for the Cause.
In 'Ishqábád they are strong and faithful, and the Cause is progressing there as always. In the Bahá’í Boys' and Girls' Schools, which give a fine education to the children, similar to an European college, there have been held some very successful examinations. A new class has been opened in the Girls' School.
The conditions of life in 'Ishqábád are very difficult; many of our friends have not the means for sufficient food, even, and live half starving. But the faith and spirit are so strong that they scorn the difficulties and fight bravely for their living.
Our young Bahá’í students of Moscow participated in the meeting of the followers of Tolstoi, and spoke upon our Religion. They were offered a room in the Museum of Tolstoi for Bahá’í meetings and gatherings. They are expecting the arrival of Seyid Mehdi Goulpaigani who is a relative of Mirza Abul Fazl. Seyid Mehdi Goulpaigani has participated during recent years in all meetings and gatherings in Turkestan and is known to the Bahá’í world as one of the leading philosophers and speakers. He will be accompanied to Moscow by a student who will translate for him.
Yours sincerely in the Cause,
(Signed) Z. ASGARZADEH.
Rangoon, India.
DEAR Brothers in the Covenant:
Our brother, Seyid Jináb-i-Ali when returning recently to Burma from London, paid a visit to the beloved Guardian of the Cause. Shoghi Effendi gave him instructions as to how to reorganize the assemblies according to his plans for the furtherance of the Cause. Immediately upon his arrival Seyid Jinab-i-Ali called a meeting of the friends and propounded to them the instructions and wishes of the revered Guardian. A meeting was called on April twenty-eighth and office bearers and members of the new assembly were elected.
A new life was breathed into the hearts of the friends and everyone arose to offer sacrifices at the altar of service and to put forth fresh efforts to gladden the heart of Shoghi Effendi. Plans were made to inaugurate a teaching campaign for the whole of Burma, to start a magazine in English, Burmese and Persian and to found a National Spiritual Council composed of the Spiritual Assemblies of Burma.
We have girded our loins of service with a strong rope of determination and we hope to march apace with all the other friends upon the same plain of service and who are aiming at the same goal of renunciation.
We have recently received news from the four quarters of the world, and especially from the Central Spiritual Assembly at Haifa, that the Cause is advancing daily by leaps and bounds. This is a great stimulus to us and makes us firmer on our path of service and sacrifice. We greatly hope that these kind communications will ever continue to come and bring us the good news of our brothers of the one great family gathered into one tabernacle by nurtured by Bahá'u'lláh, nurtured by 'Abdu'l-Bahá, and placed by him under the guidance of Shoghi Effendi.
Our brother, Seyid 'Jináb-i-Ali, has just received a cablegram from Shoghi Effendi conveying Ridvan greetings and exhorting us to quicken our steps in the field of service. These words thrilled our hearts and new resolutions were formed in every breast to attain purification by suiting our deeds to the glorious Teachings. In short, the light of happiness which appeared on every face upon
hearing this cablegram is beyond description.
Mrs. Stannard of Cairo is with us. After visiting Rangoon and Mandalay she has gone to Maymyo to escape from the tropical heat of the plains and to rest for a while before starting upon an extensive teaching campaign in India, inciuding Burma. We wish every success to our dear sister and are ever ready with our lives to assist her in her great task.
Our aged teacher, Jináb-i-Seyid Mustapha, has lately been to Deedenaw. He reports a marked progress in the Cause of God in that place. The assembly there is very strong. Jináb-i-Seyid Mustapha, has lately been to Deedenaw. He spiritual atmosphere of that place and of the religious zeal of the friends there, whose only aim is to serve the human kingdom.
The assembly at Mandalay has been labouring hard for the awakening of the Burmese nation. The divine religion of the glorious Buddha has become a mere bundle of customs and conventionalities in the hands of the people and the reality of religion is buried deep under the ruins of a once great religion. The friends of Mandalay have indeed a very great task before them and they are doing their best to disperse the clouds of ignorance. They have a Burmese Bahá’í Publishing Society and have published much literature in the Burmese language. We expect great results from this sister assembly and shall watch with profound interest its activities on the plain of service.
We all send to you our sincere love and greetings and assure you that we will send every Bahá’í month a report of what we have done, and what we propose to do in the future, and we hope that you also will send us news so that we may walk hand, as one body, in the field of service and attain to that for which we were created.
(Signed) Bahá’í Spiritual Assembly by S. J. Ali, Mahaliff, Abbas Aly Butt.
LETTERS FROM SHOGHI EFFENDI
THE beloved of the Lord and the handmaids of the Merciful in Washington, D. C., U. S. A. Care of the members of the Spiritual Assembly.
Dearest Friends:
I welcome gladly and heartily this first opportunity of expressing to you in writing what I have always felt in the depths of my heart of my confident hopes for your whole-hearted assistance in the great task that is before me.
I know too well of the spirit of ardent devotion and steadfast love that animates you in your labors for the Cause, and it is primarily upon this that I confidently rely in facing the great responsibilities of the future.
The world is sadly stricken and in a state of continuous turmoil and signs of weariness and despondency are apparent everywhere. But we, fired with the hope of the Abha Kingdom and ever mindful of the unfailing promises of the dawn of a new and better day, must weather every storm and endeavor to impart to every earnest seeker that firm faith and inner peace which the world cannot give.
It is our vital and most urgent duty to assure at whatever cost the safety and the unity of the Cause of God, and with harmony and concord firmly established amongst us, to arise with confidence and courage for the enlightenment of the world and the salvation of mankind.
With my best wishes and earnest prayers for your success in these noble endeavors,
I am your brother and co-worker,
(Signed) SHOGHI.
The Beloved Children of Abdul-Bahá (Pasadena, California)
Marjorie McGee, Harry McGee, Whilhelm Madsen, Anne Vollmer, Richard Alderson, William Alderson, Winston Alderson, Hope Willis Baily. Care of Mrs. Collins.
My dearly beloved brethren and sisters in 'Abdu'l-Bahá:
Your sweet messages of love and greeting transmitted through the kindness of our beloved Bahá’í sister, Mrs. Collins, have deeply touched my heart and have strengthened my hope and confidence in the great service which the Bahá’í youth will render in future to the Cause of Bahá'u'lláh.
I have read your individual letters with the deepest interest and enclose for you all in this short answer of mine flowers planted in the close vicinity of the Holy Shrine and placed upon the Sacred Thresholds of the Báb and 'Abdu'l-Bahá. And as I placed them on those hallowed spots I remembered you most tenderly, and prayed on your behalf, beseeching the Almighty to guide and protect you in your earnest endeavours to learn and to teach the Cause of God.
I very strongly urge you to devote your time to a very serious and profound study of the history of the Cause and of the various Writings of Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá. The study of the Cause and its Teachings and the daily endeavour to exemplify its Spirit in our dealings with our fellow men are the most essential obligations of all Bahá’ís, whether young or old, who aspire to see this Divine Message spread throughout the world.
As to a name for your Club, "Bahá’í Fellowship" seems to be the best reminder of the spirit that must animate continually its members in their work of service to mankind. I cherish the hope that you will all show forth in all your activities the spirit of true Bahá’í fellowship, and grow to become efficient workers in His Divine Vineyard.
Wishing you success from all my heart,
I am your devoted brother,
(Signed) SHOGHI.
Haifa, Palestine. March 18, 1923.
The beloved of the Lord and the handmaids of the Merciful in Brooklyn, N. Y., U. S. A.
Care of the members of the Spiritual Assembly
Dear brethren and sisters in 'Abdu'l-Bahá:
In these days of world unrest, of political upheavals, of social disruption and spiritual ferment, the one Power that can bind effectively together the scattered and conflicting elements of human society and breathe into them the vivifying and eternal Spirit of Life is indeed the power of the Call of Ya Bahá’íl-Abhá!
We, of this noble Faith, the chosen ones of God, who carry with us this wholesome Medicine for the ills and sicknesses of this world, must now bestir ourselves to further activity and relentless efforts in the great and urgent mission entrusted to us by Bahá'u'lláh, that we may minister freely and effectively to the needs of mankind.
Our primary duty is to create by our words and deeds, our conduct and example, the atmosphere in which the seeds of the words of Bahá'u'lláh and 'Abdu'l-Bahá, cast so profusely during well-nigh eighty years, may germinate and give forth those fruits that alone can assure peace and prosperity to this distracted world.
Clear in our vision, broad in our outlook, tireless in our energies and steadfast in our hopes, let us promote one and all this great work of Reconciliation of which the world stands in such great need at present.
May the Light of His Divine Guidance illumine our path and lead us to our glorious destiny.
Your brother,
(Signed) Shoghi.
New subscription rates for the Bahá’í Magazines of the world are given on the inside of the back cover.
--PERSIAN TEXT--
--PERSIAN TEXT--
--PERSIAN TEXT--
--PERSIAN TEXT--