Star of the West/Volume 2/Issue 11/Text

From Bahaiworks

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Vol.II.                                                   September 27, 1911.                                                   No. 11.


STAR


OF THE


WEST



CONTENTS
PAGE
Towards Spiritual Unity—Article reprinted from
The Christian Commonwealth, issue of Sept. 13th
2
Abdul-Baha in London
3
Message from Abdul-Baha to the friends in the West
9
Persian Section
10-16


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[Reprinted from The Christian Commonwealth, London, Eng., issue of Sept. 13, 1911.]

TOWARDS SPIRITUAL UNITY.

An Interview with Abdul-Baha.

Dialogue Between Abbas Effendi and Rev. R. J. Campbell, M.A.

For years past, word has been coming to the West that a new prophet has arisen in the East, and that a great religious movement, starting in Persia, was spreading far and wide. Reports were vague and conflicting, but gradually the main facts emerged. Particulars have been given in The Christian Commonwealth from time to time, and in our last issue appeared in outline the story of the movement and its leaders. The founder was Seyyed Ali Muhammad, whose “manifestation” took place in Shiraz, Persia, in 1844, before he was twenty-five years of age. He assumed the name of Báb (gate), and at the end of six years, mostly spent in prison, was with one of his devoted followers, publicly shot by order of the Shah's Government. For a short time Mirza Yahya of Nur, who was only twenty years of age, was, under the title of Subh-i-Ezel (“The Morning of Eternity”), regarded as leader, but the succession ultimately devolved upon his elder half-brother (born November 12, 1817), Mirza Husayn 'Ali, or Baha'u'llah (“The Splendour of God”). He came to be recognised as the One (“Whom God would manifest") whose advent the Báb had foretold, and during his lifetime disciples rapidly multiplied. Upon the death of Baha'u'llah (at Acre on May 28, 1892), his son Abbas Effendi (also called Abdul Baha, “the servant of Baha”) succeeded him, and it is he who is now visiting this country.

Some months ago I received private information that Abdul Bahá might possibly visit this country, and recently he dispatched from Switzerland the telegram published in our columns a fortnight ago. On Monday evening of last week “The Master,” as his followers naturally call him, arrived in London, and on Tuesday I had the privilege of meeting him. “What is he like?” Let me quote the words of one who visited him at Akka a few years ago:—

“He is of middle stature, strongly built. He wears flowing light-coloured robes. On his head is a light buff fez with a white cloth wound about it. His long grey hair rests on his shoulders. His forehead is broad, full, and high, his nose slightly aquiline, his moustaches and beard, the latter full, though not heavy, nearly [now quite] white. His eyes are grey and blue, large, and both soft and penetrating. His bearing is simple, but there is grace, dignity, and even majesty about his movements. . . . We see the benignity and the kindliness of his countenance.”

It was interesting to find Abdul Bahá well acquainted with The Christian Commonwealth. “He is very pleased with what you write in your paper,” were the first words, after a cordial welcome that came through the interpreter. “Some of the papers write things that he does not like and are not correct, but you write about what you know.” The production of an early copy of our last issue caused some merriment. The fact that it was printed a day before the date it bore amused him, and when the paragraph, “A meeting between Abdul Bahá and the editor of The Christian Commonwealth took place yesterday (Tuesday) afternoon. Some particulars will probably appear in our next issue,” was translated to him, he said, with twinkling eye, he was very pleased with our “prophetic writing.” Of the preceding passage, referring to the fundamental unity of all religious faith, Abdul Bahá said, “You have written all that I can say to you. That shows that we are one in spirit.”

Alluding to his visit to this country he said he wished to gain strength and to see his friends; the length of his stay would depend upon the state of his health. After forty-two years' imprisonment he was glad to be able to travel. I asked whether it was correct, as has been stated, that he was born in prison. No, he said; he was born in Teheran, the capital of Persia, in the spring of 1844. I gathered that at that time his parents were of good position and dignity. When the boy was nine years of age, the family was exiled from Teheran to Bagdad. From the beginning, the movement had been under the ban of the civil power, and sometimes, through mistaken zeal, such as that of Peter when he struck off Malchus' ear, some disciples came into direct conflict with the government. It was the attempted assassination of the Shah of Persia in 1852 by a young Babi, who had lost his mental balance, that led to the arrest of Baha'u'llah and the banishment of the family and many of their co-religionists. From Bagdad, Abbas Effendi, with his father, was transported to Constantinople and Adrianople, and, finally, in 1868, to Akka, in Syria. Here Baha'u'llah remained a prisoner until his death in 1892, and here his son, Abdul Baha,

(CONTINUED ON PAGE FOUR)

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Vol. II Chicago (September 27, 1911) Masheyat No. 11

[Special to the STAR OF THE WEST]

ABDUL-BAHA IN LONDON.

Abdul-Baha duly arrived in London on September 4th, and his visit to this country has been notified and commented upon in all the great London dailies. The great majority of articles that have appeared are both restrained and dignified in tone and there has been a welcome absence of sensationalism in the descriptions of Abdul-Baha's appearance and in the accounts of his life and work. Everywhere wonder is expressed that 40 years of imprisonment and suffering should have been so heroically borne and should have left so few physical traces of the terrible and lifelong strain that has fallen to his lot. Abdul-Baha was tired by the long journey but found his London quarters both comfortable and convenient. The rush and roar of the great metropolis have greatly interested him but at all times he gives one the impression of living a greater and fuller life, which takes little account of temporary material surroundings, recognizing instead the all-pervading power of the One Spirit pulsating throughout the whole universe.

Abdul-Baha receives all who come to him, whether great or small, providing they show a real interest in the Great Truths for which BAHA'O'LLAH stood. Countless press correspondents have been received and they usually retire from the interview greatly impressed by his noble dignity and spiritual simplicity. Many of the London dailies refer to him as the great Persian Prophet, but in The Observer (Sept. 10) and other papers, Abdul-Baha expressly states that he simply claims to be the Son of a Prophet and refers all enquirers to the Teachings and inspired life of his Father, BAHA'O'LLAH. Believers from the world over have gathered in London during the present month and express keen gratification at the tremendous wave of interest now being taken here in the Bahai Message. Abdul-Baha has been visited by many well-known leaders of thought now in this country.

He rises about 5 a. m. and works for some hours at his correspondence. Interviews commence soon after 9 a. m. and last until midday. After lunch he takes a short rest and then usually drives out into the parks or to visit various people who are deeply interested in his work. Gatherings of friends take place nearly every evening and he has given some wonderful discourses at such times. Many pilgrims have been deeply stirred and inspired by the Teachings and advice they have received from him during his visit.

He is quite vigorous and looks both well and cheerful and is undoubtedly impressed by the real depth of interest and feeling that are being shown toward him in England. With very great reluctance and only as the result of insistent pressure Abdul-Baha consented to be photographed and in a few days a reproduction will probably find its way into the illustrated press throughout the civilized world.

On Sunday evening, Sept. 10th, Abdul-Baha accepted an invitation from Rev. R. J. Campbell to visit the City Temple. The visit was kept secret, but the congregation was as usual very large, probably well over 2,000. Abdul-Baha

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spoke from the pulpit for about nine minutes and the tense thrill vibrating throughout the whole building was most strongly marked. He spoke in Persian, in full, vibrant tones and the whole congregation was held spellbound. For the first time probably, in the history of the Bahai Movement, its venerable leader addressed a great public gathering, and those of us who were privileged to attend can never forget the wonderful impression produced. It seemed to us as if a new page in history was being turned over and as if a new religious and spiritual epoch was being outwardly launched upon an expectant world before our very eyes.

Abdul-Baha closed his address with a short but most impressive blessing, a translation of his words, previously sanctioned by him, was read and created widespread interest. Mr. Campbell then expressed his deep appreciation of the great honor and privilege that had been bestowed upon his church by the presence of Abdul-Baha and in a few carefully chosen words spoke of the Bahai Faith as one of the most remarkable Movements of this or any age. The service then closed with the singing of the doxology and a short prayer. In the vestry Abdul-Baha expressed keen delight at the reverent and prayerful attitude of the congregation and his visit will most certainly bring great blessing to the City Temple and the many activities that centre around it.

Probably Abdul-Baha will remain in England for another ten days and will then cross to Paris before returning to the Near East for the winter months. His presence among us is a profound blessing and its unifying spiritual effect will grow unceasingly. The power of the Spirit of Unity, when strongly and insistently developed will attract him to America at some future date. No other power will bring him among you. The believers in England are fully conscious of their own shortcomings and had it not been for the wonderful work of the Universal Races Congress, Abdul-Baha would hardly have visited London this year. However, the great power and privilege of his presence have been given to us and in return we would wish to do everything we can to be of service to the Bahais in America and throughout the world. It is to be hoped that some representative of the Bahai Movement in London will be able to visit the States at no very distant date, in order to help forward the work there and to describe the wonderful and spiritual effect of Abdul-Baha's presence in London.

Abdul-Baha, Servant of God! No other title would be so appropriate or so dignified. The work now being so triumphantly brought to fruition by this great Master of Men will endure throughout all future ages and the great spiritual ideals that lie behind it will become actual realities, possibly within the boundaries of the present century! Surely we require no greater inspiration than this! W. T. P.


TOWARDS SPIRITUAL UNITY. (CONTINUED FROM PAGE TWO)

spent forty years within the fortifications. Three years ago, on the proclamation of the Turkish constitution, he became free. During his long imprisonment he thought not himself, but he enjoyed continual communion with God, he ministered to the needs of his fellow-prisoners, and it was because he lived this unselfish life that he survived while many others perished. “A captive for the cause of God,” his interpreter explained, “his prison was to him as a palace. His body was suffering, but his soul was free.”

The invariable tendency on the part of the followers of a great religious leader is to attribute to him supernormal powers. Abdul Bahá emphatically disclaims possessing any such, and even deprecates the description of himself as a prophet. He told me he had never spoken a single word implying that he had right to such an

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appellation. “I am simply a servant of God,” he said, “and I do not wish to be called anything more than that.” He assured me that he has no desire to found another sect. “The foundation truth of Baha'u'llah is the foundation truth of all religions. The principles of the prophets of Israel and of Jesus Christ and of other religious teachers have been largely forgotten; Baha'u'llah has renewed them. Therefore, the Bahais have for the followers of other religions the greatest love and yearning, because they know that mankind is one. Baha'u'llah seeks to promote and establish friendship and union. He addresses himself not to a sect, but to the whole world. We are all branches of one root, blades of grass in one meadow. It is misunderstanding that has caused divisions and differences between mankind. If the truth were brought to people they would understand that they are all one, and each would say, This is the truth I have been looking for. Because the principles taught by every true prophet are the same; there is no difference between them.

“What is the distinctiveness of the Bahai faith? what is its special contribution to world-religion?”

“The proclamation of the unity of mankind, and consequently, peace between all nations and also the renovation of the teaching of the prophets whom God has sent to the world, and its presentation in a form suitable to our time. When Baha'u'llah appeared in the East proclaiming the unity of mankind all the powers of Persia were directed against him but in spite of all opposition he spread his message. For fifty years he endured, often in chains, the greatest suffering; four times he was exiled from country to country but his voice could not be silenced, his influence could not be stopped. As a result of his life and teaching the different sects of Persia are becoming one family of God; the Mohammedans, Christians, Jews, Zoroastrians who have accepted Bahaism are now in the greatest unity and harmony. There is no more any war between them; each honours the head of other religions: Mussulmans are honouring Moses and Christ; Christians are honouring Mohammed and Moses; Jews are honouring Jesus and Mohammed. They have learned to love one another, and are becoming one. The cause of unity is the cause of life itself, it is divine; that which leads to division or hatred is satanic. Religion should make for unity. The prophets did not come to bring about distrust and separation. Ignorance is the cause of division and hatred. Religion is like medicine; it is meant to cure, but in the hands of unskilled or bad physicians what should effect a cure may create disease, what should give life may cause death. Therefore we must strive with all our strength, with all our heart, to promote only that which leads to unity and life.”

It is not surprising that people in increasing numbers are attracted to the Bahai faith by its catholicity, the loftiness of its ethic, the simplicity of its teaching, its complete freedom from narrow and exclusive dogma. It has no organization, no hierarchy; no ritual, no fixed places and times of meeting; in short, it is spirit and life. It does not seek to proselytise; you can be a Bahai without ceasing to be a Christian, a Jew, or a Mohammedan. There are adherents of the Bahai faith in every country in the world; in Chicago a monthly organ has appeared, “THE STAR OF THE WEST,” printed partly in English and partly in Persian. There is a considerable body of Bahai teaching of which some particulars have already appeared in The Christian Commonwealth, and further accounts will be given from time to time; the essentials of the faith may be gathered from Abdul Baha's utterances given above and below. Following the practice of Baha'u'llah, Abbas Effendi issues from time to time written tablets for the edification of Bahais and all who care to read them. He volunteered to write one such for The Christian Commonwealth; this, in Persian character, will be reproduced in facsimile in our next issue, together with a. summary in English.

It has been my good fortune to meet Abdul Bahá several times during the past week. In one conversation I sought his impressions of England. Coming straight through to London, and having so far had only a few motor drives in the West End, he has not had much opportunity of observing the life and habits of the people generally, but already he has been much impressed by the freedom we enjoy. “I admire the liberty you have in England and the use you make of it,” he said. “Every person in this country can go his own way and say what he thinks without anyone making him afraid: in fact, he is king of himself.”

“Do you consider we have too much liberty?”

“Oh, no; you all seem to be perfectly comfortable and perfectly safe. Freedom of thought and speech enlarges the circle of one’s understanding and leads to progress and unity. English people ought to be happy.”

Abdul Bahá is married, and has had eight children, four of whom are living.

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He was frequently urged, in accordance with Mohammedan custom, to take a second wife, the more so that he has no heir; but he is a believer in monogamy, and says that if it had been God's will that he should leave a son the two born to him would not have been taken away.

I happened to be in the room when Rev. R. J. Campbell was announced. There were also present several English ladies, Mr. Dreyfus-Barney (who kindly acted as interpreter), Tamaddon-ul-Molk (Abdul Baha's secretary), an elderly Persian scribe who sat like a statute taking notes of the Master's words, and another Persian gentleman—altogether a picturesque mingling of East and West.

MEETING BETWEEN ABDUL BAHA AND MR. CAMPBELL.

Immediately Mr. Campbell entered the room Abdul Bahá rose from his chair and advanced to meet him with smiling face and arms extended. The elder man grasped both the hands of the younger, and, retaining them, warmly greeted him. His expression and manner showed that he regarded the occasion as no ordinary one. Standing face to face, linked hand in hand, in the centre of the room, these two spiritual leaders of world-wide fame—Eastern and Western, but essentially one in their outlook on life—formed an impressive picture that is stamped indelibly on the mind's eye of all who were privileged to be present. The meeting was so remarkable that I ventured to take notes of the conversation (conducted through an interpreter), and here reproduce them. It should be mentioned that the note-taking was quite unpremeditated. Neither speaker was aware that his words were being recorded. The conversation was private, and permission to publish was given with reluctance.

Abdul Bahá first inquired after Mr. Campbell's health, and said he had been very anxious to meet him. The conversation then proceeded as follows:—

R. J. Campbell: I have long looked forward to this opportunity.
Abdul Baha: That is proof that both our hearts are at one.
R. J. C.: I think that is true.
A. B.: There is a Persian saying that hearts that are at one find their way to one another.
R. J. C.: I do not think that saying is peculiar to Persia.
A. B.: Often two people live in the same house in constant intimacy, but their hearts are not united. Here are two men, one living in the East and one in London, whose hearts were coming to meet one another long ago. Although in the material world we were far apart, we have always been near in the spiritual world. The real nearness is the nearness of the heart, not of the body.
R. J. C.: The spirit knows no nationality.
A. B.: Praise be to God that now there is between us a material as well as a spiritual tie, the union is perfect!
R. J. C.: I am so glad that you took the resolution to come to England, even though you can remain only a short time.
A. B.: From the time I left Egypt my purpose was to come here, but I remained a few days on the Lake of Geneva for change of air.
R. J. C.: I know many of your friends who are also mine.
A. B.: I have read your sermons and speeches.
R. J. C.: And I have read yours.
A. B.: That is a proof of unity. As I have read your sermons (with a humorous smile), you have to read mine.
R. J. C.: I see on my left one who has spoken from my pulpit (Tamadden-ul-Molk).
A. B.: We are all friends of one another (hands raised as in benediction). We have spread the proclamation of universal peace, therefore we are friends of people all over the world. We have no enemies; there are no outsiders; we are all servants of one God.
R. J. C.: That is good.
A. B.: Worshippers of one God, we are recipients of the graces of one God. Men have made differences and divisions; God did not establish them. God has created every one, and treats every one equally. He is merciful to all and gives food (lit. “livings") to all. God knows every one. To him none is a foreigner. We must follow his example.
R. J. C.: What is distinctive of the Bahai movement as compared with the faith out of which it came?
A. B.: The Báb foretold the coming of One after him who would address the whole world. We are the followers of that One-Baha'u'llah. When he manifested himself, some of the followers of the Báb did not receive him. Those are called

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Babis; the disciples of are Bahais. The Báb came as a reformer of Islam, and foretold the coming of a greater one in his footsteps. Instead of confining his revelation to the Moslem world, Baha'u'llah gave it forth to all mankind. The narrow-minded ones, even those who meant well, could not understand so broad a movement, they were not strong enough to follow Baha'u'llah; they said, “He is speaking a language we cannot understand.” Therefore they are called Babis. R. J. C.: What a close parallel to primitive Christianity! The Judaising portion did not wish the Gospel to go any further.

A. B.: It has come about, by their narrow-mindedness and exclusiveness, that the Babis are now opposed to all the other religions; they want to keep rigidly to the teaching of the Bab, and convert everybody to it. The Bahais recognise the truth in all religions. They come from the same root, but there is now that difference.
R. J. C.: A difference of attitude.
A. B.: Their conduct is absolutely different.
R. J. C.: How many Babis are there?
A. B.: Very few.
Interpreter: Perhaps 200 or 300 in Persia.
R. J. C.: It is suggested that there are three million Bahais.
Interpreter: There are no statistics. The Babis are more politicians than anything else. Some Persians, who do not live the life, are not acquainted with the life, claim to be Bahais, because they know the Bahais are the advanced people.
R. J. C. (to Abdul Baha): I should like you to visit the City Temple.
A. B.: I should like to come. I know that the City Temple is a centre of progress in the religious world, and seeks to promote a universal understanding. As you have been a promoter of unity in the Christian world I hope you will strive to bring about unity in the whole world. A man first wants unity in his own family, and then as his intelligence expands he wants unity in his village, then in his town, then in his country, then in the world. I hope you will strlve to unify the whole world.
R. J. C.: We are doing what we can. We believe that religions are many, but Religion is one.
A. B.: The principle of religion is one, as God is one.
A Lady: Mr. Campbell's reform movement in Christianity is helping the world of Islam. The attitude of the New Theology is one Moslems can understand; they cannot understand the divisions of Christianity.
R. J. C.: I have had some evidence of that.

When Mr. Campbell left it was with the understanding that there would be a further meeting.

ABDUL BAHA AT THE CITY TEMPLE.

Abdul Bahá attended the evening service at the City Temple on Sunday. No announcement of the visit was made, and, although the sight of the Persians and other members of the suite in the congregation excited curiosity, very few people were aware that the Bahai leader was expected. The service proceeded as usual until the hymn immediately preceding the sermon. Whilst this was being sung a venerable figure, clad in Persian robes, was seen slowly ascending the stairs of the pulpit. When the hymn was finished Mr. Campbell placed the distinguished visitor in his own chair, and then, addressing the crowded congregation, said:

“I propose to shorten my sermon this evening, because we have a visitor in the pulpit whose presence is somewhat significant of the spiritual drawing-together of East and West, as well as of the material drawing-together which has long been going on, and I think you would like to hear his voice, if only for a few moments.”

Mr. Campbell spoke on “The Use of the Will in Prayer," (Luke xviii. 1). He then said: “This evening we have in the pulpit of the City Temple the leader of one of the most remarkable religious movements of this or any age, a movement which includes, I understand, at least three million souls. The Bahai movement, as it is called, in Hither Asia rose on that soil just as spontaneously as Christianity rose in the middle territories adjoining, and that faith—which, by the way, is very closely akin to, I think I might say identical with, the spiritual purpose of Christianity—that movement stands for the spiritual unity of mankind; it stands for universal peace among the nations. These are good things, and the man who teaches them and commends them to three millions of followers must be a good man as well as a great. Abdul Bahá is on a visit to this country—a private visit—but he wished to see the City Temple; and I think I am right in saying for the first time in his life he has consented to lift up his voice in public. He does not address public meetings,

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he does not preach sermons; he is just a religious teacher. He spent forty years in prison for his faith, and from his prison directed the efforts of his followers. There is not much in the way of organisation, but simple trust in the Spirit of God. We, as followers of the Lord Jesus Christ, who is to us and always will be the Light of the World, view with sympathy and respect every movement of the Spirit of God in the experience of mankind, and therefore we give greeting to Abdul-Baha—I do not know whether I could say in the name of the whole Christian community—that may be too much—but I think in the name of all who share the spirit of our Master, and are trying to live their lives in that spirit. Abdul Baha, I think, intends to say a word or two in response to this greeting that I address to him in your name."

ADDRESS BY ABDUL BAHA.

Abdul Bahá then advanced to the front of the pulpit, and addressed the congregation. He spoke for eight minutes in Persian, with considerable animation, his voice rising and falling as in a rhythmic chant. Towards the close he placed the palms of his hands together as in prayer. The translation was afterwards read by Mr. W. Tudor Pole, as follows:—

“O noble friends, seekers after God, praise be to God!’ To-day the light of truth is shining upon the world in its abundance. The breezes of the heavenly garden are blowing throughout all regions. The call of the kingdom is heard in all lands, and the breath of the Holy Spirit is felt in all hearts that are faithful. The Spirit of God is giving life eternal. In this wonderful age the East is enlightened, the West is fragrant, and everywhere the soul inhales the holy perfume. The sea of the unity of mankind is lifting up its waves with joy; for there is real communication between the hearts and minds of men. The banner of the Holy Spirit is uplifted, and men see it, and are assured with the knowledge that this is a new day. This is a new cycle of human power. All the horizons of the world are luminous, and the world will become indeed as a garden and a paradise. It is the hour of unity of the sons of men, and a drawing together of all races and all classes. You are loosed from ancient superstitions which have kept men ignorant, destroying the foundations of true humanity. The gift of God of this enlightened age is the knowledge of the oneness of mankind and the fundamental oneness of religion. War shall cease between nations, and by the will of God the Most Great Peace shall come; the world will be seen as a new world, and all men shall live as brothers. In the days of old an instinct for warfare was developed in the struggle with wild animals; this is no longer necessary; nay, rather, co-operation and mutual understanding are seen to produce the greatest welfare of mankind. Enmity is now the result of prejudice only. In the ‘Hidden Words’ Baha’u’llah says ‘Justice is to be loved above all.’ Praise be to God, in this country the standard of justice has been raised; a great effort is being made to give all souls an equal and a true place. This is the desire of all noble natures. This is to-day the teaching for the East and for the West; therefore, the East and the West will understand each other and reverence each other, and embrace like long-parted lovers who have found each other. There is one God; mankind is one; and the foundations of religion are one. Let us worship Him, and give praise for all his great prophets and messengers who have manifested his brightness and glory. The blessing of the Eternal One be with you in all his riches, that each soul according to his measure may take freely of him! Amen.

Mr. Campbell: “I think you will probably agree with me that this is an interesting as well as a unique occasion, and that what we have been listening to, in that brief message uttered by a spiritual teacher from the East, is in spirit the same message that you are listening to on the authority of Jesus week by week. It is a great time, a time of the drawing-together of all people. East and West join hands in the City Temple to-night.”

The service closed with the doxology and bendiction.

After the service, in the City Temple vestry, Abdul Bahá wrote a few sentences in Persian in the pulpit Bible and added his signature, as follows:

This book is the Holy Book of God, of celestial inspiration. It is the Bible of Salvation, the noble Gospel. It is the mystery of the Kingdom and its light. It is the Divine Bounty, sign of the guidance of God.—Abdu'l Bahá Abbas.

Asked by Mr. H. W. Chapman his impressions of the service, Abdul Bahá replied: “It is an assembly which is turned to God. The light of guidance is shining luminous here. The bounty of the Kingdom was spread, and all hearts were praying to God.” As he took his departure Abdul Bahá said in English, “I am very happy.” So were we all! A. D.

[Page 9] STAR OF THE WEST

[Continuing the BAHAI NEWS]

PUBLISHED NINETEEN TIMES A YEAR

By the BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, 515 South Dearborn Street., Chicago, Ill., U.S.A. Entered as second-class matter April 9, 1911, at the post office at Chicago, Illinois, under the Act of March 3, 1879.

Albert R. Windust—EDITORS—Gertrude Buikema Persian Editor.—Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, 1800 Belmont Road, Washington, D. C., U.S.A. Associate Editor.—Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi, Chicago.

TERMS: $1.00 per year; 10 cents per copy.

Note—Until further notice, distribution in the Orient is through Agents. Make Money Orders payable to BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, Ill., U.S.A.

Address all communications to BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, Ill., U.S.A.

TABLET FROM ABDUL-BAHA.

O thou Star of the West! HE IS GOD!

Be thou happy! Be thou happy! Shouldst thou continue to remain firm and eternal, ere long, thou shalt become the Star of the East and shalt spread in every country and clime. Thou art the first paper of the Bahais which is organized in the country of America. Although for the present thy subscribers are limited, thy form is small and thy voice weak, yet shouldst thou stand unshakable, become the object of the attention of the friends and the center of the generosity of the leaders of the faith who are firm in the Covenant, in the future thy subscribers will become hosts after hosts like unto waves of the sea; thy volume will increase, thy arena will become vast and spacious and thy voice and fame will be raised and become world-wide—and at last thou shalt become the first paper of the world of humanity. Yet all these depend upon firmness, firmness, firmness!

(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.

Vol. IIChicago, (September 27, 1911) MasheyatNo. 11

Mr. Chas. Mason Remey, of Washington, D. C., has returned from London, Eng., bringing the following message from Abdul-Baha to the friends in the West:

Regarding the Mashrak-el-Azkar, Abdul-Baha said, "Its building is the most important of all things. This is the spiritual foundation. For that reason it is the most important of all foundations. From that Spiritual Foundation will come forth all manner of advancement and progress in the world of humanity. Therefore, how great is its importance." Later on Abdul-Baha said that the believers have many duties to perform. They should associate themselves with and assist all good causes. Aiding and supporting educational, charitable and other philanthropic institutions should form a part of their work. They should serve and unite with all people in humanitarian works.

From these and some other remarks which I was unable to write down verbatum, I saw that Abdul-Baha wishes us—his followers—to regulate our lives each according to the conditions which surround the individual. No defined rule applicable to all can be laid down. Everything in daily life has its importance, nevertheless some things are of comparatively greater importance than others. Therefore, when Abdul-Baha says that the building of the Mashrak-el-Azkar is of the greatest importance he means that of all institutions in the world the building of that edifice is of primary moment. Surely he has given us all the instructions necessary in this matter. Now all which remains is for us to unite and to do the work. Whatever the believers do in unity will be pleasing and acceptable to Abdul-Baha. He wishes all to be perfectly free to serve as they feel moved, therefore when we see people wishing for things other than what we consider to be the most important thing, we should in no way criticize nor condemn their methods, for such is against unity and unity is our safeguard and light of guidance in all matters. Abdul-Baha gave me to understand that the consultation of the believers is of the greatest importance in Bahai work. This is absolutely necessary before unanimity of action can be reached.


Our Persian section this issue contains: (1) Tablet by Abdul-Baha revealed on the eve of his departure for Europe; (2) an account of his visit to London, England; (3) regarding his coming to America.

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نجم باختر 1329

جلد دوم . شماره 11 4 شوّال المکرّم 1329

فهرست مندرجات

1 . لوح وداعی حضرت عبدالبهاء قبل از توجّه بممالک غرب .

2 . شرح سفر مبارک به اروپا .

3 . در باب سفر مبارک به امریکا

Persian Editorial Office: Najme Bakhtar,
1800 Belmont Road, Washington, D. C., U. S. A.

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اداره انتشار نجم باخت به زبان فارسی ، شماره 1800 بلمانت ، واشنگتن دی سی ، ایالات متحّده امریکا

نجم باختر 1329 سالی دوازده قران

جلد دوّم . شماره یازدهم ماه مشیّت سنه 68

این جریده بر حسب تاریخ بهائی هر نوزده روز چاپ و توزیع میگردد و در نهایت آزادی در مسائل یگانگی بشر و وحدت ادیان و ترقیّات عصر و انتشار علوم و فنون این قرن و تربیت اطفال و پیشرفت امر حضرت بهاء الله در اطراف جهان و توضیح حقائق این دین عمومی خواهد دنوشت و مقالات مفید که موافق سبک اداره است قبول و نشر خواهد گردید .

صفحه 1 - 1

لوح وداعی حضرت عبدالبهاء قبل از توجّه به ممالک غرب

ای یار عزیز در این ایّام مصمّم دیار غربم شاید در آستان احدیّت نفسی برآرم و به قوّت بازوی تأیید قفسی بشکنم و اندک پروازی حاصل شود ولی هیهات هیهات این مور ضعیف سلیمانی خواهد واین پشۀ بی توشه غضنفری بیشه جوید مگر بدرقه عنایت تو رسد و قوّت حرکت بخشد و الطاف حضرت بهاء الله شامل شود تا پشّه سیمرغ گردد و بعوض خاسر عقاب کاسر شود امیدی که نه به استعداد و لیاقت است بل به قوّۀ تأیید و توفیق ربّ احدیّت است جمیع یاران را تحیّت ابدع ابهی ابلاغ دار علی العجاله وداع مینمایم و علیک یا بهاء الابهی ع ع

اعلان ملکوت ابهی در لندن بواسطۀ عبدالبهاء

این بوی روح پرور از آن کوی دلبر است وین آب زندگانی از آن حوض کوثر است

بوی بهشت میگذرد یا نسیم دوست یا کاروان صبح که گیتی منوّر است

بر راه باد عود بر آتش نهاده اند یا خود در آن زمین که توئی خاک عنبر است

صفحه 2 - 1

مورّخین دانا و مبصّرین هوشمند این قرن را عقیده بر آن است که از اوّل خلقت عالم این کون رو به ترقیّ و علی بوده و نقرۀ ناقور حقیقت مردم را به کوثر علم و عرفان هدایت نموده است . در ازمنۀ قدیمه پیغمبران رسل و هادیان سبل از آفاق شرق طالع و ممالک غرب را به انوار تعالیم خود روشن فرموده اند ولی تابحال گوش اطفال بشر نشنیده بود و عیون اولاد باختر ندیده بود که بزرگترین شخص روحانی این عصرو سرکردۀ افواج صلح و صلاح این قرن و علمدار برادری و برابری و آزادی و مبشّر وحدت نوع انسان و اعلان کنندۀ ملکوت ابهی و محبوب قلوب خیرخواهان دنیا حضرت عبدالبها بجهت نشر نفحات الله و اعلاء کلمة الله و بث تعالیم الله سفر بممالک اروپ فرماید و در انجذاب قلوب و اشتعال نفوس کمر همّت بربندند و غلغله و همهمه در حوضه فلاسفه و علماء فرنگ بیندازد و عمودهای دول و ملل غرب را به رعشه و زلزلۀ روحانی مبتلا نماید . از این جهت مدققین تواریخ یوم ورود حضرت عبدالبهاء را به اروپ ابتداء قرن طلائی صلح و طلوع آفتاب جهانتاب اخوّت و برادری و نجاح و فلاح عظیم فرض نموده اند و از این فضل و عنایت سبحانی سر افتخارو مباهات به آسمان بلند نموده اند که مصدر این مراحم عظیمه و مرجع این عطایای ربّانی گشته اند اگر به نظر انصاف ملاحظه کنیم به تحقیق خواهیم رسانید که امروز بعلاوۀ آنکه حضرت عبدالبهاء به مرکز میثاق و غصن الله الاعظم و سرّالله الاکرم و مولی الوری یاد شده از حیث صفات و کمال ملکوتی و اخلاق روحانی اوّلین و بزرگترین نماینده

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صفحه 1 - 2

ملل شرق است . سلاطین و شاهزادگان دول خاور بممالک باختر سفر نموده اند و مراجعت کرده اند ولی سلطان جهان ملکوت و شهنشاهزادۀ عالم بقی را مقامی دیگر و آثار سفر الی الابد ظاهر و باهر خواهد بود . سفر حضرت عبدالبهاء در این وقت به ممالک اروپ بسیار پرمعنی و اگر قدری به کنه مسئله پی بریم عواملی را مشاهده خواهیم نمود که شرح و تفصیل آن خارج از قوّۀ بشری است . ملل متمدّن اروپ از صد سال باینطرف در زیر بار سنگین مخارجات آلات و ادوات حرب و قتال مانند مردمان زندانی ناله و فغان نموده و نزدیک است که پشت آنها که خم گردد هیچ بل شکسته و ریز ریز گردد و ملوک و رؤسای آنها عوض اینکه گوش باین شیون و غوغا دهند و این بار را قدری سبک نمایند سال بسال بر وزن و مقدار آن افزوده و در جنگ های متواتره خون ملیون ها جوانان بیگناه را ریخته و ثروت ملتّ را به باد فنا داده اند چنانچه دول حاضرۀ اروپ در این چند سال اخیر یک بر صد بر بودجۀ ادارات بحر و جنگ خود افزوده و چون رقابت غیر قابل تصوّری در میان آنها موجود و از قوّت و اقتدار همدیگر میترسند لهذا اگر یکی از آنها سالی پنج ملیون دلار بر اداره جنگ اضافه کند دیگری فی الفور به زور مالیات و شیشه کردن خون رعایای داخله و خارجه ده ملیون دلار خرج میکند و یکی از وزراء جنگ در این اواخر پیش بینی نمود که اگر چند سال دیگر این رقابت وحشی صفت و دیوانه منش طول بکشد جمیع دول اروپ ورشکست خواهند شد . زیرا ملاحظه میشود که جبّاخانه ها شب و روز مشغول ساختن باروط و توپ و تفنگ و کشتی های زره پوش و غیره و غیره هستند و انبارها را از این آلات نائره پر کرده اند ، چرا؟ برای کی؟ برای چه؟ ولی از طرف دیگر چون این آقایان محترم شور و شیون مردم را ملاحظه نموده دیدند نزدیک است ورقه برگردد و سیم اقتدار و اجحافاتشان بگسلد گربه های دیگر را در حضور اجتماع انسانی به رقص درآوردند و حیل و دغل های دیگر بکاربردند و آن این بود که محض اسکات مردم و مخفی نمودن مقاصد اصلی کلمۀ صلح و صلاح عامّ و اخوّت بین المللی را در افواه ناس انداختند و برایشان انجمن های صلح

صفحه 2 - 2

تشکیل دادند و کتب ها نوشتند ظاهرا از بالای منبر کلمۀ صلح صلح صلح است که به گوش فلک میرسد ولی باطنا هر سال سعی مینمایند که عدد کشتی های جنگی بیشتر سربازها باتجربه تر و آلات آدم کشی مؤثّرتر گردد . این انجمن های صلح هر ماه کتب و مجلدّات و جرائد چاپ و مجّانا منتشر مینمایند ولی چه فائده زیرا جمیع این مسائل محض گم کردن طریق و مشغول داشتن عوام است و تابحال بقدر خردلی فائده حقیقی که مقصود تحدید مخارجات ادارات بحر و برّ است نه بخشیده و این مسئله را حضرت عبدالبهاء در یکی از الواح که از مملکت سویس چند روز قبل وصول یافت مانند حکیم حاذق تشریح مینماید قوله تعالی : « فی الحقیقه در آن اقالیم مجامع متعدّده در افکار صلح آمیز و اخوّت عمومی تأسیس گشته و اقلیم امریک در این خصوص بر دیگران سبقت گرفته ولی جمیع انجمنهای صلح آمیز و اتّحاد عالم انسانی که در اقلیم غرب تأسیس گشته عبارت از تقریر و تحریر این مسئله بوده است امّا بهائیان بخون خویش تحریر نمودند و به قوّۀ کلمة الله علم وحدت انسان را در قطب آفاق باعمال و افعال بلند نموده اند و بفضل جمال مبارک اعلان اخوّت بشر و مساوات عام را گوشزد شرق و غرب کرده اند فرق باینجا است ملاحظه نمائید که مجلس صلح آمیز «لاهی» را ملوک تأسیس کردند و ترویج نمودند لکن چون بمقام عمل رسید امپراطور روس که مؤسّس بود اعلان حرب با جاپان نمود و یک ملیون نفوس در میدان حرب شرحه شرحه گشتند خاک را بخون خویش گلگون نمودند با وجود این بهائیان باید بجمیع آن انجمنها آمیزش یابند و آنان را بیدار کنند که این امر عظیم صلح عمومی جز به قوّۀ الهیّه که خارق طبیعت است تأسیس نگردد و ترویج نشود زیرا طینت بشر در عالم طبیعت به سمّ جدال و نزاع مخمّر است یک قوّه قاهره خارق عالم طبیعت باید که این امر طبیعی را از عالم بشر محو نماید . حال این قوّه الهیّۀ خارق طبیعت در ممالک غرب سفر مینماید و شکّی نیست که وجود آن در اروپ نه آنکه مورث منع جنگ عظیمی مابین دو دولت معّظمه است بل

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صفحه 1 - 3

بزرگترین استمدادی است برای امر صلح عمومی و صلحجویان حقیقی و جرئت نموده میگوئیم که از اثرکلمات و تعالیم حضرت عبدالبهاء از این تاریخ ادارات جنگ و حرب دول هر سال از بودجه مخارجات خود خواهند کاست و انجمن های صلح را از صمیم قلب بشارت میدهیم که قوّۀ قاهرۀ خارق عالم طبیعت به تأیید و توفیق آنها قیام نموده است و از این ببعد ترقیّ افکار آنها محیّر العقول خواهد بود پس اعضای مجامع صلح باید از جان و دل مسرور و مشعوف باشند و بساط عشرت و شادمانی بگسترانند که علمدار حقیقی صلح و سلام و یگانه نگهدار حقوق بشر و حکیم حاذق سماوی با قدرتی مسیحائی و همّتی ملکوتی در میان آنها داخل شده و به فاروق اعظم به معالجۀ امراض مزمنه مشغول است .

مسئله دیگر که دقتّ حضرت عبدالبهاء را جذب خواهد نمود همانا اختلاف خارجی و داخلی ملل شرق است و افکار دول اروپ در حقّ آنها ما در این نکته نقدا ساکت هستیم و شرحی بیان نمی نمائیم ولی چون شمس فی رائعة النهار بر ما واضح و روشن است که حضور حضرت عبدالبهاء در اروپ نه آنکه سبب افتخار و بزرگی مقام هر نفس ایرانی است بل مورث سیادت و جلال و استقلال و آزادی جمیع ملل شرق است و به نظر ما مهمّ ترین و بزرگترین سعادت و ترقیّ دول خاور در پس این سفر مخفی که نتائجش بمرور دهور و قرون بر اخلاف معیّن و روشن خواهد گردید .

باری از قرار وصول اخبارات حضرت عبدالبهاء در روز جمعه شانزدهم شعبان 1329 مطابق 11 اوت 1911 سه ساعت از ظهر گذشته از اسکندریّه در واپورسیگال ساجری که یکی از کشتیهای بسیار خوب و بزرگ و نظیف است عازم مارسیی که بندرگاه مملکت فرانسه است گشتند و احبّای مصر و اسکندریّه پس از آنکه چندین ماه در بحر عنایات و حضور مبارک غرق شده بودند ناگهانی به هجران و فراق مبتلا گردیدند چنانچه جناب آقای آقا سیّد اسدالله اشاره به این مطلب نموده که « احدی نمیدانست که حرکت میفرمایند فقط باشاره که آنهم از توقیع مبارک معلوم میشد و در آن اواخر لوح مبارک به عبارات ذیل رسید چون خیال فرنگستان دارم که دو ماه در آنجا بمانم مشتاق ملاقات شما هستم چند روز

صفحه 2 - 3

به اسکندریّه بیائید تا ملاقات شود . » حال الحمدلله خطۀ اروپا را غبطۀ بخشای جنّت علیا نمودند طوبی لارض تشرّفت بقدو مه امیدواریم که امریک را هم از انوار جمال بیمثال روشن و منوّر فرمایند . و در حضور مبارک جناب آقا میرزا اسدالله اصفهانی و جناب آقا میرزا باقر شیرازی با دو نوۀ جناب مرحوم حاجی احمد آقا شعاء الله و آقا حسین و همچنین آقا خسرو سفر نمودند و در 24 شعبان تلگرافات روح بخش باین عبارات محفوظ مصون رسیدیم عبّاس به مصر و اسکندریّه و طهران و امریک و سائر جهات عالم رسید و این بشارت جان پرور روح بدیعی در کالبد ابدان دمید و جمیع یاران به حمد و ثنای محبوب عالمیان ذاکر و ناطق شدند در همان ایّام در تلگرافی که از حضور مبارک به واشنگتن فرستاده شده بود جناب مستر ریمی را امر به سفر اروپا فرموده بودند و پس از چند روز لوح مبارک بافتخار مشارالیه رسید که در آن عبارات ذیل نازل شده « چون عازم اروپا هستم بسیار مشتاقم که ترا ملاقات نمایم البّته به وصول این مکتوب عازم اروپا شوید » لهذا ایشان فی الفور اسباب سفر را فراهم آورده در 3 ماه سپتمبر از واشنگتن حرکت کرده و همان روز در کشتی نشسته بجانب لیورپول عازم شدند . در این بین چنانچه معلوم میشود حضرت عبدالبهاء پس از توقفّ قلیلی در مارسیلیا عوض آنکه به پاریس بروند عازم مملکت سویس میشوند و در کنار ساحل جنوا در بهترین و قشنگ ترین هتل ها که موسوم به گراند هتل دوپارک است منزل میگیرند . بمحض آنکه خبر ورود میرسد احبّای الهی از پاریس و لندن و اطراف و بسیاری از یاران امریکی که برای تفریح دماغ و سیاحت در آنوقت در سویس بودند در آنجا جمع میشوند و بحضور مبارک مشرّف گشته درک فیوضات مینمایند در قلیل مدّتی شهرت امرالله در آن صفحات می پیچد و حتّی جوانان ایرانی که در آن مملکت برای تحصیل بسر میبرند بحضور انور مشرّف گشته مصدر عنایات لایحصی میگردند و ارادت صمیمی و اخلاص حقیقی پیدا مینمایند . و حضرت عبدالبهاء

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صفحه 1 - 4

این سفر را به عبارات ذیل یاد مینمایند : « اگر بدانی که در این اقلیم اروپ چه قدر مشاغل از برای عبدالبهاء حاصل شده البتّه بیک کلمه مختصره در جواب قناعت میفرمائید الآن در ساحل دریاچه سولیرا در گراند هتل دوپارک مدّتی است منزل داریم و فردا عازم پاریس و لندن هستیم هر روز از اطراف رجال و نساء از مقبلین و متحِیّرین و مستمعین جمّ غفیری حاضر محشری است که نمیدانی هر یک از ایشان را سئوالاتی و مشکلاتی باید جمیع مسائل مشکله را عبدالبهاء بجهت هریک بنهایت مهربانی حل نماید . »

چون جناب مستر ریمی همین دو سه روزه از حضور مبارک از لندن رجعت نموده در ضمن صحبت با ایشان مطالب ذیل را در باب سفر خود برای یاران بیان کردند . پس از پنج روز سفر روی دریا بسلامتی وارد لیورپول شدم ومحض آنکه دو نفر از یاران را برای دو سه ساعت ملاقات کنم عازم لندن گردیدم که بعد از آن بطرف مملکت سولیرا توجّه نمایم زیرا گمانم آن بود که حضرت من اراده الله هنوز آنجا هستند لهذا چون یکی از دوستان را زیارت کردم و مشار الیه اظهار داشت که عبدالبهاء در لندن تشریف دارند بسیار مسرور شده و از وصول بمقصد دلشاد گردید از چندین سال باینطرف تعالیم امر حضرت بهاء الله به طریقۀ کج دارو مریز در

انگلستان نشر یافته ولی در این سال گذشته ترقیّ امرالله در آن دیار بسیار خارق العاده بنظر می آید زیرا دقتّ متفکرّین و متصّنفین و بزرگان را بسوی خود جذب نموده شور و وله دیگری در قلوب ناس انداخته و ساکنین آندیار از هر طرف در تحقیق و تجسّسند . از مسلمّات اوّلیّه است که بزرگترین وسیلۀ انتشار امرالله در عاصمۀ کبیره لندن همانا تشکیل کنگره نژاد های عالم بود و چون ناطقین و مبّلغین بهائی در آن مجمع خطابه های فصیح اداء نمودند و تعالیم روحانی اخوّت و محبّت امر را به بیانات دقیقه و افعال لطیفه ظاهر ساختند لهذا طلب سامعین زیاد گردید همچنین جرائد یومیّه و هفتگی آن شهر بواسطۀ درج نمودن مقالات مفصّله نظر قارئین خود را بطرف این دین عمومی جلب نمودند

صفحه 2 - 4

اعضای کنگرۀ نژادهای عالم که نمایندگان جمیع ملل دنیا بودند ظاهرا و باطنا طلب و تفحصّ خود را در باب امر حضرت بهاء الله هویدا ساختندزیرا آثار و اثمار امرالله که محبّت بین المللی و یگانگی بشر و صلح و صلاح عامّ است بچشم خود مشاهده نموده تعجبّ میکردند لهذا از این مقدّمات معنی ضیافت و میهمان نوازی معجزه نمائی را که اهالی لندن نسبت به حضرت عبدالبهاء اظهار داشته و میدارند درک خواهید نمود .

شب یکشنبه دهم سپتمبر ( 16 رمضان المبارک ) بر حسب وعدۀ کشیش و ناطق مشهور « رورند دکتر کامپل» حضرت عبدالبهاء در بالای منبر « کلیسیای مردم » که بزرگترین معبد لندن است رفته ظهور امر مبارک را اعلان فرمودند و در آینده آن شب یکی از بزرگترین و مبارک ترین شبهای دنیا محسوب خواهد گردید زیرا این اوّلین مرتبه بود که حضرت عبدالبهاء عموم عالم مسیحیّت را دعوت به دخول در ملکوت ابهی فرمودند و جمعیّتی که در این موقع بجهت استماع عبدالبهاء در کلیسیا جمع شده از سه نفر بالغ بود و لسان انسان از شرح و بسط این مجلس عاجز میماند . رورند دکتر کامپل پس از خطابۀ مختصری در نهایت افتخار و وقار حضرت عبدالبهاء را به حضّار معرّفی نمود و بسار از تعالیم این معلمّ دینی و روحانی تمجید و تعریف کرد . پس عبدابهاء و نورالسّموات العلی از مقام خود قیام و بر بالای منبر صعود فرمود و آن جمع کبیر انسانیّت را که مانند دریای طوفانی موج میزد به لسان دریّه ایرانی خطاب نمود قوّۀ کلمات و همهمۀ بیانات چنان لرزه در اندام ها انداخت که هیچکس گمان نمی نمود که این اوّلین خطابۀ عمومی حضرت عبدالبهاء است زیرا از اوّل تا آخر آن جمیع عظیم را از کلّ جهات منجذب و مشتعل و واله و شیدا داشت چندین دقیقه با صدای رعد آسا و آوازۀ پر قوّت صحبت فرمود و مانند سیل سلسبیل کلمات نور و حیات از فم مبارک نازل میشد و قلوب عطشین را سیراب مینمود و اگرچه مردم معانی کلمات مقدّسه

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صفحه 1 - 5

را نمی فهمیدند ولی چند لحظه نگذشت که کلّ بر حقائق روحانی و بیانات الهی پی برده یک دل و یک روح گشتند و آن جمع کثیر حکم یک جسد و یک قلب پیدا نموده و مثل یک نی بود که حضرت عبدالبهاء در آن سرودهای ملکوتی و انعام لاهوتی میسرود و چون خطابۀ مبارک بانتهی رسید چنان سکوت و تذکرّ آن دریای انسانیّت را محاصره نمود که گویا هریک در عوالم عشق محبوب سیر و طیران می نمودند و جانها از قوالب خارج شده در جنّات دلکش محبّت مولای عالمیان و سرور آدمیان به سیاحت و گردش رفته بودند و چون در آخر نطق مرکز میثاق دست های مبارک را بسمت ملکوت ابهی بلند نموده و از درگاه الهی رجای برکات سماوی برای آن جمع کرد سامعین به اندازۀ متأثرّ و منجذب گشته که خارج از توصیف لسان بشر است فقط مثل آن بود پس از هزاران سال تشنگی به آب حیات رسیده و بعد از بی سر و سامانیها به منزل مقصود وصول یافته اند و جمیع به تحققّ رسانیدند که روح الارواح و نورالانوار در آن مجلس حاضر و بواسطۀ قوّۀ روحانی حضرت عبدالبهاء اتّحاد حقیقی روح و یگانگی بشر را کشف نمودند . پس از آن مستر تودرپل که یکی از مبّلغین لندن است برخواست و ترجمۀ بیانات مبارک را برای سامعین قرائت نمود تا آنکه کلّ بر مضامین آن اطلاع یابند ( ترجمۀ خطابۀ مبارک در جرائد لندن چاپ و ما امیدواریم که بزودی فارسی آن باین اداره رسیده تا برای مشترکین شرق در صفحات نجم باختر درج نمائیم ) چون مجلس بانتهی رسید و مردم متفرّق گشتند جمعی در جلوی در کلیسیا جمع شده و ایستادند تا زمانیکه حضرت عبدالبهاء بیرون آمدند و بسیاری ایادی خود را دراز که دست دهند و بعضی در نهایت احترام دامان مطهّر را احساس میکردند . بعد جزو بیانات فرمودند که جمال مبارک در ایّام زندگانی بایشان وعدۀ صریح داده بودند که در صفحات غرب ظهور ملکوت ابهی را اعلان خواهم نمود و این نبوّت امروز کامل گردید و در هما ن وقت اخبار جان پرور این مجمع را

صفحه 2 - 5

از لندن باطراف شرق تلگراف فرمودند .

قبل از ورود حضرت عبدالبهاء به لندن « لیدی بلوم فیلد » که یکی از بهائیان ثابت است خانۀ خود را تقدیم حضور نمود که در ایّام توقفّ در لندن در آن بیت منزل بفرمایند و حضرت مولی الوری از روی مرحمت قبول فرمودند و هر روز از دم آفتاب تا نصف شب باب خانه بر وجوه اغیار باز و مردم از جاهل و دانا و پیر و برنا و زن و مرد و بزرگ و کوچک و علماء و ادباء بحضور مبارک مشرّف شده درک فیوضات لایتناها مینمایند و از وادی علوم و حکمت الهی بهره های وافر میبرند . مشغولیّات و امور حضرت عبدالبهاء در این سفر لندن از احصاء بشر خارج است پس از آنکه من عراض بهائیان امریک را انفاد حضور نموده فرمودند به احبّای الهی در امریکا بگو که من حالا خیلی مشغولم بسیار کاردارم و دقیقۀ برای نوشتن الواح نمانده است معهذا همیشه در قلب من حاضرند و در مناجات برای شما دعا مینمایم . من حالا قادر نیستم که سفر خود را بصفحات امریک اعاده کنم ولی انشاء الله در آینده در سفر دیگر به امریکا خواهم آمد و یاران را ملاقات خواهم نمود .

حضرت عبدالبهاء شهر لندن را دوست میدارند . یک روز بعد از ظهر مسس تورنبرگ کروپر ایشان را در اتومبیل خود برای سیاحت شهر لندن وعده گرفت و چون به « ریچمند پارک »رسیدند محض مشی چند دقیقه در باغ از اتومبیل پائین آمدند که ناگهان در بالای افق یک بالون طیّاره هویدا گردید و فی الفور دقتّ مبارک را جذب و به تماشای آن چند دقیقه گذرانیدند . پس از آن دوباره سوار اتومبیل شده خیلی از ترقیّات و تمدّن انگلیس تعریف فرمودند و از پیشرفت احوال زنان تمجید کردند که میخواهند از مردان سابقت جویند و در کشمکش حیات در حوضۀ قانون مساوات درآیند بعد فرمودند که مع اینهمه ترقیّات ملتّ انگلیس بعضی رجال عالم و فلاسفه آنها در مستقبل بر ضدّ امرالله قیام خواهند نمود و علی الخصوص یک نفر

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صفحه 1 - 6

از آنها کتابی بر ضدّ امرالله تصنیف و انتشار خواهد داد بعد متبسّمانه فرمودند که چون نور از ظلمت رعب و دهشتی ندارد همان نوع اهل حقیقت از دشمنان و مغرضین نمیترسند . از یوم ورود مبارک به لندن جرائد معتبر آن شهر مقالات مفصّله در خصوص امرالله مرقوم نموده اند و هریک در تمجید و تعریف این دین عمومی بیانات محبّت آمیز و حقیقت درج نموده اند و حتّی تلگرافاتی در این باب به جرائد امریک رسیده که انشاء الله بتدریج در شماره های آینده به ترجمه و نشر آنها خواهیم کوشید و همچنین بعضی از عکاس های معتبر بحضور مبارک مشرّف گشته و از نهایت مرحمت و رأفت نسبت به ملتّ انگلیس اذن عمایت فرموده که عکس مبارک را بردارند و چندین عکسهای بسیار خوب برداشته شده است از قرار معلوم حضرت مولی الوری چندی دیگر در لندن توقفّ نموده و از آنجا عازم پاریس خواهند گردید .

سفر عبدالبهاء به امریک

باز آ و حلقه بر در زندان شوق زن کاحباب را دو دیده چه مسمار بر در است

باز آ که در فراق تو چشم امیّد وار چون گوش روزه دار بر الله اکبر است

دانی که چون همی گذرانیم روزگار روزی که بی تو میگذرد روز محشر است

گفتیم عشق را به صبوری دوا کنیم هر روز عشق بیشتر و صبر کمتر است

صورت ز چشم غائب و اخلاق در نظر دیدار در حجاب و معانی برابر است

و از قرار معلوم حضرت عبدالبهاء سفر خود را در این ایّام بممالک اروپ منحصر نموده و احبّای این صفحات را از ملاقات جمال مبارک محروم خواهند نمود ه شنیدن

صفحه 2 - 6

این خبر بسیار سبب حزن و اندوه قلوب کثیره شده و اظهارات ناامیدی در وجود هویدا و آشکار زیرا جمیع یاران را عقیدۀ راسخه بود که حضرت مولی الوری از روی رأفت و مرحمت بهائیان امریک را مصدر افتخار و مباهات فرموده و پس از سفر در ممالک اروپ این آفاق را از انوار شمس حقیقت روشن و منوّر خواهند فرمود ما را باز یقین است که این قلوب تشنه را از ماء سلسبیل بیانات الهی محروم نگردانند و از فیض حضور بی بهره ننمایند زیرا فی الحقیقه از یومی که مرکز میثاق از شهر حیفا خارج شده و در مملکت مصر رحل اقامت فرمودند بزرگترین امید بهائیان امریک سفر مبارک باین صفحات بود . در اوّل از هر طرف عرایض مفصّلۀ شخص ارسال حضور فرستاده شد بعد جمیع یاران کمیتۀ از بهائیان شیکاغو و نیویورک و واشنگتن انتخاب نموده و عریضۀ عمومی که بامضای جمّ غفیری رسیده بود حاضر نموده ارسال حضور داشتند و از همان ایّام حضرت من اراده الله در الواح کثیره که اغلب آنها در این جریده چاپ و انتشار گردیده است فرموده اند که یقینا تشریف خواهند آورد شکیّ نیست که امروز برای اعلان عمومی ظهور ملکوت الله و انتشار عظیم نفحات الله و ترویج عام کلمة الله امریک محتاج به حضور حضرت عبدالبهاء است زیرا هزاران نفوس از بستر غفلت بیدار خواهند شد و در شریعۀ رحمن داخل خواهند گردید افق امر به ستاره های نورانی روشن خواهد گردید و گلستان الهی به گل و ریحان مزیّن خواهد گشت . چون در این ایّام بعضی اخبار نا امیدی در این باب وصول گردید . باز احبّای الهی دور هم جمع شده در فکر آن هستند که دوباره عریضۀ عمومی بحضور مبارک بفرستند و از صمیم قلب الحاح و انابه کنند که پس از توقفّ در آفاق اروپا به امریک تشریف آورده محرومان را محرم راز و غافله داران را هوشیار و مردگان را زنده فرمایند .