THE
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Mankind in Council-First Universal Races Congress | 2 |
Brief Answers to Seven Questions-Tablet from Abdul-Baha | 3 |
Recent Tablets from Abdul-Baha | 6 |
News of the Cause in London | 7 |
From the American Field | 7 |
The Bahai Movement-Address made before the Third National Peace Congress, Baltimore, Md., U. S. A., May 6, 1911-By Chas. Mason Remey | 9 |
The Mashrak-el-Azkar in America-Tablet from Abdul-Baha | 13 |
The Difference Between the Metaphysical Teaching of the Present Day and that of the Bahai Revelation-By Ellen V. Beecher | 14 |
Persian Section | 18-24 |
- A Congress, which promises to be one of the most influential of our time, is to be held in London July 26-29, 1911, in the central building of the University of London. The list of those who have extended to it their moral support is most imposing. Among the supporters, who hail from no less than fifty countries, are over twenty-five Presidents of Parliaments, the majority of the Members of the Permanent Court of Arbitration and of the Delegates to the Second Hague Conference, twelve British Governors and eight British Premiers, over forty Colonial Bishops, some hundred and thirty Professors of International Law, the leading Anthropologists and Sociologists, the officers and the majority of the Council of the Inter-Parliamentary Union, and other distinguished personages. The list of the writers of papers includes eminent representatives of over twenty civilizations, and every paper referring to a particular people is prepared by some one of high standing belonging to it.
- The object of the Congress will be to discuss, in the light of modern knowledge and the modern conscience, the general relations subsisting between the peoples of the West and those of the East, between the so-called white and so-called colored peoples, with a view to encouraging between them a fuller understanding, the most friendly feelings, and a heartier co-operation. Political issues of the hour will be subordinated to this comprehensive end, in the firm belief that when once mutual respect is established, difficulties of every type will be sympathetically approached and readily solved.
- The origin of this Congress is easily explained. The interchange of material and immaterial wealth between the different races of mankind has of late years assumed such dimensions that the old attitude of distrust and aloofness is giving way to a general desire for closer acquaintanceship. Out of this interesting situation has sprung the idea of holding a Congress where the representatives of the different races might meet each other, face to face, and might, in friendly intercourse, further the cause of mutual trust and respect between Occident and Orient, between the so-called white peoples and the so-called colored peoples.
- Accordingly the Congress will not represent a meeting of all the races for the purpose of discussing indiscriminately everybody's concerns. It will not discuss purely European questions, such as the relations existing between or within the different European countries; nor, of course, will it discuss the attitude of Europe towards the United States, or towards other American Republics representing races of European descent. Again, whilst wholly sympathetic towards all far-sighted measures calculated to strengthen and promote good relations, the Congress is pledged to no political party and to no particular scheme of reforms. The writers of papers will, however, have the full right to express whatever political views they may hold, though they will be expected to do justice to all political parties and to treat the issues of the day only passingly. Furthermore, the Congress will not be purely scientific in the sense of only stating facts and not passing judgments. Nor will it be a peace congress in the sense of aiming specifically at the prevention of war. Finally, it should be noted that, since the Congress is to serve the purpose of bringing about healthier relations between Occident and Orient, all bitterness towards parties, peoples, or governments will be avoided, without, of course, excluding reasoned praise and blame. With the problem simplified in this manner, and with a limited number of papers written by leading authorities who will elucidate the object of the Congress, there is every hope that the discussions will bear a rich harvest of good, and contribute materially towards encouraging friendly feelings and hearty co-operation between the peoples of the West and the East.
- The following is the programme for the eight half-day sessions: 1. Fundamental Considerations-Meaning of Race, Tribe, Nation. 2-3. General Conditions of Progress.* 3a. Peaceful Contact Between Civilizations. 4. Special Problems in Inter-racial Economics. 5-6. The Modern Conscience in Relation to Racial Questions. 7-8. Positive Suggestions for Promoting Inter-racial Friendliness.
- Fee for Active Membership (including attendance, volume of papers of about 500 pages in English or French, with valuable bibliographies and other publications) will be 21s; fee for Passive Membership (excluding attendance, but including volume of papers and other publications) will be 7s 6d.
- Further information may be obtained from the Hon. Organizer, Mr. G. Spiller, 63 South Hill Park, Hempstead, London; from Rev. Ramsden Balmforth, Daisy Bank, Upper Camp street, Cape Town; from the American Co-Secretaries, Dr. W. E. B. DuBois, 20 Vesey street, New York, and Rev. Frederick Lynch, B.A., B.D., 13 East 124th street, New York; from Prof. F. Tönnies, Eutin, Holstein, Germany; and from Dr. Abendanon, Jan van Nassaustraat 43, The Hague, Holland.
- Note.-At this session a paper, written by Abdul-Baha on the subject of "The Bahai Revelation," is to be read.-Ed.
Vol. IIChicago (June 5, 1911) Nur No. 5
Through Mirza Ahmad Sohrab and Mirza Raffie, to Mr. and Mrs. Ostburg, Boston, Mass.
- Your letter was received and I became informed of its contents. Some of the letters you have forwarded have not been received, while others have been received at the time of the intense persecutions of the enemy, so it was impossible to reply. When this last letter was received I found opportunity to answer it, notwithstanding the multiplicity of occupations so that you may know how much ye are beloved in this spot and accepted in the Kingdom of God. As there is little time, brief answers are given to your questions:
- Answer to the first question: The spirits of the sons of the Kingdom after the disintegration of this body ascend to the world of Eternal Existence; but should you ask of the place, know thou that that world of existence is the world of unity, but the grades are different. For instance, the mineral existence has a grade, but that mineral being has no knowledge of the vegetable kingdom. It (the mineral existence) has no information of a higher realm; nay, rather according to appearances, it may deny the higher grade. Likewise the vegetable life has no knowledge of the animal kingdom. It is entirely heedless and unconscious of that kingdom, because the grade of the animal is higher than that of the vegetable. The vegetable, according to its limited environment, is veiled from the knowledge of the animal kingdom, and it may deny it, although the animal, the vegetable and mineral live in the world of existence. Likewise, the animal cannot comprehend the intelligence of the faculties of man, which is the generalizer of the universal and the discoverer of the mysteries of beings, so much so that while living in the East he organizes and founds institutions in the West, and he reveals hidden things. Though he abides in Europe, he discovers America. Though he dwells upon the earth, he unravels the realities of the solar system. The animal is entirely unconscious, nay, rather, a denier of this intelligent force, which penetrates into the unknown and comprehends the general as well as the particular ideas of this illimitable universe. Likewise the people of the world lack the knowledge of the world of the Kingdom, nay, rather, they deny it. Do we not hear from their lips the words, such as these: "Where is the Kingdom? Where is the Lord of the Kingdom?" But these souls are like unto the mineral and vegetable who know nothing of the animal and human kingdoms. They neither see nor search. However, the mineral, the vegetable and the animal kingdoms all live in this world of existence.
- Answer to the second question: The Divine trials are in this world, not in the world of the Kingdom.
- Answer to the third question: The haman reality in the other world has no physical likeness, nay, rather, it has the likeness of the Kingdom, which consists of the harmonious element of the realm of the Spiritual Kingdom.
- Answer to the fourth question: The center of the Sun of Truth and of the Supreme World is the Divine Kingdom. Those souls who are purified and sanctified, after the disintegration of this elemental tabernacle, hasten to the Divine Realm, and that Realm is in this universe, but the people of this world have no knowledge of it, just as the mineral and vegetable kingdoms have no knowledge of the animal and human kingdoms.
- Answer to the fifth question: His Highness, BAHA'O'LLAH, has raised the Canopy of the Oneness of the Kingdom of Humanity. Whosoever enters under the shade of this all-inclusive Tent, his heart and soul become detached from other tents.
- Answer to the sixth question: Whenever a difference of opinion arises between two parties, refer it to the Center of the Covenant, so that the difficulty might be solved.
- Answer to the seventh question: His Highness, BAHA'O'LLAH, has appeared for the benefit of all humanity, summoning all to the Divine Table upon which is spread the Heavenly Food. But today the majority of those who partake of this Heavenly Food are poor. That is why His Highness, Christ, said: "Blessed are the poor." Wealth prevents the people from entering the Kingdom, as it is stated by Christ: "It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter into the Kingdom of God." But should a rich person not be prevented from entering the Kingdom because of wealth and riches, glory and influence of this world, that rich person will become favored in the threshold of the Almighty and accepted by the Lord of the Kingdom.
- To be brief, BAHA'O'LLAH has manifested for the education and training of all humanity. He is the Teacher of all, whether rich or poor, black or white, oriental or occidental, northern or southern.
- Regarding the people who come to Akka; some of them make wonderful progress; extinguished lamps they were, they became ignited, withered were they, they became fresh and young; dead were they, and they became alive, returning to their respective countries electrified with the dynamic forces of the Most Great Glad-Tidings. On the other hand, others have come and left without being touched by this great force.
- O ye two attracted ones towards the Kingdom: Thank ye God that ye have made your house the gathering-place and the assembly of the believers.
- Upon thee be Baha-el-Abha! (Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
- Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, February 22, 1910.
RECENT TABLETS FROM ABDUL-BAHA.
- To the beloved of God and the maid-servants of the Merciful-New York (State):
Mrs. L. G. Stirling, Florence A. Cobb, Lila A. Ressiguie, Clara A. Brink,Annie E. Walrath, Dr. F. S. Blood, Wm. B. Remey, Harriet Rupert,Mrs. E. C. Woodworth Pauline Crandall, Mrs. E. Gustin, Mary M. Young, Bessie Knight, Ada C. Divine, Ella C. Quant, Dr. W. E. House, Edith L. Whiting, Margaret La Grange, Miss Bina Van Buren,Alice House, F. W. Ackernecbt. Mrs. Sarah Young, Elizabeth Chandler,
{O ye who are attracted to the Beauty of ABHA!
- Your letter was received; it indicated that a new union and harmony is created among those souls. This glad tiding produced a great happiness and a new hope was seized that perchance the friends of New York, God willing, may become united and harmonized with the heavenly power. Today the most beloved and acceptable deed before His Highness, BAHA'O'LLAH, is the union of the friends and the concord of men, and the most unacceptable is difference and inharmony.
- Praise be to God that ye have become assisted with this Most Great Bounty, that is, unity and harmony, and become the cause of the happiness of the heart of Abdul-Baha.
- His Highness, BAHA'O'LLAH, said, That if Religion and Faith become the cause of difference, enmity and hatred, undoubtedly its non-being is better than its being. Consider ye how much emphasis He has placed upon love, harmony and affection.
- Upon ye be Baha-el-ABHA! (SIGNED) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
- Translated by M. A. Sohrab, March, 1911.
- It is some time since news has reached me from you. Today the illumined photographs you forwarded fourteen months ago were received. By looking at these pictures I remembered you and am writing you this tablet so that you may know I have not forgotten you and am always engaged in your mentioning and your illumined pictures are ever present.
- O ye friends and maid-servants of the Merciful! It is easy to advance toward the Kingdom, but it is difficult to remain firm and steadfast. Therefore endeavor ye as much
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THE FRIENDS IN PHILADELPHIA, PA. 1. Flora Revell 2. Mrs. Elwood B. Revell 3. Miss Ethel Revell 4. Walter Summers 5. Mr. P. Summers 6. Irwin Summers 7. Miss Florence Hellings 8. Miss Mary Revell 9. Mrs. William C. Revell 10. Miss Rebecca Revell 11. Miss Jessie Revell 12. Miss Elizabeth Stewart 13. Mr. Sigurd Dahl 14. Mrs. Harry Weyand 15. Mr. A. M. Dahl 16. Mrs. Emma Landseidel 17. Mr. William C. Revell 18. Mrs. Albert E. Fesler 19. Mrs. Mary J. Revell 20. Mr. Elwood B. Revell 21. Miss Marie Vey 22. Mr. Albert B. Fesler
as ye can to make your faith firm like unto a well-rooted tree and produce blossoms and fruits. Neither be ye agitated on account of the blowing winds of tests and trials. The firmer the roots of the tree the greater its blossoms and fruits. Because the apostles of Christ remained firm and steadfast they became assisted in the most great services and the confirmations of the Holy Spirit descended upon them uninterruptedly. If ye seek the illumination of the Kingdom ye must arise with infinite resolution. Be ye not discouraged or lukewarm on account of troubles and vicissitudes. Show ye an effort so that that region may be illumined, the Kingdom of God may raise its tents and the breaths of the Holy Spirit may quicken the souls.
- Upon ye be Baha-el-ABHA! (Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
- Traslated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab. April 28, 1911.
- Your letter was received. From its contents heart attracting meanings were understood; for they indicated entire attraction by the Kingdom of ABHA and the attachment of the heart to the Supreme World.
- The chanting of the verses, whether done individually or collectively, is the cause of manifesting the effect of the Word of God in the hearts, and the means of igniting the fire of the love of God in the breasts. But it is as thou hast written that the condition required is, the hearts must become like pure and polished mirrors, and the spirits attain perfect joy and happiness by the divine glad-tidings.
- Assuredly the blessed souls who direct their entire attention to the Lord of Hosts, who are severed from the nether world and submerged in the outpourings of the Realm of Might, if they travel in various parts of America, associating with all and visiting the assemblies while surging with the love of God, they will certainly be the cause of the unity of the friends and the maid-servants of the Merciful. This is indeed most beloved and acceptable, productive of great results and conducive of great good.
- The enclosed paper sent by thee contained beautiful expressions and delightful statements. I ask God that thou mayst awaken the people of America thereby from the sleep of negligence and prove to be to them the means of knowledge and wisdom.
- Upon thee be Baha-el-ABHA! (Signed), ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
- Translated by Dr. Ameen U. Fareed, June 2, 1911.
Your letter which was written by heavenly inspiration, whose contents and meanings are full of interest, and whose discrimination springs from hearts that shine, has been received. Of a truth, the believers of London, being steadfast servants, stand firm. They shall not slacken, nor, in the lapse of time, shall their light grow dim. For they are Bahais, children of Heaven and of the light of the Godhead. Surely, without doubt they shall be the cause of spreading God's Word, and the channel for spreading the Divine Teachings and bringing about the unity and equality of mankind.
- It is easy to accept the Kingdom, but it is difficult to endure therein for the tests are hard and heavy. On all occasions the English are firm and are not turned aside, being neither prone to begin a matter for a little while nor ready to abandon it for a little reason through failing in zeal. Verily in every undertaking they show firmness.
- Though you dwell in the West, praise be to God, you have heard the Divine Call from the East, and like unto Moses you have become warmed by the fire of the Tree that has bean lighted in Asia, and you have found the true Path, becoming kindled like lamps, having entered into the Kingdom of God. Now in thanksgiving for this bounty you pray for blessing upon the people of the world, till by light of the Kingdom of Splendour their eyes become illuminated and their hearts become even as mirrors attaining the rays of the Sun of Truth.
- My hope is this:-that the outbreathing of the Holy Spirit be inspired into your hearts, that your tongues begin to reveal the mysteries and to expound the meaning and the truth of the Holy Books. May the friends become physicians to cure by the Divine Teachings the deep-rooted diseases of the body of the world, to give sight to the blind, hearing to the deaf, life to the dead and awakening to the sleepers. Be sure that the blessing of the Holy Spirit will descend upon you, and that the Hosts of the Kingdom will come to your aid.
- Upon you be the Glory of God! (Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
- Given at Ramleh, Egypt, May, 1911. Translated by Tamadun ul Molk.
- We were favored with the foregoing beautiful Tablet from Abdul-Baha addressed to the Bahais of England, in reply to a joint supplication sent to him early in the year.
- Miss Buckton has just returned from her second visit to Abdul-Baha. The following are a few of the words she brings back from him: "A Bahai is known by his deeds. The Kingdom of God is not in any Society; but some seekers go through many Societies as a traveller goes through many cities, till he reaches his destination. If ye belong to a Society already, do not forsake your brothers." * * * "The highest and most successful way to spread the Canss of the Kingdom is by deeds. This is open to all. Join yourselves to those who work for the poor, the weak and the unfortunate;-this is greatly to be commended. To spread the knowledge of the Kingdom by teaching requires the skill of the physician; a wise physician does not offer help to those who do not need treatment!"
- Those few of the Bahais here who had the good fortune to meet Mr. Louis G. Gregory, during his four days in London on his way home to Washington, D. C., from visiting Abdul-Baha at Ramleh, were exceedingly interested and edified. To meet such a great soul, so filled with the true Bahai spirit in any man is an inspiration; but when this man is a negro, and wise enough to be proud of his colour, then it is a revelation impressive with great significance as one contemplates the difficult problems existing between the white and black populations. How these problems can be changed by a few such men aflame with God's Word!
- London Bahais especially request that all pilgrims whom Abdul-Baha advises to visit them, may give the longest notice practicable of the time of their arrival, that we may be enabled to arrange for all the friends here possible to profit by these visits. Otherwise, many miss these opportunities of confirmation in their knowledge of the truth of the Bahai Revelation. Travellers please note.
- 27th May, 1911. Arthur Cuthbert.
- CHICAGO, ILL.-The last 19-day Tea of the Woman's Assembly of Teaching was held at the home of Mrs. George Lesch, 3540 West Monroe St. It being the anniversary of the Declaration of the Bab, Abdul-Baha's birthday and the birthday and annual election of officers of the Woman's Assembly of Teaching, an appropriate program was given and the Board of Nine elected, from which the following chairmen were appointed: President, Mrs. Fannie Lesch; Vice-president and Chairman of Temple Committee, Miss Laura E. Jones; Recording Secretary and Chairman of Program and Press Committee, Miss Mary Lesch; Corresponding Secretary and Chairman of Organization Committee, Mrs. Louise R. Waite; Treasurer, Mrs. Sophie Scheffler; Chairman of Educational Committee, Mrs. Elizabeth Greenleaf; Chairman Philanthropic Committee, Mrs. Bara; Chairman Sick Committee, Mrs. Christine Loeding; Chairman Social Committee, Miss Sophia Engelhorn.
- This year the Chairman of Education will appoint a Librarian aad a Lecture Committee. A circulating library is planned and any calls upon the Woman's Assembly of Teaching to supply a speaker upon the Bahai Revelation will be filled from the Lecture Committee, to consist of the men and women of our Assembly best qualified to meet the demand.
- The annual report of the chairmen of each committee shows forth the good results of organized work as endorsed by Abdul-Baha. In a recent Tablet received by the friends in Kenosha, he has given forth the call for organization of Women's Assemblies distinctive from that of their brothers. These two arms of the one body of the general Assembly can co-operate and in perfect harmony fulfill their different functions. It is upon this principle that the Woman's Assembly of Teaching has been instituted. Much broader
work is planned for the ensuing year. As many will be leaving town, the Teas will be discontinued during July and August. Louise R. Waite, Cor. Sec'y.
- DENVER, COLO.-Much joy has resulted to the Denver Assembly through the recent visits of Mrs. Corinne True and Mr. Thornton Chase. Through their loving service much has been accomplished, and many souls have been stirred by the tidings of the New Day. We are filled with grateful appreciation for their presence and service among us, and hope that the future will bring them to us many times. G. N. Clark.
- SPOKANE, WASH.-Again the curtain has lifted and one of our number has entered the Supreme Assembly. After many months of weary though patient suffering the spirit of our dear sister, Mrs. Cora I. Lehmann, has departed to the Kingdom of ABHA. She had long looked forward to making the pilgrimage to Abdul-Baha in the Holy City, Acca, and entering the Presence there, but now, unfettered with the physical and unhindered by material conditions, she has gone. "Hold her right arm, O God, and dwell continually with her" till she enters the Glorious Kingdom and her spirit is gladdened with the Presence of her Lord. Our sister was of a kindly nature, of strong sympathies; a firm believer and an energetic servant. She loved this life and the opportunities it offered for service in the Glorious Cause. She leaves behind her a husband, L. A. Lehmann, and a son, Chester Lehmann; they will miss the sweet association in their daily lives, but they, too, have learned to say, "Thy will, O Lord, be done!" Sister Lehmann passed out from this life on Sunday morning, May 7, 1911. M. Lesley O'Keefe.
- A letter from the Hawaiian Islands informs us that Madame Aurelia Bethlen passed through Honolulu May 9th, on her way to the Orient. She addressed the assembled friends in the afternoon, and when they accompanied her to the steamer at 6:00 p. m. the same day, the light that shone in her face testified to the truth of her statement that she was the happiest woman on the ship.
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- It gives us pleasure to welcome to the editorial staff of the STAR OF THE WEST, Dr. Zia Mabsut Bagdadi ("Zia Effendi"), the youngest son of the late M. Moustafa Bagdadi. Dr. Bagdadi received his early education in the Orient at the Arabian Literature school, Turkish Government school and the American school. His childhood was blessed by seeing and being with the Blessed Perfection, BAHA'O'LLAH, and in every year of his youth he visited the Centre of the Covenant, Abdul-Baha. He came to America in September, 1909, to complete a course in medicine, graduating from the Chicago College of Medicine and Surgery in May of this year. He intends to practice in America and be engaged in serving the Cause of BAHA'O'LLAH. We are confident that the STAR OF THE WEST has, in him, an able and willing associate.
- "We desire but the good of the world, and the happiness of the nations. * * * That all nations should become one in faith, and all men as brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men should be strengthened. * * * These fruitless strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass away and the Most Great Peace shall come. * * * Let not a man glory in this, that he loves his country; let him rather glory in this, that he loves his kind."-Words of BAHA'O'LLAH.
- Over half a century ago, before the attention of Western thinkers had to any degree been directed toward the problem of Universal Peace, there was born in the Orient a movement for peace and brotherhood, the call of which is now being heard in the Occident.
- The Bahai Movement has for its object, not only international conciliation, as considered from the political and economic view points, but essentially the unification of the people of all races and religions along spiritual lines.
- Religious and racial hatred has been the chief cause of warfare. Through the removal of these prejudices the followers of this Movement believe that Peace will be established among nations. Through it thousands of Christians, Moslems, Jews, Zoroastrians, Hindoos, and Buddhists, of every race and nationality, are beiing firmly united in the universal brotherhood of man under the fatherhood of God.
- In the month of May, 1844, there arose in Persia a teacher, calling himself The Bab, who proclaimed himself to be the forerunner of "He-Whom-God-would-Manifest"-One who would shortly appear with spiritual wisdom and power, through whose teaching would be established the "divine kingdom" of Peace upon earth. The ministry of The Báb lasted six years, and was followed by his martyrdom, as well as the martyrdom of thousands of his followers, which was brought about by the Mohammedan clergy upon the charge of heresy.
- Shortly after the martyrdom of The Bab, the promised one, whose coming he had foretold, appeared in the person of BAHA'O'LLAH.* Under the most severe persecution BAHA'O'LLAH, together with some of his followers, was exiled to Turkey in Asia, then to Turkey in Earope, and later on, in 1868, was sent to the town of Akka, a penal colony situated on the Mediterranean, just north of Mt. Carmel, in Syria. Here in Akka he lived and taught until he passed out of this mortal world in the year 1892. He gave his teachings and spiritual instructions, yet during his ministry his cause was not explained and established in the world in general. To this end BAHA'O'LLAH commanded his followers upon his departure to turn their faces toward his son, Abdul-Baha, as their spiritual guide, the explainer of his teachings, the one who would establish his cause in the world, the one upon whose shoulders his mantle would fall.
- Abdul-Baha, also known as Abbas Effendi, from 1868 until 1908, because of his teaching, was held a state prisoner the town of Akka. At present he is in Egypt and there is a possibility that he may visit this country of America. He makes but one claim for himself, that of service in the Path of God. His name, Abdul-Baha Abbas, means "Abbas, the servant of God." He is the spiritual leader of the Bahais, and is their example to be
- BAHA'O'LLAH means, The Glory of God.
followed in teaching this great faith in the world. He is making the spiritual life of BAHA'O'LLAH possible, and bringing it within the reach of the people.
- While there have been three teachers in this Cause, BAHA'O'LLAH is the central figure, about whom the other two revolve. It is from his name, Baha, that the Movement takes its name. The Báb and his Movement were but introductory to, while Abdul-Baha and his work are explanatory of, the Bahai Movement.
- This religious teaching is brief and simple. Each of the founders of the great religious systems of the world is looked upon as having been inspired by the one spirit of truth, which is God. The form and letter of the teachings of these various leaders differ because of the differing conditions of humanity to which they ministered, but in spirit each taught the Fatherhood of God and the brotherhood of Man. In the various religions the fundamental truths are one and the same.
- Moreover, each of the prophets taught of the coming of a great teacher, and of the establishment of a Universal Religion. The Jews await the coming of their Messiah, the Christians the coming of the Christ, the Moslems the coming of the Mahdi, the Buddhists the coming of the fifth Buddha, the Zoroastrians the coming of Shah Bahram, and the Hindus the return of Krishna.
- The Bahais teach that the spirit of these promised teachers is one and the same, and they believe that in BAHA'O'LLAH was manifested again this one spirit of truth, The Word of God. Therefore in his mission and teaching he has accomplished the hopes of the peoples of all religions. They believe that he was spiritually endowed with the wisdom and understanding necessary to found a new form of religion, applicable to the needs of this day, one which will embrace within its fold people of all races and religions, uniting them in one human brotherhood.
- The Bahai teacher is in no sense an eclectic philosophy. It is not a theology, nor does it put forward doctrine or dogma. It is essentially a religious faith. It seeks to change man's nature rot by enforcing upon him laws from without, but by developing the higher nature of the individual from within.
- Among the Moslems the Bahai teaching has had a phenomenal spread. The several recent progressive charges in the Islamic world in Persia have only been made possible through the introduction into that country of such progressive thought, and freedom from the superstitions of the past, as the Bahai Movement stands for and takes with it wherever it goes. The progressive Moslem finds the Bahai teaching to be quite in accord with the spirit of the Koran and he accepts it as a new testament added thereto.
- In like manner the Jew sees in this movement the fulfillment of the hope of the Millennial age held out to him in his Bible and realizing this he finds himself at one with the Moslem and the Christian.
- In going farther into the Orient one finds staunch Bahais among the remnant of the ancient Zoroastrian faith. These received this message and believed its principles because in their ancient holy literature they find hidden away its simple truths.
- Thinking Hindus are also being reached by the Bahai thought, and through its positive principle of action and service in bettering humanity they are working to free themselves from superstition and caste. Thus they are in sympathy with the progress of the world along material and spiritual lines together, whereas formerly their progress was limited because of the negative phase in which Hinduism has been during so many centuries.
- The enlightened believer in Gautama, the Buddha, finds in his own teaching the promise of peace and universal brotherhood on earth which makes it easy for him to detect and recognize the fulfilment of the same in the Bahai Movement. To the Buddhist, therefore, the idea of this movement for the readjustment of earthly conditions and the establishment of peace, is a welcome one.
- Of all people, none have taken up the Bahai teaching with more fervor than those scattered here and there, where this message has reached, throughout Christendom. To them it fulfils and accomplishes the hopes of Christianity and they are taking hold of the teaching
as a practical power in daily life. They are applying its principles and are holding out a helping hand to their co-workers in various parts of the Orient. Through this spirit of oneness with the Orientals a bond between the East and the West is established, a bond which will strengthen and grow until all peoples Occidental and Oriental will be as one people-until the great universal civilization, which is so rapidly casting its signs before it, shall stand accomplished.
- The Bahais have no form of admission to their ranks, nor have they any enrolled membership. They do not form a sect. Those who sympathize with their aims they consider as friends and co-workers. As people work with them, they gradually imbibe the spirit and life inspiring the body of workers until they stand forth as exponents of this new faith. The Bahais have no outward institutions as barriers to differentiate nor to separate them from other people.
- Some of the ordnances of this teaching touch upon the following subjects:
- RELIGIOUS UNITY. All men are free to believe and to worship as they will, but they are exhorted to unite in faith, for only through spiritual unity will mankind attain the highest development.
- TOLERANCE. The Bahais should not separate themselves from people who are not of their belief, nor should they denounce nor antagonize those holding views other than their own. They should mingle freely with a people and show forth their faith through love and service to their fellow men.
- PEACE. Warfare should be abolished and international questions should be settled by arbitration. In order to facilitate international communication, one language should be chosen from those already existing, or one devised for that purpose.
- GOVERNMENT. Representative legislation is most conducive to the welfare of the people. The Bahais should be loyal and law-abiding citizens in whatever country they may dwell. They should not glory in that they love their country, but in that they love their kind.
- WORSHIP. Prayer supplemented by a pure and useful life in this world form the elements of true worship. Faith without works is not acceptable. Everyone should have an occupation which conduces to the welfare of humanity, the diligent pursuance of which is in itself an act of worship.
- RESISTANCE. Harshness should be met with gentleness and hatred with love. With these weapons the Bahais will overcome all opposition.
- THE CHURCH. In this Cause there is no priesthood apart from the laity. Each one who receives the spirit should share it with those whom he meets in daily life. All are teachers. Teaching is given without money and without price.
- RELIGIOUS GOVERNMENT. "The House Justice," a central assembly, the members of which are selected by general vote, is to preside over the affairs of the Bahai world. Its work has to do with charitable and educational matters and the general welfare of the people.
- TEMPERANCE. In all matters moderation is to be observed. Man should not use intoxicating liquors as a beverage. The taking opium and kindred drug habits are most emphatically denounced, and gambling is also forbidden. The use of tobacco is discouraged.
- Admonitions forbidding mendicity, slavery, cruelty to animals, and various offences, together with rules regarding public hygiene, education of both sexes and other matters need not here be mentioned, as they are already provided by Western civilization, though in the Orient the need for these is very great.
- The effect of these ordinances cannot be overestimated. In the Orient, where religion is a far more potent factor in every day life than it is here in the West, religions exhortations and injunctions have inestimable weight in the lives of the masses of the people.
- I have made a study of the Bahai Movement, and would like to add a few words of personal testimony regarding what I have seen among the Bahais in many parts of the world.
- In Persia, where this movement had its birth, I found that the Bahais had not only overcome the hatred and antipathy which has for centuries existed between Christian, Jew, Zoroastrian and Moslem, but through the uniting spirit of their teaching this previously existing enmity had beet replaced by a most binding fraternal spirit. In the Bahai Assemblies all differences of the past had been superseded by the strongest of ties. In that country these people have suffered much because of the fanaticism of the surrounding people. Thousands of their members have in the recent past been massacred, while in the present they are under many difficulties. As recent as 1901 over one hundred and seventy Bahais were massacred in one town by the Moslems.
- In Southern Russia and in Turkistan I have visited Assemblies of Bahais. In these territories the movement is protected by the Russian Government, for it is understood that the Bahais stand for Peace and are in no way connected with the many revolutionary movements which continually keep those counties in a state of unrest.
- In Egypt and Syria, as well as Turkey, I have met groups of Bahais working along progressive lines, but in those countries, as well as in Persia, the outward progress of the work is not as great as the unseen progress. This is due to the prejudice and persecution of the Moslems, which often leads to bloodshed.
- In India the principal center of the Bahais is in Bombay. There I found many Parsees or Zoroastrians taking part in the work. In Calcutta, Baroda, Allahabad, Agra, Lahore, Poona and other cities there are assemblies, and in these meetings Christians, Hindus and Moslems mingle as brothers.
- In Burma there is a large Buddhist element amongst the Bahais. Last year I spent some time traveling in that country, and was most hospitably received by the Bahais in several towns and cities. In Japan I found the Bahai teaching to be attracting some attention and in China, too, the movement to have a beginning. Here in these United States, as well as in Great Britain and Europe, I have visited many assemblies and found the work progressing among people of all classes and of varying religious thought. Being essentially a spiritual movement this teaching appeals alike to the enlightened and to the uncultured as it does to people of various religions, races and nationalities.
- Notwithstanding the previous attitude of the religionist, which is usually antagonistic to beliefs other than his own, the moment he becomes imbued with the spirit of the Bahais he no longer limits his interest to the mental confines to which he has been accustomed. He becomes a citizen of the world, freed from national, religious and racial prejudices. This is noticeable in the Occidental Bahai, while in the Oriental Bahai it is many times more so, because of the surrounding background of ignorance, superstition and fanaticism against which he stands out emancipated in bold relief.
- One who has lived in the Orient and known the Oriental people will at once recognize the importance of the religious factor in bringing about Universal Peace. It is the religious differences between the Oriental and Occidental which have created the great chasm betwen Eastern and Western Thought, manners and customs. There being no religious thought in common between the East and West, there is no ground upon which their respective peoples can meet, hence the necessity for a common religion which only can solve the problem. The Bahai Movement is working directly to bring about confidence, understanding and unity between the Oriental and the Occidental peoples. BAHA'O'LLAH, like all world movers, was far ahead of his time. A Universal religion, International Arbitration, Peace, a Universal Language, Universal Suffrage, in fact, a Universal Civilization, with all of its universal institutions, was unthought of by the world when he, over half a century ago, first announced these principles. Now the world in general is awaking to the necessity for those very institutions to which thousands of Bahais have borne witness by persecution and martyrdom.
- Progress is the resounding chord of this day. Progress in religion is needed more than progress in anything else. The world is now ready for a live and progressive Faith of brotherly love which is broad enough to take in every race and every people; a Faith which will lead and create progressive thought and progressive institutions; a Faith which will actually produce a change in men's natures, developing within their souls divine virtues; a religion which does not destroy but which fulfils the religions of the past; a religion free from dogma, applicable to all races and conditions, the unique object of which is Peace and the Universal Civilization. Such a faith is the Bahai Teaching.
- O thou dear maid-servant of God!
- The question of the Mashrak-el-azkar is very important and is superior to every matter; surely put forth utmost effort for it.
- In the fact that you have registered the name of Abdul-Baha in the contribution book, I became very happy.
- Concerning his honor, M. Moustafa Bagdadi, indeed he was an honorable person, who devoted his days to service in the Kingdom of God, became confirmed in excellent services, a cause of guidance to many, was firm in the Covenant, a promulgator of the religion of God. Regarding this a comforting letter was written to Zia Effendi.
- The receipt you have sent was received.
- (Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
- Today in America no matter is greater for the elevation of the Word of God than the Mashrak-el-Azkar. Surely give it the utmost importance. I am always waiting that a good report regarding the Mashrak-el-Azkar should come.
- In most of the cities of Persia, even in some of the villages, a Mashrak-el-Azkar has been founded.
- Now the beloved in America must make effort to establish one Mashrak-el-Azkar.
- Upon thee be El-Baha-el-ABHA. (Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
- This double Tablet was translated by Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi, June 1, 1911.
- If the believers of God in New York and other cities of America establish, in a befitting manner, union and harmony with spirit, tongue, heart and body, suddenly they shall find Abdul-Baha in their midst. Unless this union is brought about, the Breath of the Holy Spirit shall not have any effect, for the physical body must find capacity, so that the life of the Spirit may breathe through it. If the Beloved of the union of the friends and the harmony of the believers become manifest, the East and the West of America shall be perfumed through the sweet fragrance of the Paradise of ABHA, the Mashrak-el-Azkar shall be constructed, the outpouring of the Sun of Reality shall descend, the everlasting glory of the friends of God shall become apparent and the heavenly life be attained.
- Upon thee be Baha-el-Abha! (Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
- Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, April 28, 1911.
- Many of the teachers of the so-called New Thought school have laid down as their first principle,-and as a fact,-that, as God's creatures, we possess in embryo not only His attributes and His power to dominate our whole being as we will, but they assume that "all is good," because all is a part of God.
- Again that as man holds and operates the creative life forces-which some designate as love-he is himself the "I AM" of his being. Then, by reason of this fact and by the use of will and intelligence, he may not only heal the body, and free it from disease and deformity, but he may do all things, and bring all conditions to himself, by concentration and affirmation.
- Lastly, all of these attainments are by his own will and word, because man is an integral part of God.
- This is what we understand to be the foundation or fundamental precepts of the so-called "Science," which has been elaborated and enlarged upon by its ardent followers, until its beautiful word pictures have attracted a large part of the civilized world to its fold.
- "Well," you say, "the effect of such teaching must be uplifting to the thinking mind." Yes, it has been exceedingly comforting, and has enthused many souls who were in darkness, and thrown light and joy upon their paths, and brought health to their bodies as well. But let us see if the foundation stone in this structure is based upon the Truth of God's Word, or upon a basis which cannot stand before His judgments in the latter day, when the "wheat and the tares," which have grown side by side so long, shall finally be separated, and the chaff be burned with the "fire" of God's Love; for "our God is a consuming fire" of all theories and things of man's intellect alone.
- We cannot find any revelation in any of the great and accepted religions from God which states or tries to prove that man is an inherent part of Himself. That God is within all is true. We were created by God. He breathed the breath of life in us, which was spirit, and endowed us with the possibilities of attaining His attributes and eternal life. All life has come from Him; but that did not constitute man any part of God's Essence. Man was made in the image of God. An image is only a representation of something which is; a picture of the mind, or an idea put in form-the likeness of an object formed by reflection.
- Man, therefore, is no more a part of his Creator than the watch is a part of the watchmaker, or the shadow a reality of the thing which cast it. Man is not even in the image of God's Essence; for that cannot be expressed; he is simply in the image of God's Manifestation.
- Before man was created, God thought a form by and through which He could make Himself known to the world, and through which He could speak the Word; and then He honored man by creating him in this beautiful Image of the Annointed Manifestations of Himself.
- It is true that the human spirit may come to recognize the power and work of the Holy Spirit; and by its own development (by grace) come into at-one-ment with the Mind or Will of God, and so attain great wisdom, and even perfection; but on his own plane,-
never on God's plane. We may be the adopted sons and daughters of God, but no part of His Essence.
- All religious sects agree as to the Oneness of God; but we find the Singleness of God emphasized in the teachings of BAHA'O'LLAH. If God be Single, it is a self-evident fact that man cannot be any part of His Essence from any standpoint. As we have said, man may possess the attributes of God, but they are His gifts, as man comes into at-one-ment with His Will.
- The Bahai bases all spiritual truth upon the Oneness* and Singleness,† then, of God; consequently the Bahai knows that man's powers are limited, and his daily confession before the Lord of Glory is: "I testify that I am powerless and Thou art Powerful; I am weak and Thou art mighty." Let us turn to the words of BAHA'O'LLAH, himself, for confirmation. In the Book of Ighan which is one of his greatest works, he says:
- "It is evident to the possessors of knowledge and illumined minds that the Unseen Divinity and Essence of Oneness hath been and is everlastingly hidden in His own Essence, and will be eternally concealed from eyes and sights in His own Identity. * * No relation, connection, separation, union, nearness, remoteness, position or reference is possible between Him and the contingent things, inasmuch as all in the heavens and earth have become existent by the Word of His Command, and have stepped forth from utter and absolute non-existence and nothingness into the court of the existent and visible-through His desire, which is the Will Itself."
- Bahais recognize the fact that man may dominate his body and soul; may heal the body of its diseases, caused by an unbalanced mind; and overcome defects in character, by an understanding of the law of concentration and the human will. But you observe that the above process is based upon the intellect, or the knowledge of material law; upon reason, and the five senses; all of which belong on the human plane and will never enter the realm of Spirit, for Spirit knows. It has no need of reason and intellect in that sphere. We apprehend Wisdom to be the gift of the Holy Spirit to those whose wills have been yielded to the Will of God; for until one's will has been yielded to Him, his intellect and reason will veil him from the inner significances of God's Word and purposes. Wisdom is the knowledge of the Divine Law, which cannot be obtained through reason and research alone.
- You may ask if a man has no need, then, of intellectual pursuit and attainments? If he should cease to develop his brain faculties and abandon the realm of reason? By no means, for these powers are given us that our capacity may be enlarged on this plane, so that God may express Himself through us and use us in His kingdom on earth, to prepare those who are seeking Him and be better able to meet all sorts and conditions of mankind,-so helping them into the light from their own standpoint; for until man has been quickened from within, he must be taught from the intellectual side of his nature; he must be reasoned with. We must be able "to give a reason for the hope that is within us," and be able to state the truth so as to be comprehended. It is our privilege to enlarge our possibilities on every plane, but always to keep in mind the fact of our limitations.
- The trend of metaphysical movement within the past few years has been to cause man to assume God's power to be his own, by his right in being a part of God; and its tendency in many cases has been to turn the mind from the Oneness of God to self and self-glorification.
- Abdul-Baha, the Servant of God, whose office is to unlock to man spiritual truth, says,
"Oneness, in its true significance, means that God alone should be realized as the One Power which animates and dominates all things, which are but manifestations of Its energy."-Baha'o'llah. † "God, singly and alone, abideth in His Own Place, which is holy above space and time, mention and utterance, sign, description and definition, height and depth."-Baha'o'llah.
that the Holy Spirit dominates every part of the human being when its will is subservient to His Will; that by it we may be healed in body and soul; by its operation we may be transformed and attain to wisdom and spiritual power which nothing on the material plane can withstand. In speaking of his own station, he says that the Holy Spirit moves his limbs.
Note the difference between the two processes: one is attaining physical power and understanding of the natural laws given by Infinite Mind for the control of matter only, while the other is accomplished by the Holy Spirit alone,—man's part being simply to yield his will to its guidance and quickening influence.
The highest attainment, as taught by The Christ in Jesus, could be gained only by a complete renunciation of self, a complete submission to the Will of God in all events.
But what does BAHA'O'LLAH teach? He has instructed us that all past teachers from God gave renunciation of self as the highest attainment or station possible in their time, but, in this great day, this is but the first station; that "the servants of God shall never attain to the shore of the Sea of Knowledge except by complete severance from all that is in the heavens and earth."
Perhaps you can get a clearer idea of man as he is if I quote from the teachings of BAHA'O'LLAH and his son, Abdul-Baha. They have stated: "As the world travels in a circle, so also do human beings work out their lives in cycles. Man begins with God, and from His hand he first reaches the Mineral condition or kingdom, on his descent into matter, and contains latent force or power of growth. Then he reaches the Vegetable kingdom, which is still only matter, but it has the power of growth added. Then he progresses to the Animal kingdom, which has the power of the former conditions with a third power added—that of sensation. At birth man enters the Human kingdom. This progression is only by the power of God in matter. The seed of the child grows by the power of God into the human being, just as the seed grows into the tree by the power of the sun. The human being has the powers of all the other conditions, and has reached the point opposite and farthest from God; has passed through all the material condition of the circle by the hidden power of God." Man is now ready to begin ascending the scale of spiritual life. "The soul starts from God, and if it enters the spiritual realms, it may return to God."
"There are three births of man: first, the material; second, to be born of water, or the Truth and Knowledge of God; and third, to be born of the Spirit. * * * To be born of the Spirit is to give up material desires, and to take on all the qualities of God, and thus he begins to ascend the other side of the circle. The spiritual half has an indefinite number of conditions, but always progressing upwards." BAHA'O'LLAH has applied a new light to the torch of Truth, so that man may see how to live the true Christian life; how to gain victory over egotism by sacrifice and servitude.
We hold that there are two distinct phases of optimism. One is based on the assumption of conditions, which the objective mind has first conceived and pictured, as it were, on the walls of the subjective mind. By holding this thought or picture without wavering, we may possibly bring things to pass. We may brighten our own paths by happy, cheerful thoughts, and help uplift others who are in negative states of mind. But this effort must be diligently continued, for all depends upon our own power to hold the pictures formed.
The other kind of optimism is wholly based on the spiritual mind. It comes by a calm and absolute trust in the power of God to bring to pass all things for our highest good, whatever the seeming may be. Circumstances and environments cannot destroy it. Our good may often come through severe tests and trials, so that it may not appear as such on the face of it, but by faith in the power and promises of God to do all things, the silver lining of every cloud is made visible, and one is enabled to obey His command, given through BAHA'O'LLAH, to "Cheer up thy heart with delight, that thou mayst be fitted to meet Me and become a mirror of My beauty."
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!
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!
| MONTH | NAME | FIRST DAYS |
| 1st | Baha' (Splendor) | Mar. 21 |
| 2nd | Jalal (Glory) | Apr. 9 |
| 3rd | Jamal (Beauty ) | Apr. 28 |
| 4th | Azamat (Grandeur) | May 17 |
| 5th | Nur (Light) | June 5 |
| 6th | Rahmat (Mercy) | June 24 |
| 7th | Kalamat (Words) | July 13 |
| 8th | Asma (Names) | Aug. 1 |
| 9th | Kamal (Perfection) | Aug. 20 |
| 10th | Eizzat (Might) | Sept. 8 |
| 11th | Masheyat (Will) | Sept. 27 |
| 12th | Elm (Knowledge) | Oct. 16 |
| 13th | Kudrat (Power) | Nov. 4 |
| 14th | Kowl (Speech) | Nov. 23 |
| 15th | Massa'ulk (Questions) | Dec. 12 |
| 16th | Sharaf (Honor) | Dec. 31 |
| 17th | Sultan (Sovereignty) | Jan. 19 |
| 18th | Mulk (Dominion) | Feb. 7 |
| Four intercalary days. | ||
| 19th | Ola (Loftiness) | Mar. 2 |
| (Month of fasting.) |
Vol. II Chicago, (June 5, 1911) Nur No. 5
We would respectfully direct the attention of the friends to the suggestions held forth in the Tablet to Mrs. Cecilia M. Harrison, of Chicago, printed on page 6, and the brief notes of Miss Buckton, of London, printed on page 7. The arising of a few souls to carry out the hope of Abdul-Baha, who are equipped with the requirements he holds forth, their journeying to and fro and association with all, will undoubtedly stimulate activity among the friends, become the cause of unity among the servants, be productive of great results and conducive to great good.
Our Persian section this issue contains: (1) An article by Mirza Andeleeb, of Shiraz; (2) a poem celebrating Abdul-Baha's departure from Acca; (3) an article by Dr. Fareed on the city of San Francisco, Cal., and the progress of the Cause on the Pacific coast; (4) portrait of Mr. Thornton Chase; (5) the first annual report of the Hospital of Sehat, Teheran; (6) advertising the Book of Tablets of Abdul-Baha printed in Cairo, Egypt; (7) an article from Hamadan, Persia, regarding the founding of a new school; (8) the cause of delay in issuing the STAR OF THE WEST in the East.
نجم باختر 1329 7 جمادی الثّانی 1329
جلد دو م . شماره پنجم
فهرست مندرجات
1 . رقیمۀ مبارک حضرت عندلیب ارواحنا فداه .
2 . قصیدۀ فصیح حضرت مشار الیه در تهنیت هجرت حضرت عبدالبهاء به مصر .
3 . مقالۀ ثانی بقلم حضرت دکتر فرید در تاریخ شهر سنفرنسیسکو .
4 . عکس جناب مستر تورنتون چیس .
5 . اوّل راپورت مریضخانه صحّت طهران .
6 . اعلان چاپ کتاب الواح علمی حضرت عبدالبهاء .
7 . مکتوب از همدان در باب تأسیس مدرسۀ تأیید .
8 . سبب نرسیدن نجم باختر به مشرکین .
Persian Editorial Office: NAJME BAKHTAR, 1800 Belmont Road, Washington, D. C., U. S. A.
1 Vol. 2 No. 5
نجم باختر 1329 سالی دوازده قران
صفحه اوّل . جلد دوم . شماره پنجم ماه نور سنه 68
5 جون 1911
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 جدید و تربیت اطفال و پیشرفت امر حضرت بهاء الله در اطراف جهان و توضیح حقائق این دین عمومی خواهد نوشت و مقالات مفید که موافق سبک اداره است قبول و نشر خواهد گردید .
در این ایّام رقیمۀ مبارکی و منظومۀ فصیحی از طرف آقای ادیب عندلیب گلستان شیراز به ادارۀ نجم باختر رسید و ما هردو را محض قرائت یاران در این صفحات درج مینمائیم :
بیا که رایت منصور پادشاه رسید نوید فتح و بشارت بمهر و ماه رسید
عزیز مصر برغم برادران حسود ز قعر چاه برآمد باوج ماه رسید
کجاست صوفی دجّال شکل ملحد کیش بگو بسوز که مهدی دین پناه رسید
اعظم بشارتی که سبب سرور و بشّاشت ارواح و قلوب احبّای شرق و غرب است آنکه یوسف مصر الهی حضرت عبدالبهاء از قید سلطان ظلوم عنود و کید اخوان حقود حسود مستخلص و در خطه ماه کنعانی بر سریر صحّت و سرور جالس و بر عرش شوکت و اقتدار مستوی و اهالی مصر را که قرنها بقحطی مائدۀ سماوی علم و عرفان مبتلا و قریب به هلاکت بودند از نفحات قمیص معانی و رشحات سحاب علوم و حکم لدّنی صمدانی به حیات ابدی فائز فرموده و در جمیع دقایق لیل و نهار چون باران بهار امطار معارف و سلسال معانی و حقائق از سماء لسان و سحاب قلم و بنان انّ ابهی غصن اعظم سدره الهی باراضی قلوب اهل شرق و غرب افاضه میشود السن من فی الوجود و قوای اهل غیب و شهود از ادای مراسم حمد و شکر این رحمت کبری و همّت لاشبهه لها عاجز و ما نیز به عجز خویش مقرّ و معترفیم پس از این مقام بگذریم و به تبریک و تهنیت ورود مسعود عید اعظم رضوان که ایّام بعثت و اشراق و تجلیّ شمس طلعت رحمن بر من فی الامکان است برآئیم و برادران و خواهران عزیز محترم روحانی خود را به ورود این عید بزرگ بهائی و جشن اعظم ملکوتی تهنیت و تبریک گوئیم و با پرهای محبّت و وداد امر آتی شوق و انجذاب در هوای روح طیران نموده از ممالک شرقیّه بمحافل قدسیّه و مجامع انتبان ارواح مجرّده و حقایق صافیّه منیره پرواز نمائیم و از ملاقات معنوی ایشان در عام روحانیّت محفوظ شویم و از نغمات روح بخششان در مقام نورانیّت متلذّذ گردیم چه که کلّ به علم الیقین میدانیم و به عین الیقین می بینیم که برادران و خواهران غربی ما
صفحه 2 - 1
بهتر و خوبتر و کاملتر بمراسم این عید اعظم و وظایف این جشن بزرگ بهائی قیام و اقدام میفرمایند محافل عظیمه و مجامع کبیرۀ واسعه منعقد مینمایند و در کمال حریّت و آزادی کوس شادی میکوبند و گلبانگ یا بهاء الابهی بفلک اثیر میرسانند و هیچ قسم مانع و رادعی ندارند نه مجتهدین بیدین با کمال غل و بغض و کین مواظبند که فتوای قتل دهند و هزاران نفوس را قطعه قطعه نموده بآتش زنند و نه الواط و اوباش و اراذل مراقبند که فورا دست به تاراج و تالان گشوده هزاران خانه و اموال آنرا خراب و غارت نمایند و این عباد باید در ایران در کمال ملاحظه و حکمت محافل عید را بنحو اختصار منعقد نمائیم چه که روح استبداد و قوای خبیثه ظلم و بیداد در اجساد جمیع طبقات خلق در غایت قوّت موجود و رؤسای ظالم غدّار به جمیع وسائل در قلع و قمع این حزب مظلوم میکوشند و میکشند و این جراحات صدور ما را این مرهم میتواند التیام بخشد که حضرت بهاء الله باشراق جمال و نفوذ کلمۀ مبارکه ما و شما را با کمال بینونت و بیگانگی بروح اخوّت و یگانگی مبعوث فرمود و اهل شرق و غرب را که در هیچ عهد و قرنی با هم ارتباط نداشتند مرتبط و مختلط فرمود و به یقین مبین میدانیم که این است آن ظهور کلیّ ربّ الجنود که تمام روی زمین را قطعۀ واحده و ملتّ واحده خواهد فرمود چنانچه در کتب مقدّسه مظاهر قبلیّه اشارت نموده اند و بشارت داده اند . در کتاب یوئیل فصل 2 آیۀ 28 میفرماید روح خود را بر تمامی بشر خواهم ریخت و پسران و دختران شما نبوّت خواهند کرد کهن سالان شما خوابها بینند و جوانان شما رؤیاها رؤیت خواهند کرد و نیز در آن ایّام روح خود را بر بندگان و کنیزگان خواهم ریخت . و در فصل 3 آیۀ 16 میفرماید خداوند از صهیون خروش خواهد نمود و آواز خود را از اورشلیم بلند خواهد کرد و آسمانها و زمین مرتعش خواهند گردید امّا خداوند از برای خود ملجأ و برای بنی اسرائیل پناه خواهد بود پس خواهید دانست من که خداوند خدای شمایم در کوه مقدّسم صهیون ساکن میباشم .
این بشارات ملکوتی و اخبار الهی طابق النعل بالنعل در باره
صفحه 1 - 2
این ظهور اعظم و نباء در ظهور حضرت مسیح عظیم صادق است در ظهور حضرت مسیح و حضرت محمّد ص این اخبار بوقوع نه پیوست که روح خدا که عبارت از روح القدس است بر تمام بشر ریخته شود و جمیع خلق بروح نبوّت مبعوث شوند حتّی پسران الهی و کنیزان و دختران نبوّت نمایند و یا اینکه خداوند در صهیون ساکن میشود پس صد هزارشکر جمال قدمو اسم اعظم را که وعده های کتب مقدّسه انبیای سلف به ظهور مبارکش کامل گردید و ظهور ربّ الجنود باشراق شمس جمالش تحققّ یافت پس خوشابحال ما و شما که هنوز اغلب خلق در خواب غفلتند نسایم جان پرور ظهور بیدارمان فرمود و در ایّم ضیق امر مبارک تصدیق نمودیم چنانچه بیان حضرت مسیح در انجیل متی مؤیّد این قول است که میفرماید ازدر تنگ داخل شوید بجهت آنکه فراخ است آن در و وسیع است آن طریقی که مؤدّی بهلاکت باشد و داخل شوندگان آن بسیارند زیرا که تنگ است آن در و صعب است آن راه که به زندگانی میرساند و یابندگان آن کمند . اشعار آبدار در تهنیت عبدالبهاء به قطر مصر :
مژده که خورشید عهد بعالم اشراق کرد شعله بر افلاک زد جلوه بر آفاق کرد
ز فضل روحی بدیع بذل بعشّاق کرد زنجمن اعظم سفر هیکل میثاق کرد
یوسف کنعان روح بمصر شد رهسپار
شکرّ فروشان مصر دکّه چرا وا کنند خود را در پیش خلق بهر چه رسواکنند
بگو ز شکر لبش ذکر حق اصغا کنند مظهر الا شوند دوری از لا کنند
ز فیض وجودش شوند در دو جهان رستگار
رقص کند شهر مصر که یوسف اندر من است دیدۀ یعقوب ملک و طلعتش روشن است
ز بوی پیراهنش جهان جان گلشن است گلشن دلها همه پر از گل و سوسن است
که دید اندر جهان بفضل ای نو بهار
با ید بیضای نور موسی طور وجود تنها از برّ شام بر امد فرود
بدفع فرعون جهل پنجۀ قدرت گشود عصای حکمش بدست قوای قدسش حنود خیال اوهام خلق ز صوتش تار و مار
شاهد بزم الست طلعت زیبا نمود از پی اعلاء امر هجرت از عکّا نمود
ز ارض عکّا عبور ز دشت و دریا نمود مسیح آسا مرور بکوه و صحرا نمود
بکوه و صحرا نمود زدست بارها فرار
آه که از ما ندید بجز جفا و ستم ز بعد پنجاه سال حبس و اسیری و غم
چه خدمتی شایگان ندید از این صنم خود پی خدمت نهاد برون ز عکا قدم
صفحه 2 - 2
بنصرت امر حقّ بست کمر استوار
بسال هشتاد و پنج گشت جمال مبین بحکم عبدالعزیز بسجن عکا مکین
تا که بذلت عزیز خود راجع شد لعین گردید عبدالحمید صحب تاج و نگین
در ستم و ظلم گشت پیروان نابکار
گذشت چون بیست و پنج سال زحبس شدید بسجن عکا نمود صعود ربّ مجید
ز بعد چندی رسید حکمی در یوم عید بقلعه بندی نخست ز نزد عبدالحمید
که حبس عبدالبهء است همیشه در این حصار
حمید از عبدالعزیز ظلم و ستم بیش کرد سختی این سجن را بیشتر از پیش کرد
روان بعکا دوبار هیئت تفتیش کرد قلوب را ممتنی ز خوف و تشویش کرد
تا که گرفتار گشت بقهر پروردگار
در سنه شصت و نه ز امر و دین بدیع خلعت حریّه یافت پیکر ملک وسیع
ز قلعه بندی خلاص گشت جمال لمیع گردید عبدالحمید خلع بحکم جمیع
یافت جزای عمل گشت بذلتّ دچار
قلعۀ عکا که سر بر آسمان سوده بود ارادۀ حق در این سنه خرابش نمود
از این خرابی چه قدر عمار عکا فزود هرآنچه حقّ گفته بو شدن است ظاهر چه زود
چه زود مشهود گشت وعد خداوندگار
چراغ خورشید کی زیاد گردد خموش محیط اعظم ز خاک کی افتد از موج جوش
آب بر آتش زدند بلند شد گر خروش در شب و روز این سروش ز غیبم آمد بگوش
ز غیبم آید بگوش که حقّ بود پایدار
دمیکه زابهی افق شمس حقیقت دمید پردۀ اوهام خلق پرتو قدرت درید
بزم الست آشکار جهان نو شد پدید هیکل میثاق را زماسوی برگزید
کرد باو اعتماد داد به او اختیار
او را منصوص کرد مالک غیب و شهود مرجع مخصوص کرد برای من فی الوجود
شبان اغنام خویش نمودش از فضل و جود ز جود او مستفیض وجود اهل سجود
تمام من فی الوجود باو کنند افتخار
لطیفۀ جان و دل نتیجۀ کاف و نون مقدّس از شبه و مثل منزّه از چند و چون
نامۀ او ذو حکم خامۀ او ذوفنون رایت نقض و نفاق رایت او سر نگون
رحمت او بی عدد زحمت او بی شمار
قامت او مستخیز طلعت او پر ضیا تبسّمش دلفریب تکلمّش دلربا
شمایلش روح بخش خصائلش روح زا فرقت او جانکاه صحبت او جانفزا
صحبت او جان فزا فرقت او جان شکار
کاس اصنام شرک قدرت عبدالبهاء است مثبت توحید حق وحدت عبدالبها است
خدمت امثال ما نیست سزاوار یار
اوست که آلوده نیست ما همه آلوده ایم وزحمت آسوده نیست ما همه آسوده ایم
صفحه 1 - 3
بر اثر مشی او قدم نه پیموده ایم در همه اوقات عمر بفکر خود بوده ایم
منفعل و سربزیر روسیه و شرمسار
حضرت عبدالبهاء معین هر مستمند حبیب هر بینوا طبیب هر درد مند
قتیل او سرفراز ذلیل او ارجمند اسیر او سر برون نمیکشد از کمند
گر بکشندش بتیغ یا بکشندش بدار
بحر محیط بقاست عهد جمال قدم هرکه ننوشید ازو به بود از وی عدم
کاش که ننهاده بود بملک هستی قدم تا نکند نقض عهد تا نستاید صنم
تا ننماید غرور تا نشتابد بنار
خادم در بار حقّ حضرت عبدالبهاء است ناشر آثار حقّ حضرت عبدالبهاء است
حامل اسرار حقّ حضرت عبدالبهاء است تابع گفتار حقّ حضرت عبدالبهاء است
قائم بر خدمت است روز و شبان بنده وار
ای که فراق تو برد ز دل قرار و شکیب بود که روزی شود مرا لقایت نصیب
تا که به بینم رخت بار دگر ای حبیب شام و سحر چون هزار ناله کند عندلیب
ناله کند عندلیب شام و سحر چون هزار
مقالۀ ثانی بقلم جناب آقای دکتر فرید در باب شهر سنفرنسیسکو که بادارۀ نجم باختر فرستاده و ما عینا درج مینمائیم :
در شمارۀ سابق نجم باختر مقدّمۀ بطور اختصار از مسافرت و سیاحت در کلیفورنیا اظهار نمود و شرح محافل روحانی و مجالس عمومی را بدین مقاله حواله کرد و امروز نامۀ از مدیر نجم باختر رسید مرقوم نموده که از اوضاع مدنیّت و حکومت و اوصاف سیاست و کیاست و از معارف و ادبیّات و مدارس و مریضخانه ها و فابریقه جات نیز قدری نوشته شود لهذا اوفق اینست که هر مقالۀ را محصور باوصاف یک شهر نماید . بدین شیوه معلومات و نظریّات خود را در مقالۀ بگنجاند از این رو شهر کره ماست کلیفورنیا که موسوم به سنفرنسیسکواست باوصاف ذیل معرّفه میگردد :این بلاد معظم و بندر معموره در سمت غرب امریک و شمال ایالت کلیفورنیا کنار دریای محیط پاسیفیک واقع است نظر بموقع جغرافیائی و بملاحظه قوای بحری ژاپانی دولت اتازونی حصن حصین در اینجا ساخته و با توپ کروپ اطراف خلیج را مستحکم نموده و چندین کشتی جنگی دائم در مقابل شهر محافظ و نگهبان قرار داده است. روابط تجارتی اتازونی با ممالک چین و ژاپون و جزائر فیلیپین بواسطۀ این اسکله مهمّ است و این شهر بزرگ بر سطح جبال سبعه ساخته شده است و با وجود ارتفاع بعضی محلات و بلندی و پستی خیابانها و تمام راهها تراموای الکتریک کار میکند ولی در میان این راه آهن و تراموای های شهرهای دیگر فرق است در اینجا نظر بسربالائی
صفحه 2 - 3
و ناهمواری کوچه ها باصطلاح مکانیکی « تراموای زنجیری » استعمال مینمایند آب و هوای این شهر بسیار لطیف و از هر جهت خوشمنظر است و مشهوربباب طلا و شهر طلاست . بعلتّ معادن طلا و نقره که در نقاط مجاور است شماره اهالی سانفرنسیسکو 425000 نفس است از قرار سرشماری پنج سال قبل . از هر جنس و ملیّت و مذهبی عدّه کبیره بساکن دارد چندین هزار نفر چینی و جاپانی از تجّار و سائر طبقات یافت میشود و امریکائیها کمال رنجش را از حضرات دارند بلکه از ترقیّ و زیرکی چاپانیان و ازدیاد قوای برتری چاپان خوفناک هستند و میترسند چاپان در نزدیک زمان دست تطاول را به امریک دراز کند و فتوحات غربی جوید و در این موضوع اهالی کلیفورنیا پیوسته در بحث و گفتگو هستند . دولت امریک یکی از ضرّابخانۀ دوگانۀ خویش را نظر بوجود معادن طلای این ایالت در اینجا ساخته است . و امّا مراتب ادبی و معارف این شهر . سانفرنسیسکو صاحب دو یونیورسیتی دارالعلوم بزرگ است یکی یونیورسیتی کالیفورنیا و ثانی معروف باسم بانی آن ( یونیورسیتی میلان استنفرد جونیور) هر کدام عبارت از زیاده از ده عمارت است پانصد پروفسور و مدرّس و معلمّ دارد و چندین هزار طلابّ و شاگردان محصّل من حیث دارالعلم میلان استنفرد جونیور برتری دارد و حسن تعلیم و اتقان تدریس فنون مکانیکی و فلزات و علم زراعت یونیورسیتی ایالتی کالیفورنیا ممتاز است از برای تحصیل علم فلزات فی الحقیقه یونیورسیتی ایالتی اینجا بی نظیر است چه قدر لازم است بعضی جوانان قابل ایران برای تحصیل این علم شریف بدینجا آمدند چنانچه سالی میگذرد که از چاپان عدّۀ بجهت تحصیل آمده و می آیند و الآن زیاده از سه هزار جوانان چاپانی در مدارس اینجا در کمال کوشش وسعی و جدّ و جهد به تحصیل مشغولند مریضخانه ها نسبت به ایالات دیگر در این بلاد کمتر است و علتّ آن خوش آبی هوا و طهارت و نظافت و بیوت و طرق است . مریضخانه بزرگ کوپر هوسپیتال مشهور است و دکتر کوپر که از اطبّای معروف بلد و حکیم باشی مریضخانه است از بهائیان است اوقات توقفّ در سانفرنسیسکو هر روزه بدان مریضخانه میرفتم و عملیّات و معالجات طبّی میدیدم و مکرّر با دکتر صحبت نمودم از اکتشافات عظیم 606 آن یگانه دانشمند شیمی اریک آلمانی که در این اوقات جلب نظر کافّۀ اطبّای اروپ و امریک را نموده و البّته بگوش اطبّای ایران نیز رسیده است
صفحه 1 - 4
برگردیم بر سر شهر کبیر در سنه 1907 اوقاتیکه نویسنده در شیکاغو به تحصیل طبّ مشغول بود زلزلۀ شدیدی سانفرنسیسکو را بکلیّ خراب کرد و بفاصلۀ یک شبانه روز این معموره را با زمین یکسان نمود هزاران از بندگان خدا بفنا رفتند و در جرائد دنیا درج شد که تاکنون چنین زلزله عظیمی در آنجهات وقوع نیافته بود از آنوقت تا امروز چهار سال میگذرد و هرکس شهر تازه را ملاحظه میکند هیچ گمان نمی نماید که چند سال قبل این بنیان بباد رفت بلکه شهر تازه اعظم و اتم و قشنگتر از شهر سابق است عجب سعی و همّت و کوشش دارند این اهالی امریک چه قدر در ایجاد اسباب فلاح و نجاح و آسایش و آبادانی و رفاه مردانگی و قوّت اظهار میدارند که در فاصلۀ چهار سال شهری عظیم و صد هزار مرتبه بهتر از طهران بنا نموده و تمام کرده اند . این است معنی همّت و سعی امریکائیها در امور ظاهر دنیا حال قدری از مراتب دین داری و مسلک روحانی و مظاهر بهائی سخن راند اهالی این صفحات بسیار طالب روحانیّات هستند دوست کشیشها و اوهام کلیسها خسته و پژمرده شده اند و پی حقیقت و هدایت کبری میگردند بعلاوه بر محافل متعدّد روحانی چندین مجلس بزرگ عمومی در کلوب کالیفورنیا که اعظم دارالاجتماع علما و فضلای سنفرنسیسکو باشد انعقاد یافت و چون در جرائد و روزنامه جات اعلام شده بود اجتماع زیاد میشد بحدّی که کرسی خالی نمی ماند و حتّی جای ایستادن هم پیدا نمیشد . جناب مستر تورنتن چیس یکی از اوّلین بهائیان امریک که حال در شهر لاس انجلس از ایالت کالیفورنیا بکار خود به نشر امرالله مشغول است
صفحه 2 - 4
اوّل راپورت مریضخانه صحّت طهران که باداره فرستاده و ماتیمنّا در این صفحات درج مینمائیم . هوالله تعالی شأنه العظمة و الاقتدار این محبّان وحدت عالم انسانی و خادمان بنوع بشر و وطن که قطعۀ ارض را در حکم یک وطن بلکه بمنزله یک خانه و ابناء و ملل و طوایف مختلفه را در حکم اعضاء و اجزاء یک کاشانه میدانیم از دیر زمانی در این اندیشه و خیال بودیم که با عدم استطاعت و قلتّ بضاعت بهر وسیله و طریقه که ممکن است از راه ثواب محضا لله و طلبا لمرضاته مصدر خدمتی و منشاء اثری گردیم که فایده و نتیجۀ آن بجمیع ادیان و اقالیم از فقیر و غنی و ضعیف و قوی عرب و عجم و ترک و تاجیک افریک و امریک راجع شود . برای نیل بدین مقصود مقدّس چون عمری صرف تحصیل علوم طبیعیّه و طبیّه نموده ایم موفقّ شده و وسیلۀ ایجاد مریضخانۀ را در نظر گرفتیم و در جلسات عدیده جنابان دکتر محمّد خان و دکتر ارسطو خان و این عبد ه دکتر عطاء الله این قضیّه را مطرح مذاکره و مشاوره قرار دادیم در این بین بشارت ورود خواهر روحانی غربی خودمان دکتر مودی را شنیدیم و وجود مقدّسه محترمه آن ورقه را مغتنم شمردیم و شرکت و عضویّت مشارالیها را در تأسیس مریضخانه موجب ترقیّ و سعادت خود و مریضخانه دانسته ورود مشار الیها را بفال نیک گرفته و از تأییدات غیبیّه دانستیم و مقصد خود را بآن ورقه مطمئنّه عرضه داشتیم و عضویّت و معاونت ایشان را استدعا نمودیم و آن خواهر روحانی محترمه بحسن قبول این خادمان را قرین مسرّت و بهجت و امتنان فرمودند عاقبت باتّفاق آراء ارکان اربعه با نهایت خلوص و اتّحاد و عزمی ثابت و راسخ و طلب تأیید و توفیق از ساحت اقدس ربّ السّموات و الارض مصممّ بر تأسیس مریضخانه گشته از غرّه شهر ذی حجّه سنه 1327 بهترین نقطه و محلّ طهران که مناسب بدین مقصود و مرکزیّت بشهر دارد در خیابان لاله زار دو ساله بمبلغ گزاف اجاره نمودیم ولی با رعایت و ملاحظۀ مرکزیّت و خوبی نقطه و محلّ چون از حیثیّت ساختمان و بنا و تعمیرو نظافت شایسته و در خور مقصود نبود مبلغ زیادی از کیسه خودمان علاوه بر مال الاجاره خرج تعمیر و آبادی محلّ نمودیم تا آنکه صورتی پیدا کرده قابل محلّ منظور گردید برای استقرار و دوام در محلّ چهار سال دیگر بر مدّت اجاره خانه افزودیم و شروع به عملیّات و تدارک و تهیّه اساسیّه و آلات و ادوات جراحیّه احتیاجیّه نمودیم و بقدر مقدور حاضر کرده چندی نگذشت که فراغت از تحصیل و اجازه مرخصّی و حرکت بسمت ایران یگانه دوست ارجمند و برادر مهربان
--PHOTO-- (of Thornton Chase)
صفحه 1 - 5
و محترم روحانی و علمی خود یعنی جناب دکتر یونس خان را شنیده و به زیارتش نایل گشته چشم سر و دل هر دو را روشن نمودیم هرچه در ضمیر بود بساحت مینوش عرضه رفت و بابیاناتی دلکش و فرح انگیز حسن تلقّی فرموده از همه نوع مساعدت و معاونت و شرکت و عضویّت دیگر اعضاء را مسرور و محظوظ نمودند . شرکاء خمسه با نهایت موافقت و اتّحاد و حرارت تکمیل عملیّات را پیروی کرده و همه روزه در صدد ترقیّ و فراهم نمودن اسباب بوده و بقدر امکان کوشش و تلاش نمودیم و ترتیب نظامنامه را دادیم و آنرا به مریضخانه محبّ نام نهادیم و برای استحکام و استقرار و ثبات و دوام بناء و شرافت و سعادت اعضاء و تأیید و ترقیّ و عظمت این مقصد مقدّس عریضۀ بساحت اقدس سیّدنا و مولانا و ربّنا حضرت عبدالبهاء ارواحنا لعبودیّة الفداء عرض کردیم و رجا نمودیم که مادّۀ اوّل این نظامنامه بنام مبارک شروع شود و سردفتر این بنای خیریّه گردد این است که رجاء این عباد بساحت اقدس مقبول واقع شده و به لوح امنع اقدس این خادمان را قرین افتخار و مباهات فرمودند قوله تعالی شأنه مادّۀ اوّل چون در این قرن شاهد وحدت عالم انسانی در نهایت ملاحت و صباحت در انجمن عالم جلوه نموده لهذا این مریضخانه بجهت بیماران نوع انسان از جمیع ادیان تأسیس شده و هر مریضی که وارد این بیمارخانه گردد محترم است و امید چنان است که شفای الهی همدم و همراز گردد
بر عموم برادران و خواهران شرقی و غربی این خادمان مخفی و پوشیده نماند که آن نیّت و مقصد مقدّس را که هیئت مؤسّسه انجمن ارتباط شرق و غرب در نظر گرفته و نهایت اهتمام و کوشش را در تحصیل و واصل شدن بدان مقام میفرمایند این خادمان نیز بقدر وسع و طاقت خود شعبۀ از آنرا تعقیب نموده ایم و بقدر امکان میکوشیم توفیق و تأیید اجراء و انجام این مقصد را از ساحت اقدس عبدالبهاء میطلبیم و هریک ازبرادران و خوهران دور و نزدیک که بخواهند بصرافت طبع معاونت و کمکی فرمایند یا عضویّت افتخاری این بیمارخانه را قبول نمایند موجب سرور قلب و تشکرّ و امتنان این خادمان خواهد گردید بلکه معاونین و معاونات خود را در ترقیّات روحانی و اجر و جزای ملکوتی با خود شریک و سهیم بل در هر مورد مقدّم بر خود میدانیم .
صفحه 2 - 5
البّته بر ضمیر و خاطر نیّر ذوّات مقدّسه مکشوف و عیان است که چندین مریضخانه در ایران خاصّه در شهر طهران دائر است از امریکائی و دولتی وروسی و غیره و غیره ولی بیمار خانه صحّت تنها مریضخانه است که بهمّت و اتّحاد و اتّفاق این اعضاء مؤسّسه خمسه بدون معاونت و کمک و همراهی دولت یا ملتّ تأسیس شده نیّت و مقصد اصلی اعانت ودستگیری و پرستاری و خدمت به فقراء نوع است ولی در موقع کلینیک و کنسولتاسیون های یومیّه از اغنیا و متوسّطین وجهی گرفته شده و میشود و نیز فقرای مرضائی که در مریضخانه بخوابند مجّانی قبول میشوند ولی از اغنیا بحدّ اعتدال وجهی دریافت شده و میشود و در این مدّت کلیّتا چه از مرضای کلینیک مریضخانه و چه از مرضای متوقفّ و چه از مرضای جرّاحی که عملیّات نموده ایم وجوهی رسیده امّا چون ترقیّ و عظمت این اساس در نظر بوده و هست عایدات را بمصرف ترقیّات و افزایش اساسیّه و اکمال نواقص رسانده و تاکنون پانزده تختخواب با تمام لوازم آن حاضر نموده ایم و هریک از دکتران آلات و ادوات جراحیّه مخصوص به کلینیک خود را در اطاق مخصوص به عمل مریضخانه حاضر کرده که در موقع حاجت و ضرورت بکار اندازند علاوه بر وجوهی که اطّبّای مریضخانه بعنوان اسهام شرکتی داده اند تمام عایدات مریضانه الی کنون بمصرف ترقیّ و اکمال آن رسیده هنوز میتوان گفت که احتیاجات و نواقص بسیار داریم از قبیل اسباب و آلات عمده جراحیّه و تختهای آهنی مخصوص به عملیّات و دواخانه و ادویّه جات مخصوص به دواخانه مریضخانه و غیره ، با همه این نواقص و ملاحظات صرفه جوئی مبلغی کسر محلّ و قرض اطبّای مریضخانه است که از بعد انشاء الله باید تأدیه شود . نکته مهمّی را که مریضخانه اعلان نموده آنکه از بدو اساس به عموم دکتران و اطبّای محترم شهر خبر داد که هریک از اطبّا مریض مهمّی داشته باشند که در تشخیص مرددّ باشند با مریض خود به کلینیک مریضخانه حاضر شده با حضور هیئت اطبّاء تشخیص مرض و دستور العمل کافی تحصیل نموده مراجعت نمایند یا اکر مریض جراحی داشته باشند که اسباب عملیّه آن در خارج فراهم نباشد یا به تنهائی از عهده عملیّه بر نیایند مریض خود را در مریضخانه حاضر نموده در صورتیکه خود عامل شوند اطبّای مریضخانه همه نوع مساعدت و همراهی خواهند نمود و اگر بخواهند دکتر مریضخانه عمل کند طبیب مخصوص را با کمال توقیر و احترام بمعاونت می پذیرند صورت مختصر از مرضائی که در این مدّت به مریضخانه آمده و خوابیده و اجرای عملیّه شده اند برای آگاهی آن دوستان محترم عرضه میداریم که موجب بصیرت و اطّلاع عموم یاران گردد .
صفحه 1 - 6
سواد بعضی بیانات اخیره حضرت عبدالبهاء در باب سفر مبارک به بلاد امریک :
« ای دختر ملکوت نامۀ شما رسید و قرائت گردید مرا به امریکا دعوت کرده بودی که در آن خطه و دیار گلهای معطرّ خوش رنگی موجود همچنین خار و خس بسیار ولی عبدالبهاء باید نظر بخار مغیلان ننماید محض خاطر گلها بآن کشور شتابد این تشبیه بسیار بدیع است و اگر باغبانی ایشان را به باغ دعوت کند اوّل جمیع گلها را در نهایت جلوه و طراوت و لطافت آرد آنوقت دعوت کند و از این گذشته در میان گلها اختلاف است پس دعاکن تا اقلا در میان گلها ائتلاف حاصل شود تا استعداد حضور عبدالبهاء حاصل گردد من نهایت اشتیاق به ملاقات دارم ولی تا شروطی که تحریر گردیده حاصل نگردد سفر من باین صفحات مشکل است زیرا نتیجۀ نبخشد حال حمد خدا را که تو و امّة الله آسیه متّحد و متفّقند از اینجهت بسیار مسرورم امیدوارم که جمیع یاران و اماء رحمن با یکدیگر الفت جویند تا عبدالبهاء بدون کلفت از شرق تا بغرب سفر نماید و امید چنین است که این الفت حصول پذیرد در لوح دیگر میفرمایند : اگر امریک استعداد حضور عبدالبهاء نماید من بآنجا آیم و جمیع مشکلات حل میشود . ای بنت ملکوت آرزوی حضور من به امریکا نموده بودی استعداد و استحقاق مشروط . در لوح دیگر میفرمایند : و امّا قضیّه آمدن من به امریکا مشروط شرطی است که به امریکا نوشته ام اگر آن شروط حاصل گردد یقین است که حاضر شوم .
چاپ کتاب جدید الواح در قاهرۀ مصر
مدّتی است در مصر کتابی از الواح علمیّه حضرت مولی الوری عبدالبهاء بطبع رسیده و انتشار یافته است . هدیۀ آن کتاب بدون جلد و مصروف سی غروش صاغ مصری است هرکس مایل بدست آوردن این کتاب نفیس است به جناب آقای آقا سیّد اسدالله قمی به
پورت سعید مرقوم نموده دریافت خواهند نمود .
مکتوب مفید از اعضاء محفل انس همدان
پس از حمد و ستایش حضرت عبدالبهاء معروض میدارد که این فانیان اعضاء محفل انس همدان همواره مترصدّ زیارت نامه های مقدّسه نجم باختر بوده و از کلمات شیرینش عالمها سرور موجود خصوصا از شماره هیجدهم که حاکی بود از اخبارات سفر حضرت عبدالبهاء به مصر که واقعا در مجالس احبّای الهی تلاوتش باعث سرور بهجت همان پیام گردید و کرارا عموما از درگاه حضرت کبریا طلب تأیید تام و دوام جریدۀ ذمقدّسه را نموده و امید واریم دعای این فقراء مقرون باجابت باشد
صفحه 2 - 6
از اخبارات این ارض آنکه از تأیید و توجّهات مرکز میثاق احبّای همدان موفقّ بر تأسیس مدرسۀ تأیید گردیده اند و با کمال آزادی نونهالان بهائی و فرقانی و کلیمی و اغیار که هنوز تصدیق امر نکرده اند بلا تفاوت قبول و بحمدلله ترقیّات فوق العاده نموده که باعث افتخار عموم بهائیان گردیده ولازم بود که مختصری از وضع این مدرسه مبارکه عرض شود و رجا داریم در روزنامه نجم باختر درج نمائید این محفل که یکی از نمایندگان ملتّ بهائیان همدان و از خادمان و چاکران عموم است استدعا مینماید که منبعد باب مکاتبات که سبب اتّحاد و رابطۀ بین است باز گردد چه که احبّای همدان از زیارت مرقومات نجم باختر بی اندازه مسرور و مجذوب میشوند و از مدیر جریده که در مسلک و منهج و انتشار امرالله قدم میزند درج این چند کلمه را درخواست داریم شاید بتوفیقات الهی این مختصر اظهاریّه اساس تشویق و تحریص اعظام مدارس و تأسیس ابنیّه خیریّه گردد از جمله تأییدات ربّانی و احساسات وجدانی احبّای همدان را بر تأسیس مدرسۀ تأیید مؤیّد و موفقّ داشته است و الحمدلله در این قلیل مدّت منتج نتائج و مثمر اثمار بدیعه گشته والحقّ و الانصاف معنی قوّت و قدرت این کارخانۀ آدم سازی را بر تمام احبّای همدان مکشوف و محسوس داشته چنانچه چندی قبل بحضور جمعی از معارف پروران و عالمان از رؤسای مدارس اسلامیّه و غیر از قبیل رئیس مدرسه الیانس محفل امتحان شاگردان منعقد و مصداق عند الامتحان یکرم المرء حضّار مجلس گشت ولله الحمد نهالهای بی اهمال دوستان حقّ بالاجماع از امتحان بشرف قلم و آگاهی مفتخر و سرافراز شدند و صاحبان اولاد همگی بتلذاتّ روحانی متلذذ شدند و به نغمات وجدانی منعمّ گشتند و جا داشت که مؤسّسین و معلمین این مدرسه تأیید که من جانب الله مؤیّد و موفقّ بوده و هستند معنی افتخار و شرافت خدمت بامرالله را بسایرین بهمین اسباب ظاهری مبرهن و هویدا دارند واقعا اقدام هیچ هیئت علمیّه در ایران چنین فایده مستعجلی نبخشیده بود و استعداد اطفال در ایران عموما و در همدان خصوصا باین زودی ظهور و بروز نکرده بود حمد و ستایش خداوندی را سزاست که احبّای همدان را به چنین نعمتی متنعمّ ومؤسّسین و معلمّین را بچنین شرافتی مشرّف فرمود از جمله مؤسّسین محفل روحانی و محفل تأیید و معلمّین آقا سیّد عبدالله میانجی معلمّ دروس عربی و غیره و آقای دکتر مسیح خان معلمّ دروس فرانسه و آقا محمّد معلمّ فارسی و آقا میرزاصالح معلمّ ابتدائی و نیز معلمّین عبری و مشّاق هم برقرار است .
دو سه ماهی است که تعلیقه جات بسیار از جمیع اطراف شرق رسیده ولی بدبختانه هنوز موفقّ به جواب آنها نگردیده . بعضی از یاران از ایران و روسیّه مرقوم فرموده اند که این جریده را دریافت نمی نمایند و سبب نگرانی کلّ شده است . نجم باختر در تبریز چاپ و توزیع گردید و اگر دوستان دریافت نمی نمایند تقصیر اولیاء پست روسیّه و ایران است . این اداره الحمدلله تابحال در انجام تکالیف اهمال ننموده است
