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Vol. III March 21, 1912
No. 1Teachings of BAHA'O'LLAH—From Discourses Given by Abdul-Baha in London and Paris | 3 |
Why a New Revelation?—By Ellen V. Beecher | 6 |
Letter from Montreal—By May Maxwell | 6 |
Announcement | 9 |
Persian Section—Illustrated | 10-16 |
[Page 2]
PRICE LIST OF PUBLICATIONS
OF THE BAHAI REVELATION
Hidden Words | $ .15 |
Seven Valleys | .25 |
Book of Ighan Postage 10 cents | 1.00 |
Tarazat and Other Tablets | In Press |
Tablet of Ishrakat | .25 |
Surat-ul-Hykl | .25 |
Tablets of Abdul-Baha (Vol.1) Postage 15 cents | 1.00 |
Mysterious Forces of Civilization Postage 10 cents | 1.00 |
Bahai Revelation Postage 10 cents | $ .50 |
Universal Religion Postage 10 cents | 1.00 |
Some Answered Questions Postage 15 cents | 1.50 |
School of the Prophets Postage 10 cents | 1.25 |
Unity Through Love | .10 |
In Galilee | .25 |
A Year with Bahais of India and Burma | .25 |
Story of Bahai Movement | .05 |
Bahai Hymns | .10 |
Revelation of Baha'o'llah | $ .10 |
Dawn of Knowledge | .15 |
Martyrdoms in Persia | .10 |
10 Days in Lt. of Acca | .25 |
Table Talks with Abdul-Baha | .10 |
Daily Lessons Received at Acca | .20 |
My Visit to Acca | .10 |
Flowers from the Rose Garden of Acca | .10 |
Portfolio of Views of Holy Land | 1.00 |
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Address all Orders to
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PORTRAITS OF ABDUL-BAHA for framing, printed from the plate used in No. 14 issue of the STAR OF THE WEST, on cameo plate paper, size 9x12 in.—25 cents per copy, postpaid. Send postoffice money order, made payable to Bahai News Service, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, Ill., U. S. A.
NOTICE—The Bahai Assembly of Washington is publishing a new edition of the pamphlet entitled "Peace" which is a sketch of the history and teachings of the Bahai Movement. These pamphlets can be had in quantities at the following rates, which includes postage or expressage: 1,000 copies, $15.00; 500 copies, $8.00; 100 copies, $2.00; 50 copies, $1.25; 25 copies, $0.75. Apply to The Bahai Assembly of Washington, P. O. Box 192, Washington, D. C.
FRESH FROM THE PRESS—A large edition of leaflets dealing specially with Bible prophecies fulfilled during this half century—automobiles, electricity, flying machines, earthquakes, etc., high cost of living, locomotives, etc. Also contains Abdul-Baha's exhortation and "To live the life." To be no cause of grief to anyone, etc. It is hoped these will be particularly adapted to exciting interest of those into whose hands leaflet may chance to fall. Mailed postpaid at rate of 60 for 20c or $1.00 for 300. Stamps or paper currency—the U. S. mails are safe.
ROY C. WILHELM, Englewood, New Jersey.
BAHAI WALL CALENDAR | Price $1.00 |
The selling price of this calendar is $1.00 postpaid to any address. The members are taking this way of making money for the Mashrak-el-Azkar fund. We earnestly hope that you will send us as large an order and at as early a date as possible.
HONOLULU BAHAI ASSEMBLY, P. O. Box 761, HONOLULU, TER. HAWAII.
Star of the West[edit]
"We desire but the good of the world and the happiness of the nations; that all nations shall become one in faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men shall be strengthened; that diversity of religion shall cease and differences of race be annulled. So it shall be; these fruitless strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the 'Most Great Peace' shall come."—BAHA'O'LLAH.
Chicago (March 21, 1912) Baha'
No. 1"Shouldst thou make the mirror of the heart pure and clear from the dust of prejudice, thou wilt comprehend all the symbols in the sayings of the perfect Word of Divinity in every Manifestation and be informed of the mysteries of knowledge. But, unless thou destroyest with the fire of Severance the veils of learning which are conventional among the servants, thou wilt not attain to the brilliant morn of the Ideal Knowledge."—Book of Ighan.
THE FIRST PRINCIPLE OF THE TEACHING OF BAHA'O'LLAH IS:
The Search after Truth.
IN ORDER to search after the Truth, men must shut their eyes to all the traditional superstitions of the past.
The Jews have traditional superstitions, the Christians also; also the Zoroastrians, the Buddhists. All religions are bound by traditions and dogma, all consider they themselves are right and the rest are wrong. The Jews believe themselves to be the only possessors of the Truth and condemn all other religions; the Christians say their religion is the only true one and all others are false; likewise the Buddhists and Mohammedans, all limit themselves. If all condemn one another, where can we search for Truth? All contradict one another, all cannot be true. If each considers their Religion as the only true one, it is impossible for them to see the Truth in the others.
If a Jew is bound by the external practice of the Religion of Israel, he can never understand that Truth can exist in any other Religion but his own. We must, therefore, detach ourselves from forms and external practices of Religion if we wish to see the Truth and reality of others. We must abandon the prejudices of tradition.
If a Zoroastrian believes that the Sun is God, how can he be united to other religions? The idolaters believe in their idols, how can they understand the Unity of God?
It is clear then that in order to search after Truth we must detach ourselves from superstition. If all men would follow this principle, Truth would be found and they would have a clear vision.
If five people meet together to search for Truth, they must begin by putting aside their own special convictions and renounce their own prejudices. In order to find Truth we must give up our own small ideas. The fact that we imagine ourselves to be right and every one else to be wrong, is the greatest obstacle in the path of Unity, and Unity is necessary if we desire to find Truth.
Therefore we must renounce our own particular prejudices and superstitions if we are in earnest in our search for Truth. Unless we make a distinct division between dogma, superstition, prejudice, on the one hand, and Truth on the other, we shall never succeed. When we wish to find a thing we search for it everywhere, therefore we must carry this principle out in our search for Truth.
Science must be accepted. Light is good in whatever lamp it is burning; a rose is beautiful in whatever garden it grows; a star has the same radiance from whatever point it rises.
Have no prejudices. You must love the Sun
wherever it rises. If the Sun of Truth shines
in Jesus, it has also shone in Moses and in [Page 4]
Buddha. That is what is meant by the Search
for Truth.
It means also that we must put aside all we have learned before and recommence our education. We must not be attached to any one religion or personality, for fear of at last becoming bound by superstition. When we are once detached we can seek the Truth and arrive at our goal. Then we shall see Truth in the reality of all religions, for Truth is in all.
The first discovery we make in our search for Truth will lead us to the Unity of Mankind.
"O Children of Men! Do ye know why We have created ye from one clay? That no one should glorify himself over the other. Be ye ever mindful of how ye were created Since We created ye all from one substance, ye must be as one soul, walking with the same feet, eating with one mouth and living in one land, that ye may manifest with your being and by your deeds and actions the signs of unity and the spirit of oneness."—Arabic Hidden Words.
THE SECOND PRINCIPLE.
'The Unity of Mankind.
YESTERDAY I spoke to you of the First Principle of the Teaching of BAHA'O'LLAH, the Search after Truth. It is necessary for a man to put aside all he believed before in the nature of traditional superstition and regard all religions as equal. He must not love and cling to one, and detest another. He must search for Truth in all, and if his search be earnest he will succeed.
The Second Principle is the Unity of Mankind. All are servants of the One God—and God reigns over all and has pleasure in all alike. All men are of one family, the crown of humanity rests on the head of each man. In the eyes of the Creator all are equal. He is kind to all, He does not favor this nation or that nation, all are His creatures. If this is so, why should we divide one race from another, creating superstitions, differences between one people and another?
The only difference between men is the difference in degree. Some are like children, who are ignorant and must be educated and reared to maturity; some are like the sick and must be treated with tenderness and care. None are bad or evil. We must not feel repelled by these poor children, we must be kind, we must teach the ignorant and tend the sick.
Consider: Unity is the cause of existence, love is the cause of life; and on the other hand separation is the cause of death. In the world of creation, for instance, all things owe their existence to Unity. The elements which compose wood, stone or minerals, are held together by the Law of Attraction; if the law ceases to hold these elements together, if they are separated, then the object will not exist. The law of attraction has brought together certain elements in the form of this flower, but as soon as the law of attraction is withdrawn from this centre, the flower will decompose.
So it is with humanity. The great Law of Attraction, Harmony and Unity forms this wonderful creation. When the law is no longer active on the body of a man, he dies. So it is evident that attraction, unity, harmony and love are the causes of life, whereas repulsion, disunion, inharmony and hatred cause death.
We have seen that whatever causes separation in the world of existence causes death. Therefore, it is the same in the world of the spirit.
All who are servants of the one God must be united in the law of attraction. They must, therefore, avoid all hatred, disagreement and discord.
We find, if we look at nature, that the gentler animals group together, the lambs, the deer—and also that the wild animals live apart from civilization in the forest, the tiger, the lion and the wolf. Two wolves can live together, but a thousand lambs can share the same fold and remain at peace. Two eagles can dwell in the same place, while a thousand doves can make their habitation together. Man should at least be numbered among the gentler animals—but when he becomes ferocious, Ah well!
The point is this: Baha'o'llah has proclaimed
the Unity of the World of Mankind.[Page 5]
All people are of one family, and all should
feel to one another as father, mother, sister,
daughter.
I hope you will spread this teaching of Baha'o'llah.
Baha'o'llahhas said that if it were possible one should love one's enemy and act the same towards him as though he were a friend. If all followed this principle, the greatest Unity and understanding would be established in the hearts of men.
"Knowledge is like unto wings for the being of man, and is as a ladder for ascending. To acquire knowledge is incumbent on all, but of those sciences which may profit the people of the earth, and not such sciences as begin in mere words and end in mere words. The possessors of sciences and arts have a great right among the people of the world. Indeed, the real treasury of man is his knowledge. Knowledge is the means of honor, prosperity, joy, gladness, happiness and exultation."—Words of Paradise.
THE THIRD PRINCIPLE.
Unity of Religion and Science
YESTERDAY I spoke to you of the Second Principle of the Teaching of Baha'o'llah, the Unity of Mankind. The first, as I have said, is the Search after Truth. The third is the acceptance of the Relation between Religion and Science.
There is no contradiction existing between True Religion and Science. When a Religion is opposed to Science it becomes mere superstition. How can a man believe that which Science has proved impossible? If he believes in spite of his reason it is rather ignorant superstition than faith.
The origin of Science and Religion is identical. Religious principles have all been based on Science. The Unity of God is logical and can be understood through scientific study. All religions teach that we must do good. This is logical, the only way humanity can progress. We must be generous, sincere, faithful, law-abiding. All this is reasonable. All religious laws conform to reason and are logically suited to the people for whom they are made and for the time in which they are practiced.
Religion has two principal parts: (a) Practical and (b) Spiritual. The spiritual part never changes. All the manifestations of God and the Prophets have taught the same truths and have given the same spiritual law. The Sun of Truth has sent forth many rays to illumine the human intelligence, the light is always the same. They all teach the same code of morality. There is no division in the Truth.
The practical part of religion deals with outer forms and ceremonies. This is the material part of the law and guides the customs of the people.
In the time of Moses there were ten offences deserving capital punishment. When the Christ came the law was changed. The old law, an eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth, was changed to one of mercy and forbearance. In the old days the punishment for theft was the cutting off of the right hand; in our days this law could not be applied. Nowadays he who curses his father is allowed to live; then he was put to death.
So we see that, whereas the spiritual law of religion never changes, the practical law treating with actions changes with the necessities of the time.
It is the spiritual and moral part of religious law that is the most important of the two. All questions of morality contained in the law of every religion are logically right. If religion is contrary to logic, then it is no longer a religion but merely a tradition. This is certain. Therefore, put all your beliefs in harmony with science. There must be no opposition. Religion and science are the two wings with which man's intelligence can soar into the heights. It is not possible to fly with one wing alone.
All religions of the present day have fallen into superstitious practices, which are out of harmony both with true principles of the teaching they represent and with the scientific discoveries of the time. This has the effect of making people think that science and religion must of necessity be opposed to one another.
If religion conformed to science, there would be a great unifying, cleansing force in the world which would sweep before it all wars and disagreement, all disunion and inharmony, and men would be united in the power of the love of God.
THE followers of Baha'o'llah, especially in America, are constantly confronted with the vital question: Is not Christianity complete in itself? And this query is quite worthy of consideration by all inquiring minds in the religious world. It is conceded by those who are alert to Truth, and interested in history; as well as the events of this present age, that through the influence of Christianity a large part of mankind has become more or less civilized, refined and educated; while its teachers and missionaries are still putting forth mighty efforts to spread its teaching far and wide.
Why then do we need another Revelation from God at this time?
Is Christianity complete in itself? The word Christianity covers much that Jesus the Christ would not recognize nor endorse. Under its head are man-made creeds upon creeds, with dogmas many, and philosophies untold. Very much is and has ever been taught about Christ, and what He intended to give humanity by His life, teaching and death, but His deep, vital, and far reaching work has not yet been fully grasped by so-called Christian world, so that in a measure His ministry has been a seeming failure after these two thousand years, as far as the salvation or unity of mankind is concerned.
It was believed by Christ's followers that He was a perfected Being, inspired by God himself as a world Saviour, and He certainly was all of this. In and of Himself, and His message, was all that man required to enable him to unfold to his highest possibilities as man "in the Image of God" for all Eternity. But the failure has come about on man's part, for he has not grasped the inner or spiritual meaning of the Word, which was from the beginning, and which "was God." It has rather been Jesus the divine man which has been worshiped more than the Word.
From all time Infinite Mind has revealed Himself as the Living Word in the flesh, but it has been unheard or overlooked by the masses. The Word is One, and so simple that "A wayfaring man though a fool need not err therein." It is by the Word that man is regenerated, made whole wherever and whenever it is perceived by his Soul. And when he has been "born again" in reality, he comes into at-one-ment with the One Living God. Then this world becomes to him a veritable rose garden as it were, and mankind one great soul in many bodies.
This has been the plan of the Almighty for man from all Eternity. Should we then question His Love and Mercy in sending revelation upon revelation to this earth ? Has not His far reaching eye seen the utter failure on man's part to understand and appreciate the Christ teaching as It has appeared in the flesh again and again? and could He fail in making every effort to fulfill His promises in man? Consequently the same Holy Spirit has again revealed the Truth which must resuscitate, and enkindle anew the fire of His Love in hearts. Why should the so-called Christian world question the action of the Spirit, while branches of its own organization have been proclaiming for two thousand years that this same Christ would come again to prepare the world for the reign of Peace promised in the Garden of Eden?
Had the Christian religion brought about the fulfillment of these prophecies before the coming of Baha'o'llah? What means this mighty tide working towards universal Peace and arbitration, of the world wide conferences and congresses to discuss the possibilities of disarmament? What has inspired the President of the United States to invite other great nations to unite in one common brotherhood, who shall have one purpose, that is to wipe out in due time all causes for war?
To those who have eyes to see or ears to hear the meanings of this movement are most clear and sure, for such souls have heard the voice of Him who has spoken all down the ages, and speaks today by His Word in Baha'o'llah. What is the difference you ask between the teachings of Christ Jesus and Baha'o'l'ah that such a change should come as is proclaimed by the followers of the later Prophet? All of the fundamental points set forth by the first of these great Manifestations is again presented by the latter. The difference is not in the teaching, but in man's conception of the Word whenever it may be proclaimed.
Baha'o'llah is the fulfillment of the Word[Page 7]
as revealed in Jesus, in Moses, and in Abraham.
Each Manifestation presents His message
according to His own phraseology, perhaps
best suited to the age of His advent,
while each one was chosen to fill a certain
station or office, through which He should
minister to mankind.
Abraham, being absolutely obedient to the commands of God without question or hesitation, was proclaimed "the Father of all Nations." Moses was the great Law Giver, upon whose commands all common law has been based ever since. Jesus Christ came to sacrifice His life that the way for man back to God might be opened, or made clear; hence He was called the Saviour of man. While Baha'o'llah is to fulfill all prophecy, and bring the world into the promised "Day of Peace," by giving laws and commands which will eventually rule and unite all governments, and remove all vital differences among, and between nations. He has given searching admonitions which He said "descended from the Source of Majesty, through the tongue of Power and Strength upon the prophets of the past," and that "He hath taken Its essences and clothed them with the garment of brevity, as a favor to the beloved, that they may fulfill the covenant of God; that they may perform in themselves that which He has entrusted to them, and attain the victory by virtue of devotion in the land of the Spirit."
The first of these Hidden Words is "O Son of Spirit! The first Counsel is: Possess a good, pure and enlightened heart, that thou mayest possess a Kingdom Eternal, immortal, ancient, and without end." And again: "O Son of Man! I loved thy creation, wherefore love Me, that I may acknowledge thee, and in the Spirit of life confirm thee."
In the "Book of Laws" written for all races and governments Baha'o'llah has settled all social, political, and economic questions of this day so clearly, justly and effectually that all men will wonder as they are given to the world. When He had revealed the message in full by writings many, He passed out of the body, leaving them to His Son Abdul-Baha, whom He proclaimed as the Center of God's Covenant with men, that he might interpret the meanings, and promote them as rapidly as possible.
Both Father and Son insist that progress shall be attained by natural growth, or unfolding of all great events, rather than by revolution, hence Abdul-Baha is giving his life to the Cause, and the thousands of all nations and religions who have come to acknowledge the Oneness of God, and the brotherhood of man through his wonderful personality and teaching is a proof of his power and God-given commission.
Baha'o'llah has proven the existence of the Lord of Glory, and made so plain His plans that the infidel and agnostic cannot fail of an understanding, if he sees fit to investigate its truths with a desire to know, and these facts cannot fail to break down all barriers between the so-called great religions of the world.
This revelation is not a new Religion but the very essence of God's Word as taught by the Christ, but not perceived by Christianity at large.
If there is no difference between the teaching of Christ and Baha'o'llah, why then need we turn from the one to follow the other?
The same question has been asked at the appearing of every one of God's Prophets, and each one has been rejected by the former religions. Jesus said that if the Jews had understood the message of Moses they would have accepted Him, for His coming had been proclaimed for thousands of years. The personality of each Messenger becomes the stumbling stone over which the creatures of all ages have fallen, and in the fall have lost sight of the Creator, so in time darkness and materiality have covered the face of the earth, selfishness and greed have destroyed the Garden of God, until the few souls who are ever listening for His Voice and crying out for light and knowledge have prevailed. Then in due time when the world has evolved to such a condition as is needful for His all wise purposes, another Prophet is sent with the Word of Life.
Had the priesthood of the former religions
that exist today been listening only for the
Word they would gladly receive the message
of Baha'o'llah for every condition which
Christ and all other prophets proclaimed would
prevail in "that Day" is now being fulfilled.
Why question the horizon from which the
Light proceeds? Search the Scriptures of all
religions and behold the Glorious Sun of
Truth that has arisen once more to deliver
man from sin and self.[Page 8]
In this last triune* Manifestation is fulfilled every promise of the Infinite to man up to the date of the thousand year millennium, as termed in the Christian Bible. Beyond that period we know nothing, as far as man's advent
*NOTE—(1) The Forerunner, The Bab The Door; (2) The Manifestation, Baha'o'llah, The Glory of God; (3) The Centre of the Covenant, Abdul-Baha, The Servant of Baha'.
on the earth is concerned. When we shall need further light to carry on the work of God's Kingdom here He will reveal His Spirit through the flesh, as He has continued to do all down the ages.
God Is Spirit, an Essence, unknowable, hence the creation of man through whom He may make known the knowledge of His Word.
LETTER FROM MONTREAL:
Dear Friends In El-Baha:—As the great work of preparation for the coming of Abdul-Baha is going forward everywhere, it may be of interest to know of the progress in Montreal and of the widespread change which is taking place in Canada. This change has covered a period of several years, in which old, dead systems are giving way to new social and political groups; old, crystallized forms are dissolving in the radiance of the broad, generous ideas of the new age, and personal power and authority are giving place to principles of justice and truth, to a higher conception of human brotherhood.
The little group of followers of Baha'o'llah in Montreal has witnessed many stirring changes in this city and their scope of influence has been extended by the affiliation of some of its members with other groups of active workers and thinkers. Early in January we received a visit from Mirza Ahmad Sohrab who announced the coming of Abdul-Baha to America and spoke of his visit to England and France. Among those who heard this address was the leader of the Socialist party of Montreal and other Socialists, the editor of the leading newspaper of Canada and several people connected with public work. Later this paper published a very good article on the Bahai Message and the coming visit of Abdul-Baha. A few weeks later another talk given by a Montreal Bahai, on the significance of Abdul-Baha's visit to the occident, which was shortly followed by an address by Mr. Honore Jaxon, of Chicago, who presented the Bahai Message from the standpoint of the working class movement. Mr. Jaxon had just returned from England where he had been doing a work of seed-sowing and preparation among the organized labor people and socialists, and in his very broad and comprehensive talk in Montreal he showed the vital connection between these world-wide movements and the Teachings of Baha'o'llah. Mr. Jaxon spoke to several bodies and societies in Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto and Quebec in such a spirit as to arouse interest and establish ties of good-will and fellowship, which will no doubt be the means of opening wide many doors for the reception of Abdul-Baha and the all-embracing Truth.
The friends in Montreal unite in sending sincere love and greetings to their fellow Bahais and to all those who are seeking the highest welfare of mankind and the enlightenment of the world.
I am your servant in the cause of El-Baha,
May Maxwell.
CONTENTS OF PERSIAN SECTION:
(1) Announcement of Abdul-Baha's departure for America; (2) a word of thanks from the editors of the Star of the West to the friends, as it enters upon its third year; (3) copy of Tablet for the Star of the West; (4) announcement of the Second Annual Conference of the Orient-Occident Unity to be held in Washington, D. C., April 18th-20th; (5) announcement of the Fourth Annual Convention of the Bahais in the interest of the Mashrak-el-Azkar, to be held in Chicago, April 27th-May 2d; (6) photograph of a group of Chicago Bahais; (7) establishment of an Oriental library in connection with the Orient-Occident Unity; (8) activities during the past year of the Persian-American Commercial Company, and Tablet from Abdul-Baha in regard to it; (9) Bahai martyrdoms in Sari Mazanderan; (10) editorial on Martyrdom; (11) Tablet from Abdul-Baha to Mrs. Louise R. Waite, in regard to music; (12) letters from Eshkabad concerning the teachings of the Bahai Revelation; (13) Abdul-Baha's Tablet to Mr. Tudor-Pole concerning the effect of teaching the Truth; (14) Tablet from Abdul-Baha to the Orient-Occident Unity.
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, 509 McLachlen Bldg., 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.
To personal checks please add sufficient to cover the bank exchange.
Address all communications to Bahai News Service, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, Ill., U.S.A.
O thou Star of the West!
Be thou happy! Be thou happy! Shouldst thou continue to remain firm and eternal, ere long, thou shalt become the Star of the East and shalt spread in every country and clime. Thou art the first paper of the Bahais which is organized in the country of America. Although for the present thy subscribers are limited, thy form is small and thy voice weak, yet shouldst thou stand unshakable, become the object of the attention of the friends and the center of the generosity of the leaders of the faith who are firm in the Covenant, in the future thy subscribers will become hosts after hosts like unto the waves of the sea; thy volume will increase, thy arena will become vast and spacious and thy voice and fame will be raised and become world-wide—and at last thou shalt become the first paper of the world of humanity. Yet all these depend upon firmness, firmness, firmness!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Vol. III Chicago (March 21, 1912) Baha' No. 1
ANNOUNCEMENT:
On Wednesday evening, March 13th, the various committees from the Chicago Assembly met with the committee from the Executive Board of Bahai Temple Unity to perfect arrangements for the season of the Mashrak-el-Azkar convention. The committee in charge of the Rizwan Feast (April 27th) reported having secured a very desirable location in the down-town loop district, at 20 East Randolph Street, in the building east of the Masonic Temple, where the feast room is large and rest rooms are in connection with it.
The Reception Committee is prepared to meet the incoming friends at the depots and place them in charge of the Entertainment Committee which is thoroughly posted on hotel and room accommodations. Both committees will consider it a favor to thus serve the friends. To add to the comfort of the visiting friends, Mr. Carl Scheffler has offered his studio as a down-town headquarters where friends may come for information, receive their mail and meet friends by appointment, etc. Mr. Scheffler's studio is Room 806, Athenaeum Building, 59 East Van Buren Street. Telephone, Harrison 5941.
The Music Committee is actively at work; a chorus is rehearsing every Friday evening under the direction of Mr. Albert R. Windust. The music for this year's convention will be an inspiring feature and will aid in uplifting the hearts and making them more receptive to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit which we trust will be as a Pentecostal Baptism with Abdul-Baha in our midst.
Corinne True
OUTLINE OF THE BAHAI CALENDAR.[edit]
The Bahai year begins on March 21st, an' is divided into 19 months of 19 days each, plus 4 (or 5 every fourth year) intercalary days—February 26th to March 1st, inclusive.
The first day of each Bahai month falls as follows:
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 |
19th | Ola (Loftiness) | Mar. 2 |
| (Month of fasting) | ||
The following days and seasons are observed by the Bahais:
The Feast of Naurooz—the Bahai New Year—March 21st.
The Feast of Rizwan—(Paradise)—commemorating the Declaration of Baha'o'llah in the Garden of El Rizwan in Bagdad, April 21st, 1863. This season of feasting lasts twelve days—April 21st to May 2nd, inclusive. The first, ninth and twelfth days (April 21st, April 28th and May 2nd) are especially celebrated.
The Anniversary of the Declaration of the Bab—May 23rd. (1844).
The Anniversary of the Departure of Baha'o'llah—May 28th. (1892).
The Anniversary of the Martyrdom of the Bab—July 9th. (1850).
The Anniversary of the Birth of Baha'o'llah—November 12th. (Born in Nur, Persia, 1817.)
The Feast of the Appointment of the Center of the Covenant—Abdul-Baha—Nov. 26th.
Intercalary Days—During which hospitalities are extended to friends, the poor and the needy—February 26th to March 1st. inclusive.
The Month of the Fast—March 2nd to 20th, inclusive—during which no manner of food or drink is to be taken between sunrise and sunset. The nights are to be passed awake and in prayer. Fasting is enjoined upon every one. Children, travelers, sick and infirm people, pregnant women and nursing mothers are free from this obligation.
نجم باختر 1329 دوم ربیع الثانی 1330
جاد سوم . شماره اوّل
فهرست مندرجات
1 . مژدۀ عظیم در باب سفر حضرت عبدالبهاء به امریک .
2 . سال سوم نجم باختر .
3 . سواد لوح مبارک در نجم باختر .
4 . دوم کنفرانس انجمن ارتباط شرق و غرب در واشنگتن .
5 . چهارم محفل عمومی مشرق الاذکار در شیکاغو .
6 . عکس دستۀ از بهائیان شیکاغو .
7 . کتابخانۀ شرق در امریک .
8 . کمپانی تجارت شرق در تبریز ، لوح مبارک در این باب .
9 . واقعۀ شهادت بهائیان در ساری مازندران .
10 . نجم باختر .
11. لوح مبارک در باب فنّ موسیقی .
12 . مکتوب از عشق آباد .
13 . لوح مبارک به مستر تودرپل در لندن .
14 . لوح مبارک در باب انجمن ارتباط شرق و غرب .
Persian Editorial Office: Najme Bakhtar
509 McLachlen Bldg., Washington, D. C., U.S.A.
Vol. III No 1
اداره انتشار نجم باختر فارسی . شماره 509 ساختمان مک لفلین . واشینگتن دی . سی . ایالات متحدۀ امریکا .
نجم باختر 1329 ماه بهی سال 69 . قیمت اشتراک : سالی دوازده قران
مارچ سنه 1912 شماره 1
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 و تربیت اطفال و پیشرفت امر حضرت بهاء الله در اطراف جهان و توضیح حقائق این دین عمومی خواهد ندشت و مقالات مفید که موافق سبک اداره است قبول و نشر خواهد گردید .
صفحه 1 - 1
مژدۀ عظیم
در این یوم عید نوروز که عالم طبیعت سر از بستر خواب زمستان برداشته و در دائره بهار جانبخش داخل گشته هیئت جامعۀ بهائیان عالم را بشارت میدهیم که حضرت عبدالبهاء بر حسب حکمت بالغه در ششم ماه ربیع الثّانی 1330 مطابق با 25 مارچ 1912 با کشتی سدریک متعلقّ به کمپانیّه ستارۀ سفید از اسکندریّه یکسر عازم مملکت امریک شده و در 23 ربیع الثانی موافق 11 آوریل وارد بندرگاه نیویورک خواهند گشت این مژدۀ روحانی گویا روح جدید در ابدان دمیده یار و اغیار منتظر این سعادت کبری . در هر شهری مجامع عظمی و ضیافات مهمّ مهیّا گردیده و کلّ حاضر گشته اند که بقدر لیاقت و سزاواری خود از این بحر محبّت بنوشند و در سایۀ این شجر سماوی آسایش یابند از این مائدۀ ملکوتی قسمتی برند شهناز حمامۀ قدس را بگوش جان بشنوند و از تعالیم مسیحائی بهره وافر گیرند فی الحقیقه چون انسان نظر باین حوادث مهمّۀ عالم مینماید متحیّر میگردد که چگونه مشیّت رحمانی و ارادۀ سبحانی در جمیع اوان بر کلّ من علی الارض غالب بوده و در هر مورد مغلوبیّت را تبدیل به فتح و ظفر نموده و علم نصرت امر مبارک را بر اعلا قلل آفاق زده مدّتی است که بهائیان امریک منتظر این فخر اعظم بوده و اگرچه در سال گذشته حضرت مولی الوری سفر خود را به آفاق اروپ محدود فرمودند ولی امسال با فتوحات روحانی جدید به ممالک امریک می شتابند و مسلمّ است که هزاران هزار نفوس این موقع را غنیمت شمرده در ملکوت ابهی داخل خواهند گشت .
صفحه 2 - 1
سال سوم
الحمدلله بهمّت بهائیان شرق و غرب و از پرتو سخاوت دوستان امروز این جریدۀ محقّره قدم در سال سوم میگذارد محبّت و رأفت بی نهایه مادران و پدران این طفل عالم ادبیّات را باین سنّ رسانید و از بدایت نشر و طبع آن هریک از یاران محترم در نهایت خلوص نیّت و ارادت به تأیید و توفیق آن قیام نموده و این تخم پاک که در ارض طیّب جنّت ابهی کشته شده آبیاری نموده اند و آنچه که تا بحال ترقیّ و پیشرفت نموده از همّت و جانفشانی احبّاء الهی است این جریده خادم حقیقی بهائیان عالم و ناشر تعالیم ملکوت ابهی است فکری جز خدمت یاران ندارد وآرزوئی جز وحدت بشر و اتّحاد و اتّفاق بنی نوع انسان ننماید اگرچه در زمان گذشته بنوعی که باید بخدمت قیام ننموده ولی امید است که بهائیان پاک طینت به بضاعت حقیر نگاه نکنند و چشم بر خطاها بپوشند و نظر بر مقصد نمایند ما را امید چنان است که این جریده ابدی گردد و این رشته دائمی باشد خدمات بزرگ از آن بعالم انسانی ظاهر شود و دلدار روحانی برقع از رخ برافکند و مانند حور و غلمان در قصور قلوب و افئده منزل و مأوی گیرند . از مسلمیّات اوّلیّه است که اگر تأیید و توفیق و تشجیع و تحریص یاران شرق و غرب نبود این جریده محقرّ هم تحقیق نمی یافت و انشاء الله چنانچه در گذشته بجمیع وسائل کمک و تأیید نموده اند در آینده
صفحه 1 - 2
هم بر مراقبت و مرحمت خود خواهند افزود . در سال گذشته عدد مشترکین شرق تقریبا به هزار شماره رسید و اگرچه وجه آبونۀ اغلب شهرها هنوز باین اداره نرسیده ولی امیدواریم که یاران نظر توجّهی باین مسئله نموده و بواسطۀ وکیل عمومی طهران بفرستند این نکته مخصوص شهرهای ایران است زیرا ممالک شرق بواسطه سهولت ینگ و ادارۀ پوسته یک سر ارسال میدارند رشتۀ مخابرات و مراسلات فیمابین شرق و غرب بیشتر از پیش مستحکم گردید و صد ها مکاتیب از هر طرف رسیده نفوذ و رسوخ امر را ظاهر و هویدا میسازد و این نیست مگر از تأییدات ملکوت ابهی و توفیقات حضرت عبدالبهاء و حال مدیران جریده بهائیان شرق را در این عید مسعود تهنیت و تبریک قلبی میفرستند و از درگاه حضرت باریتعالی مسئلت مینمائیم که انوار علم حقیقی بدرخشد آثار ملکوت ابهی در جمیع اقالیم ظاهر گردد شمس اتّحاد بشر سر از زیر ابرهای ضخیم بیرون آرد نسیم روح بخش افکار بدیعه و آثار عجیبه بوزد و نوع انسان به تمدّن عمومی و دین عمومی فائز و مفتخر گردد و در این موقع لوح مقدّسی که چندی قبل از حضور حضرت عبدالبهاء بافتخار نجم باختر نازل شده در این صفحات درج میکنیم .
هوالله
ای نجم باختر شادباش و شاد باش که اگر ثبات و دوام بنمائی اختر خاور نیز گردی و منتشر در هر کشور شوی اوّل روزنامۀ بهائیانی که در قطعۀ امریک تأسیس شد هر چند حال طالبان قلیل و صحبت صغیر و صوتت ضعیف ولی اگر استقامت کنی و منظور نظر یاران گردی و مشمول همّت بزرگواران ثابتان بر پیمان . در مستقبل طالبان فوج فوج زنند و صحبت متزاید و میدانت واسع و صوت و صیتت مرتفع و جهانگیر گردد و عاقبت اوّل جریدۀ عالم گردی ولی شرط استقامت است استقامت است استقامت ع ع .
صفحه 2 - 2
دوّم کنفرانس انجمن ارتباط شرق و غرب
انجمن ارتباط شرق و غرب در 18 و 19 و 20 ماه آوریل که مطابق 1 و 2 و 3 جمادی الاولی است کنفرانس مهمّی در شهر واشنگتن تشکیل مینماید و جلسه های آن در تالار کتابخانۀ ملیّ افتتاح میشود مردمان بزرگ و رجال مهمّ ایران و امریک خطابه ها اداء خواهند نمود و حضرت عبدالبهاء هم آن مجالس را بحضور خود مبارک فرموده نطق های روحانی در باب ارتباط شرق و غرب و علم و دین و اتّحاد عالم بشر از لسان مبارک نازل خواهد گردید و پس از این جلسه ها ضیافت باشکوهی که کمیتۀ از حال در تهیّه و تدارک پروگرام آن است بافتخار حضرت مولی الوری داده میشود که رجال و نسوان مهمّۀ امریک را مخصوصا دعوت گرفته تا بحضور مبارک مشرّف شوند و از انهار علم و حکمت لدنّی بنوشند .
چهارم محفل عمومی مشرق الاذکار
چهارم محفل عمومی مشرق الادکار امریک در ایّام رضوان در شیکاغو مفتوح میگردد و جلسه های آن یک هفته طول خواهد کشید نقدا محافل روحانی بهائی امریک مشغول انتخاب نماینده های رسمی خود هستند و بعلاوۀ وکلاء گویا هزار نفر از بهائیان از شرق و غرب و جنوب و شمال ایالات متّحده در آن انجمن عظیم حاضر خواهند شد حضرت مولی الوری پس از آنکه کنفرانس بین المللی انجمن ارتباط شرق و غرب را در واشنگتن بحضور خود مبارک فرمودند در 26 واه آوریل که مطابق 9 جمادی الاولی است عازم شهر شیکاغو خواهند گشت تا در آن محفل کبری حاضر گردند و زمین مشرق الاذکار را به قدوم خود مقدّس فرمایند و انشاء الله اگر حقّ جلّ جلاله تأییدی عطا نماید شرح این مجالس و سائر محافل را در شماره های نجم باختر محض اطلاع و سرور یاران شرق درج خواهیم نمود .
عکس دستۀ از رجال محترم بهائیان شیکاغو که همیشه در خدمات امرالله ساعی هستند .
صفحه 1 - 3
کتابخانۀ شرقی در امریک
از آنجائی که انجمن ارتباط شرق و غرب در ممالک امریک اهمیّتی پیدا نموده و در انظار جلوۀ غریبی کرده و تابحال خدماتی شایان بعالم ادبیّات ایران و ایرانیان نموده محض آنکه دائرۀ نفوذ و رسوخ آن بیشتر از پیش در امریک توسعه یابد امناء و اعضاء آن حجرۀ بسیار معتبری در یکی از قشنگترین عمارات بنک که در مرکز شهرواشنگتن واقع است بدست آورده و در نهایت متانت و افتخار مشغول انجام خدمات مرجوعۀ تجارتی و تربیتی و غیره هستند و حال پس از مشورت چنین قرار داده اند که کتابخانۀ فارسی و عربی که مخصوص و متعلقّ بانجمن باشد افتتاح نمایند تا قرائت خانۀ برای ایرانیان که باین مملکت آمده و می آیند موجود باشد و اگر قارئین این جریده و دوستداران این انجمن مایلند که کتب علمی و دینی و تاریخی و رومان و جرائد و مجله های فارسی و عربی برای این کتابخانه و قرائتخانه مجّانا بفرستند در نهایت امتنان و تشکرّ قبول خواهد شد و اسم آنها در دفاتر انجمن ثبت شده
صفحه 2 - 3
الی الابد نام خیرشان در تاریخ این انجمن ذکر خواهد گردید و فی الحقیقه گذاردن اساس چنین کتابخانۀ شرقی در امریک یکی از بزرگترین مسائل مهمّۀ این قرن بیستم محسوب خواهد گشت بهائیانی که مایلند کتب نفیسه و الواح را برای قرون آتیه حفظ نمایند میتوانند آنها را نزد این انجمن فرستاده و امانتا در صندوق آهنین مخصوص نگاهداری نموده هر وقت خواستند و بهر کس خواستند رد خواهد شد ، نفوسی که مایلند جلدهای محدودی ارسال دارند بهتر است که بواسطۀ پست ارسال نمایند و اگر آن کتب و نوشتجات ذیقیمت و نادر است سفارشی کنند و الا اگر جلدهای متعدّده است با کشتی بفرستند آدرس کامل اداره و آدرس تلگرافی از اینقرار است
- The Orient-Occident Unity
- Room 509 McLachlen Bldg.
- 10th and 9 sts? N. W.
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- U. S. America
--PERSIAN TEXT--
- Pres. Washington.
صفحه 1 - 4
کمپانی تجارت شرق و لوح حضرت عبدالبهاء در این باب
در این ایّام که حالت سیاسی ایران مغشوش و قزّاقهای روس و سوارهای انگلیس شمالا و جنوبا آن مملکت را از هر طرف احاطه نموده باز بهائیان در نهایت بیغرضی در ترقیّ و تعالی آن دیار میکوشند و در ازدیاد روابط تجارت کوشش و سعی مینمایند و از صمیم قلب از پیشگاه حضرت ربّ العزّه مسئلت میکنند که اهالی از خواب غفلت بیدار شده به آنچه که سبب هدایت و روشنائی قلب است پی برند یکی از مسائل مهمّۀ حیات همانا تجارت است و چندین ماه قبل کمپانیّه شرق بواسطۀ چندین نفر از رجال محترمۀ یاران در تبریز تشکیل یافت و ما در صفحات این جریده اشارۀ بآن نمودیم از آن زمان تابحال الحمدلله این کمپانی ترقیّات کامله نموده و از مملکت امریک مبالغی اجناس خریده و امید است که یاران شرق در تأیید و ترغیب آن کوشیده و خواهند کوشید در زمانی که نویسندۀ این کلمات در پاریس بحضور مبارک مشرّف گشت بسیار تشجیع و تحسین از این همّت بلند یاران فرمودند و لوحی در این باب نازل که در این مقام محض اطلاع احبّای الهی درج مینمائیم :
هوالله
ای یار روحانی بواسطۀ جناب آقا میرزا احمد سهراب نامۀ شما رسید و از مضمون نهایت صبر و سکون احبّای الهی معلوم گردید زیرا بشارت این داشت که در چنین اوقات اختلال و مشقتّ و ملال و نزاع و جدال باز احبّای الهی در نهایت اشتعال بودند و چنین سزاوار که در آتش خنکی یابند و از دریا خشگی جویند در یوم بلا سراج هدی گردند و در روز مشقتّ و زحمت راحت جان جویند این خبر بسیار سرور پرور بود . در خصوص شرکت یک نامه ازشما رسید و جواب ارسال
صفحه 2 - 4
شد امید چنان است این شرکت برکت یابد انشاء الله در تمشیت ماشین زراعت احبّاء الله نهایت همّت را نموده و خواهند نمود و بعد از اینکه ماشین درست بکار رود و نهایت اتقان در استعمال تجربه گردد یقین نمائید که در آلات تعطیل و تعویقی نخواهد شد آنوقت زمین معلوم را بخرید و با یکنفر از جوانان باتربیت احباب را که در مدارس اوّلیّه اکمال علوم نموده در مدرسۀ زراعت گذاشتم تا تحصیل این فنّ بنماید بعد از تحصیل ممکن است روانۀ آن صفحات بشود اینگونه تأسیسات بسیار مفید است ولی بشرط ایقان و استقامت و ثبات امّا اسم شرکت را هرقسم بگذارید ضرر ندارد و اگر کاغذ و پاکتهای شرکت باسم آنجناب طبع شود و عنوان کارخانه ها باسم شما باشد ضرری ندارد و امیدوارم که عون و عنایت الهی برسد . عبدالبهاء مدّتی است که در این صفحات شب و روز به نشر آیات بیّنات مشغول ابدا دقیقۀ فرصت ندارد با وجود هجوم طالبان و مشغولیّت بی پایان و عدم مهلت از نهایت محبّتی که به احبّای تبریز دارم به تحریر این نامه پرداختم تا آنان را باعث تسّلی خاطر گردد و از زحمات و مشقّاتی که حاصل شده افسرده و ملول نگردند الحمدلله در نزد عموم مسلمّ و معلوم شد که احباب با حزبی از احزاب نزاع و جدال ندارند و خانۀ خراب نکردند بلکه بعموم محبّت دارند و نهایت آرزوی ایشان ترقیّ ایران و ایرانیان ولی بدون حرب و جدال زیرا جنگ و جدال بنیۀ ایران را ضعیف مینماید و چون بنیه ضعیف گردد هر روز مرضی عارض میشود پس باید کاری کرد که بنیه قوی شود و بنیۀ ایران به ترویج تجارت و تزئید صناعت و توسیع زراعت و تدریس علوم نافعه و صداقت و امانت و عدالت در امور حاصل شود ما به ترویج علوم عصریّه مفیده و ترقیّات جدیده که منتجّ قوّت بنیه است مشغولیم . امیدواریم
صفحه 1 - 5
که خداوند موفقّ فرماید جمیع یاران الهی را فرد فرد تحیّت ابدع ابهی ابلاغ دارید و علیکم البهاء الابهی ع ع .
واقعۀ شهادت احبّای الهی در شهر ساری
شب سیزدهم محرّم 1330 در شهر ساری مازندران بدون هیچ دخالت ملکی و سیاسی در نیمۀ شب اشرار آن شهر از دیوار کوچه بالا رفته بخانۀ میرزا محمّد علی مشیر التجّار داخل میشوند تمام مایملک او را غارت و تارج کرده و او را بیرحمانه از بستر خواب بیرون کشیده و بدون آنکه بگذارند لباسهای خود را بپوشد کتهایش را بسته از منزل بیرونش میبرند و شبانه در بیرون شهر تیربارانش مینمایند و نعش او را ظهر 13 محرّم پیدا کرده برمیدارند و ایضا در همان شب دو نفر دیگر از احبّای الهی را یکی آقا میرزا محمود نام ساعت ساز خفه اش می کنند و دیگری جناب آقا محمّد اسمعیل امین را هم از خانه بیرون برده تیربارانش مینمایند و پس از این واقعه در شهر بارفروش مازندران یک نفر دیگر از احبّای الهی که آقا میرزا محمّد علی معین التجّار نام داشت شبانه در خانۀ او ریخته او و عیالش را مقتول میسازند و مایملک آنها را هم تماما به غارت و تاراج میبرند و بر صغیر و کبیر این بیچارگان ذرّۀ رحم نمی کنند و اهل بیت این بی گناهان عموما سفیل و سرگردان و بی نام و پریشان میباشند تا مشیّت الله چه تعلقّ گیرد .
نجم باختر : این وقایع محزنه قلب انسان را خون مینماید زیرا گویا این هموطنان ما باسم دین برادران خود را بدست خود شهید مینمایند و از صاحب دین و خداوند مجید ابدا خجالت نمی کشند ایکاش روزی می آمد که به تحقیق میرسانیدند که این اعمال شنیعه سبب بدبختی آنهاست و انتشار این اخبارات آنها را در نظر دول متمدّن غرب وحشی قلم میدهد و خونخوار و بیرحم مشهور میسازد .
صفحه 2 - 5
لوح مبارک در باب فنّ موسیقی لوئیز ویت شهناز خانم . شیکاغو
ای مرغ خوش الحان جمال ابهی این دور بدیع حجبات اوهام را خرق نموده و تعصّبات اهالی مشرق را ذمّ و قدح فرموده در میان بعضی از ملل شرق نغمه و آهنگ مذموم بود ولی در این دور بدیع نور مبین در الواح مقدّسه تصریح فرمود که آهنگ و آواز رزق روحانی قلوب و ارواح است فنّ موسیقی از فنون ممدوحه است و سبب رقتّ قلوب مغمومه پس ای شهناز بآوازی جانفزا آیات و کلمات الهی را در مجامع و محافل به آهنگی بدیع بنواز تا قلوب مستمعین از قیود و غموم و هموم آزاد گردد و دل و جان بهیجان آید و تبتّل و تضرّع به ملکوت ابهی کند و علیک البهاء الابهی ع ع .
مکتوب از عشق اباد
شماره های نجم باختر تا کنون بترتیب رسیده و قلوب مطالعه کنندگان از مطاوی و مندرجات آن تازه و خرّم گشته چه که سراپا مزیّن است به وقایع امریّه و تصرّف و نفوذ کلمۀ مطاعۀ الهیّه و شدّت تأثیر وصایا و تعالیم ربانیّه و انتشار نفحات جانبخش ظهورالله و ظهور انوار موهبت کبری و توجّه فرق مختلفۀ دنیا بافق اعلی و اهتزاز نفوس به نسیم جنّت ابهی اهل بهی و ارباب عقل و نهی را یقین قطع حاصل است که عنقریب روی زمین رشگ جنّت نعیم خواهد شد و شاهد لاتری فیها عوجه ولا امتا جلوه بابصار خواهد نمود الیوم اهالی امریک سبقت گرفتند و لطافت صورت و مادّۀ آنها چنین اقتضا نمود که زود تر از اهالی دیگر قطعات اقتباس انوار فیوضات فرمایند پس خوشا بسعادت و اقبال آنان که بچنین موهبتی سربلند شدند و در بساط الهی عزیز و ارجمند گشتند ولی اقلیم ترکستان هنوز در خوابند و در بین سدرات وجود انسانی مانند عنّاب گویا قسمت ارثی چنین است که بعضی چون شتر دوازده ماه جنین است تا کی زمان ولادت برسد و از مشیمۀ غفلت و اوهام بدایند
صفحه 1 - 6
و خلعت ولادت روحانی در بر نمایند خلاصه این تقدّم و تأخرّ هم از مقتضیّات طبیعی عالم و مبنی بر حکم غیر معلومه حضرت موجود است که بعضی زودتر و بعضی دیرتر مستفیض از فیوضات الهیّه میگردند .
ای یار باوفا شما میدانید که اهل بهی با عموم خلق جهان از صمیم قلب دوست و مهربانند و بموجب تعالیم الهی خیرخواه نوع انسان و بهر فردی از افراد بشر بنظر پدر و مادر و برادر و خواهر ناظرند شئون اخلاقیّه مذهب و مشرب را وقعی نمیدهند زیرا آنچه به تبعیّت و تقلید است زائل و فانی و قابل اعتنانبوده و نیست و هرچه حقیقی و متفرّع بر کلمة الله است در این ظهور اعظم منقلب بائتلاف شده و میشود چه که میقاد مرعیّۀ آن از سیاسی و مذهبی بآخر رسید و و دورۀ حکمرانی آن منقضی گشت مقتضیّات عالم و مناسبات آن تغییر کرد و جهان جهان دیگر شد لهذا امثال بهائیان که آگاهند و بصر و بصیرت را به نور معارف امروزه روشن نموده اند و از سرچشمۀ علم الهی و زلال فنون ربّانی نوشیده اند در دفع این اختلافات و خرق این حجبات میکوشند و دقیقۀ خود را معذور و معاف نمیدارند زیرا انسان بینا بالطبیعه ضامن ابصار نابیناست و این کیفیّت اختیاری او نیست بلکه مجبور بر آن است و در این مقام نمی تواند خودداری کند چنانچه الیوم مشاهده مینمائیم گه چه بسیار نفوس عزیزی در شرق و غرب عالم بجهت حصول این مقصد دست از همه چیز برداشته و بجدّ تمام بر ایقاظ خلق و ابصار آنان قیام فرموده اند علی الخصوص یاران امریک که با روحی آسمانی و انجذابی وجدانی مبعوث و با قلبی نورانی و خلقی رحمانی بر اعلای کلمۀ الهی قیام فرموده اند و امروز ذکر آنها ورد زبانهاست و حبّ آنه انیس جانها
لوح مبارک بافتخار مستر تودرپل از احبای لندن
هوالله
ای پسر روحانی نامۀ تو رسید و بر انجذاب قلوب احبّای «کلفتن » اطلاع حاصل گردید الحمدلله در عید مولود محفلی آراستید و به مناجات و ذکر حقّ پرداختید هر دم گه انسان بذکر خدا مشغول گردد یا بخدمت کلمة الله پردازد و یا به نشر
صفحه 2 - 6
انوار هدایت قیام کند از حیات محسوب است و الا تضییع اوقات است و بی نتیجه در نهایت حیات باری امروز جمیع من علی الارض به هوی و هوس خویش مألوف مگر شماها که بذکر خدا مشغولید و در فکر نورانیّت و روحانیّت عالم انسانی و انتشار صلح عمومی و اعلان وحدت عالم انسانی هستید عبدالبهاء را نهایت اشتیاق بدیدار یاران است الحمدلله تو سفرۀ مهیّا داری و آرزوی مهمانی جمیع یاران داری . ای پس عزیز من اگر سفر به امریک خواهی مأذونی امیدوارم که سبب اعلاء کلمة الله و انتشار نفثات روح القدس شوی و چون بآن اقلیم رسی مانند شمع در محافل یاران برافروزی و نور محبّت الله منتشر کنی و نعره بزنی و بگوئی ای یاران صد بشارت نور حقیقت درخشید و جهلن را نورانی نمود ندای ملکوت رسید و گوشها به آهنگ ملاء اعلی اهتزاز آمد ابواب ملکوت مفتوح گردید و جنود آسمانی فوج فوج رسید و تأیید احبّای الهی مینماید هر نفسی از هوی و هوس پاک در این میدان نصرت یابد و هر شخصی که از وساوس شیطانی مقدّس و منزّه و مانند روح لطیف البّته مانند ستاره از افق حقیقت بتابد .
پس ای یاران الهی تا توانید خود را از هر فکری آزاد کنید و از هر هوسی بیزار تا ازفیض فیوضات بهاء الله مانند جام از بادۀ سرور سرشار شوید و سبب نورانیّت آفاق گردید و علیک البهاء الابهی ع ع .
لوح مبارک در باب انجمن ارتباط شرق و غرب
ای بندگان مقرّب جمال مبارک مسئلۀ ارتباط شرق و غرب اهمیّت حاصل نموده است بعضی نفوس نهایت همّت در این خصوص دارند و باید یک کمیتۀ اجرائیّه بجهت ارتباط شرق و غرب انتخاب شود تا مشغول باین کار شوند . . . ع ع
