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Vol. III
November 4, 1912
No. 13
| PAGE | |
Message to the Jews—Address by Abdul-Baha before Congregation Emmanu-El, San Francisco, Cal., Oct. 12, 1912 | 3 |
Editorial—"The Palo Altan" | 8 |
Abdul-Baha in San Francisco—By Frances Orr Allen | 11 |
Article from The Palo Altan | 13 |
Abdul-Baha at the Grave of Thornton Chase—October 19, 1912 | 14 |
Tribute to Thornton Chase from Brooklyn, N. Y. | 15 |
--PERSIAN TEXT--
Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi,
803 Madison St.
Chicago, Ill; U. S. A.
--PERSIAN TEXT--
Bahai News Service,
P. O. Box 283
Chicago, Ill; U. S. A.
--PERSIAN TEXT--
[Page 3]
"We desire but the good of the world and the happiness of the nations; that all nations shall become one in faith and all men as brothers; that the bonds of affection and unity between the sons of men shall be strengthened; that diversity of religion shall cease and differences of race be annulled. So it shall be; these fruitless strifes these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the 'Most Great Peace' shall come."—BAHA'O'LLAH.
Vol. III
Chicago (November 4, 1912) Kudrat
No. 13
Address by Abdul-Baha Abbas before Congregation Emmanu-El, San Francisco, Cal.,
(Martin A. Meyer, Rabbi) Saturday, October 12, 1912.*BRETHREN of the Congregation Emmanu-El: It is our privilege and a very high privilege indeed to welcome in our midst this morning Abdul-Baha, a great teacher of our age and generation.
The heart of the Orient seems to be essentially religious, whatever else it might be or might not be, and now and again, out of the heart of the Orient the fundamental religious message of the world is stated and restated. Abdul-Baha is the representative of one of the religious systems of life, and it appeals to us Jews because we Jews feel that we have fathered that ideal throughout the centuries of men.
This morning he will speak in his native tongue through his interpreter Dr. Fareed, on "The Fundamental Unity of Religious Thought," and I know that what he will say will be of significance to us. We thank him in advance for the message and for consenting to address us at this service this morning.
The first bestowal of God in the world of humanity is Religion, because Religion consists in Divine teachings to men, and most assuredly Divine teachings are preferable to all other sources of instruction.
Religion confers upon man the life everlasting. Religion is a service to the world of morality. Religion guides humanity to eternal happiness. Religion is the cause of everlasting honor in the world of man.
Religion has ever helped humanity towards progress. As a proof thereof let us first investigate Religion from an unbiased standpoint. Let us find out whether Religion is the cause of progress and development or whether it is not; whether or not Religion is after all the cause of illumination; whether
*Translated by Dr. Ameen U. Fareed; stenographically reported by Miss Bijou Straun.
or not Religion is the impetus which allows man to advance extraordinarily.
Let us investigate independently, careful that we are not bound by blind imitations or dogmas. For were we to be bound by blind imitations, some will believe that Religion is a cause of happiness, and others will disagree, saying that Religion has been a cause of degradation. Hence we must first investigate as to this: whether or not Religion is the cause of human advancement, and let us give it impartial and thorough research so that no doubt shall linger in our minds.
How can we find this out? That is, how can we discover whether Religion has been the cause of human progress or retrogression?
We will first investigate the founders of Religion—the Prophets. We will review the episodes of their lives, the events prior to their rise, and those subsequent thereto. But we will not present to you certain traditions which are subject to both credence and refutation. Nay rather we will cite certain historical facts provable to all, certain facts and evidences well known throughout the world, and which are irrefutable. They are these:
Amongst the great Prophets was His Holiness Abraham, who being an iconoclast and a herald of the Oneness of God, was banished by the people from his native land.
Let us observe right here how Religion is an impetus towards progress.
His Holiness Abraham founded a family,
and this family God did bless, and it was
owing to its religious basis that the Abrahamic
house progressed and advanced.
Through the Divine benediction, noteworthy
and famous prophets have issued from the
Abrahamic lineage. There appeared an Isaac.
There appeared an Ishmael. There appeared
a Jacob. There appeared a Joseph. There
appeared a Moses. There appeared an
Aaron. David issued therefrom. There appeared
Solomon. The Holy Land was conquered[Page 4]
by them and was theirs by right, and
the great Solomonic wisdom was established.
All this was due to the Religion which they
founded.
Hence we learn that Religion is the cause of honor, is the cause of advancement, is the cause of civilization, is the cause of happiness of mankind, even as the Abrahamic history well illustrates this fact, and just as his family clearly points thereto. Even unto the present time his household is visible and manifest throughout the world.
Let us discover or consider the greater phase of it.
The Children of Israel were in bondage and captivity in the land of Egypt. They were subjected to the tyranny and oppression of the Copts (the Egyptians). They were in the utmost state of degradation. One Copt conquered or subdued one hundred Septs (Israelites). They could make use of them as working men or laborers.
The Children of Israel were then in abject poverty, in the lowest abasement, in the lowest degree of ignorance, in the lowest degree of barbarism, until suddenly His Holiness Moses appeared amongst them.
When His Holiness Moses appeared amongst them, outwardly he was no other than a shepherd, but through the power of Religion He exhibited such majestic grandeur and efficacy that they continue to be seen. His Prophethood was well spread throughout the land. His Law was the foundation of the law.
His Holiness Moses was single and alone, and this single, unique personage through the power of Religion, rescued all the Children of Israel from bondage. He conducted them to the Holy Land and there He founded the great civilization which has become permanent, a civilization and development which are most noteworthy. Thereby they attained to the highest degree of honor and glory. He saved them from their bondage and captivity. He imbued them with qualities which caused them to be progressive. They proved to be a civilizing people, an educated and scholarly people. Their philosophy became noteworthy. Their industries were well known. In one word, along all the lines of advancement which characterize a progressive people they achieved progress. They reached such a degree that at last they were the ones who established the Solomonic sovereignty, and their sciences and arts reached such an exalted state that even the Greek philosophers used to take journeys to Jerusalem, in order to study with the Jews philosophy and the basis of law. According to Eastern history this is an established fact.
Even Socrates the Greek philosopher came to the Holy Land and consorted with the Jewish doctors, studying with them wisdom or philosophy. He studied with them the basis of their belief, and when he returned to Greece there he formulated his basis for Divine unity, and there he advanced his belief regarding the immortality of the spirit after the dissolution of the body. These verities Socrates learned no doubt from the Jewish doctors with whom he came in contact.
Likewise Hippocrates and many other philosophers used to go to the Holy Land, to Palestine, and there they acquired lessons from the Jewish prophets, studying with them the basis of ethics and morality, returning to their countries with contributions which have made Greece famous.
A cause or a movement which renders a weak nation, such as the Jews were before, strong, and changes them into a mighty and powerful nation, which rescues them from captivity and causes them to reach sovereignty, which transforms their ignorance into knowledge and science, and which endows them with an impetus to advance along all degrees of attainments—(this is not merely a theory or a story which I am telling; it is a historical fact which is provable; it is history well established in the world)—makes it evident that Religion is the cause of honor to man; that Religion is the cause of the sublimity of man.
When we speak of Religion we mean the foundations of Religion, not the blind imitatations or dogmas which have crept in afterwards, and which are ever destructive, which are ever the cause of the effacement of a nation, which are ever the cause of the hindrance to progress of nations,—even as it is recorded in the Taurat and confirmed in all histories that when the Jews were fettered with imitations, then the wrath of God became manifest.
When they let go of the foundations of the
Law of God, then God sent Nebuchadnezzar
who came and conquered the Holy Land. He
killed all the men; he took in captivity the
children and women; he made waste the countries
and the populous centers; he set afire
all the hamlets and all the villages. Seventy
thousand Jews did Nebuchadnezzar make captive,
and took them with him to Babylon. He
demolished Jerusalem. He destroyed the Holy
of Holies, the great temple there. He burned[Page 5]
the Taurat. The Holy Bible caused he to be
burned.
Thus we learn that the foundation of the Divine Religions is ever the cause of progress, and also that where the holy foundation becomes as it were destroyed and beclouded or surrounded by certain blind imitations, when it leaves the central axis, then the reverse takes place and it is a cause of debasement, the cause of degradation.
Even so was the case with the Greek nation when they were the conquerors. Then the Jews became captives in their turn, and they were followed by the Romans, who proved to be the conquering nation, and they almost did away with the Israelites.
Under Titus the Roman emperor, when he was commander of the Roman army, the Holy Land was laid waste and made a wilderness. The Israelites were scattered broadcast in the world, because he killed their noteworthy men, their possessions were pillaged, and Jerusalem was made a heap of dust. And such was the scattering and dispersion of the Jews, which has continued ever since.
Hence we learn that the foundation of the Religion of God which was laid by His Holiness Moses was the cause of eternal honor, was the cause of the advancement of the nation, was the cause of the life of the Hebrew people, was the cause of homage to be paid forever to this noteworthy people. The dogmas or blind imitations which later crept in proved to be the destructive influences of the Israelites. They caused the Israelites to be scattered throughout the earth, and to be expelled from their land by right—the Holy Land.
In short, what is the mission of Prophets?
The mission of the Prophets is no other than the advancement or the education of the world of humanity. The Prophets are the genuine teachers or educators. The Prophets are the universal instructors.
Should we desire to find out whether or not any of these great souls or messengers was a Prophet, we will investigate the facts of the case, and the line of our investigation will be one of education. If he has been an educator, if he has really educated a people, if he has trained a nation, causing it to attain to the highest point of knowledge after it had been in the lowest abyss of ignorance, then we are sure that he was a Prophet. This is a plain and clear mode of procedure and is irrefutable. We do not have to go to other proofs. We do not have to cite miracles, saying that out of rock water gushed forth, because such a miracle may be denied by others—they may refute it. We do not need such miracles.
The very deeds of Moses are proofs conclusive concerning his Prophethood. We are in need of no further evidences—evidences which are usually refutable.
If a man be unbiased, be fair, and investigate reality, he will without doubt bear testimony to the fact that His Holiness Moses was verily a man of God; was a great personage.
Let us not digress. Let us go to the subject. But here I wish to ask you to be very fair in your judgment, setting aside for the moment all religious prejudice.
All of us should thoroughly investigate or search for verities, because the purpose of the Religion of God has been proved to be no other than the education of humanity and the cause of amity and fellowship among men. Therefore I wish to establish this point,—that the foundations of the Religions of God are one. They are not multiple, for they are realities.
Reality does not accept multiplicity, although every one of the Divine Religions is separable into two divisions. One is concerned with the world of morality, and that is essential. It is concerned with the ethical uplift of the human nature. It is concerned with the advancement of the world of humanity in general. It has to do with the knowledge of God. It has to do with the discovery of the verities of life. This is idealism; this is an essential division. This division is not subject to change or transformation. This is one; it is the foundation of all the Religions of God. Therefore all the Religions are one and the same.
The second classification or division has to do with social laws regulating the conduct of mankind. This division is not essential. It is subject to change and transformation according to the exigencies or the requirements of time and place.
For instance: in the time of Noah certain requirements
demanded that all the sea foods be
allowable or lawful. During the period of
Abrahamic Prophethood it was considered allowable,
because of a certain exigency that a
man should marry his aunt, even as Sarah was
the sister of Abraham's mother. During the
time of Adam it was in vogue or current that a
man should marry his own sister, even as the
children of Adam—Abel, Cain and Seth—married
their own sisters, for the reason that it
was considered expedient at that time, but in
the law of the Taurat that became abrogated—[Page 6]
that was forbidden. There were certain laws
that were valid formerly, but during the time
of Moses they were annulled. For example,
camel's flesh during the time of Abraham was
a food for man, but during the time of Jacob
it was made unlawful.
Such changes and transformations in religious teaching have to do with the trifling things of life. They are not important.
His Holiness Moses lived in the wilderness of Terah, where retribution necessitated direct action. There were no penitentiaries. There were no forms of punishment. Hence, according to the exigency of the time and place, it was a law of God that an eye was to be for an eye, and a tooth for a tooth. If a man's tooth were broken by another, his tooth would be broken. If a man for instance, caused the deafness of another person, the other person would make him deaf. But you cannot do that now. You would not blind a man because he accidentally blinded you. Is it possible to carry such things out?
In the Taurat there are ten commandments concerning the murderer. Is it possible to carry these out? Can these ten ordinances, concerning the treatment of murderers, be enforced?
Modern times are such that even the question of capital punishment—the one form which some nations have decided to enforce in relation to a murderer—is a mooted question. Wise men are consulting as to its feasibility or otherwise.
So everything that is valid is only valid for the time being. The exigency of that time demanded that if a man committed theft to the extent of a dollar they would chop off his hand, but now you cannot cut off a man's hand for a thousand dollars. You cannot do it; it is impossible. This is true, for it was useful for that time, but things are useful in accordance with the exigencies of the time. Time changes, and when time changes the laws have to change. But remember, these are not of importance; they are the accidentals of religion. The essentials which are spiritual in character, which have to do with morality, which have to do with the ethical development of man, which have to do with the faith of man—they are ideal; they are necessary and permanent; they are one foundation, and they are not subject to change or transformation.
Hence for the fundamental basis of the Religion of God there is no change or transformation. That is the basis, the fundamental foundation of Religion. That never, never changes.
The basis of the law of Moses, His Holiness Christ promulgated. That self-same foundation of Religion was promulgated by Mohammed. All the great Prophets have served that foundation. They have served this Reality. Hence the purposes and the purports of all the Prophets have been one and the same. They were the advancement of the body-politic. They were the cause of the honor of mankind. They were the Divine civilizations of man, the foundation whereof is one, and as we declared before, the proofs concerning the validity of a personage, the proofs of inspiration are, after all, the very deeds of valor and greatness emanating from that Prophet. If that Prophet has proved to be instrumental in the elevation of mankind, undoubtedly he has been a valid Prophet.
Again, I wish you to be very fair in the judgment of these following remarks:
At the time when the Israelites had again been put in captivity at a period when the Roman Empire had dispersed and effaced the Hebrew nation, because the Law of God had as it were, passed from amongst them, and the foundations of the Religion of God had been destroyed—at such a time as this Jesus Christ appeared among them.
When His Holiness Christ appeared from the Jews, the first thing He did was to proclaim the validity of the Mosaic mission. He declared that the Taurat, the Old Testament, was the Book of God. He declared that all the prophets of Israel were valid and true. He eulogized Moses, and through His recommendations Moses' name was spread throughout the world. The fame of Moses, through the Christian movement, was circulated broadcast.
Before the rise of Christ it is a fact that in
Persia the name of Moses had not been
heard. Throughout India they had no knowledge
of Judaism, and were it not for the
Christianizing of Europe it would not have
had this knowledge of the Old Testament
which it has. Throughout Europe there was
not a copy of the Old Testament. But listen
to this and judge it aright: It was through
the instrumentality of Christ, it was through
the translation of the New Testament—the
little volume of the Gospel—that the Old Testament,
the Taurat, was translated into six
hundred languages and spread throughout the
world at large.[Page 7]
The names of Israelitish prophets became household names everywhere. All the nations of the world believed on this, that the Children of Israel were verily the chosen people of God, and that that nation was a holy nation, that the blessing of God attended that nation, and that all the prophets of God which had issued therefrom were the dawning points of Divine Inspiration, were the daysprings of revelation, and each one of them glistened like unto a star.
Hence His Holiness Christ really promulgated Judaism, for He was a Jew and He was not against Jews. He did not deny the prophetic validity of Moses. Nay, he rather promoted it. He did not efface the Taurat. Nay rather He promulgated it. At most it comes to this: that the portion of that dispensation which had to do with transactions, that underwent change, and that is not important, but the essential teaching of Moses—Christ did promulgate virtually. He did not leave anything undone.
Likewise with the superlative power and the efficacious Word of God, He gathered together most of the nations of the East and West. This was achieved at a time when these nations were in the utmost contention and strife. He ushered all of them beneath the overshadowing tent of the oneness of humanity. He educated them in such wise as to be united and agreed, even as the Roman, the Greek, the Chaldean, the Assyrian and the Egyptian nations were perfectly blended together, and the heavenly civilization was the result. Now this efficacy of the Word and heavenly power which are extraordinary, undoubtedly prove conclusively the validity of His Holiness Christ. Consider how His heavenly sovereignty is yet permanent and lasting. Verily, this is conclusive proof and manifest evidence.
Then we see, appearing from another horizon, the prophet of Arabia—Mohammed.
Perchance you do not know that the first address of Mohammed to his tribe was this statement: "Moses verily was a Prophet of God, and the Taurat is a book of God. Verily, O ye people, ye must believe in the Taurat, and in Moses and the prophets. Ye must accept all the Israelitish prophets as valid."
In the Koran, the Mohammedan Bible, there are seven statements—in fact seven repetitions of the Mosaic episode, and in all the historic sketches Moses is praised.
Mohammed states that His Holiness Moses was the greatest prophet of God; that God guided Him in the Sahara or wilderness of Terah; that through the light of guidance Moses harkened to the summons of God; that He proved to be the interlocutor of God; that he was the bearer of the tablet of the ten commandments; that all the contemporaneous nations of the world arose against Him; that eventually Moses conquered all of them, because falsehood is ever defeated by truth.
There are many instances of this kind by Mohammed. I am citing just a few.
Consider that His Holiness Mohammed was born among the savage and barbarous nations of Arabia, lived amongst them, and outwardly was illiterate and uninformed of the holy books of God.
The Arabian nations were in the utmost state of ignorance and barbarism, to the extent that they buried their daughters alive. They considered this to be the utmost valor and sublimity of nature. They lived under the Persian and Roman governments in the utmost captivity and bondage. They were scattered throughout the Arabian desert, subject to continuous strife and bloodshed.
When the light of Mohammed dawned, the darkness of ignorance was dispelled from the Arabian desert. Those barbarous nations in a short space of time reached a superlative degree of civilization, even as their civilization extended to Spain and was established in Baghdad whence it was transplanted to Europe.
What proof is there concerning his Prophethood greater than this, unless a man should close his eyes to justice and appear obstinately unfair?
And now the Christians are believers in Moses. They believe that he was a prophet of God and they commend him most highly. The Mohammedans are believers in Moses, praising him most highly, proving the validity of Moses, and likewise believing in His Holiness Christ and praising Him highly.
Is it harm which has come to these nations, namely Christians and Mohammedans because they have admitted the validity of Moses and have accepted Him? No; on the contrary it proves that they have been fair-minded to that extent.
Then what harm is there that the Jewish nation should in turn now praise His Holiness Christ, also praise His Holiness Mohammed,
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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
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.
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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 (November 4, 1912) Kudrat No. 13
"THE PALO ALTAN"
Friday, November 1, 1912, The Palo Altan, edited by H. W. Simkins, devoted its entire sheet to a presentation of the visit of Abdul-Baha to California. On the first page, under a six-column heading, appears an excellent half-tone portrait of Abdul-Baha. An introductory article telling of the visit to Leland Stanford Junior University—which we reproduce in this issue of the STAR OF THE WEST—is followed by a sketch of the life of Abdul-Baha, under the heading, "Bahaism and Its Prophet." Page two contains an editorial, "The New Evangel," and the Address delivered by Abdul-Baha at the University—published in our last issue. Page three contains the "Message to the Jews." Page four, Address delivered in the Unitarian Church, Palo Alto; also a reproduction of the original Tablet and translation of same to Mr. H. W. Smikins. We quote it as follows:
At the time I met you and felt the susceptibilities of your conscience my heart and soul became greatly attached to that dear friend (i. e. yourself) and the utmost love was produced, and the spiritual emotions were obtained. Your visit gave me the utmost happiness. The address delivered in Stanford University and published completely in your paper was observed today—and on account of it I became both pleased and grateful. In order to express my pleasure and appreciation for this service of yours I am writing you this epistle. I shall never forget your cordiality, and as long as life lasts I shall remember you. I beg of God, that that dear friend (yourself) may become like unto a shining star in the horizon of Reality, and become the cause of bestowing spiritual life upon the world of humanity.
The address delivered at the Jewish temple establishing the validity of His Holiness Jesus Christ and inviting the Jews to believe in Him is enclosed herein. From its powerful contents you will realize that though there were many conservative Jews in the audience, yet in the most dauntless manner the validity of Christ was proven. After reading its contents should you think it best you may print it fully without abbreviation in the columns of your paper that others of the Jews may read it. Perchance this may prove an impetus for their respect for, and belief in Christ, that this strife and contention that has lasted between the two nations for two thousand years may disappear, and the oneness of the world of humanity be unveiled.
Upon thee be greeting and praise!
ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
On behalf of the Bahais in America, the
STAR OF THE WEST not only congratulates the
editor of The Palo Altan in that he became
the recipient of such words of commendation
from Abdul-Baha, but that he was assisted
to render such excellent service through the
medium of his newspaper—a service that shall
be effective in these great days and remembered
throughout the coming years. We take
pleasure in reproducing his editorial herewith:[Page 9]
Wednesday morning at the University assembly and in the evening at the Unitarian Church in Palo Alto appeared and spoke the leader in a world movement for unity in religion, international peace and universal brotherhood. This is Abdul-Baha, a native of Persia, who has devoted his life to the mission handed down to him by his father. This mantle of inspired evangelism was consecrated by the persecution of forty years of imprisonment imposed by the Sultan of Turkey upon BAHA'O'LLAH, the elder.
As the stone that was rejected may become the head of the corner, or like the prophet's dream expand until it fills up the whole world, so may be the mantle of the wise men of the east, who rediscover a glorified star shining over the birth of a world movement toward idealism.
This idealism is the further perfection of the ideals of all the great religions of the world. In the science of photography there is a process by which any number of images of different faces may be composited together to produce the dominant type. What is truly representative leaves its impress upon the final result. What is vague and non-intrinsic surpluses into the shadow and disappears. Such a scientfic process to arrive at the true composite of religious truth may be likened to the aim of the Bahai movement. It seeks the true common denominator of all religions, rejecting nothing which is good and afraid of nothing which is true.
The spiritual kingdom is full of clashes and contradictions, just as the political and industrial worlds are full of contention and strife. And just as in the latter fields volunteers are spending their lives to pave a better way, so in the spiritual kingdom we have the dawning of a more perfect light. This light will shed its peaceful rays over all contentious factions and will show them the form and substance of truth, which may have been obscured by the dust of strife.
To build a structure by taking a plank from here and plank from there and a stone from hither and a stone from yonder, as some vague fancy might dictate, would result in an architectural monstrosity that would violate all the rules of unity and proportion. In no such way is the temple of true light to be founded. It is to be brought together in one focus of rays forming an image of all the elements which stand the searching test. This temple may be surrounded on all sides by the images of those beautiful non-essentials which have not gained entrance to the inner structure, but which the true spirit within may yet see as outer landscapes unfolding before the temple windows.
This is the task of the Bahai. It is a true ideal. Truly catholic and universal, it provides a meeting ground for Christian, Jew, Moslem and Buddhist. There is one God who is the God of all religions. His will is the law of all harmony and good. He stands revealed in the last analysis of universal truth. His truth is a gospel of love which surrounds and comprehends all things. In this there is no room for strife and discord, no place for darkness or deceit, and no beginning for bitterness and woe.
Whenever science discovers any great truth, that truth is not the property of science, but it is the heritage of the whole world. We do not refer all the marvels of electricity to Edison nor worship his laboratory at Menlo Park. We use the blessing and pass it along. It matters little, in the long run, who made the discovery. If the founders of Bahai arose from the ancient plains of Persia and sent out the true message, it matters little whether Persia is of the east or of the west. From the cradle of the human race and the oldest nation of the world comes a voice reaching down the centuries, to bring a message of peace to the strong young giant of the west, bidding America to usher in the dawn. H. W. Simkins.
CORRECTION
In the last issue of the STAR OF THE WEST it was stated that friends desiring to purchase the book "God's Heroes," should order same from Mons. H. Dreyfus-Barney, Paris, France. This is an error. The book is sold by J. B. Lippincott Co., Philadelphia; and Kegan Paul, Trench, Trubner & Co., London. It is understood that proceeds from the sale of the book will be given to the Mashrak-el-Azkar. The price is $3.25.
WALL CALENDAR
The Honolulu Bahai Assembly desires that
every one of the friends possess a copy of the
Wall Calendar, issued by them some months
ago, and has written Miss Mary Lesch, 5205
Jefferson Ave., Chicago, to distribute them
upon request. Ten cents in stamps should be
sent to cover postage.[Page 10]
and by this humanitarian acceptance and praiseworthy view of the subject do away forever with this enmity and hatred which have faced mankind so many centuries, so that bloodshed shall cease, this fanaticism pass away forever, and all mankind be unified? This corruption shall cease as soon as this acceptance is established.
They admit that Moses was the interlocutor of God. Why do you not say that Christ was the Word of God? Why do you not say just the few words that will do away with all this sort of thing? Then there will be no hatred left, no fanaticism left, no warfare in the Land of Promise, no bloodshed whatever. Then there will be peace forever.
Verily I declare now to you that Moses was no other than that Interlocutor of God; that Moses was the most noteworthy Prophet of God; that Moses brought the fundamental Law of God; that Moses was the founder of the ethical basis which has proved happiness to humanity.
What harm is there in this? Do I lose by saying this to you and believing it as a Bahai? Not at all. On the contrary, as a Bahai, it benefits, and the founder of the Bahai movement, BAHA'O'LLAH, is well pleased with me, confirming me therein. He says: "Well done; you have been fair in your judgment; you have impartially investigated the truth; you have arrived at the conclusion full well; you have believed in a Prophet of God, in Moses; you have accepted the Book of God, the Taurat."
Now inasmuch as it is possible to do away with this prejudice with such a bit of liberalism in the world, why not do it?
Why not do away with this continuous strife? Why not establish a bond which can easily connect the hearts of men? What harm is there in this Religion that everyone should praise the teacher or the founder of another? Inasmuch as the other nations praise His Holiness Moses and admit that Moses was the founder of Judaism, why have the Hebrews not also praised the other great men?
What harm comes from it? None at all. It is no loss to you at all. Nay rather you are contributing to the welfare of mankind. Nay rather you would be instrumental in establishing the happiness of the world of humanity. Nay rather the eternal honor of man depends upon this modern liberalism.
Inasmuch as our God is one and He has created all of us—He provides for all of us, He protects all of us—and we acknowledge such a kind and clement Lord, why should we—His children, His followers, fight each other? Why should we so easily break the hearts of one another?
God is so merciful and kind, and His aim in Religion has ever been the bond of unity and affinity.
Praise be to God, the mediæval ages of darkness have passed away and this century of radiance has dawned—this century wherein the reality of things is becoming evident, this century wherein science has discovered the very mysteries of nature, this century which is in toto a service to the world of humanity, this century wherein we have established the foundation of the world of humanity. Is it behooving that we should still linger in our fanaticism and tarry in our prejudice? Is it behooving that we should still be bound by the old fables and superstitions, and be handicapped by the superannuated beliefs of past and dark ages, again waging wars religious, again fighting one another, still shedding the blood of each other, shunning one another, anathematizing one another? Is it becoming?
Is it not better for us to be most loving to one another? Is it not preferable for us to enjoy fellowship together, unite and sing anthems of unity towards God, and praise all the Prophets in a good and praiseworthy spirit?
Then you will observe how the world will prove to be a paradise and the promised Day shall come. That will be the day when the wolves and the sheep will quaff from the same stream, when according to the prophecy of Isaiah, the quail and the eagle will enjoy the same nest together, and the gazelle or the deer will with the lion enjoy the same pasture.
What does this mean?
It means that contending nations are symbolized by this fact, that religions which have been formerly as wolves and sheep, divergent creeds, will associate with each other. Notwithstanding their former status they will then, through this liberalism, associate with each other in perfect fellowship and the utmost of love.
This is the meaning of the statement of His
Holiness Isaiah. Otherwise you will never
come to see a day when this prophecy will
come to pass literally, for the wolf will never[Page 11]
enjoy the companionship of the sheep, and
the lion and the deer will never associate together—because
the lion and the deer will see
each other—but the deer will be within the
lion, and the sheep will ever be the prey of
the wolf. As you know, the teeth of the
lion are carnivorous. It has no molars to
enjoy grass. Hence it must eat flesh.
Therefore this prophecy is symbolic of this state of affairs;—when certain nations and races symbolized or typified by lions and wolves and sheep, amongst whom there is no bond of fellowship or association, in that day of promise will be unified, and treat each other most kindly and liberally.
In a word, the age is ours when fellowship is to be established!
The century has come when all the religions are to be unified!
The century has come when all the nations shall enjoy international peace!
The century has come when all the races and the tribes of the world will do away with racial prejudice and associate perfectly!
The century has arrived when all the nativities of the world will prove to be one home of the human family!
Thus may human kind in its entirety rest comfortably and in peace under the great and broad tabernacle of the one Lord.
Continued from last issue of the STAR OF THE WEST.
BY FRANCES ORR ALLEN.THE only public address of Abdul-Baha in Berkeley was given the evening of October 9th at the High School Auditorium before a large and representative gathering. He had been invited by Mr. J. Stitt Wilson, the Mayor of Berkeley, to be the guest of the city. In the Mayor's absence, he was introduced by Mr. H. I. Stern, of the Public School Department.
The next morning, Abdul-Baha made quite a different visit—not to one of the great universities, but to the humble home of one of the friends, Charles Tinsley, a colored man, who was confined to his bed on account of a broken leg. During this visit, Abdul-Baha told a beautiful story of a ruler who trained the subject he loved best in order to fit him to hold the most important place in his kingdom—told how he scourged him, and maimed him, and caused him all manner of sorrow and suffering that he might know for himself what these conditions were in reality, meanwhile assuring him that he loved him and that only through this training could he be fitted for the great place he had destined him to fill.
The evening of the same day, October 10th, Abdul-Baha gave an address before the Open Forum, an organization for the discussion of economic and kindred subjects. His discourse was scientific, contrasting the philosophy of the East with that of the West.
Friday evening, he spoke before the Theosophical Society and their friends, being introduced at length by the President of the Society, who presented Abdul-Baha as one of the Enlightened.
The most remarkable public address given during the visit to the Coast was on Saturday morning, October 12th, at Temple Emmanu-El. It was a wonderful sight, Abdul-Baha standing in the pulpit of that magnificent synagogue, between pillars of palms. The morning sunshine came dimly through the beautiful colored windows, descending as in benediction and approval of the call to righteousness, once more being given to the chosen people of the Lord. In their own synagogue, he proved to the congregation the validity of Christ. He called upon them to investigate Reality,—not to be bound by dogma. He urged them to respect the name of Christ and of Mohammed, and, above all, exhorted them to be kind.
From the synagogue Abdul-Baha was driven to Mrs. Goodall's Oakland home, where Children's Day was to be observed. The afternoon was especially for the little ones, whom Abdul-Baha loves so tenderly. The spacious parlors were filled with the children and their parents and friends, and the rooms were sweet with the fragrance of many flowers. The children greeted him with the beautiful song, "Softly His Voice Is Calling Now." Calling them to him, he gave them candy and flowers, and then went to each one, child and adult, and gave an envelope, containing rose leaves. He named the children "radiant children." They followed him about and he took the little ones in his arms. Later the children gathered on the steps, where a photograph was taken. It was a beautiful afternoon. Truly one who has not seen Abdul-Baha with the children has missed a great deal.
At 3:30 o'clock of the following day, Sunday,
Abdul-Baha spoke in the reading room[Page 12]
of the blind, at 1665 Jackson Street, San Francisco,
where during the week instruction is
given in manual training. To this meeting
were invited, also, the blind from the Adult
Home in Oakland, and the children and youth
from the State Educational Institution in
Berkeley. The service opened with a beautiful
song by a child. Abdul-Baha first paid a tribute
to Mrs. Rowan, through whose efforts the
teaching at this place is made possible. Then
he spoke of how, in receiving education, the
blind are being endowed with sight. He told
them—even though deprived of sight, having
insight—they must not sorrow. Sight is only
for a time, but insight is divine and discovers
the Kingdom, sees the beauty of God. Though
deprived of a drop, they possess the ocean, for
insight comprehends all the other senses. He
closed by saying, "May you not see dust, but
purity—see the beauty of Christ, of BAHA'O'LLAH
and all holy souls."
In the evening, many of the friends gathered in the parlor and Abdul-Baha told them of his visit to the beach. He likened humanity to a sea,—at times smooth, at other times in motion. The sea in motion is most like life, even when tempestuous; when in motion, each hour brings results. He said: "Seek to dive in the spiritual sea and bring up pearls; seek to find that sea."
At the conclusion of the talk, he spoke of musical instruments, saying all are imperfect, but that BAHA'O'LLAH brought to earth a heavenly, divine instrument where each soul could find and strike his note and the music would be a heavenly chorus, and eternal. At this gathering there were Persians, Swiss, Hindu, Holland, Canadian, French, English, Japanese and Americans—all in love and fellowship.
Wednesday, October 16th, Abdul-Baha and party returned from a short visit to the country. To the nine Portland friends, who had arrived, he said, "Be happy, no tears! no tears!" Some of these friends had come at great sacrifice. One little boy said to his mother, "Why do you cry, mother? It is silly to cry here." In the afternoon Abdul-Baha addressed the Century Club on Equality between men and women. He spoke of woman's superiority in kindness and tenderness, and, when necessary, in valor and courage.
The evening of October 16th will never be forgotten, because of the memorable feast, held at the home of Mrs. Goodall, in Oakland. The beautiful rooms were filled with tables, adorned with yellow chrysanthemums and pyramids of fruit. The friends gathered quietly and talked in low but joyous tones. All seemed to feel the evening to be one set apart from all other evenings, for at this feast it was our great privilege to have Abdul-Baha with us. There were one hundred and ten present, friends from the Bay Cities and also from Portland and Seattle.
When all were seated at table, Abdul-Baha requested that we partake of the food so bountifully provided, while he walked about speaking words of wisdom and love, giving us the spiritual food, for which we hungered. Then, from the stairs, he pronounced a benediction upon all assembled, and soon the friends quietly withdrew. It was the most spiritual meeting. Gathered under one roof were people of different nations and various nationalities, the young and old, all meeting in love and fellowship, and in devotion to the Servant of God in this day.
Thursday passed in the usual way, with private interviews and talks. Friday, Abdul-Baha and party, accompanied by several of the friends, left for Los Angeles, returning early the following morning. During the day, friends from Seattle, Tacoma and Spokane arrived, and were welcomed and made very happy.
Tuesday evening, the farewell meeting of the friends was held at the home of Mrs. Goodall in Oakland. This was another especially memorable occasion. All realized that at this meeting would be given final words of exhortation and farewell. There was a reverent hush as Abdul-Baha told of BAHA'O'LLAH and of the two years He passed in solitude. At the close of this narrative, Abdul-Baha arose, and, in no uncertain terms, declared himself to be the CENTER OF THE COVENANT; and exhorted all believers to firmness, calling upon them to spread the message of the Kingdom both by deed and word. In farewell, he took each one by the hand, giving to each the Greatest Name.
Wednesday and Thursday went all too quickly, filled with the usual interviews and talks. The friends spent as much time as possible at the house of Abdul-Baha, realizing that the days of great privilege were swiftly passing. All the public discourses were well received and will bear much fruit; but it was through the more intimate and personal talks that the friends received greatest quickening and instruction.
From the University at Berkeley many of[Page 13]
the East Indian students came to visit Abdul-Baha,
and to them and to the Japanese friends
he showed great favor. It was most interesting
and gratifying to witness the beautiful
spirit of love and kindness in the friends who
gathered to meet Abdul-Baha.
Abdul-Baha expressed himself much pleased with San Francisco and greatly enjoyed his visits to Golden Gate Park. He took especial interest in the flowers and would often leave the automobile for a walk along the shore of some one of the small lakes. But even on the drives and during the walks he dispensed blessing—giving many wonderful lessons to those whose great privilege it was to be with him at those times.
Early Friday morning, the friends gathered at the house to say good-bye. The admonition to be happy was given, the last words were said, the wonderful days were ended. Our cups have been filled to overflowing with blessing and it is for us now to give out to others some of the light and love we have received.
A great assembly of students and teachers crowd the auditorium to hear the Bahai Prophet of Persia expound the doctrine of a new day for Universal Brotherhood, International Peace and Religious Unity. Oriental Savant with Entourage of Twenty-nine Persons spent the day at Stanford University and are Entertained in Palo Alto.
[From "The Palo Altan"]A crowded Assembly Hall, holding nearly two thousand people, awaited with eager expectancy the appearance last Tuesday morning of Abdul-Baha, Abbas Effendi, the world leader of the Bahai movement. The venerable prophet, with his long gray beard and Persian cloak and turban, gave a true impression of the reincarnation of a Far Eastern prophet of old. He spoke in Persian, and his remarks were translated by Dr. Ameen Fareed, a graduate of the University of Illinois and also of Johns Hopkins University.
Abdul-Baha is revolutionizing the religion of Asia, bringing Mohammedans, Jews and Christians together on the basis of the laws of Moses, which they all ratify. He already has a vast host of followers and has aroused great interest by his present tour of America and England.
A pilgrimage through England and America undertaken by Abdul-Baha has created great interest in the Bahai movement. The knowledge of this movement has been brought home to thousands of people who are willing and eager to spread its beneficent teachings. On this far western shore of America the seeds of peace and welfare find fertile ground and abundant fruitage. At Stanford there is a keen interest taken in International Peace on account of the prominent part taken by Dr. Jordan, one of the trustees of the Carnegie Peace Endowment.
After the address at the university some time was spent by the party in viewing the campus buildings and surroundings. In the evening another large assemblage gathered at the Unitarian Church in Palo Alto to hear the message to the church, as the morning sermon had been addressed to the men of science. As before, the sermon was translated sentence by sentence by Dr. Fareed as uttered by the speaker. The venerable prophet was followed with close attention by the large audience of men and women present.
It seemed to be a notable day when Abdul-Baha from the far country of the Orient met Dr. David Starr Jordan of the far western shore, both carrying the standard of international peace and universal brotherhood. It was Persia, the oldest nation of the world, indeed the fabled country of the Garden of Eden and birthplace of the human race, bringing a message to America, the youngest great nation of the world.
"For there is neither East nor West,
- Border nor Breed nor Birth,
When two strong men stand face to face,
- Though they come from the ends of the earth."
Abdul-Baha carries the message of religion and Doctor Jordan carries the message of science, both aiming for one great result. As all men are the children of one God, so are they all brothers, and we are at the dawning of a new day when the relationship of world fraternity will be seen and recognized.
The prophets of Israel, Moses, Elijah and
Christ, are firmly established in the heart and
mind of humanity as great teachers who delivered
the message of God to the world. They[Page 14]
lived and taught in one small country, never
getting far away from the place of their nativity.
In the case of Moses, who led the
children of Israel up out of Egypt to Canaan,
a notable journey in its day, would be a slight
migration in the modern sense of people accustomed
to traverse the globe. Our Savior lived
and taught only in Palestine. Yet with all the
differences which come in the stretch of two
thousand years, one feels in the presence of
Abdul-Baha that he is a living embodiment of
the old patriachs and prophets. He has accomplished
a great journey from the far East to
the far West. Yet he was known before he
came, and he will be long remembered.
In connection with these discourses, the wonderful skill and felicitous expression of the translator, Dr. Ameen Ullah Fareed, should not go unrecognized. To his ready learning is indebted the ability to fully appreciate the beauties of the discourses. They have been faithfully transcribed by the stenographer, Miss Bijou Straun.
The day, according to the wisdom of Solomon, is divided into three parts, whereof a part is for labor, a part for refreshment, and a part for repose. As fitting to follow the labor of a busy day, the company and a few guests enjoyed the hospitality of Mrs. I. C. Merriman at the home of her daughter on Waverley street. An evening of profitable and delightful discussion of the Bahai movement was followed by the serving of a sumptuous dinner at which all the appointments of refinement and good taste pervaded. Mrs. Merriman has taken a deep interest in the work of true benevolence best typified in the teachings of this universal religion and it was a pleasure to gather around her hospitable board on this occasion. The company remained over night and the next morning returned to San Francisco.
ABDUL-BAHA, in speaking of Mr. Chase, told the friends in San Francisco and Los Angeles to annually visit the grave of Mr. Chase, to pray and have a meeting there and detail his earnest endeavors, service and great love for the Cause. Abdul-Baha said that Mr. Chase's station was not known while he was alive but in the future years it will be known. Among the friends are many whose stations are not known while alive, but after their death, in the course of time their station becomes manifest. Annually the friends will visit the grave of Mr. Chase on the day Abdul-Baha visited it.
Upon our arrival in San Francisco, Oct. 4, 1912, when one of the Bahais gave the news of the departure of Mr. Chase, Abdul-Baha said: "This revered personage was the first Bahai in America. He served the Cause faithfully and his services will ever be remembered throughout future ages and cycles. He has written many books in this Cause and they will be studied carefully by the coming generations. He traveled once to Acca and there we associated with each other for several days. Indeed he became free from the troubles of this world. No matter how long he might have remained here, he would have met nothing else but trouble. The purpose of life is to get certain results; that is, the life of man must bring forth certain fruitage. It does not depend upon the length of life. As soon as the life is crowned with fruition then it is completed, although that person may have had a short life. There are certain trees which come to fruition very quickly, but there are other trees which attain to fruition very late; the aim is fruit. If the tree brings forth its fruit young, its life is short; it is praiseworthy. How regretful it is that a man may live a long life and yet his life may not be crowned with success, like unto the cypress tree which does not give any fruitage. Praise be to God! the tree of Mr. Chase's life brought forth fruit. It gave complete fruit, therefore he is free. He attained to eternal rest. He is now in the Presence of BAHA'O'LLAH. His Holiness Jesus Christ lived only thirty-three years, but the world is filled with the fruits of his life. Others have lived a hundred years, with no result and no fruitage from their lives. There was a rabbi in Tiberius who lived 120 years, but the tree of his life was fruitless. He had great enmity against Jesus Christ. He often used to argue: 'The ephemeral life is subject to many trials and vicissitudes; there is no enjoyment in it.' The life of Mr. Chase was spiritual in character; his services will ever be remembered and he has already attained to the desire of his heart."
On Saturday, Oct. 19th, at 1 p. m., Abdul-Baha
and about twenty-five Bahais of Los[Page 15]
Angeles arrived at the cemetery Inglewood.
The place is charming, the meadows are green
and there are many trees. Abdul-Baha silently
walked ahead of the friends and he was followed
reverently by them. There are many
flower beds and the fragrance thereof reached
the nostrils. Most of the friends carried bouquets
of flowers in their hands. After arriving
at the grave, Abdul-Baha scattered his flowers
and then one after another of the friends gave
him their bouquets and he divided them and
scattered them over the grave. Then Abdul-Baha,
standing at the head of the grave and
raising his hands toward heaven, uttered the
following prayer:
O my God! O my God! Verily, this is a servant of Thine, who did believe on Thee and in Thy signs; verily he hearkened to Thy summons, turned to Thy Kingdom, humbled himself at Thy holy threshold, was possessed of a contrite heart, arose to serve Thy cause, to spread Thy fragrances, to promote Thy word, and to expound Thy wisdom.
Verily he guided the people to Thine ancient pathway, and led them to Thy way of rectitude. Verily he held the chalice of guidance in his right hand and gave unto those athirst to drink of the cup of favor. He presented himself at Thy lofty threshold, where he laid his brow on the fragrant soil of Thy garden and circumambulated Thy all-glorious and sublime abode, the traces of which are wide-spread and the fragrances of whose loyalty are sensed everywhere. Later he returned to these vast and extensive countries and proclaimed Thy Name amongst the people, until his respiration ceased and his outward sensation was suspended, returning to Thee with a heart throbbing with Thy love and with an eye opened to Thy direction.
O Lord! O Lord! Submerge him in the ocean of Thy glory. O Lord! O Lord! Usher him into Thy delectable garden. O Lord! O Lord! Usher him into Thy lofty paradise and cause him to be present in Thy meeting of transfiguration. O Lord! Submerge him in the ocean of Thy lights.
Verily, Thou art the Clement! Verily, Thou are the Merciful, the Precious, the Omnipotent!
Then after the prayer he spoke as follows: "Mr. Chase was of the blessed souls. The best time of his life was spent in the path of God. He had no other aim except the good pleasure of the Lord and no other desire except the attainment to the Kingdom of God. During his lifetime he bore many trials and vicissitudes, but he was very patient and long-suffering. He had a heart most illuminated, a spirit most rejoiced; his hope was to serve the world of humanity; during the days of his life he strove as much as he could—he never failed—until he witnessed the lights of the Kingdom of ABHA, and he was guided by the lights of Guidance. He summoned the people to the religion of God; he suffered them to enter into the Kingdom of God; he wrote books and epistles regarding the proofs and evidences of the Manifestations of BAHA'O'LLAH. In reality he has left behind him certain signs which will never be forgotten throughout ages and cycles. In reality this personage was worthy of respect. This personage is worthy of having the friends visit his grave. The traces of this personage will ever shine. This is a personage who will not be forgotten. For the present his worth is not known but in the future it will be inestimably dear. His sun will ever be shining, his stars will ever bestow the light. The people will honor this grave. Therefore, the friends of God must visit this grave and on my behalf bring flowers and seek the sublimity of the spiritual station for him and have the utmost consideration for the members of his family. This personage will not be forgotten."
Mirza Ahmad Sohrab.
THE report of the illness of Brother Chase reached us after his spirit had ascended to the Supreme Concourse. Not aware of his departure, a number of the friends met at 935 Eastern Parkway to pray for the descent of the Divine Confirmations upon this blessed and faithful servant of the Heavenly Kingdom. It was a holy gathering, sanctified as we now know by the spirit of the attained one, forever free from the prison of the mortal body. Truly the benediction of his life, words and works haloed the meeting. Verily his spirit is still moving, his voice still upraised in the Cause of God.
On October 16th, the Nineteen Day Feast of
Ilm was celebrated at the same Bahai home.
Fifty of the heavenly companions were present
and services commemorating the beloved
brother were held. Tablets of BAHA'O'LLAH
and Abdul-Baha were read and the invocation[Page 17]
from Kitab-el-Akdas offered in behalf of the
attained one.
The readings included the Tablet written by Abdul-Baha in memory of another brother:
"O Beloved! O Faithful Brother! Where is thy beautiful face? Where is thy eloquent speech? Where is thy serene brow? Where is thy radiant beauty? Where is thy flame enkindled by the Fire of the Love of God? Where is thy attraction to the Perfumes of God? Where is thy discourse in praise of God? Where is thy determination to serve in the Cause of God? Where are thy beautiful eyes? Where are thy smiling lips? Where is thy noble countenance? Where is thy graceful form? Thou hast abandoned the human world and ascended to the Kingdom. Thou hast attained to the Divine Grace. Thou hast reached the Threshold of the Lord of the Celestial Kingdom. Thou hast abandoned the bodily lamp, the mortal garment, the earthly elements and the life of this world. Thou hast kindled thy flame in the Lamp of the Supreme Concourse and thou hast entered the Paradise of El-ABHA. Thou hast taken shelter in the shadow of the Tree of Life and attained the Meeting with God in the Abode of Paradise. Thou wert a divine bird which has forsaken its mortal nest. Thou hast flown to the Garden of the Divine Kingdom and attained thy brilliant station. Thou hast already sung the verses of the Mercy of the Lord the Clement. Thou art a grateful servant, and thou hast entered into the joy of thy Lord. Verily thy Lord hath chosen thee for His Love;—hath guided thee to the side of His Holiness, caused thee to enter into the Garden of His Nearness and permitted thee to behold His Beauty. Thou hast laid hold of Eternal Life and attained to Everlasting Well-Being,—to the Good-Pleasure of God,—to His Delight—and His All-Sufficient Favor. Thou hast become a star in the Highest Horizon, a light among the Angels of Heaven, and a living soul in the Exalted World, resting upon the Throne of Immortality. I ask God to enable thee to attain to His Nearness and His Union;—to rejoice thee by His Presence;—to increase thy brightness and thy beauty;—to grant thee honor and glory. We remember thee continually and never forget thee. We pray for thee night and day. We see thee in the Supreme Horizon of El-ABHA!
"O Beloved! O Faithful Brother!"
Howard MacNutt.
"Consider the times of the past: Regard for instance the days of His Holiness Christ and days subsequent thereto. How many were the libelous things attributed to Him! How many were the utterances in the Temples against Him! How many titles were given unto Him, they gave the title Beelzebub—Satan! They did not say 'Jesus;' they used the word 'Beelzebub.' 'Beelzebub was captured! Beelzebub was paraded through the streets! Beelzebub was crucified!' they said.... But remember that these did not affect the Cause of Christianity; nay, rather, It advanced daily in power and potency, in splendor and effulgence. Therefore, my purpose is to warn you against accusations, certain criticisms, certain revilings in articles in the newspapers. Do not worry; they are the very cause of confirming the Cause, of uplifiting the Movement.... A great confusion will take place in the churches... Some ministers will arise saying the Bahais are misguided. That is the day the Cause is going to spread.
"My purpose is this: That his honor Mirza Abul Fazl has written a treatise answering the criticisms of a London preacher. It is published in Chicago; each one of you should have a copy of that book, and read, memorize and ponder over it. Then when anybody advances any accusations or criticisms, you will be well armed."
