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Vol. III April 9, 1912
No. 2Teachings of BAHA'O'LLAH—The Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Seventh, and Eighth Principles — From Discourses Given by Abdul-Baha in London and Paris | 3 |
News Note—Abdul-Baha sails for America | 8 |
Persian Section—Illustrated | 9-16 |
[Page 2]
Announcement
THE BAHA'I PUBLISHING SOCIETY has just issued a handsome new edition of the
Album of Views taken at Acca, Haifa, Mt. Carmel, Syria,
and other places in the Holy Land, some years ago.
These excellent color plates show the scenes surrounding the life of Baha'o'llah and the early followers who went into exile with Him during His imprisonment. This edition also contains an artistic duo-portrait of Abdul-Baha. There are only a limited number of these Albums. The special plates from which these beautiful views were reproduced could not be preserved and when this edition is exhausted no more can be secured. Those desiring copies should order at once.
BOUND IN ELEGANT CLOTH COVERS WITH GOLD LETTERS | Price $1.25 |
Address all orders to MISS MARY LESCH, 5205 Jefferson Ave., CHICAGO
[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 (April 9, 1912) Jalal No. 2
TEACHINGS OF BAHA'O'LLAH
FROM DISCOURSES GIVEN BY ABDUL-BAHA IN LONDON AND PARIS
"O people of the world! Ye are all the fruits of one tree and the leaves of one branch." Tablet. "O people of the earth! Make not the Religion of God a cause of variance among you. Verily, of a truth, it was revealed for the purpose of unifying the whole world. Fear God, and be not of the ignorant. Blessed is he who loves the whole world simply for the sake of the Face of His Generous Lord."—Tablet.
THE FOURTH PRINCIPLE*
Abolition of Prejudices.
Another principle of the teaching of BAHA'O'LLAH is this: That you must renounce all prejudices—religious, racial, political and national—for all these have made the world sick.
This is a grave illness and one that can be the cause of the destruction to humanity. All wars and bloodshed have been caused by either of these prejudices. The sad wars that you see in the world these days are caused by fanatical religious hatred of one people for another or prejudices of race and color. Till all these differences are abolished humanity will never be at peace. This is why BAHA'O'LLAH has said that these causes of separation are destructive to humanity.
Consider the nations of so-called religious people. If they were really the adorers of God they would obey His law which forbids them to kill one another. All religions teach that men should love one another and that a man must look to his own faults before he condemns another; that he must not think himself superior to his fellows, for we know not in the end who will be judged best. How many men there have been who began a saintly career and finally fell to the greatest humiliation. Look at Judas Iscariot, how well he began and how sadly he failed in the end.
*NOTE—The First, Second and Third Principles were published in the last issue of the STAR OF THE WEST—Editors.
On the other hand, remember Paul the Apostle. He was an enemy of Christ, but he became the best of His servants. Therefore we must keep in mind that it is wrong to judge others. The end of man is not known to us. How can we think ourselves superior to anyone? We must, therefore, have no prejudices. We must never say: "I am a believer, he is an infidel; I am of the elect, he is an outcast." We can never tell the final judgment. We must not judge, we must give help to those who are not so blessed as we are. We must instruct the ignorant, we must tend the child and bring it to maturity. When we see a man in the depths, we must take him by the hand and lift him to our side. We must think of those who have fallen as our friends, not our enemies.
The prejudice of race is mere superstition, for God created all men of one race. In the beginning there were no limits, no boundaries put to the different lands. There should be no different nations, we are all men, all descendants of Adam. We must not think of a man as an Englishman or a Frenchman or a Persian. This is all mere superstition.
How can we uphold a war that is caused by superstition? God has not made men to destroy one another.
In the eyes of God all races, tribes, sects
and classes are equal. He sees no difference
in them. The only difference existing between
men in God's sight is in the degree of
service. The lovers of humanity, these are
the superior beings, of whatever race, creed[Page 4]
or color. There are some who shine as lamps
and there are others who rise like stars in the
sky of humanity. In short, the only difference
existing between men is this, there are earthly
men and heavenly men. God does not ask if
a man comes from the East or West, from the
North or South.
A great cause of division among the people is the political prejudice. There are people who find pleasure in causing discord. These people love only their own country, even to the destruction of others. They collect armies and send them to destroy other nations in order to achieve worldly fame, for the joy of hearing people say: "Such a country has defeated another and brought it under the yoke of a superior government." This glory is bought at the price of blood, and yet it is not lasting. Those who have triumphed will in their turn be conquered, and those who are subjected will in due time become victorious. Consider the history of the past. How many times has the French nation conquered the German nation, and yet France herself has been conquered by Germany. It is the same when we remember the past relations between England and this country.
As these victories are only temporary, why do men attach so much importance to them and shed blood for their sake?
Man should be an example of the power of Divine Teaching and faithful to the law. Why does he put all his effort into destruction and separation?
I hope that in this luminous century the Divine Light will shed radiance over the whole world and that the Divine Bounty will seek out every man. The Light of the Sun of Truth is for all. Humanity will be freed from the chains of prejudice and superstition.
We must follow God's policy. Man's politics are weak, but the policy of God, the Creator of all, is strong; it is the best and we must follow His example. He gives alike to all of His Divine Bounty—we are all His servants. The servant follows his master's example.
I pray the Kingdom shall come on earth, that the shadow shall disappear before the radiance of the Sun of Truth.
"O Children of Men! Do you 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 FIFTH PRINCIPLE
Equality of Sexes.
GOD has created all creatures in couples. In the vegetable, animal and human kingdom, all are of two sexes, and there is absolute equality between them.
In the vegetable world there are male plants and female plants. Both have equal rights, there is no difference between them. Each possess an equal share of the beauty of their species.
In the animal world all are male or female. Each have equal rights and there is no difference between them, they each share the advantages of their kind.
In all these realms of nature the sexes have equal rights; but when we come to the world of humanity we see a difference.
This difference is caused by education. In God's creation neither is superior to the other, there is no distinction, no difference. Why do men make a difference?
The capacity of women is the same as men; if she were educated with the same advantages the result would be the same; in fact women have a superior disposition to men, they are more receptive, more sensitive, their intuition is more intense. The only reason of their present backwardness in some directions is because they have not had the same educational advantages as men.
In the necessities of life women are superior to men, they are the cause of existence of men themselves.
If a mother is well educated, her children will also be well taught. If the mother is wise, the children will be wise; if the mother is religious, the children will also be religious. If the mother is a good woman, then the children will also be good. The future generations depends then on the mothers of today. Is this not a vital position of responsibility for women?
Surely God does not wish such an important[Page 5]
instrument as woman to be less perfect than
she is able to become! Divine Justice demands
that men and women should have equal
rights, there is no difference between them,
neither sex is superior to the other in the
sight of God.
Nearness to God depends not on sex but on the luminosity of the heart; he or she with the greatest faith, these are near to God. Women must try then to attain greater perfection to be man's equal in the world, to make such progress that men will be forced to own them as their equals in every respect. In Europe women have made greater progress than in the East, though they are not yet physically as far advanced as men. It is my hope that they may progress rapidly until humanity will be perfected.
God's bounty is for all and makes all progress. Soon men will have to acknowledge women as their equals and there will be no need to struggle for their rights.
When children have finished their studies for the term, an examination is given them and it is by the result of this examination that one can tell their knowledge and capacity. So it is with women. Let actions show one's power, there is no need to speak of it.
One of the Principles then of the teaching of BAHA'O'LLAH is the Equality of Sex. Women must make the greatest efforts to attain human virtue and to bring about the Unity of Mankind.
They must struggle to spread the Teaching of BAHA'O'LLAH among the people, so that the Light of the Divine Bounty may envelop their souls.
"O My Servant! The best of people are they who gain by work, and spend for themselves and their kindred in the Love of God, the Lord of the creatures."—Persian Hidden Words.
"O Children of Dust! Let the rich learn the midnight sighing of the poor, lest negligence destroy them and they be deprived of their portion of the tree of wealth. Giving and Generosity are qualities of Mine. Happy is he who adorns himself with My Virtues."—Persian Hidden Words.
THE SIXTH PRINCIPLE
Equalization of Means of Livelihood.
AMONG the most important principles of the Teaching of BAHA'O'LLAH is the equalization of the means of living among men.
There are in the world at present numerous cases of men who are either too poor or too rich. While some live in palaces, others have nowhere to lay their head; some have many courses at their meals, while others scarcely have enough bread to keep them alive. This state of affairs is wrong and must be remedied.
The remedy, however, cannot consist in the bringing to pass of equality, absolute equality among men; this would be impossible. There is needed some organization which will bring about an order in this disorder. Equality is a mere dream and absolutely impracticable. If Equality existed the whole order of the world would be destroyed. In mankind there is always a difference in degree. Since creation men have never been the same. Some have superior intelligence, others are more ordinary and some are devoid of intellect. How can there ever exist equality between those who are clever and those who are not? Humanity is like an army. An army must have a general, captains and soldiers, each with their appointed duties; it cannot consist of generals only, or captains, or soldiers only—there must be degrees in the organization.
Lycurgus, the philosopher sovereign of
Sparta, intended to promote the welfare of his
country. He wished to equalize the means
of living in Sparta. So he divided the inhabitants
into three divisions. The first third was
composed of his own family and relatives. Of
these he made governors and chiefs and gave
them power over the people—of the second
third, which consisted of the people dwelling
in the country parts of Sparta, a class of
agriculturalists who cultivated the land and possessed
large farms. The third class was that
of the workmen and farm laborers and men
of trade. The first class consisted of nine
thousand people, and those who belonged to
this third were superior to the rest of their
countrymen and profited by exemption from
the laws which bound the lower classes. These
were the chiefs of the people and controlled
the government and politics of the Spartans.
They held the balance of peace or war in
their hands; though if war were carried on
they were not obliged to take part in it if[Page 6]
they did not wish to do so. The children
of the nine thousand were sent to school at
the age of six years old and there they were
taught the use of arms and the art of war.
When they had completed their military education
at the age of twenty years they were
fitted to rule and take part in the government
of the country. Sparta was divided into
nine thousand parts and each part was governed
by a member of the superior class.
The second third, the farmer class, were
obliged to give a tenth part of their produce
to the government; the third class also were
forced to give an annual tax to the government.
Lycurgus made the Spartans swear
that they would maintain the same order of
government when he left the country and
that they would not alter it till his return.
Having secured their oath, he left Sparta and
never returned. Lycurgus renounced his high
position for the good of his country, for the
equalization of property. After a time all
was destroyed, his constitution came to an
end. Equality is impossible.
Some are too rich, some are too poor, some have millions and some have nothing. An organization is necessary to control this state of affairs. It is necessary to limit riches or it is necessary to limit poverty. Either extreme is wrong. There should be a medium state. If it is right for a capitalist to possess a great fortune, then it is also just that a workman should have a means of existence. If poverty is allowed to reach a condition of starvation, it proves that there is tyranny. Men must not see that this does not happen in any case. There must be special laws. The rich must give of their plenty. If they have more than they need they must think of those who are in want.
The government of a country should make laws which conform to the Divine Law. The Law of God exacts that there should be neither excessive wealth nor excessive poverty.
"Today let every soul desire to attain the highest station. He must not regard what is in him but what is in God. It is not for him to regard what shall advantage himself, but that whereby the Word of God, which must be obeyed, shall be upraised. The heart must be sanctified from every form of selfishness and lust, for the weapons of the unitarians and the saints were and are the Fear of God."—Tablet.
THE SEVENTH PRINCIPLE
The Power of the Holy Spirit.
IN the teaching of BAHA'O'LLAH it is written: "Whatever progress is made by man, he always needs the Power of the Holy Spirit, for the power of man is limited and the Divine Power is without limit."
In history we have seen that all truly great men who have helped on the progress of humanity have been inspired by the Holy Spirit. Often these men were, at first, insignificant.
The Prophets of God have not all come out of learned schools of philosophy, they were mostly men of simple origin, lacking the knowledge of reading and writing. The power by which they were raised above men, and by which they became teachers of the Truth, was the Power of the Holy Spirit. Their influence on humanity, by virtue of this power, was great and penetrating.
Now look at the philosophers in comparison, men of great learning and abnormal intellect: Plato, Aristotle, Pliny and Socrates—their influence on the world of humanity was limited and restrained. Plato with all his wonderful knowledge and philosophy never moved a man to the extent that he would sacrifice his life for the teaching, while simple men filled with the Holy Spirit influenced humanity to such an extent that thousands would die to uphold their teaching. The Prophets of Juda and Israel: Jeremiah, Isaiah, were simple men, as also were the Apostles of Christ. Peter, the chief of the Apostles, did not know how to count the days of the week. He used to divide the produce of his fishing into seven parts, and when, having taken one part a day for use, he arrived at the seventh portion, he knew it was the Sabbath Day. Consider this and then think of his future state, to what glory he was brought through the influence of the Holy Spirit. Whoever, then, receives this Power is able to influence all with whom he is in contact. The greatest philosopher without this Spirit is powerless; his soul is lifeless, his heart dead. Till the Holy Spirit breathes in his soul he can do no good work.
No philosophy, no system, has ever changed
the manners and customs of the people for
the better. The morals of the philosophers
who are not enlightened by the Divine Spirit[Page 7]
are inferior. An ignorant man, filled with the
Holy Spirit, is powerful. He who is educated
by the Holy Spirit, can in his turn educate
others in the same Spirit.
I pray for you that you may be helped by the Holy Spirit and that you may receive the educating thereof.
The life and morals of a spiritual man are in themselves an education to others. Let your thoughts, words and actions bring life to those around you. Do not think of your own limitations, dream only of the welfare of the Kingdom of ABHA. See the influence of Jesus Christ among His apostles, then consider their influence on others. These simple men were helped by the Power of the Holy Spirit. So may you receive the Divine Assistance. Our capabilities are limited, but the help of the Kingdom of ABHA is limitless. The earth of itself has no properties of life, but it is fertilized by the sun and the rain. The earth must not consider its own limited power. Likewise may you be given life, may the rain of the Divine Mercy and the sun of Truth make your gardens fruitful, so that many beautiful flowers of exquisite fragrance and hue may blossom there in abundance.
Turn your minds away from your own forces, your own selves, and make your souls ready to receive, to overflowing, the Divine Power of the Spirit and the blessings of the Infinite Bounty.
If you thus keep yourselves in readiness, you will become to the world of humanity a burning flame, a star of guidance, a fruitful tree. I pray that you may receive the blessings of the Holy Spirit. This is my counsel to you.
"The light of men is Justice; quench it not with the contrary winds of oppression and tyranny. The purpose of Justice is the appearance of unity among people. In this exalted Word, the sea of God's wisdom is moving; all the books of the world are not sufficient to contain its interpretation"—Words of Paradise.
THE EIGHTH PRINCIPLE
Justice.
IN life man should hope for reward and fear punishment. It is necessary that this hope and this fear should be considered by those in authority and those who have important posts in the government. If the officials are not guided by these sentiments, it is to be feared that they will not act as they ought to.
This hope and fear are like pillars that support the altitude of the world. There is no better prevention of tyranny than these two sentiments, hope and fear. In reactionary governments where fear does not exist, the administration is badly managed.
There are both political and spiritual consequences. A man who takes into consideration spiritual consequences is a perfect government official. If a man is guided by religious feeling and by the respect of the law, he will act in a perfect manner.
A minister of government, if he is guided by Divine faith, will always act for the good, above all if he knows that the consequences of his act are without limit. Such a man will detach himself from tyranny and will work for Justice.
If men believed that they will reap the consequences of their actions in the next world, they would never act contrary to Justice. You see then how important it is that a minister of state should be religious.
At the same time religious interests should not be brought into politics. Religions should treat of morals; politics of material circumstances. Those in authority should occupy themselves with the lives of men, they should teach ideas of service, good morals and develop the habit of Justice. "Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's, and unto God the things that are God's." In Persia there are among the most important ministers of state religious men who fear divine punishment; the others, however, do not think of the consequences of their acts. This is the reason why they have great difficulties in Persia.
Friends of God, set forth the example of Justice! Justice is a universal quality. From the highest to the lowest justice should be sacred; from the sovereign to the merchant, the minister of state to the artisan, all must be just. Be just, respect the rights of each man—"do unto others as you would have them do unto you." A workman who commits an injustice is as much to blame as a tyrant. Each one of us can choose between justice and injustice.
I hope you will be just in your relations
with others, that you will never harm your
fellows, that you will respect the rights of all
men, and above all consider the rights of
others before your own.[Page 8]
STAR OF THE WEST
PUBLISHED NINETEEN TIMES A YEAR
By the BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, 515 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, Ill., U. S. A.
Entered as second-class matter April 9, 1911, at the post office at Chicago, Illinois, under the Act of March 3, 1879.
ALBERT R. WINDUST— EDITORS—GERTRUDE BUIKEMA
Persian Editor—MIRZA AHMAD SOHRAB, 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 (April 9, 1912) Jalal No. 2
SPECIAL:
A report that Abdul-Baha and suite sailed from Alexandria, Egypt, March 25th on the White Star Line S. S. "Cedric", due to arrive in New York City, April 10th, has been confirmed.
Plans are being made by some of the assemblies to send wireless messages of greeting and good-will to him as soon as the vessel comes into the zone of communication from the shore stations. On behalf of all the friends of the Star of the West sends the following: "Welcome! Welcome! Welcome!"
The eyes of the Bahai world are now centered upon this notable event of the visit of Abdul-Baha to America. The Star of the West will endeavor to give as complete an account of his sojourn in the West as its limited space will permit.
CONTENTS OF THE PERSIAN SECTION:
(1) Abdul-Baha nearing America; (2) Tablets to some of the friends in America; (3) poem by the great Persian Poet, Hazrate Andalih—nightingale; (4) Tablet revealed by BAHA'O'LLAH calling for a messenger to deliver His Message to the Shah of Persia; (5) photograph and a portion of the life history of the one who responded to the call, Jenabe Badie, and delivered the Message to the Shah. He was martyred with excruciating torture; the other men in the picture are his jailers and executioners.
OUTLINE OF THE BAHAI CALENDAR.[edit]
The Bahai year begins on March 21st, and 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 Nawrooz—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
جلد سوم . شمارۀ دوّم . 20 ربیع الثانی 1330
فهرست مندرجات
1 . حضرت عبدالبهاء نزدیک امریک .
2 . الواح مبارکه از برای بعضی از احباب .
3 . اشعار آبدار حضرت عندلیب .
4 . لوح مبارک جمال مبارک که قبل از لوح سلطان نازل فرمودند .
5 . عکس و قسمی از تاریخ حیات بدیع .
Persian Editorial Office; Najme Bakhtar 509 McLachlen Bldg., Washington, D. C., U. S. A.
[Page 10]
Vol III
No. 2
اداره انتشار نجم باختر فارسی . شماره 509 ساختمان مک لاهلن واشنگتن دی سی . ایالات متّحدۀ امریکا
نجم باختر 1329 قسمت 111 . شماره 2
قیمت اشتراک سالی دوازده قران ماه جلال سنه 69 ، 9 آوریل 1912
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 نوشت و مقالات مفید که موافق سبک اداره است قبول و نشر خواهد گردید .
صفحه 1 - 1
حضرت عبدالبهاء نزدیک به امریکا
حضرت عبدالبهاء فردا در کشتی بزرگ سدریک وارد شهر عظیم نیویورک میشوند و مدیر جریده پس از چند ساعت دیگر عازم آن شهر میگردد که حضرت مولی الوری را استقبال نموده و در انجام خدمات حضور مشغول گردد چون در این وقت مشغولیّات به اندازه ای است که مافوق تصوّر است لهذا عذر شرح و بسط میخواهد الحمدلله اسباب روحانی و جسمانی از همه نوع فراهم شده و پروگرام کنفرانس انجمن ارتباط شرق و غرب در نهایت تنظیم حاضر گردیده تا حضرت من اراده الله در حضور جمعیّتی زیاد خطابه های غرّاء ادا فرمایند و قلوب نفوس را بانوار روحانیّت روشن نمایند . در جرائد امریک قریب دو ماه است که زلزلۀ غریبی افتاده و هر روز مقالات مفصّله نوشته عکس مبارک را زینت صفحات مینمایند حال ملاحظه میفرمائید که اگر دو ماه قبل از ورود حضرت عبدالبهاء این هیاهو ها راه بیفتد و از اوّل تا آخر امریک لسان ها به نعت و قلم ها به سپاس وجود مقدّس مشغول گردد دیگر فردا که وارد میشوند چه غلغله و هلهلۀ راه خواهد افتاد . مجالس بهائیان امریک دو روز است که از هر جهت تلگرافات بی سیم به کشتی سدریک فرستاده تبریک و تهنیت
صفحه 2 - 1
میفرستند و اظهار سرور و فرح مینمایند و همچنین جمعیّتی از شهرها بسوی نیویورک روان شده که هیکل مقدّس مرکز میثاق را تهنیت و استقبال کنند در این وقت تلگرافات از ممالک شرق هم رسیده و میرسد و چون این بیانات محبّت آمیز دوستان در مجامع و محافل خوانده شود آثار غریبی در قلوب و افئده پیدا خواهد نمود و بزرگترین علامت اتّحاد و یگانگی این امر مبرم را ظاهر و هویدا خواهد ساخت . ای بهائیان شرق دل خوش دارید که مولایتان بقوّۀ روحانی بیان و بنان جهان را مسخرّ نموده و نداء ملکوت ابهی را بگوش عالمیان رسانیده قلوب فلاسفه را جذب کرده و اهالی غرب را از وساوس شیطانی آزاد نموده فی الحقیقه ورود حضرت مولی الوری را به امریک باید از بزرگترین مسائل تاریخی عالم شمرد زیرا نتائج آن نه آنقدر است که بتوان تصوّر نمود در قرون آتیه اطفال امریک این یوم را مبارک ترین ایّام خواهند دانست و افتخار و مباهات خواهند نمود که مرکز میثاق مانند شمس روشن از افق غرب طالع شد و مدّتی در میان آنها زندگی کرد و سبب روحانیّت و نورانیّت و تمدّن حقیقی آنها گشت .
صفحه 1 - 2
سواد بعضی الواح که امروز صبح ار مصدر جلال رسید
واشنگتن جناب آقا میرزا احمد سهراب علیه بهاء الله الابهی . هوالله :
ای ثابت بر پیمان نامۀ مورّخۀ 12 فبرایر 1912 رسید به رئیس یونیورسیتی کالیفورنیا تحیّت و ثنا از قبل عبدالبهاء برسان و اظهار خوشنودی کن من تا ممکن است جهد میکنم که به جمعیّت یونیورسیتی برسم ولی اگرممکن نشد ازاین محزونم زیرا تا بیستم می وقت بسیار کم است در هر صورت نهایت ممنونی و خوشنودی از ایشان دارم و انشاء الله وقتی که سفر به ایران میکنند البّته با ایشان ملاقت میمایم . ای سهراب زاده بشما مرقوم گردید که در بیست و پنجم مارچ سوار واپور سدریک میشویم و به امریک میشتابیم و انشاء الله در انجمن اخلاق نیویورک حاضر میشویم و با «جناب فلیکس ادلر» ملاقات مینمائیم . به مستر پاستر رسل کنول کشیش معبد باتیست تحیّت و اشتیاق من ابلاغ دارید و باو خبر دهید که من در چه وقت بامریک وارد میشوم و انشاء الله بواسطۀ گرگوری به مجمع سیاهان نیز میرویم . و امّا در خصوص تألیفات جدیده و طبع و نشر آن آن کتابچه ها را حاضر کنید تا من بیایم . و انشاء الله در انجمن اسرائیلیان نیز میرویم و علیک البهاء الابهی ع ع .
جناب مستر پاستر رسل کنسول علیه التحیّة و الثناء . هوالله :
ای دوست موافق از وقتی که آتش حرب در اطراف جهان شعله زده روز بروز در ازدیاد است و احزاب عالم مانند گرگان خونخوار یکدیگر را درنّده و میدرانند ما و شما در فکر آنیم که آتش قتال خواموش گردد و نور محبّت بتابد و در بین ملل و دول عالم الفت و یگانگی تأسیس یابد جمیع در فکر آنند که بنیان انسانی خراب کنند ما در فکر آنیم
صفحه 2 - 2
که بنیان انسانی بلند نمائیم جمیع میکوشند که نفوسی را هلاک نمایند ما در فکر آنیم که حیات به بخشیم احزاب سائره جمیع در دست سیف شاهر دارند و ما الحمدلله در دست شاخ زیتون و گل و ریاحین داریم و یقین بدان که ما عاقبت غالبیم و بعون و عنایت حقّ ریشۀ قتال و نزاع را برندازیم و اساس محبّت و الفت بین جمیع بشر بگذاریم این است نهایت آرزوی ما ع ع
نیوبورک جولیت تامسن . هوالله
ای منجذب محبّت الله نامۀ تو رسید قضیّۀ تعویق آمدن من بامریک بی اساس است من عازم امریکم بیست و پنجم مارس سوار واپور سدریک میشوم و به ناپولی رسم چند روز در ناپولی اقامت کنم بعد به نیویورک آیم هر روایتی دیگر اگر بشنوید اساس ندارد .
بوالدۀ عزیزت نهایت مهربانی از قبل من ابلاغ دار و بوصول امریک با او ملاقات کنم . با حزب نئوزوفیها نهایت محبّت و مهربانی دارید و آمیزش کنید خوش سلوکی نمائید و محبّت و مهربانی کنید زیرا آنان استعداد دارند و در محافل آنها بکمال روحانیّت و مهربانی و اتّحاد و یگانگی نطق نمائید و آنان را پرواز دهید تا بوجد و طرب آیند و مسرور و مستبشر گردند چون من حاضر شوم البّته در محافل آنها صحبت نمایم آن زنی که میگوید آرزوهای ما میآید باو بگو خوب فهمیدی من امیدم چنان است که جمیع آرزوی خود را بیابی و بی نهایت مسرور شوی و به بشارات الهیّه منجذب گردی . از بشارت حصول اتّحاد بین احباب نهایت سرور حاصل شد . به پروفسر دیکنسن میلر تحیّت مشتاقانۀ من برسان و بگو الحمدلله در وحدت انسانی و اتّحاد بشر و ائتلاف قلوب و ارتباط امم با من همداستانی از اینجهت
صفحه 1 - 3
بسیار از تو مسرورم و علیک البهاء الابهی ع ع .
نیویورک . مکتانت . کنی . کری کنی . مری مکنات
هوالله . ای دوستان حقیقی نامۀ شما رسید مضمون مشحون بتفاصیل سفر عبدالبهاء بود که در بیستم مارچ ورود به نیویورک نماید این ممکن نیست حال کشتی دیده شد که یکسر از اسکندریّه به ناپولی و از ناپولی به امریکا سفرنمایم و روی یاران بینم و از ملاقات دوستان شادمان گردم ولی کشتی در بیست و پنجم مارس از اسکندریّه حرکت مینماید و انشاء الله قریب اواسط اپریل به نیویورک میرسیم . . . . و علیکم البهاء الابهی ع ع .
اشعار آبدار بقلم حضرت عندلیب
حضرت عبدالبهاء شمس الهدی سرّ الوجود مرکز عهد الهی مظر ربّ الجنود
از پی اعلاء امر مالک غیب و شهود زد علم اندر اروپا باجنود علم جود
بهر خیر و وحدت نوع بشر انکار کرد این خبر را هرکه غالی شد بشر انکارکرد
رایتش الله ابهی آیتش خلق عظیم لشگرش اسماء حسنی یاورش حیّ قدیم
معجزش علم لدنّی مقصدش صلح عمیم آستانش بس رفیع و آستینش بس کریم
رحمتش بی منتهی و زحمتش بی انتها است در حقیقت بندۀ مخصوص بی مثل بها است
نیّر خاور بملک باختر اشراق کرد شمس پیمان تابش اندر انفس و آفاق کرد
باختر را همچو خاور مجمع عشّاق کرد این دو ضدّ را متّحد از قوّت میثاق کر د
قوّت میثاق غالب بر قوای عالم است قوّتش از پنجه و بازوی اسم اعظم است
صفحه 2 - 3
ای اروپا روشن از نور خدا گردیدۀ مستضئ از پرتو شمس هدی گردیدۀ
مستنیر از طلعت عبدالبها گردیدۀ منظر روح و فؤاد اولیاء گردیدۀ
زانکه گشتی موطئ اقدام موالای کریم
حضرت عبدالبهاء ذالجود و المجد العظیم
انکه کرد از مقدمش رشگ جنان پاریس را تا بتقدیس و تقی دعوت کند قستیس را
قائل تثلیث یابد ساذج تقدیس را پیروی در دین نماید پطرس قدّیس را
پطرس ایمان بر مسیح آورد و بر کلّ میر شد شخص ماهیگیر مسکین مرد آدم گیر شد
آری از ایمان ابوذر سیّد ابرار گشت پولس غافل بایمان سرور اخیار گشت
قبطی نادان ز ایمان مطلع اسرار گشت لیک کنعان پور نوح از فلک دین فرّار گشت
غرق شد مطرود شد مردود شد معدوم شد محو شد مفقود شد مأیوس شد محروم شد
در صعود اسم اعظم دشمنان بودند شاد کافتاب نورافشان چهره در مغرب گشاد
بحر امواج علوم و حکمت از نور افتاد سدرۀ طوبی ز پا افتاد از این تند باد
غافل از آن کان شجر راهست غصنی بیهمال بعد اسم اعظم او برقع گشاید از جمال
مشتعل آفاق را از نار ربّانی کند منجذب عشّاق را از وجه سبحانی کند
مردگان را زنده از انفاس رحمانی کند غرب را چون شرق نورانی و روحانی کند
آشکارا مینماید در جهان دین بها منتشر میسازد اندر عالم آئین بها
صفحه 1 - 4
میکند بعد از بهی بانگ عبودیّت بلند مینماید مستمندان جهان را ارجمند
سرکشان را با عبودیّت در آرد در کمند سر نتابد از کمندش هیچکس از پند و بند
هر سری کاندر کمندش اوفتاد آزاد شد سایه اش بر هر خرابی اوفتاد آماده شد
زینت فرق همایون کرد تاج بندگی کرد روشن در وثاق جان سراج بندگی
حفظ این مصباح کرد اندر زجاج بندگی تا ابد طبع جهان یابد مزاج بندگی
طینت عالم شود ز آب عبودیّت خمیر وز عبودیّت اسیران جهان گردند امیر
در ظهور اسم اعظم گشت عالم مستعدّ از برای اینکه کلّ گردند در دین متّحد
متحد گردند بر دین بها احزاب صد کل شوند از نور شمس راسم اعظم مستمد
مرتفع گردد زبین مردمان بغض و عناد مجتمع گردند کلّ در جنّت حبّ وداد
این ظهور اعظم ابهی بود موعود کلّ در کتب کلّ را بشارت داده جمهور رسل
که در آن یوم مبارک میشود هر خار گل بر طریق و امر واحد منتهی گردد سبل
دین یکی عالم یکی نوع بنی آدم یکی وعدۀ حقّ میشود ظاهر در این نبود شکی
مژده ای انجیلیان موعود کلّ شد آشکار با تمام مجد و رفعت زآسمان اقتدار
صفحه 2 - 4
بر زمین آمد ابا فوجی ملک آن شهریار با هزاران کوس و کرنا از یمین و از یسار
گوش باید گوش تا اصغا کند آهنگ کوس چشم باید چشم تا بیند رخ شمس الشموس
اشعیا فرمود ای کرمل نما وجد و سرور کز سما اندر تو نازل میشود ربّ الجنود
خواهد کلّ ملل را در تو مهمانی نمود هرکس از هر جای عالم در تو می آید فرود
حبّذا ای کوه کرمل شاد باش و شاد باش مهبط ربّ الجنود تا ابد آباد باش
مژده بر قسیس و رهبان کز فلک آمد مسیح با جمالی بس سمیح و با مقالی بس ملیح
از مقالتن ملیحش بس کلیل آمد فصیح این بشارت است در انجیل منصوص و صریح
شمس حق از شرق طالع کرد و آثارش زغرب مرتفع می سازد از روی زمین آلات حرب
میزند ناقوس بر بام کلیسا بی درنگ این نوای بخشارا که ای اهل فرنگ
اندر این قرن همایون نسخ شد یکباره جنگ مینمائید از چه ایجاد اینهمه توپ و تفنگ
پادشاهان جمله با هم صلح کل باید کنند گلخن پر خار و خس را پر زگل باید کنند
داد در قرآن محمّد وعدۀ دیدار ربّ گفت در انجیل عیسی میشود مشهود ابّ
یهوه و ربّ الجنود آمد بتوراتش لقب شد چه ظاهر ظلمها دید از عجم هم از عرب
لم یزل منفی و مسجون بود سلطان وجود عاقبت در سجن عکا کرد از این عالم صعود
صفحه 1 - 5
حضرت عبدالبها بعد از صعود ذوالجلال در میان حصن عکا بود مسجون بیست سال
شد چه خلع از سلطنت عبدالحمید بد خصال طلعت میثاق برون آمد از سجن و ملال
آفتاب آسا نمود اشراق در مصر و فرنگ کرد همچون پدر در هر برج مقداری درنگ
رمله و اسکندریّه مصر و علوان سعید شد مشرّف از قدوم طلعت قدس فرید
پس توجّه کرد بر پاریس و لندن آن وحید از پی اعلاء امر ابدع ربّ مجید
از جمال خویش آن اقلیم را روشن نمود واز مقال خویش دلها غیرت گلشن نمود
فلسفیّون طبیعی مسلک حکمت شعار کز غرور علم ننمودند و بنی اختیار
مشکلاتی طرح کردند از برای اختبار لیک آن دریای علم و حکمت پروردگار
هر سئوال مشکلی را خوش جوابی با دلیل داد و سائل دید چشمۀ ماء سلسبیل
فیلسوفانی که خود را هریک اکمل از یسوع فرض کردندی غرور کلّ بدل شد بر خضوع
فوجها کردند با حجّت بدین حقّ رجوع بر جمیع انبیا تصدیق کردند و خشوع
معتقد گشتند بر حقیّت دین و کتاب معترف هر یک قول الله بود فصل الخطاب
در طریق حقّ شئون خود فنا باید نمود اقتباس از حضرت عبدالبها باید نمود
پیروی از جان و دل بر انبیا باید نمود عقلها را تابع قول خدا باید نمود
نیست میزان حقیقت حسّ و کشف و عقل و نقل اشتباه اندر حقایق میکند بسیار عقل
صفحه 2 - 5
عالم دانش ز شمس اسم اعظم روشن است شرق و غرب از نکهت فردوس ابهی گلشن است
هیکل آفاق را احکام بدعش جوشش است هر که اندر حصن امرش ایمن از اهریمن است
لاجرم اهل بها اصحاب کهفند و رقیم من سگ اصحاب کهفم ای خداند کریم
عندلیبم خوانده ئی از فضل و جود خویشتن تا شوم در باغ امکان در ثنایت نغمه زن
گرچه نبود لایق دربار قدست مدح من کن قبول از فضل بی پایان خود ای ذوالمنن
مخزن ذکر و ثنا کردی لسان عندلیب در ریاض قرب خود ده آشیان عندلیب
سواد لوحی است که در ظهر لوح سلطان از سماء مشیّت نازل گردیده و بر طبق درخواست جوان معروف و ملقبّ به بدیع پسندیده و برای این وحدت برگزیده شد
هوالله تعالی
نسئل الله بان یبعث احدا من عباده و ینقطعه عن الامکان ویزین قلبه بطراز القوّة والاطوینان لینصر ربّه بین ملاء الاکوان و اذا اطلع بمانزّل لحضرة السلطان یقوم و یأخذ الکتاب باذن ربّه العزیز الوهّاب و یمشی سرعا الی مقرالسلطان و اذا ورد مقر سریره ینزل فی الخوان ولایعاشر مع احد الی ان یخرج ذات یوم و یقوم علی معبره و اذا ظهرت طلایع السّلطنه یرفع الکتاب بکمال الخضوع والادب و یقول قد ارسل من لدی المسجون و ینبغی له ان یکون علی شأن ان یامر السلطان بالقتل لایضطرب فی نفسه و یسرع الی محلّ الفداء و یقول ای ربّ لک الحمد
صفحه 1 - 6
بما جعلتنی ناصر الامرک و قدرت الشهادة فی سبیلک فوعزّتک للابدل هذه الکاس بکأوس العاملین لانّک ما قدرت لها من بدیل ولا یعادلها الکوثر و السلسبیل و ان ترکه و مانعرض علیه یقول لک الحمد یا ربّ العالمین ان رضیت برضائک و ماقدرته بها فی سبیلک و لو انی اردت ان یصیغ الارض بدمی فی حبّک ولکن ما اردته هو خیریی انّک تعلم مافی نفسی و لا اعلم ما فی نفسک و انت العلیم الخبیر .
این وجود مقدّس قاصد با وفای جمال قدم جلّ ذکره الاعظم بوده که لوح مبارک سلطان را بدست خود به ناصرالدّین شاه رسانید و جان خویش در راه حقّ فدا نمود . قضیّۀ این جوان ثابت پیمان را در کتاب مستطاب مقاله ذمر فرمودند باختصار این عبد هم تکرارا برای تنویر ذهن طالبین و
صفحه 2 - 6
تشریح این مقال بذکر شمّۀ ز آنچه از مقدّمین احباب سمع نمود متذکر میگردد .
شرح این داستان جانسوز بدین سیاق الم اندوز است حضرت مشار الیه از بدو طفولیّت تا زمان بلوغ به بیست و یک سال اوقات خود را به تعطلّ و بطالت گذرانیده و شاهد حال از پیشینیان احباب خراسان حضرت من صعد الی الله آخوند ملا علی بجستانی میفرمودند :
حضرت شهید سعید حاجی عبدالمجید ابا البدیع غالبا از آن فرزند دلبند در نزد این بنده شکایت مینمودند که ایّام خود را به بطالت و کسالت میگذراند چنانچه بر حسب تقاضای ایشان او را نصایح روحانی مینمودند و چون آن موحد سراپا ایمان نصیحت پذیر بود روزبروز زائدا علی ماسبق مورد توجّهات دوست حقیقی میگردید که ناگاه در سال بیست و دوم از عمر شریفش آتش عشق در دل او مشتعل و هوای جانان بر سرش اوفتاد آنچنان شوری بجانش انداخت که لیل و نهار به تلاوت آیات و مناجات مشغول بود همواره اشتعال نار انجذاب در ازدیاد تا اینکه قصد طواف کعبۀ مقصود نموده پیاده قدم در بیابان نهاد بدوا به مدینه دارالسّلام بغداد رسیدند و این زمان مقارن با اوانی بود که از طرف حکومت عثمانیّه بی نهایت به احبّای الهی سختی و آزار میشد حتّی حسب الحکم دولت سنیّه احباب مقیم بغداد را به موصل تبعید نمودند و آنها را احباب سرگونی با آنکه حضرت بدیع از جمله سرگونیها نبود جذبات معشوق او را منجذب و در خدمت دوستان الهی به خطه موصل کشانید در همین وقت لوح مبارم معروف به لوح سلطان از سماء
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صفحه 1 - 7
مشیّت مربّی امکان در ادرنه نازل و اغلب ایادی و محبّان برای وصول و ایصال مایل و به مقام منیع مبارک مشرّف شده تمنّای رسانیدن آن نمودند جوابا فرمودند این رسالت را شخصی پاکدل رسول است که بزودی منقطعا الی الله و متهیّا لمشهد الفدا در کمال تسلیم و رضا بحضور حضرت شهریاری خواهد رسانید .
در همین هنگام بحکم سلطان آن قلب دائره امکان را از ادرنه به سجن اعظم که موسوم به عکا است نفی و تبعید نمودند (در خصوص تفاصیل ابعاد هیکل مبارک جلتّ عظمته و اقتداره به سجن اعظم به کتاب مستطاب مقاله رجوع شود که مفصّلا مرقوم گردیده و این حقیر را قوّۀ تحریر این واقعۀ کبیر نیست ) پس از ورود هیکل مقدّس به مدینۀ منوّرۀ عکا و انتشاربتمام عالم جناب بدیع پیاده بجانب مدینۀ دوست شتافت و در این موقع محبوب امکان را در قشلۀ نظامی جای داده بودند حین ورود این جوان فرمودند : «حامل لوح سلطان آمد » و تمام احبّاء از مشاهدۀ حال شورانگیز این جوان متحیّر و متفکرّ گردیدند چهار مرتبه حضور مبارک مشرّف شده . دو مجلس با جمع یاران و دو مرتبۀ دیگر باختفا بوده دستور العملی برای این مأموریّت از نقطۀ وصول الی مقرّ ایصال مرقوم و مرحمت شد لوح را برداشته عازم حیفا گردید و سابقون احباب که آنوقت مشرّف بوده گفتند که پس از حصول مرخصّی چندان اشتعال و انجذابی
صفحه 2 - 7
در او ملاحظه شد که ابدا تمیز در شناسائی ممکن نبود و این مطلب را در لوح مبارک به والد بزرگوارشان مرقوم میفرمایند که
« ولد شما را خواسته روح جدیدی باو دمیدم و خلق بدیعی نمودم و او را به رسالت فرستادم » باری دستور مبارک را همه جا بدون تخلفّ منظور میدارد و همین که به طهران میرسد در زاویۀ کاروانسرائی منزل نموده و چند روز برای معاش مزدوری میکند و با احدی مجالست نمیکند . چون در این فصل بواسطۀ گرمای هوا موکب سلطنتی به نیاوران رفته آنجا مقرّ داشته بود جناب بدیع هم حسب الامر مولای خود حمّام رفته و برای قربانی در راه دوست خود را تنظیف و صورت را صفا میدهد و بعد پیراهن عربی میپوشد و سراپا گرم شوق و محبّت دوست بجانب نیاوران عزیمت نموده و از دور که اردوی سلطان نمودار شد سریر سنگی نشسته و هر زمان توجّه شاه بطرف او میگردید لوح مبارک را بر سر دست بلند مینمود و بدین نحو سه روز گرسنه و تشنه در آن مکان گذرانید روز چهارم شهریار سابق الذکر با دوربین اطراف را ملاحظه نموده نظرشان بر این جوان افتاد فهمیدند که مظلوم است و مطلبی دارد حاجبان درگاه را فرستناد که ببیند این شخص کیست و مقصود او چیست آنها آمده میگویند چه خواهی و عرض تو بسریر سلطنتی چه فورا لوح مبارک را سر دست گرفته میگوید قاصد شخص بزرگواری هستم و این رساله را باید بدست خود به ذات همایونی برسانم آنچه اصرار میکنند که بگیرند نمیدهد برمیگردند و معروض میدارند جوانی است چنین اظهارات مینماید به آمدن حضور امر فرمودند این فدائی معبود حقیقی با کمال خضوع و خشوع « بقیّه دارد »
