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Vol. IV
Chicago, June 5, 1913
No. 5
| PAGE | |
Illustration: Delegates and Friends Attending Bahai Convention | 82 |
Public Meetings of Fifth Annual Convention of Bahai Temple Unity—By Joseph H. Hannen | 83 |
Abdul-Baha at Budapest | 86 |
Addresses by Abdul-Baha Delivered in New York City | 86 |
The "Strong Rope" | 88 |
Three Kinds of Persecution | 88 |
In Remembrance: Sarah Ann Ridgway | 90 |
Persian Section | 91-96 |
Masonic Temple, New York City, April 26-29, 1913
FIFTH ANNUAL CONVENTION OF THE
MASHRAK-EL-AZKAR OF THE BAHAI TEMPLE UNITY
APRIL 26-29—1913 MASONIC TEMPLE N. Y.
PHOTO BY C. ALLEN. L. GARCIA 238 W36st NEW YORK[Page 83]
"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. IV | Chicago (June 5, 1913) Nur | No. 5 |
OF BAHAI TEMPLE UNITY
NEW YORK CITY, APRIL 26-29, 1913
By Joseph H. HannenROSES—red roses—a profusion of rich, rare, regal red roses! It is thus that one recalls the perfect days spent with the New York friends upon the occasion of the Fifth Annual Convention of Bahai Temple Unity. First and foremost, because of the abundance of the fragrant blossoms, deep-tinted Jacqueminots, American Beauties and the various intermediate shades, which adorned the tables at the series of entertainments given us; and one must not overlook a perfect Crimson Rambler which gracefully ornamented the platform upon the occasion of the public meetings! But the association of ideas carries yet a deeper significance: For the perfection and fragrance of the rose typifies the occasion as a whole. As the friends gathered from far and near one thought of the petals of a great hundred-leaf rose, each adding its tint of beauty and its fragrance to the blossom; and like the heart of a rose they were clinging to the Center of the Covenant, from whence emanated the sweet spiritual fragrance which is diffused throughout the world. As one can tell the artificial rose from the true by this very fact of the attachment of the petals to a living center, even so this was a great body vibrant with life, beauty and fragrance. The Center of the Covenant drawing from the very Heart of God Himself the spiritual nourishment which is the food of the soul, completed the similitude, and so as a great rose, or perhaps a rose garden, one recalls the assemblage which gathered at the call of the executive committee.
This convention developed a most significant fact—that the spirit of the conventions is independent of environment; for those who had attended previous sessions in Chicago had felt some interest in noting the effect of a change in the place of meeting. It had seemed that the Mashrak-el-Askar site, as well as the delightful hospitality of the Chicago friends, were inseparable from the convention program. But with no thought of comparison it became evident from the very first that the inspiration of the occasion and the very presence in one place of many of the friends would generate the spiritual atmosphere; and history was written during these recent and memorable days in the creation of a new and vitalizing force which shall from year to year energize various centers and leave enough to spare, like the miracle of the loaves and fishes, to supply the wants of thousands in the various centers to which the delegates shall return.
At 3 p. m., Saturday, April 26th, while the executive committee was in session in an upper chamber, a reception to the delegates and friends was given in the spacious and beautiful parlors of Mrs. Florian Krug, 830 Park avenue. Here was enacted the delightful experience of greetings interchanged by the friends from the various assemblies to be represented in the convention. This year it seemed that even a larger number than usual were present. To the strains of sweet music furnished by an orchestra, the divine harmonies were played in tender chords vibrating into the depths of the souls of the company. Here beautiful flowers lent their fragrance to the ensemble; the reception committee dispensed graceful hospitality and the delightful hostess and her charming daughter made all feel at home. A buffet luncheon refreshed the travelers, and one was loath to leave the sparkling scene when the hour came, all too soon, to proceed to the next function.
The Feast of Rizwan was celebrated by a
dinner, given by the New York Assembly to
the delegates and friends. For this purpose
the Columbia University Commons was secured,
the vast hall being admirably suited to the occasion.[Page 84]
About 250 guests were seated at the
tables, which were arranged in a row of five,
branching off from the long table reserved
for the reception committee and the executive
committee and speakers. At the appointed
hour, 6:30, many had gathered, and the university
campus was enlivened by the arrival of
parties in happy concourse.
At the center of the speaker's table, which was well nigh covered with the red roses to become so memorable, Mr. Mountfort Mills presided, and under his happy and skillful direction the evening was a perfect joy. At about 7 o'clock the assemblage joined in singing "Joy to the world! the Lord is come," Mr. Edward B. Kinney directing at the piano. Mr. Mills delivered the opening address, describing the object and nature of the Feast of Rizwan, and welcoming the guests of the evening.
After a bountiful repast had been completed, Mr. Mills read Words of BAHA'O'LLAH. The musical program of the convention was in charge of Mr. Kinney, who accompanied Miss Slater in the next number, a soprano solo, "Widmung." Words of Abdul-Baha were next read, followed by a song in which the friends were again heard in the stirring words of "Nearer, my God, to Thee!" Another solo by Miss Slater was followed by an address by Eshte'al-Ebn-Kalanter, M. A. K. K., who graphically presented the meaning of the Rizwan in its Persian sense. Mr. Roy C. Wilhelm read a cablegram recently received from Abdul-Baha. Mrs. True, of Chicago, followed with a graceful address. A most interesting contribution was then given by Dr. Halliman, superintendent of the Bowery mission, who expressed his appreciation of the visit of Abdul-Baha to the mission in April, 1912; in fact, the first place visited on the American trip was this center of activity. Dr. Halliman also voiced his praise of the friends in New York who had interested themselves in the work since. It may be added at this point, although Dr. Halliman did not tell it at the time, that on the anniversary of Abclul-Baha's visit a party of the New York friends planned to visit the Bowery mission. When Abdul-Baha learned of this plan he forwarded a draft for $80, with instructions that, as he had done a year before, each person attending the mission on this anniversary night should be given a silver quarter. This was arranged, and the money sent was exactly enough to supply everyone. Thus the spiritual and material bounty of Abdul-Baha was bestowed anew upon these human derelicts.
Mr. Bernard M. Jacobsen responded to a call in a most effective address and was followed by the Reverend Mr. Angell, of Brooklyn, who expressed a sympathetic interest in the work of the Bahais. Mrs. Inglis sang by request and most effectively "The Holy City." Mr. Charles Mason Remey, Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi, Mr. Albert H. Hall, Mrs. Annie L. Parmerton and others delivered brief addresses in closing, and the beautiful feast was at an end. Tangibly concluded; yet never ending so long as memory lasts, and productive of a spiritual uplift which will cause it to be remembered in all the ages and worlds!
Sunday afternoon, April 27, at 3:30, a general meeting was held at the Berkeley Lyceum, 19 West Forty-fourth street. This proved to be a most happily chosen place of meeting; in effect a small theater. The auditorium, balcony and boxes were well filled, many strangers being present. Mr. Albert H. Hall presided, and to those who have had the privilege in the past of attending gatherings under his direction this assures a spiritual blessing. The blossoming rose plant which lent color and fragrance to the stage settings was typical of the speakers, who unfolded the beauties of the Rizwan of El-Baha with vibrant force and resonance which penetrated, not only throughout the auditorium but deep into the soul of every auditor.
All present joined in singing "Joy to the world, the Lord is come!" under the leadership of Mr. Kinney, as before. This was followed by an impressive period of silent prayer, following which Mr. Mountfort Mills read the familiar supplication "Unite the hearts of Thy servants." Mr. Hall then read the words of Abdul-Baha suited to the occasion, followed by a clear explanation of the Temple Unity Movement.
A baritone solo "Judge me, O God!" (Dudley Buck) was most effectively rendered by Mr. Frederick William Gunther. This was followed by a stirring address by Eshte'al-Ebn-Kalanter, whose message was most direct and appealing. Mrs. Frederick William Gunther then sang "I will extol Thee, O God."
Mrs. Claudia Stuart Coles, of Washington, followed, and then "Mother Beecher" read prayers for the new Chinese Republic, first explaining how the government of China had asked the prayers of the Christian world on this date; a most fitting supplication as a part of the universal plan of BAHA'O'LLAH.
Mr. Hooper Harris delivered a characteristically
fine address. A sextet, with Mrs. Williams[Page 85]
and Miss Rossi-Diehl as soloists, rendered
most impressively "I waited for the
Lord," the other parts being taken by Miss
Garbarden, Miss Harriet Magee, Mr. Kinney
and Mr. Albert Ciccareli. This closed the exercises
of the afternoon.
Sunday evening the friends were bidden to a feast at the home of Mr. and Mrs. Edward B. Kinney, at 6:30. A wonderful gathering was there assembled, and when it is recorded that more than two hundred were seated at the tables, not half of the story will have been told. The matchless and gracious hospitality of the hosts, the joy and spirituality of the guests, and the bounty represented by the repast were memorable! And then the charming friends who served made a picturesque setting, creating a divine harmony in a home devoted to this particular subject. The feast was served in courses, the principal one being a genuine Persian pilau of lamb and rice. Truly a stupendous undertaking, its complete success showed the power of the Spirit and the superlative quality of hospitality!
At the commencement of the feast, Mrs. George Lesch, of Chicago, read a prayer. Miss Mary Lesch, one of the Chicago delegates, read some of the words, and Mr. William H. Hoar read from the Ighan. Mr. Alfred H. Lunt read an article from a London magazine, including an address by Abdul-Baha.
After the feast had been concluded, Mrs. True, by request, spoke on the subject of the Mashrak-el-Azkar, giving historical facts. Mr. Joseph H. Hannen, of Washington, was called upon to describe Abdul-Baha's visit to the Mashrak-el-Azkar site in May, 1912. Mrs. Annie L. Parmerton, of Cincinnati, read a Tablet about the Mashrak-el-Azkar and a poem by Tayere Khanoum.
An announcement was made concerning a fund to purchase a vase for the Tomb of BAHA'O'LLAH, on behalf of the American friends, to the effect that the fund was in the hands of Mrs. Kinney, and all who desired might send or hand their contributions to her.
Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi closed the meeting with a chant in Persian, and thus closed a perfect Bahai feast, something possible only in this day and through the power of the Center of the Covenant.
Monday evening at 8 o'clock, the friends were bidden to a reception at the home of Mrs. Alexander C. Morten, 141 East Twenty-first street. At the appointed hour the parlors of this delightful residence were filled, and after a social hour the friends were asked to proceed to the upper floor, a charming studio in which were exhibited the motion pictures of Abdul-Baha, taken in New York (Brooklyn) during the summer of 1912. These were shown by Mr. John George Grundy, with a descriptive talk, and proved to be wonderfully life-like, recalling to the many present who had seen him the actual presence of the Servant of God. Downstairs, before and during the picture exhibitions, a record of Abdul-Baha's voice was heard, and thus the wonders of the Twentieth Century were demonstrated in this matchless manner and a new era was inaugurated in worship and praise.
The very large attendance made a second exhibition necessary; meanwhile refreshments were passed and in delightful concourse the hours passed swiftly until another beautiful day had closed. To the hostess of the evening all praise is due, and her reading of the Hidden Words at the commencement of the evening was most effective.
The closing and public session of the convention was held in the French Ionic Room of the Masonic Temple Tuesday evening, April 29, at 8 o'clock. Mr. Hall occupied the chair, and the music was under the direction of Mr. Kinney, to whose untiring efforts the harmony of the convention was largely due.
A song, "His Glorious Sun Hath Risen," was followed by an interval of silent prayer. Mrs. Harlan Ober then read a prayer. A solo, "These Are They" (Gaul), was splendidly rendered by Miss Rossi-Diehl. The chairman, Mr. Hall, then delivered a characteristic address, most impressively moving the audience, who followed him closely and were both pleased and edified with his words of wisdom.
Mr. Alfred H. Lunt, of Boston, followed with an earnest address whose logic was irresistible. He was followed by Mr. Bernard M. Jacobsen, described by the chairman, as the "Evangelist of the Cause in America." Proofs, scriptural and logical, poured from the lips of this earnest speaker, who made his case invincible.
A tenor solo by Mr. Frederick Vettel, "Watchman, What of the Night" (Mendelssohn), was enthusiastically encored. The chairman then announced his great pleasure in presenting one of the "Children of the Night" who had become a wonderful light, and Mr. Louis G. Gregory, of Washington, addressed the assemblage in his usual earnest, powerful and effective manner.
A duet "Love Divine" by Miss Rossi-Diehl
and Mr. Vettel, was followed by an address[Page 86]
by Mrs. Isabella D. Brittingham. This beloved
teacher was heard to splendid advantage. Mrs.
Mary Hanford Ford was next introduced, and
in a telling manner gave her impressions concerning
the economic aspects and practical advantages
and claims of the Bahai Movement.
An evening of rare beauty, blending sweet music with spiritual harmonies, was brought to a close with a Bahai hymn, in which all present joined.
Thus ended the sessions of the convention of 1913. In its truest sense, however, the convention was not confined to New York, but was participated in by the friends throughout America and in all parts of the world. Its real chairman was the Center of the Covenant of God, whose presence was felt by all in a most wonderful way. And what is true of environment applies equally to time, for the sessions of this conference will be continuous, in the spirit developed, the plans made and to be carried out, and in the hearts of souls of all present or touched by its spirit. Thus are Bahai conventions differentiated from all other gatherings. The echoes of this series of sessions will reverberate throughout the ages until the half-light of time shall yield to the Perfect Day of Eternity!
*NOTE—The report of the Business Sessions of the Convention is still in the hands of a committee.—The Editors.
AT the invitation of the Hungarian Peace, Esperanto and Feminist societies and of the Oriental Commercial Academy, Abdul-Baha arrived at Budapest, Hungary, on April 9th. He spoke to a great public gathering arranged by these institutions and besides, on three evenings, to the Theosophical Society, to the Star of the East members and the Turanian Society. About 800 people listened to his Address, which was translated into English by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab and then into Hungarian.
During Abdul-Baha's sojourn in Budapest he received many distinguished visitors, among others the celebrated Hungarian Orientalists, Prof. Vámbéry and Prof. Goldzieher. Prof. Robert Nadler, a Hungarian painter of great renown, made a portrait sketch of Abdul-Baha.
More important than the outward honors given to him is that his words and personality gave a new start to the Bahai Cause in Hungary, which is on the border of the East and the West, and whose population is a mixture of many antagonistic nationalities, therefore very much in need of internal peace and unity.
Abdul-Baha honored Mr. Leopold Stark, whose address is II Nyulucta 5, by charging him to unite all those in Budapest who are likely to form the first nucleus. Bahai friends all over the world are requested to help by sending good advice and propaganda literature.
TALK GIVEN BY ABDUL-BAHA AT 309 WEST SEVENTY-EIGHT ST., NEW YORK CITY, JUNE 18, 1912.*
NO MATTER how much the world of humanity advances in material civilization, it is, nevertheless, in need of the spiritual development mentioned in the Gospel. The virtues of the material world are limited, whereas Divine virtues are unlimited. Because the virtues of the material world are limited, therefore man's need of the Divine world, the Divine perfections and virtues, is unlimited.
Consider the history of humanity. You will find that although the very apex of
*Translated by Dr. Ameen U. Fareed and taken stenographically by Miss Emma C. Melick.
human virtues has been reached at certain
times, yet they were limited; but the Divine
virtues have ever been unlimited. The limited
is ever in need of the unlimited. The material
must be confirmed by the spiritual. The
material is likened unto the body, but the
breaths of the Holy Spirit are the Spirit
itself. The body without spirit is not productive
of fruit. Although the body may be in
the utmost state of beauty, it is, nevertheless,
in need of the spirit. The chimney of the
lamp, no matter how polished it be, is in need
of the light. Without the light within the
candle or the lamp, it is not illuminating. The
body without the spirit is not productive. The
teaching of a merely material teacher is limited.
The philosophers claimed to be the
educators of mankind, but if we refer to history,[Page 87]
we find that the greatest philosophers
were at most enabled to educate themselves.
If they educated others, it was within a
limited circle; but they failed to give a general
education. The Divine Power, however
the Power of the Holy Spirit, conferred this
general education.
For example, His Holiness Christ educated universally. Numerous nations, numerous peoples He rescued from the world and bondage of idolatry. He summoned them all to the Oneness of God. They were dark, they became illumined; they were material, they became spiritual; they were earthly, they became heavenly. He illumined the world of morality. And this general education is not possible through the power of philosophy. This is possible through the power of the Breaths of the Holy Spirit. That is why no matter how far the world of humanity advances, it fails to reach the highest degree except through the Breaths of the Holy Spirit; through spiritual education and Divine bestowals. They insure progress and prosperity.
Therefore I exhort you that you may be thinking of developing your spirits. Just as you have striven along material lines and have reached this degree, may you likewise advance in order that your spirits may become strengthened, your spiritual susceptibilities increased, your devotion to the Kingdom of God augmented. May you be recipients of the Holy Spirit, be aided in the world of morality, and attain ideal power, so that the sublimity of the world of mankind may become apparent in you. Thus may you attain the highest happiness, the life eternal, the glory everlasting, be born again and become the manifestations of the bestowals of God.
TALK GIVEN BY ABDUL-BAHA AT 309 W. 78TH ST., NEW YORK CITY, JULY 5, 1912.*
[The question was asked Abdul-Baha: "You have stated that 'we are living in a Universal Cycle the first Manifestation of which was Adam and the Universal Manifestation of which is BAHA'O'LLAH.' Does this imply that other Universal Cycles preceded this one and that all traces of them have been effaced; cycles in which the ultimate purpose was the Divine Spiritualization of man just as it is the creative intention in this one?"]
*Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab.
THE Divine Sovereignty is an Ancient Sovereignty; not an accidental sovereignty. If we imagine this world of existence has a beginning, we can say the Divine Sovereignty is accidental; i. e., it existed once and there was a time when it did not exist. A king without a kingdom is impossible. He cannot be without a country, without subjects, without an army, without dominion, or he would be without kingship. All these exigencies or requirements of sovereignty must exist for a king. When they do exist we can apply the word sovereignty to a king. Otherwise his sovereignty is imperfect, incomplete. If none of these conditions exist sovereignty does not exist.
If we acknowledge there is a beginning for this world of creation, we acknowledge the Sovereignty of God is accidental; i. e., we admit a time when the Reality of Divinity has been without dominion (lit. "defeated"). The Names and Attributes of Divinity are requirements of this world. The names "Powerful," the "Living," the "Provider," the "Creator," require and necessitate the existence of creatures. If there were no creatures, "Creatorship" would be meaningless. If there were none to provide for, we could not think of the "Provider." If there were no life, the "Living" would be beyond the power of conception. Therefore all the Names and Attributes of God require the existence of objects or creatures upon which they have been bestowed, and in which they have become manifest. If there was a time when no creation existed, when there was none to provide for, it would imply a time when there was no Existent One, no Trainer, and the Attributes and Qualities of God would have been meaningless and without significance. Therefore the requirements of the Attributes of God do not admit of cessation or interruption, for the Names of God are actually and forever existing and not potential. Because they convey life, they are called Life-Giving; because they provide they are called Bountiful, the Provider; because they create they are called Creator; because they educate and govern, the Name Lord God is applied. That is to say the Divine Names emanate from the eternal Attributes of Divinity. Therefore it is proved that the Divine Names presuppose the existence of objects or beings.
How, then, is a time conceivable when this Sovereignty has not been existent? This Divine Sovereignty is not to be measured by six thousand years. This interminable, illimitable
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.
Editorial Staff: ALBERT R. WINDUST — GERTRUDE BUIKEMA — DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI
Honorary Member: MIRZA AHMAD SOHRAB
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. IV | Chicago (June 5, 1913) Nur | No. 5 |
To the maid-servant of God, Mrs. Harriet Cline of Los Angeles, Cal.
Upon her be BAHA'O'LLAH-EL-ABHA!
HE IS GOD!
O thou beloved maid-servant of God!
Thy letter was received. It was an indication that thou art spending thy days in the Commemoration of the Blessed Perfection, and art firm and steadfast in the Covenant and Testament and art holding fast to the "Strong Rope."
Today firmness in the Covenant is the means of the promotion of the Word of God, and conducive to the effect of the word of man. Any explanation which does not accord with the Covenant will have no effect whatsoever. Therefore, whosoever heralds the Covenant of God, unquestionably he is confirmed.
This has been tried a thousand times. Any soul who violates the Covenant and Testament the least degree, immediately he is cut off; even in this material world he will become afflicted with remorse and regret. Consequently as much as ye are able, call the people to the Covenant and make the souls firm and steadfast.
- Upon ye be BAHA'O'LLAH-EL-ABHA!
- (Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Translated by M. Ahmad Sohrab, Paris, France, March 29, 1913.
ALL who stand up in the cause of God will be persecuted and misunderstood. It has always been so; it will always be so. Let neither enemy nor friend disturb your peace, destroy your happiness, prevent your accomplishment. Fix your soul upon God. Then persecution and slander will make you the more radiant. The purposes of your enemies will be reflected upon themselves. They will be injured instead of you. Oppression is the wind which fans the fire of the Love of God. Welcome persecution and bitterness. A soldier may bear arms, but until he has faced the enemy in battle he has no right to a place in the king's army. Let nothing defeat you. God is your helper. God is invincible. Be firm in the Heavenly Covenant. Pray for strength. It will be given you, no matter how difficult the conditions.
When Abdul-Baha was sent to Akka, he experienced
three kinds of persecution. Two
kinds were easy to bear. When he arrived in
Akka they placed chains upon his limbs and
circlets of steel were locked around his ankles
and knees. While the guards were doing this
Abdul-Baha laughed and sang. They were astonished[Page 89]
and said, "How is this? You are
laughing and singing. When prisoners are
ironed in this way, they usually cry out, weep
and lament." Abdul-Baha replied, "I rejoice
because you are doing me a great kindness;
you are making me very happy. For a long
time I have wished to know the feelings of a
prisoner in irons, to experience what other
men have been subjected to. I have heard of
this; now you have taught me what it is. You
have given me this opportunity. Therefore I
sing and am very happy. I am very thankful
to you." After a time the men who had been
appointed to keep guard over me became as
loving brothers and companions. They strove
to lighten my imprisonment by acts of kindness.
They said, "In order that you may not
be subjected to the jeers of the people when
you walk upon the streets we will arrange
your clothing so these chains are not visible."
They took the chains which were upon my
limbs, gathered the ends together and wrapped
them as a girdle around my waist, then arranged
my clothing so no chains were visible.
One day I wished to go to the hammam (public
bath). The guards said, "It will not be
possible for you to go to the bath unless these
chains are removed; and furthermore it will
attract notice from the people in the streets."
Abdul-Baha said, "I will go."
The guards then carefully gathered the hanging chains around my waist, covered them with my clothing and we went forth. As we passed through the streets, Abdul-Baha took the chains from his waist, flung their loose, dangling ends over his shoulders in full view and walked to the hamman, followed by a great crowd of hooting, jeering people. The guards were most unhappy, but Abdul-Baha was in supreme joy because of this opportunity to walk in the freedom of the Pathway of God. After many years the doors of Akka were opened, the prison walls thrown down and the chains which Abdul Hamid had placed upon the body of Abdul-Baha were put around the neck of Abdul Hamid himself.
In brief, this kind of persecution was easy to bear. There was a second form of persecution to which Abdul-Baha was continually subjected at Akka. Spies and enemies were constantly informing the authorities that he was plotting against the government, that he was secretly instigating revolution and teaching principles in opposition to the Mohammedan religion. In consequence of these reports and statements Abdul-Baha underwent a great deal of restriction, difficulty and personal discomfort, but, Praise be to God! always in the utmost joy and exaltation. Sometimes the rigor of his restriction was increased; often he was threatened with death; often threatened with confinement in another prison fortress, but nothing was accomplished by his enemies that could lessen his complete happiness. On the contrary, the more falsehoods they invented, the more evident became his innocence and sincerity, the more constant his thanksgiving and rejoicing. This form of persecution was likewise easy to bear.
But there was a third kind of persecution which brought Abdul-Baha sorrow and unhappiness, a persecution difficult to bear: the bitter words and criticisms of the friends. Where love was expected, hatred and jealousy was found; instead of friendship and kindness, envy and discord were manifested; instead of harmony there appeared dissension and ill-wishing; in place of assistance and appreciation, calumny, falsehood and slander. This is hard to bear.
Now, Praise be to God! turn all your thoughts and devote all your powers to the Divine Covenant. Unless a servant in the Cause of God is subjected to all these persecutions he is not fitted to spread the Heavenly Message of Glad Tidings. Follow Abdul-Baha! Let nothing hinder or defeat you. God is your, helper and God is invincible.
universe is not the result of that measured period. This stupendous laboratory and workshop has not been limited to six thousand revolutions of the earth about the sun in its production. With the slightest reflection man can be assured that this calculation and announcement is childish, especially in view of the fact that it is scientifically proved the terrestrial globe has been the habitation of man long prior to such limited estimate.
As to the record in the Bible concerning His
Holiness Adam entering Paradise, eating from
the tree and the expulsion through the temptation
of Satan, these are all symbols beneath
which there are wonderful and divine meanings,
not to be calculated in years, dates and[Page 90]
measurement of time. Likewise the statement
that God created the heaven and the earth
in six days, is symbolic. We will not explain
this further today. The texts of the Holy Books
are all symbolical, needing authoritative interpretation.
When man casts even a cursory glance of reflection upon the question of the universe, he discovers it is very ancient. A Persian philosopher was looking up into the heavens, lost in wonder. He said, "I have written a book containing seventy proofs of the accidental appearance of the universe, but I still find it very ancient."
BAHA'O'LLAH says "the universe hath neither beginning nor ending." He has set aside the elaborate theories and exhaustive labors of scientists and material philosophers by this simple statement, "There is no beginning, no ending." The theologians and religionists advance plausible proofs that the genesis of the universe dates back six thousand years; the scientists bring forth certain indisputable proofs and relics and say, "No.! These evidences indicate ten thousand, twenty thousand, fifty thousand years ago," etc., etc. There are endless discussions pro and con. BAHA'O'LLAH sets aside these discussions by one word and statement. He says, "The Divine Sovereignty hath no beginning and no ending." By this announcement and its demonstration He has brought a standard of agreement among those who reflect upon this question of Divine Sovereignty; brought reconciliation and peace in this war of opinion and discussion.
Briefly, there were many Universal Cycles preceding this one in which we are living. They were consummated, completed and their traces obliterated. The Divine and creative purpose in them was the evolution of spiritual man, just as in this cycle. The circle of existence is the same circle; it returns. The Tree of Life has ever borne the same heavenly fruit.
WE regret to inform you of the death of Sarah Ann Ridgway of 16 Smith Street, Broughton Road, Pendleton, Manchester, England. Our dear sister passed away, without suffering, on the 11th of May. She had held firmly to the Bahai Cause for fifteen or more years in the United States and in this country; and has worked many years for it in Pendleton—quietly but steadily teaching and acting the blessed principles and duties taught by Christ Jesus and Abdul-Baha. Right to the last she kept up her work at the silk factory—she was a silk weaver—and to the last she thought of the Bahai Cause and friends; and, though about sixty years of age, she never spoke of personal ailments, nor of old age coming on.
Miss Ridgway was always too full of thought for others to worry about herself; and she was respected by all who knew her—her influence was always good.
In build, she was rather small, but strong and energetic; and she moved about among all denominations—sowing the seed of divine fellowship everywhere. Though poor, she found means to help the needy—of whom there are many in the neighborhood in which she lived; and though at work for her living all day, she yet found time and strength to do good among those depressed by poverty or those that were ill. She had been in the presence of Abdul-Baha twice—in London and in Liverpool.
She taught us patience and constancy in faith and works, and we miss her. There are but two of us here now who call ourselves Bahais—she was the first in Manchester and the truest.
May God render her influence and spirit fruitful forever.
Ed. Theo. Hall.
OUR PERSIAN SECTION, this issue, contains: (1) Talk by Abdul-Baha concerning the two blessed feasts—Declaration of the Bab and the Birthday of Abdul-Baha; (2) Convention of the Mashrak-el-Azkar of Chicago, in New York City, by Riza Shafie-Zadeh; (3) Poem by Mirza M. Taki Nazem Khorossani; (4) News from Paris, by Seyed Assadollah; (5) News from Paris, by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab; (6) News from Teheran, Persia.
WISDOM-TALKS OF ABDUL-BAHA—A compilation of the addresses of Abdul-Baha delivered at Chicago, April 30 to May 5, 1912. Published in pamphlet form of 24 pages, price 10 cents. Proceeds
to go to Mashrak-el-Azkar fund.
Address Miss Mary Lesch, 5205 Jefferson avenue, Chicago.
نجم باختر 1329
جلد 04 شماره 05
ازشیکاغو امریکا . شمارۀ پنجم جمادی الثانی
فهرست مندرجات
1 . عیدین سعیدین خطابۀ مبارک در یوم بعثت حضرت اعلی و میلاد حضرت عبدالبهاء .
2 . انعقاد پنجم انجمن عمومی بهائی « کانوانشان » در نیویورک بقلم رضا خان شفیع زاده .
3 . قصیدۀ غرّاء از نظم آقا میرزا محمّد تقی ناظم خراسانی در بندر جز .
4 . اخبار جهان . از پاریس به قلم جناب آقا سیّد اسدالله قمی .
5 . اخبار جهان . از پاریس به قلم جناب آقا میرزا احمد سهراب .
6 . اخبار جهان از طهران به قلم جناب آقا میرزا احمد سهراب .
آدرس : نجم باختر پست آفیس باکس 283 شیکاگو ایلینوی ایالات متّحدۀ امریکا
Address: Najme Bakhtar, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, Ill., U. S. A.
[Page 92]
PAGE 1
VOL. IV
No 5
نجم باختر 1329
جلد چهارم شماره پنجم قیمت اشتراک : سالی دوازده قران
جون ماه نور سنه 70
این جریده برحسب تاریخ بهائی هر نوزده روز چاپ و توزیع میگردد و در نهایت آزادی در مسائل یگانگی بشر و وحدت ادیان و انتشار علوم و فنون این قرن و تربیت اطفال و پیشرفت امر حضرت بهاء الله در اطراف جهان و توضیح حقائق این دین عمومی خواهد نوشت و مقالات مفید که موافق سبک اداره است قبول و نشر خواهد گردید .
صفحه 1 - 1
عیدین سعیدین
خطابۀ مبارک دریوم بعثت حضرت باب اعلی و میلاد حضرت عبدالبهاء در بیت امّة الله مسیس الیس ایوز برید در کمبریج امریکا شب شنبه 23 ماه می سنه 1912
ای احباّای الهی : امروز من به دارالفنون کلارک رفتم در شهر وستر در آنجا خیلی جمعیّت بود صحبت کردم بی نهایت اظهار سرور و شادمانی نمودند خیلی تشویق و تحریص بر تحصیل علم کردم زیرا علم اعظم منقبت عالم انسانی است علم سبب کشف حقائق است ولی علم بر دو قسم است علوم مادیّه و علوم الهیّه علوم مادیّه کشف اسرار طبیعت میکند علوم الهیّه کشف اسرار حقیقت نماید عالم انسانی باید تحصیل علم کند و اکتفای به یک علم ننماید زیرا هیچ پرنده ئی به جناح واحد پرواز نکند باید به دوبال پرواز نماید یک بال علوم مادیّه و یک بال علوم الهیّه این علم از عالم طبیعت و آن علم از ماوراء الطبیّعه این علم ناسوتی آن علم لاهوتی مقصود از علم لاهوتی کشف اسرار الهی است ادراک حقائق معنوی است فهم حکمت بالغۀ الهیّه است کشف حقیقت ادیان الهی است و ادراک اساس شریعت الله است !
صفحه 2 - 1
باری امروز روز بعثت حضرت اعلی است روز مبارکی است مبدأ اشراق است زیرا ظهور حضرت اعلی مانند طلوع صبح صادق بود و ظهور جمال قدم ظهور آفتاب هر صبح نورانی بشارت از شمس حقیقت دهد لذا این یوم یوم مبارکی است مبدأ فیض است بدایت طلوع است اوّل اشراق است حضرت اعلی در چنین روزی مبعوث شد ونداء به ملکوت ابهی نمود و بشارت به ظهور جمال مبارک داد و بجمیع طوایف ایران مقابلی کرد جمعی در ایران متابعت نمودند و در بلایا و مشقّات شدیده افتادند و در مقام امتحان و افتتان نهایت قوّت و ثبات آشکار نمودند چه بسیار نفوس که در حبس شدید افتاد و چه بسیار نفوس که عقوبات عظیمه دید با وجود این با نهایت ثبوت و استقامت و جانفشانی نمودند ابدا متزلزل نشدند و از امتحانات ملال نیاوردند بلکه بر ایمان و ایقان خود صد مقابل افزودند آن نفوس منتخبین الهی هستند آن نفوس ستارۀ اوج نامتناهی هستند که از افق ابدی درخشنده و تابانند حضرت اعلی را در شیراز اذیّت کردند بعد حضرت باب به اصفهان آمد در اصفهان علما اذیّت زیادی کرده اعتراضات نمودند بعد حضرت را از اصفهان به تبریز فرستادند در تبریز چندی اقامت
صفحه 1 - 2
کردند بعد از تبریز به ماکو فرستادند در آنجا در قلعه ئی محبوس بودند و بعد از ماکو به چهریق فرستادند و در آنجا هم محبوس بودند و از چهریق به تبریز آوردند و در آنجا بنهایت ظلم و جفا شهید نمودند حضرت اعلی مقاومت جمیع ایران نمودند اذیّت ها دیدند و هرچه خواستند آن سراج الهی را خواموش نمایند روشن تر گردید و روز بروز امرش واضح تر شد
در ایّامی که در میان خلق بودند در جمیع اوقات بشارات به بهاء الله میفرمودند و در جمیع الواح و کتب ذکر بهاء الله نمودند و بشارت به ظهور بهاء الله دادند که « در سنه نه هر خیری می یابید در سنه نه سعادت کلیّ حاصل میکنید در سنۀ نه به لقاء الله فائز میشوید » و از این قبیل بیانات بسیار و جمال مبارک را باسم « من یظهره الله » ذکر فرموده اند مختصراین است که آن وجود مقدّس در محبّت جمال مبارک جانفشانی فرمود چنانچه در کتاب احسن القصص میفرماید « یا سیّدنا الاکبر قد فدیت بکلیّ لک و ماتمنیّت الا القتل فی محبّتک و السّب فی سبیلک و انت الکافی بالحقّ » ملاحظه کنید که آن وجود مبارک چه قدر صدمه دیدند و چگونه جانفشانی نمودند و چگونه به محبّت جمال مبارک منجذب بودند و چگونه ما باید بایشان اقتدا کنیم و جانفشانی نمائیم و به نار محبّت الله مشتعل گردیم و از عنایات الهی بهره و نصیب گیریم زیرا آن وجود مبارک وصیّت کرده که در ظهور جمال مبارک در نهایت انقطاع باشیم و در نهایت انجذاب باشیم جمیع بشر را از برای او دوست داریم و خدمت بعالم انسانی کنیم نباء علی ذلک مبارک باد امروز چه که امروز روز مبارکی است امشب من از ملاقات شماها بسیار مسرور شدم و از خدا خواهم که فیوضات ملکوت الهی بر شما احاطه نماید وجوه شما نورانی گردد و قلوبتان روحانی باشد و جمیع ابناء و بنات ملکوت گردید
صفحه 2 - 2
و منسوب به خداوند جلیل شوید و بموجب تعالیم حضرت بهاء الله عمل کنید .
نجم باختر : در این دو عید مبارک امسال احبّای الهی در شیکاغو در خانۀ امّة الله مسس ترو جمع شده و با نهایت سرور و انجذاب به تلاوت آیات و به مذاکرات روحانیّه مشغول گشته و بیاد خیر جمیع جمیع دوستان مجلس منتهی شده .
انعقاد پنجم انجمن عمومی بهائی در نیویورک
کانوانشان سال پنجم مشرق الاذکار شیکاغو که مقارن با عید سعید رضوان بود در شهر شهیر نیویورک انعقاد و چهل و یک نفر نماینده از مملکت آمریک و جزائر هونولولو و غیره در خطّه مذکوره حاضر احبّاء نیویورک شهدالله در فراهم آوردن اسباب راحتی برادران و خواهران معنوی خود کمایلیق بذل و جهد نموده و هرکس باندازۀ اقتدار مالی و توسعۀ خانۀ خود از واردین احباب پذیرائی نموده مبیت و مأوی داده بود یاران از دیدار همدیگر خرسند و از قرائت الواح و بیانات مبارک بهره مند شدند . نطع اطعام روحانی و جسمانی که مملو از ما تشتهیّه الانفس و تلذالاعین بود در خانه عموم احباب باز یار و اغیار دست نیاز به مائدۀ خداوند بی انباز باز نموده و به سدّ جوع حیرانی و عقلانی همراز و همطراز بودند چنانکه خواهر عزیز و خادمۀ امرالله مسس کیتی و شوهر محترمش باوجود اینکه کفیل تغذیه و تضجیع شانزده نفر از احباب بودند باز یک شب دویست و هفتاد و پنج نفر را در خانۀ خود ضیافت کرده و همه را خوراک ایرانی از قبیل پلو و غیره داده و نوازش برادرانه و خواهرانه به عموم نمودند اگر یک نفر فرنگی و یا امریکائی داخل و وارد خانه بشود که در آنجا مدعو بوده باشد صاحب ضیافت
صفحه 1 - 3
حتما باید صندلیهای هرکس را علی قدر مراتبه نمره گذاشته و حین ورود هرکس بخودش تسلیم و تقدیم نماید والا اگر احدی سرپا و یا اینکه دون شئونات ظاهری خود نشانده شود برحسب عادت ذیحقّ و مجاز است که با صاحبخانه اگرچه دوست صمیمی هم باشد قطع ائتلاف کرده و اغلب بمقام اتلاف نفس همدیگر برمی آیند ولی امروز امر حضرت بهاء الله آن عادات سباعی را بکلیّ از میان محو و بطریق اصحّ آن حرکات دلسوزانه را باخلاق و آداب جهان افروزانه قلب و تبدیل فرموده بطوریکه صدق این قول را تقریر مهمانی مسس کنی تأیید خواهد نمود پس از اینکه عدّۀ از مهمانها آمده و بدون امتیاز و استثناء نژادی برادر وار هرجا جا بود گرفته و نشسته صندلی کفایت نکرد و اطراف میزهای شام را نیز اشخاصی که زود آمده بودند اشغال کردند علیهذا اغلبی از یاران اعمّ از اناث و ذکور دوری شام خود را در دست گرفته و جمعی روی راه پله نشسته با کمال گشاده روئی و بشّاشت و بدون احساس ذرّۀ تکدّر و تعنّد صرف غذا کردند و بعد از اتمام شام عدّه کثیری از حضّار بدون تکلیف و خواهش صاحبخانه بپا خواسته با یک گرمیّت و اتّحاد تصوّر نکردنی بجمع آوری ظروف و جابجا کردن صندلی ها و خدمتگذاری به واردین مشغول شدند تا لوازمات شام از اطاق برچیده شد بعضی از روی صندلی و برخی در روی زمین نشسته با یک جهان حضور قلب و فرح دل باصغاء اذکار و اوراد مشغول شدند اغلب از نمایندگان تجربیّات و مکاشفات محسوسه خود را پس از اقبال به امر حضرت بهاء الله با نهایت حرارت و اشتعال فوق العاده بیان نموده و مستمعین نیز بکلیّ مجذوب و مفتون اثرات حسنه امر شده و در آخر هر خطابه عموما الله ابهی می گفتند در ختم مجلس مستر کنی صاحبخانه که موزیک دان بسیار خوبی است سرود بهائی را که به طبع رسانده و به احباب توزیع کرده بود امر بخواندن و خود مشغول نواختن
صفحه 2 - 3
پیانو شد مس کروگ که عیال یکی از جرّحان ممتاز نیویورک است تا قبل از تشریف فرمائی مرکز میثاق حضرت عبدالبهاء به مملکت امریک بملاحظه عدم سعادت و اقبال شوهرش گرفتار شکنجه و تعذیب و تمسخر و توهین بود ولی پس از اینکه نور جمال من اراده الله از افق مملکت امریک و مخصوصا از ساحت عمارت شخص مشار الیه ساطع شده و شفاها با مومی الیه مکالمه فرموده اند گوئی آن شخص خلق جدید شده و تغییر ماهیّت کرده بطوری که مغایر معمول کمال ملاطفت و محبّت را بعیال مشارالیهای خود کرده و در عوض اینکه سابق مخالفت داشت مبادا احدی از بهائیان با عیالش معاشرت و مصاحبت کند امروز بدلخواه و تمنّای خود به جلیله اش اجازه داده است که از همه طریقهای خود که از جاهای مختلفه امریک نمایندگی آمده اند پذیرائی نماید و به تأسیس مشرق الاذکار حمایت و مساعدت مادّی بکند کرّات در خانه همان دکتور سابق الذکر عیالش که مسس کروگ در واقع روح مجسّمی است مهمانیهای روحانی بسیار مفصّل و مجللّ به احباب داد و یاران از صحبتها و بیانات حکیمانه این خانم ملک سیرت و سارا سریرت که بلا تردید مؤیّد غیب است یک عالم التذاذ و احتظاظ بردند . یک روز نیز در یکی از سالونهای نهارخوری دارالفنون کلمبیا که یکی از مشهورترین مدارس امریک و واقع در شهر نیویورک است مجلس شام از طرف احباب تهیّه و جمّ غفیری از اغیار نیز که قبل از وقت بواسطۀ اعلانات موّزعه باسم هیئت اتّحادیّه بهائیان استعلام کرده بودند حاضر میزهای شام به ریدف بسیار مرتبّ تعیین پیشخدمتها که اغلب از تلامذه همان دارالفنون بودند با منتهای ادب مشغول چیدن خوراک شده و برای هرکس یک دانه گل سرخ معیّن کرده بودند عدّۀ از احباب مشغول ارائه طریق و نوازش به اغیار و برخی مأمور جمع آوری بلیط دخول مردم و شمّۀ نیز بی اختیار
صفحه 1 - 4
از همدیگر می پرسیدند که این چه روزی است که سفید و سیاه بلند و کوتاه اسفل و اعلی زن و مرد جوان و پیر وامم مختلفه باهم برادروار و بیک مقصد و مسلک که اصلاح اخلاق و رفع تعصّب و نفاق و تشکیل صلح و وفاق و تعریف خداوند قادر اطلاق است مشی میکنند ! نجم باختر بگو امروز روز وحدت عالم انسانی است !
خلاصه پس از صرف شام چند نفر از خطباء از قبیل جنابان اشتعال ابن کلانتر و دکتور ضیاء بغدادی و مستر حریص و مستر هال و مستر میلز که از فراز کرسی نطقهای مشعشع و مهیّج و احتجاجات لمیع و مشرق انشاد بطوریکه حضّار سراسر گوش و یکباره هوش شده دنیای نفس را فراموش کرده لاینقطع هلهله کرده و با شادی « یا بهاء الابهی » می گفتند !
خبر نگاران جراید نیز در اغلب مجالس حاضر و صورت مقالات و خطابات را که ناشی از برکت و تعلیمات جمال مبارک در اعمال و اقوال احباب بود در ستون جراید یومیّه خود با کمال توقیر و احترام درج و مصداق « هوالمسک ماکررته یتضرّع » بیان حقیقت نمود .
چندین جلسات عدیده دیگر نیز در عمارت سانیک تمپل که متعلقّ به حزب فرماسونی نیویورک است منعقد و یاران با کمال مجاهدت و مسابقت در تأسیس فوری مشرق الاذکار شیکاغو محاجه و گفتگو نموده چون نیّت عموم خالی از نفسانیّات بود لهذا نتیجه افکار هر یک در نقطۀ واحده و دائره مستقیمه مطلوبه شروع به بنای خوری مشرق الاذکار منتهی شد و از وعده صرف مال و جان احدی دریغ و تکتفّ ننمود بملاحظه اینکه جمع آوری هیئتی مرکبّ از دویست و سیصد نفر برای ترتیب مایحتاج آنموقع شریف خالی از تعذرّ و عبرت نبود علیهذا با اکثریّت آراء نه نفر باسم هیئت اجرائیّه از میان احباب منتخب نمودند که مستقلا مشغول پیشرفت منویّات مقدّسه یاران که فقط تأسیس فوری آن مقام متبرّک است باشند
صفحه 2 - 4
نجم باختر : از صمیم فؤاد حضرت اشتعال این کلانتر را تبریک و تهنیت می نماید . آقای مشارالیه برای امسال از اعضای این نه نفر هستند .
امیدواریم که مساعدت حضرت خداوندگاری نیز مؤیّد افکار عباد ضعیفه خود شود . مجلس دیگر نیز که از بهترین ایّام تاریخ حیوة جوانی کاتب فانی بشمار میرود در خانۀ مسیس مورتن تشکیل پس از ادای همه قسم مهربانی و تعارف پرقیمت و ثمین ترین ارمغانی که همه احباب از داشتن آن متشرّق و فوق التصوّر بهره ور شدند همانا شنیدن صوت و اذکار بلیغه مبارکۀ حضرت عبدالبهاء بواسطه قرامافون و زیارت جمال بی مثال محبوب دلنواز بتوسط عکس متحرّک بود که حرکات و مصافحه حضرت سرّ الله را با احباب و یاران نشان داده و یک دنیا آرزوی زیارت ثانوی را در خاطر یاران احداث و ایجاد نمود بلی در غرب جهان شمس بها نیک درخشید از قرص بها نور بهره به کور بخشید . در اغلب محافل صحبت از مرکز میثاق و اهمیّت ثبوت در عهد و پیمان حضرت یزدان بود و یاران با نهایت ابتهاج و سرور اظهار محویّت و معرفت خود را با کمال تضرّع و ابتهال میکردند
روز یکشنبه مجلس را عمومی کردند تا اغیار نیز از مذاکرات و قرائت الواح مبارکه مستفیض شوند الحمدلله اشخاصی که به نیّت تماشا آمده بودند و خارج از حوزه مقبلین بیشمار میرفتند بحدّی مجذوب و متحیّر به کلمات الهیّه شده بودند که شخصی یار و اغیار را نمی توانست تمیز بدهد و عموم اغیار با یک دل مایل به جستجو و تفتیش حقیقت از مجلس بدر رفتند در محویّت احباب نیویورک در مقابل امر و احکام الله همین بس که از وجوهی که برای مخارج واردین احباب و ترتیب مایحتاج ایشان که بلغ به مبلغ گذرانی مینمود جمع شده بود تسهیل تمام لوازمات مدّت اقامت احباب و اجاره
صفحه 1 - 5
مجامع ایّام کونوتشان بعمل آمد سهل است مبلغ سیصد و شصت دالر نیز بجهت مشرق الاذکار باقی ماند یاران نه فقط تصوّر و کوشش میکنند که وجه ارض ثانی مشرق الاذکار را بزودی مسترد دارند بلکه آرزو دارند که به وسائل لازمه که اندیشه کرده و عنقریب به تحت عمل خواهند گذاشت تأسیس مشرق الاذکار را بکنند که بلکه وسیله خیر شده دوباره معاودت و زیارت هیکل مبارک را برای افتتاح آن موقع مقدّس به امریک برای امریکائیها نصیب و قسمت نمایند امیدواریم که جذبات خالصانه عباد عنایت حق را کرة بعد اولی بطرف امریک معطوف و مشغول بدارد . رضا شفیع زاده
قصیدۀ غرّاء از نظم جناب آقا میرزا محمّد تقی ناظم خراسانی در بندر جز
هوالمحبوب
مژده ای زمرۀ عشّاق که دلدار آمد یار بی پرده بصد کوری اغیار آمد
بشرق الشمس من الغرب که فرمود نبی سرزد از غرب سوی شرق دگربارآمد
ای دل مرده بشارت که مسیحا ز فلک بهر احیا و شفای دل بیمار آمد
شاهد محفل عشّاق و ملیک میثاق یوسف آسا بسر کوچه و بازار آمد
جای انکار دگر نیست بمنکر پس ازاین کانچه در پده نهان بود پدیدار آمد
رازهائی که نهان بود به کیهان و جهان هان عیان گشت که آن کاشف اسرار آمد
آن سفرکرده پس از فتح اروپ و امریک با کمال ظفر و نصرت بسیار آمد
صفحه 2 - 5
غرب را جنّت ابهی ز قدومش فرمود باز از شرق چو خورشید نمودار آمد
ناظم وجد و طرب ساز که آن نیّر عهد باز در مرکز خود ثابت و سیّار آمد
اخبارات جهان
از پاریس : جناب آقا سیّد اسدالله نوشته بودند الحمدلله وجود اطهر حضرت عبدالبهاء بر عرش صحّت مستوی و بر کرسی رأفت کبری برقرار است ملاحظه نموده اید که آنی را از برای نفس خود راحت مقدّر نفرموده است لیلا و نهاراقیام بر اعلاء کلمة الله و تبلیغ امرالله فرموده اند
تا رسد امر تو ای فخز زمان بر فشانند بر قدومت رایگان
سر برار از کوه جان خورشید وار تا ببینندت عیان از هر کنار
ایضا جناب آقا میرزا احمد سهرای نوشته اند :آخر این ماه حضرت مولی الوری عازم پورت سعید خواهند شد این مسئله حال مسلمّ است دیگر در اروپا توقفّ نخواهند فرمود .
از ایران : اخبارات خوش از اکثر محافل ایران میرسد ولی افسوس که در این ایّام اخیره جبر تعدیّات و اذیّت بر احباء الله در همدان و بعضی در طهران به اینجا رسیده است ! ! ! و ما من ظالم الا سیبّلی یا ظلم
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