| ←Issue 8 | Star of the West Volume 4 - Issue 9 |
Issue 10→ |
 Proofread onceReturn to PDF view
|
We are working hard to have proofread and nicely formatted text for you to read. Here is our progress on this section:
|
Vol. IV
Chicago, August 20, 1913
No. 9
| PAGE | |
Illustration: Children's Meeting at Esslingen—Abdul-Baha in their Midst | 154 |
Abdul-Baha at Stuttgart and Esslingen, Germany | 155 |
Address by Abdul-Baha at Stuttgart | 156 |
Budget of Letters from Geman Bahais (Illustrated) | 158 |
The Mashrak-el-Azkar | 160 |
Persian Section | 163-168 |
"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 (August 20, 1913) Kamal | No. 9 |
Extracts from Letters of Miss Alma S. Knobloch and Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, addressed
to Mrs. Pauline Knobloch Hannen.THE most impressive feature of the letters from Stuttgart was the description of the children's meeting, at Esslingen, about which Miss Knobloch wrote as follows:
"We have had some wonderful meetings; the one in Esslingen surpassed them all. It was the children's meeting, last Friday, April 4th, 1913, in the afternoon. They had secured a very pretty hall, which was most beautifully decorated with greens, plants and flowers, with large and small tables near the walls and round tables in the center. About fifty children and eighty adults were present. In a smaller room adjoining the hall the children had been assembled holding flowers in their hands, forming two lines for Abdul-Baha to pass through. It looked most beautiful as Abdul-Baha came upstairs. He passed through a short hall and looked so pleased and delighted to see the dear children."
Mirza Ahmad Sohrab says of this scene: "I was overcome with surprise, emotion and joy, and could not contain myself; the tears filled my eyes. It was the most beautiful, the most heavenly, the most artistic picture that I have ever seen in all my life. It was so beautiful! I cannot describe these things; one must feel them, see them. It was a glorious day for these people, in a far-away town in Germany, to see with their own eyes the Beloved of all nations. What love! What attraction! What enkindlement these German believers have!
"The children handed Abdul-Baha their flowers as he came to them and greeted them When Abdul-Baha's hands were full, he handed the flowers to one of the Persians, and went up one side and down the other. Then he gave them small boxes of chocolates and bon-bons. They were radiantly happy. Then he spoke to them, saying: 'These children are of the Kingdom, they are illumined with the Light of God. They have pure hearts, clear as crystal, wherein the rays are reflected. I love them very much. They are mine. I hope they will receive Divine education, that they may receive Heavenly training; become fragrant plants in the Garden of ABHA. They are very dear to me. May God guide and protect them, make of them useful men and women for the advancement of the Kingdom on earth.'
"Then Abdul-Baha entered the hall. I had to push the people back, for they had come to the door to see what was going on. He seemed greatly pleased, as he entered the hall, to see the decorated tables and the green background. After a little while, he gave an address, which I took down. Tea was then served, and cake and chocolate were on the table. A photograph was then taken of the entire group, a copy of which I am sending you. After this Abdul-Baha got into the automobile, the children crowding around and waving their flowers. Then one after another stepped up and handed their fragrant tokens. O, it looked really beautiful; I cannot describe it, so wonderfully sweet! The children waving their dear little hands, and Abdul-Baha in the auto, covered with flowers, waving his blessed hands to them. Abdul-Baha said that this event would go down in history. The following were his words spoken on the morning of April 5th, at Hotel Marquardt, Stuttgart: 'The effect of last night's meeting will be put on record in the world of eternity. The mentioning of it will be throughout centuries and will be recorded in the countries of the Orient. Because these children are tender plants, their hearts are clear and transparent. They have not yet come to the dross of the world; that is why Christ said: "Blessed are the children, for they are of the Heavenly Kingdom, being pure of heart." That
On the Evening of April 6, 1913, in Obere Museum (Small Hall),
Mirza Ahmad Sohrab and Mr. Eckstein, interpreters; stenographic notes by F. R. and M. Schweizer.
Translated from the German by Mr. and Mrs. Charles Ioas, Chicago.ABOUT 250 persons were present. The hall was very prettily decorated. Miss Alma S. Knobloch read a prayer. Miss Julie Staebler favored the audience with several beautiful songs and during the singing of one of them Abdul-Baha entered. The assembly arose, showing him great respect. The following are a few extracts from the introductory remarks of Consul Schwarz:
"Dear Friends: I have been asked this evening to speak a few words of welcome, which I am very glad to do, and especially so as I see in your happy faces the great impression which the presence of Abdul-Baha has made upon you.
"Seeking after Truth is as old as mankind. In accordance with the prophecies of the Old Testament, Jesus Christ came, bringing light, love, and truth; but the world recognized Him not and He and His followers were despised and rejected of men. Again, as in the days of old, is the world submerged in a sea of materialism and all things are influenced by it. The spiritual favors are neglected and suppressed. And now, in fulfillment of all prophecy, BAHA'O'LLAH has come and has brought the rejuvenation of Religion—not a new religion, but Religion renewed. He has come to awaken the world from the sleep of negligence and to bestow upon it the divine favor. Let us not, like those of 2,000 years ago, be blind to the light, but let us accept and appreciate the heavenly favors which have been so freely bestowed upon us, and let us hasten to spread the glad-tidings among our relatives and friends, that they, too, may partake of the heavenly feast. Look at the Son of BAHA'O'LLAH, Abdul-Baha, the Servant of God! Who can turn from his loving eyes or from the kindness of his words! He calls himself 'The Servant of God.' We recognize in him an Ambassador of God, who has come to teach us truth, light and love. O! let us remember his words and tell them to our children and our children's children! Let us receive the blessing of Abdul-Baha—it will sanctify our lives. Blessed be this hour to us!"
Many meetings are organized and established in all parts of the world; societies and organizations for the extension of general intercourse and extension of industry. These are societies in the interest of arts, and political parties are formed in different lands to watch the interest of the party. The establishment of all these societies is, in reality, only for the material life. Praise be to God! This illuminated assembly has no other purpose than to serve God. It is established to bring about the oneness of the human societies, it is organized to establish the companionship among different nations and races, to promulgate universal peace, so that all religions may again find the foundation of unity, so that all nations may come under the shelter of mercy, for the foundation of all religion is brotherhood, comradship and friendship to all. But alas, a thousand times alas! Religion, which should serve to promote oneness and love among men, has become an instrument of animosity and hatred. Religion, which was established to build up and gladden hearts, has become a means of darkening the world. All the prophets appeared that oneness of men might be taught. How much suffering these prophets had to endure to unfold this illumination among men. His Holiness Jesus Christ offered His life. He endured the greatest humiliation; His head was crowned with a crown of thorns. He endured all things so that the world might again unite and that He might cement the hearts of men through His love. But today the first duties of religion are neglected. The first duty and the basis of each religion is the love of God. Love has vanished and hate and animosity have taken its place. Instead of these simple principles we now have dogmas and imitations, and because the dogmas and imitations differ we have constantly strife and war. Fanaticism is the only aim. These fanatics are actually thirsty for their brother's blood, they condemned one another and considered each other unclean.
When this darkness encompassed the horizon
of the East, there appeared in the Orient,
BAHA'O'LLAH, who illuminated the East. He
proclaimed the oneness of mankind. He announced
that all humanity are the sheep of One
Shepherd, and God is the only true Shepherd
of these sheep. He is a kind and true Shepherd.
He could not be kind toward His sheep had He
not created them. If He did not love them
He would not take care of them. Now if God[Page 157]
loves all, why should we be unkind to each
other instead of loving one another? BAHA'O'LLAH
proclaimed the ideal of universal peace
among religions. The fundamental principle of
religion is one and the same—all the prophets
guided mankind to divine love. They have
called them to the knowledge of God. They
have taught them the unity of the human race.
They have summoned them to the furtherance
of human virtues. They have enlightened the
fundamental law of morality. The differences
of the various religions are the results of
dogmas and imitations, so we must give up
dogmas and turn our faces to the foundation
of religion. Dogmas have always been the
cause of strife, while religion was always the
cause of Unity. BAHA'O'LLAH proclaimed that
religion will again bring love and friendship
to mankind; if it does not fulfil this duty, then
is it a failure. Religion must be the antidote
for all illness. If the medicine makes the sickness
worse, then it is better not to take it.
BAHA'O'LLAH also said that religious prejudice is the destroyer of the foundation of material well being. All the messengers and prophets of God were the servants of ethics. The greatest to which man can attain is love. Love is the principle of creation. Love is the cause of illumination to the world of humanity. Love brings happiness and peace to men. That is why Christ said "God is love." The first and greatest command of religion is love. The best divine service is to announce and promulgate love among mankind.
Women used to be oppressed in the Orient. They were in every respect humiliated. They were deprived of the opportunity to gain knowledge. They could not study science or art, and in politics they had no voice at all. Men did not consider them their equal. BAHA'O'LLAH announced that women have the same right as men. He uplifted their conditions. He said, "The world of humanity has two wings, the one is man, the other woman." As long as both are not sufficiently strong, the bird cannot soar to the highest summit of the mountain. When women once have the advantage of education and improvement, then will mankind reach perfection. The women in the Orient have made great progress. Many schools for girls have been established, in which they are taught sciences and arts. They now have the possibility of endless progress. In this short time many wonderful women among the Bahais have shown that they are equally entitled to those achievements.
There are many wonderful teachings in the writings of BAHA'O'LLAH which have been published in book form. They are such as will bring great blessing to the world and will be the means of establishing peace among mankind. In Persia many meetings are being held in which different religions are represented, Jewish, Christian, Mohammedan and Zoroastrian. There is harmony and friendship among them. They are at all times ready to sacrifice their lives for one another. They serve with heart and soul in the cause of international peace. For the spread of this cause more than twenty thousand persons have sacrificed their lives, because the old despotic rulers have opposed the ideal of peace. All the followers of those religions were such fanatics that they were always ready to shed the blood of others.
Such occurrences as we hear of in the Balkans at present, and the blood which flows there, is only the outcome of religious prejudices. Both parties, the Christians as well as the Mohammedans, declare it is a holy war, and thus religion, which should be the cause of peace, has become the cause of strife. Religion, which should be the cause of uplifting humanity, has become the cause of her destruction. Religion, which is the giver of life, has become the cause of death.
In short, all these associations which are
organized for the gain of the country or extension
of commerce or the interest of parties,
bring only limited blessings. But the result of
this assemblage will be everlasting, its favors
are boundless, for it is established upon love.
Its fundamental principle is that we should
turn our faces toward the kingdom of God; its
aim is that God may breathe upon us. It is our
hope that the world of humanity may be united
and I hope this assembly may become a fountain
uniting the different religions, sects and
nations, Truly, I say, Stuttgart ought to be
very happy. I have seldom seen a more beautiful
city. I have visited many large cities,
such as Paris, London, etc., but never a place
which is so pretty and attractive as Stuttgart.
Wherever I go I see flowers and trees and
fruit trees laden with blossoms, and I must not
fail to mention, among other important things,
her citizens. The administration here seems to
be correct and kind and for that reason the
people have great possibilities. It is my greatest
desire that the inhabitants of this city may
become the cause of spreading friendship and
brotherly love throughout the world so that
the light of brotherhood may shine from here,
so that the world of humanity may become the
abode of peace.[Page 158]
- Stuttgart, June 20, 1913.
- 35 Hoelderlinstr.
To the STAR OF THE WEST:
As you may know, I was invited by our dear Master, Abdul-Baha, to accompany him from Stuttgart to Budapest and Vienna. While in Vienna he permitted a sculptor to model him, and this sculptor
asked me to spread copies of this statuette in all Bahai centers of the world. Therefore, I am sending one to you for reproduction in the STAR OF THE WEST.
This statuette can be ordered through me. The price is five marks, or one dollar and twenty-five cents. Postage for one or two copies, one mark forty pfennig [34 cents].
On June 10th, Abdul-Baha sent Mirza Ali Akbar and Mirza Lotfullah Hakim, both Persian Bahais, from Paris to Stuttgart with the following Message [Tablet], and to teach here and in other places near Stuttgart.
Large meetings were held in Stuttgart, June 12th, in our Bahai meeting room in Buerger-museum; June 15th in the hall of the Women's Club, and June 18th and 19th in the Buerger-museum. Tuesday, June 17th, we had a very blessed meeting at Esslingen, in the hall of the Good Templars' Club.
Besides these meetings, there were a number of smaller gatherings. June 11th, at Degerloch, in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Jaeger; June 13th, at Stuttgart, in the home of Consul and Mrs. Schwarz; June 14th, at Fellbach, in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Haefner; June 15th, at Zuffenhausen, in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Schweizer; June 16th, at Stuttgart, in my home, and June 17th, at the home of Consul and Mrs. Schwarz.
These were very blessed days.
This morning Mirza Ali Akbar and Mirza Lotfullah Hakim left for Paris and London.
Please accept my heartfelt gratitude in advance, and believe me
Ever your faithful brother in the holy Cause,
- WILHELM HERRIGEL.
To the beloved of God and the maid-servants of the Merciful in Stuttgart and Esslingen, Germany.
Upon them be BAHA'O'LLAH-EL-ABHA!
O ye dear sons and beloved daughters of Abdul-Baha!
When the days that I was your associate and intimate, pass before the mind, the heart is stirred into cheerfulness. What blessed days they were! What radiant nights they were! They will never be forgotten.
With the memory of you every morning I arise and every evening I raise the song of supplication toward the Kingdom of ABHA and beg assistance and confirmation for you. I hope that, in Stuttgart, the Ensign of Signs may become unfurled, and the fire of the love of God may send forth such flames as will enlighten all around; that each one of those blessed souls may become like unto a lamp diffusing the light of guidance in all directions.
I send to those parts his honor, Mirza Ali Akbar, and his honor, Mirza Lotfullah, that they may associate with the friends, convey to them the yearnings of the heart of Abdul-Baha and explain the degrees of the powers of the Covenant and the importance of the Center of the Testament. These two persons are very blessed.
Assuredly the believers shall obtain joy and happiness through meeting them. Know ye this, that today the greatest of all affairs is obedience to the Center of God's Covenant; the power of the Covenant shall stir the regions, and the spirit of the Covenant shall resuscitate.
Therefore, all the believers, in all the meetings and gatherings, must mention the Covenant and raise the song of the Covenant.
Upon ye be BAHA-EL-ABHA!
- (Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, June 9,
1913, Paris, France.[Page 159]
by the German Bahais reproduced below, was sent to the STAR OF THE WEST,
for publication, by The Centre of the Covenant, Abdul-Baha Abbas.— Editors.]- Stuttgart, June 26, 1913.
Allah'o'Abha!
To His Holiness, Abdul-Baha Abbas:
O thou beloved of my heart!
The thought of thee fills my heart with joy and happiness. All the past days and weeks are proofs of thy boundless love to us.
Although thy holy presence in our midst
brought us gladness, yet they were days of earnestness, for in beholding thy greatness we felt our insignificance. Therefore, I was often very sad. But, praise be to God! He has made me willing to devote my life to thee, to be diligent in the Cause, and to serve humanity.
I thank thee also, at this time and throughout eternity, that thou hast sent us Mirza Ali Akbar and Mirza Lotfullah Hakim, who became, through thy providence, guests in our home. Verily, through these two souls, thou hast shown us how the Bahai must be. My heart is ablaze with the fire of the love of God toward all mankind and I hope, through the help of BAHA'O'LLAH, that this fire may become a brilliant flame.
On the evening of June 24th and 25th, we invited all the dear friends to unity meetings held in our home. The tea which our Persian brothers brought from thy hands, was the cause of great joy and happiness to the friends.
All those who signed the following letter drank this blessed tea. Therefore, we were all the guests of Abdul-Baha, and this we have done in remembrance of thee.
Hearty greetings and love from thy daughter,
- MARIE HERRIGEL.
To His Holiness, Abdul-Baha Abbas:
Gathered together in love and unity, the undersigned friends are celebrating the 19-day feast in the home of Mr. and Mrs. Herrigel.
Our hearts are overflowing with gratitude and love to your Highness, for as we listen to the reading of the Tablet which thou hast sent to us through Mirza Ali Akbar and Mirza Lotfullah Hakim, we feel ashamed, for we know that we are unworthy of such love and kindness. Therefore, we supplicate to God that He may give us grace and power to become true Bahais.
We thank thee again that thou hast sent
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 (August 20, 1913) Kamal | No. 9 |
"AS to the matter of the Mashrak-el-Azkar: This is very important. All the believers must must decidedly exert their collective effort in this particular."—Words of Abdul-Baha in a recent Tablet to Mr. Alfred E. Lunt.
In compliance with the plan suggested at the Mashrak-el-Azkar convention, held in New York city, that certain days be set apart to be observed throughout the western hemisphere as Mashrak-el-Azkar days*, the Executive Board of Bahai Temple Unity supplicated Abdul-Baha, and received the following word: "If you appoint a special day—that is, THE NINTH DAY OF EVERY MONTH for consultations regarding the Mashrak-el-Azkar, it will be favorable."
The Bahai Temple Unity urges each assembly throughout America to choose one of its number to be the collector or Temple treasurer, to whom all the local funds for the Mashrak-el-Azkar can be given and who shall forward same to the Financial Secretary at Chicago, thereby facilitating the work and establishing a more uniform system throughout the country.
Contributions to the Mashrak-el-Azkar should be sent, wherever possible, through such local treasurer, as the Bahai Temple Unity is very desirous to have the matter of contributions regulated according to its triplicate receipt
*See Article 3, "Plan Adopted for Ways and Means," page 146, last issue of the STAR OF THE WEST.
system adopted at the New York convention.
We beg the assembles to carry out this system in its completeness, as it is a great protection to the Temple Unity and the assemblies, not only for the present but for the future.
In bank, April 22, 1913 | $ 908.51 |
Receipts from above date to Aug. 15, 1913 | 1,893.82 |
Total receipts | $2,802.33 |
| From April 22, 1913, to August 15, 1913. | |
April 26—Convention hall | $ 70.00 |
May 12—Taxes and assessments | 852.53 |
May 13—Stenographic work for Secretary | 7.00 |
May 13—Stenographic report of convention | 25.00 |
May 23—Postage—Secretary | 5.00 |
May 28—Printing letter heads and envelopes | 8.25 |
July 16—Postage-Financial Secretary | 5.00 |
August 6—Star for special watchman | 2.00 |
Bank exchange | 1.16 |
Total disbursements | $ 975.94 |
Balance on hand | $1,826.39 |
- Respectfully submitted,
- CORINNE TRUE,
- Financial Secretary.[Page 161]
- Financial Secretary.[Page 161]
us such dear and good brothers as Mirza Ali Akbar and Mirza Lotfullah Hakim. These two brothers have taught us in a wonderful manner, and we will never forget them. They have given Mrs. Herrigel tea, which came from Your Highness, and now she has served us with this tea. This is indeed a true Feast for we are drinking tea which comes from thy hands.
Miss Julie Staebler, Helene and Hedwig Jaeger, and Mr. Herrigel have sung the hymn of the Greatest Name, and all feel the nearness of God and His heavenly hosts.
Praise be to God! that we have heard His Call and that He has permitted us to enter into His Kingdom!
Please accept our love and greetings, and be ever near us in Spirit.
- Your humble and sincere children,
Fac-simile of signatures of German Bahais
was a spiritual meeting, a heavenly meeting, the Light of the Kingdom was shining upon it. The Confirmation of the Spirit surrounded that meeting.'"
Abdul-Baha reached Stuttgart at 8 p. m., April 1st, and alighting from the train, proceeded at once to the hotel. On the train he had said to the Persians: "This is the best thing; we will arrive in Stuttgart, take our rooms in the hotel, settle down and call up the friends. How surprised they will be! Is this not a fine plan? We are going to surprise them. Then when they come they will find us in their midst, and knowing nothing about it at all. Yes! This is the best plan." He sent for Messrs. Herrigel and Eckstein, and Miss Knobloch, and it was arranged that evening that Abdul-Baha would receive the friends during the morning hours at the Hotel Marquardt, engagements and meetings to be planned for afternoons and evenings. The first afternoon was devoted to a drive in the Royal Park with Mr. Herrigel, following which the many friends who were gathered at his home were seen. Another meeting was held at Mr. Herrigel's home that evening, at which Abdul-Baha said, addressing the believers: "How attracted and enkindled are the German Bahais! How full of love they are! Love does not need a teacher."
On the morning of April 3rd, many interviews were conducted, and numerous children were present. At 3 p. m., when the stream of visitors had been seen, Consul Schwarz came with his automobile and Abdul-Baha was taken to the famous Castle Solitude. Returning to the Consul's home, a number of prominent men and women were addressed. At 8 p. m. the first public meeting was held at the "Burger Museum;" more than five hundred persons were present.
April 4th, many groups were seen at the hotel. Among other things Abdul-Baha said that morning, after four hours of consecutive talk: "I was most happy to see the believers of Germany so holy, so pure and so united. They are the Angels of the Paradise of ABHA. You pray that the flame of the Divine Fire may be ignited in all Germany." At 4 p. m. the party left in an automobile for Esslingen, where the children's meeting, previously described, was conducted.
On Saturday, April 5th, the morning was occupied with many interviews. At 3 in the afternoon an automobile ride was planned to the Royal Palace of Emperor Wilhelm. This most interesting and historical place is built after the plan of the Alhambra. In the evening Abdul-Baha addressed the Esperantists.
A trip through the noted cherry blossom district, with the trees abloom, and leading through the Black Forest, was a feature of April 6th. Later group photographs, which are being sent, were taken at the Park in Wangenburg. This was followed by a ride to Zuffenhausen, where Mr. and Mrs. Schweizer were visited at their home in that town. That evening the largest public meeting of the series was given at the "Obere Museum," in Stuttgart. This was arranged by the women Bahais. The day closed with supper at the apartment of Misses Knobloch and Döring.
April 7th, Mergentheim-Bad, over 100 miles from Stuttgart, was visited, the trip being taken in automobiles of Consul Schwarz. The night was spent there, returning to Stuttgart April 8th. At 8 p. m. the party left for Budapest, making exactly eight days spent in and around Stuttgart.
JOSEPH H. HANNEN.
OUR PERSIAN SECTION:
This issue contains: (1) Tablet from Abdul-Baha to the editor of the Theosophy in Scotland and Secretary of the society at Edinburgh, Scotland, Mr. Graham Pole; (2) Tablet from Abdul-Baha to the friends at Stuttgart, Germany; (3) supplication from the friends at Stuttgart to Abdul-Baha; (4) supplication from Mr. and Mrs. Wilhelm Herrigel, Stuttgart, to Abdul-Baha; (5) news from Port Said by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab; (6) latest news concerning Abdul-Baha; (7) article from Denver by Bozorgzadeh.
CORRECTION:
On page 141 of the last issue of the STAR OF THE WEST in the report of the Convention Proceedings, the name "Mrs. Coles" should read Mrs. DeLagnel." This error was due to confusing Mrs. Josephine Cowles, now Mrs. DeLagnel, with Mrs. Claudia Coles.
جلد چهارم 04 . شماره نهم 09 نجم باختر 1329
از شیکاغو امریکا . شماره نهم ماه رمضان
فهرست مندرجات
1 . لوح مبارک برای منشی انجمن تیازوفیها و مدیر جریده مستر گراهام پول در ادینبورغ اسکاتلند .
2 . لوح مبارک برای احبّای الهی و اماء رحمن در راسلنگر استوتگارت آلمان .
3 . ترجمۀ عریضۀ احبّای الهی از استوتگارت آلمان .
4 . ترجمۀ عریضۀ مستر و مسس ویلهلم هریگل از استوتگارت آلمان .
5 . اخبار از پورت سعید مصر به قلم جناب آقا میرزا احمد سهراب .
6 . اخبار اخیره از مسافرت حضرت مولی العالم عبدالبهاء .
7 . مقاله از دنور بقلم جناب آقای بزرگ زاده .
آدرس نجم باختر : صندوق پستی 283 شیکاگو . ایلینوی . ایالات متّحدۀ امریکا
Address: Najme Bakhtar, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, Ill., U. S. A.
PAGE 1 VOL. IV No 9
جلد چهارم شماره نهم نجم باختر 1329 قیمت اشتراک 1 دالرسالی دوازده قران
20 آگست ماه کمال سنه 70
این جریده برحسب تاریخ بهائی هر نوزده روز چاپ و توزیع میگردد و در نهایت دآزادی 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 دنوشت و مقالات مفید که موافق سبک اداره است قبول و نشر خواهد گردید .
صفحه 1 - 1 لوح مبارک
اسکاتلند ادین بورغ منشی انجمن تیازوفیها و مدیر جریده مستر گراهام پول علیه بهاء الله الابهی
هوالله
دوست عزیز محترما نامۀ شما به آقا میرزا احمد رسید من نیز مطالعه کردم از مضمون خشنودی حاصل شد زیرا دلیل بر بلندی همّت و نیّت خیر بود مقالاتی که در مجله تیاسفیها درج کرده بودی دلیل بر آن نیّت خیر است انسان عاقل و کاتب ماهرمقالاتی مینگارد که نتائجش ابدی است و فوائدش کلیّ تا اینکه جمیع عالم انسانی توجّه به ملکوت رحمانی نمایند و سنوحات رحمانیّه از حقیقت انسانیّه مانند سراجهای نورانی ساطع و لامع گردد . امروز عالم انسانی محتاج تعالیم آسمانی است که روح این عصر و نور این قرن است زیرا مدنیّت مادّی طبیعی ترقیّ فوق العاده نموده ولی مدنیّت الهیّه بکلیّ فراموش شده و حال آنکه مدنیّت الهیّه مانند سراج است و مدنیّت مادیّه مانند زجاج این زجاج بدون آن سراج تاریک است پس باید کوشید تا سراج آسمانی برافروزد و عالم اخلاق روشن گردد و فضائل نامتناهی که زینت حقیقی انسانی است چون کوکب
صفحه 2 - 1
درخشنده جلوه نماید عالم طبیعت جولانگاه حیوان است چون نظر بهر حیوانی نمائی ملاحظه میکنی که مواهب عالم طبیعت در آن حیوان در نهایت کمال جلوه نموده که از برای انسان شاید میّسر نیست مثلا ملاحظه نما که مرغی خوش الحان در نهایت حسن و جمال در فراز کوهی بر اعلی شاخۀ درختی آشیانه نموده این لانه فی الحقیقه بر قصور ملوک شرف دارد هوا در نهایت لطافت منظر در غایت حلاوت آب در نهایت عذوبت کوهسار سبز و خرّم و جمیع خرمنها در دشت و صحرا دولت و ثروت این مرغ از هر خرمنب بخواهد دانه چیند نه زحمتی نه مشقّتی نه فکری نه تدبیری نه حزنی نه المی نه حسرت و اسفی شب و روز در این لانه و آشیانه بنهایت سرور کامرانی مینماید پس ثابت شد که مواهب عالم طبیعت در عالم حیوانی جلوۀ اعظم دارد .
امّا این انسان بیچاره گهی آواره گهی بیمار گهی ناتوان گهی گرفتار گهی در فقر و فاقه گهی در حال خطرناک شب و روز میکوشد تا یک پارۀ نان بدست آرد پس قیاس نمائید چه قدر فرق میان حیات انسان و حیات حیوان است لهذا واضح شد که مواهب عالم طبیعت در عالم حیوان بیشتر جلوه دارد . امّا انسان هر چند از این مواهب طبیعی بهرۀ تامّ و نصیب موفور ندارد
صفحه 1 - 2
لکن در عالم الهی مظهر الطاف بی پایان است و مشکاة نور حقیقت است و آینۀ روشن جمال الهی و مظهر مواهب انسانی و مطلع انوار الهی و دارندۀ قوّۀ قدسیّه ئی است که محیط بر جمیع کائنات است اینست که حقایق اشیاء را کشف مینماید حکم بر طبیعت میکند و اسرار طبیعت را از حیّز کمون به حیّز ظهور می آورد شوکت طبیعت را می شکند قانون طبیعت را منهدم مینماید نظام طبیعت را بهم میزند گهی در هوا پرواز مینماید گهی بر سطح دریا تاخت و تاز میکند گهی در زیر دریا سمند براند جمیع اسرار مکنونۀ مستورۀ طبیعت را از حیّز غیب به حیّز شهود می آورد این است که ناسخ قانون طبیعت و ناسخ نوامیس آن است و این قوّۀ قدسیّه مخصوص انسان است و باین قوّۀ معنویّه از سائر حیوانات ممتاز مادام چنین قوّتی دارد باید مظهر مدنیّت الهیّه شود و مطلع انوار ابدیّه گردد و مؤسّس کمالات آسمانی شود و مروّج تعالیم الهی گردد خدمت بعالم اخلاق کند جانها را مستبشر به بشارات الله نماید از نومیدی رهائی یابد و امید حیات ابدی جوید این است شرف و منقبت عالم انسانی این است سعادت ابدی . عبدالبهاء عبّاس .
لوح مبارک
استوت گارت واسنکن احبّای الهی و اماء رحمن علیهم و علیهنّ البهاء الابهی . هوالله :
ای پسران محترم و دختران عزیر عبدالبهاء روزگاری را که با شما همدم و همراز بودم چون بخاطر گذرد دل به اهتزاز آید چه روزهای مبارکی بود و چه شبهای روشنی ابدا فراموش نمیشود هر صبحی بیادشما ازبستر برخیزم وهر شامی در تضرّع و زاری
بملکوت ابهی آهنگی برانگیزم و شما را تأیید و توفیق خواهم امیدوارم که در استوتگارت رایات آیات بلند گردد
صفحه 2 - 2
و نار محبّت الله چنان شعله زند که اطراف را بحرکت آرد آن نفوس مبارکه هر یکی شمعی روشن گردد و نور هدایت به اطراف بخشد جناب میرزا علی اکبر و جناب میرزا لطف الله را محض دلجوئی یاران و تبلیغ اشتیاق قلبی عبدالبهاء و بیان مراتب قوّۀ میثاق الهی و اهمیّت مرکز عهد بآن صفحات میفرستم این دو نفس بسیار مبارکند یقین است از ملاقات آنان یاران را فرح و سروری حاصل خوهد شد این را بدانید که امروز اعظم امور اطاعت مرکز میثاق الهی است و قوّۀ میثاق آفاق را بحرکت آرد و روح میثاق زنده نماید پس جمیع احبّا باید در جمیع محافل و مجامع ذکر میثاق کنند و آهنگ میثاق بلند نمایند و علیکم البهاء الابهی . عبدالبهاء عبّاس .
عریضه
ترجمۀ عریضۀ احبّای آلمان از استوتگارت مورّخۀ 24 جون سنه 1913 . الله ابهی
حضور مقدّس حضرت عبدالبهاء :
ای مولای عزیز و ربّ محبوب ماها که این عریضه را باسم خود امضا مینمائیم در نهایت محبّت و اتّحاد در بیت مستر و مسیس هریگل جمع شده در ضیافت نوزده روزه با هم شریک و سهیم قلوب ما از ممنونیّت و تشکرّات عنایات مبارک سرشار است و چون لوح مقدّسی که از حضور بافتخار این بندگان بواسطۀ آقا میرزا علی اکبر رفسنجانی و آقا میرزا لطف الله حکیم نائل شده قرائت مینمائیم از نهایت بی لیاقتی خود شرمسار میگردیم زیرا خودمان را سزاوار این همه مراحم و عنایت نمیدانیم لهذا از بارگاه احدیّت رجا مینمائیم که ما را قوّت و قدرتی بخشیده تا روز بروز بهائیان کاملتر و خوشتر گردیم دوباره
صفحه 1 - 3
تشکرّ میکنم که چنین برادران عزیز و مهربانی مانند آقا میرزا علی اکبر و آقا میرزا لطف الله حکیم باین شهر فرستادند این دو برادر خیلی خوب تبلیغ نمودند و ما هیچوقت آنان را فراموش نخواهیم نمود امروز آقا میرزا علی اکبر و آقا میرزا لطف الله چای که از حضور عنایت شده بود آوردند و در این ضیافت صرف شد و سبب سرور و فرح کلّ گردید امّة الله میس جولیا استابلر و هن و هدویک و مستر هریکل سرود اسم اعظم را خواندند و کلّ قربیّت الهی و جنود سماوی را احساس نمودیم الحمدلله که ما ندای حضرت بهاء الله را شنیدیم و از روی فضل محض ما را در ملکوت خود داخل نمود تحیّت و خلوص صمیمی خود بحضور مبارک ارائه داشته و همیشه رجای تأیید و توفیق مینمائیم . اطفال خاضع و خاشع شما .
عریضه
ترجمۀ عریضۀ مستر و مسس ویلهلم هریکل از احبّای آلمان از استوتگارت مورّخۀ 24 جون سنه 1913
الله ابهی
ای محبوب قلبی من فکر آن محبوب روحانی همیشه قلب مرا مملو از سرور و فرح دارد وقائع اسبوع و ایّام گذشته اعظم دلائل محبّت لایحصای مبارک است در حقّ این بندگان حضور مبارک در مین ماها سرور لاینتهی بخشید زیرا جلال و عظمت تورا و فقر و ناچیزی خود را درک نمودیم ولی الحمدلله که مرا مؤیّد باین نمود که حیات خود را وقف امرت نمایم و در خدمت امر ساعی و در جانفشانی در طریق عالم انسانی بکوشم و همچنین همیشه تو را تشکرّ مینمایم که از راه فضل و محبّت آقا میرزا علی اکبر و آقا میرزا لطف الله را ارسال داشته و من بی نهایت مسرورم
صفحه 2 - 3
و مفتخرم که در ایّام توقفّ مهمان ما شدند فی الحقیقه بواسطۀ این دو نفس حضرت عبدالبهاء چنانچه باید و شاید حیات بهائی را در نظر ما مجسمّ نمودند در قلب من نار محبّت الله و محبّت به عالم انسانی در اشتعال است و امیدم چنان است که به تأییدات جمال مبارک این شعله مشعل بزرگی گردد در دو شب 24 و 25 ماه جون دوستان الهی را دعوت بضیافت 19 روزه نمودیم و چای عنایتی که بواسطۀ برادران ایرانیان آورده شده بود در آن دو مجلس صرف شده موّرث فرح و ابتهاج گردید جمیع یارانی که عریضۀ جوف را امضا نموده اند از این چای عنایتی نوشیدند و لهذا فی الحقیقه همه ماها مهمان حضرت عبدالبهاء بودیم و اوقات را به یاد مبارک گذرانیدیم از آن چای قدری به امّة الله مس درکسیتلن برای احبّای اسلینگن و همچنین به قونسول شوراز داده شد . درنهایت خضوع مستر و مسس هریکل .
اخبار از پورت سعید
بقلم جناب آقا میرزا احمد سهراب علیه سلام الله . امروز صبح که 30 جون است بر حسب امر مبارک چای در حضور اقدس در منزل جدید صرف شد احبّا حاضر بودند اوّل شرحی از سفر آمریک بیان فرمودند که « سه دفعه به شیکاغو چند دفعه به نیویورک سه دفعه به واشنگتن و جاهای دیگر رفتیم هرجا وارد شدیم دیدیم احبّای الهی موجود در هر شهری نفوذ کلمة الله مشاهده گشت و قوّۀ ملکوت ابهی ظاهر و باهر بود » . بعد در حضور از بیت بیرون آمدیم و بطرف دریا
صفحه 1 - 4
مشی مینمودند تا رسیدند به مجسّمۀ دلسپس قدری آنجا ایستاده تماشای امواج دریا را نمودند در رجعت در ایوان هتلی که در جلوی دریا ساخته شده جالس شدند و بدریا نظری انداخته فرمودند : « عظمت امرالله عظیم است دریا آیۀ اعظم امرالله است که در ذات و به ذات خودش پرموج است در وقتیکه در نهایت آرامی است باد های جنوب و شمال آنرا به موج می آورد و این خلق میخواهند حول آن سدّ ببندندچه قدر قلعه ها می سازند چه برجها چه باروها چه سنگرها میسازند ولی آن دریا هی موج میزند هی موج میزند هی موج میزنذ و همۀ اینها را از میان می برد و اثری از این سنگرها باقی نمی گذارد امر الهی هم همین طور است بذاته لذاته مثل محیط اعظم امواج دارد طوفان دارد حرکت تیّار دارد چه بسیار نفوس چه بسیار امم چه بسیار ملل که میخواهند امرالله را از علویّت باز دارند از نفوذش باز دارند از ترقیّ و حرکتش بازدارند ولی امرالله بر همۀ این حائلها غالب می شود چقدر توی دریا خس و خاشاک می ریزند ولی دریا همۀ اینها را زایل مینماید لهذا دریا اعظم آیت امرالله است سلاطین شرق بجمیع قواء میخواستند مقاومت این امر الهی را بکنند کو آنها؟ کجا رفتند ؟ این همه مجتهدین خواستند مقاومت نمایند چه نتیجه بخشید اینست که میفرماید « الحقّ یعلو ولایعلی علیه » . بعد از هتل بیرون تشریف آورده بسمت بیت مبارک رجعت فرمودند .
نجم باختر : در این مقام این دو بیت را درج می نمائیم :
لستر الله انوار اضائت بها تجلی القلوب المدلهمة
یرید الی لسدون لیطفئوه و یأبی الله ان یتمه
« محمّد مصطفی البغدادی »
اخبار اخیره
از مکاتیب دوستان مستفاد می شود که حضرت مولی العالم به اسماعیلیّه و بعد به رمله تشریف بردند .
صفحه 2 - 4
از دنور
مقاله ای است بقلم جناب آقای بزرگ زاده : « بخاطر دارم در اوقاتی که در خاورزمین توقفّ داشتم هر وقت که نمرۀ جدید نجم باختر بدستم میرسید میلم بیشتر محصور در این بود که بدانم باختر باین درجۀ حالیّه و ارتفاع امرالله در این کشور بچه درجه است این بود که اوّل مقالات راجعۀ باین مطلب را قرائت می کردم حالا که بواسطۀ ایّام اقامت در این ارض ارتفاع و عظمت امر را به رأی العین مشاهده کردم دلم میخواهد چند کلمه در خصوص مطلب فوق الذکر بنگارم تا قارئین آن جریده عموما و احبّای ایران خصوصا از وضع محافل و مجالس بهائی که در این شهر دائر است بهتر اطلاع یابند و بدانند که امرالله قاف تا قاف عالم را فرا گرفته و امروز تقریبا در تمام شهرهای کرۀ ارض محافل و مجالس این امر عظیم که مقصدش فقط محصور در اتّحاد نوع بشر است دائر و منعقد است . پیش از شروع به مطلب چند کلمه بعنوان مقدّمه لازم است ذکر شود : چون از شرق بخاک ایالات متّحدۀ آمریک وارد شویم اوّل شهری که در ساحل شرقی این مملکت وسیع نمودار میشود بندر بزرگ نیویورک است که در عظمت پس از لندن پایتخت انگلستان سرآمد سائر شهرهای دنیا است از نیویورک یک ترن سریع السّیر گرفته پس از سه روز و دو شب مسافرت و قطع مسافت 2300 مایل 500 فرسنگ ترن ما در کنار یک شهری که از استنشاق هوای لطیفش روح و جان تازه میشود توقفّ می کند این شهر در کنار یک رودخانۀ که در بزرگی باندازۀ سفید رود خودمان است واقع شده ارتفاع آن از سطح دریا 1440 ذرع است که تقریبا 380 ذرع زیادتر از ارتفاع طهران است هوایش در زمستان شباهت تامّی به همدان دارد یعنی غالب میزالن الهوا 10 الی 12 درجه فارنهایت زیر صفر است و در تابستان در کمال اعتدال و خوشی است میتوان گفت مثل دماوند یا جاجرود طهران است در
صفحه 1 - 5
اینصورت سکنۀ این شهر در تابستان محتاج به ییلاق نیستند چه که در روز میزان الهوا به 80 و در شب به 65 درجه فارنهایت میرسد از این جهت است که این شهر در تابستان مرکز سیّاحان این مملکت است در خیابانهای وسیع این شهر شب و روز اتصّالا واگون برقی در حرکت است عمارات و ابنیۀ آن جز معدودی همه دو الی سه طبقه است و از این حیث بیشتر شباهت بشهرهای شرق دارد سکنۀ این شهر که مرکبّ از هر ملتّی است قریب 250000 نفر است حال که فی الجمله از وضع این شهر مسبوق شدیم اگر اسم آن ذکر شود در نظر خواننده بی معنی نخواهد بود اسم این شهر « دنور» است و پایتخت ایالت « کلورادو» است .
در گوشۀ شرقی شهر « دنور» در «کوچۀ شرمن نمره 185» یک عمارت عالی بر پا است که در روزهای جمعه از ساعت سه بعد از ظهر تا ساعت شش یک مجمع روحانی که آثار محبّت و اتّحاد از بشرۀ اعضای آن بر هر ناظری مشاهد و محسوس است دائر و منعقد میشود پروگرام این مجمع را می نگارم تا معلوم شود این چه مجتمعی است اوّلا باب دخول این مجمع بر هر نفسی مفتوح است و واردین آن از ملل مختلفه است در حین ورود اوّل دهان خود را بذکر اسم اعظم الله ابهی معطرّ ساخته و در جای خود نشسته مجلس غالبا بیکی از مناجات های جمال مبارک مفتوح می گردد بعد از آن هرکس لوح تازۀ از حضرت مولی الوری داشته باشد قرائت
می کند پس حضّار هر کدام یک چند سطر از کلمات مکنونه بترتیب قرائت میکند بعد از آن چند دقیقه سکوت تامّی مجلس را فرا
می گیرد و هرکس بذکر اسم اعظم مشغول میشود و بعد باب صحبت برای مبتدیان بازمیشود از هر قبیل سخن برای اقناع مبتدی بمیان می آید در پایان مجلس دوباره مناجاتی تلاوت می شود و به لوح زیارت جمال مبارک ختم میگردد این است پروگرام این مجلس و هر هفته در خانۀ مستر رابرت و خانمش منعقد میگردد .
صفحه 2 - 5
مجلس دیگری که در این شهر منعقد میشود در گوشۀ غربی در « کوچۀ ولتن نمره 536 » در خانۀ مستر بگیرنیک این شخص اصلا از اهل آلمان است ولی مدّتی است در این مملکت اقامت جسته و یکی از احبّای بسیار مشتعل است و هر هفته در شب سه شنبه محفل تبلیغ در خانه اش منعقد می شود پروگرام این محفل را تقریبا مثل محفل روز جمعه است جز اینکه چند هفته است بعلاوه چند صفحه از هفت وادی تلاوت میشود مجالس عدیده دیگر هم در امتداد این خط شرق و غرب در این شهر منعقد میشود که در همۀ اینها نعرۀ یابهاء الابهی بلند است و یکی مجلس سیّاری هم داریم که دور میزند از شمال گرفته رو به مشرق سیر کرده و در گوشۀ غربی هر ماهه دورۀ خود را خاتمه می بخشد آن مجلس مجلس ضیافت است در این مجلس احباب و اغیار همه در یک جا جمع شده پس از تلاوت آیات و مناجات و سرود های امری و موزیک چای و شربت و شیرینی و بستنی صرف می شود هفتۀ پیش این مجلس در خانۀ مستر رابرت منعقد شد و جمع کثیری از احباب و اغیار حضور داشتند مسئله تناسخ به میان آمد فانی سواد نطق مبارک را که در لندن راجع بهمین مسئله بیان شده بود همراه داشتم و برای حضّار قرائت کردم بی اندازه در حاضرین یعنی اغیار اثر کرد این هفته بناء است مجلس ضیافت در نقطۀ شمالی این شهر در کنار « دریاچه برکلی » که یکی از نزهتگاههای قشنگ این شهر است منعقد گردد این است شمّۀ از کیفیّت ارتفاع امرالله و وضع محافل و مجالس بهائی این شهر که در این گوشۀ مغرب زمین واقع شده تحیّت ابدع ابهی از طرف احبّای « دنور» به حضور عموم بهائیان مشرق ابلاغ میدارد .
نجم باختر : جناب بزرگ زاده بسیار بسیار خوش آمدید .
دکتور ضیاء بغدادی
