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"MUTUAL HELPFULNESS—CO-OPERATION—CONFIRMATION"
"WITHOUT THE COMPLETE ESTABLISHMENT OF THIS DIVINE PRINCIPLE IN THE HEARTS OF THE FRIENDS OF GOD, NOTHING CAN BE ACCOMPLISHED"
To his honor Ameen [one of the venerable teachers of the East], Teheran, Persia:
Upon him be BAHA'O'LLAH-EL-ABHA!
HE IS GOD!
O thou spiritual Ameen!
In all the world of creation all the existent beings are in the utmost connection. Through this connection, mutual helpfulness and co-operation is realized. This mutual helpfulness and co-operation is the origin of the conservation of the forces of life. If for one instant this mutual helpfulness and co-operation were cut off from the sources and realities of things, all the existent beings and things would be thrown into confusion and chaos, and be reduced to nothingness and annihilation.
For instance: From the breath of the animals a watery element, called hydrogen and carbon is exhaled, and this is the life principle of the vegetable kingdom. From the vegetable kingdom and the trees, a fiery element, called oxygen, is emitted and this becomes the cause of the maintenance of the life of the animal kingdom. In such a manner, mutual helpfulness and co-operation is realized continually between all the existent beings.
Likewise, the greatest inter-relation and communication exists between the sons of men, without which peace, life and existence is entirely impossible. For a soul independent of all the other souls and without receiving assistance from other sources cannot live for the twinkling of an eye; nay, rather, he will become non-existent and reduced to nothingness; especially among the believers of God between whom material and spiritual communication is developed up to the highest point of perfection.
It is this real communication, the essential necessity and requirement of which is: mutual helpfulness, co-operation and confirmation. Without the complete establishment of this divine principle in the hearts of the friends of God, nothing can be accomplished, for they are the hyacinths of one garden; the waves of one sea, the stars of one heaven and the rays of one sun. From every standpoint, the essential unity, the luminous unity, the religious unity and the material unity are founded and organized between them.
In these times the utmost hope and wish of the friends of the West is the erection of the Mashrak-el-Azkär, and in those regions the materials for construction and building are expensive and costly. A large sum of money is needed for the building of a residence; then how much more is needed for the foundation of the Mashark-cl-Azkär which must be erected with the utmost splendor, beauty and magnificence!
Therefore, the friends of God must arise in every part of the world to raise contributions, and with their hearts and souls strive to gather these funds to be sent to the Occident that it may become known and evident throughout the universe that the Bahais
of the East and West are as members of one household and the children of the one LORD! The Turks and the Persian, the Parsee and the American, the Hindu and the African—all of them are one army and one cohort—and without any distinction they arise for the assistance and aid of each other.
This praiseworthy movement is beloved and accepted at the Threshold of the Forgiving LORD. Truly, I say, in the erection of the Mashrak-el-Azkär in Ishkabad [Russia], the friends of God have laid the foundation of the oneness of the kingdom of humanity and they worked nobly together until now, and it is nearly completed. Praise be to God, that at this moment from every country in the world, according to their various means, contributions are continually being sent toward the fund of the Mashrak-el-Azkär in America.
Convey the gratitude of Abdul-Bahä to all the friends of God in this service.
In reality this magnamity of the believers is worthy of great praise and thankfulness, for from Teheran, Khorassan, Shiraz, Jahram, Esphahan, even from the towns and villages of Khorassan, Shiraz, and Yazd, contributions were sent. This donation in the path of the Orb of Regions is conducive of the happiness of the souls of the spiritual ones.
From the day of Adam until now such an event has never even been witnessed by man, that from the farthermost country of Asia contributions were forwarded to the farthermost country of America. From Rangoon, India, donations are sent to Chicago, and from Jahram, a little village of Shiraz and Kheirol-Gora of Tarshiz, money is transmitted for the Mashrak-el-Azkär in America. This is through the bounty and providence of the Blessed Perfection [BAHA'O'LLAH] the assistance and confirmation of the Sun of Truth, and the victory and triumph of the Luminary of Effulgence, who has united so marvelously the regions of the world together. Glory belongs to the LORD OF HOSTS! Sovereignty belongs to the Compassionate God! Power and Might belongs to the Living, Self-subsistent One who has united the people of the world and assembled them together like unto the brilliant stars of the horizon of adoration.
O my God! O my God! Favor belongs to Thee, Generosity belongs to Thee! Praise belongs to Thee and Glorification is Thine, for that which Thou hast bestowed upon these indigent ones, granted a refuge and asylum to these weak ones in the cave of Thy protection and preservation, assisted them in the service of Thy Cause and confirm them in the worship of Thy Exalted Threshold.
O LORD! They have sacrificed their belongings and souls in Thy path, contributed for love of Thee and missed no chance or opportunity in spreading Thy Signs, diffusing Thy Word, promulgating Thy Name among Thy servants and proclaiming Thy wonders among Thy creatures!
Verily, Thou art the Powerful, the Mighty, the Most High, the Omnipresent; and verily Thou art the Clement and the Most Merciful!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, April 19, 1910.
STAR OF THE WEST
"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. V Eizzat 1, 70 (September 8, 1914) No. 10
BAHAI TEMPLE UNITY CONVENTION
CHICAGO, APRIL 25-28, 1914
[Such a full, beautiful and spiritual report of the Convention was written by the new Secretary, Alfred E. Lunt, and printed in the STAR OF THE WEST that some deemed it a sufficient report of the Convention and that it might dispense with publishing a fuller or more formal report. However, so many inquiries have come that a condensed formal report of the doings of the Convention has been prepared and is herewith published.—THE EDITORS.]
THE Bahäi friends, both delegates and visitors, were welcomed by the Chicago Assembly on Saturday, April 25th, at the Reception Room in the Great Northern Hotel and at the home of Mrs. True. In the evening, all gathered in the Feast of El-Rizwän at the Noontide Club, Michigan Avenue and Twelfth Street.
On Sunday morning, April 26th, the friends gathered on the Mashrak-el-Azkär grounds, in the village of Wilmette, and, standing on the spot hallowed by the presence and service of the Beloved Abdul-Bahä, the vision of all the friends was widened and their hearts moved by the words of BAHA'O'LLAH recorded in the Surat-ul-Hykl concerning Abdul-Bahä as the Spiritual Temple, read by Mr. Hall. It was a place and time of spiritual transfiguration.
Sunday afternoon a public meeting of friends and visitors that filled St. John's Hall in the Masonic Temple was presided over by Mr. Charles H. Greenleaf. He read from the Words of BAHA'O'LLAH and delivered an address upon Unity and the significance and purpose of the Mashrak-el-Azkär. Short and effective addresses were made by Mr. Alfred E. Lunt, Mr. William H. Hoar, Mrs. Marian Haney, Mr. Louis G. Gregory, Mr. Edward B. Kinney, Mrs. Kate Ives, Mrs. Claudia Coles, Mrs. Mabel Geary and Mr. Albert H. Hall. The congregation was greatly moved by the singing in unison and also by the solos sung by Madame Linné.
The address of Mrs. Haney was a comprehensive statement of the Message, and it is hoped it will be published for the benefit both of those who heard it and for future service in the Cause.
CORINTHIAN HALL, MASONIC TEMPLE, CHICAGO, MONDAY MORNING, APRIL 27, 1914.
The President, Mr. Albert H. Hall, called the session of delegates to order. All sang the hymn, "Great Day of God." After a period of silent prayer, Mr. Lunt led the delegates in the following prayer:
O our God! O our God! Thou seest us seeking Thy Will and gazing to the horizon of Thy Mercy, praying for Thy Light and looking for Thy Illumination.
We ask of Thee, Thou Beloved of the hearts and the Hope of the lovers, to make us pure and without desire, following Thy Command and leaving our delights to seek Thy Good Pleasure. O God, adorn us with the Robe of Thy Virtues and illumine us with the Light of severance. Assist us, O God, with the hosts of wisdom and utterance, that we may spread Thy Word among Thy people, and establish Thy Command among Thy servants. Thou art He who is powerful in all things, and in Thy Hand is the rule of all affairs.
There is no God but Thee, the Forgiving, the Loving!
The President delivered an address reviewing the work of the past year and presenting the situation, its demands and its importance to the world's salvation and to our own. Upon a roll-call, the following named delegates responded, representing the following named Bahäi Assemblies:
| DELEGATES. | ASSEMBLIES. |
|---|---|
| Mrs. Christ Olsen | Racine, Wis. |
| Mrs. Nels Peterson | Grand Rapids, Grand Haven and Fruitport, Mich. |
| Mrs. Annie L. Parmerton | Cincinnati, O. |
| Mr. Alfred E. Lunt | Boston, Mass. |
| Mr. Edward B. Kinney | New York City, N. Y. |
| Mrs. Kate Ives | Salem and Beverly, Mass. |
| Mrs. Mabel Geary | Seattle, Wash., Portland and Everett, Ore. |
| Miss Elsie Pomeroy | Montreal, Canada. |
| Mrs. Nellie Phillips (alternate) | Los Angeles, Cal. |
| Mrs. Mariam Haney | Washington, D. C. |
| Mrs. George S. Hopper | Washington, D. C. |
| Miss Marion E. Jack | London, England. |
| Mrs. Kate West | Spokane, Wash. |
| Mrs. Corinne True | Chicago, Ill. |
| Mrs. Frank Spink | Muskegon, Mich. |
| Miss Edna McKinney | Maiden. Mass., and Philadelphia, Pa. |
| Mrs. Edward B. Kinney (alternate) | New York City, N. Y. |
| Mr. Albert H. Hall | Minneapolis, Minn. |
| Mrs. C. S. Hargis | Genoa Junction, Wis. |
| Miss Katherine Brandau | Cleveland, O. |
| Mrs. Chas. L. Lincoln | Brooklyn, N. Y., and Honolulu, Hawaii |
| Mr. Willard H. Ashton | Rockford, Ill. |
| Mrs. George L. Drum | Baltimore, Md. |
| Mrs. Emma Holmes | Keokuk, Iowa. |
| Mrs. Wilhelmina Logie | Passaic, N. J. |
| Mr. Bernard M. Jacobsen | Kenosha, Wis. |
| Mr. Albert R. Vail | Urbana, Ill. |
Mr. Albert H. Hall was unanimously elected Chairman of the Convention, Mr. Bernard M. Jacobsen was elected Secretary and Miss Gertrude Buikema Assistant Secretary.
On motion, the President was authorized to appoint and did appoint Mrs. Kate Ives, Mr. Louis G. Gregory and Mrs. Mabel Geary a committee to audit all accounts of the Temple Treasury. The Secretary, Mr. Jacobsen, presented his annual report. In brief, he reported arrangements made for caretaking of the grounds; for a new cement sidewalk on Linden Avenue; of the full payment of all the remaining purchase price on the land, paid up some time in advance of the time when the payment was due; and of the acceptance by our creditor of the money before it was due, and the consequent saving of interest to us; of a proposed transfer of control of Sheridan Road, as recommended by the Sheridan Road Improvement Association, and the anticipated changes to result therefrom. As the principal work of the year consisted of efforts to raise the funds necessary to pay off the debt on the land, and as this is embraced principally in the Treasurer's report, the full report of the Secretary is omitted.
The Treasurer, Mr. Ashton, presented the following report: At the beginning of the year which we are now ending, there was on hand in the Treasury $908.51. During the year there has been received in subscriptions $13,503.79. The bank has allowed us $22.20 interest, accumulated from month to month. Total disbursements $12,100.98. Exchange to the bank on contributions $11.55. At the present time we have on hand $2,321.97. In some ways this is a better showing than last year's showing, although the total subscriptions have not been quite as much. I think the subscriptions fell some $600.00 below last year. We have, however, more cash on hand at the present time. We have paid two years' taxes out of this, the taxes for last year and the year previous. In this distribution of $12,100.98 we have paid $9,000.00 on the land, and $1,768.73 for taxes and assessments, whereas, in the report of a year ago, we scheduled nothing in the column of taxes and assessments, excepting the small sum of $31.37 on the Muskegon lot. So this year, $1,768.73 covers the taxes for two years. The miscellaneous incidentals amount to $232.25. We have also paid $500.00 attorney's fees on matters connected with the land, which have accumulated for several years. This is the first payment we have ever made for attorney's fees.
The Financial Secretary, Mrs. True, made the following report:
"I would like to suggest that we remember that this is the fiftieth year since BAHA'O'LLAH made the Declaration of His Manifestation in the Garden of the Rizwän, and it certainly looks as though there was some connection between this wonderful fifty-year period and the fact that our land was all paid for in America, the foundation ground upon which the Mashrak-el-Azkär is to rise, when the dawn of the year 1914 appeared upon the horizon. Just before the year 1914 was ushered in, the night before Christmas, the last sum of money was received to complete the payment of the land. So, a cablegram was sent to Abdul-Bahä, for his Christmas present, telling him that all indebtedness on the land had been raised.
"At the last Convention, some of our business men devised a new system of triplicate receipts. Mr. Wilhelm and one of the friends in New York prepared and sent a supply of these receipts, making a present of them to the Bahäi Temple Unity. These receipt books have been placed in the hands of the local treasurers of thirty-four Assemblies. The majority of these are sending in monthly reports to the Financial Secretary. Some Assemblies have gone ahead wonderfully. Contributions for the Mashrak-el-Azkär have also come from one of the friends in Ireland. Ireland has come into her own."
The Secretary was directed to send to Mr. and Mrs. Peter Conrad, from whom we made the last purchase of land, our acknowledgment and thanks for courtesies and for their acceptance of the money in advance of due-date and releasing us from interest.
On motion, the Chair appointed Mr. Lunt, Mr. Kinney and Mrs. True a committee, who cabled to Abdul-Bahä the greetings of the Convention as follows: "Chicago sends heavenly greetings, supplicating and longing for guidance, praying for perfect servitude to the Holy Threshold of the Center of the Covenant."
AFTERNOON SESSION.
A call of the Assemblies and delegates brought out reports from each of the Assemblies represented, of the methods and results of the newly inaugurated system of monthly contributions to the Mashrak-el-Azkär funds; the conditions of the work, and the advancement of the Cause in the various centers, and inspiring instances of individual sacrifices and of the harmony and unity prevailing among the friends everywhere. Those so responding were
Mrs. Annie Lincoln, Brooklyn, N. Y.; Miss Edna McKinney, Maiden, Mass. and Philadelphia, Pa.; Mrs. Nellie Phillips, Los Angeles, Cal.; Mrs. Kate Ives, Salem, Mass.; Miss Marian E. Jack, London, Eng.; Mrs. Mabel Geary, Seattle, Wash., and Detroit, Mich.; Mrs. Kate West, Spokane; Mrs. Guy, Boston; Mrs. E. B. Kinney, New York City and Montclair, N. J.; Mrs. Annie L. Parmerton, Cincinnati; Mrs. Christ Olsen, Racine, Wis.; Mrs. Vogler, Cincinnati; Mrs. Logie, Passaic, N. J.; Mrs. Nels Peterson, Fruitport, Mich.; Miss Elsie Pomeroy, Montreal, Canada; Mrs. Laura L. Drum, Baltimore, Md.; Mrs. True, Chicago; Mrs. Ashton, Rockford, Ill.; Mrs. Hargis, Genoa Junction, Wis.; Miss Katherine Brandau, Cleveland, O.; Mr. Jacobsen, Kenosha, Wis.
Mr. Albert R. Vail, of Urbana, Ill., reported upon the effect of Bahäi meetings in Urbana, for study of the Bahäi teachings. He said: "It is remarkable to observe how the Spirit seems to catch and hold one, and the whole life seems set aflame as to the Truth. There is a mystery, a force in this Cause far above the ken of men and angels."
Mrs. Haney reported for Washington as follows:
"The Source of all good is trust in God, obedience to His Command and trust in His Will." It is the hour of unity for the sons of men and of the drawing together of all races. I have been asked to say a few words regarding the progress of the Cause in Washington, D. C. The progress of the Cause! This is a most difficult thing; it is a huge responsibility to report upon the progress of the Cause of God in one Center, for we have no way of measuring the progress. When Abdul-Bahä was in Washington he testified—Praise his holy name!—that the Washington Assembly was a united Assembly. In our meetings there, a few of the firm believers wondered what kind of a service we could render the Cause in order that we might bring just one smile of approval to the face of the Divine Master. We decided that the Washington Assembly should not only be a united Assembly, but that it should also be an instructive Assembly. We meant that we should study the Word revealed today, that Word which has in it the Creative Force and which transforms. Then, this little band of firm, steadfast, tried and true believers studied the Word, and they are trying to crystallize that Word into their lives. They hope to become an instructive Assembly. The seed of Truth of BAHA'O'LLAH has been scattered widely in Washington, the Message has been given in every quarter. Hundreds and hundreds of souls have heard of BAHA'O'LLAH. Those seeds are germinating in the hearts, and after awhile we shall see the results. Our President touched two points in his preliminary talk this morning which I love very much. In the first, he quoted the words of Abdul-Bahä. Abdul-Bahä said: "You have a Temple to build. Build it!" A simple statement: We have a Temple to build. Build it. And that means, "Be—and it is." Mr. Hall also referred to the promulgation of the Word of God. The Temple will promulgate it. Abdul-Bahä's instructions are that no matter is greater in America. With the unity and harmony of the believers east and west, America shall be perfumed; the Mashrak-el-Azkär shall be constructed. In this work we have the absolute promise of God. The American friends will be assisted and helped. Abdul-Bahä said: "All those who have unselfish motives will be assisted in this Cause. They will be confirmed. The American friends will be assisted and helped."
The auditing committee reported that all the books of the Bahäi Temple Unity and Bahäi Temple Treasury had been examined and found correct for the fiscal year. After silent prayer, the session adjourned.
PUBLIC MEETING, MONDAY EVENING.
A public Bahäi meeting was held and a large attendance convened at Assembly Hall, Northwestern University Building, at 8 o'clock Monday evening. Mr. Hall presided and spoke briefly on the oneness of the world of humanity. Mrs. Haney read from Tablets and among other things said:
The Bahäis have a single purpose. That purpose is to spread the Light of Truth in this dark world by word and by deed, for they are striving to walk in the path paved by the One through whom is coming to the world today all there is of Real Life. Real Life, Light, Love—the Center of the Covenant of God—and this Divine Educator gives forth the law first, and then he lives it himself first, thus travelling the path and paving the way for humanity.
While at Stuttgart, April, 1913, Abdul-Bahä said to an artist: "Can you paint upon the page of the world the ideal pictures of the Supreme Concourse? The pictures which are in the ideal world are eternal. I desire you to become such an artist. Man can paint those ideal pictures upon the Tablet of Existence with the brush of deeds. The Holy, Divine Manifestations are all Heavenly Artists. Upon the canvas of creation, with the brush of their deeds and lives and actions, they paint immortal pictures which cannot be found in any art museum of Europe or America—but you find the masterpieces of these Spiritual Artists in the hearts."
Mr. Kinney, in a most impressive and beautiful manner, delivered the joyful Message as it had come to his life and heart; and, yielding to the requests of the friends, sat at the piano and chanted a Holy Commune. Mr. Louis Gregory spoke on the Divine Unity of man with God manifested in the Brotherhood of man, as the prime object of the Bahäi Movement. The meeting was truly a spiritual assemblage. Every heart was stirred and every face was radiant in the joy of the conscious unity and the visible Presence of God's Love made manifest in His children.
CONVENTION SESSION, TUESDAY MORNING, APRIL 28TH, CORINTHIAN HALL, MASONIC TEMPLE.
Mr. Hall presiding. Session opened by singing;
a season for silent prayer and reading the
Prayer for Guidance. A telegram from the
San Francisco Assembly conveyed their regrets
not to be able to send to the Convention a delegate
this year, and extended a cordial invitation
to hold the Annual Convention in San
Francisco in April, 1915. On motion, it was
[Page 150]
unanimously resolved: That, It is the sense of
this Convention that the next Convention
should be held in San Francisco, and that the
Executive Board of this Unity be authorized
to take action to that end.
The publication work was discussed by the Convention. Miss Mary Lesch was called upon and responded for the Publication Board and Miss Gertrude Buikema responded for the STAR OF THE WEST.
The following resolution was unanimously adopted:
We recognize the work of the Publication Board and the STAR OF THE WEST as absolutely essential to the purposes and objects of the Mashrak-el-Azkär work; and that we place upon the several Assemblies the imperative duty of stimulating subscriptions to the STAR OF THE WEST and of establishing circulating Libraries by distributing agencies in each of the Assemblies; and of placing in the Public Libraries where each of the Assemblies is located one full set or sample of all the standard literature of the Bahai Publishing Society.
It was suggested that the literature of the Bahäi Movement should be reviewed, and Mr. Vail was asked to write such a review for the STAR OF THE WEST. Mr. Lunt reported progress upon the task assigned for the preparation and publication of an article setting forth the meaning, functions and purpose of the Mashrak-el-Azkär. He spoke of the delicacy and difficulty of the task, of the steps taken to gather material, and asked from all the friends their participation and their sincere prayers for guidance, that all our eyes may be opened and our perceptions quickened, that we may see and realize the significance and purpose of this great edifice and stimulate all to assist in its speedy realization.
On motion, a committee of the Convention prepared and sent as the Greetings of the Convention the following telegram:
To Woodrow Wilson, President of the United States, White House, Washington, D. C.,
The Bahäi Unity of America, in annual convention assembled, send you greeting and grateful commendation of the wise patience with which you persevere in the path of Peace and uphold that highest honor of our beloved Republic, which consists in such a prudent exercise of our national power as shall commend the blessing of liberty to those peoples less favored than ourselves. We feel that in your course you are following the most exalted word of our age: "Be the cause of comfort and the promotion of humanity. This handful of dust, the world, is one home: let it be in unity. Let not a man glory in this, that he loves his country; let him rather glory in this, that he loves his kind." In our hearts is the certainty that only through this realization of the essential oneness of humanity is that Universal Peace toward which you strive attainable. We fervently pray our Heavenly Father so to move the hearts of all, that the clouds of war shall pass and the "Most Great Peace" shall come.
AFTERNOON SESSION.
On motion, a committee of the Convention sent the following telegram to Dr. and Mrs. Bagdadi at Montreal: "Abhä Greetings from Convention to Zenat and Zia."
Mr. Hall presented to the Convention a communication from Sheridan Road Improvement Association.
The Convention then proceeded to the election of the Executive Board of the Bahäi Temple Unity for the ensuing year, as follows:
Albert H. Hall, President, New York Life Building, Minneapolis, Minn.
Mrs. Annie L. Parmerton, Vice-President, 543 Mitchell Avenue, Cincinnati, O.
Mr. Alfred E. Lunt, Secretary, 15 State Street, Boston, Mass.
Mr. William H. Randall, Assistant Secretary, 114 State Street, Boston, Mass.
Mrs. Corinne True, 5338 Kenmore Avenue, Chicago, Ill.
Mr. Bernard M. Jacobsen, Treasurer, 556 Howland Avenue, Kenosha, Wis.
Mr. William C. Ralston, 2101 Van Ness Avenue, San Francisco, Cal.
Mr. Edward B. Kinney, 276 West Eighty-sixth Street, New York, N. Y.
Mr. Mountfort Mills, 327 West End Avenue, New York, N. Y.
Greetings and cheer were sent to Brother Babcock, at Washington Veterans' Home, Port Orchard, Washington.
A committee prepared and presented the following inscription to be placed in the autograph book prepared by Mr. Charles Mason Remey, to be sent to Abdul-Bahä by this Convention:
To the Holy Presence of Abdul-Bahä—Him around whom all Names revolve—with loving greetings from thy spiritual children, as we strive in unity of heart to build the Temple of the Lord. Mashrak-el-Azkär Convention. Chicago, April 25-28, 1914.
Miss Marian E. Jack, by request, gave a full report of conditions and progress of the Cause in London. Greetings were directed sent to Miss Martha Root, Pittsburgh, Pa.; to Mr. Roy C. Wilhelm, Mr. Mountfort Mills, and Mr. Fugeta; also to a number of sick friends for whom prayers for the sick had been offered by name, from time to time during the Convention. Mr. Gregory read from the Hidden Words the following:
O Child of My Maid-Servant! Guidance hath ever been by words, but at this time it is by deeds. That is, all pure deeds must appear from the temple of man, because all are partners in words, but pure and holy deeds belong especially to Our friends. Then strive with your life to be distinguished among all people by deeds: Thus we exhort you in the holy, radiant Tablet.
O My Servants! Ye are the trees of My garden: ye must bear fresh and beautiful fruits, that ye and others may be profited by them. Therefore it is necessary for you to engage in arts and business. This is the means of attaining wealth. O ye possessors of intellect. Affairs depend upon means, and the blessings of God will appear therein and will enrich you. Fruitless trees have been and will be only fit for fire.
The Bride of Wonderful Significances, who was concealed behind the veils of words, hath appeared through
Divine Providence and Heavenly Bounties, like unto the Radiance of the Beauty of the Beloved. I testify, O friends, that the Bounty has become complete, the Evidence is accomplished, the Argument manifested, and the Reason affirmed. Now what will your endeavors show forth from the degrees of devotion? Thus are the favors perfected unto ye and unto all who are in the heavens and earths. Praise be unto God, the Lord of all mankind!
Mr. Kinney chanted the following:
O my God! O my God! Unite the hearts of Thy servants and reveal to them Thy Great Purpose. May they follow Thy Commandments and abide in Thy Law. Help them, O God, in their endeavor, and grant them strength to serve Thee. O God, leave them not to themselves, but guide their steps by the Light of Knowledge and cheer their hearts by Thy Love. Verily, Thou art their Helper and their Lord!
After the singing of the "Benediction" by the congregation, Mr. Hall read the following prayer:
O my Lord! Make them Thy refulgent dawns which shine and gleam upon the temple of unity, so that they may be resuscitated from the tombs of negligence, unfurl the standards of virtue and chant the verses of self-abnegation and renunciation while hastening toward the altar of sacrifice. Verily, Thou art especializing to Thy Mercy whomsoever Thou willest and, verily, Thou art powerful in all things.
PUBLIC MEETING, TUESDAY EVENING, APRIL 28TH, ASSEMBLY HALL, NORTHWESTERN UNIVERSITY BUILDING.
The public meeting was even more largely attended than the meeting on Monday evening, and the same Spirit pervaded the Assembly. Mr. Hall presided and introduced the friends who spoke. Mrs. Haney read the words of Abdul-Bahä on the Divine Educator (STAR OF THE WEST, Issue No. 6, Vol. 4). Mrs. Ives told the simple, touching story of a sweet soul "who lived the life." Mrs. Guy, of Boston gave a stirring address, paying glowing tributes to the great religious movements of the world today; to Christian Science with its teachings of Love, Unity and Healing; the Woman's Movement, and many others, all teeming with courage, Love, Life, all rays of the Glorious Sun of Truth which is shining in the world today through the Revelation of BAHA'O'LLAH. Mr. Kinney chanted in most melodious cadence the chant:
Glory be to Thee, my God and my Beloved! Thy Fire is burning in me, O my Lord, and I feel its glowing in every member of my weak body. Every organ of my temple declares Thy Power and Thy Might, and every member testifies that Thou art powerful over all things. By Thy Strength I am strong to withstand all trials and temptations. Make firm Thy Love in my heart, and then I can bear all the swords of the earth. Verily, every hair of my head says: "Were it not for trials in Thy Path I should not have appreciated Thy Love!" O my Lord, strengthen me: to remain firm and to uphold the hands of Thy Cause, to serve Thee among Thy people. Thou art Loving! Thou art Bountiful!
Rev. Albert R. Vail delivered a most instructive, stirring and eloquent presentation of the Bahäi Message. The speaker so thrilled all those present and proceeded with such rapidity and precision through his theme that those who were taking notes forgot to record as they listened. We hope to induce Mr. Vail to reproduce this address in some form for future publication. He led to this climax: The thing new and unique is the Divine Authority in which the Revelation of BAHA'O'LLAH is uttered. He spoke in the assurance of Divine Authority, the Authority that was in Jesus, and lived the Truth he spoke.
MEETING OF THE EXECUTIVE BOARD, WEDNESDAY MORNING, APRIL 29TH.
The newly elected Executive Board met at the home of Mrs. True, Wednesday morning, April 29th, and elected the following officers for the ensuing year:
- ALBERT H. HALL, New York Life Bldg., Minneapolis,
Minn., President.
- MRS. ANNIE L. PARMERTON, 543 Mitchell
Ave., Cincinnati, Ohio, Vice-President.
- ALFRED E. LUNT, 15 State St., Boston, Mass.,
Secretary.
- WM. H. RANDALL, 114 State St., Boston,
Mass., Assistant Secretary.
- MRS. CORINNE TRUE, 5338 Kenmore Ave.,
Chicago, Financial Secretary.
- MRS. ISABEL FRASER, 5338 Kenmore Ave.,
Chicago, Assistant Financial Secretary.
- BERNARD M. JACOBSEN, 556 Howland Ave.,
Kenosha, Wis., Treasurer.
OUR PERSIAN SECTION this issue contains: (1) Talk by Abdul-Baha published in The Christian Commonwealth (in Arabic); (2) talk by Abdul-Baha at feast of Mirza Ali Akbar Nakhjavani, Haifa, Syria; (3) good news from (a) Chiraz and (b) Enzeli, Persia. (c) Denver, Colo.; (4) the European Bahais; (5) the Day of Prayer in America; (6) the war of the world.
VOICE RECORDS OF ABDUL-BAHA may be obtained from Mrs. Howard MacNutt, 935 Eastern Parkway, Brooklyn, N. Y., at 85 cents each, including packing and shipment via parcel post. These are disc records and can be used on various phonographs.
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.
Editorial Staff: ALBERT R. WINDUST — GERTRUDE BUIKEMA — DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI
Honorary Member: MIRZA AHMAD SOHRAB
Terms: $1.50 per year; 15 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.
TABLET FROM ABDUL-BAHA.
HE IS GOD!
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. V
No. 10
MASHRAK-EL-AZKAR: "THE SPIRITUAL FOUNDATION"
STATEMENT OF FINANCIAL-SECRETARY TO AUGUST 31, 1914.
A CLOSE study of the talks given by Abdul-Bahä during his sojourn in America convince the reader that the world is upon the Eve of Universal Peace and that the favor of raising the Banner of International Arbitration has been granted to this revered democracy. In an address to the New York Peace Society, Hotel Astor, May 13, 1912, Abdul-Bahä said: "There is no doubt that this revered democracy will be able to realize it and the Banner of International Peace be unfurled here, permeating through the other countries from here. . . . Let this Century be the Sun of previous Centuries, the effulgences of which shall last forever, so that in the times to come they shall glorify the Twentieth Century, saying that the Twentieth was the century of lights, the Twentieth Century was the century of life, the Twentieth Century was the century of International Peace, the Twentieth Century was the century of divine bestowals, and the Twentieth Century has left traces which shall last forever."
BAHA'O'LLAH said: "Originally mankind was one family, united and compact; later the members of this family were divided and subdivided through ignorance and prejudice. Now the time has come again for their final unification. Universal Peace will bring about this long-wished-for consummation."
The deduction is that in this Twentieth Century, this revered democracy—the United States—will raise the Banner of Universal Peace and the long-wished-for consummation—the unification of the whole race—will take place. Can we not see clearer than at any previous time in the Mashrak-el-Azkär work how very important its erection is? Abdul-Baha said to Mr. Chas. Mason Remey: "Its building is the most important of all things. This is the spiritual foundation; for that reason it is the most important of all foundations. From that spiritual foundation will come forth all manner of advancement and progress in the world of humanity. Therefore, how great is its importance!"
To Mrs. Goodall and Mrs. Cooper, of San Francisco, Abdul-Bahä said: "Not only does the building of the Mashrak-el-Azkär have an effect upon those who build it, but upon the whole world."
To Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Haney, Abdul-Bahä said: "When the Mashrak-el-Azkär, with its accessories, becomes established in the world, aside from its religious or spiritual influence, it will have a tremendous effect upon civilization. Aside from the religionists who will feel its influence, materialists will not be exempt therefrom. Moreover it contains Divine Wisdom, and will have spiritual effect upon the intellects and thoughts. Subsequent to its erection these will become evident."
In a Tablet to Mrs. Claudia S. Coles, Abdul-Bahä wrote: "Know thou that the building of the Mashrak-el-Azkär is the greatest foundation in those regions. God said in the Koran, 'Those who believed in God, and the Last Day, shall build the Temple of God!' It is incumbent upon thee and all to put forth the best effort, in these days, in building this Glorious Temple, raising the tumult of Commemoration therein, during the wing of the night, at dawn and at eventide. It is incumbent upon ye (men and women) to be united in this great cause, so that ye may be confirmed by the Divine Bounty and Merciful Spirit, become increased with energy and power, and gain a recompense and estimation.
A letter has just been received containing a check for $1,000.00. The writer says: "I am sending a check for the Mashrak-el-Azkär—a war offering toward our Bahai Temple of Peace. How merciful God has been to this country! In Europe, fathers and brothers have been torn from their wives and little children, and many left at home are in want of dire necessities. Our beloved ones are not facing mutilation, acute suffering, death. I send this as a thank offering—though it seems minute indeed to express what I feel."
Let America arise with greater energy and power to hasten the collection of the required sum for beginning the foundation of the Mashrak-el-Azkär.
BAHAI TEMPLE UNITY.
By Corinne True, Financial Secretary.
STATEMENT
Statement of Finances of Mashrak-el-Azkär for the year April 22, 1913, to April 25, 1914; also for the first four months of the new year (to August 31, 1914):
APRIL 22, 1913, APRIL 25, 1914.
RECEIPTS.
In bank beginning of year $908.51 Total subscriptions 13,503.79 Interest paid by bank 22.20 Total moneys received $14,434.50
DISBURSEMENTS.
On land $9,000.00 Interest on unpaid notes 600.00 Taxes and assessments 1,768.73 Attorney's fee 500.00 Bank exchange on checks 11.55 Miscellaneous incidentals 232.25 Total $12,112.53
RECEIPTS FOR FIRST FOUR MONTHS OF NEW YEAR.
In bank April 25th, 1914 $2,321.97 Contributions to August 31— April (25 to 30) $258.00 May 388.60 June 351.09 July 483.31 August 344.22
Total receipts 1,825.22
DISBURSEMENTS.
Miscellaneous incidentals $120.43 In bank August 31, $4,026.74
CORINNE TRUE, Financial Secretary.
WAR AND PEACE
ADDRESS BY ABDUL-BAHA AT HAIFA, SYRIA
From The Christian Commonwealth.
THE room at Haifa in which Abdul-Baha spoke was crowded with pilgrims, students, and friends. At times he was very animated and even passionate.
He mentioned that a few days previously he discussed with the German Consul the ominous signs of the European War, which had not
TABLE TALK BY ABDUL-BAHA
At Thonon, Lake Geneva, Switzerland, before many people of different nationalities.
O ye who are present!
How long this drowsiness and sleep! How long this ignorance and blindness! How long this heedlessness and misery! How long this oppression and injustice! How long this hatred and discord! How long this rage of ignorant ones! How long this grasping with frail imaginations! How long this strife and argument! How long this turmoil and these battles! How long these racial prejudices! How long these patriarchal prejudices! How long these political prejudices!
Does it not behoove the believers to have their hearts submissive through the mentioning of God? Has God sealed the hearts and has the eye become veiled with the clouds of injustice, that the souls are not aware of God's bounty overflowing unto all?
He has created all with His Power, supplied all with His Mercy, and trained all with His Divinity. You will not find in the creation of the Merciful any differences. Then let us follow the glorious LORD in our good policy; dealing with justice, favor and generosity. Let us leave oppression and wickedness. Let us be as one family, with justice and kindness. Let us blend as water and wine. Let us unite as the unity of the souls. We can not establish a policy greater than the policy of God. We cannot find anything which is suitable to the world of humanity greater than the Bounties of God. Then be ye guided with the examples of the LORD. Do not change the gift of God—which is perfect unity—in this Path!
It is incumbent upon ye, O servants of God, to abandon this discord; establish harmony, love, equity, justice and mercy.
O ye who are present: The old centuries have passed and the carpet of hatred and struggle have rolled up, because this age has shone with the Luminous Lights, glorious bounties, admirable verses, apparent signs, lights which are dispersing the darkness—alleviating pain—conductive to unity and uprooting inharmony. Thus the eyes have seen, the ears have heard, and the hearts have comprehended.
then broken out. The Consul contended that a nation must go on increasing its military and naval expenditure if it desires to protect its growing commercial and national interests from the attacks of its equally powerful and expanding neighbors and rivals; that the greater the military equipment the more was the nation assured of making progress and developing its resources. Other Germans and members of other nationalities who were present all agreed with the Consul. Abdul-Baha urged that if the power of love and peace became predominant its effects would be greater than those of hate and war. "In the world of existence there is no power as efficacious and as penetrative as the power of love. Military power coerces and compels men into obedience through unnatural resort to force and violation, but mankind yield happily and willingly to the power of love." If nations would use their resources in spreading love
amongst mankind, in strengthening the ties of interdependence between nations and governments, and in establishing fellowship and affinity between the races, how different would be the result!
The German Consul and others raised objections to Abdul-Baha's ideas, but he insisted that neither the conqueror nor the conquered would benefit by the present conflict. He reminded them that the nations who were now seeking to destroy each other belong to one race and profess the same religion, and earnestly pleaded for the cessation of strife amongst the children of one Father.
PAGE 1
VOL V
No. 10
نجم باختر 1329 . جلد پنجم
شماره دهم
این جریده بر حسب تاریخ بهائی هر نوزده روز چاپ و توزیع میگردد و در نهایت آزادی در مسائل یگانگی بشر و ترویج صلح عمومی 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
خطاب مبارک
نقل جریدة « کریستن کامنولث » الصّادر فی 20 سبتمبر سنه 1911 . هوالله
ایّها الخاصرون : الی متی هذا المجموع و الشبات والی متی الرّجوع القهقری و الی متی هذا الجهل والعمی والی متی هذه الغفلة و الشّقاء والی متی الظلمّ والاعتساف والی متی هذا البغض الاختلاف والی متی الحمیّة الجاهلیّة الی متی التمسّک بالاوهام الواهیة والی متی النزّاع و الجدال و الی متی النزال و الکفاح و الی متی التعصّب الجنسی و الی متی التعصّب الوطنی و الی متی التعصّب السّیاسی والی متی لتعصّب المذهبی الم یأن الذیّن آمنوا ان تختع قلوبهم لذکرالله هل ختم الله علی القلوب ام غشت الابصار غشاوة الاعتساف و لم تنتبه بان الله قد فاضت فیوضاته علی العموم خلق الکلّ بقدرته رزق الکلّ برحمته و ربّی الکلّ بربوبیّته لاتری فی خلق الرّحمن من تفاوت فارجع البصر هل تری ترفتور ؟ فلتبّع الرّب الجلیل فی حسن السّیاسة و حسن المعاملة و الفضل و الجود بولئترک الجور و الغیان و نلتم التأم ذوی الغربی بالعدل و الاحسان و لتمتزج امتزاج الماء والرّاخ و لنتحّد اتحاد الارواح ولانکاد ان نوسّس سیاسة اعظم من سیاسة الله ولانقتدر ان نجدشیا برافق عالم الانسان اعظم من فیوضات الله ولکم استوه حسنة فی الربّ الجلیل ولاتبذلوا نعمة الله وهی الالفة التامّة فی هذا السّبیل
صفحه 2- 1
علیکم یا عبادالله بترک الاختلاف و تأسیس الائتلاف و الحبّ و الانصاف و العدل و عدم الاعتساف . ایحا الحاضرون : قد نصت القرون الاولی و طوی بساط البغضاء و الشحناء حبث اشرق هذا القرن بانوار ساطعة و فیوضات لامعة و آیات باهرة و آثار ظاهرة و الانوار کاشفة الظلام واقعة للالام داعیة للائتلاف قامعة للاختلاف الا ان الابصار قدّمرت وان الاذا ان قدوعت و ان العقول قدادرکت انّ الادیان الالهیّة جنسیّة علی الفضائل الانسانیّة و منها الالفة و ارادة بین العموم و الوحدة و الاتفاق بین الجمهور .
یاقوم ! الستم من سلالة واحدة الستم افنانا و اوراقا من دوحة واحدة الستم مشمولین بلحظات عین الرّحمانیّة الستم مسغرقین فی بحار الرحمة من الخضرة الوحدانیّة الستم عبید اللصواب البرهانیّة هل انتم فی ریب انّ النبیاء کلهمّ من عندالله و انّ الشرائع قد تحققت بکلمة الله و ما بعثهم الله الا للتعّلیم و بریّته الانسان و تشقیف عقول البشر و التدریج الی المعارج العالیة من الفلاح و النجّاح ؟ و قدثبت بالبرهان السّاطع انّ الانبیاء اختارهم الله رحمة للعالمین لیس نقمة للسّائرین و کلهمّ دعوا الی الهوی و تمسّکوا بالعروة الوثقی حتی انفدواالامم السّافلة من حضیض الجهل و العمی الی اوج الفضل و النهیّ فمن امعن النظر فی حقیقة التّاریخ المنئة الکاشفة لحقائق الاسرار من القرون الأولی .
صفحه 1 - 2
یتحققّ عنده بأن موسی علیه السّلام انقذ بنی اسرائیل من الذلّ و الهوان والاسر الخذلان و ربّاهم بتأیید من شدید القوی حتیّ اوصلهم الی اوج العزّة والعلی ومهدّ لهم السّعادة الکبری و من الله علیهم بعد ما استضعفوا فی الارض و جعلهم أئمة من ورقة الکتاب و علة لفصل الخطاب حتی کانّ منهم عظماء الرجال و انبیاء اسسّ الهم للسّعادة و الاقبال و هذا برهان ساطع واضح علی نبوّته علیه السّلام .
و امّا المسیح الجلیل کلمة الله و روح الله المؤیّد بالانجیل قد بعثه الله بین قوم ذلتّ رقابهم و خضعت اعناقهم و خشعت اصواتهم لسلطة الرّومان فنفح فیهم روح الحیاة و احیاهم بعد الممات و جعلهم ائمّة فی الارض خضعت لهم الرّومان و خشعت لهم الیونان و طبق الارض صبتهم الی هذا الأوان .
و امّا الرّسول الکریم محمّد المصطفی علیه الصلاة و السّلام قد بعثه الله فی داد غیر ذی زرع لانبات به بین ظهور قبائل متنافرة و شعوب متحاربة و اقوام ساقطة فی حضیض الجهل و العمی لایعلمون من دحاها ولایعلمون حرفا من الکتاب و لایدرکون فعلا من الخطاب اقوام متشّتته فی بادیة العرب یعیشون فی صحراء من الرّمال بلبن النیّاق و قلیل من النخیّل والاعناب فماکان بعثه علیه السّلام الاکنفخ الرّوح فی الاجسام اوکایقاد سراج منیر فی هالک من الظلام فتنورت تلک البادیّة الشّاسعة القاحلة الخاویة بتلک الانوار السّاطعة علی الارجاء فأئنرقض القوم من رقد الضلال و قنوزّت ابصارهم بنور الهدی فی تلک الایّام فاتسّعت عقولهم و انتعشت نفوسهم و انشرحت صدورهم بآیات توحید رتلتّ علیهم بابدع الالحان و بهذا الفیض الجلیل قد نحجوا و وصلوا الی الاوج العظیم حتیّ شاعت و ذاعت فضائلهم فی الآفاق فاصبحوا نجوما ساطعة الاشراق .
فانظروا الی الآثار الکاشفة للاسرار حتیّ تنصفوا بأذن ذلک الرّجل الجلیل مبدأ الفیض لذلک القوم الضئل و سراج الهدی لقبائل خاضعت فی ظلام الهوی و اوصلهم الی اوج العزّة والاقبال و مکنهمّ من حیاة طیّبة فی الآخرة والاولی اما کانت هذه القوّة الباهرة الحارقة للعادة برهانا کافیا علی تلک النبّوة السّاطعة ؟ لعمرالله ان
صفحه 2 - 2
کلّ منصف من البشر یشهد بملأ الیقین ان هولاء رجال نه کانوا اعلام الهدی بین الوری و رایات الآیات الحائقته علی صروح المجد فی کلّ ا لجهات و تلک العصبة الجلیلة استشرقت فاشرقت و استضائت فاضائت و استفاضت فافاضت واقتبت الانوار من حین ملکوت الاسرار و سطعت بانوار الوحی علی عالم الافکار ثمّ انّ هذه النجّوم السّلطعة من افق الحقیقة اتلفت و اتحدت و اتفقت و بشّر کلّ سلف عن خلف و صدق کلّ خلف نبرّة کلّ سلف فمالکم انتم یا قوم تختلفون و تتجادلون و تتنازعون ؟ و لکم اسوة حسنة فی هذه المظاهر النورانیّة و المطالع الرّحمانیّة و مهبطر الوحی المحبّةالربّانیّة و هل بعد هذا البرهان یجوز الارتیاب و التمسّک باوهام و اهن من بیت العنکبوت و ماخلق الله بها من سلطان ؟
یاقوم : البدار البدار الی الالفة علیکم بترک البغضاء علیکم بترک الشحناء علیکم بترک الجدال علیکم برفع الضّلال علیکم بکشف الظّلام علیکم بتحرّی الحقیقة فی ما مضی من الایّام فاذا ائتلفتم اغتفعتم و اذا ائتلفتم اعتسفتم عن سبیل الهدی و غضضتم النظر عن الحقیقة و النهّی و خضتم فی بحور الوهم و الهوی ان هذا الضلالة مهلکة للوری و اتا اذا اقحدتم و امتزجتم و ائتلفتم سئو یّد کم شدید القوی بصلح و صلاح و حبّ و سلام و حیاة طیّبة و عزّة ابدیّه و سعادة سرمدیّه و و السّلام من اتبعّ الهدی .
نجم باختر . این صورت خطبۀ مبارک حضرت مولی العالم و محبّ الامم عبدالبهاء که سه سال پیش القا فرمودند و حضّار از فرانسه و آلمان و امریکا و ایران بودند و این بیانات در السن مختلفه ترجمه شده و همه شنیدند . چه خوش بود اگر همه بموجب این تعالیم عمل کنند و از قیود تقالید نجات یابند آه بقول مرحوم میرزا آقا میرزا یوسف خان گروسی گوش نیست ؟ هزار گوش هست ولی یک باهوش نیست ! و بقول شاعر « لقد اسمعت لرنادیت حیّا . ولکن لاحیاة لمن تنادیّ »
صفحه 1 - 3
خطابه مبارک
صورت خطابه حضرت مولی العالم عبدالبهاء در بیت مبارک در حیفا مهمانی آقا میرزا علی اکبر نخجوانی بعد از ظهر 28 ماه جون سنه 1914 .
در تمام ایّام مبارک همیشه آرزوی من این بود که روزی بیاید بلکه انشاء الله بجهتی سفر کنم و بقدر فجر خود در سبیل امرالله یک حرکت مذبوحی بنمایم . لکن از این جهت که مسئله سجن در میان بود جمیع آن اوقات بحسرت گذشت زیرا ثمرۀ وجود اینست که از انسان یک حرکت روحانی حاصل شود جامد نباشد جاری باشد ساکن نباشد طائر باشد در جمیع کائنات سکون سبب ممات و حرکت سبب حیات است منتهایش این است که حرکت مختلف است یک حرکت حرکت وجودی است یک حرکت حرکت کیفی است یک حرکت حرکت کمّی است یک حرکت حرکت دینی است یک حرکت حرکت روحانی است یک حرکت حرکت الهی است . خلاصه « حرکت سبب وجود است و سکون سبب ممات » . این مدّت بسیار افسرده و پژمرده بودم از اینکه میدیدم مؤیّد و موفقّ بخدمت آستان نیستم ولکن چون ملاحظه میگردید که مانع هست و مانع هم سجن است و آن هم در سبیل مبارک است لهذا تسّلی خاطر حاصل میشد تا آنکه صعود واقع گردید شدّت تأثرّ و تحسرّ بدرجه ئی بود که وصف نمیتوان داد آن تأسفّ و تحسّر غالب بر جمیع احساسات بود دیگر در من جان و اراده و فکری نگذاشت مدّتی در این حالت تحسّر بودم بعد مائره اختلاف هم شعله زد همه شماها میدانید و این هم مانع شد بعد ملاحظه گردید که امرالله در خطر عظیم افتاده است با وجود این خیال حرکت کردم ولی حکومت مانع شد جمیع اعداء جمال مبارک از اطراف هجوم کردند صعود مبارک را از برای خود فرصت و غنیمت دانستند و بکمال قوّت هجوم کردند در هر گوشه ئی یک نفر از اعدا بود مسلحّ شد و بنای دشمنی و جنگ را گذاشت علی الخصوص که این یحیائیها که همیشه در سوراخهامخفی بودند نه نامی نه نشانی نه صدائی نه ندائی از صعود جمال مبارک امیدوار شدند که شاید در امر مبارک خللی بیندازند بکمال قدرت قیام نمودند علی الخصوص وقتی که خبر اختلاف رسید از طرفی هم حضرات علماء و مجتهدین آنها نیز فرصت را غنیمت دانسته و بنای هجوم گذاشتند و از طرف دیگر حکومت نیز بتعرّض پرداخت مسائل بسیار مشکله در میان آمد مثل
صفحه 2 – 3
مسئله یزد که فی الحقیقه استخوان من از آن واقعه بگداخت هرچند چیزی نمیگفتم ولی از شدّت حزن و الم شب و روز آرام نداشتم دیگر معلوم است که چه میگذاشت همه این موانع سبب شد که خیال حرکت نکردم تا اینکه اعلان حربت شد و بند و بست برخواست بمحض اینکه اعلان حریّت گردید در فکر افتادم که حالا وقت است هرچه بادا باد بغتة در حالتی که مریض بودم بدون اطلاع نفسی سوار کشتی شدم و بسم الله مجریها و مرسیها گفتم و رفتم .
حضرات آشنایان بیگانه در عکا همه جا شهرت دادند که من فرار کردم و از جمعیّت اتحاد و ترقیّ خوف کردم و معاذ الله خیانت نموده ام و ترسیده فرار اختیار کرده ام سبحان الله در زمان عبدالحمید اعدای عبدالبهاء متصّل لوائح میفرستند که من با حریّت پروران همدم هستم و با آنها مخابره دارم و ضدّ حکومت کار میکنم چون اعلان حریّت شد موضوع و محمول بکلیّ تغییر یافت بافترای دیگران پرداختند لهذا لوائح نوشتند که فلان در مکاتیبش مینویسد عبدالحمید مظلوم و همچنین پادشاه ایران را مظلوم خطاب میکند و احبّا را تشویق و تحریص مینماید که پناه به روس و انگلیس ببرند . سبحان الله عبدالحمید جمال مبارک را بیست و پنج سال حبس نمود و من را در مدّت سلطنتش و جمال مبارک در حقّ او در کتاب تصریح فرموده اند که پادشاه ظالم است « یا یّها النقطة الواقعه بین البحرین قد استقرّ علیک کرسیّ الظلم » فرموده اند و جمعیّت اتحاد و ترقیّ سبب آزادی من شده اند با وجود این چگونه او را مظلوم گویم ؟ و انصاف اینست که حریّت پروران سبب نجات هزاران نفوس گشته اند . باری از این قبیل مسائل بمیان آمد من چون نیّتم این بود که بلکه انشاء الله در آستان مقدّس بخدمتی موفقّ شوم باین لوائح اعتنائی ننمودم رفتم باروپا و امریکا و در جمیع بلاد سفر نمودم و بعون و عنایت جمال مبارک در هر شهری بملکوت ابهی نداء شد علنا تبلیغ گردید اعلان امر مبارک شد در معابد و کنائس و مجامع دیگر جائی باقی گذاشته نشد و حال آنکه در نهایت ضعف بودم لکن تأییدات جمال مبارک میرسید با حالت ضعف در خانه بودم ولی چون در مجامع و کنائس حاضر میشدم توجّه بملکوت ابهی میکردم فورا تأییدات الهی میرسید و یک ساعت دو ساعت متمادیا صحبت میکردم .
صفحه 1 - 4
هرچند ما کلا ذرّۀ هستیم لکن پرتو جمال مبارک مثل شعاع آفتاب میماند هر ذرّۀ که در پرتو آفتاب افتد جلوه کند و نمودار شود این نموداری ما مثل نموداری ذرّات است در پرتو آفتاب مقصود اینست که بدرجه ئی عنایت مبارک بود که وصف ندارد فنعم ماقال :
ای باده فروش من ، سروایۀ جوش من ، وی از تو خروش من ، من نایم و تو نائی ، گر زندگیم خواهی ، در من نفسی ور دم ، من مردۀ صد ساله ، تو جان مسیحائی . خلاصه انفاس تأیید مبارک بود که تأثیر مینمود قلوب را آرام میکرد نفوس را مستبشر به بشارات الهی مینمود از ما یک حرکت مذبوحی بود الحمدلله در مزرعۀ قلوب تخمی افشانده شد و بذری کشته گشت که الی الابد میروید نفوس مبارکی مشتعل شدند و منجذب گشتند و بخدمت قیام نمودند تا آنکه در نهایت سرور و فرح مراجعت بآستان مقدّس شد الحدلله احبّای الهی از جمیع جهات بزیارت عتبۀ مقدّسه آمدند و با آنها ملاقات و معاشرت گردید از وجوه نورانی آنها قلب باهتزاز آمد اطمینان حاصل شد که این نفوس در سبیل جمال مبارک جانفشانند مقصدی جز رضای او ندارند فکری جز نشر نفحات ننمایند باری در نهایت اشتعال طوا ف مطاف ملاء اعلی نمودند در بقعۀ مقدّسه در مقام اعلی سر بآستان نهادند و مراجعت بدیار خود نمودند امیدوارم که از مراجعت آنها نتائج عظیمه و آثار جلیله ظاهر گردد حال که شما میروید باید بهمین قسم بقوّۀ الهی و بشارت روحانی و انجذابات وجدانی مراجعت کنید . چون من در اینجا نبودم حضرات آشنایان بیگانه با جمعی اینجا در این مدّت کوشیدند ارتباط پیدا کردند با بعضی روابط خفیّه وبا بعضی روابط ظاهره بعد از ورود من باز مجتمع شدند و مثل زمان عبدالحمید مفتریاتی زدند و حال فرستاده اند بگمان اینکه اسباب میشود یا حبس میشود یا قتل یا نفی اینست خیال آنها . مقصود اینست که احبّای الهی نباید نظرشان بمن باشد این امر امر عظیم است امر جمال مبارک است هزاران نفس مثل من بیاید و برود باشد یا نباشد یکسان است اهمیّت در .
صفحه 2 - 4
امر مبارک است احبّای الهی باید ثابت و نابت و راسخ باشند معلوم است که من همیشه در خطر بوده و هستم و گذشته از خطر من که همیشه در این عالم نیستم یک روزی میآید که آرزوی جوار رحمت کبری نمایم احبّای الهی باید در نهایت استقامت باشند ابدا در نظر آنها فرق ننماید تزلزل حاصل نشود بلکه روزبروز ثباتشان مقاومتشان استقامتشان بیشتر شود شما ملاحظه کنید که بندگان حضرت مسیح هرکدام که از این عالم رفتند یا چون شهید شدند دیگران اعظم از آنها قیام بر خدمت نمودند قوّتی عظیم تر ظاهر گردید تا آنکه نور هدایت آفاق را روشن نمود شماها هم باید همین طور باشید و یقین بدانید که تأییدات جمال مبارک میرسد .
والله الذی لا اله الا هو اگر امروز شخصی از اضعف مخلوقات بخدمت حقّ بپردازد تأییدات و توفیقات ربّانی او را از هر جهت احاطه نماید .
باری در پناه جمال مبارک باشید مؤیّد و موفقّ باشید بنفحات قدس او زنده باشید هریک در سبیل او علم آسمانی باشید مقصد اینست که نگاه نکنید من هستم یا نیستم موجودم یا مفقودم بخدمت امر بپردازید توجّه بجمال مبارک داشته باشید او شما را از هر نفسی غنی میکند از او مدد بطلبید در امر او ثابت باشید خادم او باشید پاسبان آستان او باشید بندۀ درگاه او باشید مستمدّ از فیوضات او باشید مستشرق از انوار او باشید در صون و حمایت او محفوظ و مصون باشید مطمئن باشید « و تنصر من قام علی نصرت امری بجنود من الملاء الاعلی و قبیل من الملائکة المقرّبین » اینست اساس حقیقی . ملاحظه کنید همین آقا میرزا ابوالفضل را چه قدر نصرتش کرد در هر موقعی و در هر موردی مؤیّد گردید والله الذی لا اله الا هو اگر سلطنت شرق و غرب باشد از برای انسان ذرّۀ فائده ندارد جز خسران نیست کو ناصرالدّین شاه کو محمّد شاه کو عبدالحمید کو بوناپارت . کو غلیوم نه اثری نه ثمری با وجود اینکه اینها ملوک بودند در نهایت
صفحه 1 - 5
اقتدار بودند عاقبتشان خسران مبین بود این را مشهودا می بینیم پس بکوشید که در عبودیّت آستان مقدّس استقامت نمائیم اینست آن عزّت ابدیّه اینست نعمت سرمدیّه اینست سبب نورانیّت وجود در ملکوت ابهی اینست سبب ترقیّ در این اوج نامتناهی . وعلیکم البهاء الابهی .
اخبارات خوش از شیراز بقلم جناب آقا میرزا بینش سیّاح علیه السّلام . هوالله
الحمدلله از تأییدات حضرت بهاء الله جلّ ثنائه و تعلیمات حضرت عبدالبهاء روح ماسواه فداه این اوقات فتوحات امریّه در ایران مانند دریا موج و بهمّت دوستان منقطع خالص رو باوج دارد مثلا طوائف لورهای بویراحمدی و ممسنی که همواره یاغی و قطاع الطریق بودند و بر قلل جبال شامخه مسکن و مأوی دارند در تابستان در اشجار مرتفعۀ بزرگ لانه گزیده و در زمستان در مغاره های بسیار سخت بواسطۀ هبوب نفحات معطرّه امریّه جماعتی کثیر از ظلمت ضلالت بنور هدایت انس گرفته اند همواره مراودۀ آنان با این عبد ناتوان است هریک از آنان که میآید بمحبّت حضرت بهاء الله امیدوار میشود و میرود آنان که در خطّ ایران مشیمیکنند مطیع دولت و خیرخواه مملکت شده اند خیانت را تبدیل بامانت کرده اند سراپا محبّت محض شده . در سائر بلوکات فارس احبّاء الله در کمال فرح و انبساط مشغوا بایقاظ راقدین . این بندۀ ناتوان که قریب پانزده سال در دهات و قصبات و مداین مشغول به تبلیغ امرالله .
نجم باختر . قوّت شمشیر باین نفوسی که جناب سیّاح ذکر میفرماید تأثیر نکرده ولی از تعالیم این امر مبارک چنان متأثرّ شدند که فی الحقیقه خلقی جدیدی شدند .
صفحه 2 - 5
انزلی
جناب آقا میرزا نورالله بهائی زاده اصفهانی مختصر میفرمایند که الحمدلله در تمام این اطراف اعلاء کلمت الله هست و احبّای الهی در کمال اتحّاد و اشتعال مشغول به تبلیغ امرالله از حقّ میطلبم که کلّ را مؤیّد و موفقّ فرماید برضای خود .
نجم باختر : امروز سرور اعظم حضرت مرکز میثاق منحصر باینست که احبّای الهی جمیعا در کمال اتحّاد و اشتعال مشغول به تبلیغ امرالله شوند .
از دنور بقلم صاحب امضاء
جناب مدیر نجم باختر : اکنون که فصل تابستان منقضی و داخل در فصل خریف میشویم مقتضی میداند که مجملی از ترقیّ امرالله در این قطعۀ غرب علی الخصوص شهر دنور که پایتخت ایالت کلورادو است « در امریکا » بخدمت ارسال دارم .
یاران الهی در این قطعۀ ارض با کمال شور و وله و انجذاب و اشتعال در این موقع تعطیل اوقات عزیز خویش را مصروف انتشار تعالیم حضرت جمال مبارک داشته و از اثر انفاس مبارکه شان نفوسی بسیار دارند از خواب بیدار میشوند و بمحض اینکه اطلاع بتعالیم میابند ولو بقلیلی فورا درک میکنند که امرالله داروی درد های نهانیشان است و بی اختیار اقبال مینمایند الیوم مصداق « یدخلون فی دین الله افواجا» در این قطعه مثل سایر قطعات ارض ظاهر و باهر است مجمل آنکه گردش دوران و اختلاف فصول چه زمستان و چه تابستان سر سوزنی از طراوت بهار امرالله نمی کاهد بلکه گرمی تابستان سبب اشتعال یاران این سامان میگردد و فصل خریف بر جمال دلربای حریف میفزاید در میانۀ یاران این سامان مسس بلزیک و مسس کلارک و مسس رابرتن گوی سبقت از همگان ربوده و اکثر اوقات خویش را مصروف امر میدارند . ب . ا . خان
صفحه 1 - 6
بهائیان اروپ
عموم بهائیان اروپ در نهایت تذکرّ و روح و ریحان هستند علی الخصوص در شهر استوتگارت آلمان قلوب در نهایت صفا است و ارواح منجذب بملکوت ابهی هر قدر در اطرافشان آتش حرب بیفزاید ایشان مشتعلتر و متذکرّتر و مطمئن تر میشوند زیرا میدانند که عاقبت خوب خواهد شد و « تری الارض جنتّ الابهی » ظاهر خواهد گشت حال جناب مستر ریمی و مستر جورج لابتمار از امریکا و جناب دکتر خدابخش و میرزا عزیزالله خان از شرق در استوت گارت هستند و بحسب امر مبارک به تبلیغ و تشویق و تثبیت مشغول و به نشر بشارات الهیّه مبشرّ هستند وجودشان در همچو وقتی در آن صفحات عنایتی است کبری از برای دوستان .
روز نماز در امریکا
دولت و ملتّ امریکا جمیعا بصلح عمومی مایل بلکه ساعی هستند و« مستر درو و یلسون » رئیس جمهوریّه خواهش کرده که جمیع اهالی بدون استثناء و باید در یک روز مخصوصی دعا و تضرّع نمایند که انوار شمس صلح و سلام به آفاق مظلمۀ ممالک متحاربه بزودی بتابد و آن « روز نماز» چهارم ماه اکتوبر معیّن کردند ولی بهائیان آمریک پیش از وقت شروع به مناجات و تلاوت آیات نموده اند والآن هر فردی از افراد احبّا رجالا و نسائا کبیرا و صغیرا آیۀ کریمۀ « هل من مفرّج غیرالله قل سبحان الله هوالله کلّ عباد له و کلّ بامره قائمون » روزی 19 دفعه بکمال تضرّع و تبتلّ میخواند . الّته دوستان الهی چه در شرق و چه در غرب کلمۀ « صلح» نه فقط در لسان بل در فکر و در قلب مرکز دارند .
صفحه 2 - 6
جنگ دنیا
تا دو ماه پیش اهالی اروپ در نهایت خوبی بکار خود مشغول بودند حال بواسطۀ این جنگ اعظم هیئت اجتماعیّه شان بکلیّ منقلب شده در میدان حرب فقط قاتل و مقتول و جارح و مجروح دیده میشود و در خانه ها هزاران از اطفال بیچارگان در گهوارۀ خود ناخوش و از بی اعتنائی مادران پریشان و رجال ناتوان دارند میمیرند زیرا اکثر حکما و پرستاران مریض به میدان حرب رفتند تا بفریاد پدران ضخمه از این اطفال برسند زمینهای سبز قبرستان شده و خون مانند انهار جاری است . راههای آهن که همیشه نفوس و اسباب و خوراک و ماینفع الناسّ نقل میکردند امروز فقط بارشان عسکر و ادوات مهلکه و مجروحین گشته کشتیهای تجارتی اساطیل جنگ شده و ماهیگیر ها به صید مواد دینامیت که دول متحاربه از برای غرق کردن کشتیهای همدیگر در دریا پنهان نموده مشغولند .
عدد نفوس متحاربه به 17900000 رسیده است از هر دولت از این قرار است
آلمان 5000000 پنج ملیون
روس 5000000 پنج ملیون
فرانسه 4000000 چهار ملیون
نمسه 2500000 دو ملیون و نیم
انگلیس 1000000 یک ملیون
بلجیک 400000 چهارصد هزار
المجموع 17900000 هفده ملیون و نهصد هزار
مصرف یومیّه این همه نفوس زیاده از صد ملیون دالر و از برای کشتن هر یک نفر باید سه هزار و ششصد و هفتاد و هفت دالر خرج کنند . « قتل الانسان ما اکفره » .
دکتر ضیاء بغدادی
