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This is the Time!
IT is recorded in the blessed Gospel: Travel ye throughout the world and call ye the people to the Kingdom of God! Now this is the time that you may arise and perform this most great service and become the cause of the guidance of the innumerable souls. Thus through this superhuman service the rays of peace and conciliation may illumine and enlighten all the regions and the world of humanity may find peace and composure.
During my stay in America I cried out in every meeting and summoned the people to the propagation of the ideals of universal peace. I said plainly that the continent of Europe had become like unto an arsenal and its conflagration was dependent upon one spark, and that in the coming years, or within two years, all that which is recorded in the Revelation of John and the Book of Daniel would become fulfilled and come to pass.
—ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS
From Tablet to the West
A Trumpet Call to Action
THE stirring Tablets published in this issue of the STAR OF THE WEST, urging the Bahais to illumine those sections of the United States and Canada that have not yet received the Light, are a trumpet call to action.
It is evident that Abdul-Baha in his love and wisdom is now giving each and all of the American Bahais a special opportunity to awaken to their responsibilities and to arise in love and sacrifice for this "superhuman service."
A spontaneous uprising of the whole body of believers to this call is the first step necessary to the success of this great undertaking.
The realization of the supreme importance of this work will create such a wave of spiritual response that great power will be felt throughout the country, and the friends will be encouraged to offer mites as well as dollars to the teachers' fund in order that needy souls may be blessed with the Glad Tidings.
The manner of collecting this fund—which should be separate from the Mashrek-el-Azkar fund—should be left to the discretion of each assembly, and isolated Bahais should report to the nearest center as soon as possible.
It is suggested that the selection of teachers and the apportioning of territory to be covered might be the combined work of the assemblies belonging to that section to which one of the five Tablets has been addressed.
It is also suggested that those who have friends or correspondents not necessarily believers in states mentioned in the Tablets, should send their addresses to assemblies where Tablets have been received that points of contact may be made in those new places to open the way for the work.
We cannot over-estimate the effect of this united service. The spiritual and practical results of our efforts will depend upon our joyous, enthusiastic and prompt obedience to the command of the Center of the Covenant.
What an inspiring thought that in responding to this call the Bahais may be instrumental in helping to bring to pass the prophecy of Abdul-Baha that the Cause will be known the world over by 1917!
—The Editors.
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. VII Eizzat 1, 72 (September 8, 1916) No. 10
Tablets Revealed by Abdul-Baha to the Bahais throughout the United States and Canada
TABLET TO THE NORTHEASTERN STATES
To the friends and maid-servants of God in the Northeastern States:
Upon them be greeting and praise!
O ye heavenly heralds!
These are the days of Naurooz. I am always thinking of those kind friends! I beg for each and all of you confirmations and assistance from the threshold of Oneness, so that those gatherings may become ignited like unto candles in the Republics of America, enkindling the light of the love of God in the hearts; thus the rays of the heavenly teachings may begem and brighten the states of America like the infinitude of immensity with the stars of the most great guidance.
The northeastern states on the shores of the Atlantic—Maine, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, Pennsylvania, New Jersey and New York—in some of these states believers are found, but in some of the cities of these states up to this date people are not yet illumined with the lights of the Kingdom and are not aware of the heavenly teachings; therefore, whenever it is possible for each one of you, hasten ye to those cities and shine forth like unto the stars with the light of the most great guidance. God says in the glorious Koran: "The soil was black and dried. Then we caused the rain to descend upon it and immediately it became green, verdant, and every kind of plant sprouted up luxuriantly." In other words, he says the earth and the soil is black, but when the spring showers descend upon it that black soil is quickened, and variegated flowers are pushed forth. This means the souls of humanity belonging to the world of nature are black like unto the soil. But when the heavenly outpourings descend and the radiant effulgences appear, the hearts are resuscitated, are liberated from the darkness of nature and the flowers of divine mysteries grow and become luxuriant. Consequently man must become the cause of the illumination of the world of humanity and propagate the holy teachings revealed in the sacred books through divine inspiration. It is stated in the blessed Gospel: Travel ye toward the East and toward the West and enlighten the people with the light of the most great guidance, so that they may take a portion and share of the eternal life. Praise be to God, that the northeastern states are in the utmost capacity. Because the ground is rich, the rain of the divine outpouring is descending. Now you must become heavenly farmers and scatter pure seeds in the prepared
soil. The harvest of every other seed is limited, but the bounty and the blessing of the seed of the divine teachings are unlimited. Throughout the coming centuries and cycles many harvests will be gathered. Consider the work of former generations. During the lifetime of his holiness Christ the believing, firm souls were few and numbered, but the heavenly benedictions descended so plentifully that in a number of years countless souls entered under the shade of the Gospel. God has said in the Koran: "One grain will bring forth seven sheaves, and every sheaf shall contain one hundred grains." In other words, one grain will become seven hundred; and if God so wills he will double these also. It has often happened that one blessed soul has become the cause of the guidance of a nation. Now we must not look at our own ability and capacity; nay, rather we must behold the favors and bounties of God in these days, who has made the drop to find the expression of the sea and the atom the importance of the sun.
Upon ye be greeting and praise!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, at Haifa, Syria, April 26, 1916.
Original addressed to Mr. Hooper Harris, New York City, N. Y., care J. H. Hannen, Washington, D. C. Received August 19, 1916.
TABLET TO THE WESTERN STATES
To the believers of God and the maid-servants of the Merciful in the Western States:
O ye sons and daughters of the Kingdom!
Day and night I have no other occupation than the remembrance of the friends, praying from the depth of my heart in their behalf, begging for them confirmation from the Kingdom of God and supplicating the direct effect of the breaths of the Holy Spirit. I am hopeful from the favors of his highness the Lord of bestowals, that the friends of God during such a time may become the secret cause of the illumination of the hearts of humanity, breathing the breath of life upon the spirits—whose praiseworthy results may become conducive to the glory and exaltation of humankind throughout all eternity. Although in some of the western states, like California, Oregon, Washington and Colorado, the fragrances of holiness are diffused, numerous souls have taken a share and a portion from the Fountain of Everlasting Life, they have obtained heavenly benediction, have drunk an overflowing cup from the wine of the love of God and have hearkened to the melody of the Supreme Concourse—yet in the states of New Mexico, Wyoming, Montana, Idaho, Utah, Arizona and Nevada, the lamp of the love of God is not ignited in a befitting and behooving manner, and the call of the Kingdom of God has not been raised. Now, if it is possible, show ye an effort in this direction. Either travel yourselves, personally, throughout those states or choose others and send them, so that they may teach the souls. For the present those states are like unto dead bodies; they must breathe into them the breath of life and bestow upon them a heavenly spirit. Like unto the stars they must shine in that horizon and thus the rays of the Sun of Reality may also illumine those states.
God says in the great Koran: "Verily God is the helper of those who have believed. He will lead them from darkness into light." This means: God loves the believers, consequently he will deliver
them from darkness and bring them into the world of light.
It is also recorded in the blessed Gospel: Travel ye throughout the world and call ye the people to the Kingdom of God. Now this is the time that you may arise and perform this most great service and become the cause of the guidance of the innumerable souls. Thus through this superhuman service the rays of peace and conciliation may illumine and enlighten all the regions and the world of humanity may find peace and composure.
During my stay in America I cried out in every meeting and summoned the people to the propagation of the ideals of universal peace. I said plainly that the continent of Europe had become like unto an arsenal and its conflagration was dependent upon one spark, and that in the coming years, or within two years, all that which is recorded in the Revelation of John and the Book of Daniel would become fulfilled and come to pass. This matter, in all probability, was published in the San Francisco Bulletin, October 12, 1912. You may refer to it, so that the truth may become clear and manifest; thus ye may fully realize that this is the time for the diffusion of the fragrances.
The magnanimity of man must be heavenly—or, in other words, it must be assisted by the divine confirmation, so that he may become the cause of the illumination of the world of humanity.
Upon ye be greeting and praise!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, at Haifa, Syria, April 26, 1916.
Original addressed to Mrs. Helen S. Goodall, San Francisco, Calif., care J. H. Hannen, Washington, D. C. Received August 8, 1916.
TABLET TO THE DOMINION OF CANADA
To the believers of God and the maid-servants of the Merciful in the Provinces of the Dominion of Canada:
O ye daughters and sons of the Kingdom!
Although in most of the states and cities of the United States—praise be to God—the fragrances of God are diffused and innumerable souls are turning their faces and advancing toward the Kingdom of God, yet in some of the states the flag of oneness is not upraised as it ought to be and must be, and the mysteries of the Holy Books, like the Bible, the Gospel and the Koran, are not promulgated. Through the unanimous effort of the friends, the banner of oneness must be unfurled in those states, and the divine teachings be promoted, so that they may also receive a portion and a share of the heavenly bestowals and the most great guidance. Likewise in the Provinces of Canada, such as Newfoundland, Prince Edward Island, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan, Alberta, British Columbia, Ungava, Keewatin, Mackenzie, Yukon and the Franklin Islands in the Arctic Circle—the believers of God must become self-sacrificing and like unto the candles of guidance become ignited in the provinces of Canada. Should they show forth such a magnanimity, it is assured that they will obtain universal divine confirmations, the heavenly cohorts will reinforce them uninterruptedly, and a most great victory will be obtained. Perchance, God willing, the call of the Kingdom may reach the ears of the Eskimos, the inhabitants of the Islands of Franklin in the north of Canada, as well as Greenland. Should in Greenland the fire
of the love of God be ignited, all the ices of that continent will be melted and its frigid climate will be changed into a temperate climate—that is, if the hearts will obtain the heat of the love of God, that country and continent will become a divine garden and a lordly orchard, and the souls, like unto the fruitful trees, will obtain the utmost freshness and delicacy. Magnanimity is necessary, heavenly exertion is called for. Should you display an effort, so that the fragrances of God be diffused amongst the Eskimos, its effect will be very great and far-reaching. God says in the great Koran: "A day will come wherein the lights of unity will enlighten all the world. The earth will be irradiated with the light of its Lord." In other words: "The earth will become illumined with the light of God. That light is the light of unity." "There is no God but God." The continent and the islands of Eskimos also are parts of this earth. They must similarly receive a portion of the bestowals of the most great guidance.
Upon ye be greeting and praise!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, at Haifa, Syria, April 26, 1916.
Original addressed to Mrs. May Maxwell, Montreal, Canada, care J. H. Hannen, Washington, D. C. Received August 19, 1916.
TABLET TO THE SOUTHERN STATES
To the friends and maid-servants of God in the Southern States:
Upon them be greeting and praise!
O ye heralds of the Kingdom of God!
A few days ago an epistle was written to those divine believers, but because these days are the days of Naurooz therefore you have come to my mind, and I am sending you this greeting for this glorious feast. All the days are blessed, but this feast is the national fete of Persia. The Persians have been holding it for several thousand years past. In reality every day which man passes in the mention of God and in the service of the Kingdom of God that day is his feast. Praise be to God, that you are occupied in the service of the Kingdom by day and by night. Therefore all your days are feast days. There is no doubt that the assistance and bestowal of God shall descend upon you. In the southern states of the United States the friends are few, that is, in Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, West Virginia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Kentucky, Louisiana, Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Consequently you must either go yourselves or send a number of blessed souls to those states, so that they may guide the people to the kingdom of heaven. His holiness Mohammed, the messenger of God, says: "If a person becomes the cause of the illumination of one soul it is better than a boundless treasury." Again he says: "O Ali, if God guide, through thee, one soul it is better for thee than all the riches." Again he says: "Direct us to the straight path," that is, show us the direct road. In brief, I hope you will display in this respect the greatest effort and magnanimity. It is assured that you will become assisted and confirmed.
Upon ye be greeting and praise!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, at Haifa, Syria, April 26, 1916.
Original addressed to Mr. Joseph H. Hannen, Washington, D, C.
TABLET TO THE CENTRAL STATES
To the friends of God and the maid-servants of the Merciful in the Central States:
O ye heavenly souls, O ye spiritual assemblies, O ye lordly meetings!
For some time past correspondence has been delayed, and this has been on account of the difficulty of mailing and receiving letters. But because at present a number of facilities are obtainable, therefore, I am engaged in writing you this brief epistle so that my heart and soul may obtain joy and fragrance through the remembrance of the friends. Continually this wanderer supplicates and entreats at the threshold of his holiness the One and begs assistance, bounty and heavenly confirmations in behalf of the believers. You are always in my thought. You are not nor shall you ever be forgotten. I hope by the favors of his holiness the Almighty that day by day you may add to your faith, assurance, firmness and steadfastness, and become instruments for the promotion of the holy fragrances. In the great book, the divine Koran, God, addressing his messenger, his holiness Mohammed (upon him be greeting and praise!) says: "Verily thou dost guide the people to the straight path." In other words: Thou dost show mankind the direct road. Consider how guidance is a matter of infinite importance; for it points to the loftiness of the station of his holiness the Messenger.
Although in the states of Illinois, Wisconsin, Ohio, Michigan and Minnesota—praise be to God—believers are found, are associating with each other in the utmost firmness and steadfastness—day and night they have no other intention save the diffusion of the fragrances of God, they have no other hope except the promotion of the heavenly teachings, like the candles they are burning with the light of the love of God, and like thankful birds are singing songs, spirit-imparting, joy-creating, in the rose garden of the knowledge of God,—yet in the states of Indiana, Iowa, Missouri, North Dakota, South Dakota, Nebraska and Kansas few of the believers exist. So far the summons of the Kingdom of God and the proclamation of the oneness of the world of humanity has not been made in these states systematically and enthusiastically. Blessed souls and detached teachers have not traveled through these parts repeatedly; therefore these states are still in a state of heedlessness. Through the effort of the friends of God souls must be likewise enkindled, in these states, with the fire of the love of God and attracted to the Kingdom of God, so that section may also become illumined and the soul-imparting breeze of the rose garden of the Kingdom may perfume the nostrils of the inhabitants. Therefore, if it is possible, send to those parts teachers who are severed from all else save God, sanctified and pure. If these teachers be in the utmost state of attraction, in a short time great results will be forthcoming. The sons and daughters of the kingdom are like unto the real farmers. Through whichever state or country they pass they display self-sacrifice and sow divine seeds. From that seed harvests are produced. On this subject it is revealed in the glorious Gospel: When the pure seeds are scattered in the good ground heavenly blessing and benediction is obtained. I hope that you may become assisted and confirmed, and never lose courage in the promotion of the divine teachings. Day by day may you add to your effort, exertion and magnanimity.
Upon ye be greeting and praise!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, at Haifa, Syria, April 26, 1916.
Original addressed to Dr. Zia Bagdadi, Chicago, Ill., care J. H, Hannen, Washington, D. C. Received August 19, 1916.
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.
Terms: $1.50 per year; 10 cents per copy.
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. VII
No. 10
Tablets from Abdul-Baha
"What wonderful and joy imparting songs are raised from the pages of the STAR OF THE WEST!"
Haifa, Syria, June 21, 1916.
Miss Gertrude Buikema and Mr. Albert R. Windust, Chicago, care J. H. Hannen, Washington, D. C.
My dear Gertrude and my dear brother Windust:—In the midst of the great whirlpool of the world's broken faithfulness, shattered promises of loyalty and tottering foundations of friendship, the sun of devotion and the stars of constancy which are shining in the heavens of the hearts of the believers of God are illuminating the dark passages of life and causing the growth of the flowers of love and amity. This is indeed a heavenly bestowal and the Lord's remnant on the earth. This is the consolation of the souls in the time of trials and the fulcrum of activity to those whose minds are permeated with the divine principles of spiritual brotherhood. Thus, although the outward means of communication are not regular, yet the inward circle of union is increasing its dimension and circumference. Abdul-Baha thinks of you both sincere workers in the Cause and when the other day your names were mentioned to him, he dictated the following Tablet for both of you:
To Mr. Windust, Miss Buikema.
O ye two servants of the Kingdom of God!
Praise be to God, that your services are accepted in the divine threshold and your songs impart joy and happiness to the ears of the dwellers of the Kingdom.
Persia praises your articles and is praying to God that the ways may be opened and correspondence between Persia and America find the utmost expression and facility, so that your melodies and anthems may become conducive to the exhilaration and cheerfulness of the meetings of the spiritual ones. What wonderful and joy imparting songs are raised from the pages of the STAR OF THE WEST! Truly, I say, they are the means of the happiness of many hearts.
Endeavor ye, as far as possible, to publish such valuable, interesting and instructive articles as to give joy and fragrance
to the friends in all parts of the world.
Upon ye be greeting and praise!
Abdul-Baha is well and everything is as usual.
My sincere love to you and all the believers in Chicago and Kenosha.
Your faithful brother,
(Signed) Ahmad Sohrab.
"The construction of this great building (Mashrak-el-Azkar) is the first divine foundation of the people of Unity in America."
Haifa, Syria, July 10, 1916.
To Mrs. Corinne True, Chicago.
Care of Mr. Joseph H. Hannen, Washington, D. C.
My dear sister in the Cause of God:—Days and months are slowly creeping on and the hearts of millions of people are longing for peace, praying for peace and calling fervently and ardently on the powers of peace. During such days Abdul-Baha has not forgotten you and he has revealed a Tablet for you, the translation of which is as follows:
O thou my daughter of the Kingdom!
Praise be to God, that thou art assisted and confirmed in the service of the Mashrak-el-Azkar and art spending thy effort in the erection of this edifice. The construction of this great building is the first divine foundation of the people of Unity in America and it wall be like unto Mother unto the temples of God. All the temples which will be built in the future are born from this great Temple.
God says in the great Koran: "The building of the Mosques of God is carried along by those souls who believe in God and in the day of judgment." In other words: The construction of the divine mosques is undertaken by the believing, pure and blessed soul. It is my hope that thou mayest become assisted in building this edifice and become conducive to the firmness of the people in the Covenant and Testament.
Endeavor thou as much as thou canst so that the members of thy household become believers in the Unity of God and declare: "Verily, God is single!" become attracted to the Kingdom of God and the promoters of the divine teachings.
Convey my respected greeting to thy daughters.
Upon thee be greeting and praise!
This is the early morning that I am writing you this card. Abdul-Baha has again come up to dwell near the blessed tomb of the Bab, and his health is all that is expected. Please present my sincere spiritual love to all the dear friends in Chicago; we hear heart-cheering news about the work of the Temple and the effort of the believers to raise contributions has electrified us with a new energy.
Your faithful brother,
(Signed) Ahmad Sohrab.
"Praise be to God, that under the shade of divine providence we are safe and enjoy good health."
To Dr. Zia Bagdadi and Zeenat Khanum. (Mrs. Zia M. Bagdadi,) Chicago.
Oye two doves of the nest of the Love of God!
Although it is a long time that no news has reached us from you, yet we are continually thinking of you. You must at least send us a monthly post card giving us in brief the news of your health and safety and the spirituality of the friends of God. For this will become conducive to the happiness of the hearts. Praise be to God, that under the shade of divine Providence we are safe and enjoy good health, expressing our thanks at the threshold of the Almighty.
In the great Book, the divine Koran, God says: "If ye offer praise unto me, I will increase my favors unto you." Therefore we have unloosened our tongues in continual thanksgiving, supplicating confirmation and assistance from the spirituality of his holiness Mohamed El-Mostafa, the Messenger of God—upon him be praise. We are likewise praying for your success and prosperity. The mother of thy respected wife, her brothers and sister are all well and in good health.
Upon thee be greeting and praise!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Haifa, Syria, June 22, 1916.
"The sweet freezes which are wafting toward us from America and the perfumed air which reaches our nostrils from that far off region are most fragrant."
To Mr. Joseph H. Hannen, Washington, D. C.
Upon him be greeting and praise!
O thou who art firm in the Covenant!
Praise be to God, that the friends of God in Washington are occupied in the service of the Kingdom and are displaying perfect firmness and steadfastness in the faith. The meetings which are being organized are in reality the reflections of the Supreme Concourse. The sweet breezes which are wafting toward us from America and the perfumed air which reaches our nostrils from that far off region are most fragrant; therefore they impart joy and happiness to all the hearts.
Convey to his honor Doctor........ my longing greeting and say to him: I have not forgotten his kindness, and it is my hope that, in accord with the divine teachings, he may become the ensign and the flag of the oneness of the world of humanity.
Announce to the maid-servant of God, thy respected wife, my wonderful, glorious greeting.
Upon thee be greeting and praise.
Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, at Haifa, Syria, April 10, 1916.
"In these days great capacity is witnessed in America and the population is ready to listen to the divine teachings."
To his honor Mr. Charles Mason Remey, Washington, D. C.
Upon him be greeting and praise!
O thou herald of Reality!
Thou hast written that thou art spending the winter with thy parents, but thou dost not know thy duty for the spring and summer. The best way is this, in company with his honor Mr. George Latimer travel thou throughout America and the Hawaiian Islands and summon thou the people to the Kingdom of God. The doors of investigation are open and the people of reality are running to and fro. In these days great capacity is witnessed in America and the population is ready to listen to the divine teachings. Synthesize and compose ye in a simple and effective manner the heavenly principles and present them to the listeners in meetings and gatherings. Through the ideal glad-tidings and the lordly suggestions breathe ye a new spirit into the hearts of the friends of God and encourage and incite them in the promotion of the word of God. Convey to all the friends my longing greeting, especially his honor Mr. George Latimer.
Upon thee be greeting and praise!
Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, at Haifa, Syria, April 14, 1916.
"Truly I say the believers of God in that Congress became assisted in the accomplishment of most great services."
To the maid-servant of God, Mrs. J. P. Addison, Portland, Oregon.
Upon her be greeting and praise!
O thou respected maid-servant!
The letter that thou hast written to his honor Sohrab was perused. Praise be to God, that it contained the good news of the health and safety of the friends of the Almighty. It was also a proof of their firmness and steadfastness in religion and faith. Thank ye God that ye presented yourselves in the divine International Congress in California and were engaged in the service of the word of God. Consider ye the power and the influence of the celestial teachings that the President of the Exposition expressed his gratitude and thankfulness for your services to the world of humanity. Truly I say the believers of God in that Congress became assisted in the accomplishment of most great services. The photograph of the Congress was also received and imparted great happiness. The persons who delivered speeches at its sessions, such as Dr. F. W. D'Evelyn, Mr. Hooper Harris, Mr. Charles Mason Remey, Mr. Howard MacNutt, Mr. William H. Randall, Mr. Roy C. Wilhelm, Mr. Howard C. Ives, Mr. William H. Hoar, Mr. Joseph H. Hannen, Mr. Albert R. Windust, Mr. Alfred E. Lunt, Mr. Albert H. Hall, Mr. Edwin T. Cooper, Mr. Harlan F. Ober, Mr. J. A. Britton, Mrs. Mary Hanford Ford, Mr. William C. Ralston and Mirza Khan—were assisted with divine confirmations and inspired with the powers of the Holy Spirit. The results and spiritual influences of those talks are endless and eternal. They will become apparent in the future.
Likewise the meetings which were held in the city of Portland and the persons who spoke to the various audiences were supremely assisted by the angels of the Supreme Concourse. They scattered pure seeds in that virgin western soil. Truly, I say, Mr. Remey and Mr. Latimer are displaying the utmost effort in the diffusion of the fragrances of God. I supplicate and entreat toward the Kingdom of God and beg for each and all heavenly confirmation and assistance.
Upon thee be greeting and praise!
Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab at Haifa, Syria, March 18, 1916.
The Importance of Teaching
From Diary of Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, October 31, 1913.
MIRZA Ali Akbar, the friend of Abdul-Baha, and the friend of the friends, left the "headquarters of the Commander-in-Chief for an active engagement at the front." Abdul-Baha took him into the rose garden this morning, and while walking among the flower beds spoke to him these words of kindness and love:
"Thou hast been with me for a long time, and I have grown to love thee very much. When I love people I do not tell them to their faces. You know how much I love Mirza Abul Fazl and Haji Mirza Heydar Ali, but I have seldom told them to their faces. I am sending thee away. Thou art not alone. The hosts of the Supreme Concourse are with thee. They will assist thee and reinforce thee under all conditions. Doctors tell me
I must completely rest (and he turned his wondrous eyes straight to him). I don't listen to them. When I hear good news from the believers, then my health is improved. Now, if thou longest to see me in good condition, go away and serve the Cause and teach the souls. The news of the spiritual conquest will make me well. Wherever thou goest announce my wonderful Bahai greeting to the teachers of the Cause, and tell them on my behalf:
"'The responsibility for the steady progress of the cause depends upon you. You are the physicians of the sick body of the world of humanity. You must not stay anywhere for a long time. Travel from land to land like the apostles of Christ, and carry with you the glad tidings of the Kingdom of Abha to the remotest corners of the earth. Why are ye silent? Shout! Why are ye sitting? Move! Why are ye quiet? Stir! This is not the day of rest and comfort. Travel ye constantly, and spread far and wide the teachings of God. Like unto the stars arise ye every day from a new horizon. Like unto the nightingale, sing every day from a different rose bush. Like unto the breeze, waft every morning from a new garden. Do not stay a long time anywhere. Let the world profit by your lessons and learn from your example. My health consists in the progress of the Cause, and the progress of the Cause depends upon the energy and wisdom of the teachers.'"
Later, he said: "The friends of God must devote all their time to teaching the Cause, and spreading the rays of the Sun of Truth. You see how dark the world is; they must illumine it. How materialistic are the people; they must spiritualize them. How negligent they are; they must make them aware."
I bring this letter to a close by giving you the translation of a Tablet revealed the other night to a believer in Persia, showing again how important is teaching the Cause in these days:
O thou who art chosen by Abdul-Baha for the diffusion of the fragrances of God!
Thy letter was received. Praise be to God, that in Moraghe thou hast become confirmed and assisted. Today no praiseworthy action can be compared with teaching the Cause of the forgiving Lord. For this is the seed sowing time. Every real farmer engages his time, at this season, in seed sowing. But the heedless ones during the seed sowing period think of the time of harvest. Harvesting is one of the departments of agriculture, but not in the time of seed sowing. The crop is the result of farming, but not at the time of irrigation. Now—praise be to God!—that thou hast occupied all thy time in seed sowing, unquestionably thou shalt become assisted and aided. Travel thou in all the cities of Azarbayjan and guide the souls to the fountain of light. And when thou findest time, journey through Caucasia and guide the people to the religion of God. All the countries have attained to the greatest capacity, but very little teaching is done. . . . .
In another Tablet, to the Assembly of Teaching in Hamadan, he says:
O ye blessed souls!
Many assemblies are formed and organized in this world, but the name of this assembly is the hope of the people of heart. It is indicative of teaching, and from the Kingdom of Abha is honored with the eloquent Firman.
"Assembly" means the diffusion of the fragrances of God. "Assembly" means humility and friendliness toward the believers of God. "Assembly" means the promotion of the word of God. "Assembly" means to be sanctified and holy from all else save God. Such is the spiritual assembly. Such is the divine meeting. Such is the Lordly congregation. The ultimate desire of Abdul-Baha
is the organization of such assemblies, and he is their servant. For this servitude is the crown of eternal sovereignty, and this thralldom is freedom in both worlds.
Therefore, O friends, strive with heart and soul, so that you may become a life member and an eternal organ of the Heavenly Assembly, and the meeting of the Kingdom of Abha! . . . . .
"The teacher's utterance must be like a flame of fire"
Portion of Tablet from Abdul-Baha to the Persian Bahais
AFTER my return from America and Europe, owing to the difficulties of the long voyage and the innumerable inconveniences of the journey, a reaction set in and I became sick. Now, through the favor and bounty of the Blessed Perfection, I am feeling better; therefore I am engaged in writing to thee this letter, so that thou mayest realize the friends of God are never forgotten under any circumstances. Now is the time that the believers of God may imitate the conduct and the manner of Abdul-Baha. Day and night they must engage in teaching the Cause of God, but they must be imbued with the same spiritual state that Abdul-Baha manifested while traveling in America. "When the teacher delivers an address, first of all his own words must have a supreme and powerful effect over himself, so that every one in turn may be affected. His utterance must be like unto the flame of fire, burning away the veils of dogmas, passion and desire. Moreover, he must be in the utmost state of humility and evanescence, that others may be mindful. He must have attained the station of renunciation and annihilation. Then, and not until then, will he teach the people with the melody of the Supreme Concourse.
From Diary of Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, July 27, 1913, Ramleh, Egypt.
Words of Abdul-Baha on Teaching
Extracts from His Utterances.
O THOU seeker of the Kingdom of God, if thou wishest thy speech and utterance to take effect in hardened hearts, be thou severed from all attachment to this world and turn unto the Kingdom of God. Enkindle the fire of the love of God in thy heart with such intensity that thou mayest become a flame of fire and a luminous lamp of guidance. At that time thy speech and utterance will take effect within the hearts through the confirmations of the Holy Spirit.
I wish you to become detached from the entire world of existence, to turn to the Kingdom of Abha with a pure heart, with a pure breath to teach the people.
The daughters of the Kingdom should not have a desire.
Verily the Holy Spirit breathes in this day into the hearts which are moving, breathing, pure and attracted by the love of God.
The penetration of the word of man depends upon the heat of the fire of the love of God. The more the splendors of
the love of God become manifest in the heart, the greater will be the penetration of the word.
I declare by the bounty of the Blessed Perfection, that nothing wall produce results save intense sincerity! Nothing will be productive of fruit save complete advancement toward God! Everything is condemned save severance, and every idea is fruitless and unacceptable save supplication, communion, prayer and obedience. We must entirely collect our scattered thoughts, purify and sanctify the house of our existence from every attachment, and make the palace of our hearts the nest and shelter of the dove of holiness. Then, and not till then, will the significance of confirmation and assistance become evident and known, the power of the Kingdom become apparent, and the hosts of the Supreme Concourse run swiftly into the arena of heavenly conquest, to gain victory over the east and west of the hearts, and make the north and south of the spirits of men the flowery regions of the love of God.
We must entirely focus our thoughts upon the diffusion of the divine light and the building of the heavenly foundation.
O God, make all my ideals and thoughts one ideal and one thought and suffer me to attain to an eternal, unchangeable condition in thy service!
I ask of God, and I supplicate and entreat at the threshold of Oneness, that thy utmost desire may become realized. The desire of the sanctified souls is always sacrifice in the path of God, attraction to the merciful fragrances, the vivification of the souls, the proclamation of the universal peace, the establishment of the oneness of humanity and the enkindlement of the fire of the love of God in the souls of men. It is my hope that the desire of the friends of God be as such, so that they may be released from the influences of the ephemeral world, shine in the kingdom of eternity, be exhilarated by the wine of the love of God, and, like unto the tempestuous sea, rage and roar with the ardor of the love of God. I desire this station for thee.
Today the greatness of the believers of God depends upon delivering the Cause of God, diffusing the fragrances of God, self-sacrifice in the love of BAHA'O'LLAH, and attainment to attraction, love, knowledge and wisdom. This door is open before the face of everyone and this arena is spacious for the skill of all. Everyone must think of this alone, and know that success and prosperity depend upon it.
Whenever the heart finds attraction, the spirit seeks ecstasy and exultation and turns itself toward the Kingdom, the confirmation of the Holy Spirit will descend. Thou wilt be taught and encouraged; thy tongue will be loosened, uttering clear and decisive explanations. Therefore, when one has attained to spiritual success and prosperity, material advantage will not be of much importance. Consequently, if thou art desiring to become assisted in the service, detach thyself from the world, and become thou attracted to the merciful fragrances. Seek his (God's) remembrance day and night, discover his path and announce his mystery. Then thou wilt find thyself in such a condition that thy breath will become effective in every soul.
I now assure thee, O servant of God, that if thy mind becomes empty and pure of every mention and thought and thy heart attracted wholly to the Kingdom of God, forgetting all else besides God and becoming communicative with the Spirit of God, then the Holy Spirit will assist thee with a power which will enable thee to penetrate all things, and a dazzling spark which enlightens all sides, a brilliant flame in the
zenith of the heavens will teach thee that which you do not know of the facts of the universe and of the divine doctrine. Every soul who ariseth today to guide others to the path of safety and imbue in them the spirit of life, the Holy Spirit will inspire that soul with evidences, proofs and facts and the lights will shine upon it from the Kingdom of God.
Rest assured . . . the breaths of the Holy Spirit will aid you provided no doubts obtain in your heart.
To be engaged in diffusing the fragrance of God (teaching the Truth) in one hour of time, is better than the dominion of the world and all therein; for the latter is mortal and temporary, while the former is permanent and endless.
Thou hast written what shouldst thou do and what prayer shouldst thou offer in order to become informed of the mysteries of God: Pray thou with an attracted heart and supplicate with a spirit stirred by the glad tidings of God. Then the doors of the kingdom of mysteries shall be opened before thy face, and thou shalt comprehend the realities of all things.
I desire every Bahai to be severed and detached. If he passes between two mountains of gold, he must not look to either side. These souls who have entered under the shade of the Blessed Perfection must show such independence as to astonish the people of the world. If men come to them with money and supplicate to them to accept it, they must reject it.
He who is filled with the love of the Glory (of God) and forgets all things, the Holy Spirit will be heard from his lips and the spirit of life will fill his heart, the light of the sign will shine forth from his face, the words will issue from his mouth in strands of pearls, and all sickness and disease will be healed by the laying on of his hands.
How may we move and transform the hearts?
TEACH as if offering a gift to a king, humbly and submissively, not with the force of insistence—imperatively, strenuously—but with gentleness and sweetness, submitting the arguments and truths to the heart and intellect of the hearer. Be as the servant of God, and therefore the servant of the hearer, taking care at all times to adapt the offered food to the condition and station of the listener, giving milk to babes and meat to those who have grown stronger. This food is to be offered for the sake of God only, not for the love of the hearer nor for the benefit of oneself but simply because God wishes his Manifestation to become known and to be loved by those who come to know him.
If one teaches one whom he loves because of his love, then he will not teach him whom he loves not and this is not of God. If one teaches in order to derive the promised benefit himself, this, too, is not of God. If he teaches because of God's will, that God may become known and for that reason only, he will receive knowledge and wisdom and his words will have effect and will take root in the souls of those who are in the right condition to receive them, for they will have been made more powerful by the Holy Spirit. In such a case the benefit to the teacher in growth is as ninety parts compared to the ten parts of gain received by the hearer; for the teacher becomes like a tree bearing fruit through the power of God.
A Compilation.
The Cause of the creation of all contingent beings has been love, as it is mentioned in the famous tradition: "I was a hidden treasure, and I loved to be known. Therefore I created the creation in order to be known." Thus all must gather on the (shores) of the river of the love of God in such wise that there should not blow any wind of discord among the friends and companions. All should look to love, and conduct (the life) in the utmost of unity so that there should not be seen any difference among them (the friends), and they should share with one another loss and gain, hard time and welfare, and accidents. We hope, God willing, that the breeze of unity will waft from the city of the Lord of the servants, and all be clothed with the raiment of unity, love and resignation.
—BAHA'O'LLAH.
Translated by Bozorgzadeh E. Kahn.
Pittsburgh, Pa., May 23, 1916.
