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--PHOTO-- (9 MASHRAK-EL-AZKAR)
Preliminary design inspired from the Persian.
--PHOTO-- (9 MASHRAK-EL-AZKAR)
Preliminary design inspired from the Arabian and Moorish.
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 Kalamat 1, 72 (July 13, 1916) No. 7
The Bahai Congress in Chicago
April 29 to May 2, 1916
EDITORIAL
THE Bahai Congress and Convention to which this issue is devoted was like four days of Pentecost. We have not the space to outline each of the addresses or even to give the names of the speakers who thrilled the hearts of the hearers and opened to their minds visions of the new kingdom which is to appear upon the earth. But names are really unimportant. The speakers were effective only because they forgot themselves and let the Abha spirit speak through their lips and glow through their faces. To rise before that convention was to stand in the midst of the gales of the Holy Spirit which swept the room at times like the rushing of a mighty wind. Tongues of spiritual fire settled over the speakers as they rose, setting their hearts ablaze and their words aflame with the love of the Kingdom.
All the discussions centered about the building of a great temple north of Chicago by the lake shore, where men and women of all races may meet and receive day by day this baptism of fire. This temple is to be the ideal expression of the church universal. At present the Bahais lay little emphasis upon organization. They desire but to diffuse in existing churches and societies the spirit of universal love. But when this love bears its fruits the denominations will want to unite in one universal church. What shall it be like? When the question is asked the Bahais will point to the temple at Wilmette. There is the ideal. There is the central house of prayer where men will worship God every morning and evening. Around that spiritual center there will be gathered, in a great circle, a group of philanthropic institutions, an orphanage, a hospital, a hospice, a home for the aged and infirm, a university. The center of the circle is the love of God, but its circumference is the love of man. At the temple center man turns the mirror of his heart to God. When he leaves the door he reflects the light of the love which God has given to him in service to his neighbors.
God's Holy Spirit is first manifest in the bodily temple of the great prophet. Then it reveals its glory to the world through the temple of his writings. At last it sheds its splendor on the world through the temple of the lives of his followers. But the symbol and the avenue for their united service to the Kingdom will be the temple of stone, this holy place of prayer called the Mashrak-el-Azkar. There they will meet and become one. There the generations will meet from age to age, and, turning their hearts to the same God, will become one.
A foretaste of the unity which this physical temple is to promote in the lives of the children of the Kingdom was revealed in all the deliberations of this recent convention. Self was forgotten, personal ambitions vanished away and the hearts of those present were fused into a divine oneness by the common love of the coming temple and the common will to lay its cornerstone in the days while Abdul-Baha is still on earth.
If this thought of the temple can unite the hearts of his spiritual children into a oneness so beautiful, so dynamic, so sublime, what will not the temple itself do for the uniting of the future generations?
The Opening Session
By JOSEPH H. HANNEN.
RESPLENDENT in the spiritual radiance which is distinctly characteristic of Bahai Conventions, was the Feast of Rizwan, the first session of the International Bahai Congress in Chicago and of the eighth annual Mashrak-el-Azkar Convention. The large assembly room of the Auditorium Hotel, the use of which was given for this and other sessions of the Convention and Congress, was filled with delegates and friends to the number of about two hundred and fifty. Every section of the United States was represented, with delegates from Canada, from Syria and Persia. Quite typically, the illumination was furnished by nine rows of nineteen incandescent lights. The speakers' table extended the length of the room with smaller tables in front of it around which were gathered the friends who, like members of a scattered family, were celebrating a happy reunion. Never was the spirit stronger, and the spiritual fragrance of the hour was typified by the perfume of the red roses which abundantly decked the tables. The Feast was wonderfully served and the occasion stands out in every detail as perfect and memorable.
Albert R. Windust presided and at intervals read selections from the holy utterances, thus interspersing the material with the spiritual feast. The supper was announced for 6 o'clock and by 8 the tables had been cleared and the speakers of the evening were introduced. Dr. Bagdadi first presented a history of the Rizwan Day. Standing as he did under the crossed American and Persian flags at the head of the speakers' table, his radiant countenance typified the union of the East and the West.
The subject, "Investigation of Truth," was presented eloquently by Dr. Frederick W. D'Evelyn, of San Francisco, the next speaker, who took at short notice the place of Mr. Howard MacNutt who had been announced but could not be present. Another substitute was
Joseph H. Hannen whose topic was "Fundamental Unity of All Religions." Mr. Blaaha played delightfully on the violin and was followed by the spiritual melodies of an address by Mrs. Claudia Stuart Coles of Washington whose subject was "Harmony Between Religion and Science."
The next subject, Demonstration of Divinity and Inspiration—the Word," was presented by Louis G. Gregory of Washington who took the place of Mr. Edward B. Kinney of New York. His logic and fluent utterance proved most refreshing to the hearts of all.
With graceful humility the chairman, Mr. Windust, spoke briefly upon the topic "The Bahai Revelation, The Bab, BAHA'O'LLAH and Abdul-Baha."
Mme. Ragna Linne, whose beautiful voice is often heard at Bahai Conventions, sang for her solo "The Lord Is My Salvation." She also sang the interlude to the "Benediction" by Mrs. Waite, all present joining in the chorus. Thus closed the evening.
The heavenly fragrance of this annual gathering, so dear to the Bahais of the world, will linger always in the hearts and souls of those present. And who can say where these circles of unity and love which were started at this time shall cease to eddy and spread?
Surely the ripples of this peaceful session will attain to the magnitude of great waves of harmony and will reach to the uttermost parts of the earth, spreading even to the celestial realms.
The First Session of the Convention and the Third Session of the Congress
By LOUIS G. GREGORY.
THE first session of the eighth Mashrak-el-Azkar convention was opened with a prayer, after which organization was effected by the election of Mr. Alfred E. Lunt as president and Mr. Harlan F. Ober as secretary. The usual order of business, such as the presentation of credentials, appointment of committees, etc., was soon completed and the assembled friends gave themselves over to the spiritual joy of hearing reports from various centers. Those who spoke gave accounts of activities in connection with the spread of the teachings and the raising of funds for the building of the great edifice. A spirit of heavenly harmony brooded over the meeting and the words of the speakers were followed with deep interest. This was the romance of reality.
These reports varied in many ways but all struck a common note of ringing sincerity as they told of faith, assurance and sacrifices in the path of God. Incidents related sometimes stirred the deepest emotions. Heartfelt interest was apparent as listeners were moved to tears or laughter. The radiant hearts and happy faces were a visible expression of the outpouring of divine love. The confirmations of BAHA'O'LLAH were manifest. The might of his Covenant made such a gathering possible. One friend told how she had prayed for the resources to attend the convention, if, in accordance with the will of God, there was a work for her to do. At the eleventh hour the means had come to her from a foreign land and her prayer was thus answered. Another reported the devotion of the friends in a young assembly and spoke of the great war which is the Armageddon of the nations as the smoke arising in this day to conceal the Ark of the Covenant, and the glorious new light of our age. But
when the smoke has subsided men shall begin to see it with clear and joyous vision.
A friend from Canada voiced the oneness of the world of humanity in so wonderful a way that one might well have thought our beloved Abdul-Baha was using this wonderful soul to convey a message to the convention. "We are one in purpose," she declared. "It is such happiness to know that we are all one, one in origin, one in destiny." This message was realized in spirit and in truth. A Hebrew from Pittsburgh, one of the children of Abraham, expressed wonder and admiration at the power of attraction. If thoughts of the Mashrak-el-Azkar could produce such a gathering, what marvels would the completed structure accomplish? He seemed to catch the vision of universal freedom and although it was his first address, spoke like a veteran in service. A voice from the far South told with rude eloquence of the sowing of seed and the growing illumination of that region. From the Pacific coast came reports of high faith and noble courage. Thus from many assemblies voices were raised, "not feeble nor lamenting," but pitched in the key of triumphant faith. It is this spirit that moved the martyrs in Persia to the sacrifice of lives. Now it focuses the thoughts' and energies of the friends of God upon the building of his temple in this his Greatest Day. Many proofs of devotion were thus realized. The presiding officer served with great wisdom, allowing the meeting to follow that guidance which he himself sought and found. Thus the various notes were blended in a mighty chorus of harmony like the music of the Supreme Concourse.
The first session of the convention was in the evening followed by the third session of the Congress over which Mrs. Theron C. Rice-Wray of Detroit, Mich., presided. The audience was large, completely filling the hall, which the architecture, the arrangement of lights and the variegated perfumes of plants and flowers combined to make most beautiful. The chairman announced as the subject of the evening, "The Oneness of the World of Humanity," and read from the words of Abdul-Baha as follows: "BAHA'O'LLAH addresses himself to the world of men, saying, 'Ye are all the leaves of one Tree, and the fruits of one Arbor.' That is, the world of existence is no other than one tree and the nations or peoples are like unto the different branches or limbs thereof, and human individuals are similar to the fruits and blossoms thereof."
Louis G. Gregory spoke on "The Interdependence of Individuals, Nations and Races." He began by saying, "These meetings of the past few days bear eloquent testimony to the coming oneness of the world of humanity. Never has music been sweeter nor have voices telling of realities been more eloquent.
In conclusion he pointed out the great law: Pride is a cause of discord, while humility is conducive to harmony and peace. The highest expression of humility is service to God and man. Only the divine educator who sets the example can restore the lost virtue of humility through which the kingdom of God will be firmly established in the hearts of men.
Mr. George O. Latimer, of Portland, Ore., spoke on "The Solution of Economic Difficulties." He said, "Natural civilization is the lamp. Divine civilization is the light. Universal peace will bring a readjustment of financial relations. Economic peace can then be realized. Specific laws for the solution of economic difficulties are revealed in the Bahai teachings." He presented these laws in detail. He showed how BAHA'O'LLAH has exalted labor until he has given it the station of worship.
He concluded with two quotations from Abdul-Baha: "Divine civilization is a
symposium of the perfections of the world of humanity. Divine civilization is the improvement of the ethical life of a nation. Divine civilization is the spiritual philosophy. Divine civilization is the knowledge of God with rational and intellectual evidence. . . . Consequently, consider what a difference and distinction there is between the natural civilization and the divine civilization! The natural civilization prevents men from doing harm and wrong, through force and punishment; but the divine civilization so trains men that the human individuals avoid sins without any fear of (material) punishment and the very sin itself becomes unto them as the severest punishment. And they will engage in acquiring human virtues, gaining that by which mankind will be uplifted, and that which will enlighten the human world, with the utmost zeal and fervor."
"Where thousands are considering these questions, we have more essential questions. The secrets of the whole economic question are divine in nature and are concerned with the world of the heart and spirit. In the Bahai teaching this is most completely explained, and without the consideration of the Bahai teaching it is impossible to realize a better state. All this will come to pass. The Bahais will bring about the better state, but not in a way that will have anything to do with corruption and sedition—not warfare, but perfect welfare. In short, the hearts must be so connected together, love must become so dominant that the rich shall most willingly, out of the will of the heart, help and extend assistance to the poor, and should take a step in the way of adjustments. You must strive as much as possible to create love in the hearts, in order that love may become shining and radiant. When that love shines in the hearts even as this (electric) light, then it will permeate other hearts, and when the love of God obtains everything else will be realized. This is the foundation. Be thoughtful of this. Think of becoming the cause yourselves of the attraction of the souls; show the people what (the true) economics is, what love is, what kindness is, what severence is, what giving is."
Mr. Joseph H. Hannen, of Washington, D. C., spoke on the need of "A Universal Language." He also presented effective quotations from Abdul-Baha. Just before leaving this country for Europe, Abdul-Baha made careful inquiry about Esperanto here, and soon after arriving on the other side said publicly: "His holiness BAHA'O'LLAH many years ago wrote a book called 'The Most Holy Book,' one of the fundamental principles of which is the necessity of creating an auxiliary language, and he makes clear the good and profit which will come because of its use. Now let us thank the Lord because this language, Esperanto, is created. We therefore have bidden all Bahais in the East to study this language very carefully and ere long it will be spread through the entire East. I also beg of you all, Esperantists, and non-Esperantists, that you will energetically work for the spread of this language, for it will hasten the coming of that day, the millennial day, foretold by prophets and seers, in which it is said that the wolf and the lamb shall drink from the same fountain, the lion and the deer shall feed in the same pasture. The meaning of this holy writing is that hostile races, warring nations and differing religions shall become united in the spirit of love and will become bound together one with the other."
At Clifton, England, Abdul-Baha said: "The tenth principle is the establishment of a universal language, so that we will not have to acquire so many languages in the future. In the schools they will study two, the mother tongue and the international auxiliary language. The use of an international auxiliary language will become a great means of dispelling the differences between nations." Mr. Hannen spoke in conclusion of how "Miss Alexander, our Bahai sister,
has rendered great service in Japan through her knowledge of Esperanto and is anxious that it be taken up by the Bahais of the United States in order that they may be in closer touch with their fellow-workers in Europe and the East."
The chairman read "The nine proofs upon which the coming of the Great Master is based," quoting the words of Abdul-Baha:
- That Great Master will be the educator of the world of humanity.
- His teachings must be universal and confer illumination upon human kind.
- His knowledge must be innate and spontaneous, and not acquired.
- He must answer the questions of all the sages, solve all the difficult problems of humanity and be able to withstand all the persecutions and sufferings heaped upon him.
- He must be a joy-bringer and the herald of the kingdom of happiness.
- His knowledge must be infinite and his wisdom all-comprehensive.
- The penetration of his word and the potency of his influence must be so great as to humble even his worst enemies.
- Sorrows and tribulations must not vex him. His courage and conviction must be God-like. Day unto day he must become firmer and more zealous.
- He must be the establisher of universal civilization, the unifier of religions, the standard-bearer of universal peace, and the embodiment of all the highest and noblest virtues of the world of humanity. Whenever you find these conditions realized in a human temple, to him look for guidance and illumination."
Dr. Frederick W. D'Evelyn, of San Francisco, was introduced to speak on the "Coming of the Great Master." He testified with intense earnestness to "the penetrative power in the arteries of the world," which is the power of the Covenant. The great spiritual manifestation of God hath appeared. His command is manifested and his Covenant revealed. In this power "rest assured! Be confident! The doors of the kingdom are opened. The sun of truth is shining upon the world. The fountains of life are flowing! The day springs of mercy have appeared!"
"This power is the source of all life, and the oneness of the world of humanity is thereby established. This oneness or unity does not imply the absolute equality of mankind and the obliteration of all ranks based upon capacity. But the crown of humanity rests upon the heads of all. All are partakers of the divine bounty. All share the divine protection. All are invited to the table upon which the heavenly manna is spread. All are brothers and the purest heart is that most acceptable to God." In heralding the Covenant he seemed under divine confirmation. His eloquence flowed with irresistible force and aroused great enthusiasm.
The last speaker was M. Eshte'al Ebn Kalanter, who spoke on "The Equality of Men and Women." He began his philosophical address by a few pleasantries which relieved the tensity caused by the occasion and were appreciated by the audience. He then spoke of how Abdul-Baha has compared the sexes to the two wings of a bird. As a bird cannot soar with one wing, so man's development depends upon woman's and woman's upon man's. In reality, if there is any difference it is in favor of women. The responsibilities of her position in the nurturing and training of children make her education more essential than man's. In the spiritual world man owes also a deep debt of gratitude to woman, for to her is due his first impulse and incentive to love. This attraction is a ray of the divine love which is universal."
The Main Sessions of the Convention
A Digest from the Minutes
The Session, Monday, May 1st, Mr. Lunt presiding
THE Chairman: Perhaps you have noticed the beautiful shining gift on the table, (pointing to a large copper chest). Perhaps you do not know just what the intention is, but I am going to ask six of the friends, one after another, to go to that table and read, each, an inscription which you will find engraved upon that beautiful box. The first inscription which I will ask you to read is the one on the side facing the wall. Then, after that, in order, taking either side and on until you have covered the surface. I am going to ask Mrs. Ober to read the first inscription.
Mrs. Ober: "A friend offers this copper chest to the Center of the Covenant of El-Abha, with the hope that it may be used to enclose any records which Abdul-Baha may desire to place within the cornerstone of the first Mashrak-el-Azkar in America.
"Entrusted to the Bahai Temple Unity, El-Rizwan, in the year Seventy-Two of El-Baha."
Mrs. Parmerton (reading the second inscription): "O Concourse of Creation! O People! Construct homes (or houses) in the most beautiful fashion possible in every city, in every land, in the name of the Lord of Religions. Adorn them with that which beseemeth them, not with pictures or paintings. Then commemorate the Lord, the Merciful, the Clement, in spirit and fragrance. Verily, by his mention, by this commemoration, the breasts shall be dilated, the eyes illuminated, the hearts gladdened, and thus shall you pray the orient of praises in the Mashrak-el-Azkar (i. e., the dawning point of praises.)
"Teach your children what hath been revealed through the Supreme Pen. Instruct them in what hath descended from the heaven of greatness and power. Let them memorize the tablets of the Merciful and chant them with the most melodious voices in the glorious building, in the Temple of the Mashrak-el-Azkar. The prayers of the Lord shall be chanted in a manner to attract the hearts and souls. Blessed is he who listens unto the River of Life."—Baha'o'llah.
Mrs. Claudia Stuart Coles (reading the third inscription): "O God! O God! Verily I implore thee with throbbing heart and streaming tears to aid every one who endeavors for the erection of this edifice in the building of a house wherein thy name is mentioned every morn and eve. O Lord, send down thy benediction upon whosoever served this edifice and endeavored in its uprising among the sects and religions and confirm him in every good of mankind; open the doors of riches and wealth unto him and give in heritage the treasures of the kingdom which perish not; make him the sign of giving among the people and reinforce him by the sea of generosity and bounty which is surging with the waves of the greatest of favor. Verily Thou are the Generous, the Merciful, the Bountiful."
—Abdul-Baha Abbas.
Mr. Charles H. Greenleaf (reading the fourth inscription: "Now the day has arrived in which the edifice of God, the divine sanctuary, the spiritual temple shall be erected in America.
"I entreat God to assist the confirmed
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. 7
believers in accomplishing this great service and with entire zeal to rear this mighty structure, which shall be renowned throughout the world. The support of God will be with those believers in that district, that they may be successful in their undertaking. For the cause is great because this is the first Mashrak-el-Azkar in that country, and from it the praise of God shall ascend to the kingdom of mystery and the tumult of his exaltation and greeting from the whole world shall be heard.
"Whosoever arises for the service of this building shall be assisted with great power from his supreme kingdom and upon him spiritual and heavenly blessings shall descend which shall fill his heart with wonderful consolation and enlighten his eyes by beholding the glorious and eternal God.
"O God, my aim, my hope! With heart full of longing and breast full of yearning, we beg of thee and we supplicate at the threshold of thy might to raise the foundation of the Mashrak-el-Azkar in Chicago, in the most speedy manner. Make its basis firm and its structure enduring, suffer its pillars to remain unshakable and make its columns of the steel and iron of firmness. Glorify its servants, beautify the characters, and make the worshippers beloved, suffer the nightingales to sing 'Ya Baha-el-Abha' and warble the praises of our Lord, the most Supreme. Make its men the standards unfolded on the mountains of the world and its women the sanctified angels of the tabernacle of the world."
—Abdul-Baha Abbas.
Dr. D'Evelyn (reading the fifth inscription): "O Lord, make these holy souls the dawning points of the lights and manifestations of (thy) signs. Make every one a leading cornerstone in this great edifice, a pillar of its pillars. O God, although the friends are needy, yet thou art the Helper, the Supporter, the Rewarder. These souls have arisen to serve thee well and have begun servitude. Confirm them and aid them, encourage them by promises of thy divine favors, and make them of the elect. Thou art the Mighty, the Powerful, the Able, the Giver, the Shining, the Hearer, the Seer."
—Abdul-Baha Abbas.
Mr. Remey (reading the final inscriptions): "Some material things have spiritual effect and the Mashrak-el-Azkar is a material thing that will have
--PHOTO-- (9 MASHREK-EL-AZKAR)
Preliminary design inspired from the Indian style.
great effect upon the spirits of the people."
"The Mashrak-el-Azkar, though outwardly a material foundation, is possessed of spiritual effect and causes the union of hearts and the gathering of souls."
The Chairman: Mr. Remey tell us about this chest.
Mr. Remey: Some time ago I had an idea that when the time came for the laying of the material cornerstone Abdul-Baha might have some papers to put in it and it occurred to me that I would like to make a chest for that purpose.
Mr. Roy C. Wilhelm: Abdul-Baha said to me in New York, that if from the beginning we had lived up to the Bahai principles in New York and had actively delivered this message to others—yes, if we had lived and proclaimed one of the Bahai principles, it would have made such a spiritual impression that by this time one-half of New York City would have been Bahai. So I sharpened my pencil and figured out that if I had done my part 7183 would have caught the Bahai spirit.
Dr. D'Evelyn: When he was in America a small group of people gathered around Abdul-Baha and asked: "What are we to do? We want to go out and teach. Abdul-Baha said : "The gardener must first have tools before he can cultivate the soil. The first tool that you require is severance; the second is knowledge; then the love of God, and then eloquence." By using ail these tools, he said, they would become successful gardeners.
Abdul-Baha also told us the banner of BAHA'O'LLAH will be extended to all kingdoms, and the knowledge of God will illumine all climes, and the words of God will reach the hearing of the great American people. Be confident and have no doubt about it, he said; rest assured and day and night be ye striving that ye may be the people to spread these lights, for if ye are not the people, God will raise up a people who shall unfurl the banner of BAHA'O'LLAH, who shall carry this gospel of light and peace into the city of the hearts and make one all the people of humanity.
Mrs. Cooper in the chair.
Mr. Lunt: I feel the most incapable of any of you to voice the word or even a letter of the word which must be uttered in this convention. There is a burning issue and one only which this convention must solve before it adjourns. We must answer the call of Abdul-Baha and provide the material means which will build the temple.
Some eight years ago certain Bahai souls, swayed by the call of Abdul-Baha, although they had no means, no money, met together in faith and assurance and said: "We will start this great work." Albert Hall, Corinne True and others met together and guaranteed a bond with which to buy the temple land on mortgages. The sacrifice was accomplished and the East and the West contributed until in 1913 a sum of $75,000 had been raised and the last mortgage paid off. We now have the land free and clear for the erection of this great edifice.
Then what happened? Abdul-Baha came in 1912. He said: "You will find that very soon the subscriptions will fall, will diminish. Then of a sudden they will rise and you wall become victorious. This is necessary, this is wisdom, this is ordained."
His prophecy has been fulfilled. In 1914 and 1915 the funds began to shrink and shrink. But now, praise be to God, they are rising! On February 4th there was sent out, with the approval of the Executive Board, a letter which you have all received. It sought a universal expression of the Bahai ideal of unity. It sought to bring every Bahai into a relation of oneness in service and sacrifice with every other Bahai. What
has been the result? In two months there has been pledged, together with what was on hand in the treasury, two-thirds of the entire amount which had been raised in eight years. So I can say to you today, we have already pledged or paid in $54,000, not yet including anything from New York, Chicago or the Pacific coast.
We have $54,000 pledged to be paid in two years. What shall we do next? What shall we do with the divine fire that has sprung up in our breasts? Shall we not let it spread until it encircles this whole country and the world? It may require sacrifice if we are to raise $200,000 so we may lay the corner stone in 1917. But if I could utter one thousandth part of what I should say there would arise in us such a consciousness of the love of God, such a realization of the presence of the Supreme Concourse in this place that this task would be accomplished in a moment.
Mr. Ober: When Abdul-Baha was in America, a friend, a very lovely soul, said to him, "My Master, I wish to give a great gift and I wish to assist in some material way." Abdul-Baha said to the interpreter: "Why does she not build the Mashrak-el-Azkar?" The interpreter said, "Will you permit me to tell her this?" Abdul-Baha said, "No, she must know it in her own heart." Then he added, "If Abdul-Baha was to build this temple it would be built at once. But I have left the entire matter in the hands of the Executive Board."
Abdul-Baha has said that at the very beginning of the building of the temple there will be wonderful results. We cannot comprehend the universal significance of the Mashrak-el-Azkar. It is a forerunner of the new universal world order, with its abolition of prejudice, its union of the races, the sects, the religions, the nations. It is the symbol of the coming of the universal peace, peace among religions, among races, peace between science and religion, the peace which is the peace of God. The people of the world assume liabilities, make sacrifices for their enterprises. Cannot we take the step of faith? We are not alone for Abdul-Baha has said the hosts of the Supreme Concourse are drawn up in battle array to assist those who arise to accomplish this divine purpose.
Mrs. Ober: When Abdul-Baha was in America I told him I had rented a house at Green Acre for five years. "You do not need a house," he said, "spread a tent over you." Now I understand what he meant by saying you do not need a house. He was teaching me to spread over myself the tent of God's oneness, he was taking me out into the realm of faith, the realm of that spiritual consciousness where the manna falls down from heaven. I am now learning what he meant. The manna comes from heaven when we have the faith to give all we have to the service of our God.
Mrs. Herrick: The artist first has a picture in his mind before it is painted. Let us picture on the canvas of our spirits the Mashrak-el-Azkar, its glorious house of prayer for all the nations, its hospital for the sick, its school and orphanage for little children, its university for scientific research, and the higher education. Oh, friends, do you hear Abdul-Baha calling you? Can you not see him with his ear turned to America listening to know what the friends are going to do? I know we are not going to disappoint him. When we have given our lives God will take care of us. He has plenty. We have God. Is not that sufficient?
Mrs. de Lagnel: If we have faith we can accomplish anything. I went to Acca on faith and prayer. By faith I was able to enter the glorious presence of Abdul-Baha.
When in the orient I heard this little story. There was a very dear old lady. All her property had been confiscated except one little piece of land. She sold
that and gave the money to the Mashrak-el-Azkar. "But who will take care of her?" I asked. "Oh, the friends of God will take care of her," was the answer. "It doesn't take much to take care of one little lady."
Mr. Lane: When we try to say a word about God's glorious new revelation it is like dropping a pebble in a pond of water. The circles grow and grow. But whenever I try to drop a pebble in our pond down in Florida I find my mother-in-law, Mrs. Charlotte Rosenhauer, has been ahead of me and thrown a mill-stone. She is surely inspired of God to spread this message. If we depend on our material ability or the knowledge of books we will do nothing in spiritual service. But if we put our dependence upon God and let him use us as an instrument we can almost work miracles.
Dr. Guy of Boston: If the power of God is with us we can do anything. The United States today is the hope of the world. The nations are looking to us for the solution of the war problem, the strife between labor and capital. If we can catch the new universal spirit of the age as it is to be manifest in this temple we can bring peace on earth. Let every one be given a pledge card to do what he can toward laying the foundation.
Mrs. Rice-Wray: There are two ways to build the Mashrak-el-Azkar: one is through teaching; the other through the raising of funds. We are only about two years old in Detroit but we have nineteen confirmed souls and a great many interested people. The message of the new age has been given to hundreds of people.
Abdul-Baha has told us that all our future service to the world as light bringers of the new age depends on unity. That unity has come. I am sure that no one who has entered this convention could doubt that we have attained to perfect unity here as a convention. Now that we have obtained the unity we must take the step of faith and build the temple.
Mrs. Boynton: Abdul-Baha has said that when we make a gift for a good object in the name of one we love, a father, mother, sister, brother, or friend who has passed over to the other side, that loved one in the world of light rejoices in that gift. If in this way we pledge to the building of the temple it will be twice blessed because it will open our hearts and rejoice the friends who are only waiting for us in that beautiful land.
Mrs. Hotchkiss: I move that the chair appoint a committee which shall raise the call to prepare for the laying of the cornerstone of the Mashrak-el Azkar on the 100th birthday of BAHA'O'LLAH, Nov. 12, 1917. (Seconded and unanimously carried.)
M. Eshte'al-Ebn Kalanter: The Mashrak-el-Azkar is the visible expression of the law of God as taught by BAHA'O'LLAH. This law is a divine covenant by following which men shall enter all good. The Center of this Covenant is the life and words of Abdul-Baha. It is also the perfected expression of those words and deeds in the Mashrak-el-Azkar. Seventeen years ago Abdul-Baha said the last thing for him to do was to see that the words of BAHA'O'LLAH concerning the erecting of the Mashrak-el-Azkar and the instituting of that great law be realized. Friends, you are building the edifice of God's Covenant, of his universal law through which his truth shall flow for the enlightenment, for the uplifting of the race. And truly, friends, if the test of unity is united action, if the standard of unity is sacrifice, you have achieved the very pinnacle of unity.
If we can bring together the means for laying this foundation we shall create a force of attraction that will, perhaps, bring the very presence of Abdul-Baha upon this soil to lay the cornerstone and give in America the first material expression
of that new order and new day for which all the prophets have dreamed.
Mrs. May Maxwell read a few words which the Spirit had given her describing the true spiritual temple for which the temple of stone is but a preparation and symbol:
We are all incomplete—parts of a whole—a house divided against itself. God is one; the Spirit is one; the universe is one; and we are one in origin both spiritually and physically; one in the very essence of our nature, of our being—one in destiny. "From God we came and to God we shall return."
Humanity is one great ocean of being, of love, of truth, of consciousness; but these drops are scattered—hence all weakness, discord and disorder. These units are imperfect, incomplete, because, being in reality parts of an infinite whole, their separation makes them weak, impotent and imperfect.
Can we think of any evil that is rending the world today for which unity is not the one, the only remedy?
Not until mankind has attained the realization and consciousness that it is one temple, one spirit, one life, can all the ills which today are destroying the human race find a perfect and eternal remedy. God has not deposited the treasures of his infinite spirit in any one soul, but he has deposited a portion of his bounty and treasure in every soul that was ever created, and in order to have access to this infinite source of his treasures, all these souls must flow into one mighty spiritual unit.
How wonderful to think that you and I and all of us are one. Your love is my love, my joy is yours, our sorrow and longing, our striving and aspiration are one! The very thought brings a nameless and boundless strength. Oh! if we knew the reality, the mystery of oneness, we should be standing in the full light of God—living in his presence; and we should all be to each other an inexhaustible source of life, strength, healing, joy and blessedness.
The supreme attribute of God is love; love is the essence of his being, and his love flows out through his universe and is the source of all life, truth and beauty. He created us through love and created us for his love and for each other. We belong to each other; we need each other; we are exhausted and dying with the love and longing and need of each other, of the spirit of God, of our Eternal Beloved, which we must seek and find in each other. This love which is pulsating through our hearts at this moment is the fire of God in us and when it becomes a pure flame it will burn all the separating veils and we shall be one mirror reflecting the One God. Ya Baha-el-Abha!
We attain oneness with each other and with all the great movements of the age, which are but so many rays of the sun of truth, by becoming one with the Center of the Covenant. The Center of the Covenant means to me that spiritual law which is the path that leads to God. It is the path of love and knowledge, of love for each other and servitude to God, and to mankind, the path of all beauty and perfection. Its perfected image is Abdul-Baha. We become one with that Center by obedience. We become one with the path by walking therein. If we obey the natural law we attain to fullness and growth in the physical world. Just so if we walk in perfect obedience to the spiritual law we come into the full image of Abdul-Baha who is a perfect image of the law of God as it is lived in servitude to mankind. We fulfill the command of our Lord, the Christ, and become perfect as God is perfect.
Mr. Lunt: So much spiritual love has been showered upon us that surely the blessing of the Covenant must have attended this meeting. Shall we sing the benediction?
The Session, Tuesday, May 2nd
All joined in singing Mr. Edward Kinney's "International Anthem." Then all prayed together for the friends who were lying ill. At the close of the prayer Mr. and Mrs. Ober chanted with glorious melody and exaltation of spirit the Persian commune of BAHA'O'LLAH, "Is There Any Remover of Difficulties save God?" As they chanted the vibration of the spiritual splendor and its rays of healing swept through the convention hall.
Mr. Lunt: With the power which was generated in this convention yesterday and which is with us at this moment, with the unity which is brought about by the blessing of BAHA'O'LLAH the friends scattered throughout the country can go forward and accomplish that for which we have been called, even though the whole world stands against them. There has been lighted on the altar of this country an eternal flame, a fire which can never die. The unity which has come to us is really attainment to firmness in the Covenant, which, as Abdul-Baha says, is the magnet which attracts divine confirmation. And divine confirmations are what we need to erect the Mashrak-el-Azkar. Now they are upon us. Let us now go forward in that spirit, beginning with the call of delegates.
Mrs. Parmerton: Greetings and love from the Cincinnati Assembly. When the appeal came from Boston our little group pledged $50.00. Since that time we have added $200. I am increasing my pledge to $1000. I know God will enable me to find the money with which to pay it.
A young man from the East had been for months in search of the Holy Spirit. In yesterday's meeting he found it. Before he left he signed a pledge card for $1000. He was confirmed in the path of the spiritual glory.
Mrs. Goodall: I want to add a word about the number of meetings we hold in San Francisco. We have a study class on Monday evenings of which Dr. D'Evelyn has charge, which is studying some wonderful subjects. Our friends are all waking up; all are studying. In a few months we will be prepared to teach the friends throughout the state. Monday afternoon we have meetings in Oakland. On Wednesday evenings we have, under the guidance of Dr. D'Evelyn, meetings at our rooms in San Francisco. And on Thursday afternoons we have devotional meetings to intensify the inward spiritual life.
Mrs. Cooper: When we had the letter from Mr. Lunt setting forth the plan for raising $200,000 in two years it was like a flame across the country. Why should we be afraid of $200,000 or even $2,000,000 any more than of two cents? All the treasuries of this world belong to God. Abdul-Baha with his words of truth and servitude holds the keys that can unlock all these doors. We are going back to San Francisco and carry, if we can, something of the wonderful spiritual wave that has swept this convention. We hope to send back next month a substantial pledge.
(Mrs. Cooper also spoke of the splendid spread of the Bahai teachings in California.)
Mrs. Claudia Coles: When I looked this morning, in my bag of tablets, with a big desire to give something to somebody I found these words of Abdul-Baha uttered in Europe in 1912, a message to every soul upon the earth: "Come ye together. Concentrate your spiritual forces. Arise with much fervor and enthusiasm. Show ye a united effort. Let a new attraction take possession of your hearts. Let a new spirit sweep over your temples, so that the fire of the love of God which is enkindled in your
holy of holies may flame forth and set up a spiritual conflagration in the whole of the world. You must not rest day or night until you have breathed into this body a new spirit and ignited a light in this lamp."
Many of us, like Paul on the road to Damascus, have seen a great light. When I first heard of the Mashrak-el-Azkar I prayed to God for prosperity that I might help build this glorious temple. Since then I have walked the way to Damascus. I have seen a new light. I have learned that the way is to pray for the prosperity of the whole world. I pray that this spiritual fire of God's Holy Spirit may go forth over the world burning away all human ignorance and limitations, that it may burn in us as in the apostles of old until we go forth with such spirituality that the material things vanish before our eyes, and we set men's hearts aflame with the fire which has descended upon us from heaven. Then shall we transmit to the people of our age that spirit of the new birth which shall of a truth build the Temple of the Lord.
Mr. Lunt: When Abdul-Baha was in America he spoke of various centers for the diffusion of the light of universal brotherhood and peace. One of those of which he spoke most often was Green Acre, Mrs. Fraser-Chamberlain will speak to us of the plans for spiritual conferences this summer at Green Acre.
Mrs. Fraser-Chamberlain: Green Acre has always been an open Forum for the free presentation of universal ideas. May it never be narrowed to any one cult or sect. We as Bahais must help to make it more and more universal and spiritually free until it finds the liberty of the sons of God.
Let me read you some of Abdul-Baha's words concerning Green Acre:
"In Green Acre you must concentrate your forces around the all-important fact—the investigation of reality. Expend all your thoughts on this, that the union of opinions and expressions may be obtained.
"If the circle of the activities of Green Acre be expanded so that each year the leaders of every religion and thought may associate with each other with perfect love and amity there will be good results.
"Personal ambitions must be thrown to the winds and all the available willpower directed toward the realization of the universal objects. If you outline such a practical, universal, all-inclusive program and then invite me I will come again to Green Acre."
Green Acre is the place to discuss a plan of such universal spiritual teaching. Let us come to Green Acre and do it this summer. As Abdul-Baha said in New York in 1912:
"I desire to make manifest among the friends of America a new light, that they may become a new people and that a new foundation shall be established, that concord and harmony may be realized, for the foundation of BAHA'O'LLAH is love.
"When you go to Green Acre, you must have infinite love or each other, each one preferring the other before himself. The people must be so attracted to you that they will exclaim, 'What happiness exists among you!'; that the people may see in your faces, the lights of the Kingdom; that the people may wonder at it all, and will turn to inquire the cause of your happiness. You must give the message through action and deed, not alone through word. Word must be coupled with deed. You must love your friends better than yourself—yes, be willing to sacrifice yourselves.
"The Cause of BAHA'O'LLAH has not yet appeared in this country.
"I desire that you be ready to sacrifice everything for one another, even life itself; then, I will know that the Cause of BAHA'O'LLAH has been established.
"I will pray for you, that you may become the cause of raising the lights of God. May everyone point to you and ask, 'Why are these people so happy?'
"I want you in Green Acre to be happy, to laugh, smile and rejoice, that all may be made happy by you.
"I will pray for you."
Mr. Ober: Abdul-Baha expects us as a convention here assembled representing forty-five to fifty of the assemblies of this country, to do definite things. And should not we now undertake to raise this money to lay the foundation of the Temple by November 12, 1917? We are the people to raise it. By depending upon spiritual power we could raise two millions. If we counted it important enough to sacrifice two years or the sake of bringing a wonderful bestowal to humanity we could do it with ease. Therefore I move that we who are here assembled hereby dedicate ourselves to raise by a great universal pledge the required $200,000 so that it may be ready for use by November 12, 1917, to lay the foundation of the Temple of the Covenant.
The motion was seconded by Mrs. Rice-Wray and carried.
Mrs. Greenleaf: As I have listened, my thoughts have crystallized themselves into three sentences. The first is, "Lift up thy heart with delight that thou mayest be fitted to meet me and to mirror forth my beauty" (the voice of God speaking in the Hidden Words.) The second is what Abdul-Baha said to Isabel Fraser: Attainment is not through renunciation but through radiant acquiescence. The third is the word "sacrifice." We use the great word and have heard much about the "mystery of sacrifice." Now what is the mystery of sacrifice? The mystery of sacrifice is that there is no sacrifice.
Mrs. Rice-Wray: We must have faith, collective and individual. We must make our pledges as a whole and as an individual. I am going to pledge $1,000.00."
Mrs. Herrick pledged $500,00.
Last year's board of directors for the Bahai Temple Unity were re-elected.
A motion of brotherly fellowship with the Esperantists was made and carried.
Delegates were appointed to represent the Bahai Temple Unity at the coming meeting of the League to Enforce Peace.
M. Eshte'al-Ebn Kalanter then chanted a supplication, in Persian, a prayer given to Mirza Abul Fazl by BAHA'O'LLAH just before he ascended to the glorious concourse.
And thus the session was closed.
