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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. VIII Sultan 1, 73 (January 19, 1918) No. 17
"Today the penetrative power in the heart of the world is the power of the Covenant"
JESUS CHRIST said only a few words to Peter, telling him that upon that rock he would build his church. He left no written instruction or will, and yet because it was the Word of God, it took root, and millions have obeyed it. And now, when the Covenant has been written and established, how can any one be foolish enough to imagine that they can resist it? No, the ensign of the Covenant has reached to the supreme heights, and its authority will be spread over all the earth.
(Words of Abdul-Baha: Prayers, Instructions, Miscellany gathered by American visitors to Acca in 1900.)
Moses said that after him should come Joshua. The Christ said, addressing Peter "Thou art the rock and I will build my temple upon this rock." Jesus spoke this to Peter by word of mouth. The Blessed Perfection* did not appoint his successor by statement of tongue, but in the Kitab-el-Ah'd (Book of the Covenant), he wrote it with his own hand, commanding therein that all the branches and relations should look toward the Center of the Covenant. Also in the Kitab-el-Akdas revealed thirty years before his ascension, it is mentioned in two places. During these thirty years these commands of the Blessed Perfection were known and clearly understood by all. Again in a tablet he refers specifically
*Baha'o'llah.
to this, naming one who would violate his commands.
(Words of Abdul-Baha: Ten Days in the Light of Acca, p. 62.)
Real obedience and real sacrifice are identical—absolute readiness to follow and perform whatever you are called upon to do in the Cause of God. When you really love God you will be willing to sacrifice everything and submit yourself entirely to his will. Consecrate yourself wholly to him. His will is everything, his service paramount. If they were to burn me, kill or torture me—no matter what affliction might descend upon me, I would welcome it as one welcomes pleasure. These are precious moments in Acca; so precious we wish that they might never end. . . . After your return (to America) the believers will be in a much stronger and better condition. But this cannot be unless they see and know the will and desire of God. I have no wish but his will. His will is Abdul-Baha. If each human creature had his own will and way, spiritual development would be impossible. The soldiers in an army are under the will and control of one commander; therefore they are united and can press on to victory. If each soldier carried out his own inclination and desire there would be just that many different intentions and nothing would be accomplished.
One thousand soldiers under the control of a commander can overthrow and defeat any number of disorganized troops. Without a directing will all would be conquered and defeated.
Be sure, therefore, that if the believers are not united in the will of God they will not be assisted. This is especially necessary because all of them are under the tent of the Covenant in this revelation. There is strength only in unity. Under one tent there is union and harmony. The Covenant of God in this day of manifestation is a lifeboat and ark of salvation. All true followers of the Blessed Perfection are sheltered and protected in this ark. Whoever leaves it, trusting in his own will and strength, will drown and be destroyed. For the Blessed Perfection left no possibility for discord, disagreement and dissension. The Covenant is like the sea and the believers as the fishes in the sea. If a fish leaves the water it cannot live. There is nothing to equal, nothing so effective as the Covenant of God to bring about and continue unity. Christ said to Peter "Thou art my rock upon which I will build my church." Therefore, all the disciples followed Peter and there was no dissension among them. The Blessed Perfection wrote a Testament or Covenant with his own pen so that no one who obeys it will deny or disobey God. The point is expressed very clearly in the Covenant be revealed. Therefore there can be no possibility, no position of disobedience. He knew that Mohammed-Ali would disobey the Covenant. By violating the Covenant he has become a fallen branch. The Covenant was also written by Mohammed-Ali's own hand from dictation of the Blessed Perfection who knew he would disobey. What cause of union could be greater than the Covenant God has revealed through his Manifestation, Baha'o'llah? After the departure of Baha'o'llah the beautiful blossoms upon the Tree of Life were destroyed by Mohammed-Ali and must now be grown again by the love of Abdul-Baha. The work and mission of Abdul-Baha are very great. No one could express the grief which followed the turning away from the Covenant by Mohammed-Ali. We should be thankful that the Blessed Perfection, foreseeing this action, ordained a Center of the Covenant through which by allegiance and love we may protect and preserve the Cause of God.
(Words of Abdul-Baha: Ten Days in the Light of Acca, p. 48.)
Behold, the hand of him that betrayeth me is with me on the table. And truly the Son of Man goeth, as it was determined; but woe unto that man by whom he is betrayed!
(Words of Jesus: St. Luke 22:21, 22.)
Verily, I say unto you, That one of you shall betray me. . . . He it is to whom I shall give a sop, when I have dipped it. And when he had dipped the sop, he gave it to Judas Iscariot, the son of Simon. . . . Then said Jesus unto him, That thou doest, do quickly.
(Words of Jesus: St. John 13:21-27.)
Thy letter was received. According to the clear text of the Book of Akdas and the explicit contents of the Book of the Covenant, Abdul-Baha, is the interpreter of all the works and books of the Blessed Perfection, and not only of the Book of Akdas. This question is clear and evident to those who are informed of the writings and tablets (of Baha'o'llah). Were this not the case, every one would have given an interpretation according to his own inclination and considered his interpretation preferable to the interpretation of others—this would naturally lead to great differences. If some one interprets one verse of the verses of God, and his interpretation is
not approved by Abdul-Baha, it is not authoritative.
(Words of Abdul-Baha: Star of the West, Vol. 5, No. 9, p. 137.)
Praise be to God, that you have a blessed Assembly surnamed by the name of the Center of the Covenant! This is an evidence of your utmost firmness and steadfastness and a proof of your faith and assurance in the Blessed Perfection.
For this divine Covenant is an institution of the Lord. The Blessed Perfection, in all the tablets, books, epistles and supplications, has begged confirmation for and praised and commended those who are firm in this Covenant and Testament, and has asked the wrath of God and woe and desolation unto the violators.
For firmness in the Covenant will preserve the unity of the religion of God and the foundation of the religion of God will not be shaken.
According to the clear text of the Kitab-el-Akdas and other tablets, the Center of the Covenant is the remover of all difficulties, for he is the interpreter of the Book. Not one soul has the right to say one word of his own account, or to explain anything or to elucidate the text of the Book, whether in public or private. . . .
Convey the rare greetings of Abdul-Baha to all those who are firm in the Covenant. If all the believers and maidservants of the Merciful do proclaim their firmness in the Covenant, such steadfastness in the Covenant, like unto a magnet, will draw Abdul-Baha to those regions.
(Words of Abdul-Baha: Portion of Tablet revealed for San Francisco Bahai Assembly, during 1912.)
With the utmost resolution and constancy call the souls to the Kingdom of Abha and invite them to firmness and steadfastness in the Covenant and Testament. Read to them the translation of the Tablet of the Branch and speak with gentleness, moderation and loving-kindness, saying: "We have no other aim save the protection of the fortified fortress of the Cause of God. We must guard this fortified fortress from the attack of the thoughtless ones. Hence we must all turn our faces to the appointed Center in order that the Bahai unity be preserved; otherwise in one year the Bahais would be divided into a thousand sects. We entertain no other object except the safety of the Cause of God."
(Words of Abdul-Baha: Star of the West, Vol. 5, No. 12, p. 233.)
Abdul-Baha is the interpreter of the aims, intents, and purposes of the words of the Blessed Perfection, and is the interpreter of his own written words, and none can say that this or that is the intention conveyed therein save Abdul-Baha. The spirit of unity exists in the divine words, and one who interprets them in such wise as to create division and discord is indeed one who errs.
(Words of Abdul-Baha: Star of the West, Vol. 6, No. 6, p. 44.)
If any soul wishes to say a word, they should ask him: "Is this a word of your own or from the Center of the Covenant? If you have a certificate from the Center of the Covenant, show it. Where is the letter from him? Where is his signature?" If he can produce it, they will accept it. If he has not that in his hand, they say: "We cannot accept this because this is from you and returns to you. From the Blessed Perfection we have no commands to obey you, and the Blessed Perfection has revealed a Book
(Continued on page 227)
STAR OF THE WEST
PUBLISHED NINETEEN TIMES A YEAR
By the BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, 515 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, Ill., U. S. A.
Entered as second-class matter April 9, 1911, at the post office at Chicago, Illinois, under the Act of March 3, 1879.
Editorial Staff: ALBERT R. WINDUST — GERTRUDE BUIKEMA — DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI
Honorary Member: MIRZA AHMAD SOHRAB
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Make Money Orders payable to BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, P. O. Box 283, Chicago, Ill., U. S. A.
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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. VIII
No. 17
Prayer
(Translated by Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi, Chicago. This supplication was revealed at a time when in some parts of Persia the believers were awaking to an understanding of the importance of the Covenant.)
PRAISE be unto thee, O God, and glory be unto thee, O my Lord, for thou hast sent from among thy servants those whose consciences became clear: whose countenances were beautified; who flourished outwardly; became inwardly purified; whose faces became illumined; whose stars shone; whose hearts rejoiced; whose sorrows vanished; whose breasts dilated—when they heard the call of the Covenant.
They witnessed the signs of harmony; saw the light of dawn and responded to the Orb of the Horizons. Their faces radiated with the light of bounties and their tongues delighted in the mention of the Lord of great bestowals. They spoke with praise; were illumined with the light of guidance and became ignited with the blazing fire of the Tree of Sinai. They became firm in the Ancient Covenant; walked in the straight path; took hold of the mighty rope; turned to the manifest horizon and followed in the steps of the greatly refined. They gathered in the assembly of glory, in thy name, the Merciful, the Compassionate. They consulted concerning the mighty Testament; agreed upon the right decision and were confirmed with a new spirit. Their breasts were dilated through the reading of the mighty Covenant. They wrote the evident book which speaks of firmness and indicates steadfastness. They held fast to the strong and unbreakable support and grasped the hem of the Garment of Grandeur.
O Lord, illumine their faces in the Kingdom of Abha; incline their ears to the voice of commendation from the Supreme Concourse; make them great signs of thee; ordain for them the best of this world and the world to come; elevate their stations to the sublime canopy. Give them a truthful tongue among the people of the world and usher them into the paradise of thy meeting after they ascend to the Supreme Companion.
Verily, thou art the Omnipotent in whatsoever thou desirest and verily thou art the Pure Almighty.
—ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
"From all parts of the World, tribes of Jews are coming to the Holy Land"
WHEN the Sun of Reality shone forth from the horizon of sanctity it flooded the world with the rays of the oneness of thoughts, the oneness of opinions, the oneness of ideals and the oneness of truth so that mankind, in doctrines and articles of belief, might converge toward one common center; differences, contention and discord be entirely effaced from the world of humanity and the unique light which hath branched forth from the Sun of Reality might illumine all the hearts.
Abdul-Baha is the Center of the Covenant of God, the Branch which is subservient to the Tree. The essential object is the Tree, the foundation is the Tree and the universal reality is the Tree.
(Abdul-Baha: From Tablet to the American believers; translated by Mirza Sohrab, April 19, 1914.)
One of the great events which is to occur in the day of the manifestation of that incomparable Branch, is the hoisting of the standard of God among all nations; meaning that all the nations and tribes will come under the shadow of this divine Banner, which is no other than the lordly Branch itself, and will become a single nation. The antagonism of faiths and religions, the hostility of races and peoples, and the patriotic differences, will be eradicated from among them. All will become one religion, one faith, one race, and one single people, and will dwell in one native land, which is the terrestial globe. Universal peace and concord will be realized between all the nations. The incomparable Branch will gather together all Israel—signifying also that in this cycle the Jewish people who are scattered to the east and west, south and north, will be assembled together in the Holy Land.
Now see: these events did not take place in the Christian cycle, for the nations did not come under the one standard which is the divine Branch. But in this cycle of the Lord of Hosts all the nations and peoples will enter under the shadow of this flag. In the same way, Israel, scattered all over the world, was not reassembled in the Holy Land in the Christian cycle; but in the beginning of the cycle of Baha'o'llah this divine promise, as is clearly stated in all the books of the prophets, has begun to be manifest. You can see that from all parts of the world tribes of Jews are coming to the Holy Land; they live in villages and lands which they make their own, and day by day they are increasing to such an extent that all Palestine will become their home.
(Words of Abdul-Baha: Some Answered Questions, p. 75.)
Know ye of a certainty that the question of the gathering of the descendants of Abraham in Jerusalem is an inviolable fact; for that time of the fulfillment of all the promises which the Lord of Hosts gave them through the prophets of the people in the Taurat (Bible) hath dawned and the divine will is predestined to fulfill all the prophecies. Now day by day the signs thereof become apparent, its arguments obvious, its proof evident and its path visible.
From all parts and corners of the world the descendants of His Highness, the noble Friend (Abraham) are arriving in the Holy Land and are engaged in the cultivation and development of towns and villages. However, the divine standard is the ensign of the Covenant. It is the manifest assistor of the
children of Israel and the cause of their gathering and unending glory. This promise is already fulfilled in part and ere long will be fulfilled completely.
(Words of Abdul-Baha: To the sons of Agha Joseph, the Israelite of Hamadan; translated July 26, 1907.)
Mr. . . . . referred to a meeting (in Persia) when a Jew, a Christian, a Zoroastrian and a Mohammedan were present and remaining for the night, shared the same bed. Abdul-Baha said: "Consider what the power of the Covenant has done. It was an absolute impossibility for a Zoroastrian to unite with a Jew, a Seyed, and a Mullah and for these to unite with a Christian was an impossibility; but the power of the Covenant has even so gathered them that they are accounted as one spirit. Although the bodies are numerous, the spirit is one."
(From the notes of Kinney-Beede-Thompson visit to Acca, 1909.)
And he said: It is a light thing that thou shouldst be my servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved of Israel; I will also give thee for a light to the Gentiles, that thou mayest be my salvation unto the end of the earth. . . . Thus saith the Lord: In an acceptable time have I heard thee, and in a day of salvation have I helped thee; and I will preserve thee, and give thee for a Covenant of the people, to establish the earth, to cause to inherit the desolate heritages; that thou mayest say to the prisoners, Go forth; to them that are in darkness, Show yourselves, They shall feed in the ways, and their pastures shall be in all high places.
(Isaiah 49:6-9.)
Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect in whom my soul delighteth: I have put my spirit upon him; he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles. . . . . He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he hath set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law. . . . . I, the Lord, have called thee in righteousness, and will hold thine hand, and will keep thee, and give thee for a Covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; to open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and them that sit in darkness out of the prison house. I am the Lord; that is my name: and my glory will I not give to another, neither my praise to graven images. Behold the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare; before they spring forth I tell you of them. . . . . I will say to the north, Give up; and to the south, Keep not back: bring my sons from afar, and my daughters from the ends of the earth; even every one that is called by my name: for I have created him for my glory, I have formed him; yea, I have made him. . . . . Let all the nations be gathered together, and let the people be assembled; who among them can declare this, and show us former things? Let them bring forth their witnesses, that they may be justified: or let them hear, and say, It is truth. Ye are my witnesses, saith the Lord, and my servant whom I have chosen; that ye may know and believe me, and understand that I am he.
(Isaiah 42-43:1-9; 6-10.)
Regarding the rainbow,—this rainbow is the Covenant of God and the Testament of the Merciful One. The lights of the Kingdom and the heavenly illumination emanated from this rainbow. This rainbow is the sign of the removal of the wrath of God from all the people and the sign of prosperity, tranquillity, universal peace, the oneness of humanity, and the unity of the world of man.
(Words of Abdul-Baha: From a Tablet translated about 1907.)
"Today the penetrative power in the heart of the world is the power of the Covenant"
(Continued from page 223)
of the Covenant in which he has covenanted with us to obey a certain Center of the Covenant. He has not covenanted with us to obey you. Therefore this statement of yours is rejected. You will have to advance a proof. We are commanded to turn to one Center. We do not obey various centers. The Blessed Perfection has taken a Covenant with us and we are holding to this Covenant and Testament. We do not listen to such nonsense."
Perhaps people will arise who may speak words of their own and we are not commanded to obey them. This is not like the past dispensation, for His Holiness Christ did not appoint a Center; he did not say, "Obey the Center." Jesus said to his disciples: "But whom say ye that I am?" And Simon Peter answered and said, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the Living God, the Word of God." And His Holiness wished to make firm the faith of Peter, and he said, "Thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church"—which means that this faith of his was the correct faith. It was a sanction of the faith of Peter. He did not say that all should turn to him. He did not say, "He is the appointed Center of my Covenant." He did not say, "He is the Branch extended from my Ancient Root." He did not say, "O God! Render as dear all who serve Peter. O God! degrade anyone who is not obedient to him. O God! Verily shun him who is a violator of the Covenant. O God! Thou knowest that I love every one who is steadfast in the Covenant." In all Baha'o'llah's Books and Epistles this has been revealed. Therefore, the Bahai dispensation is distinguished. No one can cause any differences. After Christ there were various sects, there were various denominations, each one claiming to be the right one, and none of them had any written document from Christ—no proof from him. Therefore each claimed to be the right one, but Baha'o'llah, with his own pen, has written a Covenant and Testament in which he declares himself covenanting that the one who is the Center of the Covenant is the one to be turned to. Therefore you must thank God that Baha'o'llah has made the pathway straight. Everything he has illustrated and every door he has opened for you. There is no occasion for any hesitation on the part of any soul. The purpose of the Covenant was simply to ward off differences, so no one can say, "My opinion is the valid one." Any opinion expressed by the Center of the Covenant is correct, and there is no way for disobedience for anyone.
(Words of Abdul-Baha: Star of the West, Vol. 5, No. 13, p. 231.)
Thou hast written regarding the love and unity of the believers and their firmness in the Covenant. This is through the confirmation of the Kingdom of Abha which has attracted those souls and made them steadfast in the Covenant. Today the penetrative power in the heart of the world is the power of the Covenant. The more firm the believers are, the more they are confirmed.
(Words of Abdul-Baha: Extract from Tablet to American believers; translated by Mirza Sohrab, July 16, 1913.)
Firmness in the Covenant means obedience, so that no one may say this is my opinion. Nay, rather he must obey that which proceeds from the pen and tongue of the Covenant. I am Abdul-Baha. The crown of my head is the servitude of Baha'o'llah and the service of his believers.
(Words of Abdul-Baha: Extract from Tablet; translated March 4, 1913.)
As thou hast realized thy own shortcomings, rest thou assured that thou art firm in the Covenant and Testament, and in the love of the True One art steadfast and growing.
(Words of Abdul-Baha: Extract from Tablet revealed for an American believer; translated November 1, 1909.)
This is the first step in the path of God, but the distance of the way is great. I hope that thou mayest traverse that distance and reach the house of the object. That pathway is that of severance from the world-tie, reliance upon God, baptism through spirit and fire; namely, to attain the spirit of the knowledge of God, and conflagration with the fire of the love of God; trustworthiness, faithfulness and firmness in the Covenant, steadfastness in the cause of God, and service to the kingdom of peace which shall soon establish its tent in the center of the world.
(Words of Abdul-Baha: Tablet revealed for an American believer; received October 8, 1906.)
O thou daughter of the Kingdom! If thou desirest divine confirmation and assistance, so that the heavenly Cohorts may grant thee victory, remain thou firm and steadfast in the cause of God and be thou constant in the Covenant and Testament—thus like unto a solid structure thou mayest become established and unshakable throughout all eternity. Whenever a great object adheres to its own center, great results and signs will become apparent.
(Words of Abdul-Baha: From Diary of Mirza Sohrab, July 13, 1914.)
But the sincere servant of Baha'o'llah who is firm in the Covenant and steadfast in the Testament while surrounded by the most great sea of tests, threatened by the surging, rocking waves of persecutions and encircled by the whirlwinds of calumnies and backbitings, will blossom like unto a rose and break into joyous song and sweet melodies like unto the nightingale.
(Words of Abdul-Baha: From Diary of Mirza Sohrab, July 28, 1913.)
The words of love and unity have been more dwelt upon in the writings of Baha'o'llah than by any other prophet. In the Book of the Covenant it is noted most especially. In this tablet he says: "O people of the world! I hope you will hold to the principles which will uphold your station." The station of man is great if he be true to himself and live up to it. If the friends live up to the teachings of the two pages of the Covenant, it will be sufficient.
(Words of wife of Abdul-Baha: Flowers from Rose Garden of Acca, p. 31.)
O God! Assist me with the hosts of the Supreme Concourse and make me firm and steadfast in the Covenant and Testament. I am weak in the Covenant and the Testament, confer upon me strength; I am poor, bestow upon me wealth from the treasury of the Kingdom; I am ignorant, open before my face the doors of knowledge; I am dead, breathe into me the breath of life; I am dumb, grant me an eloquent tongue so that with a fluent expression I may raise the call of thy Kingdom and guide all to the firmness of thy Covenant. Thou art the Generous, the Giver, and the Mighty!
(Prayer revealed by Abdul-Baha: From notes of an American pilgrim to Abdul-Baha, while in Dublin, N. H., July 1912.)
