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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. IX Kowl 1, 74 (November 23, 1918) No. 14
"Now is the time that the Teachings of His Highness BAHA'O'LLAH be promulgated in that Continent"
FIRST TABLET REVEALED FOR AMERICAN BAHAIS SINCE THE OPENING OF THE DOORS OF THE HOLY LAND.
To the maid-servants of the Merciful, Mrs. Helen S. Goodall and Mrs. Ella G. Cooper, San Francisco, California—Upon them be BAHA'O'LLAH-EL-ABHA!
HE IS GOD!
O ye two blessed, believing souls!
It is now some years that correspondence was interrupted and communication discontinued. Outwardly there has been no news, no letter and no greeting, but the ideal relations have been strong and unshakable.
From the rose-garden of the hearts of the friends we inhaled sweet and perfuming fragrances. This was indeed conducive to the consolation of the souls.
Now, praise be to God, the road of correspondence is already wide open and ere long the means of meeting will become available. Therefore, I engage myself in writing this epistle, addressing all the friends and the maid-servants of the Merciful who are absent, though present spiritually.
All that has been explicitly recorded and embodied in the tablets of His Highness BAHA'O'LLAH more than fifty years ago, are in these days revealed and unfolded. Read those tablets, especially the Epistle of the Temple (Surat'ul Hykl) and the tablets to the kings and rulers of the earth!
Consider ye! What greater miracle is there than this!
Not a single individual could conceive that BAHA'O'LLAH addressed on that day, kings and emperors whose fame had filled all the regions and who had raised themselves to the utmost height of autocracy, predicting in an unmistakable and clear tone the events and happenings of these days. Notwithstanding this the people are not awakened!
In brief, now is the time that the teachings of His Highness BAHA'O'LLAH be promulgated in that continent, so that all the inhabitants may become ready for the establishment of universal peace, the flag of the oneness of the world of humanity be unfurled and all the nations and tribes may obtain tranquillity and composure under the shade of the tabernacle of unity.
Upon ye be greeting and Baha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
LETTER ACCOMPANYING ABOVE TABLET
Tomb of BAHA'O'LLAH,
Bahje, Acca, Palestine,
October 31st, 1918.
To Mrs. Helen S. Goodall and Mrs. Ella G. Cooper, care of Mr. Joseph H. Hannen, Washington, D. C.
My two dear sisters in the Cause!
Just as the 23rd of September last was a marked day in the history of Haifa, in that the British forces overcame the Turks and freed the people, so the 31st of October will be a marked day in the history of Bahje, because on this day at noon hostilities ceased between the victorious and vanquished parties. Soon peace shall be established between England and what remains of the once great empire of the Turks—an insignificant spot compared with its former size and power, a petty principality indeed.
We hear also that Germany and Austria-Hungary are ready and willing to accept the protocols of the Allies for an armistice, so that altogether we are approaching the finale of this universal slaughter. Significant still is the fact that this afternoon, just an hour before the receipt of the above cheering news, Abdul-Baha dictated a Tablet for you. In a separate envelope I am mailing to you its original and translation, but in order to be sure that you will receive it, I copy the same herein. I may note in passing that this is the very first Tablet that goes to the United States.
Please give my sincere greeting to all the dear friends and let us hear from you as soon as possible. I am your sincere brother
Ahmad Sohrab.
Tablets revealed by Abdul-Baha in the winter of 1916-17, but just received in America.
TABLET TO MR. VAIL.
(Dated Haifa, Syria, December 27, 1916. Mailed on that date but returned to Haifa from Constantinople, and remailed October 9, 1918.)
To Mr. Albert Vail.
O thou heavenly youth! O thou herald of the Kingdom of God!
Thy letter was received. Thou hast written that the light of the Islamic world and the Holy Land is being spread in the West. This news imparts happiness to the hearts of the unitarians that, praise be to God, the reality of the Holy Manifestations is becoming manifest and evident. The divine outpourings are like unto the sun. The sun has many houses, different dawning-places. Whosoever loves the vision of the sun, his eyes will become illumined through its rays, no matter from what dawning-place it may arise.
Thou hast written regarding the program of the Green Acre Conferences in the past summer, that the believers were in the utmost attraction and from all parts the guests hastened to that spot saying that such radiant meetings had not been brought about in any of the former ages, the members of which associated with each other with perfect love and affinity. This was a most auspicious glad tidings to the unitarians. Wherever the blessed souls gather together the Beloved of that meeting is the love of God and the utmost joy and happiness is obtained. Should Green Acre follow firmly in this path and continue the annual holding of its impartial, universal Conferences, there is no doubt that that region will become illumined with the light of unity.
Praise be to God, that Dr. ___ rent asunder the veil of imagination and became enlightened with the effulgence of Unity. Mr. Urban Ledoux became lordly, heavenly and became instrumental in releasing Miss Farmer from that prison. Convey to him on my behalf the utmost kindness. Gladden thou the hearts of Mrs. ___ and Miss ___ with the divine favors and promise them the gain of a new confirmation. Say to Mr. ___, the Indian: "Render thou thanks unto the Lord, for the heart and the soul became luminous with the light of Guidance and in that gathering thou didst become enkindled like unto a candle and thou art realizing the value of the spiritual fraternity." Announce my greeting to Mr. Randall and say: "The love of the Word of God is the magnet of heavenly glory and beauty. I hope that thou mayst become a center for the emanation of the lights of love and a dawning-place of the sign of unity." Say to Miss Juliet Thompson: "Praise be to God, that in the midst of the whirling tempest of test thou didst remain firm and steadfast and like unto the pure gold in the fire of ordeal thou didst unveil thy happy and confident face." Give thou the glad tidings of the spiritual confirmation to Miss Martha Root and say: "During thy travel around the world the assistance of the Holy Spirit followed thee at all times; for this reason thou didst become able to fulfill its duties." Mr. Wilhelm, my son of the Kingdom, verily, verily, I say unto you, on his head he has a crown of everlasting glory and dignity with the utmost beauty and perfection. Convey on my behalf longing greetings to M. Eshte'al Ebn Kalanter. I am pleased with his lectures delivered with eloquence and fluency. Day and night I remember Mr. Hall and do not forget the days that I
(Continued on page 164)
STAR OF THE WEST
PUBLISHED NINETEEN TIMES A YEAR
By the BAHAI NEWS SERVICE, 515 South Dearborn Street, Chicago, Ill., U. S. A.
Entered as second-class matter April 9, 1911, at the post office at Chicago, Illinois, under the Act of March 3, 1879.
Editorial Staff: ALBERT R. WINDUST — GERTRUDE BUIKEMA — DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI
Honorary Member—MIRZA AHMAD SOHRAB
Terms: $1.50 per year; 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. IX
No. 14
ALLAH'O'ABHA!
The unparalleled demonstration upon the day the armistice terms of the world war were signed, is proof positive that mankind loves peace.
History will record that day, that hour.
According to the old reckoning it was the eleventh month, the eleventh day, the eleventh hour. [See reproduction of newspaper of that date on opposite page] And the "eleventh hour," according to tradition, is a fateful hour.
To the Bahais, however, this event had happy significance, for within the same twenty-four hours—November twelfth—was celebrated the one-hundred-and-first anniversary of the Birthday of BAHA'O'LLAH, the "Prince of Peace."
This issue of the STAR OF THE WEST was ready for press when a telegram from Mrs. Goodall, of San Francisco, informed us that the first Tablet revealed for the Bahais of America since the opening of the doors of communication, was on its way, and requested us to hold the issue for its arrival. We were glad to do this knowing all the friends were anxiously awaiting some word from Abdul-Baha.
The following editorial by Mr. Albert Vail voices the spirit of the hour. Many of the Bahais may not know that he has given up his position as minister of a church in Urbana, Ill., and moved to Chicago, where he is devoting his time to the Cause, teaching and traveling.
The Editors.
Editorial—The Dawn of the Most Great Peace.
BY ALBERT VAIL
THE greatest war in recorded human history is ending. The greatest war in all the ages is just beginning. The war with guns and shells is almost over. The universal war against the forces of darkness, of greed, of prejudice, of materialism has just begun. It is the war for universal brotherhood and justice,
the League of Nations and the Most Great Peace. Now is the time, to use the words of President Wilson, for humanity to "rise to the clear heights of (God's) own justice and mercy."
We, the friends of God in many lands, if our minds be fortified with the universal principles of BAHA'O'LLAH and Abdul-Baha, if our "feet be firm," our "spirits' rejoiced", our "secret thoughts pure," our breasts aglow with love may become the angels of the world's reconstruction.
--PHOTOGRAPH-- Reproduction of portion of page from Chicago Tribune, November 11, 1918
"Now is the time; now is the accepted time" to arise "with superhuman energy" and declare the glad tidings of the coming of the Prince of Peace and the shining pathway to the universal City of God among the nations.
Abdul-Baha, is calling to us, "O my soldiers, my beloved soldiers! Forward, forward! Have no fear of defeat; do not have failing hearts. Our supreme commander is BAHA'O'LLAH. From the heights of glory he is directing this dramatic engagement. He commands us. Rush forward! Rush forward!" "Our swords are the words of love and life. Our armaments the invisible armaments of heaven." "Show the force of your arms. Ye shall scatter the forces of ignorance." "Your war is the cause of the illumination of all mankind." "Your efforts should be crowned with the diadem of eternal peace and brotherhood."
The first step in this sublime campaign
is to pray for illumination, radiance, conquering glory of mind and fire of love in the crystal of our hearts so that we may become the real soldiers of the most great reconstruction. In prayer if we concentrate our minds upon the Glory of God shining in the Center of the Covenant and if we make our minds like lenses pure of self, we can then turn the focusing power of our purified spirit upon the discord of the world. If we focus the holy rays of His love shining through our purified hearts
upon the world's selfishness and materialism, who can compute the result! It may change many, many hearts from stone into love for the power of the Holy Spirit, shining through dedicated disciples, is irresistible.
Now is the time to pray that at the approaching peace conference the delegates of the many nations may be inspired with God's own love and wisdom and build quickly the foundation of His Most Great Peace. How beautiful if all the friends of God in all lands and races could pray morning and evening for the divine illumination of this, the greatest peace conference in human history, pray that they may establish in love and justice the foundation of international confederation and abiding peace.
The second step in the divine campaign is for each one who would be a soldier of God in this, the most crucial moment of history, to go forth, if the Holy Spirit confirms him, and proclaim with resonant voice, glowing enthusiasm, luminous logic and blazing heart the most great glad tidings of the coming of the Lord to restore His broken nations and wipe away every tear from their eyes.
Two years ago the divine Master sent five Tablets to America calling his "beloved soldiers" to rise and deliver the message of the oneness of humanity, the new spiritual democracy, the Kingdom of God among the nations in every state, province, city and village of this vast American continent. Go yourself, he said, if you can, into the deserts of materialism and agnosticism and plant the seeds of eternal life. If you cannot go send or help send someone in your stead.
Let every one join the great campaign for the building of the city that hath the foundations whose master-builders and architects are God and His holy Manifestations. "Now is the time; now is the accepted time" to fulfill the great teaching Tablets and illumine the entire continent with the glory of the Prince of Peace, of that city that "hath no need of the light of the sun neither of the moon to shine upon it, for the Glory of God did lighten it."
The spiritual attitude of the friends of God in the next few years will save the world. "I charge you all that each one of you," says Abdul-Baha, "concentrate all the thoughts of your heart upon love and unity. When a thought of war comes oppose it by a stronger thought of peace. A thought of hatred must be destroyed by a more powerful thought of love. . . . So may all the savagery of man disappear by the mercy of God working through the pure in heart and the sincere of soul.
"Do not think the peace of the world an ideal impossible to attain. Nothing is impossible to the divine benevolence of God.
"If you desire with all your heart friendship with every race on earth, your thought, spiritual and positive, will spread; it will become the desire of others growing stronger and stronger until it reaches the minds of all men.
"Do not despair; work steadily. Sincerity and love will conquer hate. How many seemingly impossible events are coming to pass in these days! Set your faces steadily towards the Light of the World. Show love to all. 'Love is the breath of the Holy Spirit in the heart of man.' Take courage. God never forsakes His children who strive and work and pray. Let your hearts be filled with the strenuous desire that tranquillity and harmony may encircle all this warring world. So will success crown your efforts. And with the universal brotherhood will come the Kingdom of God in peace and good-will."
May we, God's little children be pure and sanctified and devoted enough to sacrifice ourselves for the Most Great Peace until it covers the world as the waters cover the sea.
Tablets calling Bahais of the United States and Canada to diffuse the fragrances of the Kingdom throughout America
RECEIVED TWO YEARS AGO
[Reprinted from STAR OF THE WEST, No. 10, Vol. VII]
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 maidservants 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 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
(Continued on page 166)
Teach the Cause of God—The Most Important Work
A compilation of the Words of Abdul-Baha from Talks and Tablets—By Albert Vail
TEACH THE CAUSE OF GOD
Now the believers must engage their time in teaching the Cause of God and in the meetings no other discussion should be carried on save the Cause of God. The members of the Bahai assemblies must be infinitely kind towards each other and all their deliberations must be concerning the Kingdom of Abha. Promiscuous discussions must be discountenanced, for these things will become conducive to the lukewarmness and apathy of those who are present. The candles of all the meetings must be the mention of God, the propagation of the Cause of God, the exposition of divine proofs and the elucidation of the principles of His Holiness BAHA'O'LLAH. When this condition is obtained, the meeting will become heavenly, celestial, godlike and the means of the guidance of the erring ones. It will yield most great results. . . . .
(From Diary of Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, August 4, 1914.)
THE MOST IMPORTANT WORK
All the meetings must be for the teaching of the Cause and spreading the message and suffering the souls to enter the Kingdom of BAHA'O'LLAH. Look at me. All my thoughts are centered around the proclamation of the Kingdom. I have a lamp in my hands, searching throughout lands and seas to find souls who can become the heralds of the Cause, who can raise their voices in meetings and assemblages, who can become the defenders of the Cause. Day and night I am engaged in this work. Any other deliberation in the meetings is futile and fruitless. Convey the message. Attract the hearts. Sow the seeds! Teach the Cause to those who do not know. . . . When the most important work is before our sight we must let go the important one.
If a meeting or spiritual assembly has any other occupation, the time is spent in futility. All the deliberations, all the consultations, all the talks and addresses must revolve around one focal centre and that is: Teach the Cause! Teach! Teach! Convey the message! Awake souls! Now is the time of laying the foundation. Now must we gather brick, stone, iron, wood and other building materials. Now is not the time of decoration. We must strive day and night and think and work. What can I say that may be effective. What can I do that may bring results? What can I write that may bring forth fruits? Nothing else will be useful today. The interests of such a glorious cause will not advance without our undivided attention. While we are carrying that load, we cannot carry any other load.
(From Diary of Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, January 15 and 16, 1913.)
THE WORLD ILLUMINATING SUN—THE PROMOTION OF THE CAUSE OF GOD
To a Persian believer in Teheran he (Abdul-Baha) says: "Thou has longed for the power of teaching the Religion of God. This desire is the ultimate hope of the sincere ones. Unquestionably, a wise man strives to attain to the highest and greatest object in the world of creation. Today the world-illuminating Sun is the matter of the promotion of the Cause of God. Whosoever is assisted in this, he is favored at the Threshold of the Almighty. Therefore, do thou not behold thine own capacity and ability; nay, rather, during the hour that thou art teaching the Cause of God, turn thy face toward the
Kingdom of Abha, beg for Divine Confirmations and with the utmost confidence and power open thy tongue and speak out boldly all that with which thy heart is inspired.. . . "
(From Diary of Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, August 16, 1914.)
CRY OUT THE MESSAGE OF THE KINGDOM
Today we are standing before the illimitable sea; let us not deprive ourselves. Let us heroically dive into the depths of the great ocean and gather the scintillating pearls of wisdom. Thou must teach the Cause and spread the Message. When thou art asked to talk at a meeting, turn thy heart to BAHA'O'LLAH, begging confirmation from Him, and then speak; He will inspire you. Cry out the message of the Kingdom; do not be silent; be not quiet; teach the Cause.
(From Diary of Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, January 19, 1913. Words of Abdul-Baha to a man who had become a Bahai since meeting him the previous year.)
THE BRILLIANT STARS OF THE EARLY DAWN
Pointing to the planet Venus which was shining in the horizon like a blazing torch, Abdul-Baha said, "Do you see that brilliant star?" "Yes, Master," I answered, "it is most luminous." He added, "I declare, by BAHA'O'LLAH, that it is my fondest hope to see each one of the believers of God shining like unto this star. I wish for them this illumination. I desire for them this luminosity, so that they may rejoice the hearts and spiritualize the souls; but, alas! how often they let the cloud of self and ego becloud the horizon and thus prevent the stars of their divine verities from shining." Looking intently at the star, he continued: "This star shines clearest at the early dawn; so, at this dawn of the Sun of Reality, the stars of our lives must glisten and gleam in the darkness of the world."
(From Diary of Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, December 8, 1918.)
BECOME LAMPS OF THE TRUE ONE
As to human souls, unless they acquire the lights they are unable to shine upon other individuals. But when a man arises to expound the arguments of God and invite people to enter into the Religion of God, and when he utters those arguments and advances consummate proofs concerning the appearance of the Great Kingdom—then intense love shall become manifest in his heart. This love causes the development of his spirit by the Grace of the Beneficent Lord. Consider the bearer who brought the garment of Joseph to Jacob; that messenger was the bearer of the garment, but he could not inhale the fragrance of Joseph. But Jacob, whose nostrils were pure, inhaled the fragrances of Joseph from a long distance.
It may be that a man can guide a blessed soul unto the Kingdom of God while he himself is deprived thereof. Consider Judas Iscariot; he invited others while he himself was deprived of the Kingdom of God. But in spiritual training it is impossible for an imperfect one to perfect another, or train another, unless he first conquer his own self and desire, and become purified from selfish iniquities in order to become capable of Merciful Splendors. When he acquires divine Bounties, then he is able to train another. An ignorant man has no power to teach a seeker, and a poor man has no power to succor a needy one. Consequently be thou assured that verily man needs to wish for Eternal Life and then confer the same upon another. The human perfections and Merciful Bounties are that Peace which was promised and spoken of by Christ.
Then know thou verily that the people
of Bahá must needs be distinguished from others in all respects, until they become the lamps of the True One among the creatures, and the stars of Guidance shining from the Supreme Concourse.
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Tablet to Mrs. Kate Ives, translated by M. Eshte'al Ebn Kalanter, October, 1904, Eliot, Maine.)
THE GREATEST OF THE GIFTS OF GOD
Through Mr. Thornton Chase, Thahbet—Upon him be BAHA'O'LLAH!—to the maid-servant of God, Mrs. Cecilia Harrison.
O thou maid-servant of the Kingdom!
Thy service in the Kingdom of God is known and thy troubles in serving the Cause of God are evident and apparent.
This is the greatest of the gifts of God, that in such a blessed age and holy century thou shouldst raise thy voice in the Kingdom of God and invite people to the holy mountain of the Lord of Hosts.
Soon thou shalt see that on account of the bounties of the Kingdom thou didst become the cause of guidance to others, and by the grace of the Lord Almighty thou hast surpassed the queens of the world. Thou shalt see eternal honor; thou shalt find everlasting life; thou shalt see the world illumined with the light of great guidance.
O dear maid-servant of God!
All the people, day and night, are working and striving and have no leisure at all; but in the end they will be disappointed and deprived; the effect of their efforts will be obliterated, and with the utmost loss and chagrin they depart from this world and do not receive any value for this life. But, on the other hand, the sons and daughters of the Kingdom will ultimately become burning lights and will be as shining stars in the horizon of eternal honor. Therefore, thank thou God that thou didst arrive at this station.
Upon thee be Baha-el-Abha!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translated by Mirza S. M. Raffie, Chicago, February 6, 1909.)
WITH A RESOUNDING VOICE TEACH THE CAUSE
O thou herald of the Kingdom of God!
Thy letter was received. A thousand times, Bravo! for thy high magnanimity and exalted aim! Trusting in God and while turning thy face toward the Kingdom of Abha, unfurl thou the Divine Flag in Tokyo and cry at the top of thy voice: "O ye people! The Sun of Reality hath appeared and flooded all the regions with its glorious Lights; it has upraised the Standard of the Oneness of the World of Humanity and summoned all mankind to the refulgent Truth. The cloud of mercy is pouring; the zephyr of providence is waiting and the world of humanity is being stirred and moved. The Divine Spirit is conferring Eternal Life, the heavenly lights are illumining the hearts; the table of the sustenance of the Kingdom is spread and is adorned with all kinds of foods and victuals! O ye concourse of men! Awake! Awake! Become mindful! Become mindful! Open ye the seeing eyes, unstop the hearing ears. Hark! Hark! The soft notes of heavenly music are streaming down, ravishing the ears of the people of spiritual discernment. Ere long this transcendent Light will wholly enlighten the East and the West."
In short, with a resounding voice, with a miraculous power and with the magnetism of the Love of God, teach them the Cause of God, and rest thou assured that the Holy Spirit shall confirm thee. . .
(From Tablet to one of the sincere Bahais in Japan; Diary of Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, August 9, 1914.)
Tablets revealed by Abdul-Baha in the winter of 1916-17—Continued
(Continued from page 155)
spent with him. This personage has rendered many services to this Cause. The value of his services must be appreciated. Mrs. True is one of the first maid-servants of the Kingdom of God. She is well known to and praised by the believers and the maid-servants of the Merciful both in the East and in the West. She has displayed and is displaying the utmost effort in the construction of the Mashrekol-azkar. I am most pleased with her. And I beg of God that she may become assisted to bring this service to an end. Likewise convey on my behalf to each and all the believers who have gathered together in Green Acre my love, kindness and spiritual greeting.
As to thee, O thou herald of the Kingdom! Rest thou assured. The favors and bounties of the Merciful One are all-encircling and likewise my love for thee is perfect. Every night from the divine Threshold I beg for thee confirmation and assistance, so that on the continent of America thou mayst become a brilliant proof, a shining light and a beaming star. Praise be to God, that in the publication and circulation of the STAR OF THE WEST thou art displaying the utmost effort.
Upon thee be greeting and praise!
ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Signed, on the English translation, in Persian and English.)
TABLET TO MR. WILHELM
Haifa, Syria,
December 27, 1916.
Mr. Roy C. Wilhelm.
O thou my heavenly son!
Several letters and cards have been received from thee, and each one indicated thy firmness and steadfastness in the love of God. Praise be to God, that that illumined youth is like unto an enkindled candle and hast dedicated thy life in the service of the Kingdom of God, and day by day thou art adding to thy illumination and spirituality.
Thou hast written about the conferences of Green Acre. I became very happy that a number of sweet-singing birds were engaged by day and by night in the praise of His Highness the Almighty. Should, in the coming year also, a great conference he held in that meadow, a heavenly festival be organized with the utmost love and affinity and the jubilee of the oneness of the world of humanity be arranged, there is no doubt that each soul will become like a candle in that gathering and such joy and happiness will be unveiled that the continent of America will be moved and stirred. Day and night, with the utmost supplication and entreaty, I beseech and implore at the Threshold of divine servitude, and beg for those friends confirmation and assistance and read in your behalf this blessed verse of the Koran. He says: "The believing souls who are in the utmost sincerity and steadfastness will undoubtedly become confirmed and assisted." Now, praise be to God, that you are the manifestors of divine aid and are being helped to render services to the Kingdom of the Merciful.
You have given the glad news that the foundation of the Mashrekol-azkar will be laid next year. This is also my hope that this Temple may become fully constructed and the holy verse of the Koran, "We have given thee a great victory," become realized. For the building of this Temple is a most great triumph.
Convey to all the friends longing greetings. Praise be to God, we are all safe and guarded under the protection and preservation of God.
Upon thee be greeting and praise!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
TABLET TO MRS. TRUE
(Tablet revealed by Abdul-Baha, and signed by him, for Mrs. Corinne True. Sent from Haifa, Syria, through Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, January 9, 1917, but returned to him owing to suspension of mail service in Syria during the war, and, with the opening of the mail service, was received in Chicago November 22, 1918.)
O thou beloved spiritual daughter!
Thy postal card of August 26, 1916, was received and its contents indicated that the believers of Detroit, Grand Rapids, Muskegon, Chicago and Fruitport have gathered together and have spent their time with perfect love, unity and joy.
In whatever place the believers of God hold a meeting, peruse the heavenly teachings and associate with each other with the utmost amity, affection and harmony, there is no doubt whatsoever that the Holy Spirit will become the Candle of that gathering; and the blessed souls participating in that meeting will feel spontaneously the confirmations of the Holy Spirit. Therefore, I became most happy over this news contained in thy card. With infinite kindness convey my longing and greeting to the believers of all these cities. I desire for all of them life eternal; beg for them heavenly outpourings, and seek for each the effulgences of the Sun of Reality.
I hope that in this year [1917] the solid and firm foundation of Mashrekol-azkar be laid. In reality, thou art displaying great effort. Praise be to God, that through thy endeavor and magnanimity useful results were produced. I hope the believers of God will become able to pay the $200,000.00 which they have pledged themselves to contribute. God says in the Koran: "Those who believe in God and in the Day of Judgment will become able to build the mosques of God." In other words: Divine Temples are built by holy souls who believe in God and in the Kingdom of God. I hope that the American believers may soon become able to accomplish this work.
Upon thee be greeting and praise!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
(Translation of Mirza Ahmad Sohrab.)
TABLET TO MR. HANNEN
(Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, Haifa, Syria, December 26, 1916. Received at Washington, D. C., November 20, 1918.)
To Joseph H. Hannen, Washington, D. C.
O thou who art firm in the Covenant!
Truly I say, thou art the servant of the Kingdom of God! And thou hast no other intention and aim save the promotion of the Word of God and the diffusion of the fragrances of God. The call of approbation and "Well done" descends from the Unknown World and the voice of "Happy is thy condition! Happy is thy condition!" reaches the ears of the spiritual ones without cessation. From the time that I have hastened from America to the East thou hast spent thy time in the service of the Cause. I bear testimony to this. Up to this time the divine confirmations and spiritual aids have descended upon thee uninterruptedly, and in the future you will be encircled with the same, more than before. Rest thou assured. Although we are as the weak ants, yet praise be to God, the "Great Power" is our helper; therefore with perfect strength arise thou in the service of the Cause and convey on my behalf respectful greeting to all the believers of God and the maid-servants of the Merciful.
I hope that in the next year the foundations of the Mashrekol-azkar be laid and in the United States the dome of this heavenly building will be so raised that
it may be viewed from long distances and the melody of thanksgiving and glorification ascend to the Kingdom of Glory. In the past the Eastern believers have sent a contribution, and at the present time international communication is at a standstill and Persia is ruined; otherwise they would have made still another effort and collected another contribution. I hope that the Mashrekol-azkar in Chicago may become the second Temple of God in the world of humanity, and, like the Mashrekol-azkar of Ishkabad, it may become the means of the promotion of the Cause.
Convey on my behalf infinite kindness to thy respected wife; likewise the friends and the maid-servants of the Merciful.
Upon thee be greeting and praise!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Tablets calling Bahais of the United States and Canada—Continued
(Continued from page 160)
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 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.)
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.)
THREE TABLETS OF BAHA'O'LLAH—A new edition of the Tablet of the Branch. the Kitab-el-Ahd, and the Lawh-el-Akdas. Bound in paper. 32 pages and cover. Price 20 cents. Address BAHAI PUBLISHING SOCIETY, 4319 Lake Park Avenue, Chicago.
