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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 Sultan 1, 74 (January 19, 1919) No. 17
Extracts from the Diary of Major Wellesly Tudor-Pole, Holy Land, 1918
Sent for publication to the STAR OF THE WEST through, and edited by, Claudia Stuart Coles, Washington, D. C.
Mount of Olives, Jerusalem,
November 16, 1918.
FROM my room in the great German Hospice on this Holy Hill, I have the most wonderful view that it has ever been my lot to gaze upon. There is a pillared arched balcony outside my windows which makes a superb frame for the picture.
In the foreground olive trees clothe the hill which slopes down toward a most fascinating middle distance, made up of rocky undulating desert plateaux. These lend themselves in some unexplained fashion to curiously beautiful sun and shadow effects, so that the view changes almost from minute to minute.
Beyond again lie the volcanic mountainous erections amongst which lie the (supposed) ruins of Sodom, while Gomorrah lies away to the west down the plain.
It is as if these hills had been "dancing together with joy" and in the midst of all the gayety and motion, they had become petrified suddenly without warning. They are fantastic yet beautiful, weird yet ever changing, although one never loses the feeling of eternal petrifaction, which is not only apparent, for it is a geological fact.
Beyond these crater-like erections, and far, far below them, lies the Dead Sea, green-blue, clear as crystal, reflecting the mountains of Moab which rise steeply from the water high up, until they form a skyline background for the whole picture.
Away to the left lies the Jordan valley, and one can trace the river wending its way northward like a blue ribbon among the foothills. But it is not the physical scenery that holds one spell bound, it is the atmosphere. It comes resistlessly up towards one until one is bathing in its strange magnetism.
Ancient majesty and strength flow out from the mountains of Moab, mystery rises from the waters of the Dead Sea, beauty flows forth and upwards from the Jordan river, tragedy and joy rise up together from the lonely solitudes of the desert, and the craters in the middle distance. All these seem to blend into one resistless wave of color and significance which sweeps up towards one through the olive groves to the Mount of Olives itself.
No photograph or picture or description can possibly convey one-thousandth part of the strange charm of that which lies before me as I write.
The past week has seemed like a dream. On the 11th of November, 1918, at 4 p. m., the news of the Armistice reached me as I was sitting in my office
at the Savoy. . . . . I gave a small dinner to my staff . . . . . and having toasted those present, I spoke for awhile. The following is a partial summary:
"Many of you do not at present realize that we stand at perhaps the most remarkable point in the history of the world. One era has closed before our eyes; it is closed in the midst of carnage and tumult. We are now actually witnessing the birth of a New Day, a Day during which the human race will be enlightened, transformed, regenerated. Do not let this hour pass lightly; enjoy the outward triumph of the Armistice, but let your thoughts run deep as well. Reaction from this moment of exultation is inevitable. We have all lived the past few years under conditions of an ever growing strain. The strain has lifted. If an elastic band is held taut for some time, when released it will be found that its elasticity has vanished, it will hang limp and almost lifeless.
"Many years will pass before the racial mind will regain its inherent elasticity; meanwhile, many tests will come to you and me. The war is over, but we must look forward to many months filled with revolutions—volcanic eruptions both within the racial mind and in the earth's crust.
"Those of us who have looked death in the face during the past few years, and who realize something of the tragedy that war brings in its wake, have determined to carry out two resolutions: We will bring home to our children and to those around us some idea of what war really means. . . . . We will create in the minds of the next generation such a detestation of human warfare, its horror, its uselessness, that the tradition of peace universal shall grow up firmly implanted in the human consciousness of the future, and war will become inconceivable. Secondly, we have determined that the world of our generation shall be lifted out of gloom and sorrow towards peace and steadfast happiness.
"Each one of us can do more than he realizes to bring joy into the lives of those around him, and joy spreads. This means that we must go deep down into our beings to find that joy which is the spiritual heritage of the whole race, which only waits to be tapped in order to release the waters of true happiness. Vast problems await solution, the world is upside down; revolutions, bloody and bloodless, lie immediately ahead. It is only for a time that this revolution is taking the place of evolution, for nothing can now stem the great waves of spiritual energy waiting to flood through the world of men. . . . . . After destruction, reconstruction! We can each in our humble sphere help forward the building of a new and better world upon the basis of sure foundations. Let us be very sure of our own foundations before we begin to build, either within or without, and all will be well."
I came up to Jerusalem on November 13, 1918.
The drive from Ludd (Lydda, birthplace of St. George) to Jerusalem is so splendid that I never grow tired of it, although I now know every inch of the road. . . . .
Sunday, November 17, 1918.
Today I attended the Peace Celebration Service at St. George's Cathedral, Jerusalem.
The church was packed—half the congregation were officers and men. Col. Storrs read the lessons.
All the Religions whose headquarters are in Jerusalem were represented, and a Scotch army chaplain preached in English and Arabic. The Grand Rabbi arrived in rich furs and chain of office. The Grand Mufti (Moslem), with flowing beard and snow white head dress (a broad minded, fine old fellow); the Greek Patriarch in black vestments and jewelled cross upon his breast; the Armenian Patriarch, also in black with a
mosaic in jewels hanging around his neck; the Russian Orthodox Arch Priest sat near the altar; the Coptic Bishop set under the organ; the Roman Church was not represented, but Abyssinian priests put in an appearance and were evidently greatly puzzled by the organ strains. . . . . . To have been present at such a service on Peace Sunday, here, in the religious centre of the world, was a never-to-be-forgotten privilege.
The Nunc Dimittis was sung for those who have yielded up their lives during the war. . . . . .
Mount Carmel Hospice, Haifa.
November 18, 1918.
This morning I left Jerusalem travelling by car and train, arriving here at 8 p. m., having started at 7 a. m.
I have just sent word to Abdul-Baha, asking to be allowed to present myself tomorrow, and await his answer. . . . .
Prison House of BAHA'O'LLAH, Acca,
November 20, 1918.
How often have I pictured myself in these surroundings. I have longed to be here ever since those distant days in 1908 when I first heard of the Bahais and their Masters (The Bab, BAHA'O'LLAH, and Abdul-Baha) . . . . . when I was in Constantinople. . . . . .
I arrived at Haifa at 8 p. m. . . . . . Immediately on arrival I sent a messenger to Abdul-Baha's house further up the mountain, asking to be allowed to present myself.
Two of the younger Persian believers came down at once to see me, one was Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, one of the editors of the STAR OF THE WEST. They told me the Master was at Acca and was not expected back for several days. Next morning I hired a two-horse carriage and leaving my servant and the luggage at the hotel, set off for Acca. The journey has been described too often to bear repetition. It is perfectly fascinating. There is no road between Haifa and Acca, and the light railway has been torn up, so one drives for two and one-half hours around the bay on the hard sand close to the blue, blue sea. Half the time the carriage is in the sea, because the sand is harder where the waves lap over it.
From a distance the ancient walled city of the Crusades looks most picturesque, standing right up out of the water, and reminds one a little of a miniature Stambul. But Acca from the inside is an awful place, full of smells and slums and dirt.
Its one feature of beauty is the sweet and abundant water supply, brought into the city from the distant hills along a Roman aqueduct. At last we reach the Master's house, close to the sea wall, but shut in on all sides by slums and courts. A long stone stairway leads up to the living-room in this prison house where BAHA'O'LLAH spent the last years of his life and where his son has lived on and off for forty years.
The Master was standing at the top waiting to greet me with that sweet smile and cheery welcome for which he is famous. For seventy-four long years Abdul-Baha has lived in the midst of tragedy and hardship, yet nothing has robbed or can rob him of his cheery optimism, spiritual insight and keen sense of humor.
He was looking little older than when I saw him seven years ago, and certainly more vigorous than when in England after the exhausting American trip. His voice is as strong as ever, his step virile, his hair and beard are (if possible) more silver-white than before.
He is delighted to welcome the change of regime, but I could detect the tragic note, for if the British occupation had taken place ten years ago, he would have been able to travel throughout the Near and Middle East spreading the glad tidings of his father's mission.
(Continued on page 192)
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. 17
Recent Tablet revealed for Mirza Ahmad Sohrab granting permission to come to America
To the STAR OF THE WEST:
. . . . I am just in receipt of a letter from Shogi Rabanni, in which he quotes the Tablet which Mirza Ahmad Sohrab will bring with him to America, the original being in the Master's hand. I think it would be well to publish this in the STAR as soon as possible, so that all may know of his coming with permission, as I have heard this question raised, not in a spirit of criticism, probably, but in view of the warnings about receiving Orientals. The Tablet reads as follows:
- "His honor, Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, has been permitted to leave for America, that there, God willing, he may engage in service. I beg God that he may be assisted in Servitude to the Holy Threshold.
- (Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS."
- With greetings and kindest regards, I am,
- Cordially yours,
- Jos. H. Hannen.
Letter from Mirza Ahmad Sohrab to the Editor of the Christian Commonwealth, London
(Also sent for publication to the STAR OF THE WEST.)
Haifa, Palestine, December 2, 1918.
Dear Sir:
Probably it is impossible to express in so many words the feeling of a man who has been compelled to live for years in a dark, wet and narrow cell, with no companion except the four walls and the occasional visits of the rude and cruel
gaoler,—and then this man suddenly taken out to the top of a mountain, the sun shining in all its glory, the birds singing hymns of praise in the swaying branches, the green and luxuriant forest girdling the surrounding hills, all nature aglow with the first flush of spring and friends on every side pushing forward to shake his hands and inquire about his health. The man is astonished, is confused, he cannot believe himself, he rubs his eyes, looks around with wonder, tries to realize the change and thinks this is in all probability a trick, a deception of legerdemain which will soon vanish and then he has to go back to his cold, rayless, damp jail.
Such were our emotions when on the memorable day of September 23rd, at 3 p. m. the British and Indian Cavalry forces captured Haifa and Acca and freed us from the decadent and ignorant rule of Turkey. For years we had not seen an Englishman and we were forbidden to speak the language even in our homes. We had almost forgotten that there were countries like England, France and America, as no news reached us from those regions. Daily we were fed on so many falsehoods and lies that we could digest it no longer. When there was a glut in the market, the Agence Nationale had to mix its dishes of lies with some condiments of Mohammedan rising in India, Irish Rebellion, Afghan ranging herself against England and famine in London—thus these new spices might please the already satiated tastes of the worn and long-suffering public.
For years we had not seen a copy of the Christian Commonwealth, and it was only through the thoughtfulness and kindness of Mrs. Stannard in London and an educated Persian girl, Miss Morassa Khanom, in Port Said, that the other day we received two copies of Oct. 2d and 9th. After years of deprivation, again our eyes are brightened with the spiritual contents of that noble periodical, portraying in a vivid manner, week after week, month after month, year after year, the lofty ideals and social strivings of the age! . . . . .
There was a time that we were not sure what would happen to us next day, distracted with anxiety and utterly hopeless as to our future. . . . . . But the sudden and unexpected attack and capture of Haifa by the victorious British Army under the matchless leadership of General Allenby, threw an electric wave of joy through all parts of Syria, set at liberty hundreds of thousands of men and opened the doors of correspondence and communication with our friends abroad.
Abdul-Baha, after four years of silence and isolation, was again pleased to meet and speak with men who understand his ideas and respect his convictions. English officers of all ranks, Major General, Brigadier General, Colonels, Majors, Lieutenants, Captains and non-commissioned men and privates have called on him and drank tea With him and listened reverently to his words of wisdom. The military Governors of Acca and Haifa have often met him; the former being his guest at dinner. Once about eight members of the Australian Flying Corps, who have their aerodome at the foot of Mount Carmel, were his guests all day in Bahje, near Acca. They visited the tomb of BAHA'O'LLAH, listened to the lecture of Abdul-Baha on the history of this Cause and its principles, and left in the evening in their large auto with glad hearts and beaming faces. Never were they so royally received in Palestine! They were overwhelmed with the extreme kindness and attention of the Master. Surely they will never forget what they heard and saw, and they will write home about their unique experiences and relate the same to their friends. . . .
Since the beginning of the war, Abdul-Baha has been subjected to manifest
trials and difficulties, but through them his invincible spirit shone forth with greater brilliancy, his complete trust in God was a source of comfort to others, and his good-humor saved all of us from a bitter pessimism which was too prevalent at the time.
It has been my good luck not only to be with him during these dreadful years of the world war, but was constituted a member of his party when he was travelling through Europe and America, and thus I can say from my own experience that the Master teaches us to look on the bright side of life with intelligence and understanding, not to moan and grumble but bear our burden with a serene nature, to be firm and resolute, far-seeing and resourceful. His talks and advice imparted happiness to those who were laden with the burden of sorrow. He was ever ready to help the distressed and the needy; more than often he would deprive the members of his own family of the bare necessities of life that the hungry man be fed and the naked be clothed.
With unconquerable determination and wonderful resourcefulness, he was divinely assisted to protect and keep alive the almost 300 members of the Persian Bahai Colony in Haifa and Acca. For three years, he spent months in Tiberias and Adassieh, supervising extensive works of agriculture and raising wheat, corn and other foodstuffs for the maintenance of all of us, and more to distribute among the many starving Mohammedan and Christian families, many of whom gave eloquent testimony to his all-inclusive charity and philanthropy. I assure you that were it not for his provision and ceaseless attention to the works of agriculture, none of us would have survived the war, for with an awful famine raging in all cities and towns, one could not find bread and even in case a loaf of black, coarse barley was found, such a high price was asked for it that one could not find enough money to buy it.
Aside from the scarcity of food and famine, for two years all the harvests were eaten by the innumerable armies of locusts, the like of which were never witnessed by the old men of the community. At times like unto the dark clouds they covered the face of the sky for hours.
This condition, coupled with the unprecedented extortions and looting by the Turkish officers and the extensive buying of foodstuffs by the Germans to be shipped to the "Fatherland" brought about an awful famine. In Lebanon alone more than 100,000 people died from starvation. In the cities men, women and children became like mere skeletons and with gaunt faces, sunken eyes, yellowed skin and bent backs walked rather like ghosts through the half-deserted streets of Beirut and Damascus, while crying pitifully for a bit of bread. Thousands upon thousands lived for a few days on the peelings of oranges and bananas, the skin of watermelons and the grass of the country, and then died away with no one to mourn over them or bury their corpses, while other thousands who were a few steps higher were dragged down by the pitiless force of circumstances and followed the same course of inanition, starvation and death. Ah, my friends! My head burns and my eyes are wet with tears when I now think of those harrowing events. Can I ever forget them? It had become a usual sight to find every morning dead bodies of young girls and children along the public thoroughfare. People looked at them and passed by. Oh my God! Are all feelings of pity, sympathy and love dead in us, that at the sight of suffering children and dying old men and women we stand unmoved?
This unprecedented famine lowered the standard of life, killed the finer emotions and deadened the softer sentiments. Men become like wild beasts,
fighting without kith and kin with cruel ferocity and elemental passions. Each, impelled by the instinct of self-preservation fought the fight to the finish, trampled on the strewn bodies of others, but none or only very few survived the beastly struggle to relate the gruesome tale. Hunger and need forced thousands of chaste, lovely, pure girls—girls who were destined to be the future mothers of the nation—into the degrading walks of prostitution, selling their honor for a few pence—thus for a time keeping the wolf away from the door. The awful increase in the number of prostitutes, brought down the edifice of morality, shame was banished, vice and corruption were enthroned and God totally forgotten.
Thousands of boys and girls who were as pure and beautiful as the young dawn a year ago, were now afflicted with horrible diseases, while the lack of proper nourishment, ignorance and inattention, undermined their power of resistance and carried hosts of them to an early grave. These contagious and communicable diseases became so prevalent that the intelligent members of the various communities took alarm and notwithstanding the severe censorship of the press, the editors wrote long articles, plainly stating that the future life of the nation was in jeopardy and the spring of the vitality of the race was being rapidly poisoned. These amazing revelations goaded the sluggish Government to open a few clinics and treat these unfortunate creatures free of charge.
With the transfer of the scene of war from the Dardanelles to Syria, the Turkish government subjected the already impoverished and depleted inhabitants to unbearable sufferings, exacting from them fines, requisitions and exorbitant taxes. Everything was taken away from them, horses, cows, camels, donkeys, sheep, even their household furniture, such as copper and brass vases and caldrons, iron railings, mattresses, clothing, wood and fencing wires. In fact, the majority of the shops and houses were swept clean of everything. . . . . .
In brief, the past four years were unparalleled years of sufferings and hardships for the people of Syria and Palestine, and it will take a long time to remove the harsh traces of Turkish oppression, nevertheless all the people are nearly unanimous in their opinion that the chapter of lawlessness and retrogression in the Holy Land is forever closed and with the coming of the English the reign of law and the era of education and progress is inaugurated. The flag of England is hailed as the symbol of justice and equal opportunity for all. The Jews, the Christians and the Mohammedans wish England to remain here as their teacher and educator; so that they may be led by a process of evolution to the higher altitude of modern civilization, introducing new and practical methods of intensive farming and agriculture, establishing industrial plants, building railroads, founding public schools and technical institutions, developing the rich and hidden natural resources of the country and paving the way for the ultimate liberation of the soul from the narrow bounds of racial, religious and national prejudices.
For ages this sacred land of Palestine has been a battleground for the nations of the East and West. Here they fought their battles which decided the fate of the nations lying far to the North and to the South. The last government that controlled the political life of this country for over 500 years contributed not a blessed thing toward its internal improvements. Now there is a general feeling amongst all the classes of Palestine that all these destructive wars and deteriorating influences must be given up for good; so that under the equitable and just administration of Great Britain the people may advance
along the line of general progress and contribute their share towards the upbuilding of a strong, noble and stable State.
I may be permitted to close this paper with the characteristic remark of a Mohammedan Sheikh, just a day after the British occupation of Haifa: "With the coming of the English we were led from darkness into light!" And in this short statement the feeling of the whole population was summed up.
Praying that the Christian Commonwealth may ever remain a torchbearer of truth, justice and righteousness and a harbinger of peace and conciliation amongst all nations and religions, I remain,
Your sincere servant,
Ahmad Sohrab.
LETTER ACCOMPANYING THIS ARTICLE
Mr. Joseph H. Hannen, Washington, D. C.
My dear brother Joseph:
The other day your cable to Ahmed Yazdi in which you kindly mentioned my name, was received from Port Said, and gave me real joy. I am now awaiting the arrival of your letters. I have just written a rather long letter to the Editor of the Christian Commonwealth (London), and herein I transcribe the same so that it may be published in the STAR OF THE WEST.
Ahmad Sohrab.
Extracts from the Diary of Major Wellesly Tudor-Pole
(Continued from page 187)
Teaching the Bahai Cause has never been allowed by Abdul-Baha in the Turkish Empire until now. . . . . .
. . . . . He still, however, spends a few weeks now and again in the Acca prison house, that has now become his property. . . . .
After lunch Abdul-Baha drove me out to the Garden Tomb of BAHA'O'LLAH about two miles from the city. . . . . . He approached the Tomb in complete silence, praying with bent head—a wonderfully venerable figure in his white turban and flowing grey robe.
On reaching the portal to the Tomb itself, the Master prostrated himself at length, and kissed the steps leading to the inner chamber. There was a majestic humility about the action that baffles description. . . . . .
Then we took tea in the garden, and Abdul-Baha told many stories about BAHA'O'LLAH, his superhuman endurance and his wonderful teaching.
When we returned to Acca, the Persian Colony, consisting of perhaps thirty-five persons had assembled, and we sat around the room drinking tea whilst Abdul-Baha described his visit to Clifton [England—home of the writer] and the people he had met there.
. . . . . Then I went to pay my respects to the Military Governor, curious to discover what he knew of, and felt about the greatest religious personage in Asia today. The Governor was full of a demonstration he was arranging for the morrow in celebration of World Peace, A band was coming, the notables of Acca were to parade around the town, the Governor would answer cheers and make a little speech from the balcony of the Town Hall.
A notable occasion for Acca, freed after all these hundreds of years from the cruel Turkish yoke.
I enquired whether Abdul-Baha had been invited to the function. "Do you mean Abbas Effendi? Well, No, I don't hink we've asked him. Perhaps he should have an invitation."
(He who has worked night and day for over fifty years to propagate the ideals of World Peace and Brotherhood,
FIRST PHOTOGRAPH OF ABDUL-BAHA TAKEN AFTER THE WAR
--PHOTOGRAPH--
*This photograph of Abdul-Baha was taken in the Garden of Bahjee in the latter part of the month of October, 1918, by Lieut. H. E. Eckersley. It is the first photograph of Abdul-Baha after the war. The account of his meeting was written to Mr. MacNutt.—Ahmad Sohrab.
whose devoted followers number millions, whose Cause is doing so much to lessen religious discord in the East—he had not even received an invitation to take part in the Peace celebrations of his native town, because, as it turned out, his name did not appear on the list of the local notables prepared by the municipal authorities for the guidance of the Governor. "A prophet in his own country" with a vengeance!)
* I have not received the account mentioned by Ahmad Sohrab. It must have miscarried; otherwise most happy to send it to STAR.—Howard MacNutt.
I expressed surprise—the shock had driven indignation from me—and an invitation was duly dispatched. Then I returned to the Prison house and spent the evening with the Master, supping with him and answering his questions about the new administration.
Then I slept in the room next Abdul-Baha's (which was BAHA'O'LLAH'S before him)—simple attics with stone floors and practically no furniture. Abdul-Baha
still gives away all money, and lives the life of poverty himself.
Before breakfast the house was filled with believers who had come to receive the morning blessing.
I had brought Abdul-Baha letters from all parts of the world, and he spent the morning dictating replies for me to take away. I gave him the Persian camel-hair cloak, and it greatly pleased him, for the winter is here, and he had given away the only cloak he possessed. I made him promise to keep this one
through the winter anyway, and I trust he does.
At lunch we had another long talk; then came the leave-taking and the Master's blessing. He sent greetings by me to all his friends in Egypt, Europe, England and America!
As I drove off on my return to Haifa, I caught a glimpse of the Master, staff in hand, wending his way through the awful Acca slums, on his way to attend the local Peace celebrations. . . . . . He stands out a majestic figure. . . . . .
And here I am again on Mount Carmel, writing this letter with the moonlit sea before me. I have paid my visit to the Governor of Haifa, and tomorrow am free to climb Mount Carmel, to visit the Tomb of the Bab, and to spend one night in the house of the Master among his devoted friends. He himself will not return here for another week.
He is helping to solve religious problems that have arisen in the Acca area as the result of the British occupation. Abdul-Baha is quite satisfied that an era of peace is immediately ahead, and that the vast outstanding problems left to us as an aftermath of war, will gradually be solved, so that the prophetic utterances of his father will become clearly manifest during the present generation. . . . . .
Abdul-Baha looks to America as the nation which, being more disinterested than any European Power, will be able to help forward the realization of the world-wide unity and peace.
He anticipates a spiritual revival, not merely one of religion, but possibly one outside organized religion altogether. . . . . .
It is hoped that we may shortly look for the publication of the complete works of BAHA'O'LLAH, and America will probably take the lead in this work. Meanwhile, it would seem absolutely essential that those interested in the matter should collect the authorized writings and should make every effort to see that a really accurate history of the Movement from the beginning of the last century to the present time should be published.
News of Abdul-Baha—Letters received by Lotfullah Hakim, from Shogi Effendi and Major W. Tudor-Pole
LETTER FROM SHOGI EFFENDI
Acca, Palestine,
November 19, 1918.
Dr. Lotfullah Hakim,
London, England.
My dear spiritual brother:
Captain* Tudor-Pole surprised and gladdened us with his unexpected arrival from Egypt. My grandfather, Abdul-Baha, was so glad to look at his radiant face and feel, from shaking his hands, the fresh fragrances of the ablazed Bahais of England. He inquired for you and was gratified to know you were all under God's protection throughout this
*Is now a Major—Editors.
great world war. The Beloved has been sojourning for a month and a half at Acca, visiting almost daily the Tomb of his father and offering his thanksgivings for the bounty, care and protection of the Blessed Perfection. Today Captain Tudor-Pole accompanied him to the Holy Shrine, and tomorrow the Beloved will drive with him to the Rizwan, the garden in which His Holiness BAHA'O'LLAH spent many days and nights.
The Master is expecting, now that the communications are restored, to hear from you frequently and directly of the progress of the Cause and the spiritual gatherings and of the concord and harmony of the souls.
I am so glad and privileged to be able
to attend to my Beloved's services after having completed my course of Arts and Sciences in the American University at Beirut. I am so anxious and expectant to hear from you and of your services to the Cause for by transmitting them to the Beloved I shall make him happy, glad and strong.
The past four years have been years of untold calamity, of unprecedented oppression, of indescribable misery, of severe famine and distress, of unparalleled bloodshed and strife, but now that the dove of peace has returned to its nest and abode a golden opportunity has arisen for the promulgation of the Word of God. This will be now promoted and the Message delivered in this liberated region without the least amount of restriction. This is indeed the Era of Service.
You have undoubtedly done a large amount of work in this respect and the Beloved is eagerly awaiting its fascinating and pleasing account.
Hoping I shall hear from you and from the dear friends,
I remain, your brother in the Cause,
Shogi.
LETTER FROM W. TUDOR-POLE
Cairo, Egypt,
December 3, 1918.
Dear Lotfullah:
Very many thanks for your letter of November 3rd, contents of which I will pass on to Abdul-Baha, in due course.
The cables you sent have been forwarded to Haifa, and I have just returned from a visit to the Master in Haifa and in Acca. I have written out a full report of this and it will be sent you from my sister probably soon after you receive this letter. This report will give you all the news, and I will write you further when less rushed.
I am very glad to hear of your present valuable and interesting work, and am sure that you could not be doing better things at the present time.
The postal mails are now open to Palestine and letters and cables may be sent direct from England and America to Haifa, and there is no longer need to post through Port Said. Please remember me very kindly to all friends. With best wishes, believe me,
Yours most sincerely,
W. Tudor-Pole.
P. S.—The Master is vigorous and more healthy than when he was in London. He sent his loving greetings to all friends in England and America. I hope he will come down here soon, as the weather is getting cold in Haifa (where there is no real want) . . . . . . I took a warm Persian cloak to the Master, and am so glad I thought of it, because he had no cloak at all.
W. T. P.
LETTER FROM SHOGI EFFENDI FORWARDED BY W. TUDOR-POLE
(Letter addressed to Major W. Tudor-Pole, at Cairo, Egypt, by Shogi Effendi, the grandson of Abdul-Baha.)
Haifa, Palestine,
December 17, 1918.
My dear spiritual brother:
Your long-expected letter was heartily welcomed, so glad was the Beloved Abdul-Baha to hear from you and through you to know that the friends were all well. In fact, a few days ago, when the Beloved was paying a visit to Colonel Staunton, the Military Governor, Captain Kerr, being in his presence, was asked whether he had any news from you, to which he replied affirmatively. I conveyed your message of love and gratitude to the Master, and we all look forward to the time of meeting you in Haifa, this time we hope more fully. The Beloved's health is excellent, and he reveals these days different Tablets to Persia, Europe and America. Two Tablets have been revealed for England, the latter for Dr. Esslemont, whose supplication
I translated yesterday for the Master. I quote fully this Tablet:
TABLET
To his honor Dr. Esslemont—Upon him be greeting and praise!
O thou lover of all mankind!
Verily, have I chanted thy verses of praise to God, inasmuch as He hath illumined thine eyes with the light of guidance, the light of the oneness of the world of humanity; so much so that thy heart overflowed with the love of God and thy spirit was attracted by the fragrance of God, and I supplicate divine Providence that thou mayest become a torch to that gathering, so that the light of knowledge might shine out from thee, that thou mayest be confirmed to act in accordance with the significances of the Hidden Words and strengthened by God under all circumstances.
Concerning the book you are editing, send me a copy thereof. * * * Convey my greetings to the respected maid-servant of God, M. . . . . . . . . . . .
I pray the Lord to support thee in the service of all humankind, irrespective of race or religion. Nay rather, thou shouldst deal with all according to the teachings of BAHA'O'LLAH, which are like unto life to this Glorious Age.
Upon thee be greeting and praise!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
The Beloved was very glad to hear from Miss Rosenberg, whose letter you had sent but without any supplication of yours enclosed. I wonder whether you enclosed any supplication or not.
The Master a few days ago was invited by Colonel Staunton to assist at a meeting of the different religious heads of Haifa, to institute a relief work for the poor of Haifa. The Beloved responded and then after many discussions, when the time of donation came, the Governor announced that although a poor man, yet he would give five English pounds for each of the three religious denominations. Major Nott followed with nine, then publicly and directly the Governor declared that he had the honor of announcing that His Excellency Abbas Effendi (Abdul-Baha) had kindly given the noble sum of fifty Egyptian pounds for the poor, at which all present clapped. Quite a high standard for the Mufti and the Archbishop of Haifa to follow.
The Master uttered the final word of prayer at a public and immense gathering just given to celebrate the end of the war. This is the text of the prayer:
PRAYER
O Omnipotent God! Verily, the pavilion of Justice has been raised in the Holy Land, extending from East to West. We thank Thee and we praise Thee for the establishment of this just and equitable Sovereignty, and this mighty Government which strives for the comfort of its people and the safety of its subjects. O Almighty God! Confirm the Greatest Emperor George V, through Thy divine confirmations, and strengthen him by Thy merciful power, and perpetuate his protecting shadow upon this noble land. This we ask through Thy help, assistance and protection. Verily, Thou art the Omnipotent, the Exalted, the Omniscient and the Generous!
Space forces me to stop, awaiting your news.
Yours very faithfully,
Shogi Rabbani.
Cairo, December 22, 1918.
Dear Lotfullah:
Above will interest you. . . . . .I have been able to secure the sympathetic support of the British Governors of Haifa and Acca for the Master, and as you will see he is now treated with due respect and asked to take part in the life of the country . . . . . .
W. T. P.
Letter from J. E. Esslemont
West Southbourne, Nr. Bournemouth, England, January 9, 1919.
To the STAR OF THE WEST:
I was delighted to receive a copy of the translation of a Tablet which Abdul-Baha has written for me. The translation is by Shogi, a grandson of the Master, and was received on January 3d. The original of the Tablet has not yet arrived. I enclose a copy, which you are at liberty to reproduce in the STAR OF THE WEST, or make any other use if you like. [See page 196.]
Major Tudor-Pole has written a very interesting account of his visit to Acca and Haifa in November last. He reports the Master as exceedingly well and much more vigorous than on the occasion of his last visit to England. He says: "His voice is as strong as ever, his eyes clear, his step virile; his hair and beard are (if possible) more silver white than before. He is delighted to welcome the change of regime. . . ." [See page 187.]
We are delighted to welcome your President (Woodrow Wilson) to Europe and hope that great good will result from his visit. There will be much unrest and fermentation in Europe for years yet, I expect, but unrest is better than the placid acquiescence with vile conditions—with slums, drunkenness, prostitution, sweated labor and profligate extravagance; and it seems to me that on the whole, things are moving towards a better state of affairs—towards the Most Great Peace. There must be destruction before reconstruction, and the old structure of society in Europe had to be thrown on the scrapheap. The transition will be trying, but now is the time for people with advanced ideas and with the love of humanity in their hearts, to be up and doing. The world is now in a plastic state, and new and better ideals must be deeply imprinted before it becomes rigid again. The Bahai Movement, the Esperanto Movement, and the spirit of peace and brotherhood have glorious opportunities now. As our Scots poet says:
- "Then let us pray that come it may,
- As come it will, for a'that,
- That sense and worth o'er a' the earth
- Shall bear the gree an' a' that.
- For a' that and a' that
- It's comin' yet for a' that
- That man to man, the world o'er,
- Shall brithers be, for a' that."
With best wishes,
Yours sincerely,
J. E. Esslemont.
Tablets revealed by Abdul-Baha in the winter of 1916-17, but just received in America
TABLET TO MRS. ADDISON
(Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, December 18, 1916. Mailed at that time but returned. Remailed November 11, 1918.)
To the maid-servant of God, Mrs. Juliet P. Addison—Upon her be greeting and praise!
O thou who art enkindled with the fire of the love of God!
Thy letter was received on November 24, 1916. Thou hast written concerning the trip of the daughter of the Kingdom, Mrs. Ford. That heavenly speaker delivered the divine glad tidings through whichever city she passed and occupied herself in the promotion of spiritual teachings. She suffered the ears to hearken to this heavenly melody. Infinite results and heavenly illumination will appear out of this endeavor and service. It is hoped that other souls will walk in her footsteps, so that they
may become the cause of the illumination of the world of humanity. Consider, when the confirmations of God have encircled a soul, how it is assisted to render great services! I hope that this unlimited bounty may encompass one and all.
Upon thee be greeting and praise!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
TABLET TO MRS. WAITE
(Translated by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, January 29, 1917. Mailed at that time but returned on account of the war conditions. Remailed October 8, 1918.)
O thou sweet singing bird!
Thy letter was received. From its contents it became evident that thou hast moved from Chicago to Los Angeles. Praise be to God, that thou art engaged and confirmed in the services of the Kingdom of God. With a sweet melody thou art imparting joy and exhilaration to the souls; in the meetings stir and move the audiences through the heavenly call. Arise thou in offering due thanks for this bounty, because thou art assisted in such a Great Cause. The results of thy services thou shalt find in the divine world—the limitless universe of the True One. Their fruits will likewise become apparent ere long in this world.
I perused the article thou hast written concerning the Mashrekol-azkar. Thou hast taken much trouble in the correspondence of Numbers. The digit 9 is the perfect number, and other high numbers are the mere repetition of number 1 to 9. For example: Number 10 is the repetition of number 1; 20 is the repetition of number 2; 100 is the repetition of number 10; 1000 is the repetition of 100, ad infinitum. Consequently the most perfect and greatest number is 9. Extract as far as thou canst the hidden significances from number 5 and 9. Thy reasoning and the power of thy thought are very penetrating. The poem, "Sons of God," that thou hast forwarded was in reality wonderful, sweet, eloquent, and fluent, and its meanings most thrilling. Strive thou in the composition of such pieces, so that at all times the river of pure poesy may flow from thy tongue. The maid-servant of God, who ascended to the divine Kingdom, Taere, made matchless translations of thy poems; she always translated them into Persian poetry, which made them very attractive. Keep the letters which thou hast with thyself; for many letters now mailed from America do not reach us. Praise be to God, that the meetings in Los Angeles are in the utmost state of unity and concord—this news brought to us great happiness. Convey on my behalf to each and all of the believers my loving greetings and kindness. Thou hast written about Mrs. Ella Wheeler Wilcox. This respected lady has infinite capabilities. She is like a lamp filled with oil which no sooner comes in contact with fire than it is set aglow. Now it is thus hoped that she may become enkindled with the fire of the love of God, and her torch become so illumined, so luminous, as to illumine all directions. A letter is written in her name; deliver it to her.
Upon thee be greetings and praise!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
TABLET TO MISS ANNIE BOYLAN
(Translated about two years ago by Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, but owing to the war was held in Palestine. Mailed October 12, 1918).
O thou daughter of the Kingdom!
Thy postal card received. It indicated thy firmness and steadfastness in the Covenant and Testament. Thank thou God that thou art holding fast and art a promulgator of the Covenant of God, art suffering the thirsty ones to drink from the spring of guidance and inviting the hungry ones to the heavenly
table. This is one of the greatest bestowals of the Almighty. Thank thou God for it, because thou art confirmed therein. Convey my utmost kindness to the attracted maid-servant of God, Mrs. Krug. It is a long time that we have heard no news from her. Of late, we received the news that her daughter has the intention of marriage. We hope that this marriage will be a blessed one! In brief, that dear daughter is always remembered. I pray in thy behalf, that day by day thou mayest become more illumined and draw more nigh unto the Kingdom of God.
Convey longing greeting to all the believers and the maid-servants of the Merciful.
Upon thee be greeting and praise!
(Signed) ABDUL-BAHA ABBAS.
Two post cards from Mirza Ahmad Sohrab
POST CARD TO DENVER
Haifa, Palestine,
December 2, 1918.
Dear brothers and sisters:
The friends in Colorado are especially remembered by the Beloved, and to them he conveys his noble Abha greeting. He desires them to be the promoters of good-fellowship amongst all the nations of the world and the torch bearers of unity between the disunited children of men. Like unto the Rocky Mountains they must raise their heads above the low plains of human thought. They must be the cause of the descent of the rain of mercy upon the dark and barren desert of humanity, suffering the hard hearts to be covered with verdure, blossoms and fruits.
Are you able to render this service to the Cause of your Master?
Ahmad Sohrab.
POST CARD TO ST. LOUIS
Haifa, Palestine,
December 8, 1918.
My dear brothers and sisters:
The Bahais are members of one universal community and the children of the Beloved. He is the kind father to all and he sends you his noble Abha greeting hoping that you may so purify your hearts as to receive the more subtle and spiritual emotions of the Kingdom of Abha. You must become very sensitive to the sufferings and woes of humanity and then find proper ways of their alleviation. Like unto the clear mirror your hearts must reflect the higher and nobler sentiments of this new age and your ears be so attuned as to listen to the music of the invisible choir. Then you are the true servants and maid-servants of the Lord of Lords.
Ahmad Sohrab.
Recent Tablets revealed for Bahais of Egypt and Persia
TABLET TO EGYPT
O ye who are enkindled with the fire of the love of God!
Ever do I inhale the fragrance of faithfulness from the rose-garden of the hearts of the believers and I was filled with joy at the receipt of the good news of the prosperity and success of that merciful community and their humility and submission towards the Cause of God.
Verily, I received a letter from his honor Aga Mohamad Taki, giving the glad-tidings that the friends are in the utmost of joy and fragrance. Spiritual emotions are ever stirred in my heart and the rays of their remembrance and the heat of their love are continually reflected in my soul. I supplicate at the threshold of the Supreme Lord to make them the signs of guidance amongst mankind and as brilliant lamps scattering their lights to all the regions. . . . . .
TABLET TO PERSIA
O thou kind friend and spreader of truth!
The eloquent letter of your honor received and its contents imparted the utmost joy, that, praise be to God, this unique newspaper is still being published, showing firmness and steadfastness and during the past years of revolution and commotion it failed not nor was it discontinued. It is hoped that it may become a center through which great and general services may be rendered to the world of humanity. Praise be to God, that although in the past few years many newspapers stopped their publication, this newspaper, which is a well-wisher, remained firm and its issue was not brought to a close.
Should you inquire concerning the conditions of these exiled ones, praise be to God, that notwithstanding thousands of afflictions we are kept safe and guarded in the Fortress of Divine Protection. Verily, this is a most miraculous matter!
Although the booming of cannons and the terrific noises of machine guns had thrown the world into utter commotion and earthquake in Europe and America, the voices of the members of this community were raised, encouraging men to the ideal of universal peace. Many articles were published in the newspapers that the great, final result of this war would not be bad for Persia. The various political parties in Persia, such as the party of Liberty, the Revolutionary party, the Democratic party, the Unionist party, in brief, all these and other parties brought ruin upon that country. But, God willing, ere long these exiled ones will be assisted to render a most great service to Persia and the Persians, because we are taking hold of every effective means and are connected with important personages.
LETTER ACCOMPANYING THESE TABLETS
Haifa, Palestine,
December 16, 1918.
Mr. Joseph H. Hannen, Washington, D. C.
My dear brother Joseph:
Lately two Tablets have been revealed from the pen of the Center of the Covenant, the translations of which I would like to share with you and the friends. The first is addressed to the believers in Cairo and Port Said, and the second is written to the Editor of a Persian newspaper. . . . . .
I am,
Ever your faithful brother,
Ahmad Sohrab.
"Unloose the tongue in teaching the Cause of God"
WORDS OF ABDUL-BAHA
As much as you are able, unloose the tongue in teaching the Cause of God and demonstrate ye extraordinary effort in the guidance of the souls. The Cause of God will advance only through the effect of teaching and the friends will achieve victory through the holy fragrances. I declare by the mystery of existence that were there a number of souls to arise, opening their tongues and delivering the Message with the utmost severance, sanctification, holiness and power of attraction the powers of the world would not withstand them and the hosts of the earth would not prevent them from accomplishing their tasks.
(From the Diary of Mirza Ahmad Sohrab, June 25, 1914.)
