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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 Azamat 1, 74 (May 17, 1918) No. 4
The Tenth Annual Convention of Bahai Temple Unity
BY HARLAN F. OBER
THE Tenth Annual Convention of the Bahai Temple Unity has passed into history. It will be remembered by those who were accorded the blessed privilege of attending it, as a most fragrant, a most united, and spiritually illumined Convention.
Many, many times in the past, Abdul-Baha has informed the friends that the growth of the Cause would bring tests and trials, but that these were like the storms of the winter and spring, the means of the descent of the divine bounties, and the greatest preparation for the summer and harvest time.
The tests of the past year have united the firm friends in a closer bond of fellowship and understanding, and in the Convention the traces of this greater union became manifest.
From the beginning, the work of the annual meeting and Convention of the Bahai Temple Unity has grown and broadened. It has become not only the great central meeting of consultation to give power and result to the plans for building the Mashrekol-azkar,* but it has become the time for the coming together of the friends to consult on every matter that affects the welfare and the growth of the Cause.
To this annual meeting come the friends from the north, the south, the east and the west, and in its deliberations
* Please note the revised spelling of this phrase. The change has been made to assist the pronunciation.—Editors.
all experiences are amalgamated. Our perspectives are broadened, and our hearts are rejoiced at the news of the progress of the Cause.
Is there any greater happiness than to meet face to face those souls who have been out spreading the divine seeds in the soil of human hearts, and have gathered into their own souls the heavenly bounties that come from such service, or again those who have been in the front ranks of the army of faithfulness. whose souls have mellowed and ripened through the tests and trials of God, through which the heavenly luminary has been shining brilliantly upon receptive, humble, fearless hearts?
Abdul-Baha, has said that such souls are the fragrant blossoms and heavenly fruits of the gardens of the Kingdom.
No written statement or report can convey adequately the divine significances and the real meanings of such a gathering, for only the inner spiritual ear can hear these divine melodies. The Divine Bird was singing songs upon the highest branch, and one after another of the friends caught the heavenly strain and rejoiced our hearts with eloquent utterances of the spirit. Even through the more or less matter-of-fact transcript of the notes taken down, there will appear to the possessor of insight, the traces of these songs, for behind the words it is apparent that the standard of the Covenant is being raised in the hearts, a new standard of perfection being realized, a new flight being taken, a new obedience enthralling the souls,
a new love binding the hearts to the Center of the Covenant of God.
Personalities did not appear in this meeting because the importance of all the matters discussed was such that all lesser things were overwhelmed. No such frankness and directness of expression could appear except in a meeting consecrated
to the most great servitude. In truth, the desire of all was servitude in the path of God. From the beginning to the end the friends were submerged in the most great sea of His protection. The waves of spiritual effort surged, and the depths revealed the certainty and steadfastness of God.
Tenth Annual Mashrak-el-Azkar Convention and Bahai Congress
under the auspices of the
BAHAI TEMPLE UNITY
and celebration of the
Feast of El-Rizwan
Auditorium Hotel, ninth floor
from April the Twenty-seventh to Thirtieth inclusive
Nineteen Hundred Eighteen
PROGRAM
Saturday evening, at six o'clock
Banquet Hall, ninth floor, Auditorium Hotel
Chairman
MRS. CORINNE TRUE, Chicago
Speakers
MR. ALBERT R. WINDUST, Chicago
"The Dawn of the Sun of Reality from the Horizon of Persia"
ZEENAT KHANUM, Acca, Syria
Chanting of the Holy Utterances
DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI, Chicago
"The Feast of El-Rizwan"
MISS AGNES ALEXANDER, Honolulu
"Progress of the Bahai Cause in Japan"
Five-minute greetings from Delegates
MRS. EDNA WHEELER BALLARD, Harpist
MISS MARIE HERZOG, Pianist
MR. SAFFA KINNEY, Chanting
Page one at Program
VISITING THE MASHRAK-EL-AZKAR GROUNDS
Sunday morning, at half after ten o'clock
From "Loop" take Northwestern Elevated, Evanston train to Linden Avenue station, Wilmette, walk east to Sheridan Road.
MRS. CLAUDIA S. COLES, Washington, D. C
MR. SAFFA KINNEY, Boston
MR. HARLAN F. OBER, Cambridge
Reading of the Holy Utterances
FIRST SESSION BAHAI CONGRESS
Sunday afternoon, at three o'clock
Auditorium Hotel, ninth floor
Chairman
MR. WILLIAM F. HOAR, Fanwood, N. J.
Speakers
MR. ALFRED E. LUNT, Boston
"The Mashrak-el-Azkar"
(Mashrak-el-Azkar is from the Persian, literally translated means: "The Dawning-place of the Mentionings of God.")
MRS. MAY MAXWELL, Montreal
"The Irresistible Movement Toward World Federation"
MISS O'HARE, Harpist
MRS. CARL SCHEFFLER, Contralto
MR. ALBERT R. WINDUST, Tenor
INFORMAL SOCIAL MEETING FOR THE VISITING DELEGATES AND FRIENDS
Sunday evening, at eight o'clock
Auditorium Hotel, ninth floor
Host
DR WILLIAM F. SLATER, Chicago
Hostess
MRS. MAUD HOUSER, Chicago
Entertainers
MISS BESSIE DIGGETT, Soprano
MRS. EVELYN STEWART FAWN, Contralto
MISS MARIE HERZOG, Pianist
MR. SAFFA KINNEY, Chanting
MISS JENNIE LUDWIG, Violin
MISS MAY LUDWIG, Harp
MRS. CARL SCHEFFLER, Contralto
MR. ALBERT R. WINDUST, Tenor
Page two of Program
The Feast of El-Rizwan and the Bahai Congress
ON the night of the Feast of El-Rizwan, when the "beloved of God and the maid-servants of the Merciful" were gathered at the "supper of the Lord" to eat from the heavenly table, the life-giving food of His Word, the power and presence of the Holy Spirit hovered, with outstretched wings, over all. It was not the hour of consummation, because all were to first unite and stand together in the holy place, but that first hour, with its beauty, harmony and peace, was an exquisite prelude to the divine symphony of this Congress and Convention. As each one arose to contribute their share to the blessed gathering, they became for a moment embued with a holy power, and from the opening of the Feast to the last hour of the Congress, each one became ever increasingly conscious of the presence of Abdul-Baha, conscious that the focal point present in our midst was the Center of the Covenant; and this divine musician played each instrument, and this one speaker spoke from every mouth, so that the overpowering impression, the deep realization borne away by each one to be diffused through all the
assemblies of America, was of the spiritual presence of the Center of the Covenant. What pen could reveal the inner mystery of this divine Convention, the fire of his beauty burning in the hearts and faces, his all-pervading power—the sweetness, the fragrance, the joy and ecstacy of his love—his presence!
TENTH ANNUAL MASHRAK-EL-AZKAR CONVENTION
Monday morning and afternoon, at ten o'clock and two o'clock
Auditorium Hotel, ninth floor
SECOND SESSION BAHAI CONGRESS
Monday evening, at eight o'clock
Auditorium Hotel, ninth floor
Chairman
MRS. ALICE IVES BREED, New York
Speakers
MR. HOOPER HARRIS, New York
"The Origin and Fundamental Principles of the Bahai Movement"
MR. LOUIS G. GREGORY, Washington, D. C.
"The Underlying Unity of All Religions"
MISS RUTH BREYTSPRAAK, Violinist
MRS. MARY D. HALL, Soprano
MRS. CARL SCHEFFLER, Contralto
TENTH ANNUAL MASHRAK-EL-AZKAR CONVENTION
Tuesday morning and afternoon, at ten o'clock and two o'clock
Auditorium Hotel, ninth floor
THIRD SESSION BAHAI CONGRESS
Tuesday evening, at eight o'clock
Auditorium Hotel, ninth floor
Chairman
MRS. ELLA GOODALL COOPER, San Francisco
Speakers
DR. F. W. D'EVLYN, San Francisco
"The Path to the Center"
Speaker to be announced
"Practical Steps to a New World Order"
MISS ALPHA BRATTON, Soprano
MISS MARGURITE BARNETT, Contralto
MR. ALBERT R. WINDUST, Tenor
Page three of Program
Even the decorations typified the spirit of the occasion. The tables radiated from one center like rays from the sun, which the focal point of the decorative scheme represented, emblazoned with the Greatest Name.
Mr. Albert R. Windust gave the message with power and clearness; Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi presented a burning and poetic picture of the origin of the Feast of El-Rizwan in the sacred garden of Nadjib-Pasha, known as El-Rizwan, rose-garden, where the Blessed Beauty (Baha'o'llah) unveiled his adored face and lighted all the horizons of the world. Miss Agnes Alexander told of the divine seed sown in Japan, of the greatness of her privilege in opening that land, and because of her servitude and obedience to Abdul-Baha, her lovely spirit was one of the sweet pervading influences of all the gatherings. She read many letters filled with the passion and poetry of the hearts of our Japanese brothers and sisters with the fire of the love of
O FRIENDS, know that the believers of God must be the cause union and love among all mankind, and until they attain to perfect harmony and agreement they will not become the remedy for the healing of this sick world. From the very beginning of the Mashrak-el-Azkar in Ishkabad, Russia, day by day, everything has been in perfect harmony, until the believers there accomplished their aim, and it was builded easily, for it was builded by love. Now I hope that in America it will be the same as in Russia, and the Mashrak-el-Azkar there be erected by the power of the union and love existing among the believers.
Extract from a message to the American believers, revealed by ABDUL-BAHA, Acca, Syria, January, 1909; translated by his daughter, Monever Khanum.
Convention and Congress Committee of Bahai Temple Unity
Chairman
MRS. CORINNE TRUE, Chicago
| DR. ZIA M. BAGDADI, Chicago | MR. ALFRED E. LUNT, Boston |
| MRS H. EMOGENE HOAGG, San Francisco | MR. C. MASON REMEY, Washington, D. C. |
Finance Committee
MRS. WILLIAM F. SLATER. Chairman
MRS. LEO PERRON
Publicity Committee
MISS JEAN MASSON, Chairman
| MR. C. MASON REMEY | MR. ALFRED E. LUNT |
House Committee
MR. JAMES HANBY, Chairman
MR. CARL SCHEFFLER
Reception Committee
DR. WILLIAM F. SLATER, Chairman
MRS. MAUD HAUSER, Informal Social Meeting
| MISS EDNA TRUE, Ushers | MRS. LEO PERRON, Arrivals |
MRS. CARL SCHEFFLER
Music Committee
MRS. CARL SCHEFFLER, Chairman
MR. ALBERT R. WINDUST
Publications
MRS. MARY LESCH
"Star of the West"
MISS GERTRUDE BUIKEMA
Page four of Program
the "new" Beloved, and couched in the most touching language of the soul, of devotion, gratitude, longing, humility and aspiration.
At the first session of the Congress, Sunday afternoon, April 28th, the divine principles were not only expounded but became clearly revealed through their living expressions, the Bahais themselves. The speakers, Mr. Alfred E. Lunt and Mrs. May Maxwell, united in a oneness of purpose, a harmony of ideas in which each completed the voice of the other and their thoughts were blended in an absolute unity, thereby demonstrating that ray of the Sun of Truth which proclaims that man and woman are the two wings
of the one bird of humanity. Mr. Lunt spoke of the Mashrekol-azkar its outer unifying purpose and many life-giving functions; he showed that the Mashrekol-azkars of the world will be the spiritual centres, from which all the divine Principles will flow to irrigate and nurture mankind. That they are the holy of holies from which point the law of God will go forth. The real eternal temple of God on earth is the law of God. In the time of Moses this law was symbolized by the sacrifice of animals, but today the law of God is the mystery of the sacrifice of the spirit. The inner holy of holies never changes but is the very altar of the human heart where all that is not of God is burned in the sacrifical fire of his love.
Mrs. Maxwell opened by saying: "Among the Bahais there are no speakers; in the world today there is but one speaker and He is God. In the presence of the Word of God the whole world is silent." She then unfolded the principles of The Most Great Peace toward which the evolutionary forces of the world are moving, but which in themselves are powerless to create peace. She said: "Peace is a divine reality, which the Manifestation of God, Baha'o'llah, brought to the world, but the world was slumbering and dead, 'was deaf to his call and blind to his beauty.' Nevertheless the new creation, the dawn of The Most Great Peace, has been breathed into the body of the world. After forty years imprisonment, Abdul-Baha, the Center of the Covenant of God, has again raised the call, has by a miracle been liberated from prison and went forth to all the nations of Europe and America, journeying far and wide, warning the people of the impending disaster, of the 'world consuming fire' which would burst forth and wreak universal havoc and ruin. In stern, impassioned tones he implored mankind to awake and avert this 'most great calamity!' The world did not hear his call and the world was without excuse before the throne of God."
The speaker then stated that all this dire affliction, overpowering destruction and self-annihilation had come upon mankind as the result of not hearkening unto the voice of God. She said: "Not until mankind turns to the Sun of Truth, to the Ark of Deliverance, the Center of the Covenant of God, will the flood of calamities subside and the world find rest. The people of the world today have created for themselves a 'God.' They are worshippers of superstition and imagination, and know nothing of the divine Reality. God is kind, merciful and compassionate toward all mankind, in His sight there is no race, party or nation. He is the God of all, the Beloved of every heart."
Such was the spirit of the speakers at all of the Congress sessions. Lack of space forbids giving the addresses in detail, but we will state that at both the second and third sessions of the Congress, the principles of Baha'o'llah—as expounded by Abdul-Baha when in America—were further elucidated with power and eloquence of the Spirit, reaching a great climax in the masterly presentation by Dr. F. W. D'Evelyn, of San Francisco, on Tuesday evening.
The informal social meeting for the visiting delegates and friends under the auspices of the Chicago friends was a delightful hour of entertainment and relaxation. Dr. Wm. F. Slater acted as host, and Mrs. Maud Houser as hostess.
On Monday evening, Mr. Harlan F. Ober spoke in place of Mr. Hooper Harris, who could not attend the Congress. He was followed by Mr. Louis G. Gregory.
At the opening session of the Convention, Monday morning, Mr. Harry Randall rendered a splendid service. With humility and simplicity, but deep spiritual power and conviction, he struck the keynote of the Convention: absolute unswerving loyality, singleness, and obedience to the Center of the Covenant, and the unity of all the friends in that immutable
Center. He said that the believers of America are today offered the most supreme opportunity that has ever been given to any people in the history of mankind, that of establishing unity on this earth on its eternal foundation—the Center of the Covenant of God.
This Congress and Convention will surely go down in the history of the Cause as the Convention of the Covenant, the consummation of all our hopes and the fulfillment of the will of Abdul-Baha. After the cleansing of the sanctuary from the taint of violation, when the friends all united in the holy place of obedience to the Center of the Covenant, then the confirmation of the Spirit descended, the hearts were set ablaze with the fire of eternity, the mirror of unity reflected the face of the Beloved and the foundation of oneness was laid. From that hour everything moved with a supreme power toward its destined end. The mighty flow of spiritual events was like a deep river rushing onward to the bosom of the sea. When the representatives from all the assemblies in America and Canada met in that great gathering of the firm and steadfast ones, and took that decisive action, that "great step of the soul," and united in the immutable power of the Center of the Covenant, a new day dawned in America and the reality of the Cause of Baha'o'llah became manifest. As a stone cast into the center of a body of water sends forth wave upon wave to the uttermost circumference, so when the power of the Covenant became fully established and firmly founded in the very heart and core of the Cause, this world-illuminating Orb sent forth mighty waves of divine energy and spiritual activity throughout the world. M. M.
Report of the Tenth Annual Convention of the Bahai Temple Unity
Held at the Auditorium Hotel, Chicago, April 27th to 30th, 1918
MONDAY MORNING SESSION
Auditorium Hotel, ninth floor, Monday, April 29th.
THE Convention was called to order at 10:15 o'clock A. M., Mr. William H. Randall, President of the Executive Board, acting as Chairman, and Mr. Harlan Foster Ober, Secretary of the Executive Board, acting as Secretary of the meeting.
The meeting was opened by singing the "Benediction," after which the Chairman welcomed the delegates to the Convention, and asked for the nomination of a temporary chairman.
On motion of Mrs. Rice-Wray, seconded by Mrs. Maxwell, Dr. F. W. D'Evelyn, of San Francisco, was elected temporary chairman of the meeting by unanimous consent.
Dr. D'Evelyn thereupon assumed the Chair and called upon Mr. Ober for a statement regarding the assemblies which had registered and those which had not registered, in accordance with the resolution passed at the 1917 Convention.
Mr. Ober: "Not all of the assemblies registered in accordance with the resolution passed at the 1917 Convention, so that in this preliminary part of the Convention only the delegates from the following assemblies have legally a right to take part: Chicago; Jersey City; Ithaca; Glenolden, Pa.; Worcester; Buffalo; Brooklyn; New York City; Bakersfield, Calif.; Cleveland; Atlantic City; Denver; Detroit; New Haven; Cambridge; Geyserville, Calif.; Muskegon, Mich.; St. John, New Brunswick; Peoria; Philadelphia;
Portland, Oregon; Racine, Wis.; Washington, D. C.; Kenosha, Wis.; Riverton, N. J .; Spokane, Wash.; Seattle; Sandusky; Pittsburgh, Pa.; San Diego, Calif.
"The following is the list of the assemblies whose applications, in accordance with the by-laws, have been passed upon favorably by the Executive Board and are recommended by the Executive Board to the Convention: Memphis, Tenn.; Schenectady, N. Y.; Benton Siding, British Columbia; Nutley, N. J .; Montclair, N. J.; Minneapolis Minn.; Fruitport, Mich.; St. Louis; Boston, Mass; Urbana, Ill.; San Francisco, Calif.; Salem and Beverly, Mass.; Oswego, N. Y.; Berkeley, Calif.; Springfield, Mass.; Montreal, Canada; Eliot, Maine; Lakeland, Florida; Baltimore, Md.; Los Angeles, Calif.; St. Paul, Minn.
"One or two others have come in since but have not been passed upon by the Board."
Chairman Dr. D'Evelyn: "These latter names just read by Mr. Ober are those who have overlooked the arrangements that were made at the Convention in Boston. It is, however, the privilege of the present Convention to endorse their applications and permit them to be considered as established delegates and members of the Unity. What is your pleasure?"
On motion of Mr. Lunt, seconded by Mrs. Ober, it was voted that this privilege be granted to these assemblies and that they be considered as members of the Unity.
Chairman Dr. D'Evelyn: "The next matter for our consideration is the formation of a Committee on Credentials. Do you wish that committee to be appointed from the floor or by the Chair?"
On motion of Mrs. Cooper, seconded by Mrs. Ober, it was voted that the committee be appointed by the Chair.
The Chair appointed Mrs. Hoagg, Mr. Remey and Mrs. True a committee to nominate a Committee on Credentials.
On motion of Mr. Randall, duly seconded, it was voted by unanimous agreement that the Chair appoint a committee to nominate officers for the permanent organization.
The Chair announced the appointment of the following as a committee to nominate for the permanent organization: Mrs. Ella G. Cooper, Mrs. Harlan F. Ober, Mr. Carl Scheffler.
The committee on the appointment of the Credentials Committee reported the names of the following: Mrs. Helen S. Goodall, Mr. Louis G. Gregory, and Mr. William H. Randall. The Chair endorsed the choice and appointed them as the Committee on Credentials.
Chairman Dr. D'Evelyn: "Now we have to ask your indulgence again upon two other assemblies which we would be pleased to have you admit to the same standing as those you have already passed upon. These assemblies are Santa Paula, California, and New York Mills, Minnesota. If there is no objection, they will take the same course as the others."
Mr. Lunt: "Since it is improbable that the Committee on Credentials will be able to report before 12 or 12:30, could we not avail ourselves of the precedent established in previous years and hear informally, as a temporary organization, the reports of the officers of the Unity? And later on, after the permanent organization is formed, we can approve those reports."
Chairman Dr. D'Evelyn: "You have anticipated our next movement, sir. Mrs. True will now give us a report."
Mrs. True: "This is the Financial Secretary's report. On account of the Convention coming in the middle or latter part of the month, the Executive Board last year voted that our accounts be closed on the last day of March or the first day of April. So my report is to the last day of March.
"On the last day of March there was in the bank $13,486.75 as a checking account. We hold in certificates of deposit which are renewed every four months and are at the rate of 3%, three certificates of deposit; the first certificate which is due May 19, 1918, $25,655.51; a second certificate due June 13, $36,552.84; a third certificate due June 15, $25,439.37; a total in certificates of deposit of $87,647.72.
"So that in all we had with the checking account and the certificates of deposit $101,134.47.
"Mr. Randall, who is the treasurer of the Building Fund Committee, will give you a report of other holdings beside money. Although this, in the world's history, has been the most frightful year that has ever been known on this planet, and although in our country financial conditions have been very difficult, yet it has been the most prosperous year in the Mashrekol-azkar work that we have ever had. During the year from April 1, 1917, to March 31, 1918, we have received $75,922.91 besides the other holdings which the Building Fund Committee will report to you."
Chairman Dr. D'Evelyn: "You have heard Mrs. True's report and it is a very satisfactory and encouraging one. Mr. Randall will supplement it now."
Mr. Randall: "I know you would like to hear the results of the pledge system, as I am speaking now for the Building Fund Committee. The invitation for the Bahais to contribute to the Mashrekol-azkar Fund, brought 195 pledges, signed on the pledge cards. At the present time 95 have been paid in full, there are yet remaining 100 with certain amounts still to be paid. The total amount of the pledges was $67,534.50. The amount still due on pledges is $32,444.80. In addition to that there has been overpaid on pledges, that is, more than the pledge called for, $5,990.66. There has been turned in to the committee, without any pledges at all, merely as contributions, $7,638.10; and up to the 20th of April this money, as it has been paid in, has all been turned in to the financial secretary.
"Now in addition to these amounts in dollars and cents, there are in the custody of this committee, contributions as follows: 5 shares of American Can, preferred, worth about $450; 100 shares Pennsylvania Railroad stock, worth about $4,400; 4 $50 Liberty Bonds worth approximately $200; a beautiful piece of tapestry, appraised at $1,200.
"The amount of money that has been turned over to the financial secretary, by the Building Fund Committee and which is included in her report, is $42,819.45."
Mr. Randall further stated that he knew of certain substantial sums of money which the donors planned to turn into the temple treasury in the future.
Chairman D'Evelyn: "Mr. Hall will now make his report."
Mr. Albert H. Hall, the Treasurer, made the following report:
| Balance on hand March 31, 1917 | $24,085.66 |
| Receipts, March 31, 1917, to March 31, 1918 | 75,923.21 |
| Bank interest on balance on deposit | 150.41 |
| Interest on certificates of deposit | 2,647.72 |
| Total | $102,807.00 |
| Deduct bank exchange | 10.80 |
| 102,796.20 | |
| Disbursements by vouchers Nos. 171-198 | 1,711.48 |
| Add voucher No. 195, outstanding | 50.00 |
| Balance on hand March 31, 1918 | $101,134.72 |
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. 4
DETAIL OF DISBURSEMENTS
| Convention and Congress of 1917 in Boston | $554.56 |
| Legal services | 548.10 |
| Publicity | 91.50 |
| Telegrams | 22.34 |
| Building Fund Committee, printing, etc. | 88.06 |
| Office expenses (printing, clippings, etc.) | 312.11 |
| Signs on Mashrekol-azkar property | 13.00 |
| Watchman on Mashrekol-azkar property | 21.00 |
| Expenses for work on Muskegon property | 43.15 |
| Taxes on Muskegon lot | 3.79 |
| Incidental | 13.87 |
| Total | $1,711.48 |
Chairman Dr. D'Evelyn: "I think we might now have a report from Mr. Ober, the secretary, covering our other activities."
Mr. Ober: "The most important reports brought to the Convention are those which show the actual deeds and accomplishments in the way of raising this initial fund of from $200,000 to $300,000. At the most, the report of the Secretary merely outlines the meetings and the various consultations which were—no doubt, through the assistance of Abdul-Baha—permitted to stimulate this gathering. It appears that every one of us should be in the condition of utmost thankfulness and rejoicing over the tremendous response that has been made during the past year; for it shows, more than anything else, how deep down in the hearts of the believers is the longing irrespective of all outer conditions in the world of existence, in the Cause of God, to fulfill completely the exhortations of Abdul-Baha, and to raise the required fund so that this work may be done in his day, so that the cornerstone, the actual beginning of the wonderful edifice of God, the Mashrekol-azkar, can be completed here in Wilmette by the blessed hands of the Center of the Covenant himself. The response to the Building Fund Committee's letter in October was certainly wonderful and extraordinary; and it would appear that there needs to be one more really mighty effort in order to establish the treasury at the minimum that Abdul-Baha has required, in order that we may cable him, or send word to him, that we have fulfilled his requirements; and, when we do that, how do we know of the effect it will have upon the conditions of the entire universe?
"The proof, in the past, of steadfastness, was words, but today Baha'o'llah
has said that it is by deeds. The great thing that will be remembered regarding the work of the Temple Unity and of the Executive Board is that it was obedient to the exhortations of Abdul-Baha, and that it really accomplished that which it undertook, under the suggestions and under the commands of Abdul-Baha.
"It is not impossible to conceive that before this Convention goes, before we separate within the next two days, we will be in a position to send word to Abdul-Baha, by messenger or by cable to Egypt, or by any way that is in the wisdom of the Convention to decide, that we are prepared now for his next command.
"Down underneath, in the midst of all the difficulties and trials which have beset the Cause, the yearning and longing of the sincere hearts of the members of the Executive Board have been to obey this exhortation and to serve this wonderful command.
"In the meetings which have been held in Chicago, in Boston, and in New York, the discussions and considerations were all revolving around this great central point. Shall we not arise and make this the great final effort? Shall not the wave of the love of God, shall not the wave of the obedience of the believers to the commands of God submerge this Convention so that we make a lasting, great sacrifice? From the treasurer, from the financial secretary, and from the treasurer of the building fund committee, we certainly have had reports that are most stimulating and most wonderful. It makes that goal so alluring and seem so near. So we need to come together and make up our minds that in this Convention, before it comes to an end, we shall enter upon a period of sacrifice that shall make the remaining pathway shorter. It depends upon our obedience to Abdul-Baha, upon the existence of the wonderful spiritual unity which comes alone from Abdul-Baha. It will come from our consciousness of the actual presence of Abdul-Baha in our midst, in these our deliberations and in our inspirational efforts, and in the steps that we take in accordance with the confirmations of the Holy Spirit."
Mrs. Coles: "Directly to the question, and directly to the statement of Mr. Ober, I want to speak about the radiant possibility of achievement. I stand here as one of the little group that in the early convention put 95 cents into the building fund. I remember so well how we went to Mrs. True and gave her 95 cents, one by one, and put it in her hand with faith, with love, with trust, with confidence and with absolute assurance that the prayer that went with that 95 cents put into Mrs. True's hands was the seed planted that would bring about this great growth. And to think that the $200,000 goal is so near, and that we so soon may be able to cable to Abdul-Baha that we have fulfilled his requirements—the thought makes for so much greater dynamic power, that we seem to see that temple built." (Applause)
Mr. Hall: "There was one more thing that I wanted to report. There is a $500 note that is due May 1 and is good."
Chairman Dr. D'Evelyn then called for reports from some of the delegates. Miss Agnes Alexander spoke for Japan, Mrs. Rice-Wray spoke for Detroit, Mrs. Kibby for Cleveland and Dr. Bagdadi for Chicago.
Chairman Dr. D'Evelyn: "The secretary has an announcement to make."
Mr. Ober: "This is an announcement from the convention committee. The Committee on Convention has arranged for the holding of this afternoon's session at 5338 Kenmore Avenue, that is, at Mrs. True's home, when important questions will be taken up. The Tuesday sessions will be held in this hall unless otherwise ordered by the Convention."
Thereupon after the reading of the prayer by the Chairman the Convention adjourned until 2:30 o'clock P. M. of the same day to meet at Mrs. True's residence, 5338 Kenmore Ave, Chicago.
MONDAY AFTERNOON SESSION
Residence of Mrs. Corinne True
The Convention met at 2:30 o'clock P. M. Monday, at the residence of Mrs. Corinne True, 5338 Kenmore Ave, Chicago.
The meeting opened with the reading of prayer by Chairman Dr. D'Evelyn.
On motion by Mrs. Breed, seconded by Mr. Lunt, it was voted to omit the report of the Committee on Credentials at this time.
On motion duly made and seconded it was voted to throw the meeting open for informal discussion.
Informal discussion for about an hour.
On motion duly made and seconded it was voted that we terminate the informal discussion and proceed to the consideration of the regular business of the Convention.
On motion by Mr. Remey duly seconded it was voted that we appoint a committee to get together and have printed and circulated the words of Baha'o'llah and Abdul-Baha on the subject of The Most Great Peace.
Chairman D'Evelyn: "Mr. Gregory will read the report of the Committee on Credentials."
Mr. Gregory: "Your Committee on Credentials will submit to you a list of names. We have here three classes: First, those who are qualified, in the opinion of this committee, to sit in the Convention as delegates and alternates; secondly, those whose credentials are irregular, and which depend upon a vote of this house to confirm them as delegates and alternates; and, third, those whose credentials are rejected.
"Delegates certified by the Committee on Credentials of the Convention—
St. Paul, Minnesota.—Dr. Clement Woolson, delegate.
Newark, New Jersey—William H. Hoar, delegate; Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi, alternate.
Spokane, Washington—Mrs. Cora Ditmars, delegate.
Santa Paula, California—Mrs. M. Lesley O'Keefe Long, delegate; Mrs. Helen S. Goodall, alternate.
New York Mills, Minnesota—Albert H. Hall, delegate.
Salem and Beverly, Massachusetts—Edward D. Struven, delegate.
St. John, New Brunswick—Miss Marion Jack, delegate; Mrs. Grace Ober, alternate.
Memphis, Tennessee—Louis G. Gregory, delegate by proxy.
Schenectady, New York—A. B. McDaniel, delegate; John B. Bassett, alternate.
Baltimore, Maryland—Louis G. Gregory, delegate; J. H. Hannen, alternate.
Geyserville, California—Miss Agnes B. Alexander, delegate.
Jersey City, New Jersey—William H. Hoar, delegate; Roy C. Wilhelm, alternate.
New York City, New York—Mrs. Alice Ives Breed and Hooper Harris, delegates; Mrs. H. C. Champney and James Morton, alternates.
Muskegon, Michigan—Mrs. Helen Bagg, delegate; Mrs. Josie Spink, alternate.
Racine, Wisconsin—Magnus Poulson, delegate; Mrs. Charles Olsen, alternate.
Washington, D. C.—C. Mason Remey and Joseph H. Hannen, delegates; Mrs. Claudia Stuart Coles and Louis G. Gregory, alternates.
Denver, Colorado—Mrs. Rachel O. North, delegate.
Cleveland, Ohio—Mrs. W. J. Kibby, delegate; Mrs. Thomas W. Fleming, alternate.
Brooklyn, New York—Frank E. Osborne, delegate; Miss Irene C. Holmes, alternate.
Buffalo, New York—Mrs. Gertrude C. Tift, delegate; Louis G. Gregory, alternate.
New Haven, Connecticut—Miss Emma Thompson, delegate; Miss Louise Thompson, alternate.
Cambridge, Massachusetts—Harlan F. Ober, delegate; Mrs. Louise Waterman, alternate.
Bakersfield, California—Mary A. Morton, delegate; Lucy F. Bennett, alternate.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania—Jessie E. Revell, delegate.
San Francisco, California—Dr. F. W. D'Evelyn, delegate; Mrs. Ella G. Cooper, alternate.
Urbana, Illinois—Mrs. Marie Hopper, delegate; Mrs. Jacob Kuntz, alternate.
Sandusky, Ohio—Mrs. Cora E. Renner, delegate; C. Mason Remey, alternate.
Riverton, New Jersey—Miss Jessie Revell, delegate.
St. Louis, Missouri—Mrs. Caroline M. Barbee, delegate; Mrs. Elizabeth Greenleaf, alternate.
Fruitport, Michigan—Mrs. Eva T. Cooper, delegate; Mrs. Nels Petersen, alternate.
Minneapolis, Minnesota—Albert H. Hall, delegate; Miss H. Brittingham, alternate.
Montclair, New Jersey—C. H. Edsall, delegate; Harlan F. Ober, alternate.
Nutley, New Jersey—Mrs. Charles H. Hunter, delegate.
Benton Siding, British Columbia—Mrs. Grace Ober, delegate; Alfred E. Lunt, alternate.
Boston, Massachusetts—William H. Randall, delegate; Alfred E. Lunt, alternate.
Atlantic City, New Jersey—Alfred E. Lunt, delegate; Harlan F. Ober, alternate.
Chicago, Illinois—Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi and Mrs. Corinne True, delegates; Carl Scheffler and Albert R. Windust, alternates.
Lakeland, Florida—Charlotte Morton, delegate; Mrs. Millie Morton, alternate.
Worcester, Massachusetts—Mrs. Howard Struven, delegate; Mr. Alfred E. Lunt, alternate.
Kenosha, Wisconsin—Bernard M. Jacobsen, delegate; Mrs. Charles Redeen, alternate.
On motion by Mr. Lunt, duly seconded, it was voted to accept the report of the Committee on Credentials in reference to the first class, that is, those whose credentials are entirely regular and who are qualified in the opinion of the Committee on Credentials.
Mr. Gregory: "The credentials of the following are irregular. These credentials were received by telegram and we have not been able as a committee to verify the persons who sent the telegrams from the assemblies. This is a matter to be left for the action of the Convention. The committee, I take it, is of the opinion that credentials received in this way are irregular and there is a question whether the persons who come this way as delegates should be seated; and it is not so much a matter of questioning the validity of the credentials as perhaps the establishment of a bad precedent. Things of that kind could be easily carried too far on occasions when it means more to the Convention than it does at the present time.
"The Santa Barbara, California; North Augusta, South Carolina; and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania assemblies, are in this list."
After full discussion on motion duly made and seconded it was voted not to accept the irregular applications, that is, all of those included in class two of the Committee on Credentials report.
Mr. Gregory: "Major Honore J. Jaxon and Frank H. Hoffman appeared before the Committee on Credentials and handed us credentials as delegate and alternate to this Convention, as representatives of 'The Chicago Bahai Assembly,' so called. They claimed and
reserved any and all legal rights they claim, to seats in the Convention, denied violation of the Covenant and placed their claim to recognition on personal grounds, as the representatives of 'The Chicago Bahai Assembly' and as representatives of a third group known as 'The Assembled Bahais of Chicago.' They also asked in courtesy that if the Committee on Credentials should report adversely to their interests that the right to state their case on the floor of the Convention be granted. This statement, request and their credentials were considered.
"The Committee on Credentials agree with the recommendation of the Temple Unity Board, that the formation and registration of the so-called 'Chicago Bahai Assembly,' otherwise known as the Reading Room group, is irregular and that furthermore, violation of the Covenant of God has been proven to exist among persons connected with the said reading room, and that persons who attend the said meetings of the reading room group, are either violators or associated with violators.
"The Committee on Credentials therefore recommends that no representatives of the said group be admitted to this Convention, or seated therein as delegates.
(Signed) Helen S. Goodall, Wm. H. Randall, Louis G. Gregory."
Chairman Dr. D'Evelyn: "You have heard the recommendations of this committee in regard to action on Group 3. What is your pleasure?"
Mr. Lunt: "I move its adoption."
Mr. Ober: "I second it."
Motion carried.
Chairman Dr. D'Evelyn: "We will now have the roll call of delegates."
The roll was called by Mr. Ober and the following answered present—
| Dr. Clement Woolson | St. Paul, Minn. |
| Mrs. Howard Struven | Worcester, Mass. |
| Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi, alternate | Newark, N. J. |
| Mrs. Helen S. Goodall, delegate | Santa Paula, Calif. |
| Mr. C. Mason Remey, alternate | Ithaca, N. Y. |
| Mr. Albert H. Hall | New York Mills, Minn. |
| Mr. Edward D. Struven | Salem and Beverly, Mass. |
| Miss Marion Jack | St. John, N. B. |
| Mr. Louis G. Gregory | Memphis, Tenn. |
| Mr. Louis G. Gregory, alternate | Baltimore, Md. |
| Miss Agnes B. Alexander | Geyserville, Calif. |
| Mrs. Alice Ives Breed, delegate | New York City. |
| Mrs. Helen Bagg | Muskegon, Mich. |
| Mr. Magnus Poulson, delegate | Racine, Wis. |
| Mr. C. Mason Remey, delegate | Washington, D. C. |
| Mrs. Claudia Stuart Coles, alternate | Washington, D. C. |
| Mrs. Rachel O. North | Denver, Colo. |
| Mrs. William J. Kibby | Cleveland, Ohio |
| Miss Irene C. Holmes | Brooklyn, N. Y. |
| Mr. Louis G. Gregory, alternate | Buffalo, N. Y. |
| Mr. Harlan F. Ober, delegate | Cambridge, Mass. |
| Miss Jessie E. Revell | Philadelphia, P. A. |
| Dr. F. W. D'Evelyn | San Francisco, Calif. |
| Mrs. Marie A. Hopper | Urbana, Ill. |
| Miss Cora. E. Renner | Sandusky, Ohio |
| Miss Jessie E. Revell | Riverton, N. J. |
| Mrs. Caroline Barbee | St. Louis, Mo. |
| Mrs. Eva W. Cooper | Fruitport, Mich. |
| Mr. Albert H. Hall | Minneapolis, Minn. |
| Mr. Harlan F. Ober, alternate | Montclair, N. J. |
| Mrs. Grace Ober | Benton Siding, B. C. |
| Mr. William H. Randall | Boston, Mass. |
| Mr. Alfred E. Lunt | Atlantic City, N. J. |
| Dr. Zia M. Bagdadi; Mrs. Corinne True. | Chicago, Ill. |
Chairman Dr. D'Evelyn: "If there are any omissions on this roll call of the delegates please acquaint us with the fact. We are now prepared to receive the report of the Committee on Permanent Organization."
Mrs. Ella. G. Cooper: "The Committee on Permanent Organization recommends Mr. Alfred E. Lunt as permanent Chairman and Mr. Louis G. Gregory as Secretary of the Convention."
On motion of Mr. Ober duly seconded it was voted to adopt the report of the committee.
Mr. Alfred E. Lunt, the permanent Chairman of the Convention, then assumed the Chair.
The Chairman: "I will not take any time for a lengthy speech but I will only pledge my efforts to the service of Abdul-Baha and this Convention. Because of the lateness of the hour if there is no objection we will close this session."
After the reading of prayer by the Chairman, the Convention adjourned at 5:40 p. m., to meet the following morning, Tuesday, April 30th, at 10 o'clock, at the Auditorium Hotel.
TUESDAY MORNING SESSION.
Auditorium Hotel, ninth floor, Tuesday, April 30th.
The Convention was called to order at 10:00 o'clock A. M.; Mr. Alfred E. Lunt, Chairman; Mr. Louis G. Gregory, Secretary.
The meeting was opened by the singing of the "International Anthem," and by the reading of prayer by the Chairman; after which the following proceedings were had:
The Chairman: "Friends, we have a great deal of business to do in a very short time today, if we expect to finish our deliberations; so, without taking any preliminary time, I would suggest to you that it would be appropriate to name at this time an Auditing Committee to examine the reports of the financial officers, and be prepared to report to us a little later in the day on the books. Will you name the members of the committee?"
On motion by Mr. Ober duly seconded it was voted that the Chair name a committee of three.
The Chairman: "The Secretary will read the names of certain additional delegates that have come to our notice since yesterday."
Mr. Gregory: "This is a statement and a report of the Committee on Credentials. It happened that some of the papers in connection with the credentials certified by the Secretary of the Unity were mislaid. I have the following names—
Springfield, Massachusetts—Mrs. O. E. Kretz-Bellejean.
Portland, Oregon—Mrs. Charlotte Gillan, delegate by proxy; George H. Latimer, alternate.
Oswego, New York—Mary M. Stone Young, delegate; Mrs. Grace Ober, alternate.
Seattle, Washington—Mrs. Charlotte Gillen, delegate; Mrs. Harriet Latimer, alternate.
Detroit, Michigan—Mrs. T. C. Rice-Wray, delegate; Mrs. Harry Jordan, alternate.
Beverly and Salem, Massachusetts—Edward D. Struven, delegate; Mr. John S. Crowley, alternate.
Ithaca, New York—Pauline Crandall, delegate; C. Mason Remey, alternate.
Augusta, Georgia—Joseph H. Hannen, delegate.
Berkeley, California—Mrs. Ella G. Cooper, delegate; Dr. F. W. D'Evelyn, alternate.
Montreal, Canada—Mrs. May Maxwell, delegate; W. S. Maxwell, alternate.
San Diego, California—Mrs. Helen S. Goodall, delegate; Mrs. Ella G. Cooper, alternate.
Eliot, Maine—Kate C. Ives, delegate.
Santa Paula, California—Mrs. Helen S. Goodall, delegate by proxy.
Los Angeles, California—Mrs. H. Emogene Hoagg, delegate."
The Chairman: "As a member of the Committee on Credentials, Brother Gregory, do you move that these names be added?"
Mr. Gregory: "I move that these names be added."
Mr. Gregory's motion being seconded by Mr. Ober it was voted that these names be added to the roll.
The Chairman: "Now, the new list should be read as the roll call to see who are present from those delegations."
Mr. Gregory: "I will read them over and see who are here."
Additional names to the roll who answered present—
| Mrs. May Maxwell | Montreal, Canada. |
| Mrs. Helen S. Goodall | San Diego, Calif. |
| Mrs. Ella G. Cooper | Berkeley, Calif. |
| Mrs. Charlotte Gillen | Portland, Oregon. |
| Mrs. E. J. Gillen | Seattle, Wash. |
| Mrs. Grace Ober | Oswego, N. Y. |
| Mrs. T. C. Rice-Wray | Detroit, Mich. |
| Mr. Edward D. Struven | Beverly and Salem, Mass. |
| Mr. C. Mason Remey | Ithaca, N. Y. |
| Mrs. Ella. G. Cooper | Berkeley, Calif. |
| Mrs. Helen S. Goodall | Santa Paula, Calif. |
| Mrs. H. Emogene Hoagg | Los Angeles, Calif. |
The Chairman: "Now, shall we listen to the report of the Publications Committee? This committee, as you know, was one, perhaps the only committee which was authorized by Abdul-Baha to be named in the annual conventions. Therefore, it is appropriate that the committee should report to you each year; and then I suppose, in accordance with the tablet, you should renew the authority, or renew the committee, or otherwise arrange for a committee to continue the work. Miss Masson, Chairman of that committee, is here, and we would like to have her report."
Miss Masson: "The Committee on Publications has a very brief report. I think it might be interesting to recapitulate a little of the history of the appointment of this committee. I want to read first the tablet from Abdul-Baha to Mr. Roy C. Wilhelm in regard to the appointment of a Publications Committee. I will also read the letter from the Secretary of the 1917 Convention."
Miss Masson then read the tablet and letter above referred to, following with a statement about the high standard which should be raised for Bahai literature, in regard to truth, facts, literary excellence, etc. The literature should be an evidence of the perfection of the Cause.
Miss Masson then reported with some detail about the work of the committee stating that seven or eight manuscripts had been submitted, some poems and a letter. The committee suggested that it
would be a wise thing to have on one of the first pages of any book or manuscript that was issued the statement "approved by the Publications Committee," also a further statement saying that "the sole authority for interpretation is Abdul-Baha."
There followed a discussion in which Mrs. Hoagg, Mr. Kinney, Mr. Gregory, Mrs. Rice-Wray, Miss Holmes and Mrs. Breed took part. The discussion revolved largely around the question of the scope of the work of the Publications Committee.
Mrs. Hoagg asked for information about the new edition of the Hidden Words.
Mr. Kinney desired to know if the Publications Committee was authorized to approve or disapprove of songs and hymns.
Mr. Gregory: "It has come to my notice that quite a number of the old publications have fundamental errors. Would the Publications Committee object to having its powers enlarged so as to revise such publications, where these errors are called to their attention? For instance, one of the books published at least ten or twelve years ago, although it is a very beautful book, has statements in it which would justify any reader in assuming that the creatures could attain the station of the Manifestation of the Word; and one of the most popular of the books recently published has statements along that same line, which are very misleading.
"Now, it seems to me that if the Publications Committee could call the attention of the authors of the books to those errors, they would be very glad to correct them. One of them was written at a time when the station of the Center of the Covenant was not understood in America; and another one of them, although recent, has fallen into the same error. Now, it would seem very wise that if this committee could not have its powers enlarged, that a new committee should be appointed by this Convention to deal with matters of this kind, in order that our publications should attain the state of perfection which this committee indicates it desires."
The Chairman: "I would say that the authorizing tablet itself gives, it seems to me, the answer to all these matters. This committee first must revise and pass upon every manuscript, except certain exempted manuscripts, or accepted manuscripts mentioned in the tablet. Now, I have not the language absolutely in mind, but my belief is that in the words of Abdul-Baha, which have been previously published, there are certain books which he mentioned which did not come within the scope of the Publications Committee's work; but everything else does. Now, it seems to me that Brother Gregory's question and suggestion is extremely important, and that the committee should take those publications under its consideration. . . . Now, we should all conform, and every Bahai who expects his books, or her books, to be placed on sale or circulated, should conform to the instructions of Abdul-Baha and should submit their manuscripts for final approval to the Publications Committee. I think the Convention should insist upon that."
Mrs. Rice-Wray brought up the matter of authenticating some of the prayers.
Miss Holmes reported that she had received a tablet from Abdul-Baha, which read "collect the prayers and send them to me." They have been sent and that is as far as she knew.
The Chairman: "I would suggest that possibly Abdul-Baha intended that even the prayers should be for the present considered by that committee. I do not say that is so."
Mrs. Rice-Wray pointed out the fact that it would be the duty of the committee to get in touch With Abdul-Baha in order to learn which were the correct prayers.
Mr. Ober: "I think it is obvious that the foundation of all of this work is
really in the tablet of Abdul-Baha. I know a great many of us feel that this committee has not been given any absolute powers by Abdul-Baha. I do not think we should consider it in that way at all. It is rather a protective committee. Abdul-Baha, undoubtedly knew that there was going to be a cutting of communications, and thus provided for our protection. In the past he has taken care personally of a great many manuscripts. Now, in order to protect the Cause against unwise statements, against the statements of people who come in and who are really inspired by the love of the Cause but perhaps are not really fundamentally established on the principles, he has placed this committee and the Convention as a sort of bulwark around us. I think the very fact that there is a committee has discouraged some people, who otherwise might have published things, if they were left to their own initiative. . . .
"Now, in regard to the prayer books; there are, I believe, one or two prayers that are questioned. I think Abdul-Baha has given certain definite instructions, and it has been the desire of the Publications Committee, and would be the desire of the Publications Committee, I know, if the question were raised in regard to those particular things, to find out what the instructions of Abdul-Baha were. This Convention is only the servant of Abdul-Baha, and one word from him would wipe out everything we would do. So the Publications Committee is merely the servant trying to protect the Cause from the issuance of unwise publications. And where there has been any real doubt, the Publications Committee has rather tended to advise against the publication. Of course, as a matter of fact, the Words of God are here—the Words of Baha'o'llah and the Words of Abdul-Baha—and if we had nothing else we would have enough. If the authors insisted upon the publication of a manuscript about which the Publications Committee had doubts, believing that it ought not to be published, the entire matter would come before the Convention to be finally passed upon in accordance with the instructions. I feel that has been the spirit of the Publications Committee, and I think it should be the spirit, as determined by the tablet itself."
Mr. Remey pointed out the necessities of assisting the libraries in the classification of Bahai books since in many libraries at the present time are books classed under the head of Bahai teachings some of which have been written by people who were studying the Cause and who were not accurate in their statements and others who have been actually opposing the Cause. He suggested the possibility of having the Publications Committee issue a statement indicating the authentic Bahai publications for the benefit of those who wish to get the Bahai point of view.
Mrs. Coles stated that she felt very strongly the necessity of filing a list of those things which were absolutely fully and purely the Bahai teachings as against a list of those things that are side by side on the shelves of the libraries and which actually contain false teachings. She told of her experience in buying a large number of books placed on the table with the Bahai books in one of the assemblies. Afterward it appeared that some of the teachings were false. Her point was that now from this day forth there should be in the heart of every Bahai in the country the consciousness that each book that goes forth with the stamp of approval of the Publications Committee has in it only the pure teachings of God in this day for the redemption of the world. That, it seemed to her, was one of the first steps in this great responsibility which is ours.
(Continued on page 57)
