Translation of French Foot-Notes of the Dawn-Breakers/Epilogue
Epilogue[edit]
Gobineau, writing in about the year 1865, testifies as follows: “Public opinion holds that the Bábís are to be found in every social class and among the members of every religion, with the exception of the Nusayrís and the Christians, but it is especially the educated classes, the men of learning who are suspected of sympathy with Bábism. It is believed, and with good reason, that many mullás and, among them, outstanding mujtahids, magistrates of high rank, and high court officials very close to the king, are Bábís. According to a recent estimate, there would be in Tihrán, a city of about eighty thousand souls, five thousand Bábís. But this estimate is not very reliable and I am inclined to think that, if the Bábís were to triumph in Persia, their number in the capital would be much larger, for, at that moment, one would have to add to the number of the zealous ones, whatever that number may now be, a large proportion of those who are recently in favor of the officially condemned doctrine and to whom victory would impart the courage to declare their faith openly.” (“Les Religions et les Philosophies dans l’Asie Centrale,” p. 251.)
Gobineau, writing about the year 1865, gives the following testimony: “Thus Bábism has won a considerable influence on the mind of Persia, and spreading beyond the Persian frontier, has overflowed into the pachalick of Baghdad and penetrated into India. Among its characteristics, one of the most striking is that, even during the life of the Báb, many of the new[Page 80]
faith, many of its most convinced and devoted followers, have never known personally their prophet and do not seem to have attached great importance to the hearing of his instructions from his own lips. Nevertheless, they rendered him, completely and without reservation, the honors and the veneration to which, in their own eyes, he was certainly entitled." (Comte de Gobineau's "Les Religions et les Philosophies dans l'Asie Centrale," p. 255.)
Pages 663-665, Note 1[edit]
"The Cause of the Báb is on the road to great achievements. We have now shown how there has taken place a religious movement which absorbs the deepest attention of Central Asia, that is to say, of Persia, several regions of India and a section of Asiatic Turkey; a religious movement, therefore, truly remarkable and worthy of being studied. Through it, we witness events, manifestations, catastrophes such that one could only imagine possible in remote ages when the great religions were born. I even confess that if I were to see appear in Europe a religion like unto Bábism, with advantages such as Bábism possesses, with complete faith, an undaunted enthusiasm, tried courage and proven devotion, winning the respect of the indifferent, frightening its adversaries and, moreover, a tireless proselytism constantly gaining adherents in every social class,-if I were to see such a phenomenon in Europe, I would not hesitate to predict that, within a given time, power and sovereignty would of necessity belong to a group so richly endowed." (Comte de Gobineau's "Les Religions et les Philosophies dans l'Asie Centrale," pp. 116, 293-294-)
"It seems certain that from the religious standpoint and especially from the moral one, Bábism marks an advance over the teachings of Islám; one may hold with M. Vambery (French Academy, March 12, 1892) that its leader has expressed doctrines worthy of the greatest thinkers.. In any case the growth of Bábism is an interesting chapter in the history. of modern religions and civilizations. And thus, after all is said, those who praise it are perhaps right; it may be that from Bábism will come the regeneration of the Persian peoples, even of the whole of Islám which is in real need of it. Unfortunately there is seldom a national regeneration without much shedding of blood." (M. J. Balteau's "Le Bábisme," p. 28.)
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Reproduction of letter from Shoghi Effendi, through his secretary, to Dr. and Mrs. Périgord.
November 27th, 1927.
Dear Dr. & Mrs. Perigord,
I am directed by Shoghi Effendi to convey to you his very sincere thanks for your messages which he has just received.
He is indeed most pleased to know of your interest in, and genuine admiration for, the principles and teachings
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of the Bahá’í Faith, and keenly appreciates the warm response you have made to Mrs. French’s suggestion regarding the translation of the French notes contained in the “Dawn-Breakers” into English.
This is truly an important service you have kindly accepted to render the Cause, & the Bahá’ís will all feel immensely grateful to you for it, especially those who, due to their lack of knowledge of the French language, have so far been unable to understand the many & extensive French quotations
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found in that book.
Shoghi Effendi has every reason to hope that the rendering will be faithful & in excellent language, & trust that you will find it possible to proceed with the work at once.
Again with deepest thanks for your very cordial message, and in the hope that this letter will find you both in the best of health,
Yours very sincerely, R. Rabbání