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[Page 413]

WORLD ORDER

THE BAHÁ’Í MAGAZINE

VOLUME VI   MARCH, 1941   NUMBER 12

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America’s Destiny

Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick

THE UNION OF THE AMERICAN PEOPLES

FORESHADOWS THE UNION OF MANKIND

‘ABDU’L-BAHÁ plainly pointed out on more than one occasion and in many written words that America had an important and leading part to play in bringing about lasting world peace. Some of His pointed words on this subject are these: “May this American Democracy be the first nation to establish the foundation of international agreement. May it be the first nation to proclaim the unity of mankind. May it be the first to unfurl the Standard of the Most Great Peace.” And further: “The American people are indeed worthy of being the first to build the Tabernacle of the Great Peace, and proclaim the oneness of mankind . . . For America hath developed powers and capacities greater and more wonderful than other nations . . . The American nation is equipped and empowered to accomplish that which will adorn the pages of history, to become the envy of the world, and be blest in both the East and the West for the triumph of its people . . . The American continent gives [Page 414] signs and evidences of very great advancement. Its future is even more promising, for its influence and illumination are far-reaching. It will lead all nations spiritually.” (Citation, Advent of Divine Justice, p. 72)

These words thrill us, yet they make us pause and think. For while they remind us of the greatness of America and of the freedom in thought and religion for which ideally she has stood from the beginning and of the equality of opportunity for all races and classes and nationalities which she proclaims, yet by very contrast we are also reminded of her weaknesses and the many occasions wherein her people have failed and still fail to live up to her ideals.

The idea that the American continent has an important part to play in bringing about a new world order, indeed that the Western Hemisphere has been divinely ordained as a cradle of liberty, a place for development along the lines of peace and freedom unhampered by Old World ideas and institutions is not a new one to thoughtful people nor confined to those who follow Bahá’u’lláh. Abraham Lincoln, in a speech which he made on the Revolutionary War and the founding of the United States testified to his belief that America had a gift for the world. On February 21, 1861, he said: “There must have been something more than common that these men struggled for. I am exceedingly anxious that that thing—that something even more than national independence; that something that held out a great promise to all the people of the world to all time to come—I am exceedingly anxious that this Union, the Constitution, and the liberties of the people shall be perpetuated in accordance with the original idea for which that struggle was made.” And President Roosevelt has said in one of his fireside talks: “There is a mysterious cycle in human events. To some generations much is given. Of others much is expected. [Page 415] This generation of Americans has a rendezvous with destiny.”

A CLOSER ASSOCIATION WITH LATIN AMERICA

Events which are taking place indicate the truth of the words which Shoghi Effendi wrote more than two years ago in elaborating upon the above words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá: “For . . . however slow and laborious the process, it is becoming increasingly evident that the nation as a whole, whether through the agency of its government or otherwise, is gravitating, under influences it can neither comprehend nor control, towards such associations and policies, wherein, as indicated by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, her true destiny must lie.” (Advent, p. 73) These “associations and policies” are in a general way, wrote Shoghi Effendi in the same letter, “A closer association with these (Latin American) republics, on the one hand, and an increased participation, in varying degrees, on the other, in the affairs of the whole world.” (Advent, p. 75)

Let us turn our attention to the first named of these trends, the closer association with our Latin American neighbors. Current literature and newspapers give evidence that this is taking place and that this association tends to be peaceful and of mutual benefit to all. There is an interesting and significant background to this. Preparation for peaceful and friendly intercourse between the Americas has long been going on. Indeed, Mr. William Sanders, chief of the Juridical Division of the Pan American Union, says: “Peace between the peoples of the Americas has always been considered the natural, normal and permanent order of things in the New World.” (International Law and International Peace in the Americas) Mr. Sanders holds that this spirit of peace, natural to the Americas, must, in order to be effective, have channels of law through which [Page 416] to work, and he points out that the creation and codification of a body of laws for the purpose of insuring peace has been one of the contributions which the Americas were destined to make to the world.

He writes: “It has been said and demonstrated by historians and jurists that the discovery of the New World and the subsequent emancipation of the American colonies of England and Spain were events of tremendous importance in the development of international law. That the American republics have not been unworthy of this heritage and that they have contributed to progressive and enlightened relations among peoples is shown by the history of international law and international peace in the Americas.” (Idem, p. 21)

We shall content ourselves with gleaning a few high spots from Mr. Sanders’ essay in which he supports the above statement. He shows first that “the interest of the American republics in the pacific settlement of disputes crystallized at the moment they achieved independent existence.”

BEGINNING OF AMERICAN INTERNATIONALISM

It was Simón Bolívar who was ready to put this idea of peaceful relations between American republics into action, for it was he who called the first inter-American conference to meet in Panama City in 1826. We must think of Bolívar not only as the Liberator but as a man of far vision. “Few people who have heard or read of Simón Bolívar,” writes Philip Leonard Green, “especially of that part of his life which deals with that period after the winning of Spanish-American independence, fail to thrill at the amazing scope of his vision. His dream took in no less than a hemisphere. His vision was a concert of American nations, living and working in unison.” (World Unity, February, 1935.)

[Page 417] Panama was chosen as the meeting place because Bolívar saw this as the capital city of the confederation of American Republics which he envisioned. Only four nations were represented. The delegation from the United States arrived after the deliberations were all over. Many put this conference down as a failure and we are told that “the great Latin American statesman went to his grave feeling that he had worked in vain.” (The Good Neighbors, Foreign Policy Assoc.) And, indeed, it yielded no apparent fruit at the time since the treaties drawn up were never ratified by the countries represented. Others, however, would agree with Mr. Green that it was “far from the dismal failure which many historians paint it. It was the first time nations had met, not after a war to discuss the partition of territories, but in peace time, to lay the foundations of closer cooperation. There, at Panama, the seed was sown for future efforts on behalf of inter-American understanding.” And Mr. Green goes still further when he adds: “There, too, was born America’s outstanding contribution to the world—the principle of arbitration.” (World Unity, January, 1935.)

A PERIOD OF INCUBATION

The years between 1826 and 1889 are often thought of as barren years as far as friendship between the Latin American countries and the United States is concerned. It was during those years that the United States seemed to be accepting Old World standards in that it wrested by conquest territory from Mexico. This and the growing power of the United States and the implications of the Monroe Doctrine created suspicion in the Latin American countries. But largely each country was concerned with its own problems and South American statesmen and jurists were laying a real foundation of international [Page 418] law. Five political and four juridical congresses were held by Spanish American states during those years. The men responsible for these congresses recognized the fact that the spirit of good will is not sufficient, but that it must have channels of organization and law to work through. These early meetings dealt with such things as the sanctity of international obligations, renunciation of wars of aggression and conquest, the principle of non-intervention in the domestic affairs of another country, codification of international law, a system for bringing pressure to bear upon a state refusing to abide by its international obligations. Such principles, Mr. Sanders says, “did not immediately become the invariable rule of states that subscribed to them. . . . Nevertheless they were dominant elements in the evolution of inter-American relations.” (International Law and International Peace in the Americas, p. 2.) Mr. Sanders speaks of the years from 1826 to 1889 as a long period of incubation.

A SECOND PERIOD OF INTER-AMERICAN RELATIONS

The call for an international American conference to be held in Washington in 1889 was issued by James G. Blaine, then Secretary of State of the United States. Thus the United States came definitely into the picture and what is known as Pan Americanism started. This conference established a Bureau of American Republics for the exchange of commercial information with headquarters at Washington. This Bureau developed rapidly and is now known as the Pan American Union which is a source of information on every important aspect of the economic and cultural life of the member republics.” (The Good Neighbors, p. 56.) The Pan American Union is in no sense political.

But this Washington conference of 1889 was perhaps more [Page 419] important as being the first of a series of inter-American conferences which have been held since then in the different capital cities of the Americas at approximately five year intervals. The conferences are one means for expressing and developing Pan Americanism which according to Mr. Sanders is much more than congresses or legal machinery. “Pan Americanism,” he says, “embraces all phases of inter-American relations that are of common or collective interest to the twenty-one republics of the continent. In the broad sweep of this movement of international cooperation, inter-American commercial, economic, legal, social, cultural, and political relations are carried forward along a common course. In this stream there are opposing currents, of course.” (International Law and International Peace in the Americas, p. 2.) So while it has seemed to the casual observer that at times small progress in friendship has been made yet little by little barriers have been broken down and bridges built.

As a result of fifty years of Pan Americanism we are assured that “The American peace system . . . provides a comprehensive procedure for dealing with all differences of any character that may develop between the American Republics and a method by which these states may coordinate their respective sovereign wills in the event of any threat to the security of the continent from the outside.” (Idem, p. 20.) And certainly there is great hope and confidence in these words: “In the juridical organization of the Americas . . . there is room for the dynamics of a developing social, political and economic order in the system that is based on the proposition that the progress of man is certain and that the final triumph of law is inevitable.” (Idem, p. 20.)

That such a triumph can be achieved here in the western world and established throughout the world without setbacks, [Page 420] struggle and suffering we cannot hope. Events of today show all too plainly the truth of the words that the governments and peoples of the New World “are gradually being enmeshed in the coils of the world’s recurrent crises and fierce controversies.” (Advent, p. 73.)

THE BEGINNING OF A THIRD PERIOD

And now it is evident that inter-American relations are entering upon a third phase which betokens a better understanding of the people themselves. However necessary treaties, laws and organizations are, they fail of their purpose unless there is a living spirit of sincerity and trust flowing through them. Not only must governments practice the “good neighbor” policy, but also the feeling of goodwill and friendliness must flow from people to people. “For after all, the ultimate solution of inter-American problems must be thought of in terms of people.” (World Unity, February, 1935.)

The basis for goodwill must be understanding. The means for understanding are at hand and are being increasingly used. Our daily newspapers as well as our weekly and monthly periodicals and new books inform us of events and conditions and interests and problems in Latin America. Private concerns, organizations and individuals are working for closer association in political, economic and cultural relations. There are goodwill trips, exchange of students, children’s friendship societies to encourage correspondence between children of this country and Latin American countries. There is more study of the Spanish language. All of these are tangible evidence of the activity of the spirit of growing understanding and appreciation between the peoples of the Americas, a spirit necessary if the channels of law are to serve their purpose.

This inadequate survey of trends in inter-American relations [Page 421] shows some basis, we think, for the belief held by many people of vision that the American continent has a divinely appointed mission for the world and that in spite of counter currents which at times seem to be the most powerful the creative spirit for accomplishing this mission has been quietly but definitely working for more than a century. Bahá’ís share these beliefs and hopes. What does their faith in the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh add to this vision and what are Bahá’ís doing about it? It is impossible to answer these questions here in any but the briefest way.

BAHÁ’Í INTER-AMERICA ACTIVITIES

Skeptics say, reasoning from past events, that a world without war is impossible. Internationally minded people say that in order to have world peace a world government is necessary, with legal machinery to settle disputes which since the beginning of history man has tried to settle by fighting. Religionists say that a great religious awakening is necessary in order to insure the progress of humanity and eventually establish peace. Bahá’ís agree with both religionists and internationalists. They believe that the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh as set out by Bahá’u’lláh Himself and further developed by His son, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, is the pattern for the future World Commonwealth. They believe that together with the revelation of His Plan Bahá’u’lláh released to humanity the creative forces to carry out and perfect this Plan. “Think not,” says Bahá’u’lláh, “that We have revealed unto you a mere code of laws. Nay, rather, We have unsealed the choice wine with the fingers of might and power.” (Gleanings, p. 332.) Humanity, we believe, is being recreated by this choice Wine.

Upon American Bahá’ís is placed the overwhelming but immensely glorious privilege of carrying this recreative message [Page 422] throughout the world. Not until this is done will America’s highest destiny be accomplished. The Divine Plan for the conquest of the world for Bahá’u’lláh is embodied in fourteen letters written by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá during the World War and received here in 1919. In them all countries, islands and peoples of the world are named—in all must the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh be established. Soon after these letters were received certain Bahá’ís arose as pioneers and began the great work. They carried the message around the globe. Now that the Bahá’í Cause has grown and progressed, that the administrative order has developed, it is possible and necessary to carry out ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s plan in a more systematic way. This, under the guidance of Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of the Bahá’í Faith, Bahá’ís are doing. The first step is embodied in the Seven Year Plan. This calls for—besides continued teaching in the United States and Canada—the establishment of at least one Bahá’í administrative center in each of the twenty Latin American republics by March 20, 1944. For “it should not be forgotten that Central and Southern America . . . constituting approximately one-third of the entire number of the world’s sovereign states, . . . are destined to play an increasingly important part in the shaping of the world’s future destiny.” (Advent, p. 73.) This work has so far progressed that at present there is no Latin American republic without its resident Bahá’í, in many countries there are active groups and in Argentina, Mexico and Brazil there are Bahá’í administrative centers.

Step by step American Bahá’ís have been trained and educated for this work, trained in both practical and spiritual ways —if we can separate the two. Upon North American Bahá’ís was placed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá the responsibility of establishing, upon the foundation laid down by Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the framework of the Administrative Order of the Bahá’í [Page 423] Faith, called by Shoghi Effendi “the rudiments of the future all-enfolding Bahá’í Commonwealth.” This under the guidance of Shoghi Effendi they have done. To them also ‘Abdu’l-Bahá assigned the task and privilege of erecting the first Universal House of Worship in the Western World. This, with the help of believers in other lands, now, in its outer aspects, nears completion at Wilmette, Illinois. Besides this there has been much activity in teaching, publishing and in many other ways.

It is significant to note that this development of the Bahá’í Faith in North America has taken place during approximately the same fifty years that Pan Americanism in all its ramifications has been developing, for the Cause of Bahá’u’lláh was first publicly mentioned in the United States in 1893. It soon took root and began to grow, quietly and with reverses, but surely and with a power and purpose hardly understood—a power hidden and creative, whose influence was not limited to the Bahá’í Community, but, we are assured, affected the nation as a whole. Shoghi Effendi makes us understand the source and influence of this power when he writes, “The creative energies mysteriously generated by the first stirrings of the embryonic World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, have, as soon as released within a nation destined to become its cradle and champion, endowed that nation with the worthiness, and invested it with the powers and capacities, and equipped it spiritually, to play the part foreshadowed” in the prophetic words of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá. (Advent, p. 72.)

The same potencies which are pushing forward Bahá’í teaching and administrative activities are, we believe, “insensibly shaping, under the impact of world political and economic forces, the destiny of that (American) nation, and are influencing the lives and actions of both its government [Page 424] and its people.” (Idem, p. 73.) “Delays must inevitably arise, set-backs must be suffered, in the course of that country’s evolution towards its ultimate destiny. . . . Such an evolution must persist until such time when that nation will, through the active and decisive part it will have played in the organization and peaceful settlement of the affairs of mankind, have attained the plenitude of its powers and functions as an outstanding member, and component part, of a federated world.” (Idem, p. 76.)

During the same years that the American nations are fulfilling their political destiny Bahá’ís will continue “to teach the Cause of God” to all the world, “to proclaim its truths, to defend its interests, to demonstrate, by words as well as deeds, its indispensability, its potency, and universality,” until permanent peace, the Most Great Peace, is established and America fulfills its highest, its spiritual, destiny. (Idem, p. 37.)

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Wherefore, be thankful to God, for having strengthened thee to aid His Cause, for having made the flowers of knowledge and understanding to spring forth in the garden of thine heart. Thus hath His grace encompassed thee, and encompassed the whole of creation. Beware, lest thou allow anything whatsoever to grieve thee. Rid thyself of all attachment to the vain allusions of men, and cast behind thy back the idle and subtle disputations of them that are veiled from God. Proclaim, then, that which the Most Great Spirit will inspire thee to utter in the service of the Cause of thy Lord, that thou mayest stir up the souls of all men and incline their hearts unto this most blessed and all-glorious Court.

—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

[Page 425]

The Divine Art of Living

A Compilation

CHAPTER TWELVE

TRUST IN GOD

O TRUST in God! for His bounty is everlasting, and in His blessings for they are superb. O put your faith in the Almighty, for He faileth not and His goodness endureth forever! His Sun giveth light continually, and the clouds of His mercy are full of the waters of compassion with which He waters the hearts of all who trust in Him. His refreshing breeze ever carries healing in its wings to the parched souls of men. (Wisdom of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 99)

If thou art seeking after spiritual tranquillity, turn thy face at all times toward the Kingdom of Abhá . . . Let not thy hands tremble nor thy heart be disturbed, but rather be confident and firm in the love of thy Lord, the Merciful, the Clement.

Trust in God, and be unmoved by either praise or false accusations . . . depend entirely on God.

Do not look at thy weakness; nay look at the power of thy Lord, which hath surrounded all regions. . . . Trust in the assistance of thy Master, and ask what thou wishest of the gifts of thy Lord, the Unconstrained. (Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, pp. 557, 170, 158, 190, 200)

TRUST WHEN IN DIFFICULTIES

Today, humanity is bowed down with trouble, sorrow and [Page 426] grief, no one escapes; the world is wet with tears; but, thank God, the remedy is at our doors. Let us turn our hearts away from the world of matter and live in the spiritual world. It alone can give us freedom. If we are hemmed in by difficulties we have only to call upon God, and by His great mercy we shall be helped.

If sorrow and adversity visit us, let us turn our faces to the Kingdom and heavenly consolation will be outpoured.

If we are sick and in distress let us implore God’s healing, and He will answer our prayer.

When our thoughts are filled with the bitterness of this world, let us turn our eyes to the sweetness of God’s compassion and He will send us heavenly calm! If we are imprisoned in the material world, our spirit can soar into the Heavens and we shall be free indeed!

When our days are drawing to a close let us think of the eternal worlds, and we shall be full of joy! (Wisdom of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 101)

Be not in despair, but rather smile by the mercy of thy Lord; and be not sorrowful when meeting with worldly difficulties and depressions, for they pass away—and thine shall be immortality during ages and centuries, times and cycles. (Tablets of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, p. 177)

And when I am anxious . . . I anticipate the manifestation of Thy bounties from all sides! (Idem, p. 381)

But thou must submit to and rely upon God under all conditions and He will bestow upon thee that which is conducive to thy well-being. Verily He is merciful and compassionate! For how many an affair was involved in difficulty and then was straightened, and how many a problem was solved by the permission of God. (Idem, p. 455)

As to the subject of babes and infants and weak ones who [Page 427] are afflicted by the hands of oppressors: this contains great wisdom and this subject is of paramount importance. In brief, for those souls there is a recompense in another world and many details are connected with this matter. For those souls that suffering is the greatest mercy of God. Verily that mercy of the Lord is far better and preferable to all the comfort of this world and the growth and development of this place of mortality. (Idem, pp. 337, 338)

TRUST GOD RATHER THAN SELF

These events (such as the Titanic disaster) have deeper reasons. Their object and purpose is to teach man certain lessons. We are living in a day of reliance upon material conditions. Men imagine that the great size and strength of a ship, perfection of machinery or the skill of a navigator will insure safety, but these disasters sometimes take place that men may know that God is the real protector . . . that human souls may rely upon His preservation and know that He is the real safety. . . .

Let no one imagine that these words imply that man should not be thorough and careful in his undertakings. God has endowed man with intelligence so that he may safeguard and protect himself. Therefore he must be deliberate, thoughtful and thorough in his purposes, build the best ship and provide the most experienced captain, yet withal let him rely upon God and consider God as the one keeper. (Promulgation of Universal Peace, pp. 45, 46)

GRACE, FORGIVENESS AND MERCY

Thou art He, O my God, through Whose names the sick are healed and the ailing are restored, and the thirsty are given drink, and the sore-vexed are tranquillized, and the wayward [Page 428] are guided, and the abased are exalted, and the poor are enriched, and the ignorant are enlightened, and the gloomy are illumined, and the sorrowful are cheered, and the chilled are warmed, and the downtrodden are raised up. Through Thy name, O my God, all created things were stirred up, and the heavens were spread, and the earth was established, and the clouds were raised and made to rain upon the earth. This, verily, is a token of Thy grace unto all Thy creatures. (Prayers and Meditations, p. 236)

Every existence, whether seen or unseen, O my Lord, testifieth that Thy mercy hath surpassed all created things, and Thy loving-kindness embraced the entire creation. . . . Do with them (Thy servants) as beseemeth Thy glory, and Thy majesty, and Thy greatness, and Thy bounteousness and Thy grace. Deal not with them according to the limitations imposed upon them, or the manifold vicissitudes of their earthly life. (Idem, pp. 113, 114)

Thou art the All-Bountiful, the overflowing showers of whose mercy have rained down upon high and low alike, and the splendors of whose grace have been shed over both the obedient and the rebellious. (Idem, p. 250)

O my servants! Could ye apprehend with what wonders of My munificence and bounty I have willed to entrust your souls, ye would, of a truth, rid yourselves of attachment to all created things, and would gain a true knowledge of your own selves—a knowledge which is the same as the comprehension of Mine own Being. Ye would find yourselves independent of all else but Me, and would perceive, with your inner and outer eye, and as manifest as the revelation of My effulgent name, the seas of My loving-kindness and bounty moving within you. (Gleanings, pp. 326, 327)

O Thou kind God! To me Thou are kinder than myself, [Page 429] and Thy love is more abundant and more ancient. Whenever I am reminded of Thy bestowals, I am made happy and hopeful. If I have been agitated, I obtain ease of heart and soul. If I am sick, I gain eternal health. If I am disloyal, I become loyal. If I have been hopeless, I become hopeful. O Thou Lord of the Kingdom! Cause Thou the rejoicing of my heart; empower my weak spirit and strengthen my exhausted nerves. Illumine Thou mine eyes; suffer my ears to become hearing, so that I may hearken to the music of the Kingdom and attain to the joy and happiness everlasting. Verily, Thou art the Generous, the Giver, and the Kind! (‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Star of the West, vol. 8, p. 233)

O God! My God! Stay not from me the gentle gales of Thy pardon and grace, and deprive me not of the wellsprings of Thine aid and favor. ’Neath the shade of Thy protecting wings let me nestle, and cast upon me the glance of Thine All-Protecting Eye. (‘Abdu’l-Bahá in Hidden Words, ed. 1923)

Cast, then, upon me, O my God, the glances of Thy mercy, and forgive me my trespasses and the trespasses of them that are dear to Thee, and which come in between us and the revelation of Thy triumph and Thy grace. Cancel Thou, moreover, our sins which have shut off our faces from the splendors of the Day-Star of Thy favors. Powerful art Thou to do Thy pleasure. (Prayers and Meditations, p. 339)

Wash away, then, my sins, O my God, by Thy grace and bounty, and reckon me among such as are not overtaken by fear nor put to grief. (Idem, p. 212)

O Thou Who art the All-Knowing! Wayward though we be, we still cling to Thy bounty; and though ignorant, we still set our faces toward the ocean of Thy wisdom. Thou art that All-Bountiful Who art not deterred by a multitude of sins from vouchsafing Thy bounty, and the flow of Whose [Page 430] gifts is not arrested by the withdrawal of the peoples of the world. From eternity the door of Thy grace hath remained wide open. A dewdrop out of the ocean of Thy mercy is able to adorn all things with the ornament of sanctity, and a sprinkling of the waters of Thy bounty can cause the entire creation to attain unto true wealth. . . .

From eternity the tokens of Thy bounty have encompassed the universe, and the splendors of Thy Most Great Name have been shed over all created things. Deny not Thy servants the wonders of Thy grace. Cause them to be made aware of Thee, that they may bear witness to Thy unity, and enable them to recognize Thee, that they may hasten towards Thee. Thy mercy hath embraced the whole creation, and Thy grace hath pervaded all things. From the billows of the ocean of Thy generosity the seas of eagerness and enthusiasm were revealed. Thou art what Thou art. Aught except Thee is unworthy of any mention unless it entereth beneath Thy shadow, and gaineth admittance into Thy court. (Idem, pp. 246, 247)

TRUST IN GOD TO SEND HIS DIVINE MANIFESTATIONS

We cannot say that the Divine bounty has ceased, that the glory of Divinity is exhausted or the Sun of Truth sunk into eternal sunset, into that night that is not followed by a sunrise and dawn, into that death which is not followed by life, into that error which is not followed by Truth. Is it conceivable that the Sun of Reality should sink into an eternal darkness? No! The sun was created in order that it may shed light upon the world and train all the kingdoms of existence. How then can the ideal Sun of Truth, the Word of God, set forever?

[Page 431]

From a Panama Diary

Louise Caswell and Cora H. Oliver

I

PANAMA, October, 1939. Waves of gratitude sweep over us at the thought of the bounty of teaching in Panama. The body seems to be an instrument of the spirit and not an obstacle to one’s daily activities, as in northern climates. At this time we feel only the gentle breezes of the spirit, and in prayer there is no disturbance from the outside world.

Here we see all races mingling in apparent harmony and equality. However, closer investigation has shown that the superior attitude assumed by the people of the Canal Zone is subtly influencing the Panamanians in favor of light skin. Recently we watched a school parade; it was medieval in splendor, formal, with robes, artificial flowers, a statue carried aloft; each race participating was grouped by itself, and white superiority was implied by this, that the leading personages, such as the chosen angels, were represented by whites. At the University only two members of the staff are of Negro extraction, and we learn, too, that no dark skinned people hold high political offices. The majority of university students are of dark skin, and we have found that our attendance at the University has served to emphasize race harmony, demonstrating the principle that deeds are more powerful than words— a principle which is the unique feature of the Bahá’í teaching work in Panama. What a bounty for us to awaken them to the oneness of all races.

[Page 432] November 3, 1939. We were told it would rain for the Independence Day Parade and surely enough it was pouring when we woke up. In spite of the rain (and Louise’s sore throat), we outfitted ourselves with fishnet scarfs, raincoats, boots and umbrellas, and practically slid three blocks to the Kool Spot. Louise hastily drank her coffee, Cora seized a Jamaican jitney driver, and he grudgingly drove us off to Cathedral Plaza where the parade was to form.

Here we found students of all schools dressed in their uniforms and offering homage to President Arosemana who stood with a group of officials on the balcony of La Presidencial Palacia. After being put off the sidewalk by policemen we ran across the street between two units of the parade and stationed ourselves near some native children, where we were able to see the President from a range of fifty feet—and judging by what happened later we were probably seen as well. When the crowd had scattered, we stayed on, wondering what to do next.

We had been told that the only two living founders of the Republic would take part in the program at the Municipal Building, one of them being the father of our landlord and “tio del Presidente”—so we returned to the Plaza to get a glimpse of the two famous men. Then the Cathedral bells rang out and we noticed a small group of distinguished people being ushered from the Cathedral to the Municipal Building. We hurried to the door to inquire if the two older members of the group were the founders.

Much to our surprise we were asked if we wanted to go upstairs. We said yes, and to our amazement, at the top of the stairs we found ourselves in an official gathering. It was too late to turn back. We were ushered into a room filled with men of high official rank, wearing army, navy, diplomatic [Page 433] and other uniforms, and were shown to seats in the rear, but before we were seated another usher came up and with much éclat asked us to follow him.

We were taken to the court where the President was presiding over the Special Council Meeting, and shown seats in the first row with the diplomats. Conscious of our rainy-day attire we passed the seats offered and eased ourselves into seats in the fourth row where we removed raincoats and tried to adjust ourselves to the imposing surroundings. Our faces must have shown our excitement in spite of all our efforts to appear at ease.

The meeting proceeded and at the conclusion of the speeches champagne was served to the President and the dignitaries seated with him, and to some (not all) of the guests seated in the first four rows, among them ourselves. Being Bahá’ís we did not participate in that phase of the celebration. As we left, several people spoke to us, some inquiring if we had enjoyed the service.

Later in the morning medals were awarded the firemen, Panama’s national heroes, by the President in Cathedral Plaza. In general, the celebration reminded us of Memorial Day in the United States, as wreaths were placed on monuments and the cemetery blossomed with flowers.

November, 1939. The first part of November was very rainy. We saw the heaviest downpour on November 12, Bahá’u’lláh’s birthday, when we were waiting in a Panamanian café for two of the interested friends to join us. We saw boys in bathing trunks clinging to the backs of street-cars, gleefully enjoying the rain which drove everyone else inside. Even the beggars stopped in the open doorways for shelter. The latter part of the month has marked the beginning of the dry season. During change there are few showers and the heat [Page 434] becomes intense, especially from eleven to three in the afternoon.

These are the most oppressive days of the year. They make mental and physical exertion difficult. We endure the heat patiently, and receive daily inspiration from the Guardian’s words concerning Panama: “The erection of yet another outpost of the Faith, in its heart, will constitute, I firmly believe, a landmark in the history of the Formative Period of the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh in the New World. It will create limitless opportunities, galvanize the efforts, and reinvigorate the life, of those who will have accomplished this feat, and infuse immense courage and boundless joy into the hearts of the isolated groups and individuals in the neighboring and distant republics, and exert intangible yet powerful spiritual influences on the life and future development of its people.”

Flowers bloom in all seasons and this November the flaming red of poinsettias under the scorching sun brings to us dim memories of potted plants behind frosted windows during the holiday season at home. Although little attention has been given to agricultural development the dry weather brings an abundant supply of native fruits and vegetables which can be bought in the large public market by the sea or from fruit vendors in the street. In spite of this apparent plenty the masses of Panamanians are thin and small-boned; their principal foods are rice, bread, meat and fish.

The sidewalks are narrow and crowded with people. More than once a tide of humanity has swept us from the sidewalk into the street. Children, old women and barefooted men pursue us in their efforts to sell their lottery tickets. The National Lottery is sponsored by the Panamanian government and supports their charities. The small open shops afford a choice of goods from all over the world. The Hindu merchant [Page 435] comes out on the street and invites us in. One young Chinese at a large shop left his business to introduce us to the manner of drinking fresh cocoanut juice from the “pipas,” green cocoanuts in the market. The manufacture of liquor, the only commodity which the Zone people are required by law to purchase in Panama, is the principal industry here. Other Panamanian industries are the production of alligator leather articles, butterfly novelties, hats and mahogany furniture.

The patio at the University of Panama affords some splendid opportunities for giving the Message. We spoke to three of the eight young men of Panama who had attended the Youth Conference at Vassar College over a year ago. One radiant young man told us that Mrs. Frances Stewart had acted as his translator at the Conference and since that time had corresponded with him and sent him teaching material. Pamphlets have been given to two young women students, one of whom responded with “mucho gusto.” We have also given the message to a leader of the feminist movement which is temporarily suppressed; a school teacher in the Zone; a University professor and his wife; the creator of Panamano, an international language; the wife of the superintendent of schools in the Zone, and others.

In our efforts to spread the Teachings we have attended a variety of affairs: the Special Council Meeting above-mentioned; an art exhibit at Pedro Miguel, a charity tea, Jewish concert, dance recital by children of prominent families. Although we were not able to speak of the Faith at most of these functions we know that our presence there is paving the way. The Greatest Name opens the doors to meetings which would otherwise be closed to us. A well-known citizen remarked that he saw us everywhere and added, “I think you know more [Page 436] about my country than I do. You are invited to places where no one else can go. I had to have a special permit for the Council Meeting.” He finished, “It must be by the grace of God.”

December, 1939. “You must give great attention to the Republic of Panama . . . That place will become very important in the future. The Teachings once established there will unite the East and the West, the North and the South.” (‘Abdu’l-Bahá)

Another month in “Panama the Green,” so called by the great Spanish novelist, Blasco Ibañez, brings to mind the Tablet of Ahmad: “These favors have We bestowed upon thee as a bounty on Our part and a mercy from Our presence, that thou mayest be of those who are grateful.”

Mrs. Ben Williams, the wife of the superintendent of schools in the Canal Zone, a new friend, took us to her home one morning to see the orchids blooming in her garden. Never will we forget the light in her face as she smilingly invited us to pick the fragrant blossoms of the Solbralia orchid. With trembling hands we filled vases with the exquisite flowers, and for the rest of the day our room was filled with an elusive perfume. We have heard that ‘Abdu’l-Bahá said the perfume of flowers is pure spirit. Mrs. Williams is now reading “Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh”; may she inhale the divine fragrances.

Late in the month Mrs. Floyd Devenbeck, Louise’s cousin, took us to see the Balboa orchid gardens, a branch of the Canal Zone Experimental Gardens where hundreds of Sobralias and other orchids were in bloom. She has given generously of her time to make us comfortable and happy and we often wonder what we would have done without her.

(To be continued)

[Page 437]

Venezuela

Emeric Sala

TO THE man on the street Venezuela is another name on the map of South America. Its northern shores, fringed by a high mountain range, are washed by the Caribbean sea. Its southernmost point almost touches the equator. Orinoco, its greatest river, flows through the llanos, one of the world’s great plains.

We did not come to Venezuela, however, as tourists. We were not lured by its tortuous roads and scenic views, which only an interplay of mountains and the sea can give, nor by its quaint villages perched on the mountainside, nor the narrow streets of colonial Caracas, or its Spanish architecture, reminiscent of Muhammedan art. We had other interests in coming to Venezuela. We were looking for something less tangible but more real.

The spirit of man transcends mountains and climate. It breaks the chains of time and space. We were looking for this something, which is immortal and therefore universal. We found it amongst the Venezuelans; best represented by their greatest man, Simón Bolívar.

Bolívar did not build of stone or brick. He left no wealth behind. What he was and what he accomplished, can be found only in the hearts and memory of men. Streets, cities, states and countries are named after him. Every school child remembers him. The poor, when their lot is most wretched, find new hope at the mention of his name. Temptation in [Page 438] politics is restrained by remembrance of his deeds. Whenever the country is in trouble, the Venezuelans turn to their Libertador for new courage and a wider vision. He is loved and venerated, for he is their best friend.

We, as guests of Venezuela, could not help but notice their friendliness, complete trust, and genuine desire to help the stranger. Even their voice, with a soft, melodious quality, reflects the soul of a generous and kindly people. The momentum of materialism sweeping throughout the western world seems to have left few traces amongst the Venezuelans.

But who was Simón Bolívar, who has left such an indelible imprint on the spirit and temper of the people? Some books describe him as a great general. Caesar and Napoleon, however, were generals at least as great, without the spiritual stature of Bolívar. Though he loved his native country, he also fought and liberated Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. He assisted most of the other countries in Central and South America. That his love and interest transcended the boundaries of his native land, at a time when nationalism was in its ascendancy, is characteristic of the sweep of his vision, and the greatness of his mind. Alexander Von Humboldt, the great German scientist, who was also his friend, once wrote: “The achievements of Bolívar belong to humanity.”

Bahá’ís, who believe in the oneness of mankind, and who have contributed so much to the abolition of color and race prejudice, will find the following words of Simón Bolívar, addressed to the Congress of Venezuela as early as 1819, significant: “the European is intermarried with the Indian and the Negro, and their offspring are mixed with natives and newcomers. . . . We are, as if born of one mother, with fathers of different color and origin. The blood of our citizens is varied; let us mix it, that it might unite us.” And then again [Page 439] he said: “All men are born with equal rights to enjoy the benefits of society. Men are unequal by nature as to their ability, temperament and character. Laws should be made to correct these differences.” In the same year, long before Lincoln, he liberated the slaves.

Since Bahá’u’lláh praised the British form of constitutional government so highly, Bolívar’s advice to his people: “I would recommend to you the British constitution as the most appropriate for our needs,” reveals his foresight and quality of statesmanship.

His fondest hope, however, was to unite Latin America. In 1812, when Central America and most of South America were still under Spanish rule, he already made projects for their federation. Calling the first Pan-American Congress in 1824 Bolívar writes: “ . . . to guarantee the continuity of the new governments by means of a higher authority . . . with sufficient power to adjust international differences . . . to be a faithful interpreter of all treaties . . . and a conciliator in all disputes.” This congress met in Panama two years later. It failed. Describing it to General Páez, Bolívar writes: “I felt like that mad Greek who, standing on a rock, pretends it is he who navigates the ships which sail around it.”

Bolívar lived before his time. He died at the age of 47, his hopes shattered, heart-broken, his life-long struggle unappreciated, misunderstood. Many of his followers turned into treacherous enemies. On his deathbed a French doctor wrote down this his last message: “If my death should unite them, I shall go to my grave with a calm and contented mind. Yes, my grave. That is what they have presented me. But I forgive them. If I could only know they were united, working together in harmony, then I should be happy in this last moment—but I have plowed the waters of the sea.”

[Page 440] Bolívar did not live nor suffer in vain. He is followed by others. Some perhaps born in other countries, but with the same love for liberty “through the practice of justice,” sacrificing themselves for an ideal, which they know will not be realized in their own lifetime. If only he could have known of Bahá’u’lláh and his co-workers throughout the world, who, placing justice above everything else, and consumed with a divine fire, strive to pacify various nationals, bridge over racial hatred, federate the World, and unite mankind.

Bahá’u’lláh has said: “Glory is not his who loves his country, but his who loves mankind. That one indeed is a man who today dedicateth himself to the service of the entire human race.” How appropriate, indeed, are the words of the President of the League of Nations, who in 1930 on the occasion of the hundredth anniversary of the death of Bolívar, addressing delegates of 52 countries, said: “From this day on, Bolívar ceases to be an American figure, for he entered the common patrimony of mankind.”

This common appreciation of the universal spirit of Bolívar unites us with the people of Venezuela. The greatest benefactors of mankind possessed this “something” which was universal. The greatest man of any nation was really great, for the ideals he promulgated, or the service he rendered, outstripped the boundaries of his country. “What is divine is universal, and all limitations are earthly.”

Today, when the world is rent asunder by passion and hatred, the flower of our race perishing in battle, when our very civilization is in danger of extinction, are we still deprived of sufficient insight to recognize the Spirit of this Age, its standard the oneness of mankind, its call for world federation, an international tribunal, and a common faith, worshiping one God?

[Page 441]

Tablet to the Americas

O RULERS OF AMERICA, and Presidents of the Republics therein! Harken to the strains of the Dove, on the Branch of Eternity, singing the melody: “There is no God but Me, the Everlasting, the Forgiver, the Generous.”

Adorn the temple of dominion with the embroidered garment of justice and virtue, and its head with the diadem of the celebration of your Lord, the Creator of heaven and earth. Thus the Day-Spring of the Names commands you on the part of the One all-knowing and wise.

The Promised One has appeared in this exalted station, whereat all creation, both seen and unseen, smiled and rejoiced.

O people, avail yourselves of the Day of God. Verily, to meet Him is better for you than all that upon which the sun rises, were you of those who know!

O concourse of Statesmen! Harken to that which is raised from the Day-Spring of Majesty, that, “There is no God but Me, the Speaker, the All-Knowing. Assist with the hands of justice the broken-hearted, and crush the great oppressors with the scourges of the Commands of your Lord, the Powerful, the Wise!”

—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH

[Page 442]

Out From Judaism

Ethel M. Hunt

“In this day, he who seeks the light of the Sun of Truth must free his mind from the tales of the past, must adorn his head With the crown of severance (from the world), and his temple with the robe of virtue. Then shall he arrive at the ocean of oneness and enter the presence of singleness. The heart must be free from the fire of superstitions, that it may receive the light of assurance, and that it may perceive the glory of God.”—BAHÁ’U’LLÁH.

WHEN I was three years of age, my mother, who was saintly and of deeply spiritual intentions, sent me to a Hebrew religious school; although it is not customary to send girls at such an early age to learn the Hebrew religious traditions. Nevertheless, since I was the first-born and my mother was from a very pious traditional family whom she honored greatly, she longed to endow me with the family heritage—even at the cost of my father’s disapproval.

I can still remember myself as a lone girl among many boys, seated around the table, being taught by the Rabbi— with his skull-cap, spectacles, aquiline nose and black beard— sternly and severely drilling us in the Words and traditional interpretations of Holy Writ.

My mother and the rest of the family became very proud of the progress I made in piety—a piety that, however, trapped me in a very limited world. How tragically the wings of my emotions beat upon those confining walls when I became stirred by social problems!

[Page 443] Then, through economic pressure, I was forced to leave my family in Russia and come to America into a world of a materialistic and cosmopolitan nature. In the factories in which I worked I met with many nationalities and races, all struggling under the pressure of economic exploitation. Oh, how my soul was crushed and how I longed to find a way by which this could be remedied!

I naturally looked first for a remedy Within the limits of my past world—but could find nothing. Other worlds, I did not know! Then, when socialism was presented to me, it appeared to me like an oasis in a desert. My soul took on a new hope for a solution.

With great anticipation, I threw myself into this movement, beginning to help enthusiastically in expounding it. I saw in my vision a world of equal opportunities for all who were oppressed—a world in which people could live a happier and higher life.

However, when the first flush of my emotional attraction wore off and my intellect asserted itself, I began to doubt whether an ideal world could be created by a philosophy based only upon materialistic precepts.

I also wondered whether we mortals—so inefficient in the trustworthiness of noble character, so dominated by ego— could be sufficiently potent to be the instruments of this creation.

Then I began to long for a perfect human being—in whom I could find truthfulness, honesty, forbearance, kindness—in short, complete trustworthiness. My search was so far in vain that pessimistic melancholy set in.

Searching for an escape from this, it occurred to me that if I could become sufficiently interested in the study of philosophy —to a degree of a benumbing, soothing balm—it would [Page 444] enable me to carry on. Then I found Professor Coleman who was a philosopher; and who understood that my soul was sickened and could be healed only by something greater than philosophy: that it was a spiritual remedy I needed.

Therefore, in addition to a training in the philosophies of Socrates, Plato, Dante and others, he gave me my first lesson in the New Testament. This was rather shocking! Jewish Orthodoxy had forbidden me its perusal, and, as a socialist, I had forsworn religion. But I seemed to be constrained, for he was my teacher, and I, as his pupil, must be obedient. To my astonishment, I became very much interested and thought: if this is Christianity, then I was a Christian long ago and did not know it.

How this first book began to nourish my soul! My spirit was revived as if by refreshing water! For here, at last, I found my ideal: the Perfect Man—the humble carpenter who stood out so perfect in his selfless humility! The realization of His loving kindness and mercy stilled the perplexity of my emotions. I listened! He said: “I have yet many things to say unto you, but ye cannot hear them now. Howbeit, when He, the Spirit of Truth, is come, He will guide you into all Truth.” This glorious promise continually rang in my ears and, patiently, I waited! For in Him I knew I could trust!

My Professor left me for a year. During this time, I became acquainted with the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh. I responded to His precepts for they seemed so similar in idealism to those of Jesus. I learned through Bahá’u’lláh that the fundamental principles of all the great religions are the same. I began to investigate Zoroastrianism, Buddhism, Muhammadanism: and I found for myself this similarity. Nevertheless, I did not grasp that the fulfillment of a glorious promise lay hidden within the teachings of Bahá’u’lláh.

[Page 445] After my teacher returned and had inaugurated a class in philosophy in my home, one evening while I was waiting for him at the appointed hour for the first lesson, I lay down upon my couch to relax. All of a sudden, I became conscious of some of the writings of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, the Expounder of the Bahá’í Cause! He explains the nature of God as being the Incomprehensible, Infinite Essence, Who sends a Divine Messenger from time to time as an intermediary between God and man to lift man to his highest destiny.

It dawned upon me then that everything in life is progressive, therefore, surely, religion, the highest aspect of life, must be progressive. Just as, during the course of evolution, man discovered latent mysteries in the phenomenal world, so the mysteries of spiritual reality must be revealed to man in accordance with his evolving capacity by the Spiritual Revelator Who, alone, can mirror forth these Mysteries of the Qualities and Attributes of God.

This realization gave me a broader vision; and, in the twinkling of an eye, I began to realize that the New Testament I studied with my Professor was not a mere book, but a Revelation from God, and that the Nazarene was not merely a perfect man, but a Messenger from God to man.

After meditating upon this, I began to see—through this Divine Plan thus expounded by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá—the inner significances in my first religious experiences! I saw Abraham and Moses as Divine Teachers as well as Jesus! I saw Zoroaster, Buddha and Muhammad as Revealers of Divine Reality to a great part of the inhabitants of the world who were stimulated by Them to the knowledge of God, and thus contributed greatly to the evolution of civilization.

Then I began to realize that Jesus’ promise that He, the Spirit of Truth, would come and guide me into all Truth, was [Page 446] fulfilled in Bahá’u’lláh! And this Truth—the full Truth— overwhelmed me as I recognized in Bahá’u’lláh the promised Messiah of this age!

I sprang up! Then the door-bell rang. One of the pupils who was to attend the class, came in and announced to me: “Our Professor is dead!”

This sad news shocked me beyond words! But, after shedding tears over the loss of such a valuable friend, I calmed down, and it then dawned upon me: might not this symbolize the close of one epoch in my life, and the commencement of another! For, I began to realize what a great difference there was between the divinely Spiritual Truth I was learning from ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the human philosophy of Plato, Aristotle, Socrates, Dante and others taught by the Professor!

The human philosophy nourished my intellect but, by itself, might have confused my spiritual emotions. For its rational speculations were based on the logic and reason of philosophers who differ among themselves in their precepts.

I became fully aware that only through the power of religion can we hope for a true, constructive civilization. However, by “religion” I do not mean the creeds and dogmas created by theological schisms; but its essence as it emanates first, in its purity, from the Messengers of God Who are all united in Their fundamental precepts.

I am very grateful indeed to my Professor for guiding me to the New Testament; also, I am very grateful to my Orthodox Jewish Rabbis who taught me the Old Testament—although in a veiled form. They planted seeds in my soul! But when ‘Abdu’l-Bahá revealed the Mystery of the Holy Spirit, then these seeds took on Life, and they are growing in the Garden of Divine Reality!

[Page 447]

BAHÁ’Í LESSONS

“In this new cycle, education and training are recorded in the Book of God as obligatory and not voluntary.”—‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

America Under the Divine Plan

I. The Divine Plan of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Teaching Tablets to American Bahá’ís, Am Sp Mission.

Historical relation to progress of American community, WOB 87; Messages from the Guardian 39-41.

Divine Charter of American destiny, WOB 87, 75-6, 77-8.

Key of Providence, Messages 18.

Delineates details of American mission, Advent 10, 61.

Gives sustenance and guidance, Advent 6, 9, 10, 11.

Guardian’s appeal for action (1936-7), Messages 14, 16-17.

Guardian inaugurates Seven-Year Plan, Messages 20, 21, 22.

Relation of Divine Plan to Seven-Year Plan, Advent 9, 60-61; Messages 27, 31, 63.

Must be relentlessly pursued, Advent 60-61.

Continental and intercontinental objectives, Advent 10-11, 61-62.

Individual responsibilities to Divine Plan, Advent 42; Messages 21, 24, 25-26, 31-32, 42-43, 55-58, 73.

II. Divine Plan an Aspect of a Greater Plan.

The Supreme Design of Bahá’u’lláh, Advent 60-61.

Wheel of destiny within the Faith, Advent 2, 10, 34-35.

Specially designed Administrative Order, Advent 40.

North American community endowed, sustained, Advent 13, 6; Messages 30-1.

American community preserved, Messages 24.

Goal for America assured, Advent 13; Messages 31, 53.

America’s world mission, Advent 11, 72-73; Messages 30-31.

Divine potencies manifest in two ways, Advent 73-74.

General course toward world destiny, Advent 74-76, 77.

Interrelated processes of rise and fall, Advent 61; WOB 168-171; Messages 47-48, 67-70, 73, 74.

[Page 448]

III. Specific Mission of North American Community.

The one remaining citadel, Advent 5.

Mover and pattern of future communities, Advent 5, 10, 52.

Spiritual descendants of Dawn-Breakers, Advent 6.

Accomplishment of first task, Administration, Advent 9.

Achievement of Temple superstructure, Advent 7, 9.

Two-fold crusade, Advent 17-18, 34-35, 36-37, 52; Messages 37.

Launching of world mission (1939), Messages 49.

More superb mission ordained, Advent 11-12.

Capacity, spirit, conduct, rank, Advent 7-9, 12, 13, 16, 61-62.

A new spiritual race arising, Advent 13-16.

Laying foundations of Universal House of Justice, Advent 16, 18, 11-12.

Chief propelling forces, Advent 18-19.

Most vital and challenging issue, Advent 28.

Mission unspeakably glorious, Advent 51-52, 62-63.

IV. Teaching by American believers.

a. A divine mandate, Gleanings, 278, 355; Will and Testament 11-12, 15 (Am Sp M 7-8); Am Sp M 3-6, 14-15, 18-20; Advent 69-70.

b. Teaching campaign

invested with urgency, Advent 40; Messages 31.

all must arise, Advent 37-39.

should conform to certain principles, Advent 40-41.

details of Seven-Year Plan, Advent 9, 10-11, 36-37, 47, 52, 61.

exemplary execution of Plan, Advent 1; Messages 44, 70-71.

Temple, an instrument of teaching, Advent 40.

administrative machinery, channel, Advent 40; Messages 46-47, 72.

requirements of success, Advent 41-47.

need of concerted effort in Latin America, Advent 48-55.

virtues and responsibilities of pioneers, Advent 56-57.

rewards of the faithful, Advent 13, 57, 50, 51.

c. Spiritual counsel for pioneer teaching in Latin America, Advent 49-51.

[Page 449]

WITH OUR READERS

THIS MARCH ISSUE completes a year of World Order in its new form. As far as opinion has been expressed, our readers like the new form and the editors plan no radical changes, but we always want to make it a better and more helpful teaching medium, helpful to Bahá’ís in increasing their own understanding and broadening their interests, and helpful in interesting others in the Cause of God. So please continue to send us both suggestions and articles and brief incidents. The fine work you have done in increasing subscriptions and using free copies assures the editors that you feel that World Order is an activity that belongs to all of us. World Order, The Bahá’í World and Bahá’í News are the projects that help to link us all together and make us know that we belong to the World Community of Bahá’u’lláh.

Here is more very definite evidence that our readers are cooperating to send World Order around the world. Last month, you remember, we told of the lapse of certain European library subscriptions. Now we can continue the story making it decidedly good news. This memorandum is fresh from our business office: “It is indeed good news to be able to report early response to suggestions. This morning’s mail brings two subscriptions from one of the friends—one for the University of Heidelberg, the other left to our choice of either the Sorbonne, University of Paris, or the University of London—with instructions to place them wherever they may do some good, in case above universities have been taken care of.”

* * *

This month the editors are emphasizing The Americas. We know from the letters issued by Shoghi Effendi how highly important Bahá’í work in all the Western Hemisphere is, re-emphasizing the many Tablets revealed by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá before 1921. We hope to have more and more stories and articles from pioneers in Latin America for we need very much to know more about our friends, old and new. In this connection we wonder if [Page 450] Bahá’ís are using the abundant material that is now available to acquaint ourselves with our neighbors south of us. Of all people should not we Bahá’ís be foremost in becoming intelligent about the people in Latin America and their interests? A very good introduction for those who have not passed beyond the introductory stage is a little book entitled The Good Neighbors. It may be obtained by sending 25 cents to the Foreign Policy Association, 8 West 40th Street, New York City. They will also send a list of other helpful books. The Survey Graphic is publishing for its March issue an All-American number which has articles on practically every aspect of Pan-American life and interests. Raymond Gram Swing is collaborating in editing that issue. It will doubtless be on the news stands before this number of World Order is out. Possibly some Bahá’ís will find it possible to cooperate with other groups or schools in celebrating Pan-American Day, April 12. The Pan-American Union will furnish material on request.

In the first article in this issue, America’s Destiny, Mrs. Kirkpatrick shows some of the influences outside the Cause that are gradually drawing the Americas together. She says that in looking up the subject she found much more that might be said. Mrs. Kirkpatrick’s home is in Olivet, Michigan. The Diary Notes of Louise Caswell and Cora H. Oliver furnish us with an excellent picture of the lives of these Panama pioneers. We see, too, the people and country where they live. We need more such stories to link us with our neighbors. (Will other pioneers please take notice?) We stay-at-homes are very ignorant! We thank Marzieh Gail for condensing these notes a bit. We welcome, too, the article on Venezuela by Emeric Sala. Mr. and Mrs. Sala, you will remember, went out in 1939 as pioneers to Venezuela from St. Lambert.

In her story Out From Judaism, Mrs. Ethel Hunt generously shares with us the steps in her own spiritual recreation. Her home is in Washington, D. C.

Two monthly departments complete the issue: The Divine Art of Living, compiled by Mrs. Mabel H. Paine, Bahá’í Lessons compiled by Mrs. Alice Cox. Lack of space obliges us to omit the usual book review, as well as Mrs. Kirkpatrick’s Bahá’í Answers. —THE EDITORS

[Page 451]

INDEX

WORLD ORDER

VOLUME SIX, APRIL, 1940 — MARCH, 1941

TITLES

America’s Destiny, by Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick, 413

Americas, Tablet to the, by Bahá’u’lláh, 441

Anthropology and Religion, Book Review, by Robert Gulick, Jr., 333

Bahá’í Lessons, ed. by Alice Simmons Cox, 33, 71, 109, 148, 189, 224, 264, 300, 336, 372, 408, 447

Bahá’í Schools, by Genevieve L. Coy, 89

Beauty and Conduct, by Florence DeBell Keemer, 325

Biologist, The Internationalism of a, Book Review, by Maye Harvey Gift, 63

Can I Doubt, poem, by Martha M. Boutwell, 398

Children of the Half-Light, by Marcia Steward Atwater, 399

Christian Revolution, Toward the, Book Review, by Garreta Busey, 146

Christian Society, The Idea of a, Book Review, by Garreta Busey, 405

Civilization and Culture, by Helen Bishop, 305

Dawn Over Mount Hira, by Marzieh Gail, 229

Dedication, Poem, by Ruby Dunn MacCurdy, 402

Detachment, With the Waters of, by Bahá’u’lláh, 127

Divine Art of Living, The, Compilation, ed. by Mabel Paine, 9, 50, 96, 140, 165, 205, 240, 291, 315, 393, 425

Divine Law, This, by Bahá’u’lláh, 204

Education, Principles of Bahá’í, by William Kenneth Christian, 77

Fortified City, The, by William Kenneth Christian, 122

Gleaning, Poem, by Ida Judith Baum, 62

God, For Him Who Would Find, by Alta M. Gaines, 321

Gospel, The Heart of the, Book Review, by Garreta Busey, 107

House Beyond, The, by Amy Brady Dwelly, 102

Humanity, The Epic of, by George Townshend, 284

Human Soul in This World of Chaos, The, by Alice Simmons Cox, 113

Infinitudes, Poem, by Henry C. Beecher, 323

Islam’s Contribution to World Culture, by Stanwood Cobb, 193

Judaism, Out From, by Ethel M. Hunt, 442

Kingdom, The Glorious, by Virgie Vail, 297

Life Beyond, The, by Stanwood Cobb, 341

Man’s Collective Evolution, The Highest Stage In, by Shoghi Effendi, 324

Mashriqu’l-Adhkár, Texts for Nine Outer Doors of the, Words of Bahá’u’lláh, 49

My Convictions, by Augustus Thorndike Sawyer, 357

Nabil’s History, IV, by George Townshend, 29

Panama Diary, From a, by Louise Caswell and Cora H. Oliver, 431

Peace, Prayer for, by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 25

Peace, The Lesser and the Most Great, by George Orr Latimer, 153

Prayer, The Secret of, by Katherine Baldwin, 349

Prophets, By the Mouth of His, by Maye Harvey Gift, 269

Religion and Society, by Hussein Rabbani, 1

Religious Unity, The Question of, by Horace Holley, 37

Reveille, Poem, by Elizabeth Benchley Murray, 57

South America, To, in 1919, ed. by Helen Bishop, 182, 211, 247

South of Us, Book Review, by Garreta Busey, 261

Supplication, by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, 391

Swiftly This Bird, Poem, by Clara E. Hill, 88

Testament of Friendship, Book Review, by Marion Holley, 369

Triumphant Pilgrimage, Book Review, by Lorna Tasker, 219

Universal Fermentation, by Shoghi Effendi, 164

Venezuela, by Emeric Sala, 437

Vision, Poem, by Gertrude W. Robinson, 314

What Is Secure? by Gertrude D. Schurgast, 134

Will and Testament, by Marzieh Gail, 15

[Page 452] With Our Readers, ed. by Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick, 35, 74, 111, 150, 191, 226, 266, 302, 338, 374, 410, 449

Work Is Worship, by Doris McKay, 257

World Federation, On, Book Review, by Horace Holley, 186

World Government, An Approach to, by William Kenneth Christian, 362

World Order: How? by Annamarie Kunz Honnold, 173

World Questions, Bahá’í Answers to, ed. by Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick, 26, 58, 85, 131, 171, 216, 254, 281, 312, 359, 403

Youth and a New World Order, Symposium, by Margaret Swengel, Pari Zia-Walrath, Betty Scheffler, Annamarie K. Honnold, Mae G. Dyer, Roberta Kaley Christian, and Margaret Kunz Ruhe, 377

AUTHORS

‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Words of, 25, 39; see Divine Art of Living, compilation.

Atwater, Marcia Steward, Children of the Half-Light, 399

Bahá’u’lláh, Words of, 127, 204, 441; see Divine Art of Living, compilation.

Baldwin, Katherine, The Secret of Prayer, 349

Baum, Ida Judith, Gleaning, 62

Beecher, Henry C., Infinitudes, 323

Bishop, Helen, To South America in 1919, 182, 211, 247; Civilization and Culture, 305

Boutwell, Martha M., Can I Doubt?, 398

Busey, Garreta, The Heart of the Gospel, 107; Toward the Christian Revolution, 146; South of Us, 261; The Idea of a Christian Society, 405

Caswell, Louise, and Cora H. Oliver, From a Panama Diary, 431

Christian, Roberta Kaley, Youth and a New World Order, 377

Christian, William Kenneth, Principles of Bahá’í Education, 77; The Fortified City, 122; An Approach to World Government, 362

Cobb, Stanwood, Islam’s Contribution to World Culture, 193; The Life Beyond, 341

Cox, Alice Simmons, The Human Soul in This World of Chaos, 113; Bahá’í Lessons, 33, 71, 109, 148, 189, 224, 264, 300, 336, 372, 408, 447

Coy, Genevieve L., Bahá’í Schools, 89

Dwelly, Amy Brady, The House Beyond, 102

Dyer, Mae G., Youth and a New World Order, 377

Gail, Marzieh, Will and Testament, 15; Down Over Mount Hira, 229

Gaines, Alta M., For Him Who Would Find God, 321

Gift, Maye Harvey, The Internationalism of a Biologist, 63; By the Mouth of His Prophets, 269

Gulick, Jr., Robert, Anthropology and Religion, 333

Hill, Clara E., Swiftly This Bird, 88

Holley, Horace, The Question of Religious Unity, 37; On World Federation, 186

Holley, Marion, Testament of Friendship, 369

Honnold, Annamarie Kunz, World Order: How?, 173; Youth and a New World Order, 377

Hunt, Ethel M., Out from Judaism, 442

Keemer, Florence DeBell, Beauty and Conduct, 325

Kirkpatrick, Bertha Hyde, Bahá’í Answers to World Questions, 26, 58, 85, 131, 171, 216, 254, 281, 312, 359, 403; With Our Readers, 35, 74, 111, 150, 191, 226, 266, 302, 338, 374, 410; America’s Destiny, 413

Latimer, George Orr, The Lesser and the Most Great Peace, 153

MacCurdy, Ruby Dunn, Dedication, 402

McKay, Doris, Work Is Worship, 257

Murray, Elizabeth Benchley, Reveille, 57

Oliver, Cora H., and Louise Caswell, From a Panama Diary, 431

Paine, Mabel, The Divine Art of Living, 9, 50, 96, 140, 165, 205, 240, 291, 315, 351, 393, 425

Rabbani, Hussein, Religion and Society, 1

Robinson, Gertrude W., Vision, 314

Ruhe, Margaret Kunz, Youth and a New World Order, 377

Sala, Emeric, Venezuela, 437

Sawyer, Augustus Thorndike, My Convictions, 357

Schurgast, Gertrude D., What Is Secure?, 134

Shoghi Effendi, Words of, 164, 324

Swengel, Margaret, Youth and a New World Order, 377

Tasker, Lorna, Triumphant Pilgrimage, 219

Townshend, George, Nabil’s History, IV, 29; The Epic of Humanity, 284

Vail, Virgie, The Glorious Kingdom, 297

Zia-Walrath, Pari, Youth and a New World Order, 377

[Page 453]

BAHÁ’Í LITERATURE

Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, Selected and translated by Shoghi Effendi. The most important publication to appear in the English language containing Writings of Bahá’u’lláh. The excerpts include references to the nature of religion, the soul, immortality, civilization and the virtues and qualities of the new age. 354 pages. Bound in fabrikoid. Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2.00

Kitáb-i-íqán, Translatod by Shoghi Effendi. This work (Book of Certitude) unifies and coordinates the revealed Religions of the past, demonstrating their oneness in fulfilment of the purpose of Revelation. Bound in cloth. 198 pages. Per copy. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2.50

Prayers and Meditations by Bahá’u’lláh, Selected and translated by Shoghi Effendi. The supreme expression of devotion to God; a spiritual flame which enkindles the heart and illumines the mind. 348 pages. Bound in fabrikoid. Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2.00

Some Answered Questions, Edited by Laura Clifford Barney from explanations made to her by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá in answer to questions dealing with religious, scientific, philosophical and humanitarian subjects. The Bahá’í view on current problems. 350 pages. Bound in cloth. Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $1.50

The Wisdom of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Edited by Lady Blomfield. In this work is preserved the daily discourses, given by the Master to groups in Paris shortly before the war of 1914; where the Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh was interpreted as the sole power capable of saving the world from its materialism. 172 pages. Paper cover. Per copy . . $0.25

The Promulgation of Universal Peace. The stenographic record of talks given by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá to public audiences and to Bahá’í groups in cities of the United States and Canada during 1912. Here the Master laid the basis for a firm understanding of the attitudes, principles and spiritual laws which enter into the establishment of true Peace. 232 pages. Bound in cloth. Per copy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . $2.50

The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, by Shoghi Effendi. The Guardian of the Faith appointed in the Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá deals with the relation between the spiritual power released by Bahá’u’lláh and the new social order to be established on the ruins of a war-torn civilization. 226 pages. Bound in fabrikoid. Per copy . $1.50