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[Page 287]WORLD

 ORDER

TH E BAHAH’ MAGAZINE

December, 1942 0 Cycles of Civilization . . . . . . . . . . . . .J. M. Haggard 289 0 All Praise . . . . . . . . . . . i . . . . . . . . . . . “Ba/za"u’lla'}z 298 0 The Covenant, Part III . . . . . . . . . . ./llbert Wimiust 299 0 This Challenging Hour . . . . . . . . . . Clzarles S. Krug 311

- Creation and Revelation, Editorial Bert/za Hyde Kirkpatrick 315

0 The Bahá’í Community: CommunityNot Church . . . . . . .William Kennel/z Christian 317

0 With Our Readers. .

FIFTEEN CENTS

322

[Page 288]THAT WHICH THE LORD HATH ORDAINED As THE SOVEREIGN REMEDY AND MIGHTIEST INSTRUMENT FOR THE HEALING on ALL THE WORLD IS THE UNION or ALL ITS PEOPLES IN oNE UNIVERSAL CAusE, ONE COMMON FAITH. THIs CAN IN No WISE BE ACHIEVED EXCEPT THROUGH THE POWER or A SKILLED, AN ALL-POWERFUL AND INSPIRED PHYSICIAN. . . . SooN WILL THE PRESENT-DAY

ORDER BE ROLLED UP, AND A NEw oNE SPREAD om‘ IN ITS sTEAD. —Bahá’u’lláh.

CHANGE OF ADDRESS SHOULD BE REPORTED ONE MONTH IN ADVANCE

WORLD ORDER is published monthly in Wilmette, Ill., by the Publishing Committee of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi’I’s of the United States and Canada. EDITORS: Garreta Busey, Alice Simmons Cox, Horace Holley, Bertha Hyde Kirk patrick.

Editorial Ofic: 1109 WEST GIFT AVENUE, PI-:oIuA, ILL.

Publication Office 110 LINDEN AVENUE, Wll.ME'l'l'E, ILL.

C. R. Wood, Business Manager Printed in U.S.A.

SUBSCRIPTIONS: $1.50 per year, for United States, its territories and possessions; for Canada, Cuba, Mexico, Central and South America. Single copies, 15c. Foreign subscriptions, $1.75. Make checks and money orders payable to World Order Magazine, I10 Linden Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois. Entered as second class matter April 1, 194-0, at the post office at Wilmette, Ill., under the Act of March 3, 1879. Contents copyrighted 1942 by Bahá’í Publishing Committee. Title registered at U. S. Patent Office.

DECEMBER, 1942, VOLUME VIII, NUMBER 9

[Page 289]WORLD ORDER

TH E BAHAW’ MAGAZINE

VOLUME VIII DECEMBER, 1942 NUMBER 9

Cycles of Civilization ]. M. Haggard

BAH.A'\’U’LLAH’s LAW IS THE DIVINE soURcE 01-‘ FUTURE WORLD PROGRESS

MICROBE to man, cave to castle, flintrock to electric or fluorescent light, hands to machine, mart to world commerce, surface to undersea, earth to stratosphere, Vision to television, word-of—mouth to world conversation, family to tribe, city to state, state to nation-——this tersely expresses the seeming leap of man across the centuries. Hundreds of thousands, perhaps millions of years, measure the length of time, yet only imagination and wonderment can grasp the distance man has traveled in his gradual development as new civilizations have been born, reborn and vanished, time and again, spanning mental as well as physical continents. Thus we see, in broad strokes, the movement of man as he has ever evolved into higher levels of living and thinking, as he, “living a little mystery within a mystery, climbs the World’s great altar stairway that leads upward to God”.

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With the advances materializing from the period of the world’s infancy to its youth, and from its adolescence to maturity, it has been necessary to instruct mankind, from age to age, with a new ‘measure of truth, according to his need and capacity. Consequently, in each age there have been established for man’s guidance, education and growth definite basic Divine Laws. These Laws have been given through Men of higher intellect and spiritual capacity. These exceptional Men are known as Prophets, Divine Educators or Manifestations of God.

Two KINDS or LAWS

These Laws have been divided into two categories or classifications. One, comprising the permanent or unchanging spiritual Laws, which are essentially the same from age to age. The Law of Love is an example, the application of which has been gradually widened from “neighbor” to “one another” to the “world”. Bahá’u’lláh says, “It is not for man to glory in this that he loves his country, but in that ’he loves his kind”, giving to love a universal application. These Laws are reaffirmed in each period by each succeeding Prophet. They form the basis of man’s spiritual progress.

The other type of Divine Laws consists of temporal or practical laws which change from age to age, as the laws of a previous era may no longer be adaptable to the newer and broader needs of mankind.

Inasmuch as these ever—changing Laws are adaptable to a growing civilization and modern conditions, they are enunciated by the Prophet for the specific Age in which such Laws apply. He is the One authorized to clarify or reinterpret Laws of a previous Dispensation. Each Prophet, in turn, has the authority to enunciate any additional Laws that apply either to the spiritual or material development of mankind

[Page 291]Cycles 29 1

and which are required to meet new conditions and to solve new problems.

Thus, in every Cycle or Age, from the earliest dawn of mankind, there has always been a Messenger of God, confirming the spiritual Laws of former Dispensations, revising or revoking material laws that no longer apply, and announcing the advent of another Prophet Who will come at an appointed time to point the Way of Life for mankind, thus renewing religion and revitalizing its precepts for the New Age. Bahá’u’lláh has said that religious truth is ever the same, and that all the Prophets have so taught it, but that it is a living, growing thing, not stationary and lifeless.

The place of appearance of these Prophets of God is where the World is in its darkest and most chaotic state, when and where spiritual regeneration is most needed. But regardless of where They appear, Their Message is intended for all mankind, although Their activities for a brief period may be confined to a highly localized area, as was the case with Moses, Christ, Muhammad and Bahá’u’lláh.

An important fact to note and remember is that each of the Dispensations, at the time of the advent of the Prophet, has Laws which supersede the Laws of preceding Dispensations. The Prophet of the New Age becomes the Authority of not only His own Age, but the center to which all the people of all the religions are expected to turn for spiritual guidance and sustenance. The Teachings of the Prophets of the past have as the outlet for their permanent spiritual Laws the present-day Manifestations Whose authority is supreme. He brings His code of Laws for this Age, defines the Laws of a previous Age or Ages in terms of man’s present-day requirements and becomes the Divine Source through Whom these Laws are made efiective.

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THE NEW PROPHET

Queen Marie of Roumania gave this clear and concise definition of the Bahá’í Faith, the Truths of which she embraced:

“The Bahá’í Faith is like a Wide embrace, gathering together all those Who have long searched for words of hope. It accepts all great prophets gone before, destroys no other creeds and leaves all doors open. I discovered in the Bahá’í Teachings the true spirit of Christ so often misunderstood and denied—peace instead of strife, hope instead of condemnation, love instead of hate, and a great reassurance to all mankind.” She refers to Bahá’u’lláh’s Teachings as “the words of the Father”, giving a clear implication of her belief of His supreme station as that of the present—day Prophet.

Only by accepting in their entirety such new Divine Laws as are brought in each new Dispensation can men be in complete harmony with God and His Laws—and not merely by the acceptance of such Laws but conformity to them—for inasmuch as He promulgates these Laws through His Prophets, these Laws are, in fact, His Laws—and, as such, should be obeyed completely and Without reservation.

PROOFS or PROPHETHOOD

The foregoing premises being true, as investigation will prove, there remains for answer the important question of how each Divine Prophet may be identified and how those accepting Him and His Laws can be sure of His Identity and the authenticity of His Teachings.

Miracles are no longer considered as final and lasting proof of Divine power. First, because they are proof only to the limited number who see the proofs demonstrated. Secondly, because miracles have no specific bearing upon the

[Page 293]Cycles 293

mission of a Prophet, since His Mission is divine in character.

There are only two proofs which can be definitely accepted as authentic as to the divine character of a Prophet and His Mission. The one is the Book of Divine Laws He brings. The other is the universal and perpetuating influence that Book has upon the spiritual regeneration and progress of mankind.

Only by these established proofs can everyone be certain that the Prophets of the past Ages or of the present Age have the required divine authority. A few instances cited will demonstrate the truth of this point. Moses gave to the world His Pentateuch or Book of Laws. The influence of His Teachings was such as to bring the Jews of that time to such a high state of civilization and culture that Greek philosophers came to them for inspiration and instruction. It was from the Jews that Socrates learned of the immortality of the soul. Christ brought the New Testament as a record of His Teachings. His Word has spread to the farthest parts of the world. Approximately 300,000,000 people comprise the present Christian civilization, and if those not living are counted that number may be multiplied many times. His Teachings are still a tremendous Light in a chaotic and darkened World.

Muhammed brought the Qur’án, His Book of Divine Laws, and His Teachings have been so powerful that nomadic tribes of Arabia were converted into home—loving, educated people, whose universities became centers of learning sought out and attended by many from the Christian world. It is to His Era we are indebted for the arts and sciences of the

Renaissance, marking the transition from the Middle Ages.

to the modern world. More recently, in 1844, there arose in Persia a Youth Who announced His Own Mission. Known as the Báb, or

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the “Door” of the Spirit, and the Forerunner of “He Whom God will make manifest”, He brought His Book, the Bayén, which contained new Laws for His Age. In the brief time of six years, from the date He announced His Mission, in 1844., until His martyrdom in Tabríz, Persia, in 18 50, His Teachings spread throughout Persia and were so powerful that from 20,000 to 30,000 of His followers willingly laid down their lives in martyrdom in the path of His Teachings.

Bahá’u’lláh’s BOOK or LAWS

Nineteen years later, in 1863, in Bag_hdad, Bahá’u’lláh (the name meaning “Glory of God”) announced His Mission, and gave to this New Age His Divine Laws which are contained in His Book, the Kitáb-i-Aqdas. His Teachings have spread, in less than a century, to all parts of the civilized world, have been translated into many languages (the New Era into forty—five different languages), and accepted by approximately three million souls. Thus, His Book and the influence of His Teachings upon so many of mankind in so brief a period, are conclusive proof of His being a Divine Manifestation of God, and of the divine character of His Teachings. To Him, the Bahá’ís believe, all the people of the world should look for spiritual guidance, enlightenment and advancement, for He is the spiritual Source and Center to Whom all, of whatever present or previous religious beliefs, should turn in this Day.

As His Laws ‘are in efiiect in this Day, it is important that we know, accept and adhere to His Laws—if civilization is to advance, if it is not to slip backward into world-wide chaos, in which direction it is at present heading.

All the Divine Manifestations are the same——are “seated upon the same Throne, utter the same speech, proclaim the

[Page 295]Cycle: H 29 5

same Faith”-——and have one and the same mission, namely, the upraising of God’s standard within the human soul and the education of man so that he may know his Creator. Their spiritual Laws are one and the same, permanent and unchanging. If we refuse to recognize one of these Prophets—-if We refuse to obey the Teachings of one of these Prophets—We are refusing to recognize each of the Prophets and disobeying the Teachings of all. In His Tablet of Ahmad, Bahá’u’lláh says: “Whosoever desireth, let him turn aside from this counsel, and whosoever desireth let him choose the path of his Lord. Be thou assured in thyself that, verily, he who turneth away from this Beauty hath also turned away from the Messengers of the past and showeth pride towards God from all eternity to all eternity.” All of God’s Prophets bring the Truth, and as Truth is indivisible, it cannot be accepted in one instance and denied in another. As the source of all Truth is God’s Manifestation, not only the Truth should be acknowledged but the divine Source Itself.

SOURCE or A NEW ADVANCE

Bahá’u’lláh brings to us today not only the basic Truths,

spiritual Laws, of past Prophets and confirms these Truths,

these Laws, but He brings to us a fuller, more complete Revelation than ever revealed before. He not only brings these Truths to us, but if we have misunderstood or misapplied the Truths of past Dispensations, He tells us their correct interpretation and their proper application. Basic spiritual Laws, such as the Law of Love, are simply renewed, or extended in their application. They are never changed. Only the material laws, the ordinances that apply to a given era, are subject to change; and these laws are altered to conform to new conditions and advanced requirements.

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Most people are conversant with the spiritual Laws of one or more Dispensations of past Ages, and especially of their own particular religion. But what of those great Laws of Bahá’u’lláh, Who has come to cure the ills of an ailing world and to bring world—wide justice and lasting peace to all mankind? These Laws are basic and necessary for this age. Among His Laws are the oneness of mankind, the basic oneness of religious truth, the elimination of prejudice of all kinds, spiritual solution of the economic problem, universal peace based upon universal justice, an international tribunal for settling World problems, the elimination of extremes of poverty and Wealth, a universal language for a better understanding among the various nations, advancement of Women co-equally with man’s progress, and other Laws especially adapted to the solution of the many, varied and perplexing problems confronting mankind. '

From these Laws and Ordinances it will be seen that the Bahá’í Faith is in tune with all phases of man’s spiritual and material progress, and that these Laws and Ordinances, universal in application, are adaptable to present World requirements. Modern means of transportation and communication make the world one compact neighborhood, having thus had its “ends hurled together”, and now exists as a single, concentrated physical unit, with everyone “living in everyone’s backyard”. As it has attained to unity physically, it now has as its problem the attainment to spiritual unity. Spiritual progress and material advancement require proper balancing for the proper growth and well-being of the earth’s inhabitants.

The Laws of Bahá’u’lláh are a vital force that has stirred to its depths every created thing. His Law of Unity, for example, is vibrating throughout the universe today, and should

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be obeyed by all mankind everywhere. Man’s disobedience to this Law will bring chaos, as evidenced by the destruction now world—wide in scope. The recognition of and obedience to this Law and other Laws of Bahá’u’lláh will correct present world conditions. But these Laws will have to be recognized, their Source acknowledged and put into operation in the lives of mankind, if we are to have global unity and World peace. To maintain our present progress-—to go on without collapsing or completely disintegrating and falling to pieces as a civilization, we will have to adhere to these Laws,-—the Laws for this Cycle of Civilization.

“New times demand new measures and new men. The world advances and in time outgrows the laws that in our father’s day were best. And doubtless after us, some purer scheme will be shaped out by wiser men than we, made wiser by the steady growth of truth. The time is ripe, and rottenripe for change. Then let it come! I have no dread of what is called for by the instinct of mankind; nor think I that God’s world will fall apart because we tear a parchment more or less. Truth is eternal, but her eflluence, with endless change, is fitted to the hour; her mirror is turned forward to reflect

the promise of the future, not the past.” (James Russell Lowell.)

Religious and sectarian antagonism, the hostility of races and peoples, and differences among nations, will be eliminated. All men will adhere to one religion, will have one common faith, will be blended into one race and become a single people. All will dwell in one common fatherland, which is the planet itself.”——-‘Abdu’l-Bahá

[Page 298]ALL praise, O my God, be to Thee Who Art the Source of all glory and majesty, of greatness and honor, of sovereignty and dominion, of loftiness and grace, of awe and power. Whomsoever Thou Willest Thou causest to draw

nigh unto the Most Great Ocean, and on Whomsoever

Thou desirest Thou conferrest the honor of recognizing

Thy Most Ancient Name. Of all Who are in heaven and on earth, none can withstand the operation of Thy sovereign Will. From all eternity Thou didst rule the entire creation, and Thou wilt continue forevermore to exercise Thy dominion over all created things. There is none other God but Thee, the Almighty, the Most Exalted, the All-Powcrful, the All-Wise.

Illumine, O Lord, the faces of Thy servants, that they may behold Thee; and cleanse their hearts that they may turn unto the court of Thy heavenly favors, and recognize Him Who is the Manifestation of Thy Self and the DaySpring of Thine Essence. Verily, Thou art the Lord of all Worlds. There is no God but Thee, the Unconstrained,

the All-Subduing! —Bahá’u’lláh.

[Page 299]THE COVENANT Compiled by Albert W imluszf

PART THREE

“TODAY, those who are firm in the Covenant are soaring by the bounties of the Holy Spirit in lofty regions, While the wavering ones are depressed, dejected and afflicted with a thousand pains and calamities. This is because the confirmations of the Abhá. Kingdom have been cut oil’ from them. They have been deprived of the Light of the Sun of Truth and have no share from the breezes of the Holy Spirit. They resemble those souls who arose to agitate the minds of men after the time of Christ. Each one, by every subtle means, gathered around himself a group of souls, but all were eventually led to face disappointment, loss and failure. This Was because the result of their principles was like unto a tree destitute of roots, or like the ocean foam. A rootless tree, no matter how tall and hardy it may seem, will ultimately wither away; and the ocean foam, however formidable it may appear, shall at last vanish and disappear. . . .

“In brief:-——the Covenant is like unto the ocean which preserves Bahá’í' unity, and these souls are like unto the foam upon it. They manifest a temporary activity, but soon, like unto Judas Iscariot and his associates and those Who approved of his conduct, they shall be completely forgotten. The ocean of the Covenant, on the other hand, is eternally surging, for it preserves Bahá’í unity. . . .

“Today, the Lord of Hosts is the defender of the Covenant, the forces of the Kingdom protect it, heavenly souls

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tender their services, and heavenly angels promulgate and spread it broadcast. If it is considered with insight, it will be seen that all the forces of the universe, in the last analysis, serve If/ze Covenent.* In the future it shall be made evident and manifest. In view of this fact, what can these weak and feeble souls achieve?” —‘Abdu’l-Bahá (from Smr of the West, vol. XI, pp. 240-242.)

7. Satanic Characteristics of the Violators

Words of Be}uz"u’lle'lz quoted éy ‘A5du’l—Ba/id:

“Those who have broken the Covenant of God, notwithstanding His commands, and have turned away, they are the people of error* before the Most Opulent, the Exalted! . . . Those who have been faithful to God’s Covenant are the highest ones in the sight of the Exalted Lord. Those who have become negligent are of the people of fire* in the sight of thy Lord, the Beloved, the Independent.”

—Smr of the West, vol. XIII, p. 23.

Words of Be/ici’u’lld/1 quoted oy ‘Aodu’l—Ba/id:

“Endeavor to your utmost to protect yourselves, because Satan appears in different robes and appeals to everyone according to each person’s own 'wdy*1, until he becomes like unto him (Satan), then he will leave him alone. . . . Be informed by these utterances and shun the manifestations of the people of /iell*. . . . The greatest degradation is to leave the shadow of God and enter the shadow of Satan.”

-——Star of the West, vol. XIII, pp. 20, 22.

1We are reminded of Isaiah LIIl:6—“A11 we, like sheep, have gone astray, we have turned every one to his own way.”-Compiler.

[Page 301]Co-venant 30 I

Words of ‘A5dn’l—Ba/La:

“[When we speak of] the will of Satan . . . we mean the natural inclinations of the lower nature. This lower nature in man is symbolized as Satan, the evil ego within us, not an evil personality outside . . . the evil spirit, Satan or whatever is interpreted as evil, refers to the lower nature in man. This baser nature is symbolized in Various ways. In man there are two expressions, one is the expression of nature‘, the other the expression of the spiritual realm. Look at it clearly, casting aside all superstition and imagination. If you should leave a man uneducated and barbarous in the wilds of Africa would there be any doubt about his remaining ignorant? God has never created an evil spirit; all such ideas and nomenclature are symbols expressing the mere human or earthly nature of man. . . . Evil is non—existent; it is the absence of good.”

——Tne Promnlgation of Universal Peace, vol. II, pp. 281, 289, 290.

Words of Ba/2a’n’lla'/L quoted by ‘Abdn’ —Ba/zci:

“O ye servants! . . . Do not follow self; break not Gozl’s Covenant and violate not H is Testa¢nent.* Proceed with perfect steadfastness, and with heart, soul and tongue, turn unto Him, and be not of the thoughtless.”

———Star of the West, Vol. XIII, p. 22..

Words of ‘Abdn’l—Ba/za:

“. . . carnal desires are the cause of difierence, as it is the case with Violators [of the Covenant]. They do not doubt the validity of the Covenant, but selfis/2 motive3* have dragged

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them to this condition. It is not that they ignore [or are ignorant of] what they do ; they are perfectly aware and still they exhibit oppostion. In short, the ocean of the Covenant is tumultuous and wide. It casts ashore the foam of violation, and thus rest ye assured.”

——Star of the West, vol. X, p. 24.6.

Comment: From this we understand that souls are not condemned because of ignorance, but those who know of the validity of the Covenant and then ignore and oppose, become violators.———Compz'ler.

W/zen ‘Aédu’l—Ba/za’ was in Chicago in I9I2 He gave a talk to four maid—servants of the Faith, warning them of Violators of the Covenant in that city. At its conclusion one of them questioned: “ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, how shall we know a Violator?” ‘Abdu’l-Bahá asked, in reply, if she would know a donkey if she were to see one.

Comment: What are the ear-marks of the “donkey” of violation? What are the Satanic characteristics of those who violate the Covenant? Are they the ten mentioned in the Will and Textammt of ‘A Zulu’!-Ba/za', as follows: (I) Disobeying, (2) Rebelling, (3) Opposing, (4) Contending, (5) Disputing, (6) Denying, (7) Disbelieving, (8) Deviating, (9) Separating, (Io) Turning-aside? (See page 306 of this magazine.)—C07/Lpiler.

Words of Ba/2ci’u’lla'/z quoted by ‘A bcZu’l-Ba}m':

“. . . before long, Satan, in the garb of man, Will reach that land [a certain place in the Orient] and will try to mislead the friends of the Divine Beauty” through temptations which arouse the desires of self*, and will cause them to follow the footsteps of Satan away from the right and glorious path, and prevent them from attaining the blessed shore of

2Refers to Bahá’u’lláh.

[Page 303]Covenant 3 0 3

the King of Oneness. This is a hidden information of which we have informed the chosen ones lest they be deprived of their praiseworthy station by associating with the embodiments of hatred.* Therefore, it is incumbent for all the friends of God to shun any person in whom they perceive the emanation of hatred for the glorious Beauty of Abhá,3 though he may quote all the heavenly utterances and cling to all the Books. . . . Protect yourselves with the utmost vigilence, lest you he entrapped in the snare of deception and fraud.”* —Star of the West, vol. XIII, p. 20.

8. Healing and Protection from Violation for a Thousand Years

Read New Testament, Revelation XX:I—3.

(I) “And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the hey of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. (2) And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil and Satan, and bound him a thousand years. (3) And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal upon him, that he should deceive the nations no more. . . .”

Comment: Is the Book of the Covenant, the “key”, the “great chain” and the “seal” foreseen and recorded by John, the beloved disciple of Jesus Christ, 1900 years ago?—Compiler.

Words of Shoghi E flendi, Guardian of the Cause of God: “An attempt I strongly feel should now be made to clarify our minds regarding the station occupied by ‘Abdu’l-Bahá and the significance of His position in this holy Dispensation. It would be indeed difficult for us . . . to obtain a clear and

3Refers to Bahá’u’lláh.

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exact understanding of the role and character of One Who, not only in the Dispensation of Bahá’u’lláh but in the entire field of religious history, fulfills a unique function. Though moving in a sphere of His own and holding a rank radically different from that of the Author [Bahá’u’lláh] and the Forerunner [The Báb] of the Bahá’í Revelation, He, by virtue of the station ordained for Him through the Covenant of Bahá’u’lláh,* forms together with them what may be termed the Three Central Figures of a Faith that stands unapproached in the world’s spiritual history. He towers, in conjunction with Them, above the destinies of this infant Faith of God from a level to which no individual or body ministering to its needs after Him, and for no less a period than a full thousand years,* can ever hope to rise. .

“He is, and should for all time be regarded, first and foremost, as the Center and Pivot of Bahá’u’lláh’s peerless and enfolding Covenant. . . .*

“ ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, writing in confirmation of the Authority conferred upon Him by Bahá’u’lláh, makes the following statement: ‘In accordance -with the explicit text of the Kitáb-i-Aqdas Bahá’u’lláh hath made the Center of the Covenant the Interpreter of His Word——a Covenant so firm and mighty that from the heginning of time until the present day no religious Dispensation hath produced its like.’ ”

“[The Will and Testament of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá'] should be regarded as the perpetual, the indissoluble link which the mind of Him Who is the Mystery of God‘ has conceived, in order to insure the continuity of the three ages. that constitute the component parts of the Ea/2a"z’ Dispensation.* The period in which the seed of the Faith had been slowly germinating is

‘Refers to ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

[Page 305]Covemmt 30 5

thus entwined both with the one which must witness its efllores ence and the subsequent age in which that seed will have finally yielded its golden fruit.”

—T/ze Dispenmtion of Ba/zci’u’lla’/2, pp. 39-40, 42, 44, 51; also in The World Order of Ba/za"u’llzi/2, pp- I3I—I32, I34, I36, 143-144.

Words of ‘Abdu’l—Balm’ in His Will and Testament:

“O my loving friends! After the passing away [death] of this wronged One, it is incumbent upon the Ag_hsé.n“ [Branches], the Afnan“ [Twigs], of the Sacred Lote—Tree; the Hands7 [Pillars] of the Cause of God; and the loved ones of the Abhá. Beauty [Bahá’u’lláh] to turn unto Shoghi Effendi—the youthful branch branched from the two hallowed and sacred Lote—Trees and the fruit grown from the union of the two offshoots of the Tree of Holiness———as he is the sign of God, the chosen branch, the Guardian of the Cause of God, he unto whom all the Aghsan, the Afnan, the Hands of the Cause of God and His loved ones must turn. He is the expounder of the Words of God, and after him will succeed the first born of his lineal descendants.

“The sacred and youthful branch, the Guardian of the Cause of God, as Well as the Universal House of Justice to be universally elected and established, are both under the care and protection of the Abhá Beauty [Bahá’u’lláh], under the shelter and unerring guidance of His Holiness the Exalted One [the Báb]—May my life be offered up for them both!

5Male members of the Family of Bahá’u’lláh. 6Male members of the Relatives of the Báb. 7To be chosen by the Guardian.

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Whatsoever they decide is of God.*8 Whoso oheyeth him not (I), neither obeyeth them, hath not obeyed God; whoso rehelleth (2) against him and against them hath rebelled against God, whoso opposeth (3) him hath opposed God; who contendeth (4.) with them hath contendeth with God; whoso dispateth (5) with him hath disputeth with God; whoso denieth (6) him hath denied God; whoso dishelieveth (7) in him hath disbelieved in God; whoso deviateth (8), separateth (9) himself and tarneth—asz'de (10) from him hath in truth, deviated, separated himself and turned-aside from God.*° May the wrath, the fierce indignation, the Vengeance of God, rest upon him! The Mighty Stronghold shall remain impregnahle and safe through ohedience to him who is the Guardian of the Cause of God.* . . . He that opposeth him hath opposed the True One, will make a breach in the Cause of God, will subvert His Word, and will become a manifestation of the Center of Sedition. Beware, beware, lest the days after the Ascension of Bahá’u’lláh be repeated when the Center of Sedition” waxed haughty and rebellious, and with ‘Divine Unity’ for his excuse, deprived himself and perturbed and poisoned others! . .

“And now, one of the greatest and most fundamental principles of the Cause of God is to shun and avoid entirely the COVenant—breakers, for they will [strive to] utterly destroy the Cause of God, exterminate His Law and render of no account all eflforts exerted in the past. . . .

“O ye faithful loved ones of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá! It is incum 8We understand from Shoghi Effendi’s words that the Guardian’s interpretations, and the decisions of the Universal House of Justice, are both infallible. ——Com;Dz'1er.

9The italics and the figures placed in this sentence by the compiler stress,

we believe, the ten Satanic characteristics of the Violator.——Compiler. 1°The half-brother of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, Muhammad Ali.

[Page 307]Covenant 307

bent upon you to take the greatest care of Shoghi Effendi, the twig that hath branched from, and the fruit given forth by, the two hallowed and Divine Lote-Trees, that no dust of despondency and sorrow may stain his radiant nature, that day by day he may wax greater in happiness, in joy and spirituality, and may grow to become even as a fruitful tree.”

“O my God! I call Thee, Thy Prophets and Thy Messengers, Thy Saints, and Thy Holy Ones, to witness that I have declared conclusively Thy proofs unto Thy loved ones, and set forth clearly all things unto them, that they may watch over Thy Faith, guard Thy Straight Path, and protect Thy Resplendent Law.* Thou art verily, the All-Knowing, the All—Wise!” —-The Will and Testament of

‘AZ2du’l-Baha’, pp. 12, 13, I8, 19.

Words of ‘Abdu’ —Baha'.'

“And this Covenant is the Ancient Covenant, the Illuminator of the horizons. . . . It is the Testament and the Covennant, and it is mentioned in . . . all the early Books and in the later Tablets. . . . It is the holy fragrance of His Holiness, the Creator, and the Breaths of Life of the Garden of the Creator. It is the strong fortress; therefore it is a sure shelter for all created beings, and in brief, it is the sum of all sacred writings, ancient and modern/”*

—Star of the West, vol. VIII, pp. 213-214.

9. The Victory of the Covenant

(A) The Day of Judgment-‘-when the Meaning of the Covenant and Testament Will Become Evident and Established

Read New Testament, Revelation XI:I 5, I8, 19.

( I 5) “And the seventh angel sounded and there were V

great voices in heaven saying: The kingdoms of this world

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are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ; and He shall live for ever and ever. (18) And the nations were angry, and thy wrath is come, and the time of the dead, that they should be judged,* and that thou shouldst give reward unto thy servants the prophets, and to the saints, and them that fear thy Name, small and great; and shouldst destroy them that destroy the earth. (I9) And the temple of God was opened in heaven, and there was seen in his temple the arh of his testament,* and there were lightnings, and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake, and great hail.”

‘A bdu’l-Bahd’s Explanation of the above verses:

“The ‘seventh angel’ is a man qualified with heavenly attributes, who will arise with heavenly qualities and character. Voices will be raised, so that the appearance of the Divine Manifestation [Bahá’u’lláh] will be proclaimed and diflused. In the day of the manifestation of the Lord of Hosts, and at the epoch of the divine cycle of the Omnipotent, which is promised and mentioned in all the books and writings of the Prophets-—in the Day of God, the Spiritual and Divine Kingdom will be established, and the world will be renewed; a new spirit* will be breathed into the body of creation, the season of the divine springtime will come, the clouds of mercy will rain, the Sun of Reality will shine, the life—giving breeze will blow, the world of humanity will wear a new garment, the surface of the earth will be a sublime paradise,-* mankind will be educated, wars, disputes, quarrels and malignity will disappear, and truthfulness, righteousness, honesty, and. the Worship of God will appear; union, love and brotherhood will surround the world, and God will rule forevermore, meaning that the Spiritual and Everlasting Kingdom will be estab [Page 309]

Covenant 309

lished.* Such is the Day of God. For all the Days that have come and gone were the Days of Abraham, Moses, Christ,

and the other Prophets; but this Day is the Day of God.

“Although . . . [God] always had, and has, a Kingdom, the Kingdom here means the Manifestation of Himself* [i.e., Bahá’u’lláh], and He will issue all the laws and teachings, which are the spirit of the world of humanity, and everlasting life. And that universal Manifestation will subdue the world by spiritual power, not by war and combat; He will do it with peace and tranquillity, not by the sword and arms; He will establish this Heavenly Kingdom by true love, and not by the power of war. He will promote these divine teachings by kindness and righteousness, and not by weapons and harshness. . . .

“ ‘And the nations were angry’, for Thy teachings opposed the passions of the other peoples; ‘and Thy wrath is come’, that is to say, all will be afflicted with evident loss; because they do not follow Thy precepts, counsels and teachings, they will be deprived of Thy everlasting bounty, and veiled from the Light of the Sun of Reality.

“ ‘And the time of the dead that they should be judged’, means that the time has come that the dead*——that is to say, those who are deprived of the spirit of the love of God and have not a share of the sanctified eternal life—-will be judged with justice, meaning they will arise to receive that which they deserve. .

“ ‘And there was seen in His temple the ark of His testament’. That is to say, the Book of His Testament will appear . . . the Epistle of the Covenant will he established, and the meaning of the Testament and of the Covenant will become evident.* The renown of God will overspread the East

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and West and the proclamation of the Cause of God will fill the World. The violators of the Covenant will be degraded and dispersed, and the faithful cherished and glorified, for they cling to the Book of the Testament, and are firm and steadfast in the Covenant. I

“ ‘And there were lightnings and voices, and thunderings, and an earthquake and great hail’, meaning that after t/ze appearance of the Book of the Testament there will he a great storm,* and the lightnings of the anger and the wrath of God will flash, the noise of the thunder of the violation of the Covenant will resound, the earthquake of doubts will take place, the hail of torments Will beat upon the Violators of the Covenant, and even those Who profess belief will fall into trials and temptations.”

—Some Answered Questions, pp. 66, 67, 70-71. (To oe concluded)

• ItaIics by Compiler.

That the Cause associated with the name of Bahá’u’lláh feeds itself upon those hidden springs of celestial strength which no force of human personality, whatever its glamor, can replace; that its reliance is solely upon that mystic Source with which no worldly advantage, be it wealth, fame or learning, can compare; that it propagates itself by Ways mysteriously and utterly at variance with the standards accepted by the generality of mankind, will . . . become increasingly manifest as it forges ahead towards fresh conquests in its struggle for the spiritualiregeneration of mankind.

—SHOGHI EFFENDI.

[Page 311]

This Challenging Hour Charles S. Krug

THE challenge is strictly personal. Let us recognize that fact and waste no time worrying about the challenge to civilization, democracy, the old order, or any other such glittering generality. It is you and I, as individuals, that are being challenged in this momentous hour.

Next, We must realize that the challenge is spiritual and not material. So many people are stressing the need for a “practical” solution for the day’s problems, a solution devoid of “visionary”, “idealistic”, religious befuddlements. As though there could ever be a truly practical solution that was not basically spiritual. The known and expressed beliefs of outstanding leaders can be of real help on this point. Did you, for example, know that it was Abraham Lincoln who said:

“In so much as we know that by His divine law nations, like individuals, are subjected to punishments and chastisements in this world, may we not justly fear that the awful calamity which now desolates this land may be but a punishment inflicted upon us for our presumptuous sins, to the needful end of our national reformation as a whole people? . . . We have forgotten the gracious hand which preserved us in peace and multiplied and enriched and strengthened us; and we have vainly imagined, . . . that all these blessings were produced by some superior wisdom and virtue of our own. Intoxicated by unbroken success, we have become too proud to pray to the God that made us.” (Proclamation of March

30, 1863.)

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Dr. Charles Seymour, President of Yale University, is quoted as saying the following (Magazine Section, N ew York Times of Sunday, October 17, 1937) “We are worse off today, perhaps, than ever before, because the spiritual aspirations of humanity are in eclipse in large parts of the World. History shows no such Wholesale abandonment of respect for spiritual values as prevails today. Materialism says in its heart, there is no God, and makes its own convenient laws of conduct. It ignores the lesson of the past, which would teach men and nations that the welfare of each depends on the welfare of all. . . . We can hope and have faith that a spiritual resurgence will come in time to avert world disaster. Perhaps we can get back to reverence for eternal truth before it is too late. But I don’t know.”

And just a brief Word from that most practical of all practical men, the statistician. Roger Babson, who alone and accurately foretold the debacle of 1930, has said: “There can be no recovery until We as a nation return to God.”

Surely there can no longer be any doubt that the challenge is spiritual. But what is this spiritual challenge which each one of us must face? It is the necessity, the sacred obligation, inescapable as judgment day itself, to recognize and accept the Prophet of God during the day of his manifestation here on earth. It has ever been thus,~—in the Day of Jesus, in the Day of Moses, in the Day of Muhammad, and today, in the Day of Bahá’u’lláh.

But how can we be sure that this is again the Day of God, the Day in which the Splendour of His Glory is again vouchsafed unto an errant, undeserving but woefully needy humanity? How could the people of former Days be sure? Surely a Just, Loving and Merciful God would not hold us responsible for our failure to know and recognize His Messenger

[Page 313]Challenging Hour 31 3

had He not furnished us both with unquestionable proof and ample capacity to grasp this proof.

The proof is not only ample, it is complete. This is however not the place for its introduction or presentation. Christ commanded, “Seek! and ye shall find. Knock! and it shall be opened unto you.” That brings about an entirely different attitude and basis than the balky resistance with Which We meet one who tries to “convert” us.

Bahá’u’lláh counsels us: “O Son of Dust! The Wise are they that speak not unless they obtain a hearing, even as the cup—bearer who proffereth not his cup till he findeth a seeker.”

Has it ever been otherwise? At the time of Moses, the Divine mercies were forthcoming in unstinted plenty. Yet, all but a few, were heedless. Again when Jesus came, “the most learned doctors of His country in His age condemned Him to be killed, whilst one who was a catcher of fishes believed in Him. Be astonished thereat and be of those who remember! ” (Law/2-1’-A qdas)

And so in this Great Day—when our world is literally being tumbled about our heads, despite the inescapably obvious collapse of so—called civilization,——we are too busy, too “practical” to grasp the simple truth that “man can never hope to attain unto the knowledge of the All-Glorious, . . . unless and until he ceases to regard the words and deeds of mortal men as a standard for the true understanding and recognition of God and His Prophets.” (Kitzib-i—I'qa’n.)

It appears obvious that the absolute sine qua non is the sincere desire to find God, the genuine searching attitude of the true seeker. Of him Bahá’u’lláh writes: “When a true seeker determineth to take the step of search in the path leading unto the knowledge of the Ancient of Days, he must, before all else, cleanse his heart, which is the seat of the revela [Page 314]3 I 4. World Order

tion of the inner mysteries of God, from the obscuring dust of all acquired knowledge, and the allusions of the embodiments of satanic fancy.” (Kitzié-i-Iiqzin.)

For such a one what greater comfort or assurance could there be than these words, “O servant always draws near unto Me with prayers, until I respond unto him. And when I have responded to him, then I become his ear Wherewith he heareth.” In a prayer revealed by Bahá’u’lláh we find this assurance: “Who is there that hath cried after Thee, and whose prayer hath remained unanswered? Where is he to be found who hath reached forth towards Thee, and whom Thou hast failed to approach? . . . I bear witness that Thou hadst turned toward Thy servants ere they had turned toward Thee, and hadst remembered them ere they had remembered Thee.”

Let us ask ourselves just one question :—“Would I have accepted Moses (or Jesus, or Muhammad) had I been living during the Day of His manifestation on earth?” It is easy enough to say “I am a Christian,” or a follower of anyone of the other great revealed religions of the world, now that they have been established. But, once again, “Would I have believed and publicly declared my belief during the Day of His manifestation on earth?”

Jesus the Christ warned us in Matthew, Chapter 24, verses 42-44, “Watch therefore; for ye know not on what day your Lord cometh. Therefore be ye also ready; for in an hour that ye think not the Son of Man cometh.”

Bahá’u’lláh says: “Bestir yourselves, O people, in anticipation of the days of Divine Justice, for the promised hour is now come. Beware lest ye fail to apprehend its import and be accounted among the erring.” (Glecmings, page 17.)

The Promised One has come. He is Bahá’u’lláh.

That is the Challenge! This is the Challenging Hour!

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Creation and Revelation

GOD is the Creator. It is as the Creator, the First Cause, that we think of Him and Worship Him. So commonly accepted is this association of ideas that these two names for the Divine Essence are used interchangeably. Not so commonly do we think of God as the Revealer. Yet Bahá’u’lláh makes these two aspects of God equally important when He states that the “Kingdoms of Revelation and of Creation” are God’s. These are distinct Kingdoms yet closely related for creation itself reveals God—-but not in His fullness. He who worships God in nature contemplates the quiet beauty of trees and flowers, the majesty of mountain and valley, the splendor of sunset and the glory of the distant stars. Thus he knows something of the beauty, the majesty, the bounty, the power of God. His thoughts are raised and he is moved with feelings of praise and gratitude. The Psalms of the Old Testament are full of praise to God: “Oh that men would praise the Lord for His goodness and His wonderful works to the children of men!”

But there is the earthquake, the parching wind, the raging flood, the stormy sea, the bitter cold. “Who can stand before His cold?” The mind becomes confused. Is He a kind and loving God or terrible and full of vengeance? He is distant, out of reach. Man longs to know more. “Oh that I knew where I might find Himl That I might come even to His seat!”

The revelation of God in His creation is not enough. It does not bring man close to Him, neither does it teach him how to behave toward His fellowmen. Man, the highest form of creation, finds himself searching for meaning and purpose in creation that somehow he may come into an understanding of God and His plan for man, that he can reconcile all the seemingly contradictory aspects and attributes of God.

Man himself, for whom all lower creation was made and to whom dominion over it was given, in his skill and knowledge reveals other aspects of God. God breathed into him the breath of life and made him in His own image. Man has developed great knowledge so that he ferrets out the structure and power of the infinitesimal

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atom and explores the immensity of the universe. By his knowledge he controls nature to a high degree, utilizes its powers and has brought forth a great material civilization. Yet he has not yet learned to live with his fellowmen. The present frenzied slaughter of man by man well shows this.

The revelation of God is lower creation and in man is not enough. Man is in need of a fuller revelation, and God gives it. It comes in the Divine Revealer, the Christ, the Moses——who speaks for God and teaches man by word and by acts how to live with his fellowmen. We are now living in the time of a. fresh revelation of God given by such a Divine Being. It is now the floodtime of revelation. Yet few are alive to it. “We, verily, have announced unto men this Most Great Revelation, and yet the people are in a state of strange stupor.” Bahá’u’lláh (the Glory of God in a human Temple) has poured forth such exhortations, instructions and commands, sudi abundance of words of grace and love as the world has never before received. He has made clear what Divine Revelation is, what a bounty from God, what perfect instructions, what necessary commands. He makes man understand that it is the Word of God; that it comes only at long intervals and at the time of man’s direst need; that man’s progress depends upon obedience to the commands of the Revealer; that continued disobedience brings suffering and collapse.

Bahá’u’lláh quickens the insight to comprehend that God the Creator must needs be God the Revealer else His purpose in Creation could never be fulfilled. The Revelation of Bahá’u’lláh brings not only salvation and peace to the individual soul but instructions for the salvation and peace of the world. It makes clear what God’s plan and purpose is, puts meaning into the present turmoil and points the way out. It is for everyone all over the world, young and old, all nations and races, for now is the time to knit all humanity into one unified Whole. It was given in writing, is now in printing and translated into many languages. “The Book of God is wide open, and His Word is summoning mankind unto Him.” “The whole earth is illuminated with the resplendent glory of God’s Revelation.”

—B. H. K.

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The Bahá’í Community

11. COMMUNITY——NOT CHURCH

,5)’/illiam Kenneth Christian

ONLY within about a century have men had sufficient facts about human history to enable them to form an accurate picture of the scope of social evolution. And the result of this accumulation of knowledge has been tremendous. We can now understand quite clearly that human history has been subject to certain rhythms or periodic cycles of change. Great periods of civilization have decayed into eras of chaos and confusion, marked by Warfare, tyrannical government, immorality, materialism, and intensive group competition. No proof is needed to show that our time is such an age of decay and chaos.

The religious aspects of a dying age are ‘to be found in the emphasis upon sectarianism in organization and belief. This is always evident in an age that has lost its sense of unity and direction. But co—existent with the strongly entrenched sectarianism is the spiritual seed of the new age. This new spirit planted by the Manifestation of God finds its first expression socially in the hearts and actions of individuals and small groups of people.

At that transitional time between great periods of civilization as the inner decay increases to a consuming chaos, the groups of people who are struggling to respond to the principles of the new age find themselves accused of the same sectarianism which marks the old order.

The charges brought against the groups of Christians during the weakening and collapse of the Roman order were

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simply reflections of the evils in Roman civilization itself. The early Christians were charged with immorality, with

plotting against social order and treason to the Emperor, with irreligion, and with shameful secret rites. All these charges we can now understand were marks of Roman life itself and unfounded in the Christian life of the time. And we can see, too, that this was merely a psychological projection of guilt on the part of those entrenched in the old order.

Frequently have Bahá’í's heard the charge that they were merely forming a new church. Although we can understand that these charges are an unconscious projection of guilt in a world devitalized by sectarian organization, we must be prepared to show clearly the differences between a church of the older faiths and the Bahá’í communities of the world.

Our first great difference is at point of origin. There is no definite trace of plan for religious organization in the teachings of Jesus. Consequently, it is possible for each of the sectarian branches of Christianity to claim, directly or indirectly a greater degree of rightness than the others. But Bahá’u’lláh, Whose world—purpose was to create justice in a planet brought into unity, Himself outlined a form of community life for which there is no clear-cut historical parallel. Commanding the establishment of Houses of Justice and outlining their powers and duties, Bahá’u’lláh also gave us the new pattern of community center in the House of Worship and its associated institutions of social welfare and education.

Bahá’u’lláh had so deep an understanding of human character that He not only uttered the command to unity, but provided the form, or means, by which this divine command might be attained. The outline of what we call Bahá’í Administration originated in the Books and Tablets of Bahá’u’lláh, was given deep explanation in the Talks and Tablets of

[Page 319]Bahá’í Community V 3 I 9

‘Abdu’l-Bahá and definite form in His Will and Testament, and found its genius—builder in the first Guardian, Shoghi Effendi. “For Bahá’u’lláh, We should readily recognize, has not only imbued mankind with a new and regenerating Spirit. He has not merely enunciated certain universal principles, or propounded a particular philosophy, however potent, sound, and universal these may be. In addition to these He, as Well as ‘Abdu’l-Bahá after Him, has, unlike the Dispensations of the past, clearly and specifically laid down a set of laws, established definite institutions, and provided for the essentials of a Divine Economy?”

But Bahá’u’lláh and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá also settled the problem of the interpretation of Their teachings, for they “in unequivocal and emphatic language, appointed those twin institutions of the House of Justice and of the Guardianship as their chosen Successors, destined to apply the principles, promulgate the laws, protect the institutions, adapt loyally and intelligently the Faith to the requirements of progressive society, and consumate the incorruptible inheritance which the Founders of the Faith have bequeathed to the world.”” Thus we find, originating with the teachings themselves, those institutions for the religious life of the believers and the authority for the interpretation of the teachings.

And “the apostles of Bahá’u’lláh in every land, wherever they labor and toil, have before them in clear, in unequivocal and emphatic language, all the laws, the regulations, the principles, the guidance, they require for the prosecution and consummation of their task.”"’

Proceeding then from the origin of the Bahá’í institutions, the establishment of the Guardianship as Interpreter and the Universal House of Justice as a companion institution for the progressive unfoldment of the Faith, and the great clarity

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of the teachings themselves, we find yet another difierence between this Faith and secretarian churches. “Those unwarranted practices, in connection with the sacrament of baptism, of communion, of confession of sins, of asceticism, of priestly domination, of elaborate ceremonials, of holy war and of polygamy, have one and all been rigidly suppressed by the Pen of Bahá’u’lláh; whilst the rigidity and rigor of certain observances, such as fasting, which are necessary to the devotional life of the individual, have been considerably abated.”“

Still another great difference is the attitude of the Bahá’í community toward unity. The word “church” for all practical purposes means division. But the Bahá’í community embraces elements of human life which the older faiths segregate. A cross-section of humanity is to be found in the Bahá’í communities of the world—rich and poor, learned and uneducated, all races and religious backgrounds. And the Bahá’í considers this the normal condition! For the Bahá’í has responded to the command of God for unity. The basis and reason for unity in the Bahá’í community is the divine principle of the oneness of mankind.

And there is the element of obedience in the Bahá’í Faith which is the denial of secretarian choice. In the world of the older faiths, religion is generally inherited according to one’s position in life. If there were dissatisfaction with a certain sectarian church, the individual merely moved across the street and joined another branch. But Bahá’u’lláh’s command to unity precludes that in the Bahá’í world. It is a part of the spiritual growth of the Bahá’í’ that he mingle and work with all manner of people in the community.

“None of the historic causes of association served to create this world—wide spiritual community. Neither a common lan guage, a common blood, a common civil government, a com [Page 321]Bahá’í Community « 321

mon tradition, nor a mutual grievance acted upon Bahá’í's to supply a fixed center of interest or a goal of material advantage. On the contrary, membership in the Bahá’í community in the land of its birth even to this day has been a severe disability, and outside of Iran the motive animating believers has been in direct opposition to the most inveterate prejudices of their environment. The Cause of Bahá’u’lláh has moved forward without the reinforcement of wealth, social prestige or other means of public influence?”

The final difference which we might set forth is that of the purpose of the Bahá’í Faith. Bahá’u’lláh has set it forth repeatedly——“O ye children of men, the fundamental purpose animating the Faith of God and His Religion is to safeguard the interests and promote the unity of the human race.” “The well—being of mankind, its peace and security are unattainable unless and until its unity is firmly established.” “This goal excelleth every other goal, and this aspiration is the monarch of all aspirations.”6 Further study of Bahá’u’lláh’s writings reveals that this unity is not a loose and jovial fellowship» but the unity of one common faith, the spirit of dedication to the Manifestation of God finding a dynamic and creative outlet through the institutions which He has created.

1T/ze World Order of Ba/m"u’llz2'/2, p. 19; 2I5id., p. 20; 3Ibid., p. 21; 4lb¢'d., p. 22; 5T/ze Bahá’í World, vol. VIII, p. 1; “The World Order of Ba/za"u’lla'/2, pp. 202-3.

Behold how the manifold grace of God, which is being showered from the clouds of Divine glory, hath, in this day, encompassed the world. For whereas in days past every lover besought and searched after his Beloved, it is the Beloved Himself Who now is calling His lovers and is inviting them to attain His presence. Take heed lest ye forfeit so precious a favor; beware lest ye belittle so remarkable a token of His grace.-—-Bahá’u’lláh.

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WITH OUR READERS

Many of our readers will remember the series of interesting articles, “From a Panama Diary”, which we published in 1941. They gave a picture of life and conditions in Panama as our pioneers, Mrs. Louise Caswell and Mrs. Cora Oliver, found them on first going there. Recent letters from Mrs. Oliver tell of the progress of the Cause there.

Both Mrs. Oliver and Mrs. Caswell have excellent employment. “There are all kinds of work to be done here,” writes Mrs. Oliver. Early in the summer Mrs. Oliver had an enforced rest due to a fall which resulted in a fractured knee cap. She speaks of the excellent surgical treatment she received and the many kindnesses shown her and adds, “I am getting some much needed studying done.”

“Sometime ago,” Mrs. Oliver continues, “we organized our small group here. Alfred Osborne is secretary. Our apartment is used as the Center so all now feel it is theirs too. It is a bounty-to have this Center

and to be one who has the privi lege of sharing it. . . . Clare and Norma Hamilton have moved to this side of the Isthmus so we can Work together. Ben Schreibman from Philadelphia was here

about three months and greatly stimulated the work. He is a forceful teacher and we hoped he might be able to stay longer. However he rendered an unusual service which will always be re membered in the history of the Faith here. .

“We have had some splendid meetings and periods of activity when the pioneers en route to South America have been here. How we have enjoyed the fragrances from the States-—the enthusiasm, determination, courage, zeal and devotion to the Faith of Bahá’u’lláh. . . . Unfortunately we did not see Mrs. Collins when she went throughwe only knew she was on the boat. We expect Phil Sprague next week. [The letter was dated October ll.] Gwenne Sholtis was with us nearly two weeks. She is a heroic pioneer and well fitted for her work. Virginia Orbison arrived when Gwenne

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was with us. What a feast! They both left the same day. Shortly after their visits Ruth Shook arrived after an exciting and difficult trip through Central America largely by land. She surely pioneered in her traveling but came up smiling when we met her in Panama. Another pioneer well fitted for pioneer work.”

These pioneers find Panama a dark region, greatly in need of light, yet as a whole not receptive to spiritual ideas, engrossed rather in worldly pursuit. But

Mrs. Oliver feels that a new life is stirring in the work there.

From one of our Bahá’ís, who is active in teaching work, come these thoughts in regard to “The Power of the Greatest Name”. She writes:

“Bahá’ís have been given a Name of God which is above every name; it is used in every part of the world. The use ,of it is unifying, and identifying. The teachings of Bahá’u’lláh have been given to the world in the closely related Arabic and Persian languages, just as the teachings of Moses were given in Hebrew and the teachings of Christ in the Aramaic language.

3'4’-3

The “Greatest Name” of God today is in Arabic and today God is known by Bahá’ís all over the world by one Name, Bahá’u’lláh (the Glory of God). This fulfills the prophecy of Zechariah, ‘In that day there shall be one Lord and His Name one.’ Glory stands for the highest expression one can think—Glorious Light. Another form used for adoration of Him and

as a Salutation when We meet believers is Alláh-u-Abhá. . . .

“Bahá’ís are exhorted to ‘Walk above the World by the power of the Greatest Name’ to use that Name frequently. Many repeat it ninety-five times morning and evening. The vibrations of the ether, when the Greatest Name is sounded, are the highest of all vibrations, not necessarily in tone, but in spiritual quality, being the Name of God.”

Another form of the Greatest Name is Y:i—Baha’u’l-Abhzi, which ‘Abdu’l-Bahá says is the call which “pulsates through the world”, the call which “creates activity”, which “gives life”.

and

Both Bahá’ís and those not so well acquainted with Bahá’í

teachings will find the article by

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Mr. John M. Haggard, “Cycles of Civilization”, which opens this month’s contents of World Order, informing and stimulating. Mr. Haggard previously contributed a paper for our magazine which was printed in the May, 1941, issue. His home is in Wilmette, where he is active as secretary of the Temple Program Committee and in other Bahá’í services.

We believe the article “Community not Church” by Mr. William Kenneth Christian will help our readers in understanding how the World Order of Bahá’u’lláh differs in purpose and organization from other religious bodies. It is the second in a series planned to set out certain practical aspects of The Bahá’í Community. Mr. Christian has sent us many timely articles and a few poems. He lives in Morrisville, New York, where he is Professor of English.

In “This Challenging Hour”, Charles S. Krug contributes another of his vigorous and stirring articles. Readers will remember his pointed questions in “What Can You Believe”, which we published in February, 1942. Mr. Krug’s home is in Radburn, New Jersey. Older believers will recall that Mr. Krug’s parents, Dr.

World Order

and Mrs. Florian Krug, were in Haifa at the time of the Ascension of ‘Abdu’l-Bahá.

Mr. Albert Windust’s valuable compilation on “The Covenant” which began in the October number is continued in this issue. Other material on this subject was published in the March and September numbers. With these five issues at hand we believe every one has abundant material for a deeper understanding of the Bahá’í teaching about God’s Covenant with man and its vital importance. Mr. Windust’s series will be concluded in the January issue.

We for several issues omitting Bahá’í Lessons to give the studies on the Covenant necessary space. The editorial, however, appears as usual, contributed this month by Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick, one of the members of the Editorial Committee.

are

The leading article to be published in January, entitled “The House of Worship of a World Faith”, and written by Horace Holley, secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly, will victoriously mark the completion of the exterior ornamentation of the Bahá’í Temple at Wilmette.

-—THE EDITORS .

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I

Bahá’í Literature

Gleanings from the Writings of Bahá’u’lláh, selected and translated by Shoghi Effendi. The Bahá’í teachings on the nature of religion, the soul, the basis of civilization and the oneness of mankind. Bound

in fabrikoid. 360 pages. $2.00.

Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, translated by Shoghi Effendi. Revealed by Bahá’u’lláh toward the end of His earthly mission, this text is a majestic and deeply-moving exposition of His fundamental principles

and laws and of the sufferings endured by the Manifestation for the sake of mankind. Bound in cloth. 186 pages. $1.50.

The Kitzib-i—Iqa'n, translated by Shoghi Effendi. This work (The Book of Certitude) unifies and coordinates the revealed Religions of the past,

demonstrating their oneness in fulfillment of the purposes of Revelation. Bound in cloth. 262 pages. $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. $2.00.

Some Answered Questions. ‘Abdu’l-Bahá’s explanation of questions concerning the relation of man to God, the nature of the Manifesta tion, human capacities, fulfillment of prophecy, etc. Bound in cloth. 350 pages. $1.50.

The Promulgation of U71i‘Ul3’.50[ Peace. In this collection of His American talks, ‘Abdu’l-Bahá laid the basis for a firm understanding of the attitudes, principles and spiritual laws which enter into the establishment of true Peace. 492 pages. Bound in cloth. $2.50.

Bahá’í Prayers, a selection of Prayers revealed by Bahá’u’lláh, the

Bab and ‘Abdu’l-Bahá, each Prayer translated by Shoghi Effendi. 72 pages. Bound in fabrikoid, $0.75. Paper cover, $0.35.

The World Order of Bahá’u’lláh, by Shoghi Effendi. On the nature

of the new social pattern revealed by Bahá’u’lláh for the attainment of divine justice in civilization. Bound in fabrikoid. 234- pages. $1.50.

BAHA’I PUBLISHING COMMITTEE 110 LINDEN AVENUE, WILMETTE, ILLINOIS

[Page 326]THE BAH/X’I FAITH

RECOGNIZES THE UNITY or G01) AND HIS Pnopmzrs,

UPHOLDS THE PRINCIPLE OF AN UNFETTERED SEARCH AFTER TRUTH,

CONDEMNS ALL FORMS or SUPERSTITION AND PREJUDICE,

TEACHES THAT THE FUNDAMENTAL PURPOSE OF RELIGION IS TO PROMOTE CONCORD AND HARMONY, THAT IT MUST GO HAND IN HAND WITH SCIENCE, AND THAT

IT CONSTITUTES THE SOLE AND ULTIMATE BASIS OF A PEACEFUL, AN ORDERED AND PROGRESSIVE SOCIETY. . . .

INCULCATES THE PRINCIPLE OF EQUAL

OPPORTUNITY, RIGHTS AND PRIVILEGES FOR BOTH SEXES,

ADVOCATES COMPULSORY EDUCATION,

ABOLISHES EXTREMES 01-‘ POVERTY AND WEALTH,

EXALTS WORK PERFORMED IN THE SPIRIT OF SERVICE TO THE RANK OF WORSHIP,

RECOMMENDS THE ADOPTION OF AN AUXILIARY INTERNATIONAL LANGUAGE, . . .

PROVIDES THE NECESSARY AGENCIES FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT AND SAFEGUARDING OF A PERMANENT AND UNIVERSAL PEACE.

—-Snocm El-‘FENDI.