Source: Bahá'í Library Online (bahai-library.com), curated by Jonah Winters. Used by permission of the curator. Original citation: National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahá'ís of the United States and Canada, The Baha'i World: Volume 06 (1934-1936), New York: Bahá'í Publishing Committee, 1937, bahai-library.com.
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THE BAHAIWORLD
9 1 AND 92 OF THE BAHA'~ERA
1934 - 1936 A.D.
The First Ma&riqu3l-Aaklr (House of Worship) of the West, Wilmette, Ill., U.S.A.,
showing Ornamentation of the Dome, remainder of Ornamentation
still to be completed.
L,-,,"-*w,, ,-*a, ,.., --,.,
*,.,m "
m-~*uwm%-e*-...*-*. -
FACSIMILE OF APPRECIATION WRITTEN BY
DOWAGER QUEEN MARIE OF RUMANIA.
THE BAHA'I WORLD
A Biennial International Record

Prepared under the supervision of the National Spiritual Assembly
of the Bah6'is of the United States and Canada
with the approval of Shoghi Effendl

Volume VI
91 AND 92 OF THE BAHA'I ERA
APRIL 1934 - 1936 A.D.

BAHA'I PUBLISHING TRUST
Wilmeltc, Illinois
Copyright, 1937, by National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is
of the United States and Canada.

Reprinted 1980

N 0 T E : The spelling of the Oriental words and proper
names used in this issue of THEB B A H WORLD
~ ~ ) ~ is according
to the system of transliteration established at one of the
International Oriental Congresses.

Printed In the United States of America
To
SHOGHI EFFENDI
Guardian of the Bah6'i Faith
this work is dedicated
in the hope that it will assist
his efforts to promote
that spiritual unity
underlying and anticipating the
"Most Great Peace"
0f

BAHA'U'LL~H
CONTENTS

PART ONE
PACE
I. Aims and Purposes of the Bahi'i Faith .. . . . . . . . 3
11. Survey of Current Bah6'i Activities in the East and West ... 13
111. Excerpts from Bahl'i Sacred Writings .. . .. .. 136

PART TWO
I. The World Order of Bahi'u'llih . . . .. .. 181
1. Present-day Administration of the Bahi'i Faith .. .. 181
Introductory Statement ... .. . ... . . . 181
Excerpts from the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahi 204
Excerpts from the Letters of Shoghi Effendi . . 211
Certificate of Incorporation of the National Spiritual Assembly of
the Bahi'is of the United States and Canada . . ... 213
Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the National Spiritual
Assembly of the Bahi'is of the United States and Canada . 254-267
Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the National Spiritual
Assembly of the Bahti'is of f r i n 269-274
Declaration and By-Laws of the National Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahl'is of Germany and Austria .. ,. 271
Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the National Spiritual
Assembly of the Bahl'is of India and Burma . . . 284
Certificate of Incorporation of the National Spiritual Assembly of
the BahCis of India and Burma. . . . 286
Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the National Spiritual
Assembly of the Bahh'is of 'Ic6q . . 294-300
Text of Authorization Issued for Registration by the Mixed Court
in Egypt of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is
of Egypt . . . . .. .. . 302
Declaration of Trust of the National Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahi'is of Egypt .. 303-304
By-Laws of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of New York 305
Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahh'is of New York .... 307-311
Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahi'is of Teaneck, New Jersey, U. S. A. ,314-316
Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahl'is of Chicago, Illinois, U. S. A. .... . 3 17-3 19
Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahi'is of Washington, D. C., U. S. A. . . . . . . ,320-322
Petition of the Babl'is of Montreal, Canada .. 323
Certificate of Incorporation of the Bahi'is of Montreal, Canada 324-326
By-Laws of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Montreal,
Canada .. ... . . . . . 328
xiii
CONTENTS
PIGE
By-Laws of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Esslingen,
Germany . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 333
Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahh'is of Esslingen, Germany . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 34
Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahi'is of Karachi, India. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 336
Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahl'is of Calcutta, India . . . . . 337
Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahh'is of Delhi, India . . . . . . ... 338
Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahl'is of Rangoon, Burma . . . . . . . . . 339
Certificate of Registration of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is
of Daidanaw, Burma . . . . . . . . ... 340
Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahl'is of Mandalay, Burma . . . . . . . . . . 341
Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahi'is of Auckland, New Zealand . . . . . 342
Documents Related t o the Incorporation of the National Spiritual
Assembly of the Bahi'is of the United States and Canada,
as a Recognized Religious Society in Palestine . . . . . . 343
Certificate of the Palestine Government Incorporating the National
Spiritual Asse~nbly of the Baha'is of the United States and
Canada, Palestine Branch, as a Recognized Religious Society in
Palesrine . . . . . . . . . . . . . 344
Text of Application t o the Palestine Government for Incorporation
of the Palestine Branch of the National Spiritual Assembly of
the Bahl'is of India and Burma . . . . . . . 341
Certificate of the Palestine Government Incorporating the National
Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of India and Burma, Palestine
Branch . . . . . . . 346
Trade Mark Certificate obtained from the United States Govern-
ment covering the word "Bahi'i" 347-348
Trade Mark Certificate obtained from the United States Govern-
covering the symbol of the Greatest Name . . . . .349-310
Trade Mark Certificate obtained from the Canadian Government
covering the name "Baha'i". . . . 311-353
Trade Mark Certificate obtained from the Canadian Government
covering the symbol of the Greatest Name 314-317
Bahl'i Marriage Certificate adopted and enforced by the National
Spiritual Assembly of the Bah6'is of i r i n . . . . . . 3 19
Bah6'i Marriage Certificate adopted and enforced by the National
Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Egypt . . 360
Bahh'i Marriage Certificate adopted and enforced by the National
Spiritual Assembly of the Bahh'is of 'Iriq. . . . 361
Bahh'i Divorce Certificate adopted and enforced by the National
Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of i r k . . . . . 362
Outline of Bahl'i Laws regarding matters of Personal Status sub-
mitted for recogniton t o the Egyptian Government by the
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is of Egypt 363-379
Text of the Farmin issued by Sultln 'Abdu'lL'Aziz banishing
Bahi'u'll&h to 'Akk6, Palestine . . . . . . . 380
CONTENTS xv

PAGE
Text of the Resolution presented to President Franklin D Roosevelt .
by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of the United
States and Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 381
Map showing Travels of the BAb and Bahi'u'llih . . . . . . . .
Map showing Section of Route followed by Bahi'u'llLh on His
Jonrney from B a d d i d to Constantinople . . . . . . . .
Map showing Path of Travel of 'Ahdu'l-Bahi in the United States
of America and Canada, 1912 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Facsimile of Tablet addressed by 'Abdu'l-Bahi to the Chicago
"House of Justice" . . . . . . . . . . .
2 . The Institution of the Ma&riqu'l-A&kk . . . . . .
Foreword . . . . . . . . . . . . . .....
The Spiritual Significance nf the Ma&riqu'l-A&%ir . . . .
The Bahl'i Temple-Why built near Chicago? ............
The Five Billion Carat Gem Bahi'i Temple at Wilmette, Ill. . . . .
Temple Echoes from the World's Fair . . . . . . . . . .
The Bahi'i Temple-An Appreciation ....
A Temple of Universal Religion . . . . . . . . . .
Concrete Fulfills a Promise . . . . . ...
3 . Bahi'i Calendar and Festivals . . . . . . . .
Foreword . . . ............. . .
Bahi'i Feasts. Anniversaries and Days of Fasting . .
Bahi'i Holy Days on which Work should be Suspended ..
Additional Material Gleaned from Nabil's Narrative (Volume 11)
regarding the Bah6'i Calendar . . . . . . . . .
Historical Data Gleaned from Nabil's Narrative (Volume 11)
regarding Bahi'u'llih . . . . . . . . . . .
4. Youth Activities Throughout the Bahi'i World . . . . .
Bah6'i Youth-An Estimate and Survey of International Events
Bahl'i Youth in frin ...............
5 . Plays and Pageants . . . . . . ..............
Story of the Pageant "The Gate of Dawn" . . . . . . .
The Drama of the Kingdom . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Pageantry as a Factor in Education . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
I1 References to the Bahi'i Faith . . . . . . . . ..... ...
1. Dowager Queen Marie of Rumania . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 . Prof . E . G . Browne, M.A., M.B., Cambridge University . .
3 . Dr . J . Estlin Carpenter, D.Litt., Manchester College, Oxford
.
4 Rev . T . K . Cheyne, D.Litt., D.D., Oxford University, Fellow of
British Academy . . . . ................
1. Prof . Arminius VarnbCry, Hungarian Academy of Pesth . . . . . . .
6. Harry Charles Luknch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7. Sir Valentine Chirol . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
8 Prof . Jowett, Oxford University . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
9 . Alfred W. Martin, Society for Ethical Culture, New York . . .
.
10. Prof James Darmesteter, ~ c o l edes Hautes Btudes, Paris . . . . . . . . . .
.
11 Charles Baudouin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12. Dr . Henry H . Jessup, D.D. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
13 . Right Hon. The Earl Curzon of Kedleston . . . . . . . . . .
14. Sir Francis Younghusband, K.C.S.I.. K.C.I.E. . . . . . . . . . . . .
11. The Christian Commonwealth, Anonymous . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
16. Rev . J Tyssul Davis, B.A. ...........................
xvi CONTENTS

17. Herbert Putnam. Congressional Library. Washington. D.C. . .
18 . Leo Tolstoy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
19 Dr. Edmund Privat, University of Geneva . . . . . .
.
20 D r. Auguste Forel, University of Zurich . . . . . . .
.
21 General Renato Pioln Caselli . . . . . . . . . . .
.
22 Rev . Frederick W . Oakes . . . . . . . . . .
.
23 . Renwick J . G Millar, Editor of John O'Groat Jownzal, Wick, Scot-
land . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. .
24 Charles H Prisk . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
21. Prof . Hari Prasad Shastri, D.Litt. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
26 . Shri Purohit Swami . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
27 . Prof . Herbert A . Miller, Bryn Mawr College . . . . . . . . . . . . .
28 . Right Hon . Sir Herbert Samuel, G.C.B., M.P. . . . . . . . . . . .
. .
29 . Rev K . T Chung . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
30 . Prof Dimitry Kazarov, University of Sofia . . . . . ..........
.
3 1. Rev Griffith J . Sparham . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
32 . Ernest Renan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
3 3. The Hon Lilian Helen Montague, J.P., D.H.L. . . . . . . . . . .
34. Prof . Norman Bentwich, Hebrew University, Jerusalem . . . . . . . . .
3 5 . mile Schreiber. Publicist . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
36 Dr . Rokuichiro Masujima, Doyen of Jurisprudence of Japan . . . . .
.
37 Miss Helen Keller .. ..... . . . . . . . . .
.
38 Sir Hinders Petrie, Archaeologist. . . . ........
3 9. President Masaryk of C7echoslovakia . . . . . . . . . .
40 . Archduchess Anton of Austria . . . . . . .
41 . Dr . Herbert Adams Gibbons . . . . . . . . . . .
42. H.R.H. Princess Olga of Jugoslavia . . . . ...
43 . Eugen Relgis ......... . . . ..
44 . Arthur Henderson ........ . . . .
.
41 . Prof . Dr V . Lesny . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
46. Princess Marie Antoinette de Broglie Aussenac . . ...
.
47 Presidcnt David Starr Jordan, Leland Stanford University
48. Prof . Bogdan Popovitch, University of Belgrade, Jugoslavia . . . . .
49 . Ex-Governor William Sulzer . . .. . . . . .
10. Luther Burbank . . . . . . . . . .
f I . Prof . Yone Noguchi . . . . . . . . ...
12. Prof . Raymond Frank Piper . . . . . . . ..
13. Angela Morgan . . . . . . . . . . .
14. Arthur Moore . . . . . . .
.
51 . Prof Dr . Jan Rypka, Charles University, Praha, Czechoslovakia
.
56 . A . L M. Nicolas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
> 7. President Eduard Bmeg . . . . . . . . . . .
[I1. In Memoriam . . . . . . . . . . . ........... . . . . .
. .
1 Susan I Moody . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 . Hooper Harris . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. .
3 Harry H Romer . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ........
4 . Howard Luxmoore Carpenter . . . . . . . . .
1. Edward C . Getsinger . . . . . ......
6. Sarah Blundell . . . . . . . . . . . .
7. Khalil Qamar . . . . . . . .
8 . Hiji Muhammad Yazdi ......... . . .
9 . Extracts from "Bahi'i News" . . . . . . . . . . . .
CONTENTS xvii

PART THREE

I . Bahl'i Directory. 1931-1936 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 . Bahl'i National Spiritual Assemblies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 . Bahl'i Local Spiritual Assemblies and Groups . . . . . . . . . .
3 . Officers and Committees of the National Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahl'is of the United States and Canada . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
4 . Local Bahl'i Spiritual Assemblies, Groups and Isolated Believers in the
United States and Canada .......................
I . Bahi'i Administrative Divisions in ir6n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6 . Addresses of Centers of Bahi'i Administrative Divisions in frln . .
7. Alphabetical List of Bahl'u'llih's Best-Known Writings . . . . . . .
.
8 List of the Blb's Best-Known Works . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
I1. Bahi'i Bibliography . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1 . Bahl'i Publications of America . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Books About the Bahl'i Faith . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Writings of the Bib . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Writings of Bahl'u'116b . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahl . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Writings of Shoghi Effendi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Prayers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bahl'i Literature in Pamphlet Form . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Compilations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Outlines and Guides for Bahl'i Study Classes . . . . . . . .
.
2 Bahi'i Publications of England .....................
.
3 Bahh'i Literature in French . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
4 Bahl'i Literature in Italian ..........................
.
5 Bahl'i Literature in Dutch . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
6. Bahl'i Literature in Danish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7. BahCi Literature in Swedish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
8 Bahh'i Literature in Portuguese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
9 Bahl'i Literature in Albanian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
10 Bahb'i Literature in Esperanto .....................
.
11 Bah6'i Literature in Russian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
12 . BahP'i Literature in German .......................
.
13 Bahh'i Literature in Bulgarian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14. Bahl'i Literature in Rumanian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15. Bahl'i Literature in Czech . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
16. Bahl'i Literature in Serbian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
17 Bahl'i Literature in Hungarian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
18 Bahl'i Literature in Greek . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
19 . Bahl'i Literature in Maori . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
2 0 . Bahl'i Literature in Spanish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..........
.
21 Bahl'i Literature in Norwegian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
22 Bahl'i Literature in Croatian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
23 Bahl'i Literature in Oriental Languages . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
f rinian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Urdu . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. ...........
Arabic . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Turkish ...................................
Burmese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Chinese .............................................
xviii CONTENTS

PAGE
Hebrew . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Tartar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Gujrati . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Japanese . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Armenian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 149
Tamil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 549
Kurdish . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Sindhi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 510
Bengali . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 150
Hindi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
Abyssinian . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 510
.
2 4 Bahi'i Literature in Braille (for the Blind) . . . . . . . . . . . $10
21 . BahFi Periodicals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 110
26 . References to the Bahi'i Faith in Boolcs and Pamphlets by non-Bahi'i
Authors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
. . . . . . . . . .
2 7 . References to the Bahi'i Faith in Magazines by non-Bahh'i Writers . .
28 . References to the Bahh'i Faitll by Bahi'is in non-Bahh'i Publications
111. Transliteration of Oriental Words frequently used in Bahh'i Literature with
Guide to Transliteration and Pronunciation of the frlnian Alphabet, and
Notes on the Pronunciation of iriuian Words . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
IV . Definitions of Oriental Terms used in Bahi'i Literature . . . . . . . . . .

PART FOUR
.
I Articles and Reviews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
1. Religion and World Order. by Horace Holley . . .
2 . Queen Marie of Rumania. by Martha L . Root . . . . .
.
3 The Epic of Humanity. by Christophil . . . . . .
. .
4 President Eduard Benez. by Martha L Root . . . . . . . .
1. Spiritual Perspectives. by Prof . Raymond Franlc Piper . . . . . . . . .
6 . Splendor at the Core. by AngeL Morgan . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
7 . Bahi'i-Glaube und Christentum. by Dr. Engen Schmidt .......
8 . Bahi'ismo lcaj la Socia Problemo. by Prof . Paul Christaller .
9 . Bahi'u'lllh's Ground Plan of World Fellowship. by Archdeacon
George Townshend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
10 Die Bah6'is und meine Erfahrungen. by Prof . Dr . J. Rypka
1 1. Impressions of 'Abdu'l-Bahl. by Louise R . Waite . .
.
12 Zwei Heilige GrabstBtten. by D r. Adelbert Miihlschlegel . . . . . .
1 3 . In Praise of Words. by Helen Bishop . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
14. The Continuity of Religion. by Stanwood Cobb . . . . . . . .
.
11 The Most Great Peace. by Marion Holley . . . . ...
.
16 King Haakon of Norway. by Martha L . Root . .
.
17 Some Memories of the Sojourn of 'Abdu'l-Bahi in Paris. by Lady
Blomfield . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
18 . Racial Likenesses and Differences: the Scientific Evidence and the
Bahl'i Teachings. by Louis G. Gregory . . . . . . . .
19 . Denmark's Oriental Scholar. by Martha L . Root . . . . . .
.
20 La Bahda Filozofio. by Lidja Zamenhof . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . .
21 The Bahi'i Movement. by Renwick J G Millar . . . . . . . . . .
.
22 'Abdu'l-Bahh's Historic Meeting with Jane Addams. by Ruth J .
Moffett . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
CONTENTS xix
PAGE
.
23 The Soul of Iceland. by Martha L . Root . . . . . . . . . 684
24 . Ein Junger Glaube wird Bekannt. by D r. Hermann Grossmam . . . . 689
.
25 South America: Journey Taken in the Interest of the Bahl'i Cause.
by Loulie A . Mathews . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 692
26 . Glimpses of Sweden. by Olivia Kelsey . . . . . . . . . . . . . 701
27. Russia's Cultural Contribution to the Bahi'i Faith, by Martha
.
L Root . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 707
.
28 A Bahi'i Incident from the Netherlands. by Louise Drake Wright . . 713
29 . Mr . Harald Thilander and his Publications for the Blind in Sweden.
by Nellie S. French . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 716
.
30 The Modern Miracles of Palestine, by Beatrice Irwin . . . . . . . . . 719
31 . A New Future for Radio, by Shirley Warde . . . . . . . . . . . . 725
.
I1 Song Offerings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 728
.
111 Echoes from the Spheres . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 737
IV . Map of frin Showing Bah6'i Centers . . . . . . . . . . . . .Inside back covw
V . Map of the United States of America Showing Bahi'i Centers . . Inside back cover
ILLUSTRATIONS
PADS
'Abdu'l-Bahh . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..
... . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . Frontispiece
The First Mahriqu'l-A&kir (House of Worship) of the West, Wilmette.
Ill., U. S. A., showing Ornamentation of the Dome, remainder of
Ornamentation still to be completed . . Frontispiece
Facsimile of Appreciation Written by Dowager Queen Marie of Rumania . Frontispiece
Translation (into frinian) of Appreciation Written by Dowager Queen
Marie of Rumania. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Frontispiece
Bahh'u'llih's Shawl and Comb.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .... . .. ...... . 15
Bahh'u'llih's Prayer-beads and Ring (right), Bhh's Prayer-beads and Ring (left),
Bahb'u'llih's Pen-case and Tea-glass. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Relics of the Bhb.. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . 29
Relics of the Bib . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ... . . . . . . ...... . . . . 39
Interior View of the Bath the Bib went to when a Child. . ... .... . .. 53
Interior of the &Ah-CJirhgh, s i r l z , Burial-place of the Bhh's wife .. . . . 53
Room occupied by 'Abdu'l-Bahi when a little boy (six years old) in the Village
of Thkur, Mizindarhn, f r i n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 53
Room in H i j i Mirzh Jlni's House in Ki&in, where the Bib slept . . . . . . . . 65
Alcove in Imim-Zidih Ma'siun, TihrAn, where the Remains of the Bib were kept 61
Grave of Bidi', Bearer of Bahh'u'11ili's Tablet t o Nhsiri'd-Din &lh, near Tihrin 65
Room in &ire2 in which Letters of the Living were appointed by the B6b. . . 71
Tree in &hhr(ld under which Mulll Husayn and his Companions camped. . . . . . 71
View of Badaht, Site of Historic Bhbi Conference. (See "The Dawn-Breakers,"
Chapter XVI) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 75
Garden in Tikur, Mlzindarln, showing Pear-tree on right, a Favorite Spot of
Baha'u'llhh, where He often sat . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Mount Awrang, MAzindarhn, where 'Abdu'l-Bahh was taken as a Child to view
the Village of Tikur in the Valley. He stood on the raised rock a t left-hand
side, near the summit. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91
Ruins of Room in the Vazir's House in Tikur, Mlziudarin, where Father of
Bahl'u'llih was born. . . . '. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95
Room in the House in Qazvin, where Tihirih met the Believers. . . .. ... 95
A Tablet of Bahl'u'llhh addressed to 'Abdu'l-Bahh. (Translation of part bf this
Tablet appears in "The Dispensation of Bahb'u'llhh," page 43, paragraph
beginning with "0Thou Who art the apple of Mine eye!") . . . . . . . . . . . . . 101
Photograph of Baha'is taken in Adriano~le(between 1863-1868 A.D.). (Seated
third from left is 'Abdu'l-Bahh. On His right is Mimi Mihdi, the Purest
Branch; on His left Bahh'u'llih's half-brother, Mirzh Muhammad-Quli) . . 112
Recent Views of the Castle of Mlh-Kli where the Bib was confined. . . . . . . . . . 129
House occupied by Baha'u'llhh, Qasr Mazra'ih, 'Akkl, Palestine. . . . . . . . . . . . 140
General View of the Resting-Place of Bahiyyih Ehhnum, the Greatest Holy Leaf,
the Center around which future Bahh'i Institutions will cluster . . . . . . . . 176
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahh'is of the United States and Canada,
1935-1936 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 251
The First National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahh'is of frln, 1934-1935 (91 of
the Bahl'i Era). . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 268
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Germany and Austria. . . . . . . . 276
xxi
xxii ILLUSTRATIONS

PACE
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is of India and Burma. 193 1-1936 285
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of 'Irlq. 1935.1936 . . . . . . . 293
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Egypt . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Great Britain and Ireland . . 333
First National Convention of the Bahi'is of frin. 1934 (9 1 of the Bahl'i Era) . 3 3 5
The First National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Australia and New
Zealand. 1934-193 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 358
. .
General View of the Mas_hriqu'l-A&k6r at Wilmette. Ill.. U S A . . . . . . . . . . 394
Exterior Ornamentation of the Mabriqu'l-A&kBr at Wilinette. Ill.. U . S . A . . . . 398
Interior Decoration of Center of Dome of the Ma&riqu'l-A&kAr at Wilmette.
Ill.. U . S. A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 402
The Dome of the Ma&riqu'l-A&hr at 'I&qibid. Turkistin 404
The Dome of the Mahriqu'l-A&kAr at Wilmette. Ill.. U . S. A . . . . . . . . . 404
The Ma&iqn'l-A&kar at 'Ishqhbld. Turhistin . . . . . . . . . . 408
The Mahriqu'l-A&kir at Wilmette. Ill.. U.'S. A . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 409
Interior Ornamentation of the Mahiqu'l-A*hr at 'I&qabAd. Turkistin . 412
Exterior Ornamentation of the Ma&riqu31-A&kir at Wilmette. Ill.. U S. A . . . . 4.12 .
Airplane View of Ma&riqu'l-A&k6r at Wilmette. Ill.. U . S A . . . . . 414
The First Mahriqu'l-A&lcir. 'Ishqlb6d. TurBistAn. Russia 41 1
Plan of the Bib's House with its neighborhood in & i r k . i r i n . . . . . . 417
Plan of Bahi'u'llAh's House in Baddid. i r i q . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 437
. .
Facsimile of Autograph Letter addressed by Prof E. G Browne to 'Abdu'l-Bahi.
dated Sept. 11. 1890 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 441
Facsimile of Autograph Letter addressed by Prof . Vambery to 'Abdu'l-Bahh . (See
translation. page 41 6) . . . . . . . . . . . . 410
Convention of the Bahl'is of 'Ir6q . . . . . . . . . . . . 461
Twenty-sixth Annual Convention of the Bahi'is of the United States and Canada.
May 31. June 1. 2. 3 and 4. 1934 . . . . . . . . . . 474
Bah6'i Friends gathered in Convention. Sydney. New South Wales. Australia. 1934 479
Dr . Susan I. Moody. 1811-1934 . . . . . . . . . . 484
Hooper Harris. 1866-1934 . . . . . . . . 487
Harry H. Romer. 1870-1935 489
Dr; Howard Luxmoore Carpenter. 1906-193 5 . . 492
. .
D r Edward C Getsinger. 1866-193 1 . . . . . . . 493
Sarah Blundell. 1850-1934 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 497
Rhalil Qamar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 498
Hhji Muhammad Yazdi . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 499
Facsimile of Letter addressed by Nhsiri'd-Din S i h to 'Abb6s-Quli K46n-i-
Lirijini (dated 1280 A.H.) rewarding him for his share in the persecution
.
inflicted upon the Bibis (See "The Dawn-Breakers," Chapters IX and XX) 106
Facsimile of Letter addressed by Sihhmu'd-Dawlih to his Brother strongly de-
nouncing the Bibis and expressing satisfaction at the severe defeat inflicted
upon them . (Seal hears the date of 1265 A.H.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 512
Site of the First Ma&riqu'l-A&k6r of i r b recently purchased by the National
Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is of k i n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 116
Front View of the Haziratu'l-Quds of Tibrbn. frin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 521
Exhibit of Bahl'i Literature in Public Library. Racine. Wis . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 128
Youth Conference. Louhelen Ranch. 193 5 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 133
A Bahi'i Youth Group of Germany with their Teachers . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 542
Bah6'i Youth Committee. Karachi. India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 146
Ruins of the Bath visited by the B6h in UrGmiyyih. i r i n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111
ILLUSTRATIONS xxiii

.
Relatives of the Blb (Seated in the center is H l j i Mirzi Vakilu'd.Dawlih.
the Bib's cousin and chief builder of the Mas_hriqu'l-Ad_h11ir at 'l&qkbbd)
Facsimile of Document Ordering Arrest of Bdbis in Mlzindarln. dated 1268 A.H.
(1852 A.D.) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Antnn Haddad. Distinguished Bahi'i Pioneer. 1862.1924 . . . . . . . . .
The Shrine of the Bib on Mount Carmel. showing recent extension of Terraces
designed to connect it. according to 'Abdu'l-Bahi's plan. with the German
Colony . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Early Bahi'i Pioneers of Najaf-Abid. frin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..,
President Eduard Bend . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Scene of Bahi'i Martyrdom . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bahl'is gathered around the Body of a Martyr . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
Bahl'is and Friends gathered at the Grave of Mr Adam Benke. German Bahl'i
Pioneer in Sofia. Bulgaria . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bahi'i Pioneers and Martyrs of frhn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bahi'is Attending Annual Summer School. Esslingen. Germany. 1931 . . . . . . . .
Mu116 Muhammad-Taqi. Ibn-i.Abhar. Prominent Bahi'i Teacher . . . . . . . . . . . .
Photograph of Bahi'i Pioneers of frhn taken abont 1891 in Tabriz (Sitting .
third from right [third row] is Mirzl 'Ali-Muhammad Varqi. distinguished
Bahi'i Martyr. Second from left [first row] is his son R ~ u ' l l h h . who
was also martyred) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Professor D r . Jan Rypka. Charles University. Praha. Czechoslovakia . . . . . . . . .
'Ahdu'l-Bahi's Memorable Visit to West Euglewood. New Jersey. June 28. 1912.
which marked the Inauguration of the "Souvenir Feast of 'Abdu'l-Bahi."
(Mr . Walter Hampden was a guest at this Feast) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
Mr and Mrs . Tokujiro Torii. Kyoto. Japan. July 14. 1931 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.
Mr and Mrs. Tokujiro Torii and Miss Agnes Alexander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Passport Issued by the British Consulate on behalf of the Transjordan Govern-
ment in accordance with Bahi'i Marriage Certificate . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
S6rubim 'Ubayd. of Cairo. the First Bahi'i to make a donation to the legally con-
stituted National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Egypt . . . . . . . . .
Bahl'is of Sanandaj. Kurdistln. frhn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Friends Assembled at the Bahl'i Summer School. Geyserville. California. U. S A., .
1935 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bahl'is of India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Karachi. India . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Professor Arthur Christensen of Copenhagen. Denmark . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is of San Francisco. California. 1935. (First
Bahi'i Spiritual Assembly having representatives of the black. yellow and
white races in its membership) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Twenty-sixth Universal Congress of Esperanto held in Stockholm. Sweden.
August 4.12. 1934 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .faciltg
Some of the Bahl'i Friends in Addis.Ahaba. Abyssinia . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Miss Jane Addams. "Mother of Hull ~ o u s e". Chicago. and referred to as "the
most useful citizen" of that city . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Newspapers and Book containing the First Mention of the Bahl'i Movement
in Icelandic Language . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Class for the Study of the fqin. Sprecklesville. Maui. Hawaii. February. 1934 . . .
Plan of Haziratu'l-Quds. Ba&dld. 'Iriq . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Bahb'i Pioneers of frin . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
Isabel Grinevskaya . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. .
Mr and Mrs Thilander . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
xxiv ILLUSTRATIONS
PAC1

Plan of the Haziratu'l-Quds of Tihrln. f r i n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 718
Tentative design of the Terraced Gardens surrounding the Shrine of the Bhb . . . . 723
The Shrine of the Bib on Mount Carmel with Extended Terraces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 723
Early and Late Views of the Shrine of the Bib on Mount Carmel . . . . . . . . . . . . 724
Bah6'is of Port Said Celebrating Intercalary Days, 1934 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 726
INTRODUCTION
D U R I N G the past ten years the Bahl'i con~munityof East and West has learned to
anticipate each successive volume of THE BAHA'I WORLD(the first number was entitled
"Bahi'i Year Book") as the best means by which the individual believer may keep
abreast of the steady development of the Faith throughout the world. This work, in its
illustrations as well as in its text, has recorded as completely as possible the progress of
current Bahh'i events and activities over an area now embracing forty countries. In
addition, each volume has presented those "historical facts and fundamental principles
that constitute the distinguishing features of the Message of BahPu'lllh to this age."
The existence of so many evidences of a newly revealed Faith and Gospel for a
humanity arrived at a turning point in its spiritual and social evolution has likewise a
profound significance for the non-Bahl'i student and scholar who desires to investigate
the world religion founded by the Bib and Bahl'u'llih. For in these pages the reader
encounters both the revealed Word in its spiritual power, and the response which that
utterance has evoked during the first ninety years of the Bahi'i era. He will find what
is unparalleled in religious history-the unbroken continuity of a divine Faith from
the Manifestation onward through three generations of bunan experience, and will be
able to apprehend what impregnable foundations the Bahi'i World Order rests upon in
the life and teachings of the Bib and Bahh'u'llih, the life and interpretation of 'Abdu'l-
Bahi, and (since the year 1921) in the development of an administrative order under
the direction of the Guardian of the Faith, Shoghi Effendi.
I t is the avowed faith of Bahl'is that this Revelation has established upon earth the
spiritual impulse and the definite principles necessary for social regeneration and the
attainment of one true religion and social order throughout the world. In THEB ~ ~ d i i
WORLD,therefore, those who seek a higher will and wisdom than man possesses may
learn how, amid the trials and tribulations of a decadent society, a new age has begun
to emerge from the world of the spirit to the realm of human action and belief.
STAFF O F EDITORS

AMERICA-
Horace Holley, Chairman, 119 W averly Place, New York City.
Mrs. Stuart W. French, Secretary, 501 Bellefontaine St., Pasadena, Calif.
Mrs. Elsa Russell Blakelep, Bloomfield Hills, Michigan.
Mrs. R u t h Brandt, 13 29 West Fifth St., Los Angeles, Calif.
Miss Marion Holley, 3 0 8 4 Arrowhead St., San Bernardino, Calif.
Bishop Brown, Green Gables, Lindsay Lane, Ingomar, Penna.
Mrs. Victoria Bedikian, Photograph Editor, Box 179, Montclair, N. J.
G ~ A BRITAIN-
T
Mrs. Annie B. Romer, 19 Grosvenor Place, London, S.W. 1 , England.
GERMANY-
Dr. Hermann Grossmann, 37 Goringstrasse, Neckargemiind, Heidelberg, Germany.
SWITZERLAND-
Mrs. H. Elnogene Hoagg, case 181 Stand, Geneva, Switzerland.
PRANCE-
Mme. Hesse, 24 rue du Boccador, Paris, France.
RAN-
Mrs. Mardiyyih Nahil Carpenter, c/o American Consul, Tihrin, frill.
Dr. Lutfu'llih Hakim, Avenue a i r & & Barg, Tihrin, i r k .
INDIAAND BURMA-
Prof. Pritam Singh, 9 Langley Road, Lahore, India.
PALESTINE-
Miss Effie Baker, Photografih Editor, Bahi'i Pilgrim House, Haifa.
EGYPT-
Muhammad Musfafb, BahVi Bureau, P. Box 13, Daher, Cairo, Egypt.
AUSTRALIAAND NEW ZEALAN-
Bertram Dewing, I Aldred Road, Remuera, Auckland, New Zealand.
'IR~Q-
Afl6~6nYaCq6b,273 New Street, B a d d i d , 'Irbq.
INTERNATIONAL-
Martha L. Root, care Roy C. Wilhelm, 104 Wall St., New York, N. Y.

xxvii
PART ONE
THE BAHA'I WORLD
AIMS AND PURPOSES OF THE
B A H A ~F A I T H
BY HORACE
HOLLEY
1. A WORLDWIDE SPIRITUAL COMMUNITY
"The Tabernacle of Unity has been raised; regard ye not one anothev as strangers. ...
.
Of one tree are ye all the fruit and of one bozcgh the leaves. . . The wovld is h
t one
country and mankind its citizens."-BAHL'U'LL~H.

U P O N the spiritual foulldation estab- Every local Bab6'i community exists by
lished by Bahi'u'116h during the forty year the voluntary association of individuals who
period of His Mission ( 1 8 5 3 - 1 8 9 2 ) , there consciously overcome the fundamental sanc-
stands today an independent religion repre- tions evolved throughout the centuries to
sented by nearly eight hundred local com- justify the separations and antagonisms of
munities of believers. These communities human society. I n America, this association
geographically are spread throughout all keans that white believers accept the spir-
five continents. I n point of race, class, itual equality of their Negro fellows. In
nationality and religious origin, the fol- Europe, it means the reconciliation of Prot-
lowers of Bahi'u'116h exemplify well-nigh estant and Catholic upon the basis of a new
the whole diversity of the modern world. and larger faith. In the Orient, Christian,
They may be characterized as a true cross- Jewish and Muhammadan believers must
section of humanity, a microcosm which, stand apart from the rigid exclusiveness
for all its relative littleness, carries within into which each was born.
it individual men and women typifying the The central fact to be noted concern-
macrocosm of mankind. ing the nature of the Bahl'i Faith is that it
None of the historic causes of association contains a power, fulfilled in the realm of
served to create this worldwide spiritual conscience, which can reverse the principle
community. Neither a common language, momentum of modern civilization-the
a common blood, a common civil govern- drive toward division and s t r i f e a n d initi-
ment, a common tradition nor a mutual ate its own illoinentuln moving steadily in
grievance acted upon Bahb'is to supply a the direction of unity and accord. I t is in
fixed center of interest, or a goal of material this power, and not in any criterion upheld
advantage. On the contrary, membership by the world, that the Faith of Bah6'n'llih
in the Bah6'i community in the land of its has special significance.
birth even to this day has been a severe The forms of traditional opposition vested
disability, and outside of fr6n the motive in nationality, race, class and creed are not
animating believers has been in direct oppo- the only social chasms which the Faith has
sition to the most inveterate prejudices of bridged. There are even more implacable,
their environment. The Cause of BahQ'u- if less visible differences between types and
'116h has moved forward without the rein- temperaments, such as flow inevitably from
forcement of wealth, social prestige or other the contact of rational and emotional indi-
means of public influence. viduals, of active and passive dispositions,
4 THE B A H A ' f WORLD

undeln~inin~capacity for cooperation in sitions between the different groups are
every organized society, which attain mu- organized for dominance and not for recon-
tual understanding and harmony in the ciliation. Each step toward more complete
Bah6'i community. For personal congeni- partisan organization increases the original
ality, the selective principle elsewhere tension and augments the separation of
continually operative within the field of human beings; as the separation widens, the
voluntary action, is an instinct which element of sympathy and fellowship on the
Bahi'is must sacrifice to serve the principle human level is eventually denied.
of the oneness of mankind. A Bahi'i com- In the Bahi'i community the same ten-
munity, therefore, is a constant and active sions and instinctive antagonisms exist, but
spiritual victory, an overcoming of tensions the human separation has been made impos-
which elsewhere come to the point of strife. sible. The same capacity for exclusive
No mere passive creed nor philosophic doctrines is present, but no doctrine repre-
gospel which need never be put to the senting one personality or one group can
test in daily life has produced this world secure a hearing. All believers alike are
fellowship devoted to the teachings of subject to one spiritually supreme sover-
Bahi'u'llih. eignty in the teachings of Bahi'u'lllh.
The basis of self-sacrifice on which the Disaffected individuals may withdraw. The
Bahi'i community stands has created a re- community remains. For the Bahi'i teach-
ligious society in which all human relations ings are in themselves principles of life and
are transformed from social to spiritual they assert the supreme value of humanity
problems. This fact is the door through without doctrines which correspond to any
which one must pass to arrive at insight of particular environment or condition. Thus
what the Faith of Bahl'u'llbh means to this members of the Bahk'i community realize
age. theie tensions and oppositions as ethical or
The social problems of the age are pre- spiritual problems, to be faced and overcome
dominantly political and economic. They in mutual consultation. Their faith has
are problems because human society is convinced them that the "truth" or "right"
divided into nations each of which claims of any possible situation is not derived from
to be an end and a law unto itself and into partisan victory but from the needs of the
classes each of which has raised an economic community as an organic whole.
theory to the level of a sovereign and ex- A Bahb'i community endures without
clusive principle. Nationality has become disruption because only spiritual problems
a condition which overrides the funda- can be solved. When human relations are
mental humanity of all the peoples con- held to be political or social problems they
cerned, asserting the superiority of political are removed from the realm in which
considerations over ethical and moral needs. rational will has responsibility and influence.
Similarly, economic groups uphold and pro- The ultimate result of this degradation of
mote social systems without regard to the human relationships is the frenzy of des-
quality of human relationships experienced perate strife-the outbreak of inhuman
in terms of religion. Tensions and oppo- war.

2 . THE R E N E W A L O F F A I T H
"Therefore the Lovd of Mankind has caused His holy, divine Manifestations to come into
the world. He has revealed His heavenly books b order to establish spiritual brother-
hood, and through the power of the Holy Spirit has made it possible for perfect
fraternity t o be realized among m a n k i n d . " - ' A n ~ u ' ~ - B ~ ~ b .
In stating that the Cause of Bah6'u'llih social principle or community. The teach-
is an independent religion, two essential ings of Bahhiillbh are no artificial synthesis
facts are implied. assembled from the modern library of inter-
The first fact is that the Bahl'i Cause national truth, which might be duplicated
historically was not an offshoot of any prior from the same sources. Bahi'u'llih created
AIMS A N D PURPOSES OF THE BAHA'I FAITH S

a reality in the world of the soul which This Bahi'i tead~ing leads to a pro-
never before existed and could not exist founder analysis of the process of his-
apart from Him. tory. The followers of Bahi'u'116h derive
The second fact is that the Faith of Bahb- mental integrity from the realization made
'u'116h is a religion, standing in the line of so clear and vivid by 'Abdu'l-BahL that
true religions: Christianity, Muhammadan- true insight into history discloses the un-
ism, Judaism and other prophetic Faiths. interrupted and irresistible working of a
Its existence, like that of early Christianity, Providence not denied nor made vain
marks the return of faith as a direct and by any measure of human ignorance and
personal experience of the will of God. Be- imfaith.
cause the divine will itself has been revealed According to this insight, a cycle begins
in terms of human reality, the followers of with the appearance of a prophet or mani-
Bah6'u'lIih are confident that their personal festation of God, through whom the spirits
limitations can be transformed by an inflow of men are revivified and reborn. The rise
of spiritual reinforcement from the higher of faith in God produces a religious com-
world. It is for the privilege of access to munity, whose power of enthusiasm and
the source of reality that they forego reli- devotion releases the creative elements of a
ance upon the darkened self within and the new and higher civilization. This civiliza-
unbelieving society without. tion comes to its fruitful autumn in culture
The religious education of B~hl'isrevolu- and mental achievement, to give way even-
tionizes their inherited attitude toward their tually to a barren winter of atheism, when
own as well as other traditional religions. strife and discord bring the civilization to
To Bahi'is, religion is the life and teach- an end. Under the burden of immorality,
ings of the prophet. By identifyii~greligion dishonor and cruelty marking this phase
with its founder, they exclude from its of the cycle, humanity lies helpless until
spiritual reality all those accretions of the spiritual leader, the prophet, once
human definition, ceremony and ritualistic more returns in the power of the Holy
practice emanating from followers required Spirit.
from time to time to make compromise Such is the Bah6'i reading of the book of
with an unbelieving world. Furthermore, the past. Its reading of the present inter-
in limiting religion to the prophet they are prets these world troubles, this general chaos
able to perceive the oneness of God in the and confusion, as the hour when the re-
spiritual oneness of all the prophets. The newal of religion is no longer a racial
Bah6'i born into Christianity can whole- experience, a rebirth of one limited area of
heartedly enter into fellowship with the human society, but the destined unification
Bah6'i born into Muhammadanism because of humanity itself in one faith and one
both have come to understand that Christ order. I t is by the parable of the vineyard
and M4ammad reflected the light of the that Bahi'is of the Christian West behold
one God into the darkness of the world. their tradition and their present spiritual
If certain teachings of Christ differ from reality at last inseparably joined, their faith
certain teachings of Moses or Muhammad, and their social outlook identified, their
the Bahl'is know that all prophetic teach- reverence for the power of God merged
ings are divided into two parts: one, con- with intelligible grasp of their material
sisting of the essential and unalterable environment. A human society which has
principles of love, peace, unity and coopera- substituted creeds for religion and armies
tion, renewed as divine commands in every for truth, even as all ancient prophets
cycle; the other, consisting of external foretold, must needs come to abandon its
practices (such as diet, marriage and similar instruments of violence and undergo purifi-
ordinances) confonni~lgto the requirements cation until conscious, humble faith can be
of one time and place. reborn.
6 THE BAHA'f WORLD

3. THE BASIS OF UNITY
"The Lest beloved of all things in My sight is Justice; turn not away therefrom if thou
desirest Me, and neglect it not that Z may confide in t h e e . " - B n ~ d ' u ' ~ ~ k .
Faith alone, no matter how whole-hearted law of brotherhood and not made a sanc-
and sincere, affords no basis on which the tion for selfishness, oppression and indif-
organic unity of a religious fellowship can ference.
endure. The faith of the early Christians On the other hand, the Bahb'i order is not
was complete, but its degree of inner con- a democracy in the sense that it proceeds
viction when projected outward upon the from the complete sovereignty of the
field of action soon disclosed a fatal lack of people, whose representatives are limited to
social principle. Whether the outer expres- carrying out the popular will. Sovereignty,
sion of love implied a democratic or an in the Bahb'i community, is attributed to
aristocratic order, a communal or indi- the divine prophet, and the elected repre-
vidualistic society, raised fundamental sentatives of the believers in their adminis-
questions after the crucifixion of the trative function look to the teachings of
prophet which none had authority to solve. Bahi'u'llbh for their guidance, having faith
The Bahi'i teaching has this vital distinc- that the application of His universal prin-
tion, that it extends from the realm of ciples is the source of order throughout the
conscience and faith to the realm of social community. Every Bahi'i administrative
action. I t confirms the substance of faith body feels itself a trustee, and in this capac-
not merely as source of individual develop- ity stands above the plane of dissension and
ment but as a definitely ordered relationship is free of that pressure exerted by factional
to the community. Those who inspect the groups.
Bahl'i Cause superficially may deny its The local community on April 21 of each
claim to be a religion for the reason that it year elects by universal adult suerage an
lacks most of the visible marks by which administrative body of nine members called
religions are recognized. But in place of the Spiritual Assembly. This body, with
ritual or other formal worship it contains reference to all Bahi'i matters, has sole
a social principle linking people to a com- power of decision. I t represents the collec-
munity, the loyal observance of which tive conscience of the community with
makes spiritual faith coterminous with life respect to Bah6'i activities. Its capacity
itself. The Bahi'is, having no professional and power are supreme within certain
clergy, forbidden ever to have a clergy, definite limitations.
understand that religion, in this age, con- The various local communities unite
sists in an "attitude toward God reflected through delegates elected annually accord-
in life." They are therefore conscious of no ing t o the principle of proportionate repre-
division between religious and secular sentation in the formation of a National
actions. Spiritual Assembly for their country or
The inherent nature of the community natural geographical area. This National
created by Bahb'u'llih has great significance Spiritual Assembly, likewise composed of
at this time, when the relative values of nine members, administers all national
democracy, of constitutional monarchy, of Bahi'i affairs and may assume jurisdiction
aristocracy and of communism are every- of any local matter felt to be of more than
where in dispute. local importance. Spiritual Assemblies,
Of the Bahb'i community it may be de- local and national, combine an executive, a
clared definitely that its character does not legislative and a judicial function, all within
reflect the communal theory. The rights of the limits set by the Bahb'i teachings. They
the individual are fully safeguarded and the have no resemblance to religious bodies
fundamental distinctions of personal en- which can adopt articles of faith and regu-
dowmeut natural among all people are fully Late thc processes of belief and worship.
preserved. Individual rights, however, are They are primarily responsible for the
interpreted in the light of the supreme maintenance of unity within the Bahi'i
AIMS A N D PURPOSES OF T H E BAHA'I FAITH 7

community and for the release of its col- This Nineteen Day Feast is conducted
lective power in service to the Cause. simply and informally under a program
Membership in the Bahi'i community is divided into three parts. The first part
granted, on personal declaration of faith, to consists in the reading of passages from
adult men and women. writings of Bahl'u'llih, the BPb and
Nine National Spiritual Assemblies have 'Ahdu'l-Ball&-a devotional meeting. Next
come into existence since the passing of follows general discussion of Bahi'i activi-
'Ahdu'l-Bah6 in 1921. Each National ties-the business meeting of the local
Spiritual Assembly will, in future, consti- community. After the consultation, the
tute a n electoral body in the formation of community breaks bread together and enjoys
an International Spiritual Asseinbly, a con- fellowship.
summation which will perfect the adminis- The experience which Bahi'is receive
trative order of the Faith and create, for through participation in their spiritual
the first time in history, an international world order is unique and cannot be paral-
tribunal representing a worldwide com- leled in any other society. Their status of
munity united in a single faith. perfect equality as voting members of a
Bahi'is maintain their contact with the constitutional body called upon to deal with
source of inspiration and knowledge in the matters which reflect, even though in minia-
sacred writings of the Faith by continuous ture, the whole gamut of human problems
prayer, study and discussion. No believer and activities; their intense realization of
can ever have a finished, static faith any kinship with believers represenring so wide
more than he can arrive at the end of his a diversity of races, classes and creeds; their
capacity for being. The community has assurance that this unity is based upon the
but one meeting ordained in the teachings highest spiritual sanction and contributes a
-the general meeting held every nineteen necessary ethical quality to the world in this
days, on the first day of each month of age-all these opportunities for deeper and
nineteen days given in the new calendar broader experience confer a privilege that is
established by the Bib. felt to he the fulfilment of life.

4. THE SPIRIT OF THE N E W D A Y
"If man is left in his natural state, he will become loww dhan the animal and continur
to grow more ignorant and imperfect. The savage tribes of Central Africa are evidence
of this. Left in their natural condition, they have sunk to the lowest depths and
degrees of barbnrism, dimly groping in a world of mental and moral obscurity. . . .
God has knrposed that the da~knessof the world of nature shall be dispelled and the
inzkerfect attribzctes of the natal self be efaced in the efulgent reperfion of the Sun
of T ~ ~ ~ ~ . " - ' A B D ~ ' L - B A ~ .
The complete text of the Bahh'i .sacred oral tradition. Furthermore, the cornmen-
writings has not yet been translated into tary and explanation of the Bahi'i gospel
English, hut the present generation of be- made by 'Abdu'l-Bahi preserves the spir-
lievers have the supreme privilege of pos- itual integrity and essential aim of the
sessing the fundamental teachings of BahC- revealed text, without the inevitable alloy
u'llhh, together with the interpretation and of human personality which historically
lucid commentary of 'Abdu'l-Bahl, and served to corrupt the gospel of Jesus and
more recently the exposition made by Muhammad. The Bahi'i, moreover, has
Shoghi Effendi of the teachings concerning this distinctive advantage, that his approach
the world order which Bahh'u'llih came to to the teachings is personal and direct, with-
establish. Of special significance to Bahl'is out the veils interposed by any human
of Europe and America is the fact that, intermediary.
unlike Christianity, the Cause of Bahh'u'llPh The works which supply thc Bahi'i
rests upon the prophet's own words and not teachings to English-reading believers are:
upon a necessarily incomplete rendering of "The Kitib-i-fqQnn (Book of Certitude),
8 T H E BAHA 'f WORLD
in which Rahi'u'llih revealed the oneness vidual Tablets, especially that sent to the
of the prophets and the identical foundation Committee for a Durable Peace, The Hague,
of all true religions, the law of cycles Holland, in 1919, and the Tablet addressed
according t o which the prophet returns at to the late Dr. Fore1 of Switzerland. The
intervals of approximately one thousand Will and Testament left by 'Abdu'l-Bahh
years, and the nature of faith; "Hidden has special significance, in that it provided
Words," the essence of truths revealed by for the future development of Baha'i
prophets in the past; prayers to quicken the administrative institutions and the Guard-
soul's life and draw individuals and groups ianship.
nearer to God; "Tablets of Bah&'u'll&" To these writings is now to bc added the
(Tarhzit, The Tablet of the World, Kali- book entitled "Bahd'i Administration,"
m i t , Tajalli~it,Bi&&rlt, I&riqit), which consisting of the general letters written by
establish social and spiritual principles for Shoghi Effendi as Guardian of the Cause
the new era; "Three Tablets of Bahi'u'llih" since the Master's death in 1921, which ex-
(Tablet of the Branch, Kitib-i-'Ahd, Lawl!- plain the details of the administrative order
i-Aqdas) , the appointment of 'Abdu'l-Bahi of the Cause, and his letters on World
as the Interpreter of Bah6'u'll6h's teachings, Order, which make clear the social prin-
the Testament of Bahi'u311Bh, and His mes- ciples imbedded in Bahi'u'll6h's Revelation.
sage to the Christians; "Epistle to the Son The literature has also been enriched by
of the Wolf," addressed to the son of a Shoghi Effendi's recent translation of "The
prominent frhnian who had been a most Dawn-Breakers," Nabil's Narrative of the
ruthless oppressor of the believers, a Tablet Early Days of the Bahi'i Revelation, a vivid
which recapitulates many teachings BahY- eye-witness accoant of the episodes which
u'llhh had revealed in earlier works; "Glean- resulted from the announcement of the Bib
ings from the Writings of Bahi'u'llhh." on May 23, 1844. "The Traveller's Narra-
The significant Tablets addressed to rulers tive," translated from a manuscript given
of Europe and the Orient, as well as to the by 'Abdu'l-Bahh to the late Prof. Edward
heads of American republics, about the year G. Browne of Cambridge University, is the
1870, summoning them to undertake meas- only other historical record considered
ures for the establishment of Universal authentic from the Bahi'i point of view.
Peace, constitute a chapter in the compila- When it is borne in mind that the term
tion entitled "Bahi'i Scriptures." "religious literature" has come to represent
The published writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahi a wide diversity of subject matter, ranging
are: "Some Answered Questions," dealing from cosmic philosophy to the psychology
with the lives of the prophets, the interpre- of personal experience, from efforts to
tation of Bible prophecies, the nature of understand the universe plumbed by tele-
man, the true principle of evolution and scope and microscope t o efforts to discipline
other philosophic subjects; "Mysterious the passions and desires of disordered human
Forces of Civilization," a work addressed to hearts, it is clear that any attempt to sum-
the people of frhn about forty years ago t o marize the Baha'i teachings would indicate
show them the way to sound progress and the limitations of the person making the
true civilization; "Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahi," summary rather than offer possession of a
three volumes of excerpts from letters body of sacred literature touching the needs
written to individual believers and Bahi'i of man and society at every point. The
communities, which illumine a vast range study of Bahl'i writings does not lead to
of subjects; "Promulgation of Universal any simplified program either for the solu-
Peace," in two volumes, from stenographic tion of social problems or for the develop-
records of the public addresses delivered by ment of human personality. Rather should
the Master to audiences in Canada and the it be likened to a clear light which illumines
United States during the year 1912; "The whatever is brought under its rays, or to
Wisdom of 'Abdu'l-Bahh," a similar record spiritual nourishment which gives life to
of His addresses in Paris; " 'Abdu'l-Bah6 in the spirit. The believer at first chiefly notes
London"; and reprints of a number of indi- the passages which seem to confirm his own
AIMS AND PURPOSES O F T H E BAHA'f FAITH 9
personal beliefs or treat of subjects closc to can say that t h e ~ enus st be a Mediator be-
his own previous training. This natural but tween God and man, and this is none other
nevertheless unjustsable over-simplification than the Holy Spirit, which brings the
of the nature of the Faith must gradually created earth into relation with the 'Un-
subside and give way t o a deeper realization thinkable One,' the divine reality. The
that the teachings of Bahi'u'116h are as an divine reality may be likened to the sun and
ocean, and all personal capacity is but the the Holy Spirit to the rays of the sun. As
vessel that must be refilled again and again. the rays of the sun bring the light and
The sum and substance of the faith of warmth of the sun to the earth, giving life
Bahh'is is not a doctrine, not an organiza- to all created things, so do the Manifesta-
tion, but their acceptance of BahCu'llhh as tions bring the power of the Holy Spirit
Manifestation of God. I n this acceptance from the divine Sun of Realty to give light
lies the mystery of a unity that is general, and life to the souls of men."
not particular, inclusive, not exclusive, and In expounding the teachings of Bah6-
limited in its gradual extension by no 'u'116h to public audiences in the West,
boundaries drawn in the social world nor 'Abdu'l-Bahh frequently encountered the
arbitrary limitations accepted by habits attitude that, whiie the liberal religionist
formed during generations lacking a true might well welcome and endorse such tenets,
spiritual culture. the BahPi teachings after all bring nothing
What the believer learns reverently to be new, since the principles of Christianity
grateful for is a source of wisdom to which contain all the essentials of spiritual truth.
he may turn for continuous mental and The believer whose heart has been touched
moral development-a source of truth re- by the Faith so perfectly exemplified by
vealing a universe in which man's life has 'Abdu'l-Bah6 feels no desire for contro-
valid purpose and assured realization. Hu- versy, but must needs point out the vital
man history begins to reflect the working of difference between a living faith and a
a beneficent Providence; the sharp outlines passive formula or doctrine. What religion
of material sciences gradually fade out in in its renewal brings is first of all an energy
the light of one fundamental science of life; to translate belief into life. This impulse,
a profounder sociology, connected with the received into the profoundest depths of
inner life, little by little displaces the super- consciousness, requires no startling "new-
ficial economic and political beliefs which ness" of concept or theory t o be appreciated
l i e waves dash high an instant only t o as a gift from the divine world. I t carries
subside into the moveless volume of the its own assurance as a renewal of life itself;
sea. it is as a candle that has been lighted, and in
"The divine reality," 'Abdu'l-Bahh has comparison with the miracle of light the
said, "is unthinkable, limitless, eternal, im- discussion of religion as a form of belief
mortal and invisible. The world of creation becomes secondary in importance. Were
is bound by natural law, finite and mortal. the Bah6'i Faith no more than a true re-
The infinite reality cannot be said to ascend vitalization of the revealed truths of former
or descend. I t is beyond the understanding religions, it would by that quickening
of men, and cannot be described in terms quality of inner life, that returning to God,
which apply t o the phenomenal sphere of still assert itself as the supreme fact of
the created world. Man, then, is in extreme human experience in this age.
need of the only power by which he is able For religion returns to earth in order to
to receive help from the divine reality, that re-establish a standard of spiritual reality.
power alone bringing him into contact with I t restores the quality of human existence,
the source of all life. its active powers, when that reality has be-
"An intermediary is needed to. bring two come overlaid with sterile rites and dogmas
extremes into relation with each other. which substitute empty shadow for sub-
Riches and poverty, plenty and need: with- stance. In rhe person of the Manifestation
out an intermediary there could be no rela- it destroys all those imitations of religion
tion between these pairs of opposites. So we gradually developed through the centuries
10 T H E B A H A 'f WORLD

and summons humanity to the path of sac- law of unity working in he world today,
rifice and devotion. indirectly manifest in the failure which has
Revelation, moreover, is progressive as overtaken all efforts to organize the prin-
well as periodic. Christianity in its original ciple of separation and competition, directly
essence not only relighted the candle of faith manifest in the power which has brought
which, in the years since Moses, had become together the followers of Bahi'u'lllh in East
extinguished-it amplified the teachiu~gsof and West. He has the assurance that the
Moses with a new dimension which history world's turmoil conceals from worldly
has seen exemplified in the spread of faith minds the blessings long foretold, now for-
from tribe to nations and peoples. Bah6- gotten, in the sayings which prophesied the
'u'llih has given religion its world dmen- coming of the Kingdom of God.
sion, fulfilling the fundamental purpose of The Sacred Literature of the Bahl'i Faith
every previous Revelation. His Faith stands conveys enlightenment. I t inspires life. I t
as the reality within Christianity, within frees the mind. I t disciplines the heart.
M~&ammadanism, within the religion of For believers, the Word is not a philosophv
Moses, the spirit of each, but expressed in to be learned, but the sustenance of
teachings which relate to all mankind. being throughout the span of mortal ex-
The BahEi Faith, viewed from within, is istence.
religion extended from the individual to "The Bahi'i Faith," Shoghi Effendi stated
embrace humanity. I t is religion univer- in a recent letter addressed t o a public
salized; its teaching for the individual, official, "recognizes the unity of God and of
spiritually identical with the teaching of His Prophets, upholds the principle of an
Christ, supplies the individual with an unfettered search after truth, condemns all
ethics, a sociology, an ideal of social order, forms of superstition and prejudice, teaches
for which humanity in its earlier stages of that the fundamental purpose of religion is
development was not prepared. Individual to promote concord and harmony, that it
fulfilment has been given an objective social must go hand-in-hand with science, and
standard of reality, balancing the subjective that it constitutes the sole and ultimate
ideal derived from religion in the past. basis of a peaceful, an ordered and pro-
Bahl'u'llih has removed the false distinc- gressive society. I t inculcates the principle
tions between the "spiritual" and "material" of equal opportunity, rights and privileges
aspects of life, due to which religion has for both sexes, advocates compulsory educa-
become separate from science, and morality tion, abolishes extremes of poverty and
has been divorced from all social activities. wealth, recommends the adoption of an
The whole arena of human affairs has been auxiliary international language, and pro-
brought within the realm of spiritual truth, vides the necessary agencies for the estab-
in the light of the teaching that materialism lishment and safeguarding of a permanent
is not a thing but a motive within the and universal peace."
human heart. Those who, even courteously, would dis-
The Bahl'i learns to perceive the universe miss a Paith so firmly based, will have to
as a divine creation in which man has his admit that, whether or not by their test the
destiny to fulfil under a beneficent Provi- teachings of Bahh'u'llih are "new," the
dence whose aims for h u m a n i ~are ~ made world's present plight is unprecedented,
known through Prophets who stand between came without warning save in the utter-
man and the Creator. He learns his true ances of Bah6'u'llih and 'Abdu'l-Bahi, and
relation to the degrees and orders of the day by day draws nearer a climax which
visible universe; his true relation t o God, strikes terror to the responsible student of
t o himself, to his fellow man, to mankind. current affairs. Humanity itself now seems
The more he studies the Bahl'i teachings, to share the prison and exile which an unbe-
the more he becomes imbued with the spirit lieving generation inflicted upon the Glory
of unity, the more vividly he perceives the of God.
A I M S A N D P U R P O S E S O F T H E BAI-IA'I FAITH 11

S . A B A C K G R O U N D OF H E R O I C S A C R I F I C E
"0 My beloved friends! You are the bearers of the name of God in this Day. You
hove been chosen as the rejositories of His mystery. I t behooves each one of you to
manifest the attributes of God, and to exemplify by yozbr deeds alzd words the signs of
His righteousness, His power and glory. . ..
Ponder the words of Jerw addressed to
His disciples, as He sent thegn forth to propagate the Cause of God."--THE B~B.
The words of Bahi'u'llbh differ in the In the Bib's own written message He in-
minds of believers from the words of phi- terpreted His mission to be the fulfilment
losophers because they have been given of past religions and the heralding of a
substance in the experience of life itself. world educator and unifier, one who was to
The history of the Faith stands ever as a come to establish a new cycle. Most of the
guide and commentary upon the meaning Bib's chosen disciples, and many thousands
and influence of the written text. of followers, were publicly martyred in
This history, unfolded contemporane- towns and villages throughout the country
ously with the rise of science and technology in those years. The seed, however, had
in the West, reasserts the providential been buried too deep in hearts to be ex-
element of human existence as it was re- tirpated by any physical instrument of
asserted by the spiritual consecration and oppression.
personal suffering of the prophets and dis- After the Bib's martyrdom, the weight
ciples of former times. of official wrath fell upon susayn-'Ali,
The world of Islim one hundred years around whom the Bibis centered their
ago lay in a darkness corresponding to the hopes. Ijusayn-'Ali was imprisoned in
most degraded epoch of Europe's feudal age. Tihrin, exiled to Ba&did, from Ba&did
Between the upper and nether millstones of sent to Constantinople under the iurisdic-
an absolutist state and a materialistic tion of the Sulyin, exiled by the Turkish
church, the people of frhn were ground to government to Adrianople, and at length
a condition of extreme poverty and igno- imprisoned in the desolate barracks at
rance. The pomp of the civil and religious 'Aklri.
courts glittered above the general ruin like In 1863, while delayed outside of Ba&-
firedamp on a rotten log. d i d for the preparation of the caravan to
In that world, however, a few devoted be dispatched to C~nstantino~le, Husayn-
souls stood firm in their conviction that 'Ali established His Cause among the Bibis
the religion of Mhammad was to be puri- who insisted upon sharing His exile. His
fied by the rise of a spiritual hero whose declaration was the origin of the Bah6'i
coming was assured in their interpretation Faith in which the Bib's Cause was ful-
of His gospel. filled. The Bibis who accepted Husayn-
This remnant of the faithful one by one 'Ali as Bahi'u'llbh (the Glory of God)
became conscious that in 'Ali-Muhammad, were fully conscious that His mission was
since known to history as the Bib (the not a development of the Bibi movement
"Gate"), their hopes had been realized, and but a new Cause for which the Bib had
under the Bib's inspiration scattered them- sacrificed His life as the first of those who
selves as His apostles to arouse the people recognized the n~anifestation or prophet of
and prepare them for the restoration of the new age.
Islim to its original integrity. Against the During forty years of exile and imprison-
Bib and His followers the whole force of ment, Bah6'u9llih expounded a gospel which
church and state combined to extinguish a interpreted the spiritual meaning of ancient
fiery zeal which soon threatened to bring scriptures, renewed the reality of faith in
their structure of power to the ground. God and establisl~ed as the foundation of
The ministry of the Bib covered only the human society the principle of the one-
six years between 1 8 4 4 and His martyrdom ness of mankind. This gospel came into
by a military firing squad in the public being in the form of letters addressed to
square at Tabriz on July 9, 1810. individual believers and to groups in
12 T H E BAHA'f WORLD
response to questions, in books of reli- grief-stricken and appalled by its loss of the
gious laws and principles, and in commu- wise and loving "Master" in 1921, learned
nications transmitted to the kings and rulers with profound gr&tude that 'Abdn'l-Bahl
calling upon them to establish universal in a will and testament had provided for
peace. the continuance and future development of
This sacred literature has an authoritative the Faith. This testament made clear the
commentary and interpretation in the text nature of the Spiritual Assemblies estab-
of 'Abdu'l-Bahl's writings during the years lished in the text of Bahi'u'116h and in-
between Bahh'u'll6h's ascension in 1 8 9 2 and augurated a new center for the widespread
'Abdu'l-Bahl's departure in 1921, Bahi'- community of believers in the appointment
u'116h having left a testament naming of His grandson, Shoghi Effendi, as Guard-
'Abdu'l-Bahi (His eldest son) as the Inter- ian of the Bahi'i Faith.
preter of His Book and the Center of His During the fifteen years of general con-
Covenant. fusion since 1921, the Bahl'i community
The imprisonment of the Bahl'i com. has carried forward the work of internal
munity at 'Akki ended at last in 1908, consolidation and administrative order and
when the Young Turks party overthrew the has become conscious of its collective re-
existing political regime. sponsibility for the promotion of the blessed
For three years prior to the European gospel of BahPu'll6h. In addition to the
War, 'Abdu'l-Bahi, then nearly seventy task of establishing the structure of local
years of age, journeyed throughout Europe aud national Spiritual Assemblies, the be-
and America, and broadcast in public lievers have translated Bahi'i literature into
addresses and innumerable intimate gather- many languages, have sent teachers to all
ings the new spirit of brotherhood and parts of the world, and have resumed con-
world unity penetrating His very being as struction of the Bahi'i House of Worship
the consecrated Servant of Bah6. The on the shore of Lake Michigan, near Chi-
significance of 'Abdu'l-Bahl's commentary cago, the completion of which will be
and explanation is that it makes mental and impressive evidence of the power of this
moral connection with the thoughts and new Faith.
social conditions of both East and West. In the general letters issued to the Bahi'i
Dealing with matters of religious, philo- community by Shoghi Effendi in order to
sophical, ethical and sociological nature, execute the provisions of 'Abdu'l-Bah6's
'Abdu'l-Bahl expounded all questions in the testament, believers have been given what
light of His conviction of the oneness of they are confident is the most profound
God and the providential character of and accurate analysis of the prevailing social
human life in this age. disorder and its true remedy in the World
The international Bahi'i community, Order of Bah;i'u'llih.
SURVEY OF CURRENT BAHA'I
A C T I V I T I E S I N T H E EAST
AND WEST
INTERNATIONAL
BY HORACE
HOLLEY

T H E true progress of the Bahb'i world no other measure of receptivity than their
community in recent years has been in its prior religious environment could supply.
understanding of Bahb'u'lllh's Faith rather To be as the early Christians was the stand-
than in numbers or social power. Without ard of faith they could not but adopt and
this deepened insight into the nature of the seek t o apply. True, the concept "Bahl'i"
Faith, indeed, any considerable advance in was not limited t o adherents of Christian
the number of adherents might have raised descent. True, the new term applied
problems an inexperienced and collectively equally to believers of Muhammad or
unprepared body of believers would find Buddha as to Christians and Jews. The
difficulty in bringing to a solution. values associated with the Faith, neverthe-
The vital importance of this fact appears less, were inherently restricted to those
when it is appreciated t o what a degree, at created for mankind in the Sermon on the
least throughout the West, the early be- Mount. The difference between the mission
Levers unconsciously and instinctively ac- of Christ and Bahi'u'llih they acknowl-
cepted the Bahh'i Faith as the "return of edged, but instinctively held it to be limited
Christ." Grasping the Teachings only from only by the fact that now the sacred doc-
the aspect of their confirmation of the trine could at last be promulgated through-
views entering into a long historical expec- out the earth and not confined to one area
tation, the first generation of Bahi'is felt like the ancient empire of Rome.
themselves living in a spiritual Kingdom A world in dire torment, even though it
such as Jesus created for His followersa had prepared a great host t o accept the
Kingdom of the heart and inmost spirit "return of Christ" and replace with the high
raised high above the perturbations or con- challenge of the Sermon on the Mount a
quests of an unbelieving world. The days social culture obviously unfit to deal with
of Christ, they felt, had been divinely the problems of a society fatally divided
restored; whence their privilege and most and in decline, could not but have overrun
sacred duty to live and serve according to and even repudiated the claim of a Faith
the conditions surrounding the ancient whose application t o social problems was as
Apostles. simple and nai've 2s the outlook of the
The fact that Bahh'u'll6h had not only Bahl'i community in the West long con-
re-established the heavenly Kingdom of sidered it t o be. That Faith, however,
faith but had vastly extended the scope of serene and potent in its full reality and
religion, the fact that His Teachings ful- implication, has possessed the force neces-
filled expectation not by simple repetition sary t o re-educate the Bahi'is themselves,
of divine doctrine already revealed but by and moreover, to express its fundamental
creating an entirely new dimension for character and aim so clearly and vigorously
spiritual reality, was not clearly apprehended that the BahCi Teachings today constitute
because the first believers of the West had the essence of statesmanship and sociology,
T H E BAHA 'f WORLD
demonstrating their new and supreme mis- logical truth into a sociological equivalent,
sion by creating a World Order even within or personal values into the principles of a
the ruins of a civilization impotent to spiritual community. From ecstasy of re-
survive. demption to grandeur of martyrdom, the
I t has been in the successive general com- individual treads his own path acclaiming
munications issued by its Guardian, Shoghi the omnipotence of God. But ten thousand
Effendi, since early in 1929, that the whole inspired martyrs do not together constitute
significance and integrity of Bahi'u'll6h's the elements of a ~ u b l i cpolicy capable of
Revelation has been made apparent. The removing the causes of poverty or extirpat-
unique virtue of these letters-in reality a ing the seeds of disastrous war. Personal
series of statements interpreting the Teach- ecstasy, no matter how pure and enduring
ings in the light of the decadent world and a light in the soul, is not equivalent to the
the condition of the world in the light of function of statesmanship in replacing with
the Teachings-has been their power to order the fundamental disorder of a divided
convey, not for the instruction or solace of world.
individual seekers, but for the guidance of Humanity throughout the ages has been
an international community, that spiritual confused by the continuous division yawn-
truth given this age in measure greater than ing between personal spirituality and social
could be poured forth by the Manifestation necessity, with the result that all expecta-
at any prior epoch. The Message of Bahi'- tion of the fulfilment of truth has been
u'116h can now be apprehended in its turned to another "higher3' world or has
fulness and majesty and by its own supernal depicted an earthly consummation as nai've
light, not dimmed by reflection from minds as the imagination of a child. The interval
historically limited, no matter how sincere of time ever separating the flower of faith
and devoted the hearts they turned to Him. from its perfect fruit has darkened the vi-
The faith of Bahi'is, thanks to this inter- sion of innumerable generations of loyal be-
pretation and guidance, has been assimilated lievers, making their convictions irrational
into an understanding no longer subject to and socially ineffective, and opening the
challenge of world problem and inter- door to constant compromise with the pres-
national condition unresponsive to that sures exerted by the movements of society
lesser spiritual truth intended for the regeu- as a whole. The distance between spiritual
eration of the individual alone. reality and the organic structure of civili-
As an inner expelience, faith is ever com- zation has been a wasteland within which
plete and perfect within itself, for the indi- churches and states alike have perished in
vidual who rises to the station of faith every previous age. Every theology and
becomes filled with a holy elixir so pene- every sociology laboriously devised to carry
trating that no capacity for doubt remains. mankind safely from the realm of ~ersonal
The experience seems not merely immune motive to the realm of an organically united
from critical attack but of a nature higher and harmonious civilization has served only
than criticism can ever understand. Noth- t o re-emphasize the vital fact that the task
ing within the individual's destiny, when his lies beyond human capacity to perform.
faith is real, ever serves to challenge its per- The larger meaning of Bahl'u'lllh's Rev-
fect integrity or demonstrate its incapacity elation conveyed by Shoghi Effendi is that
to meet any and every condition the person God has destined this age to take the step
can possibly undergo. His sole regret is from subjective experience to world order.
that others are not similarly inspired and The new dimension of truth revealed by
equally blessed. Bahl'u'116h lies in the divine civilization His
The movements of society as a whole, Word created upon earth. The Bahl'i com-
however, supply a historical perspective munity no longer recognizes the wasteland;
larger than the individual's range of per- the reality it has accepted includes an or-
sonal experience. The religion entirely per- ganic social structure as well as a Sermon
fect to the devotee can, and has throughout on the Mount. The faith of the believer
recorded time, failed t o transmute psycho- combines knowledge of a world community
16 T H E B A H A. ' f WORLD

with knowledge of the holy path he, as an tical and not separate hodies, is abundantly
individual, must tread if he would be loyal confirmed by 'Ahdu'l-Bah6 Himself. ...
to his Lord. Not only will the present-day Spiritual As-
The effect of the Guardian's successive semblies be styled differently in future, but
statements has been to supply the Bahi'i will be enabled also to add to their present
community with an impregnable fonnda- functions those powers, duties, and prerog-
tion at the very time that the world is most atives necessitated by the recognition of the
grievously shaken and its truths and insti- Faith of Bahh'u'llih, not merely as one of
tutions made a source of bitter disillusion the recognized religious systems of the
to discerning men. As Shoghi Effendi's in- world, but as the State Religion of an inde-
sight has renewed and developed the con- pendent and Sovereign Power. And as the
sciousness of the believers, it has become Bahh'i Faith permeates the masses of the
apparent to them that the world crisis, far peoples of East and West, and its truth is
from challenging their loyalty, confirms it embraced by the majority of the peoples
with proofs and evidence so tangible that of a number of the Sovereign States of the
not for long will the confirmation stand world, will the Universal House of Justice
hidden from the intelligence and groping attain the plenitude of its power, and exer-
spirit of a bewildered race. For as the na- cise, as the supreme organ of the Bahh'i
tions recoil under blows of a destiny they Commonwealth, all the rights, the duties,
were not formed to encounter or even esti- and responsibilities incumbent upon the
mate, the Bahi'i community grows ever world's future superstate. ...
more conscious of the Power by which its "Who, I may ask, when viewing the
human weakness is sustained, and more international character of the Cause, its
aware that its collective experience has mys- far-flung ramifications, the increasing com-
teriously been to trace the outline and pat- plexity of its affairs, the diversity of its
tern of the emerging world. adherents, and the state of confusion that
Nothing could so effectively disclose the assails on every side the infant Faith of
forces working throughout the Bahh'i God, can for a moment question the neces-
world during the past two years as the fol- sity of some sort of administrative machin-
lowing excerpts from the Guardian's letters, ery that will insure, amid the storm and
chosen because they appear to concentrate stress of a struggling civilization, the unity
upon the aspect of the Revelation which ex- of the Faith, the preservation of its identity,
tends religion into that new dimension so and the protection of its interests?"-Eeb-
vitally needed by mankind today. mary 27, 1929.
"It would ... he helpful and instruc- "I cannot refrain from appealing to them
tive to bear in mind certain basic principles who stand identified with the Faith to dis-
with reference to the Will and Testament regard the prevailing notions and the fleet-
of 'Abdu'l-Bahi, which, together with the ing fashions of the day, and to realize as
Kitib-i-Aqdas, constitutes the chief deposi- never before that the exploded theories and
tary wherein are enshrined those priceless the tottering institutions of present-day
elements of that Divine Civilization, the es- civilization must needs appear in sharp con-
tablishment of which is the primary mission trast with those God-given institutions
of the Bahi'i Faith. . . . which are destined to arise upon their
"To dissociate the administrative princi- ruin. .. .
ples of the Cause from the purely spiritual "For Bahl'u'llih .. . has not only im-
and humanitarian teachings would be tan- bued mankind with a new and regenerating
tamount to a mutilation of the body of the Spirit. He has not merely enunciated cer-
Cause, a separation that can only result in tain universal principles, or propounded a
the disintegration of its component parts, particular philosophy, however potent,
and the extinction of the Faith itself. . . . sound and universal these may be. In addi-
That the Spiritual Assemblies of today will tion to these He, as well as 'Abdu'l-Bahi
be replaced in time by the Houses of Jus- after Him, have, unlike the Dispensations
tice, and are to all intents and purposes iden- of the past, clearly and specifically laid
C U R R E N T B A H A ' ~A C T I V I T I E S 17

down a set of Laws, established definite in- gaze, to however remote P region our survey
stitutions, and provided for the essentials of may extend, is everywhere assailed by forces
a Divine Economy. These are destined to it can neither explain nor control. . . .
be a pattern for future society, a supreme "Might we not already discern, as we
instrument for the establishment of the scan the political horizon, the alignment of
Most Great Peace, and the one agency for those forces that are dividing afresh the
the unification of the world, and the procla- continent of Europe into camps of potential
mation of the reign of righteousness and combat-ants, determined upon a contest that
justice upon the earth. .. . may mark, unlike the last war, the end of
"Unlike the D~spensationof Christ, un- an epoch, a vast epoch, in the history of
like the Dispensation of Muhammad, unlike human evolution? ... Might not the
all the Dispensations of the past, the apos- bankruptcy of this present, this highly-
tles of Bah6'u'llAh in every land, wherever vaunted materialistic civilization, in itself
they labor and toil, have before them in clear away the choking weeds that now hin-
clear, in unequivocal and emphatic lan- der the unfoldment and future efflorescence
guage, all the laws, the regulations, the of God's struggling Faith?
principles, the institutions, the guidance, "Humanity, whether viewed in the light
they require for the prosecution of their of man's individual conduct or in the exist-
.
task. . . Therein lies the distinguishing ing relationships between organized commu-
feature of the Bah6'i Revelation. Therein nities and nations, has, alas, strayed too far
lies the strength of the unity of the Faith, and suffered too great a decline to be re-
of the validity of a Revelation that claims deemed through the unaided efforts of the
not to destroy or belittle previous Revela- best among its recognized rulers and states-
tions, but to connect, unify, and fulfil men-however disinterested their motives,
them. ... however concerted their action, however
"Feeble though our Faith may now ap- unsparing in their zeal and devotion to its
pear in the eyes of men, who either de- cause. No scheme which the calculations
nounce it as an offshoot of Islkm, or con- of the highest statesmanship may yet de-
temptuously ignore it as one more of those vise; no doctrine which the most distin-
obscure sects that abound in the West, this guished exponents of economic theory may
priceless gem of Divine Revelation, now hope to advance; no principle which the
still in its embryonic state, shall evolve most ardent of moralists may strive to in-
within the shell of His law, and shall forge culcate, can provide, in the last resort, ade-
ahead, undivided and unimpaired, till it em- quate foundations upon which the future
braces the whole of mankind. Only those of a distracted world can be bu~lt. ...
who have already recognized the supreme "It is towards this g o a k h e goal of a
station of Bahl'u'llAh, only those whose new World Order, Divine in origin, all-
hearts have been touched by His love, and embracing in scope, equitable in principle,
have become familiar with the potency of challenging in its features-that a harassed
His spirit, can adequately appreciate the humanity must strive. ...
value of this Divine Economy-His ines- "How pathetic indeed are the efforts of
timable gift to mankind."-March 2 1, those leaders of human institutions who, in
1930 . utter disregard of the spirit of the age, are
"Ten years of unceasing turmoil, so laden striving to adjust national processes, suited
with anguish, so fraught with incalculable to the ancient days of self-contained na-
consequences to the future of civilization, tions, to an age which must either achieve
have brought the world to the verge of a the unity of the world, as adumbrated by
calamity too awful to contemplate. ... BahB'u'lllh, or perish. At so critical an
Such has been the cumulative effect of these hour in the history of civilization it be-
successive crises, following one another with hooves the leaders of all the nations of the
such bewildering rapidity, that the very world, great and small, whether in the East
foundations of society are trembling. The or in the West, whether victors or van-
world, to whichever continent we turn our quished, to give heed to the clarion call of
T H E B A H A. ' f WORLD

Bnhi'u'llih and, thoroughly imbued with a uct of the considered judgment of the
sense of world solidarity, the sine qua^ non world's federated representatives-shall have
of loyalty to His Cause, arise manfully to as its sanction the instant and coercive in-
carry out in its entirety the one remedial tervention of the combined forces of the
scheme He, the Divine Physician, has pre- federated units; and finally a world com-
scribed for an ailing humanity. Let them munity in which the fury of a capricious
discard, once for all, every preconceived and militant nationalism will have been
idea, every national prejudice, and give heed transmuted into an abiding consciousness of
to the sublime counsel of 'Abdu'l-Bahb, the world citizenship-such indeed, appears, in
authorized Expounder of His teachings. its broadest outline, the Order anticipated
'You can best serve your cozcntry,' was by Bahlt'llih, an Order that shall come to
'Abdu'l-Bahi's rejoinder' to a high official be regarded as the fairest fruit of a slowly
in the service of the federal government of maturing age. . . .
the United States of America, who had "Let there he no misgivings as to the ani-
questioned Him as to the best manner in mating purpose of the world-wide Law of
which he could promote the interests of his Babi'u'llih. Far from aiming at the sub-
government and people, 'if yo* strive, in version of the existing foundations of
yolcr capacity as a citizen of the world, to society, it seeks to broaden its basis, to re-
assist in the eventual application of the mould its institutions in a manner conso-
principle of federalism underlying the gov- nant with the needs of an ever-changing
evnment of youy own corntry to the rela- world. I t can conflict with no legitimate
tionships now existing between the peoples allegiances, nor can it undermine essential
and nations of the world.' . . . loyalties. Its purpose is neither to stifle the
"Some form of a world Super-state must flame of a sane and intelligent patriotism in
needs be evolved, in whose favor all the na- men's hearts, nor to abolish the system of
tions of the world will have willingly ceded national autonomy so essential if the evils
every claim to make war, certain rights to of excessive centralization are to be avoided.
impose taxation and all rights to maintain I t does not ignore, nor does it attempt t o
armaments, except for purposes of maintain- suppress, the diversity of ethnical origins, of
ing internal order within their respective climate, of history, of language and tradi-
dominions. Such a state will have to in- tion, of thought and habit, that differentiate
clude within its orbit an International Ex- the peoples and nations of the world. I t
ecutive adequate to enforce supreme and un- calls for a wider loyalty, for a larger aspira-
cballengeahle authority on every recalcitrant tion than any that has animated the human
member of the commonwealth; a World race. ..
.
Parliament whose members shall be elected "The call of BahP'u'll6h is primarily
by the people in their respective countries directed against all forms of provincialism,
and whose election shall be confirmed by all insularities and prejudices. .. . For
their respective governments; and a Su- legal standards, political and economic
preme Tribunal whose judgment will have theories are solely designed to safeguard the
a binding effect even in such cases where interests of humanity as a whole, and not
the parties concerned did not voluntarily humanity to be crucified for the preserva-
agree to submit their case to its considera- tion of the integrity of any particular law
tion. A world community in which all eco- or doctrine. . . . The principle of the One-
nomic harriers will have been permanently ness of Mankind-the pivot round which
demolished and the interdependence of Cap- all the teachings of Bahi'u'llih revolve-is
ital and Labor definitely recognized; in no mere outburst of ignorant emotionalism
which the clamor of religious fanaticism and or an expression of vague and pious hope.
strife will have been forever stilled; in . ..
Its implications are deeper, its claims
which the flame of racial animosity will greater than any which the Prophets of old
have been finally extinguished; in which 3 were allowed to advance. Its message is
single code of international law-the prod- applicable not only to the individual, but
- concerns itself primarily with the nature of
In the year 1912.
CURRENT B A H A'f ACTIVITIES 19
those essential relationrhips that must bind in the eyes of the one true God, ~ h sland
all the states and nations as members of one wherein the splendors of His light shall be
human family. . . . unveiled, where the righteous will abide,
"It represents the consummation of hu- and the free assemble.' .. .
man evolution. . . . "The Revelation, of which Bahi'u'116h is
"That the forces of a world catastrophe the source and center, abrogates none of the
can alone precipitate such a new phase of religions which have preceded it, nor does
human thought is, alas, becoming increas- it attempt, in the slightest degree, to distort
ingly apparent. ... Nothing but a fiery their features or to belittle their value. It
ordeal, out of which humanity will emerge, disclaims any intention of dwarfing any of
chastened and prepared, can succeed in im- the Prophets of the past, or of whittling
planting that sense of responsibility which down the eternal verity of Their teachings.
the leaders of a new-born age must arise I t can, in no wise, conflict with the spirit
to shoulder. ... Has not 'Abdu'l-Bah6 that animates Their claims, nor does it seek
Himself asserted in unequivocal language to undermine the basis of any man's alle-
that 'another war, fiercer than the last, giance to Their cause. Its declared, its
will assuredly break out'?'-November 28, primary purpose, is to enable every adherent
.1931. of these Faiths to obtain a fuller under-
"That a Faith which, ten years ago, was standing of the religion with which he
severely shaken by the sudden removal of stands identified, and to acquire a clearer
an incomparable Master l should have, in apprehension of its purpose. I t is neither
the face of tremendous obstacles, main- eclectic in the presentation of its truths, nor
tained its unity, resisted the malignant on- arrogant in the afirmation of its claims.
slaught of its ill-wishers, silenced its Its teachings revolve around the funda-
calumniators, broadened the basis of its far- mental principle that religious truth is not
flung administration, and raised upon it absolute but relative, that Divine Revela-
institutions symbolizing its ideals of wor- tion is progressive, not final. Unequivocally
ship and service, should be deemed sutticient and without the least reservation it pro-
evidence of the invincible power with which claims all established religions to be divine
the Almighty has chosen to invest it from in origin, identical in their aims, comple-
the moment of its inception. mentary in their functions, continuous in
"That the Cause associated with the their purpose, indispensable in their value to
name of Bahi'u'116h feeds itself upon those mankind. .. .
hidden springs of celestial strength which "Those who have recognized the Light of
no force of human personality, whatever God in this age claim no finality for the
its glamor, can replace; that its reliance is Revelation with which they stand identsed,
solely upon that mystic Source with which nor arrogate to the Faith they have em-
no worldly advantage, be it wealth, fame or braced powers and attributes intrinsically
learning, can compare; that it propagates superior to, or essentially different from,
itself by ways mysteriously and utterly at those which have characterized any of the
variance with the standards accepted by the religious systems that preceded it. ...
.
generality of mankind, will . . become "Who, contemplating the helplessness, the
increasingly manifest as it forges ahead fears and miseries of humanity in this day,
towards fresh conquests in its struggle for can any longer question the necessity for
the spiritual regeneration of mankind. . . . a fresh revelation of the power
"Few ... are even dimly aware of the of God's redemptive love and guidance?
preponderating rBle which the North Amer- Who . . . can be so blind as to doubt that
ican continent is destined to play in the the hour has at last struck for the advent
future orientation of their world-embracing of a new Revelation, for a re-statement of
Cause. ... 'The continent of America,' the Divine Purpose, and for the consequent
wrote 'Abdu'l-BahS in February, 1917, 'is, revival of those spiritual forces that have,
= T h e ascension of 'Abdu'l-Bahi, November 28,
at fixed intervals, rehabilitated the fortunes
1921. of human society? Does not the very
20 THE B A H A 'f WORLD

operation of the world-unifying forces that World Order destined to embrace in the
are at work in this age necessitate that He fulness of time the whole of mankind. ...
Who is the Bearer of the Message of God "Alone of all the Revelations gone before
in this day should not only reatfirm that it this Faith has . . . succeeded in raising
self-same exalted standard of individual con- a structure which the bewildered followers
duct inculcated by the Prophets gone before of bankrupt and broken creeds might well
Him, but embody in His appeal, to all approach and critically examine, and seek,
governments and peoples, the essentials of ere it is too late, the invulnerable security
that social code, that Divine Economy, of its world-embracing shelter. . ..
which must guide humanity's concerted "To what else if not to the power and
efforts in establishing that all-embracing majesty which this Admiaistrative Order-
federation which is to signalize the ad- the rudiments of the future all-enfolding
vent of the Kingdom of God on this Bah6'i Commonwealth-is destined to
earth? . . . manifest, can these utterances of Bahi'u'-
"I feel it incumbent to stress .. . the 116h allude: 'The world's equilibrium bath
importance of an instruction which . . . been upset through the vibrating influence
should be increasingly emphasized, irrespec- of this most great, this new World Order.
tive of its application to the East or to the Mankind's ordered life bath been revolu-.
West. ... This principle is no other than fionized through the agency of this unique,
that which involves the non-participation this wondrous Systenz--the like of which
by the adherents of the Faith of BahV- mortal eyes have never witnessed.' . ..
u'llih, whether in their individual capacities "The Bahi'i Commonwealth of the
or collectively as local or national (Spir- future, of which this vast Administrative
itual) Assemblies, in any form of activity Order is the sole framework, is, both in
that might he interpreted, either directly theory and practice, not only unique in the
or indirectly, as an interference in the entire history of political institutions, but
political affairs of any particular govern- can find no parallel in the annals of any of
ment. ... Such an attitude . . . indicates the world's recognized religious systems.
the desire cherished by every true and loyal No form of democratic government; no
follower of Bah6'u'llih to serve, in an un- system of autocracy or of dictatorship,
selfish, unostentatious and patriotic fashion, whether monarchical or republican; no in-
the highest interests of the country to termediary scheme of a purely aristocratic
which he belongs, and in a way that would order; nor even any of the recognized types
entail no departure from the.high stand- of theocracy, whether it be the Hebrew
ards of integrity and truthfulness associ- Commonwealth, or the various Christian
ated with the teachings of his Faith." ecclesiastical organizations, or the Imamate
-March 21, 1932. or the Caliphate in Isl6m-none of these
"'May this American democracy: He can be identified or said to conform with
Himself,l while in America, was heard to the Administrative Order which the master-
remark, 'be the first nation to establish the hand of its perfect Architect has fash-
foundation of bternational agreement. ioned. . ..
May it be the first nation to proclaim the "Let no one, while this System is still in
.
unity of mankind. . . May America be- its infancy, belittle its significance or mis-
come the distributing center of spiritual represent its purpose. The bedrock on
enlightenment and all the world receive this which this Administrative Order is founded
heavenly blessing.'-April 21, 1933. is God's immutable Purpose for mankind in
"This Administrative Order .. . will, this day. The Source from which it derives
as its component parts, its organic institu- its inspiration is no one less than Bahl'-
tions, begin to function with efficiency and u'116h Himself. . .. The central, the
vigor, assert its claim and demonstrate its underlying aim which animates it is the
capacity to be regarded not only as the establishment of the New World Order as
- .
nucleus but the verv, vattern of the New adumbrated by Bahl'u'llih. The methods
it employs, the standard it inculcates, in-
1'Abddl-Bah6 visited North America in 1912.
CURRENT B A H A ' ~ACTIVITIES 21

cline it to neither East nor West, neither of that Day of Days when the whole earth
Jew nor Gentile, neither rich nor poor, will have fructified and the tree of human-
neither white nor colored. Its watchword ity will have yielded its destined fruit.
is the unification of the human race; its "Beset on every side by the cumulative
standard the 'Most Great Peace.'" . . .- evidences of disintegration, of turmoil and
February 8 , 1934. of bankruptcy, serious-minded men and
"The contrast between the accumulating women, in almost every walk of life, are
evidences of steady consolidation that ac- beginning to doubt whether society, as it is
company the rise of the Administrative now organized, can, through its unaided
Order of the Faith of God, and the forces efforts, extricate itself from the slough into
of disintegration which batter at the fabric which it is steadily sinking. Every system,
of a travailing society, is as clear as it is short of the unification of the human race,
arresting. Both within and outside the has been tried, repeatedly tried, and been
Bah6'i world the signs and tokens which, found wanting. .. . Yet crisis has suc-
in a mysterious manner, are heralding the ceeded crisis, and the rapidity with which
birth of that World Order, the establish- a perilously unstable world is declining has
ment of which must signalize the Golden been correspondingly accelerated. ...
Age of the Cause of God, are growing and "Who else can be blissful if not the com-
multiplying day by day. . . . munity of the Most Great Name,' whose
" 'Soon,' BahCu'lllh's own words pro- world-embracing, continually consolidating
claim it, 'will the present-day Ovder be activities constitute the one integrating
rolled up, and a new one spead out in its process in a world whose institutions, secu-
stead.' . .. lar as well as religious, are for the most part
"The Revelation of Bah6'u'llhh .. . dissolving? . . . Of all the kindreds of the
should . . . be regarded as signalizing earth they alone can recognize, amidst the
through its advent the coming of age of welter of a tempestuous age, the Hand of
the entire human race. I t should he viewed the Divine Redeemer that traces its course
not merely as yet another spiritual revival and controls its destinies. They alone are
in the ever-changing fortunes of mankind, aware of the silent growth of that orderly
not only as a further stage in a chain of world polity whose fabric they themselves
progressive Revelations, nor even as the cul- .
are weaving. . .
mination of one of a series of recurrent "Ceasing to designate itself a movement,
prophetic cycles, hut rather as marking the a fellowship and the like-designations that
last and highest stage in the stupendous did grave injustice to its ever-unfolding
evolution of man's collective life on this systemdissociating itself from such appel-
planet. The emergence of a world com- lations as B6bi sect, Asiatic cult, and off-
munity, the consciousness of world citizen- shoot of &i'ih Isl6m, with which the
ship, the founding of a world civilization ignorant and the malicious were wont to
.
and culture . . should . .. be regarded, describe it, refusing to be labeled as a mere
as far as this planetary life is concerned, as philosophy of life, or as an eclectic code
the furthermost limits in the organization of ethical conduct, or even as a new re-
of human society, though man, as an indi- ligion, the Faith of Bahi3u'l16h is now
vidual, will, nay must indeed as a result of visibly succeeding in demonstrating its
such a consummation, continue indefinitely claim and title to be regarded as a World
to progress and develop. . . . Religion, destined to attain . . . the status
"The successive Founders of all past Re- of a world-embracing Commonwealth,
ligions Who . . . have shed, with ever- which would be at once the instrument and
increasing intensity, the splendor of one the guardian of the Most Great Peace an-
common Revelation at the various stages nounced by its Author. . . .
which have marked the advance of mankind "The whole of mankind is groaning, is
towards maturity may thus . . . be re- dying to be led to unity, and to terminate
garded as preliminary Manifestations, antici- its age-long martyrdom. And yet it stub-
-
pating and paving the way for the advent
22 T H E BAHA'I WORLD

bornly refuses to embrace the light and than this developn~eotmade possible by be-
acknowledge the sovereign authority of the lievers so separated not merely by distance
one Power that can extricate it from its but by race, culture and historical experi-
entanglements, and avert the woeful calam- ence. frdn, with its ancient memories of
ity that threatens to engulf it. . . . a power and glory antedating the civiliza-
"Unification of the whole of mankind is tion of Europe, and its complex spirit
the hall-mark of the stage which human impregnated with the influence of successive
society is now approaching. Unity of religions, stands in striking contrast to
family, of tribe, of city-state, and nation Australia and New Zealand, lands still
have been successively attempred and fully marked by the stage of the pioneer and in
established. World unity is the goal their social progress akin t o the North
towards which a harassed humanity is striv- America existing in the middle of the nine-
ing. Nation-building has come to an end. teenth century. By faith, however, and the
The anarchy inherent in state sovereignty supreme power of a Teaching shaped for
is moving towards a climax. A world, humanity and not one race or country alone,
growing t o maturity, must abandon this the Bahi'is of these two diverse regions
fetish, recognize the oneness and wholeness have entered upon a path of oneness which
of human relationships, and establish once they tread in a unity of purpose and an
for all the machinery that can best incar- intimacy of soul greater than that of mem-
nate this fundamental of its life. bers of the same family whose physical bond
" ' A new life,' Bahi'u'llah proclaims, 'is, has no true spiritual substance and rein-
in this age, stirring within all the peoples forcement.
of the earth; and yet none bath discovered The first Annual Convention of the
its cause, or perceived its motive.' '0 ye Bahl'is of fr6n was held at Tihrin during
children of men,' H e thus addresses HIS eight days commencing April 26, 1934. As
generation, 'the fu7zdamental purpose ani- in North America, ninety-five delegates had
mating the Faith of God and His Religion been assigned proportionately to the national
is to safeguard the interests and pronzote community, and of these eighty-one were
.
the %+zit? of the humafi race. . . This is present a t the first session, eighty-four a t
the straight path, the fixed and immovable the later sessions. This event of vital im-
foundation.' "-March 1 1 , 193 6. portance is told in detail in the Report
prepared by the National Spiritual Assembly
FORMATION O F T W O NATJONAL of i r i n and published as a supplement to
SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES this Survey.
From the point of view of the Bahi'i
The pillars of the Bahb'i world order are world community, it is significant t o note
the National Spiritual Assemblies, elected that both the National Assembly of f r i n
by delegates representing the local Bahi'i and that of Australia and New Zealand
communities within the designated area of were formed and are functioning in strict
jurisdiction. A National Spiritual Assembly conformity with the administrative prin-
cannot be constituted until the Faith has ciples controlling the national Bahi'i insti-
become sufficiently widespread and firmly tutions previously established in other
rooted t o provide support for the national lands. Their constitutional character and
administrative body, whose effectiveness de- their organic processes are identical with
pends upon the existence of experienced those of America, Europe and other Bahi'i
local Spiritual Assemblies. comn~unitiesthroughout the East, with the
The present period has been notable in result that a believer can take residence in
the formation of two more National any established national Bahl'i community
Assemblies, one by the Bahl'is of i r l n , the and find his spiritual citizenship completely
other by the Bahi'is of Australia and New unchanged. Such differences as he would
Zealand. I t would he difficult to find evi- encounter in the realm of detail, even as the
dence more convincingly testifying t o the obvious distinctions of language and cnl-
universality of the Cause of Bahi'u'llih tural background, but fulfil the true
spiritual unity by stressing that diversity It was a wonderful cxpcrience in coopera-
on which true unity must be based. tive effort and a powerful means of spiritual
O n account of the vast Bahi'i popula- attraction. A reporter from the Sydney
tion of frin, the ninety-five delegates were 'Sun' attended the opening session and an
elected proportionately by the believers outline of the Bahi'i Principles appeared in
through twenty administrative divisions the next issue of that newspaper.
rather than through their separate local "This first Convention was of historic
Bah6'i communities. I t would be impos- importance to the Bahi'i Cause in that it
sible, clearly, to assign ninety-five delegates was for the purpose of forming a National
to local communities numbering more than Spiritual Assembly for this southern conti-
five hundred. The principle underlying nent, and so becoming another link in the
national Bah6'i elections, nevertheless, was chain for the establishment of the future
fully observed. A similar method of admin- International House of Justice.
istrative districts including h lumbers of local "The New Zealand delegates were the
Bahh'i communities will have to Ire de- first to arrive, and a special meeting of wel-
veloped for America and other nations come was arranged at which a happy time
when the number of their Spiritual Assem- was spent in contacting the Sydney friends.
blies exceeds the number of the delegates Later in the week the Adelaide delegates,
the believers collectively are t o elect. and friends from both Melbourne and
The Bahi'i affairs of frin had previously Adelaide, arrived, and these received a
been directed and coordinated nationally by similar warm-hearted welcome, so that be-
the former "Central Assembly" at Tihrin. fore the Convention opened a feeling of
The first National Spiritual Assembly of the true Bahi'i friendliness and fellowship was
Bahi'is of frin were: Valiyu'll6h Khin established, and all were filled with an
Varqb, Su'a'u'llih L h i n 'Alb'i, Dr. Yunis anticipatory joy in being privileged to take
s i n Afrhgtih, Jin6b-i-F6&l-i-Mizin- part in such a momentous event.
darani, Amin-Amin, Ahmad Chin Yaz- "The elecred delegates were:-
dini, 'Ali-Akhar G i n Furjtan, 'Inbyatu- "New Zealand-Mrs. Emily M. Axford,
'116h Lh6n Ahmadp6r, and MahmLd Lhin Miss Margaret B. Stevenson, Miss Ethel A.
Badi'i. Blundell.
The first Annual Convention of the "Adelaide-Mrs. Silver Jackman, Miss
Bahb'is of Australia and New Zealand was Hilda Brooks, Mr. Robert Brown.
held at Sydney, May 11, 16, 17 and 1 8 , "Sydney-Mrs. Routh, Mr. Hyde Dunn,
1934. Details of this meeting, so signifi- Mr. 0. Whittaker."
cant in the unfoldment of the Bahh'i world Significant as the formation of a new
order, are made available in reports issued National Spiritual Assembly is as evidence
by the National Spiritual Assembly formed of an active, vigorous and widespread
by that Convention. Bahi'i community in its land, its full im-
"A little more than a decade after the portance lies in the fact that the institution
landing in Sydney of those two indefaci- of the National Assembly itself is hut a step
gable Bahi'i pioneers, Mr. and Mrs. Hyde in the development of the Bah6'i world
Dunn, has seen the outward and visible order. A National Spiritual Assembly
consummation of their labors in the forma- stands not 3s an independent body, nor a
tion of a National Spiritual Assembly of final authority in the realm of collective
the Bahl'is of the Commonwealth of Ans- action, but as the pillar upon which will
tralia and the Dominion of New Zealand. rest in future the dome of the Bah6'i social
This was the outstanding achievement of structure-the International House of
the Cause in these southern lands in 1934, Justice. A great part of the necessary
and itself bears witness to the sincerity, foundation for that crowning Bahi'i
enthusiasm and faith of the believers. achievement has already been constructed.
"Bahl'is from Adelaide, Melbourne, New It rcmains only for the new National Spir-
Zealand and other places met in Sydney itual Assemblies to begin functioning with
where the first Bahb'i Convention was held. effective power, and for the Bah6'i com-
THE B A H A 'i WORLD

lnunities in Caucasus and Turkisthn to be Palestine Rranch of the American Assembly,
enabled to initiate their own Annual Con- at the date of this writing, owns in both
vention and form National Spiritual As- 'Akk6 and Haifa, approximately sixty
semblies. The requisite capacity will then thousand square pics-one thousand, six
have been acquired, and the proper condi- hundred square pics being equivalent t o
tions realized, for the decisive final step nine hundred square meters. The holdings
upon which the world's peace and even its thus represent some thirty-three thousand,
very existence depends. seven hundred and fifty square meters.
Soon after its incorporation in the Mixed
INCORPORATION OF EXISTING Court of Egypt, the NationaI Spiritual
NATIONAL SPIRITUAL Assembly of that land acquired, through
ASSEMBLIES donation from an Egyptian Baha'i, one
faddau of land, equal to four thousand
During the same period, also, the square meters.
National Spiritual Assemblies of Egypt, and The incorporation of the National As-
of India and Burma, found it possible to sembly of the Baha'is of Egypt must be
effect legal incorporation and secure official regarded as far more than a legal achieve-
state recognition for their national Baha'i ment. The first Assembly to secure civil
constitution. Moreover, the National As- recognition and the status of an independ-
semblies of Germany and 'Iriq took steps to ent religion in Islim, the National Spiritual
adopt constitutions and by-laws identical Assembly has succeeded in this effort only
with the Declaration of Trust under which after a long and ardent struggle. Within
the National Spiritual Assembly of the a decade, the Bahh'is of Egypt have pro-
BahCis of the United States and Canada gressed from a status officially regarded as
has operated for some ten years. The text one of heresy in the eyes of Muhammad-
of these constitutions, some of which are anism to that of spiritual independence.
accompanied by the certificate issued to The Westerner can not appreciate, nor
them by the civil authorities, is reproduced scarcely imagine, the degree of progress this
in Part Two of the present work. evolution represents. I t is equivalent to the
Not less interesting is the fact that the transition from the tenth to the nineteenth
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is century in the West.
of India and Burma has in addition formed
a Palestine Branch, duly incorporated and BAHA'i PROPERTY I N AMERICA
registered, similar t o that formed some
years ago by the American Assembly, thus From 1909, the date when American
adding one more Bahh'i national community Bahh'is made their first purchase of land as
empowered t o hold title to land at the world the site of the House of Worship on Lake
center of the Faith. Michigan, near Chicago, to 1936, the
The amount of land transferred to the amount of Bahh'i property greatly in-
Palestine Branch of the American Assembly creased.
during this period, adjacent to the Shrine Five separate properties are now legally
of the Bib on Mount Carmel, has been very held for the benefit of the National Spir-
considerable. Part was acquired by pur- itual Assembly of American Bahh'is: the
chase from funds contributed directly for land and structure of the House of Wor-
that purpose by believers, the balance con- ship, with caretaker's cottage and the studio
sisting of individual holdings donated by constructed by the Temple architect, the
their Bahh'i owners. I n this connection it late Louis J. Bourgeois; Green Acre, Eliot,
is of interest to recall the fact that Ameri- Maine, the site of the Conferences founded
can Bahl'is were advised by 'Abdu'l-Bah6 by the late Sarah J. Farmer in 1894, con-
many years before Haifa possessed any sisting of an Inn, five cottages, Fellowship
importance and before Palestine even had House and Arts and Crafts Studio, with
been awakened from its slumber of ages to several parcels of land-including the im-
purchase lots on Mount Carmel! The portant holding on Mount Salvat-totaling
CURRENT BAIHK'f ACTIVITIES 2f

several hundrcd acres; the house at Malden, Valious u ~ h r r sacred and historic sires
Massachusetts, blessed by the time spent in associated with the Founders of the Faith
it by 'Abdu'l-Bahi during His American in Iran, and hallowed by the heroism of
journey in 1912; the land and buildings de- Their early followers, are likewise being
veloped by Roy C. Wilhelm at West Engle- gradually acquired, in accordance with a
wood, New Jersey, chosen by 'Abdu'l-Bahb definite plan adopted under the advice of
as the place for the Unity Feast H e gave the Guardian and assisted by his contribu-
the Baha'is of the New York lnetropolitan tion in the amount of two thousand tG-
district in June, 1912, and now used as the mins a year.
Office of the National Assembly and the A t the same time, progress has been made
meeting place of the local Bahi'i com- in the construction of the Haziratu'l-Quds.
munity; and the property at Geyserville, or Bahl'i headquarters, in the capital city,
California, which Mr. and Mrs. John Bosch Tihrhn.
for about seven years placed at the disposal A vast area, moreover, has been acquired
of the Summer School maintained by the on the slopes of Mount Alburz, northeast of
Bahi'is of the Pacific Coast. Tihrin, for the eventual construction of
Green Acre was transferred to Bahi'i the first Mabriqu'l-A&kir (House of
trustees by the Green Acre Fellowship Worship) by the Bahi'is of irhn. The land
whicl~ beld title after Sarah J. Farmer's already acquired measures not less than one
death. The Malden house was left to Shoghi million, two hundred and fifty-seven thou-
Effendi in the Will and Testament of the sand square meters, but is being extended
late Maria P. Wilson, and by Shoghi by further purchases in order to provide
Effendi transferred t o Bahh'i trustees. Both sufficient space for the erection of the acces-
the Wilhelm and Bosch properties were re- sory buildings, or dependencies, which with
ceived as donations by their respective the House of Worship constitute the
owners. MaGriqu'l-A&kir established by Bahi'u-
While values may not be readily estab- 'llbh.
lished for all these holdings, the entire The Report of the National Spiritual
property beld for the Bahi'i Faith in Assembly of the Baha'is of ir6n which
America can he estimated as amounting in follows this International review testifies to
worth t o a t least one million, one hundred the further progress of the Faith in that
and fifty thousand dollars. By far the land, and the activities maintained under
greater portion of this value has been cre- the direction of national Committees. Brief
ated by the Bahi'is during the decade reference may be made here to the forma-
beginning 1926. tion of a National Bahi'i Archives, the
dispatching of accredited teachers to 'Irlq
as well as t o many parts of ir6u, the
adoption of Bahl'i marriage certificates and
The formation of a National Spiritual also a Bahl'i certificate of divorce, the dis-
Assembly by the believers of fr6n made semination of Bah6'i news t o local centers,
possible the undertaking of larger Bahi'i and the necessity of meeting the dire and
enterprises but at the same time this step widespread difficulties resulting from re-
seemed challenged by a new and violent pressive lneasures adopted by the civil
anti-Bahi'i attitude on the part of certain authorities.
government departments. The weakening of the power of the Mus-
Of intense interest t o BahB'is of other lim clergy in i r i n has been a n indication
nations has been the acquisition, by pur- of nationalism rather than a broadening and
chase, of a portion of the village of a i h r i q , deepening of the basis of social ethics and
where the B i b was incarcerated. This of spiritual religion. A necessary step
sacred and revered scene of one of the toward the eventual triumph of a World
momentous episodes in the history of the Faith, the decline of Islhm as revealed re-
Faith has thus come under the care and pro- ligion and ecclesiastical authority has at
tection of the Cause. first resulted in a social environment hostile
26 THE B A H A 'i WORLD

to che claims of divinc ~ r u ~ bThe . condi- holidays, orders will be issued for the closing
tion, giving as it does an undue influence t o up of same, the National Spiritual Assem-
secular forces, exposes the followers of a bly here with a view to preventing the
living Faith to the increase of pressure and occurrence of such an event and pointing
tension which invariably acco~npanies the out to the authorities concerned the impor-
discrediting of traditional religion. In his tance which such an action would involve,
letter on "The Unfoldment of World Civil- deputed one of its members, Dr. Youness
ization" dated March 1 1 , 1936, Shoghi Lhhn Afroukhteh to call on H . E. MirzP
Effendi thus describes that decline: 'Ali Aghar Eh4n Hekmat, the acting
"The collapse of the a i ' i h hierarchy, in Minister of Education with instructions
a land which had for centuries been one of that he (Dr. Youness Lhhn) should explain
the impregnable strongholds of Muslim fully the matter to the acting Minister.
fanaticism, was the inevitable consequence Dr. Youness K_hin, in the course of the
of that wave of secularization which, at a interview which he had with this official,
later time, was to invade some of the most made it clear to him that as the Tarbiyat
powerful and conservative institutions in Schools formed part of private institutions
both the European and American conti- of the Bahi'i community and as the
nents. Though not the direct outcome of teachers and pupils are chiefly Bahi'i and
the last war, this sudden trembling which that since these teachers and pupils, as one
had seized this hitherto imlnovable pillar of of their religious duties, abstain from work-
Islhmic orthodoxy accentuated the prohle~ns ing on nine days during the year, the
and deepened the restlessness with which a schools are automatically closed, and that
war-weary world was being afflicted. as this is a matter relating t o the religious
&iCih Isldm had lost once for all, in Bahb- belief of the Bahi'is, it is impossible for the
'u'llbh's native land and as the direct conse- Assembly t o interfere with sacred duties of
quence of its implacable hostility to His the Bahi'i individuals by forcing them to
Faith, its combative power, had forfeited its work in the Bahb'i holidays. Dr. Youness
rights and privileges, had been degraded and K&in also made it clear in the course of his
demoralized, and was being condemned to conversations, that in the same way that
hopeless obscurity and ultimate extinction." the Board of Education allows the Jewish,
With startling suddenness, and wholly Zoroastrian and Christian communities in
unexpectedly to the Bahi'is of the West, this country to celebrate their religious
the famous Tarbiyat Schools in Tihrin holidays, the Bahi'is should equally be per-
were compelled to close their doors and mitted to benefit by their religious legiti-
abandon their historic mission of initiating mate right. The acting Minister had
true education in frin. School after school, considered such a matter to be against the
throughout the country, conducted by regulations of his Department and had
Bahi'is in cities, towns and villages, cher- stated that the Bahi'is should not, at any
ished by them and of incalculable benefit rate, close their schools on these days and
to thousands of innocent children and suggested that the schools should be left
youth, incurred the same penalty by order open more or less on these days, failing
of the Department of Education. At the which he would have no alternative but to
same time those dibabilities described in take action for the closing of the schools
previous volumes of The Bahd'i World were by virtue of a notification which would be
maintained and in some ways extended and issued from the Board of Education. The
made more rigorous. reason given by His Excellency Hekmat
The account given by the National Spir- was that the frinian Government has not
itual Assembly of frhn, in its Report already recognized the Bahi'i religion as it has other
mentioned, may be amplified by the follow- minority religions. Dr. Youness Q d n again
ing excerpts from other communications. called on the acting Minister for the third
"As the Board of Education had formerly time and took with him Mirzl 'Ali Akbar
warned the Tarbiyat Schools officially that Khan Foroutan, the Principal of the boys'
in case these schools are closed on unofficial school, but all these visits proved of no avail
CURRENT B A H A ' ~A C T I V I T I E S 27

since, while Dr. Youneqs 9 6 0 was insisting from going to these institutions. It was
in his views and pointing out the impor- a very sad and touching scene to the
tance for the Bahl'is to close their schools passers-by, both Bahi'is and others, as some
on these days and also explaining the fact of the pupils, mostly children, were weep-
that the school authorities, in celebrating ing in the streets, sent out from their
their religious holidays, would in no way beloved school regretting the closing down
disregard the ruling and regulations of the of the same in a deplorable manner. On
Board of Education, the acting Minister was the same day at 9.30 A.M. the sign-board
reiterating his statement that the Bahi'is of the boys' school was also taken down.
should not celebrate their religious holidays. The school authorities did not fail to notify
Dr. Youness &in also requested that the the parents of non-Baha'i students that as
Board of Education give a more careful and the Tarhiyat schools were Bahi'i institu-
sympathetic consideration to the matter be- tions which had celebrated Bah6'i holidays,
fore taking an action in respect to two the Board of Education had ordered them to
schools of good reputation with an enroll- be closed.
ment of 1100 pupils. Dr. Youness Khin "After the closing of the schools the
asked that the case be submitted to His National Spiritual Assembly instructed the
Majesty for a decision. But the acting friends to abstain from sending their chil-
Minister gave an unfavorable reply and dren to other local schools pending a de-
reiterated his former statements adding that cision from the Guardian and obtaining of
he would have no alternative but to close information as to the definite decision of
the schools. the Government in respect of the schools in
"On Thursday, Azer l l t h , 1313 (De- future. Most of the students are still wait-
cember 6 , 1934) the schools were closed as ing a decision and have not applied for
usual in commemoration of the martyrdom enrollment in other schools. Even most of
of the Bib. On Saturday afternoon, Azer the non-Baha'is, whose children were study-
17th, 1313 (December 8 ) the Chief of the ing in the Tarbiyat Schools, are most
Police Station had, by direction of the Cen- patiently waiting for the re-opening of our
tral Police Department, gone to the boys' schools and are regretting and at the same
school and ordered the closing of the school time expressing their astonishment at this
and sending away of the pupils. The Prin- unexpected event. I t is heard that some of
cipal of the school had immediately carried the influential people in Tihrln have re-
out the order. The Chief of the Police ferred to the Board of Education and have
Station had not left the school building unofficially complained against the action.
when another police officer came to the "Since it has become clear to the National
school t o convey the same order. At that Assembly that the ill-wishers and enemies
time an official communication was received of the Baha'i Faith have made intrigues
from the Board of Education. After a short agains~the Bahl'is before His Majesty and
while the Chief of the Inspection Section accused them of being disobedient to the
of the Board of Education went to the laws of the country and being careless of
school to announce the decision. At the the interests of frhn and of lacking patriotic
same time a similar notification was given feelings towards their country and that,
to the girls' school. therefore, the order issued for the closing
"On the same day at 12 o'clock at night down of schools was based on the sanction
the Chief of the Police Station, accom- of His Majesty which means that His
panied by a policeman, went to the girls' Majesty has in fact taken such a step, the
school and to the Kindergarten and took National Assembly, with a view to remov-
down the sign-boards placed at the gates of ing any misunderstanding and disclosing
these two institutions. On the following the truth, had recourse to the following
day, Sunday, Azer 18th (December 9, means:-
1934) a policeman was placed in front of "A long and detailed tclcgraphic pctition
the girls' school and two policemen in front was sent to His Majesty of which a copy
of the boys' school to prevent the students was handed to the Royal Secretariat. This
28 THE BAHA'I: WORLD

step was of no avail since two days after the "Information was received from Qazvin
cablegram was handed to the Telegraph through a traveller stating that the local
Office the Head of the Departmept called Board of Education had closed the girls'
the Secretary of the National Assembly and school and that the Police had forbidden
told him that as the cablegram was of a Bahl'i meetings and gatherings. I t was
complaining nature, he was forbidden to surprising that the local Police had forhid-
send it to its destination. The Secretary of den the Bahi'is to have their dead buried
the Assembly expressed his surprise at hear- in the Bahi'i cemetery Gulastin-i-Javid,
ing such an illogical statement whereupon suggesting that the Bahi'is should acquire
the Head of the Telegraph Department re- a piece of ground near the M4ammadan
plied most categorically that he could not cemetery and bury there their dead without
accept such a telegram which he gave back performing any rites or ceremonies so that
to the Secretary adding that he could also there may be no different treatment in
refund the cost of same. But the Secretary favour of the Bahi'is. I t is evident that
never got back the money and kept the the friends have never complied with such
receipt form which was given for it. instrnctions which are against their con-
"Upon the refusal of the Telegraph science and religion and will never do so in
Office to accept the cablegram addressed to the future.
His Majesty, the National Assembly wrote "A report was received from Ka&in that
at once a letter to the Ministry of Posts and the local Board of Education had closed
Telegraphs and asked for due consideration down the Bahi'i school Vahdat-i-Bahar in
to be given to the matter. that town and the police had forbidden all
"A petition was sent by the Assembly to Bah6'i gatherings and meetings, both pri-
the Council of Ministers asking them to vate and public in the Haziratu'l-Quds
remove the difficulties and restrictions cre- and in private houses. The Principal of the
ated for the Bahi'is. school was detained for a few days and
"As the National Assembly was not quite Aghai Forougl~i,one of the leading friends,
sure that the copy of the petition addressed was imprisoned some days.
to His Majesty was delivered to its high "We quote hereafter some excerpts from
destination by the Royal Secretariat, it con- the report recevied from the Assembly in
sidered the possibility of having further K6&6n:-
petitions handed to His Majesty through "On December 9th last the Chief of
certain high personages. But most of these Police sent a message to the Spiritual As-
personages offered their excuse to do this sembly through one of the friends, Dr.
favor on the grounds that His Majesty was zulaymin Bergis, that Bah6'i meetings, both
exceedingly angry with the Bah6'is. Among private and public, should be stopped and
these personages, however, His Excellency that no Bahi'i should openly declare his
Jam, the Minister of the Interior, offered to faith. The following day the police arrested
hand the Assembly's petition to the s i b the guardian of the Haziratu'l-Quds prem-
when a favorable occasion should arise. A ises and made him give a written assurance
comprehensive petition was, therefore, that no BahPi meetings should be held in
drawn up and handed to His Excellency the Bahi'i Center.
Jam for delivery to His Majesty. "On December 13th last the Chief of
"The Directory Body of the Tarbiyat Police, accompanied by another official and
Schools Committee, by direction of the a number of policemen and an inspector
National Assembly, wrote a long letter to from the Detectives, went to the Vahdat-i-
the Board of Education regarding the clos- Bas_har schools for boys and girls and closed
ing of the schools and sent it by the local down the same by order from the capital.
post (since the letter would have been re- Then the party proceeded to the Ha?iratu'l-
fused if sent otherwise). Quds and ordered that nobody should visit
"In the meantime various regrettable re- this placc. They also confiscated the furni-
ports were received from provinces and ture and articles of the boys' and girls'
districts in fr6n as follows:- schools and sent out the gate-keeper of the
Relics of the Bhb.
30 T H E B A H A '1 W O R L D

Ha~iratu'l-Quds from thiq building. Then a report saying that the police have closed
they took Mirz6.'Ahbis Lhan Mahmudi, the Haziratu'l-Quds and forbidden all the
the Principal of the School, t o the police, meetings. The preachers are using abusive
arrested h i there for three days with a language on the Cause and inducing the
view t o frightening him and forcing him fanatical class to rise against the friends.
t o deny his faith, but all without any avail. "Similar news was received from almost
O n the following day Dr. zulaymln Bergis every corner of the country, but such
and Mirzi Moussa Youssefian were taken events had not taken place in Tihrin till ic
to the police. The former was released was lately heard that the police had issued
after a short while, but the latter was held some circular instructions t o its various
until the following day. They were both branches both in the provinces and in the
released on bail. Again another friend was capital t o prevent strictly Bahh'i activities
taken to the police and after using bad lan- and suspend all gatherings and meetings and
guage against him and against the Cause, prosecute and arrest everybody who pro-
they released him. The Maarefat school fesses his faith openly and also t o dismiss
at A r i n ( a suburb of K i h i n ) was also from the Government service any Bahi'i
closed. A t present all BahPi institutions who declares his faith openly. Since the
are closed and suspended and the Bahh'i issue of these instructions the restrictions
schools and the Haziratu'l-Quds, which began to appear for the friends in Tihrin:
belongs t o the Cause, have been locked up all Bahi'i gatherings and meetings, both
by the Government officials. These build- private and public, which used to be held in
ings are liable t o be damaged and even the Haziratu'l-Quds and private houses, and
pulled down by rain and snow should they even some of the Character Training
remain locked up in their present state. Classes of children were suspended and those
Any Bahi'i who may profess his faith friends who used t o have meetings in their
openly is liable t o be arrested. For the last houses were forced to give written assur-
eighty years the friends in Kh&in had not ance that they would not hold any. Some
experienced such restrictions and difficulties. of the friends were called to the police and
One of the friends named Agha Muhammad warned that they should not declare their
Forouzan was made t o give a written faith openly, but as the friends had cate-
assurance that he will not receive any guests gorically refused to respond to the call and
in his house. preferred to suffer all sorts of calamities
"The pupils who were studying in the rather than ro comply with the wishes of
Bahi'i schools are left without any decision the officials, the matter was not taken up
and are having their time wasted since they any further.
will not he admitted in Muhammadan "Then some of the local papers and
schools unless they renounce their faith, a m~gazinesin Tihrin, taking advantage of
course which they will never adopt. the occasion, began t o write articles attack-
"We have received a report from ing the Bah6'i schools and the Bah6'is. One
Hamadin saying that the Haziratu'l- of the local preachers, Shariat Sanglaji, re-
Quds has been closed and that gatherings ferring to the attack made in some of the
and meetings have been forbidden. papers, had, in the course of the speech he
"The Spiritual Assembly in Salf6n-Abid had delivered for the public, expressed his
(Aragh) have sent Aghai Noush Abadi, utmost joy and gratitude at the action taken
the teacher, t o Tihrin and sent a message by His Imperial Majesty in closing up the
through the latter that the police have Baha'i schools which, in the opinion of the
closed the Ha~iratu'l-Quds, confiscated the preacher, were prejudicial t o the good
correspondence and archives of the Assem- morals of those Muhammadan students who
bly and that they have even taken away the were studying in the Baha'i schools.
tiles bearing Bahi'i inscriptions which were "According t o information received, the
fixed up on the walls of the Hatiratu'l- schools of Tayyid and Mowhebat 111
Quds hall. Hamadin have been closed by order of the
"The Assembly in KirminGih have sent local Educational Department and the in-
terventinn of the Police, who had driven women in Tihr6n where they are caught
away the pupils from the schools in a most manners and how to behave themselves in
discourteous and harsh manner. society. Qualified Bah6'i teachers are man-
"The question relating to the unveiling aging these meetings."
of women is progressing most satisfactorily
and rapidly in this country. The majority PROGRESS IN THE CONSTRUCTION
of the female class both in the capital and O F T H E HOUSE O F WORSHIP
in the provinces have discarded their veils I N AMERICA
and joined the new movement.
"Special lneetlngs were arranged first by With the completion of the external
Government departments and then by mer- decoration of the dome, reported in the
chants, various guilds, municipal institu- previous volume, the Bah6'i House of Wor-
tions, etc., where various classes of people ship on Lake Michigan assumed a new and
were present with their wives without any more impressive, as well as more beautiful,
veils. According t o the local press, a num- aspect. By the union of the architect's
ber of Mullis and priests as well as some genius for design, with the builder's advance
notaries public have attended these meetings in the use of plastic concrete, an effect has
with their wives. Some of these Mullis been obtained which the professional en-
have delivered speeches in support of the gineer and architect recognize as a great
new movement and proving that the dis- forward step and the layman perceives as
carding of the veil has no connectio~l an extraordinarily appealing development in
whatsoever with religion. This is most architecture.
strange and surprising especially when tak- The edifice is so situated upon the North
ing into view the utmost degree of fanati- Shore highway that the dome and clere:
cism and narrow-mindedness tor which story sections are visible at turns in the road
the ecclesiastical class in this country are long before the main structure appears.
known. These two sections, indeed, constitute an
"It may be worth lnentioning here that organic nnit, bound together by the vertical
the 'frin' newspaper published in Tihrin pillars supporting the nine great ribs.
has lately reproduced the picture of a When, therefore, the clerestory section
number of Mullis and the ecclesiastical class was finished by August, 193 5 , the first
in Qazvin, frin, accompanied by their stage in the decoration of the external sur-
wives attending a meeting held in that town face of the House of Worship had been
to celebrate the unveiling of women. fully accomplished. The throng of visitors,
"The Government, with a view t o sup- and the host of persons employing the high-
porting the movement, has imposed certain way adjacent to the Temple site, can now
restrictions on the fanatical class who are begin t o appreciate the majesty with which
reluctant to joint the movement. Thus the completed building will herald the Faith
women with their veils on are not allowed of Bahgu'llih.
to use public means of transport and 'buses, For the believers, the completion of the
go t o public shows, pictures and cafes and clerestory section represented also a triumph
cross public streets and thoroughfares. of sacrifice and devotion long sustained and
These restricrions are being increased every ardently borne. Their hopes and expecta-
day. tions, centered in Temple construction over
"The Spiritual Assembly in Tihrln, in a period of ten years, came to a temporary
view of the present movement relating to fulfilment as they felt the deepened unity
discarding of the veil, have considered that and insight acquired as result of such in-
Bah6'i women should also join the move- tense concentration upon a tremendous
ment and discard their veils a t once and task.
attend public meetings with their hus- NATIONAL ARCHIVES
bands.
"Special meetings are held by the Assem- The longing t o collect, publish and per-
bly for the friends both for Inen and petuate the Tablets of the Bah6'u'llhh and
32 THE B A H K " 1 W O R L D
'Abdu'l-Bahi, keenly felt by bslievers in all spiritual unity transcending race, nation
countries since the early days of the Faith, and cIass. O n the one hand, the Bahb'is are
came to definite organized expression among animated by the conviction that the prob-
the Bahi'is of North America more than lems of humanity can only be solved by the
twenty years ago. A National Archives union and solidarity of mankind in "one
was established to which all American be- Faith and one Order." On the other hand,
lievers were requested to send the Tablets the Bahl'is are devoting their lives and re-
they had received from the Master. Three sources to the upbuilding of a universal
volumes of Tablets were soon made avail- civilization not compatible with systems
able, and the contents of a fourth volume based upon war and strife.
are now ready for the press. In addition to This attitude is not to he confused with
these Tablets, sacred Bahi'i relics and valu- that of the "conscientious objector" whose
able historical material have lilrewise been individual outlook compels him to reject, if
acquired and preserved. The Archives necessary, the function of government for
Committee in America, indeed, has de- the sake of his conviction. The Bah6'is are
veloped its function to the point where a not retreating into a subjective attitude,
special storage space and reference room will but rather seelcing to learn the divine art of
soon be needed. a unity and cooperation which in itself rep-
Similar National Archives have been in- resents the highest goal of social effort.
itiated in Egypt, iriu, Germany, America In the words of Shoghi Effendi: "This
and India. The next step in this important principle is no other than that which in-
function of the administrative order will be volves the non-participation by the adher-
the formation of local Archives by the ents of the Faith of Bahi'dlllh, whether in
various Spiritual Assemblies in cities and their individual capacities or collectively as
towns. local or National Assemblies, in any form
Not less than fourteen volumes of Tab- of activity that might be interpreted, either
lets revealed by Bahd'u'llih and 'Abdu'l- directly or indirectly, as an interference in
Bahi, compiled under the direction of the political affairs of any particular gov-
National Spiritual Assemblies, have been ernment.
sent t o the International Bahi'i Archives on "Let them refrain from associating them-
Mt. Carmel. selves, whether by word or by deed, with
the political pursuits of their respective
THE DIVINE POLITY nations, with the policies of their govern-
ments and the schemes and programs of
The period of two years covered by The parties and factions. In such controversies
Bahd'i Woi,lil, Vol. VI, has been character- they should assign no blame, take no side,
ized by the establishment of two important further no design, and identify themselves
principles controlling the relation of the with no system prejudicial to the best
Bahl'i community to its social environ- interests of that world-wide Fellowship
ment. In the words of 'Abdu'l-Bah6, the which it is their aim to guard and foster.
Bah6'is follow a divine polity rather than . .. Let them affirm their unyielding
the competitive, changing and fruitless pro- determination to stand, firmly and unre-
grams of a misguided world. servedly, for the way of Bahh'u'llAh, to
The first of these principles is that avoid the entanglements and bickerings in-
Bahi'is in all countries refrain from indi- separable from the pursuits of the politician,
vidual as well as collective political activi- and to become worthy agencies of that
ties. They accept no office dependent upon Divine Polity which incarnates God's im-
political influence, and take no part in the mutable Purpose for all men. . . .
clash of partisan movements and interests. "Let them proclaim that in whatever
Loyal to tlie enactments of their respective country they reside, and however advanced
governments, the followers of Bahi'u'llih their institutions, or profound their desire
stand apart from any activity or influence to enforce the laws, and apply the principles
which can in any way jeopardize their enunciated by BahCu'llih, they will, un-
CURRENT BAHA'i ACTIVITIES 33

hesitatingly, subordinate the operation of izations that oppose it . . . imposes upon
such laws and the application of such prin- every loyal upholder of the Cause the ohli-
ciples to the requirements and legal enact- gation of refraining from any word or
ments of their respective governments. . . . action that might prejudice the position
"Though loyal to their respective govern- (that is, that of an independent religion)
ments, though profou~~dlyinterested in which our enemies have in recent years and
anything that affects their security and of their own accord, and estab-
welfare, though anxious to share in what- lished. This historic development, the
ever promotes their best interests, the Faith begiinings of which could neither be
with which the followers of Bahi'u'llih recognized nor even anticipated in the years
stand identified is one which they firmly immediately preceding 'Abdu'l-Bahb's pass-
believe God has raised high above the ing, may be said to have signalized the
storms, the divisions, and controversies of Formative Period of our Faith and to have
the political arena. Their Faith they con- paved the way for the consolidation of its
ceive t o be essentially non-political, supra- administrative order. As this movement
national in character, rigidly non-partisan, gains momentum, as it receives added im-
and entirely dissociated from nationalistic petus from the attitude and future action
ambitions, pursuits, and purposes. Such a of the civil authorities in frin, it will
Faith knows no division of class or of party inevitably manifest its repercussions in the
.
. . firmly convinced that in a world of West and will rouse the leaders of the
inter-dependent peoples and nations the Church and finally the civil authorities to
advantage of the part is best to be reached challenge the claims and eventually to
by the advantage of the whole, and that no recognize the independent status of the
abiding benefit can be conferred upon the Religion of Bah6'u'llih. . . . Though our
component parts if the general interests Cause unreservedly recognizes the Divine
of the entity itself are ignored or neg- origin of all the religions and upholds the
lected." spiritual truths which lie at their very core
The second principle upholding the in- and are common to them all, its institu-
tegrity of the Bahi'i Order is that which tions, whether administrative, religious or
similarly sunders the tie which serves to humanitarian, must if their distinctive
bind any believer to the religious sect or character is to be maintained and recog-
church with which he might have previ- nized, be increasingly divorced from the
ously been associated. The Bahi'i does not outworn creeds, the meaningless cere-
retain formal membership in any creedal monials and man-made institutions with
institution, since his faith compels him to which these religions are at present iden-
live within a larger spiritual society than tified."
can exist outside the World Religion of On March 1 1 , 1936, the Guardian re-
Bah&'u'Il&h. Desiring to form part of a ferred again t o this important subject.
new and regenerated humanity able t o per- "The Faith of Bahi'u'llih has assimilated,
ceive its fundamental oneness and forge by virtue of its creative, its regulative and
bonds of enduring fellowship and coopera- ennobling energies, the varied races, nation-
tion, the Bahi'i has come to realize that alities, creeds and classes that have sought
this intention is incompatible with a tradi- its shadow, and have pledged unswerving
tional religious connection whose society is fealty to its cause. I t has changed the
artificially restricted and whose develop- hearts of its adherents, burned away their
ment has been intertwined with historical prejudices, stilled their passions, exalted
controversies negating the real purpose of their conceptions, ennobled their motives,
revealed religion. coordinated their efforts, and transformed
The following words of Shoghi Effendi their outlook. While preserving their
have defined the principle for the Bahi'i patriotism and safeguarding their lesser
community: "The separation that has set loyalties. it has made them lovers of man-
in between the institutions of the Bahl'i kind, and the determined uphoMers of its
Faith and the Islbmic ecclesiastical organ- best and truest interests. While maintain-
ing intact their belief in the Divine origin EXTENSION OF TEACHING ACTIVI-
of their respective religions, it has enabled TIES I N EUROPE
them t o visualize the-underlying purpose
of these religions, to discover their merits, The powerful efforts of Bahl'i communi-
t o recognize their sequence, their inter- ties established in Europe t o promote the
dependence, their wholeness and unity, and Faith have been reinforced by a number of
to acknowledge the bond that vitally links American believers who have been resi-
them to itself. . . . Their Faith, Bahl'is dent or traveling during the past two
firmly believe, is . . . undenominational. years.
non-sectarian, and wholly divorced from Among these workers in the field may be
every ecclesiastical system, whatever its cited Miss Martha L, Root, Mrs. Helen
form, origin, or activities." Bishop, Miss Marion Jack, Miss Julia Gold-
Like two mighty pillars, these policies man, Mrs. Jeanne Bolles, Miss Jeanne Bolles,
uphold the Bahl'i community high -above Mrs. May Maxwell, Miss Mary Maxwell,
the controversies by which every other Mrs. Sylvia Matteson, and Mrs. Louise
society is being overwhelmed. They mark Gregory.
a definite turning point in the history of the Since the previous International review
Faith, inaugurating that new era of de- was prepared, Miss Root has visited and
velopment which the Guardian has termed worked constantly in Greece, Rumania,
the Formative Period. For the individual Jugoslavia, Austria, Hungary, Latvia,
believer they are a truly providential pro- Lithuania, Finland, Norway, Sweden, and
tection against the impact of a decaying Iceland. Notable interviews given her by
civilization whose influences otherwise royalty, statesmen and leading educators
would betray all but the most determined have been published in V o r l d Order, the
and spiritually evolved souls. As the tree magazine of the American National Spir-
cannot resist the flame which sweeps itual Assembly. Her article describing her
destructively through the forest, so the visit to Iceland has likewise been published
human personality in such a conflagration in the same magazine.
of feeling as now rages upon earth cannot, Concentrating upon her effort to impress
without protection, resist the myriad the vital importance of Bahl'u'll6h's World
tongues of psychological fire d a r t ~ n gat him Faith upon the minds of the most influential
and penetrating his shell of custom, to con- and responsible leaders of opinion, Miss Root
sume the sacred spirit within. has found i t possible t o meet in personal
Justification of the Divine Polity is not audience with Dowager Queen Marie of
necessary, since current events in all parts Rumania, King Haakon of Norway, Prince
of the world reveal the disastrous results Paul of Jugoslavia, President BeneS and Ex-
incurred by confusing spiritual values with President Masaryk of Czechoslovakia, Prin-
political policies, and religious aims with cess Olga of Jugoslavia, Princess Marina of
movements which are essentially material- Greece, now Duchess of Kent, and Arch-
istic behind their mask of slogan and phrase. duchess Anton. Other leaders similarly met
I n the long perspective, the success with were Mme. Tsaldaris, wife of the Prime
which the Bahi'is have understood, ac- Minister of Greece, Mr. Constantine
cepted and acted upon these two principles Kotzias, Mayor of Athens, Mr. Stasys Lozo-
would alone constitute a vast achievement, raitis, Lithuanian Minister of Foreign
were they able t o serve the Faith at the time Affairs, Dr. Erling Eidem, Archbishop of
in no other way. By such successive steps Sweden, in addition to educators in the
is the World Order of Bah6'n'lllh emerging various countries she visited.
as a new world, a world in which man may I n each case, Bahl'i literature in the
be truly human-a world more and more national language was presented. The im-
separated from the wilderness of civiliza- pressive record, moreover, includes the
tion in which vast hordes of bewildered placing of Bahl'i articles in more than
people see no outcome except struggle to one hundred magazines and daily papers
the death. throughout northern and eastern Europe,
CURRENT B A H A ' ~A C T I V I T I E S 3Y

besides radio addresses delivered in Praho, social evolution. Lidja Zamenhof spoke
Oslo and Bergen. last, and as one inspired. While attending
In earlier volumes of The Bahd'i World the Congress I found it possible t o publish
it has been made clear with what sheer four Bahl'i articles in the press."
faith this Baha'i has, with slight material A detailed program, unfortunately, is
resources and no assistance from Bahh'i not available of the many public lectures
finances, steadily ascended the steep hill of which she delivered in the Balkan and
difficulty on her determined pilgrimage Scandinavian countries during this period.
throughout the world. I t can only be stated that a number of new
While no one can estimate the direct or study groups were formed, and at least
indirect results which will in future pro- introductory knowledge of the Cause of
ceed from these interviews, radio addresses God widely spread in new areas of Europe.
and widespread publicity, Miss Root's Sofia, Bulgaria, in which city Miss
achievement in arranging for new transla- Marion Jack has resided since her visit to
tion and publication of BahB'i literature Adrianople (see The Bahd'i Wovld, Vol. V,
stands above the level of conjecture. Thus, page 5 8 1 ) , has witnessed the formation of
"Bahi'u'llih and the New Era," by J. E. the first local BahB'i Spiritual Assembly in
Esslemont, has appeared in Rumanian and the Balkan States. The group of interested
Greek, with a Finnish translation on the students of the Teachings with whom the
press. Of pamphlets, five thousand copies Assen~hly is now working numbers about
of "What is the Baha'i Movement?" were 110 persons. While Miss Root has visited
published in Rumanian, together with an and worked in Sofia on more than one occa-
equal number of "The Bahi'i Movement" sion, rendering invaluable assistance, the
in the same language, the translator being institution of the Spiritual Assembly was
Archduchess Anton, the former Princess due t o Miss Jacls's ardent and patient labors.
Ileana of Rumania. During Miss Root's Belgrade, Jugoslavia, has likewise,
visit t o Finland and Iceland, editions of through the efforts of Mrs. Gregory, be-
"What is the Bahi'i Movement?" were like- come the center of Bahi'i activities now
wise published in each of these two tongues. established in what appears to be a pernna-
The Twenty-Sixth Annual Universal nent form. I n the Serbian language,
Esperanto Congress, held at Stockholm, translated by Mme. Draga Ilic, there is now
August 4-11, 1934, has been graphically available a pamphlet summarizing the
described by Miss Root. Teachings as well as Dr. Ewlernont's book
"At the opening session I had opportunity which was reported in the previous volume.
to convey the greeting of Shoghi Effendi The number of devoted believers has
and the good wishes of the worldwide steadily increased, and Belgrade now repre-
Bahh'i community to the delegates present. sents a nucleus which later will surely
Bahh'i literature was on sale during the evolve into an organized Bah6'i community.
sessions. The special Bahh'i session, held on Mrs. Bolles and her daughter have assisted
August eleventh, was beautiful and impres- the Bahi'i Centers in London, Paris and
sive. The Esperantists met in a Council other cities, more particularly Germany.
Chamber of the great Parliament building. During September, 1935, these American
Twenty nations were represented. Miss believers traveled t o Nuremberg, Dresden,
Alminda, Bahi'i and Esperantist of Stock- Berlin, Frankfort, Neckargemund, Heidel-
holm, presided. O n a long table covered berg aud Karlsruhe, addressing groups and
with rich sills the Bahi'i books were finding many opportunities t o bring the
arranged, Dr. Esslemont's volume in many Faith t o the attention of individuals en-
languages, and a number of books and countered en route.
pamphlets in Esperanto furnished by Dr. Similar journeys to BahB'i Assemblies and
and Mrs. Grossmann and the American groups in Germany were made by Mrs.
N. S. A. After the chairman had spoken Helen Bishop and Miss Maxwell, after
of the need for the renewal of religion, I attendance at the Bahi'i Summer School
summarized the Teachings on spiritual and held in Stuttgart. As a consequence, the
36 T H E BAHb'f WORLD

bclicvers of that land have shared thcir "Highly successful meeting, Dccembcr
experiences and methods with American 30, 31, of the Union of Bahh'i Students of
co-workers, and in turn learned more Europe, held in Paris.
directly the principles of the Administrative "Mrs. May Maxwell left Brussels to attend
Order as developed through the American the Conference in Paris and has returned
Bahi'i community. t o carry on the teaching work in Brussels.
The American friends have also followed "During November Miss Mary Maxwell
with admiration the accomplishments of visited 1T Bahi'i Centers in Germany,
Miss Julia Goldman, Mrs. May Maxwell and speaking everywhere to the Bahl'is and
Mrs. Sylvia Matteson in Europe. their friends.
While in Stockholm during 1935, Miss "Mrs. Jeanne Bolles and Miss Bolles left
Goldman had an interview with the archae- London in December. In St. Moritz they
ologist, Sven Hedin, who expressed his interested several persons in the Cause.
intention of seeing the Bahi'i Temple on Now, upon advice from the Guardian, they
the occasion of his next journey t o Chicago. have gone to Southern Germany, and will
I n Geneva, Miss Goldman met a number of make Munchen their teaching headquarters.
delegates attending the Institute of Intel- "Madame Paula Moudri, well-known
lectual Cooperation. I n addition, this writer and peace worker, celebrates her 75th
teacher published interviews in the Stock- birthday in Praha. The Bahgis there are
holm press and held a large number of grateful for the completion of her trans-
public meetings at Bahb'i Centers in lation of the iqdn into Esperanto. Miss
England. Root spent some days in the city. She is
Mrs. Matteson, experienced in press work, now in Budapest, and will go t o Athens t o
assisted the English friends in sending to carry forth the work which she has been
many newspapers a descriptive article and doing for the past few years.
photographs of the Temple at Wilmette, "The League of Nations Library has ac-
showing the completed dome unit, with the cepted the copies of World Order, filed
result that the London Times and other them, and made them available for readers.
journals published a Temple illustration for "Eugen Relgis has written a book en-
the first time. Mrs. Matteson similarly titled Cosmomitapolis, which presents fun-
prepared Bahi'i material for papers in Ger- damental concepts of the 'revolutionary'
many. and evolutionary movement In politics,
The devoted sevices rendered by Mrs. economics and sociology. The only chapter
Louise Erickson of Brooklyn, in promoting on Religion is given over to the BahB'i
the Faith both in Sweden and Denmark, Faith. The author is a Rumanian, but the
by journeys to those lands, by providing French translation of his book may be
for the publication of Swedish translations ordered.
of Bah6'i literature, and by newspaper in- "At the recommendation of Shoghi
terviews, are mentioned with gratitude and Effendi, Friulein Edith Horn, member of
appreciation. The Spiritual Assembly of the National Spiritual Assembly, and Mrs.
Paris in 193 5 took occasion t o mention the Charles Bishop, made a tour of the Bahl'i
fact that a visitor reported having noted Centers in Germany. The Inter-Relations
in a Swedish journal that thc King of Den- Committee through Frau Grossmann
mark had accepted Bahi'i literature pre- planned the itinerary, and invited the
sented by Mrs. Erickson. Articles report- friends t o attend the meetings called for
ing Mrs. Erickson's Bahi'i activities ap- these two visitors.
peared in "Upsala Nya Tidning," "Ulri- "After the close of the Summer School
cehamn's Tidning," "Afton Blader," and in Esslingen, FrSulein Horn and Mrs. Bishop
"Dajens Nyheter," from March to May, visited Stuttgart, Znffenhausen, and Geis-
193F. lingen. Besides these two guests, the friends
From reports and bulletins received from were delighted with the presence in some
European Assemblies the following facts of their gatherings of Mr. and Mrs. Max-
are made available. well, and Miss Mary Maxwell of Montreal.
CURRENT BAH~ ' Af C T I V I T I E S 37

Fraulein Els Grossmann of Neckargemiind blies in England. The arrival of Mr. David
was also a guest in Stuttgart during these Hofman was timely; and with the help of
days. these friends, the Committee initiated a
"Fraulein Horn and Mrs. Bishop met Teaching Bulletin in order t o draw the
with the Bahh'is of Dresden at the Nine- isolated Bahb'is into the National Com-
teenth Day Feast on September 8th. I n munity life, more particularly, by treating
Leipzig they had ample time for delibera- questions on the Administrative Order and
tions with the friends. A special meeting circulating the Guardian's precious letters.
was the reception given by Mrs. Bishop t o The response was immediate and gratifying
the Bahh'is and their friends. A similar for the spirited replies also contained lecture
invitation was given by Mrs. Bishop in engagements for Mr. and Mrs. Bishop's
Berlin. The travelers were delighted with notional tour.
the growth of the Cause in this city: in the "In London, the practice of featuring an
last year the Community has doubled its outside speaker along universal lines, once
membership. There are now a numher of a month, was abandoned; and the program
active workers t o reinforce the efforts so shared by Hasan Balyuzi Effendi, now ac-
long sustained by Herr Lehne. I n Restock, claimed as a first-rate speaker, Mr. Hofman
Frau Walcker, and in Warnemiinde Frau and Mrs. Bishop, resulted in increased
Schwedler arranged beautiful meetings for attendance at meetings. Fireside meetings
the friends. The Bahl'is of these centera were arranged by the Youth Group, and by
on the North Sea are always eager t o hear Mrs. Katharine Brown, and Lady Blomfield
at first hand of the activities of the Cause respectively; besides, Mrs. Bishop met with
in other centers. I n Hamburg, on two Mrs. George's weekly study class for in-
occasions, a large number of the friends tensive work on 'The Dispensation of
rallied to hear the two speakers. Bahl'u'llhh.'
"While Fraulein Horn went to Frank- "Hasan Balyuzi Effendi, Mr. Hofman,
furt to meet with the friends there, Mrs. Miss Cansdale and their enthusiastic col-
Bishop went to Heidelberg t o address a leagues gave a splendid chapter of the Inter-
fairly large study class, led by Dr. and Frau national Youth Rally, initiated in America,
Grossmann at the Museum. I n Weinheim but observed throughout the Bahi'i World
an excellent meeting was held. on March 22nd.
"On September 23rd, Fraulein Horn and "In April, Mr. and Mrs. Bishop went to
Mrs. Bishop met again in Stuttgart, to share Devonshire. Lectures were given in Tor-
with members of the National Spiritual quay at the Theosophical Society, before a
Assembly their experiences in the teaching large audience at the Practical Psychology
field. The special objects of the tour were Center; then at half a dozen friendly fire-
as follows: the presentation by Fraulein sides the Faith was discussed with members
Horn of the notes which she gathered in of the Oxford Group, psychologists, Theos-
conversations with the Guardian during her ophists and Anglicans. Ashburton held
rememberable pilgrimage last May; the its first Bahi'i meeting at the home of a
presentation by Mrs. Bishop of fundamental resident Bahi'i. Mr. Mark Tobey had been
principles of the Administrative Order of ploughing four years for contacts at Dart-
the Bahi'i Community, more particularly, ington Hall, where he teaches painting.
the Guardianship according t o the Will and H e presented Mrs. Bishop and her lecture
Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahl, the dependence before a goodly number in his studio. An
of the centers upon their National Spiritual American-Norwegian home was then offered
Assembly, and the creation of the Central for successive lectures with the result that
Fund. before Mrs. Bishop's departure, the listeners
"In February, 1936, the National Spir- volunteered t o form a study class under
itual Assembly invited Mr. and Mrs. Charles Mrs. Tobey's direction. Good news has just
Bishop t o work with the Teaching Com- come that interest is sustained; sixteen are
mittee in the new and general activity faithful through the summer holiday season,
designed to increase the number of Assem- while the autumn is promising, indeed.
38 T H E B A H A 'f WORLD

"New members are recorded in the vari- ing the example o f the $. A . of the Rahi'is
ous Assemblies. London has also gained; of New York, our S. A. adopted a charter
but the friends feel keenly the departure of and is thus the first local S. A. of our two
Miss Goldman and Mr. F. St. George Spend- countries t o be incorporated.
love, who is ever t o he identified with the "Also in Warncnziinde the friends formed
pioneer work which brought conscious a Spiritual Assembly. As a rule meetings
practice of the high technique of Bah6'i take place every week.
Administrative procedure. "In their bulletin 'Vienna Bahi'i News'
"The friends in Berlin formed this year the community Vienna reports weekly lec-
a Spiritual Assembly. I n addition to the tures. Unity Feasts take place regularly
Bah6'i Feasts there are devotional and in- in the homes of the friends.
structive meetings each first and third "After the Summer-Week at Esslingen,
Wednesday, the other Wednesday evenings 1935, the following foreign participants
being reserved for the work of the Spiritual visited the German Communities and
Assembly. Groups: Miss Julia Goldman-Boston
"The group Dresden held 40 Bahb'i (U. S. A,) with Mrs. Ruhangiz Bolles-
evenings in the course of the past year. Washington (Conn., U. S. A.), Mrs. Helen
"The community Esslifzgen reports regu- Bishop-Geneva, accompanied by Miss
lar public meetings and Unity Feasts. Edith Horn-Frankfort a.M., Mr. and
"In Frankfurt-an-Main friends and in- Mrs. Maxwell and Miss Mary Maxwell-
quirers come often together for a study of Montreal, Canada, as well as Miss Bolles-
the teachings. Washington, Conn., Mr. Ezzatollah Zabih
"The group in Goeppingen-Geislinga -Tihrin, frbn, and Mr. Spendlove--
has been quite active, though handicapped London.
by a loss of four friends through change of "Mrs. Bolles reported on her journey
residence. which, from September 4-16, 1931, took
"Hamburg held regular weekly meetings her to Nuremberg, Dresden, Berlin, Frank-
for study and training of speakers. Also furt a.M., Heidelberg N e ~ k a r ~ e m i i n dand
,
the Unity Feasts were held regularly at the Karlsruhe: 'Miss Julia Goldman and I
friends' homes. arrived in Nuremberg on September 4. I n
"In Heidelberg new interest has been the evening we were called upon by Mr.
aroused through a series of well-frequented and Mrs. Lorey of Fuerth near Nuremberg
semi-public lectures, as well as through and discussed with them till late many
some discussion-meetings and courses of problems of the sacred Cause. Though i t is
introduction. very difficult for the friends to arouse
"In Heilbronn study-classes were ar- interest for the Cause in their locality they
ranged, offering a systematic introduction never tire in their efforts to work for the
into the Bahi'i Teachings. movement. Friday, September I , we went to
"The BahPi Community Karlsruhe has D r e s d a where, in Mr. and Mrs. Koehler's
meetings every Thursday. Especially well home, there was a gathering of eight
attended are the Unity Feasts which take friends. After the meeting many questions
place alternately in Karlsruhe and Rueppnrr. were put and followed by a discussion.
"In Leifizig the friends gather every Mrs. Hentschel, one of the friends in Dres-
Friday and at the Unity Feasts. den, invited us for dinner next day, where
"The group in Riistock continued its we met her sons and daughters. There
Lecture-Meetings and Unity Feasts and the we had also a vivid and interesting discus-
study of 'The Dawn-Breakers.' sion on the Faith. Saturday afternoon we
"The report of the community Stnttgart left Dresden and at night arrived in Berlin.
showed vivid activity: general meetings, Unfortunately, we missed the BahPi meet-
Unity and other Feasts, Reading and Study ing through a misunderstanding, Mr.
Evenings, and the special celebrations and Lehne gave us the address of a Berlin friend,
meetings o n the occasion of the 13th t o whom we wrote instantly. The next
National Convention. This April, follow- morning she came to our hotel, and by the
THE BAHA 'f WORLD

evening brought together twelve f r i e n d s and invited the friends to the meetings
a great achievement considering the long arranged for these two visitors. After the
distances in Berlin and the fact that these conclusion of the Summer-Week at Esslin-
friends could not be reached by telephone. gen, Miss Horn and Mrs. Bishop visited
This evening became one of our most im- Stuttgart, Zuffenhausen and Geislingn.
pressive meetings. Tuesday afternoon we On September 8th they met the Bahb'i
went to Frankfnvt a.M., where, at mid- friends in Dresden at the Unity Feast. In
night, Miss Freimueller met us at the Leipzig they had sufficient time for discus-
station and conducted us to our hotel. She sions with the friends. Mrs. Bishop gave a
gave us all of her time next day. At the special receptio~l to the Bahi'is and her
meeting next evening several gentlemen friends (their friends). Mrs. Bishop gave
were present who were mainly interested in a like invitation in Berlin. The travelers
the solution of the economic problem from had the satisfaction to note the expansion
the Bahb'i point of view. The requested of the Cause in this city: during the last
theme was: History and tenets of the Bahb'i year the community had doubled its n u n -
Faith. Many questions were asked. We hers. Mrs. Walcker arranged for meetings
hope that through the devoted efforts of of the friends in Rostock, and Mrs. Schwed-
Miss Freimueller, with the aid of Miss Horn ler did so in Warnemiinde. The Bahb'is
and others and God's assistance a solid in these centers are always anxious to hear
group will soon be created. Thursday we from a direct source of the Bahl'i activities
proceeded to Neckarge?niind. Mrs. Gross- in other centers. A large number of friends
mann met us in Heidelberg and took us to assembled twice in Hambnrg in order to
her beautifully situated home. In the eve- hear the two spealcers. Whilst Miss Horn
ning we were expected in Heidelberg by went to Frankfsrt, Mrs. Bishop proceeded
some twenty-eight friends and inquirers; to Heidelberg where, at the Museum, she
upon their request we spoke about our addressed a large study-class. In Weinbeinz
Bah6'i work and experiences in other coun- she enjoyed an excellent meeting. Unfor-
tries. There we met again many friends in tunately it was impossible to meet the
whose radiant faces we still beheld a reflec- friends in Karlsruhe during these days. On
tion of the spirit of the Summer School. September 23rd Miss Horn and Mrs. Bishop
The next day found us in Karlsrz~he. We joined again in Stuttgart in order to report
were glad to see Mrs. Branns at the station; on their trip t o the N. S. A.
she made her house our home. The same "After our friend Zabib from i r i n had
night Mrs. Brauns had gathered about thirty spent some length of time in Stuttgart, he
believers and inquirers in her house and once visited, in August and September, the cities
more we were requested to speak on: Bahl'i of Karlsruhe, Hebpenheim, Neckargenziind,
experiences, the development of the Move- Heidelberg and Frankfi~rt. His addresses
ment and its practical influence in our found vivid interest and left a permanent
everyday life. Everywhere on our journey impression.
did we meet with sincere welcome, true "To celebrate the birthday of Bahi'n'll6h,
hospitality and kind cooperation which the community of Stuttgart had joined
everywhere created the spirit of unity. On with the friends of the vicinity and
our train rides from city to city we gave numerous guests, altogether some 230 per-
the Message to many. A number of them sons, for an impressive meeting at the
to whom we gave literature showed great Gustav Siegle House. Mrs. Alice Schwarz
interest. and Dr. Engen Schmidt addressed the audi-
"Mrs. Bishop reports on her trip which ence. The evening was rounded out by a
she undertook together with Miss Horn: musical program, and concluded with a
Upon recommendation of the Guardian, prayer and the singing of a hymn by all.
Miss Edith Horn, member of the N. S. A., This day, as well as the Flte-Day of
and Mrs. Charles Bishop took a journey 'Abdu'l-Bahh, were commemorated in a
through the Bahb'i centers in Germany. dignified way with readings from the testa-
The Contacts Committee made the itinerary ments of Bahb'u'116h and 'Abdu'l-Bah6 and
CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 41

the 'Bahl'i Dispensation' and musical re- After a visit to the RnhB'i community in
citals by the friends in Riistock. Stuttgart, she addressed the Dresden friends
"The Bah6'i group Heidelberg had issued on the 27th and 28th at a well frequented
a special invitation for a meeting on No- meeting. She devoted three evenings to the
vember 17th which was designed to create friends in Leipzig. At a common meeting
a closer bond between the group in Heidel- of the Quakers and Bahi'is in Berlin she
berg and the other friends in Southern delivered an address on the subject 'Faith,'
Germany. Among the numerous visitors and a simple reception in a BahPi home
were friends from Esslingen, Frankfurt united the Berlin friends with their guests.
a.M., Heilbronn, Heppenheim, Karlsruhe Her next stops were Rostock and Warne-
and Stuttgart. Mrs. A. Schwarz-Stmt- miinde. At both places several meetings
gart-spoke on 'The Day of God' and Miss took place, inspiring and strengthening the
~ o r i - ~ r a n k f u r t a.M.-told of her trip participants. Proceeding t o Hamhurg, she
to Haifa. devoted an evening to Schwerin circle and
"Our German Bah6'i work received a the friends in Luebeck. During her stay
valuable contribution through the travels in Hamburg the community there had
of Mr. and Mrs. Fozdar from Bombay several intimate and more public meetings.
(India), Mr. and Mrs. Bishop from Geneva, Mr. and Mrs. Bishop made their return trip
and Mrs. Sylvia Matteson from Chicago via Bremen, Frankfurt, Heppenheim, Wein-
(U. S. A,), who came to Germany upon heim, Heidelberg, Heilbronn, and Karls-
the special request of the Guardian in order rube, exerting their efforts everywhere. The
to visit the friends in the different com- end of the trip saw our guests from Geneva
munities, and to talk to them. The Foz- again in Stuttgart, Esslingen, and Goep-
dars, coming from Geneva, arrived on the pingen. On the 1st of November they
12th of September in Stuttgart, where they returned to their work at the BahB'i Bureau
held a fine spiritual evening with the com- at Geneva. All the time they had worked
munity there; they then proceeded to with indefatigable enthusiasm at all the
London, visiting on their way the groups places, teaching and inspiring. Thus they
and communities in Heidelberg, Berlin, have made a most important contribution
Hamburg, and Bremen. At every place towards the awakening of a new spiritual
they admonished the friends urgently to impulse and an increased devotion to the
always bear in mind their responsibility as service in our Faith. Several newspapers
bearers of the Bahl'i Faith towards a world brought reports and articles on the occasion
torn in religious strife and to rise with a11 of the visit of our friends as the H a m h ~ r g a
their strength to assist in the spiritual con- Fremdenblatt in its evening edition of Sep-
struction of the new era. At the end of tember 19, and the Hamburger Tageblatt
September Sylvia Matteson, on her trip to of the same date, and--concerning the
London, called on the friends in Stuttgart, Bahi'i Temple in Wilmette--the Ham-
Heidelberg, Berlin, and Hamhurg. Her burger Fremdenblatt of October 10 and a
report about the Temple in Wilmette, in Berlin newspaper.
which she herself served as a guide to "The cause of the German Bahi'is has
groups of visitors, and her narratives of the received great impetus through the presence
heroic lives of the great Bah6'i martyrs, of Mrs. Charles Bishop who, though sta-
culminated in a demand of joyful sacrifice, tioned in Geneva, has made it possible to
and never-relenting enthusiasm in the serv- come to the Summer School, as also to visit
ice for the Cause of Bahl'u'll6h. At the the different groups throughout Germany,
end of September Mr. and Mrs. Bishop com- often accompanied by Miss Edith Horn
menced their German trip which lasted who is now attached to the Frankfurt
over a month and touched every place Branch but carries out the Guardian's wish
which had a Bah6'i community or group. to visit the various German centers from
The Guardian had given the special mission time to time. Mrs. Bishop's great gift as a
to Mrs. Bishop to familiarize the friends speaker illuminates the hearts of her audi-
with the ideas of the Bahi'i administration. ence; the earnestness of her spirit and the
T H E B A H A 'f WORLD

charm of hcr personality make Helen Bishop are devoting their life and every spare hour
an outstanding figure in the BahPi Cause t o the service of the Cause.
and a most welcome guest at every gather- "Nobody, for instance, outside of this
ing of friends. small circle of friends can visualize the
"We are glad t o state that we have had effort required t o cope with the task of
quite a number of most welcome teachers translation that is constantly required and
visiting us, though most of them were not that is so urgently needed in view of the
able to stay long; among them were Miss fact that relatively so few of the priceless
Marion Jack, Mrs. Gregory, Mrs. Bolles, hooks given t o humanity by Bahi'u'llih, by
Miss Julia Goldman, Mrs. Thomas Collins, 'Abdu'l-Bah6 and by Shoghi Effendi have
Mrs. May Maxwell, Mr. Spendlove, Mrs. so far been made accessible t o those of the
Matteson, Mrs. Bechtold. Mrs. Hoagg, German friends who are not able to read
formerly in charge of the Geneva office for them in English or French.
many years, until ill-health forced her to "While Stuttgart and surroundings (Ess-
take an extended vacation, stayed in Stntt- lingen, Goeppingen, Karlsruhe, etc.) first
gart for quite a while and was a frequent saw the Cause firmly established in Ger-
visitor at the meetings. many, it can be claimed that in Berlin,
"Of the German teachers Dr. Herman11 Frankfurt a.M., Heidelberg, Leipzig, Ham-
Groasmann shares honors with Dr. Adelbert burg, Dresden, Rostock and Warnemiinde
Miihlschlegel and Dr. Eugen Schmidt as the Cause has firmly taken root and though
the most active speakers before large audi- the number of declared Bahb'is is not so
ences not only in Stuttgart but in many great as yet, there is no mistaking the fact
big and small cities throughout Germany. that the Cause is spreading in Germany. In
These three friends have also taken over order t o give the somewhat isolated north-
the greater part of the work given out by ern districts all the assistance possible a
the Teaching Committee in connection with special committee was formed at the Guard-
the addresses delivered before the Esslingen ian's suggestion which includes a member
Summer School, although Frau Alice of the N. S. A. and it is becoming quite
Schwarz, Frau Schweizer and others have evident that the Cause in Northern Ger-
also contributed to this work. many is thereby being given a new impetus.
"During the last few years several of the "Also the Vienna group remains very
BahPis from f r i n studying or employed in loyal and active; in 1934 Herr Franz
Europe have attended the Summer School Piillinger was a very interested visitor at
and their highly spiritual talks have found the Esslingen Summer School.
a strong echo in the hearts of the German "The reports containing the talks held at
believers. Naimi, Morched Sadeh, Ezzatol- the Esslingen Summer School were printed
lah Zabih are amongst these Bah6'is from for 1933,* and those of 1934 and 1935 will
k i n , while Dr. Fozdar from Poolla and his be printed too and forwarded t o Shoghi
wife Shirin renewed acquaintances with Effendi.
some of the friends who had visited them in "The following German Bahi'is visited
India some nine years ago. Haifa: in 1934: Frau Schweizer, Frl. Anna
"In years of service t o the Cause in Ger- Kiistlin, Herr Karl Klitzing, Frau Inez and
many Frau Alice Schwarz-Solivo stands out Herr Max Greeven; in 1 9 3 5 : Frl. Edith
as the oldest member, though a great num- Horn, Herr A. Nagel.
ber of very devoted and active ladies could "The Teaching meeting, which took place
be cited in the South as well as in the North in the Bah6'i Home a t Esslingen from June
of Germany. 8th t o loth, was an experiment in order to
"The Meetings of the N. S. A. have been find the form and direction for future simi-
held once a month as a rule; it is at these lar meetings on a larger scale. Saturday
meetings that one obtains a glimpse of the night, Dr. Grossmann greeted the friends
quiet, persistent and never-ending work and pointed out the special character of the
that is being carried on behind the scenes gathering as a preparation for teaching-
by the small army of faithful believers who
-
>' Enrirled "Lebensgestalrung."
CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 43

an activity s u p p l ~ r n ~ n t i nthe
g task of the difficulties when we try to understand the
Bahl'i Summer-Weeks which are devoted Sacred Writings. A constant study of the
t o a study of the teachings. H e emphasized writings and meditation on the texts will
the twofold nature of the task which con- develop our understanding and capacity,
fronts the Bahi'i teacher-and it is the but we must always be ready to revise our
duty of every individual Bahi'i to teach conceptions: as our understanding can be
and spread the teachings according t o his only relative and as our capacity should
faculty and possibilities: first to be aflame always be in a state of development, we
with the recognition of his sacred tasks in must never hold dogmatically on to our
the service of the Cause of Bahi'rillih, t o conceptions if we are desirous of spiritual
absorb its spirit and t o possess an unshake- development.
able faith in the aiding power of our reli- "Then Dr. Grossmann discussed what
gion, second to undergo a careful training. Bahi'i Literature has been translated into
T o this second task was devoted the work German so far. We mast distinguish be-
of the Teaching Meeting which, in short tween texts by Bahl'u'llih and 'Abdu'l-
theoretical introductions and in practical Bahh, and records of their utterances taken
exercises which held the keen 2nd active down by other people. The writings of
interest of all participants, covered the most Bahi'u'llih and 'Abdu'l-Bahi are mostly in
important prerequisites for the training of the form of Tablets and Letters. There are
the Bahi'i teacher. Then Dr. Eugen also a number of recorded addresses and
Schmidt spoke on 'Spreading the Bahl'i table talks of 'Abdu'l-Bahi, of which those
Teachings.' This requires above all our examined and approved by him, may, in a
whole-hearted and sustained efforts towards certain sense, rank with his Tablets and Let-
a realization and application of the Bahi'i ters. But notes or reports of others, made
principles. Most important and essential after their conversation with 'Abdu'l-Bahb,
for the expansion of the Sacred Cause is our are often unreliable and must therefore he
spiritual attitude, our self-effacement and considered unauthentic. The Bahl'i teacher
our way of living. The Bahi'i teacher must should avoid referring t o them or use them
always be prompted by an untiring effort only with the necessary reservations. Then
to put his words into practice. Our words Dr. Grossmann gave a survey of the con-
are like accepted drafts which some day are tents, purpose, and arrangement of all
presented t o us to be honored. The quali- Bah6'i books published in the German lan-
ties which a Bahl'i teacher should possess guage. The ~ r a c t i c a lsuggestions about the
are enumerated in the Tablets to Bahb'i arrangement of a reference index should
teachers and leaders, in which 'Abdu'l-Bahi cause every Bahi'i t o compile one for him-
demands from the teacher above all purity, self. Each of the three customary systems
integrity, spirituality, and responsibility. (boolc, card, and looseleaf) has its advan-
"The two following days brought five tages and drawbacks.
themes and practical exercises. "The second theme 'Oratory' was dis-
"Speaking on 'Selecting and Organizing c ~ ~ s s eby
d Dr. Miihlschlegel. An historical
the Material,' Dr. Grossmann commenced survey showed what can be accomplished
by pointing out the importance of being with training in this art. The characteristic
able t o find the appropriate and most strik- of the Greek orator was his adaptability,
ing quotations when answering questions. that of the Roman his clear, somewhat rigid
I t is therefore necessary that everyone read but logical and convincing manner. The
and study the writings. I t is also recom- Bahi'i who is practicing oratory should
mended t o read the Bible and the Qur'ln as heed many things. One of the most impor-
they are often referred to. A t present only tant points is the training of the memory.
a fraction of Bahi'u'IIih's and 'Abdu'l- Dr. Miihlschlegel then dwelt on the tech-
Bahi's writings have been translated or pub- nique of speaking, breathing, physical and
lished, whilst translations can never claim mental attitude of the speaker, the necessity
t o possess the same degree of authenticity as to inspire and lead his audience to action,
the original. Thus we are faced with many etc.
44 THE B A H A. ' I WORLD

"Then by w a y ol practice Robert Schult- Day Feasts bear a spccial character. They
heiss gave a little speech on 'Faith, Knowl- are divided into prayer, readings and devo-
edge and Inspiration.' tion, and reports of the Spiritual Assembly,
"In the third theme Dr. Schmidt gave and the serving of refreshments which may
fundamental guiding lines regarding the be very simple and inexpensive. The first
structure and arrangement of study classes. part serves as common spiritual communion
The difference between a study class and a of the friends with God; in the second part
lecture consists in the participation of every every believer should share the work of the
individual. A study class has, therefore, community and the whole Cause. The
the character of a colloquium. The fol- presentation of refreshments is an outward
lowing points should be heeded for the ar- symbol of the spiritual bond existing be-
rangement of study classes: the number of tween the members of the community.
participants should not be too large so that These words were followed by 2 Bahb'i
every one may take an active part in the Feast during which Miss Horn reported on
discussion and may get acquainted with the her trip to Haifa.
others. Second, the themes should he well "The third day of the Teaching Meeting
connected and follow in logical sequence. was devoted to the fifth and last theme,
The evening may be opened by a short pres- 'Discussions.' Dr. Schmidt spolce on its
entation of the theme and followed by a outward and Dr. Miihlschlegel on its in-
discussion into which all present should be ward requirements. It is of extreme im-
drawn. The other method of working out portance that the leader know his own
the theme by questions and answers, can limitations and avoid the discussion of ques-
also be made very interesting. Our en- tions which he could not answer satisfac-
thusiastic and convinced efforts for the torily. Courtesy and poise should always
great Cause should be coupled with ade- be ohserved. The inquirer should be treated
quate restraint; above all, personal attacks, as a friend and not as opposition; his ques-
among the participants, should be avoided. tions should be met with an understanding
If we want to spread our belief we must attitude. The religious character of the dis-
first ecablish it firmly in ourselves. Then cussions should never be forgotten. The
Dr. Schmidt spoke on 'God and Creation' audience often asks questions of a political
in a manner designed for study cla~ses,and character or plain political questions. Here
the participants could recognize clearly the discussion leader should point out that
what a difficult and responsible task it is his discourse is based on a religious and not
to be the leader of such a study class. The on a political platform and turn the dis-
essential prerequisite is a complete master- cussion to the religious sphere. After his
ing of the subject and related themes. Only address, the leader should endeavor to recon-
when these can be met should a Bah6'i cile diverging opinions and to lead those
teacher undertake this task. In conclusion expressing them to a recognition of the
and by way of confirming the aforesaid, Bah6'i standpoint. This was followed by
'Abdu'l-Bahb's discourse on 'God and the a practical demonstration, preceded by ad-
Creation' was read. dresses on the following themes: 1 ) Unity,
"The fourth theme was devoted to the 2 ) Religion and Science, 3 ) Religious
character of Bahh'i Feasts. Dr. Gross~nann Cycles. For the first theme leadcrs for
discussed several points regarding invita- the discussion were for 1 0 minutes: Bruno
tions, choice of locality, its decoration, Bauer, Fred Kohler, Mrs. Anna Grossmann;
musical introductions, reading from the for the second, Mrs. Hede Schubert, Alfred
Sacred Writings and short addresses. As Schweizer, and for the third, Miss Liesel
the Bah6'i Faith knows no services in the Mueller and Mrs. Anna Schoch. The audi-
traditional form of our churches, special ence would ask questions which, at times,
attention should be given to the arrange- got the leader into hot water, and his effort
ment of our Bahl'i Feasts, which should to find the right answer was extremely in-
become a vital experience to friends of the structive. I t was demonstrated that the
Cause and believers alike. The Nineteenth Bah6'i discussion leader must meet very
CURRENT BAH~ ' Af C T I V I T I E S 4F

high requirements to be able to find the and also a pamphlct 'Bahi'ism, Its IIistory,
right and comprehensive answer to the es- Its Universal Application.'
sential point of the question. "Several hundred volumes of works on
"This Teaching Meeting which was at- the Cause have been offered to the Munici-
tended by 40 friends from the Southern pal and University authorities and now have
part of Germany, was a first experiment a place in the catalogues of Public libraries
but its success makes us hope that we shall and universities.
meet more often for this purpose. "Madame Hess, in collaboration with
"Many years have passed since the two Mademoiselle Alcau, has translated into
great writers of France, Gobineau and French "Abdu'l-Bahi's Paris Talks,' and
Renan, called the attention of their readers Monsieur des Hons has translated 'The
to Bahl'ism, awakening an interest which sterious Forces of Civilization,' both of
grows as the years pass. will be published shortly.
"Later, the Bahi'i friends of France twice "It must be added, that if the French
had the privilege of receiving 'Abdu'l-Bahi, public fail to respond to any attempts of
Himself. propaganda of the Cause, it, nevertheless,
"In France, the Bahi'i Faith is considered shows a keen interest in the social, philo-
a great ideal, a worthy doctrine, aud ic can wphical and historical sides of the Teach-
be said, without the slightest exaggeration, ings."
that both the press and public express opin- Concerning activities during 193 1-1936,
ions and ideas which clearly show a similar the Spiritual Assembly of Paris has prepared
tendency. the following:
"The group in Paris is still rather limited
in the number of active members, but it is "Nous avons tenu cette annee les m h e s
fortunately being increased by young stu- sortes de reunions que les annCes prdc6dentes
dents from frbn as well as by Bahi'i friends mais elles ont ete suivies par un plus grand
passing through Paris. nombre de personnes.
"Regular meetings are held as follows: "Parmi les visiteurs, nous avons eu la joie
"At Mrs. Edwin Scott's s t u d i w v e r y d'avoir Mrs. May Maxwell qui fonda, en
fortnight. 1900, le premier groupe Bah6'i h Paris. Son
"At Miss Sanderson's home-every month passage contribua non seulement B notre
(these meetings are consecrated exclusively developpement ici mais, &ant restCe une
to the young students of i r l n ) . partie du printelnps B Lyon, sa prCscnce fut
"The Spiritual Assembly meets once a particuli~rement utile an petit groupe de
month at the home of Mrs. Dreyfus- cette ville qui s'interesse B la Cause.
Barney. "Nous avons eu 6galement le plaisir de
"The annual Congress of the Union of voir plusieurs Bahl'is de passage B Paris,-
Bahi'i Students is held at Mrs. Scott's studio et parmi eux, Madame O~lovaqui a bien
at the end of the year. voulu nous faire une tres intCressante caus-
"The topics discussed on December 29 erie sur son travail aux ~tats-Unis.
and 3 0 were: 1) History of Religions and "Nous regrettons le depart de certains
their connection with the Bahl'i Faith. des Btudiants Persans qui ont rant ajoutk
2 ) BahCi Education, the basis of World h l'intCr8t de nos reunions.
Peace. 3 ) Know thee thyself (Socrates). "Nous avons vivement apprecie la
4 ) How best to promote the BahCi Cause. sence de l56minent historien du Babisme,
"A small group has been formed this year Monsieur Nicolas, i la rCunion oh nous
at Lyons by a few persons interested in the avons fBte la Declaration du Bib et la
Cause and regular meetings are held. Naissance de 'Abdu'l-Bahh.
"The Paris group take a special interest in "La Commission de notre AssemblCe Spir-
the translation of Bahi'i works and have ituelle qui s'occupe des ouvrages Bahi'is a
recently published the second edition of the fait pblier:
Essay on Bahi'ism, by Hippolyte Dreyfus,
which has attained a well deserved success, 'Vers I'apogke de la Race Humaine'
46 T H E BAHA'I WORLD
la remarquable l r ~ ~ rdee Shoghi Effcndi don where public meetings are now held on
adressbe aux Amis de I'Occident le 11 Mars Sunday evenings at 6:30 P.M. some aspect
1936; une reedition de 'Le Nouvel Ordre of the Movement is always the subject of an
Mondial' de Shoghi Effendi, et de 'L'Bcono- address, and questions are invited.
mie Mondiale de Bahl'u'llih' de Horace "Sometimes the address is given by a non-
Holley. Bahh'i on some allied topic, and then the
"Mademoiselle Anguize Tabrizi est allbe chairman is ready to follow with a short
en Mai dernier voir sa famille A Hai'fa et a speech linking up the Bahi'i view of the
bien voulu porter i Shoghi Effendi, de la subject. Among the speakers have been
part de Madame Dreyfus-Barney: le manu- The Rev. Magnus Ratter of the Theistic
scrit original des 'Lesons de Saint Jean Church, Mr. Brian Goddard and Mr. Allan
$Acre' ainsi que celui de 'Trois Legons sur Burnett Rae of the New Commonwealth
le Debut de la Cause' par 'Abdu'l-Bahb, non (an International Peace Society which em-
encore publides, et de nombreuses Tablettes bodies in its principal objectives some of the
adressees par 'Abdu'l-Bahi h Hippolyte teachings of the Master on the subject),
Dreyfus et i Madame Dreyfus-Barney. Ces Miss Christine Fraser and Mr. Wren of the
icrits traitent de questions de la plus haute League of Nations Union, and Mr. Judd of
importance pour la Cause. the L.N.U. Education Committee, The Rev.
"Paris-Midi, un quotidien de la grande Leslie Belton, Unitarian Minister, and Mr.
presse parisienne, a publi6 un article fort H. Polak.
indressant 'Sorties du Harem pour entrer "Among visitors from other lands who
au Parlement' sur l'imancipation des have helped at the meetings have been
fenunes en Orient; il signale que le veri- 'Abdu'l Husayn L h i n Naimi, and Mr. and
table precnrseur du mouvement fut en 1850 Mrs. Fuad Ruhani from frbn, Mrs. Stuart
Quaratul Eine qui suivit les enseignements French of California, Dr. and Mrs. Fozdar
liberateurs de Bahl'u'116h. of Bombay, and Miss Julia Goldman from
"A une de nos r6unions le sculpteur Honolulu.
Nicolas Sokelnicki entendit parler de la "Bah6'i speakers have been asked to ad-
Cause et de 'Abdu'l-Bahi et se sentit forte- dress the New Thought Conference, the
ment attire par le Baha'isme. Quelques jours Brotherhood Movement, a Theosophist
plus tard-sous l'impression de la presence Group, a Toc H. Center, and meetings con-
de 'Abdu'l-Bahi-il tprouva le besoin de vened at Cambridge, Doncaster and Brigh-
tradoire pIastiquement I'irnprcssion regue e t ton.
sur le champ Cbaucba le buste, grandeur na- "During the Feast of Ridvhn, 1931, con-
turelle, du Maitre, aussi ressemblant que s'il siderable attention was attracted by an exhi-
I'avait connu. bition in the London Center of Bahh'i books
"Au milieu de I'itat de malaise mondial and pictures, also of personal belongings of
que nous traversons, c'est uue grande force the Founders of the Movement in the pos-
pour les Bahi'is de France de se sentir unis session of the Assembly.
aux autres Amis qui savent comme eux que "Another feature was a Meeting of
le moment actuel n'est qu'une ktape vers Thanksgiving and Commemoration of the
une civilisation plus ordonnee et meil- Jubilee of King George V. Parts of the
leure." Tablet to Queen Victoria were read and
the special prayer composed by 'Abdu'l-
"The Cause in the British Isles has three Bahb on behalf of King George V. was
main centers of activity-London, Man- recited.
chester and Bournemouth; groups for study "There are Youth Groups for the study
are forming in Bradford, York and Orping- of the teachings in London and Manchester.
ton. The enrollment of professed followers Some members of the former attended a
does not show great increase; but the work Summer School at Shoreham in 1934.
goes on steadily. Large public meetings are "Another development in London has
not practicable where there is a dearth of been the formation of a Women's Service
trained speakers; but at the Center in Lon- Committee which undertakes to collect
funds and carry out charitable and humani- the early days of forming the Assemblies,
tarian projects. and for many years he devoted all his leisure
"Some of our friends who have not defi- hours to the correspondence and work of
nitely joined the Movement have given very the Movement.
welcome service on this Committee. "On Whitmonday, 1931, passed Elsie Lea,
"In Bournemouth the Friends have a spe- for many, years Treasurer and member of
cial fund for the relief of those who are sick the London Spiritual Assembly. She was
or in financial difficulty. among those who had the privilege of meet-
"A notable contribution to the literature ing the Master when He was in this country,
of the Movement has bccn madc by the and her devotion to His memory was the
publication of 'The Promise of All Ages' by motive power of her life. Through a long
Christophil. This gives a scholarly and com- and painful illness her faith remained clear
prehensive view of the Great Universal Age and strong and was her light to the end.
which is beginning, and cannot fail to im- Nine of the friends were present when her
press the reader. The author traces from body was laid to rest and a memorial meet-
the writings of the past how seers and ing was afterwards held at the London
thinkers of all time have foreseen this Day, Center.
and how the Founders of all the religious "Another great loss was sustained by the
systems of the world have taught their fol- London Group in the passing of Harry
lowers to look forward to it. Romer. Accounts of his life and work will
"With a wealth of detail and quotation appear elsewhere; but it-remains to record
from classic writings we are shown the his- the thankfulness of the friends for the
tory of the ages as a single epic, conceived privilege of receiving him in their midst,
of God from the beginning and unfolding and for the fellowship they have enjoyed
with the majestic rhythm of His Purpose with his rare spirit. The loss which the
till the Great Day dawns and the era of London Group has experienced in the re-
man's regeneration evolves, the Most Great turn of Mrs. Annie Romer t o the United
Peace is established, and unity, harmony and States is a very real one. Her labors and
love reign supreme. To many outside read- sacrifices for the Cause were untiring, and
ers it will give a new comprehension of the we pray that she may receive the only re-
essential oneness of the diverse religions and ward to which she looked.
beliefs, and a vision of hope for the future "During the past year the Cause has been
in a coherent explanation of the meaning registered with the authorities as a definite
and purpose of successive revelations. Many Religious Community; and the Center in
readers have exclaimed, 'Why have we never London has the status of a Place of Wor-
heard of this before?' ship.
"Another publication has been 'The "In reviewing the progress of the Move-
Drama of the Kingdom' by Mrs. Basil Hall, ment during the last two years, one
founded on a plan indicated by the Master recognizes that while there is heartfelt
when He was in London. appreciation of the truth and wonder of
"Reviews and notices of the Bahh'i Move- the Universal Teachings, there is a very real
ment appear constantly in a Scottish weekly reluctance to enter into anything like sec-
paper, The John o' Groat's Jouwzal. tarian bonds. The more thoughtful have
"During the past two years three friends just escaped from old exclusive viewpoints
who have served the Cause well, have passed and quite plainly say that they do not desire
beyond the veil. to commit themselves to any one denom-
"On August 3 lst, 1934, George Palgrave ination; but in a country which has made,
Simpson passed after a long illness. He had and is prepared to make, such tangible sacri-
retired from active work some time previ- fices for the ideals of universal peace and
ously; but we do not forget the years when brotherhood, one can see evidences that the
he held office both on the London and Na- Spirit of BahA'u'lllh is working strongly
tional Assemblies. His careful and thorough and effectively, and one may be full of hope
business inethods were of great service in for the future."
48 T H E B A H A 'f WORLD

TEACHING ACTIVITIES heads crammed with schemes for accelerat-
I N SOUTH AMERICA ing trade. Germans by the thousand,
driven from the Fatherland by the great
A n important series of translations have war. Italians out of sympathy with present-
been made during recent years by Miss day government. These pioneers. were
Leonora Holsapple, long resident as a Bahh'i moulding the environment to suit their
teacher in Bahia, Brazil. The titles include needs, while each brought his traditions and
"Bahh'u'116h and the New Era" in Span- his culture.
ish and Portuguese, the "Paris Talks" of "The 'Santa Lucia' landed us at Valpa-
'Abdu'l-Bahb and "The Most Great Peace" raiso and from thcrc the train carried us to
in the latter language. This service concen- the Capital of Chile, Santiago.
trated the teacher's ardent and sacrificing "My first definite request to present the
efforts for some years. Bahi'i Cause was a t the Y. W . C. A. The
I n 1931, however, Miss Holsapple, as- proposal met with an instant response. The
sisted by interested natives, rented a house staff made all arrangements and when the
well situated for public meetings. The first afternoon arrived the hall was crowded with
meeting was held on the Anniversary of the notables; the heads of the Sweet Memorial
Birth of the Bib, and Miss IIolsapple writes hospital and clinic; the directors of the Val-
that she is very encouraged by the results, paraiso Y. M. C . A,, the leaders of the
and particularly by the devotion with which literary societies as well as President of the
the nucleus of b'elievers, lacking material college and ministers of various denomina-
resources, contributed physical labor for the tions. Mr. Mathews opened by reading a
preparation of the new center. page from the 'Bah6'i Scriptures.' When
I t is her hope t o he able to print a num- he finished, the chairman asked him to read
ber of other translations she has made, par- it again. This request became the keynote
ticularly the Hidden Words and Prayers. of the occasion, lifting it beyond the ordi-
Manuscript translations of "Some Answered nary meeting and when the talk 'Widening
Questions," the "fqhn" and other Bahi'i Our Horizons' was finished, questions were
works likewise exist which later will he asked from every part of the audience. I t
issued in printed form. was already dark when we left the building;
During the winter of 1934.1935, Mr. the whole afternoon had been filled with
and Mrs. E. R. Mathews carried out an heavenly enthusiasm, so much so that we
extensive journey through South America, could scarcely credit the fact that we, the
following their trip t o Australia and New bearers of a new Message, had been so
Zealand, for the sole purpose of stimulating warmly received in this distant land.
definite and lasting interest in the Bahi'i "Immediate results followed, for both the
Faith. While too extensive t o include the head and secretary of the SocietC de Femina
entire report in this summary, the following became students of the Bahi'i Cause. This
excerpts from their record are more than little literary circle of thirty students
sufficient t o indicate the degree of the ac- studied literature in both Spanish and Eng-
complishment. lish and it was therefore arranged that they
"As we had journeyed t o South America should read 'Bahi'u'llih and the New Era'
with a definite Bahi'i program, that of and 'The Goal of the New World Order' in
forming groups for the study of the Bahi'i Spanish and English.
Faith, as well as to find individuals of ca- "At length the time came when we bade
pacity, who could comprehend Bah6'u'llhh's farewell t o our new-found friends, happy in
program for a future civilization, we gath- the thought that in the Capital of Chile
ered facts about the countries through there would be a group studying the
which we were to travel. Thus we learned Cause. Study would augment capacity and
that while outwardly the Spanish conquest in time an understanding of the principles
maintained, commerce was slowly drifting of the New Civilization would draw these
into alien hands. Canadians, hardy and students t o become part of the great pro-
thrifty, were here. Americans also, their gram of Bahi'u'llhh.
"There are two ways of rezching the "Opportunity came in the form of an
Argentine from Chile; the first is over the invitation to address the Dramatic Society
Andes, the route Martha Root had taken; on the modern drama! I accepted. The
the other skirting Chile and Patagonia. We afternoon came and dressed in my best I
determined upon the southern route where stepped upon nly initial platform. The
no Bahi'i had yet been. From the south, talk received widespread publicity and the
winter was already enveloping the whole daily papers carried the entire talk. This
Antarctic region, sending icy winds north- brought the editor of The Standard t o in-
ward over Patagonia. We decided, how- terview us. I confided t o him my dilemma.
ever, t o risk these hazards and go t o the H e was so intrigued that he decided to
Argentine via the Chilean Lakes. study the Cause with me and investigate
"In this remote land occurred a great its truth for himself. After an intensive
spiritual experience, one of those meetings course of reading he was carried beyond
of the spirit that make social amenities pale jourl~alisticimpulses and there begin t o ap-
by con~parison. I t happened that a German pear in the columns of his paper references
couple had come from Pnerto Varas, Chile. t o the word Bahi'i, its meaning, its origin
Madame de Burmuihl spoke English. I n and finally a two-column article on the his-
whispers in the corner of the office we tory of the movement from its inception.
talked of the New World Order; as I un- "Giving a talk at the Spanish Club I had
folded the Divine Plan she seemed to read t o employ an interpreter. This was a veri-
it with me as from an open book. Each table ordeal and I remembered how many
statement of mine was rounded out and times 'Abdu'l-Bahl had passed through the
completed by this clear-sighted woman. As ordeal of having His words redistributed by
I explained the simple form of our Admin- an alien tongue.
istration and the station of the Guardian "From a variety of public talks there
of the Cause, she repeated my words to emerged certain personalities that made an
her husband: 'Listen Gustave, we have a indelible impression. First in order of time
Guardian-one who holds the world to- was Miss Beer, a German from Africa's
gether in this day--one who is prepariug Gold Coast. Tragedies had rained down
humanity for a new civilization.' Very upon her ever siuce the World War. I n an
thoughtfully he turned the idea over in his agony of spirit she had battered at the door
mind and then replied in a deep voice, 'Yes, of ancient theology, only to find herself
yes, I can understand that. It is as it shut out by dogmatic controversies. From
should be-somewhere , a spiritual leader the first, she fell in love with the Bahi'i
must be malting the plan that will guide us principles; she amassed a wealth of quota-
out of the wilderness and chaos of the pres- tions from the Writings and studied by
eilt into a new and better path.' Madame night as well as by day. After our third
de Burmuihl explained that they belonged lesson she read a paper on the Bah6'i Move-
to a large group of Germans who met and ment before the German Literary Circle.
studied under the name of 'Liberal Thought As the inner commotion of soul subsided,
Society.' But no more literature from the she expressed a happiness that is impossible
society was permitted in Germany, so as t o describe.
winter approached they were without mate- "A giant of undxunted courage was
rial for study. The Bah6'i Revelation Sefiora Barrill. EIer husband had been a
formed the link in the chain and they em- pioneer in Argentine finance and from his
braced it eagerly and whole-heartedly. They accumulated fortune had built a veritable
felt sure that the study group would accept palace of medieval splendor. Then, sud-
it as they did. denly, she was left alone. I t was at this
"Buenos Aires greeted us with a down- period of her life that an awakening of soul
pour of cold rain. The stirring events of occurred. All at once there flooded her
the Chilean trip, however, buoyed our being an iniler consciousne,~ that a new
spirits above temperature and filled our Message had come t o earth, a Message, that
hearts with strong hope. would bind all religions together. She
I0 T H E BAHA'f WORLD

closed the palace and started forth in search ing, 'if the picture you hnve painted is even
of that which her heart foretold. But half true, I think you better come to the
everywhere she went she encountered creeds, United States where no one will be iuter-
old and new. Saddened by failure she jour- ested in your beliefs, nor take heed of the
neyed homeward. ideas you harbor beneath your charming
"I gave a talk at the Y. W. C. A. on curls.' So we planned that she should come
the union of all races, religions and creeds. in the autumn and I pray that this free
Though understanding no English she came, soul may come under the Bahi'i training
to hear it, with her niece as interpreter. All that will develop, without curtailing, her
during the talk I could see that she was in lovely spirit.
a state of agitation; she clasped and un- "The visit to Buenos Aires that in the
clasped her hands continuously. As soon as beginning had been fraught with dark diffi-
I finished she beckoned me. 'All over the culty, terminated in great enthusiasm for
world I have been seeking the treasure that the Bahi'i Principles. Alas, that a rigid
you have now placed in my hands this code prevented joining my pupils together;
afternoon. 'The New World Order' that nevertheless, as I stood on the deck of the
you have explained, has been ringing in my steamer that was carrying us t o Brazil, I
heart for many a long day.' Often when felt that group consciousness would be the
we sat together before the fire she would natural consequence of Bahi'i study and
cry out 'Let us go spread the good news- would come about as a result of it.
let us tramp the world over.' And though "In Rio, Leonora Holsapple joined us.
well over seventy, as we left she was pre- She had come following Martha Root's not-
paring t o depart on a world crusade. able visit t o South America. Settling in
"Another wonderful friendship was Bahia (which in Spanish means bay), she
formed with a distinguished Argentine farn- had set herself the task of mastering Spanish
ily that ;ve had met on the train from and Portuguese, while earning her living in
Bariloche. There were a widow, her daugh- a city directly over the equator. Encour-
ters and a niece. They came to hear me aged by our Guardian, she translated and
speak and presently we found ourselves he- published 'Bah6'u'IIb.h and the New Era'
ing entertained by the most hospitable of and other volumes, thus making an out-
people. We saw gardens copied from the standing contribution for all time to the
palaces of Europe, where roses grew as high Bahi'i Cause.
as young fruit trees, beds of lotus in bloom, "Through the influence of this true
white and tranquil beside marble pools. Bah6'i friend, we were able t o form a class
Everywhere were rare tropical plants gath- without delay. These people were suffi-
ered from the far-off islands of the Pacific. ciently evolved to draw together for study
One day, while Sefiorita Lavarello and I and t o meet often. A second class soon
were driving, she remarked, 'You remind followed the first through important Amer-
me of someone I met in Geneva-a woman icans to whom we had brought letters. The
all spirit.' Naturally I asked her name. members of this class enabled me t o place
'Lady Bloomfield,' she replied. 'Like you Bah6'i books in the circulating libraries.
she is a Bahb'i. It is strange how much "I spoke on the prophecies fulfilled by the
this religion attracts me, but I know it is Bahb'i Religion and gave a short outline of
not for me, for should I approach it ever so the Bib, Bahb'u'llih and 'Abdu'l-Bahh.
secretly, the family would know and every Their reception of the talk impressed us all.
member of the clan would arise to save me I t was evident that there existed a strong
from Hell that they would see yawning t o spiritual tie between us and some day this
receive me;-you have no idea of the power will be cemented. From that moment they
of Spanish traditions-the Rock of Gibral- did all in their power to help us spread the
tar is a weak defense by comparison-I Bahb'i Message and surrounded us with
would be in~mediately surroulided by an every kindness.
ecclesiastical conference that would go on "Through Miss Holsapple'a influence I
forever and ever.' 'Well,' I replied, laugh- spoke at the Educational League. This im-
CURRENT B A H A ' ~A C T I V I T I E S I1

portant commirtcr controls the education planations of the Faith and its literature
of Brazil as well as the reading matter that could be given. A radio talk at Trinidad,
goes t o schools and libraries. Religion mzy B. W. I., was reproduced in the local press,
not be spoken from their platform but the and the Blakeleys found many receptive
breadth of the Cause gave ample opportu- hearts.
nity to outline education froln its spiritual A t Georgetown, Mr. and Mrs. Blakeley
standpoint. I also addressed the Y. W. C. A. found themselves in a civilization partly
that throughout the journey had treated our Dutch and partly English in character, with
mission with so much cordiality. a colony of East Indians whose members
"We were invited t o spend an evenlng proved most receptive.
with the Sufis to address their members. As By public lectures, two series of radio
far as we could learn, they were not con- addresses, and the publication of these ad-
nected with the Sufis of fr6n. The move- dresses in The Daily Chronicle, Mrs. Blake-
ment had been brought from India to Lon- ley succeeded beyond her expectation in
don and its leaders, Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Best, establishing a real and friendly interest in
were English. The pamphlets describing the new World Order. One series was
the belief seemed subjective in character known as "The Voice of Peace," the other
though broad and humanitarian in design. had the title of "The R81e of Religion and
"In retrospect it is impossible to number Science in Modern Civilization."
the individuals that crossed our path during The l e c t ~ u eon "The Unity of Man," de-
this voyage of five months. Constantly we livered before the East Indian Association,
were meeting strangers and constantly tell: led to the formation of a study class. Other
ing them of the purpose of our visit. By lectures were requested by the Moravian
land and by sea, over thousands of miles, Church and local members of the Masonic
the Cause was heralded and its dynamic order.
news snread."
Less than a year after this journey by SUMMER SCHOOLS
Mr. m d Mrs. Mathews, Mr. and Mrs. Dud-
ley W. Blakeley started from New York on The rise of permanent educational insti-
a journey t o another part of South America, tutions throughout the Bahl'i world marks
leaving on March 6 , 1936 and returning a definite turning point in the progress of
toward the end of April. the Faith. This turning point can most
The points visited were Haiti, La Guayra, briefly be defined as the transformation of
Curasao, Porto Cabello, Cuanto, Puerto de the content of the phrase "Bahi'i teacher"
Sucre, Curapano, Trinidad and George- from its first meaning of public speaker t o
town. the new concept of educator, or teacher in
While the journey was taken primarily the organic sense. The transition has been
for reasons of scientific research, the spir- from the plane of personal feeling t o that of
itual intention of seizing the opportunity t o conscious knowledge.
promote the Faith of Bahi'u'llih in new During the era when the Faith was pro-
lands and among new peoples was no less moted by believers touched by its spirit but
vital; and indeed, the story of this most in- incompletely informed of its teachings, it
teresting and effective mission means above was inevitable that the active worker should
all the fact that Bahl'is, under all circum- consider "teaching" as exhortation more
stances, have a supreme aim which they can than instruction, as an appeal to enter a new
fulfil amid the ordinary conditions of life Kingdom of Mystery rather than education
as laymen, and which requires no special in a universal science or art of the soul.
ecclesiastical office or distinction. The well of feeling was necessarily drawn
Georgetown was their objective, and the upon t o supply every lack of organized
place where the most active Bah6'i teaching knowledge, particularly in view of the fact
was carried on. The journey itself, how- that the new Revelation was regarded more
ever, afforded unique opportunities for per- as a personal experience than as the basis of
sonal contacts and friendships in which ex- a world commonwealth. The influence of
the prelching habits of the professiond reli- They have not come to preach but to
gionists in the prior religious environment inform.
also had its strong but unconscious effect, I n the reports prepared by the various
at least in the West. Moreover, the Faith School committees the vitality of their
disclosed no visible and immediate relation spirit of knowledge is clearly portrayed. As
t o the progress of human destiny as a whole, the modern university had its beginning in
for in those days the BahCis were as wor- the new body of knowledge available after
shippers in the catacombs of a proud city the influence of Muhammad had reversed
which ignored their existence or despised the anti-rational attitude of the Christians
their belief. The world above and about in Europe, so these BahCi Schools contain
them still moved under an impetus which the germ of all future education, and in
apparently had no dependence upon the their fulfilment will be instruments for the
Word of God. diffusion of a universal truth unknown in
Through the instrumentality of their any previous Dispensation.
Summer Schools, concentrating a trend al-
ready beginning to be apparent in the larger Green Acve
and more experienced local centers, the
Bahi'is about ten years ago began t o face 1934
the fact that their Sacred Scriptures offered "The Green Acre Summer School for the
all the elements of a spiritual university and 1934 season began its organized courses on
not alone the intoxication of a new sod Monday, July 9th, and courses continued
purer wine. The personal testimony of in session five mornings a week for seven
faith, the practice of self-revealment, the weeks.
sharing of individual states of feeling, the "The first two weeks were devoted t o a
standard of "teaching" in the infancy of careful study of the 'Kitib-i-fqin.' . ..
collective Bahi'i experience, began steadily Those who were in attendance felt that they
t o retreat before the new standard attempt- gained much added insight into this book
ing t o safeguard the "light of love in the of Bahi'u'lldh's. Mrs. Greenleaf was par-
glass of Imowledge." The educator assumed ticularly helpful in the way in which she
the place long held by the exhorter, without linked the Teachings of the fqdn with the
sacrificing the inner reality of consecration present problems and needs of the Bahi'i
and reverence upon which faith depends. Faith.
The e~lvironment of the Bah6'is had "The third week consisted of five lectures
changed from 'Abdu'l-Bahb's concentration given by Miss Mary Maxwell on Nabil's
upon individaals t o the Guardian's concen- Narrative, 'The Dawn Breakers.' In this
tration upon the community, and the rise of series, Miss Maxwell narrated the story of
the Bahi'i educational i~lstitutioos is the all the important happenings in the life of
signal of this change. the Bib and His followers, and thus gave a
By now the moving and evolving spirit most dramatic and inspiring review of this
of the Bahi'i community realizes the dis- remarkable book. I t seems certain that no
tinction between the "teacher" who pos- person who had not previously read 'The
sesses knowledge not encon~passed.round Dawn Breakers' could have heard these lec-
nbout with personal emotion, and the tures without making a resolve t o immedi-
"teacher" who in reality projects himself ately begin t o read the whole Narrative.
upon the group. "During the fourth week Dr. 'Ali Kuli
The Bahi'i Summer School today, for all @ i n gave a series of lectures on some of
its brief duration and informality and mod- the Tablets of Bah6'u'116h, which are most
est equipment, offers definite courses of in- difficult for the Occidental Bahi'i to under-
struction and requires thc attitude of the stand. H e explained much of the frinian
student on the part of those who attend. symbolism used, corrected some mis-transla-
Its class lcadcrs have prepared themselves tions, and added greatly t o our spiritual
by research and reflection, attested in the appreciation of these majestic Tablets. The
outlines each has prepared for his course. following Tablets were discussed by Dr.
Interior View of the Bath the BBb went Interior of the & l h - a r i g h , S i r l z ,
to when a Child. Burial-place of the Bib's wife.

Room occupied by 'Abdu'lLBahi when a Little Boy (six years old) in the Village of
Tlkur, Mlzindarin, frin.
54 THE BAHA'I WORLD

Lhbn during this week: 'The Tablet of the gave one lecture in the regular morning
Virgin'; the 'Tablet of the Holy Mariner'; class period, from l l : 0 0 to 12:30. The
the 'Tablet of Wisdom'; 'The Discourse on topics considered in their discussion were
the Temple'; 'The Seven Valleys'; 'The 'Immortality,' 'Prayer' and 'Prophecy.'
Four Valleys.' "During the second week of the session,
"The topic of the fifth week's course was Dr. Cobb gave a very helpful course in
'How can the individual meet the spiritual which he reviewed his own book, 'Security
conflicts of the modern world?' with Dr. for a Failing World,' as well as 'The Prom-
Genevieve Coy as leader of discussion. The ise of All Ages,' by Christophil, and then
purpose of this course was to aid Bah6'is in showed how these books can be used in
meeting some of the spiritual conflicts with- teaching the Bahh'i Faith.
in their own lives, and also to provide means "The third course was given by Prof.
for greater understanding of the spiritual Shook, on 'Mysticism and the Bah6'i Teach-
problems one meets in teaching the Bahi'i ing.' Prof. Shook had prepared a very valu-
Faith. able outline to accompany this course, in
"The sixth course, taught by Mr. David which he used R"hi Effendi's 'Mysticism
Hofman, was entitled 'Proposed Solutions and the Bahi'i Revelation' as the basic
of the Economic Problem Compared with reading. Topics covered included the fol-
the Bahi'i Economic Program." In clear lowing: the conflict between mind and
and simple language which could be under- heart, the nature of mysticism, and the fun-
stood by the listener with no background damental difference between mysticism and
of study of Economics, Mr. Hofman pre- prophetic religion.
sented the basic ideas involved in Technoc- "The leader who had been scheduled for
racy, Communism, Capitalism, etc. The the fourth course was unable t o come to
course was concluded by a discussion of the Green Acre and the morning meetings that
economic provisions of the World Order of week were given to prayer and meditation,
Bah6'u'Ilbh, and showed in what ways the with various friends as leaders.
Bahi'i Program provides strength at points "During the fifth week, four different
in which the other solutions were weak. leaders took charge of the work. Mr.
"During the seventh week of the Sum- Emeric Sala led two discussions on the
mer Scbool Mr. Horace Holley presented topics, 'A New Aspect of Religion' and 'A
important points concerning 'The World Theocratic Democracy.' The speakers and
Order of Bahi'u'llili.' In a twenty-minute topics for the three remaining days were as
introductory talk each day, Mr. Holley dis- follows:-Mrs. Rosemary Sala, 'A Two-fold
cussed ways in which the individual Bahb'i Consciousness'; Mr. Saffa Kinuey, 'Spiritu-
may most usefully relate his life to the ality'; Miss Louise Wright, 'The Reality of
World Order. This talk was followed by Man.'
readings from the World Order Letters of "The course for the sixth week was led
Shoghi Effendi. The morning's session was by Dr. Genevieve Coy, and the topic for
concluded by a round table discussion of discussion was 'Racial Likenesses and Differ-
points related to the Introductory talk and ences: the Scientific Evidence and the
the readings. This course drew a large Bahi'i Teaching.' The purpose of this
audience, who were very appreciative of course was to provide Bahi'i teachers with
Mr. Holley's stimulating presentation of scientific material with which t o meet the
both the material and spiritual aspects of arguments of non-Bahh'is who maintain
our participation in the World Order of that the oneness of mankind is impossible
Bah6'u'llbh. because of racial differences.
"The seventh course on 'The Origin,
1935
Powers and Conditions of Man' was led by
"During the first week of the Green Mr. Alfred Lnnt, and used sections of 'Some
Acre Sumlner School, July 8-12, Prof. Auswercd Questions' as the basic text. Mr.
Glenh Shook and Mr. Louis Gregory each Lunt discussed very helpfully such topics
gave two lectures, and Dr. Stanwood Cobb as: the true place of man in the universe;
CURRENT B A HA'f ACTIVITIES I5

the human spirit as a divine trust, and gate- ROUND TABLE DISCUSSIONS: 2: 3 0
way of eternal life. p. m, each Tuesday and Friday in the
"The final course of the summer school Redwood Grove.
was given by Mr. Horace Holley, on the TRAINING AND TEACHING OF
topic 'The Most Great Peace.' The purpose CHILDREN: 9:30 a. m. daily in Chil-
of this course was 'to concentrate thought dren's Library. Under the direction of
upon the Bahi'i conception of and program National Committee for the Training
of World Peace, in clear distinction to the and Teaching of Children.
conceptions and programs emanating from PUBLIC MEETINGS: Fellowship Dinner
traditional religious and political sources.' with Geyserville Grange, 6 : 3 0 p. m.,
Mr. Holley began the course with a valu- Thursday, July 19th, at the Grange.
able historical summary of past efforts Griffith Grove, Santa Rosa, 2:30 p. m.,
toward world peace, and concluded with a Sunday. July 22nd.
discussion of the 'Most Great Peace of Odd Fellows Hall, Geyserville, 8:00
Bahi'u'llih as Regeneration of Mankind, and p. m., Thursday, July 26th.
as Transformation of Society.' UNITY FEAST: The annual reunion of
"The largest average attendance at the the Friends and their guests, 12:00 noon,
courses was during the last two w e e k s , 4 4 Sunday, July I lth, under the Big Tree.
and 43, respectively. The number of COURSES OF STUDY: THE HISTORY
different people attending during these two OF THE BAHA'f FAITH-9:30 a. m.
weeks was 80 for the seventh course and 73 daily.
for the last course. PRINCIPLES OF BAHA'f ADMINIS-
"Three weel<-end conferences were held TRATION-10:30 a, n ~ daily.
.
during the summer:-Teaching Conference, FUNDAMENTAL BAHPl'i PRIN-
July 5 -7; Amity Conference, August 17-18 ; CIPLES (Creative Discussion)-1 1:3 0
Youth Conference, August 24-25. a. m. daily.
"One of the most valuable aspects of life
1935
at Green Acre is the informal discussion
which goes on wherever the friends meet "The Western States Summer School,
in small groups. Such discussions were held at Bosch Place, Geyserville, July 14th
frequent during the summer of 193 5, and LO 27tl1, 1935, was one of the best sessions
those who shared in them found them un- ever held.
usually inspiring. Interested non-Bahb'is "It was opened by the usual Unity Feast,
often joined in these small groups, and thus under the 'Big Tree,' at noon, July 14th,
had an opportunity to learn more of the attended by some 225 people. A true spirit
Bahb'i teachings. We were especially happy of unity and devotion marked the opening
in having a number of such guests at the of the School at the Feast, and continued
Inn, some of whom have already joined throughout all the sessions. The attendance
Bahi'i communities. at the School meetings for the adults aver-
"Green Acre was especially fortunate in aged 90. There were representatives present
having Rithi Effendi as a visitor for ten from Canada, England, Transylvania,
days at the end of the summer. He was a Tahiti, China, Honolulu, Jamaica, and an
valuable member of the la5t course of the American Indian.
season, and many of the students found in "Most of the people were housed in the
his two dynamic evening lectures the buildings on the Bosch Place, while a goodly
highest point of the summer's work. number camped on the grounds, and others
secured lodgings in the city.
Geyserville
"In the conduct of the school, a definite
1934 objective of the Committee has been to im-
DEVOTIONS: 9:00 a. m. daily, under Big prove the presentation of subjects, and the
Tree. development a t the same time of Bahi'i
CLASSES: 9:30 a. m. to 12:30 p. m. daily, Teachers. Thus durk~gthe courses there
in Odd Fellows Hall. were 19 different Bahl'is who took part in
16 T H E BAHA'f WORLD

the lectures. Each one was required to pre- outdoor amphitheater there. These meet-
pare himself well in advance, and have the ings were all very well attended, and great
subject outlined and condensed, so as to interest aroused in the Faith.
take up not over 30 or 31 minutes at the "The citizens of Geyserville are becoming
most. Two years ago a College Professor more kindly to the Bahi'is all the time.
we had give a few lectures, remarked to me, Originally they were quite opposed to us,
that he did not see why we secured the because of our Faith, Geyserville being an
assistance of College Professors, as our pres- orthodox city. They even went so far as
entations were better than they could hope to warn certain of their people to beware
to do. of the Bahi'is and their 'pernicious teach-
"All classes are conducted on the creative ings.' This was four or five years ago. I t
discussion plan. The speaker introduces the is of interest to note in passing, that the
subject with his detailed presentation in not two particular Geyservillians, warned to be
over 31 minutes; then a period of 10 to 11 careful of the Bahi'is, have both become
minutes is allowed for questioning and dis- Bahl'is. The newspaper giving full page
cussion. The third class of the day was announcement of the Summer School and
even more of a creative discussion meeting, an announcement by the Chamber of Com-
dealing with the Fundamental Bah6'i Prin- merce extending a hearty welcome to the
ciples. In this class the leader used not over Summer School, shows the spirit of fellow-
20 minutes to present the subject, allowing ship that has been developed. This has been
2 1 to 30 minutes for questioning and dis- possible only through strict adherence to
cussion. Of outstanding interest was the Bahl'i conduct, which changed distrust
course on the Influence of Islim and the into trust and confidence.
Teachings of Muhammad, the first on "The 1931 program follows, together
Islim to be given in an American Bah6'i with the names of those who conducted the
Summer School. various classes:
"There were four round-table discussion
meetings, held in one of the beautiful Red- Program
wood Groves, which developed enthusiasm
PACIFIC COAST BAHb'f SUMMER
and clearer understanding among all present,
SCHOOL
of the important subjects under considera-
tion. Ninth Annual Session
"Children's classes were held daily. One
class was for 'those under 7 years of age, Bosch Place, Geyserville, California
the other for those younger. All young July 14th to July 27th, 1931
people over 13 were permitted to attend the DEVOTIONS:
Adult Classes or the classes for those young 9:00 a. m. daily, under Big Tree.
people between 7 and 13. There were in
CLASSES:
attendance in all 53 young people, of which
9:30 a. m. to 12:30 p. m. daily, in Odd
over 20 were non-Bahi'is. Attached is
Fellows' Hall.
detailed report of the Children's and Youth
Program Committee, outlining the method ROUND TABLE DISCUSSIONS:
of conduct, supervision of both study and 2:30 p. m. each Tuesday and Friday.
play, and details of the courses of study. CHILDREN'S ACTIVITIES:
"Three public teaching meetings were Study Classes 9:30 a. m. daily in Chil-
held; one with the local Grange at Geyser- dren's Library.
ville, which is usually attended by all the Supervised Recreation: 2:30 p. m. daily.
officers of the Grange, the members of the PUBLIC MEETINGS:
Chamber of Commerce, city dignitaries, Fellowship D i n e r with Geyserville
etc.; the second, a general public meeting Grange, 6:30 p. m., Thursday, July
in the city of Geyrerville; and the third, an lath, at the Grange Hall.
afternoon public meeting at the Griffith Griffith Grove, Santa Rosa, 2:30 p. m.,
Grove, near Santa Rosa, in the beautiful Sunday, July 21st.
CURRENT B A HA ' i ACTIVITIES 57

Odd Fellows' Hall, Geyserville, 8 : 0 0 up for the children may help to clarify the
p. m., Wednesday, July 24th. picture of this phase of the program.
UNITY FEAST: "Classes for instruction in the Bahl'i
The Annual Reunion of the friends and teachings are conducted around one large
their guests, 12:00 noon, Sunday, July table in a one-room building, bounded on
14th, under the Big Tree. three sides by the outdoor play area. The
COURSES OF STUDY: play area most used is in the shade of a
HISTORY OF THE BAHA'i FAITH large tree. A slnall plot of grass provides
UNDERLYING PRINCIPLES OF space for circle games and story-hours for
BAHti'i ADMINISTRATION the young children. Several long tables and
T H E ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER OF benches are used for games and handcrafts.
THE BAHA'i FAITH A sand pile is also included in the play area.
INDIVIDUAL AND COLLECTIVE "For class instruction, the children sit on
RELATIONS T O BAHA'i FAITH benches along both sides of the table, and
THE TEACHINGS AND INFLU- are supplied with pencils and paper, for the
ENCE OF ISLAM construction of notebooks. These classes
(Classes were conducted by Bah6'i are conducted by adults with knowledge of
teachers including the following: J. G. both the Bahl'i teachings and educational
Gray, Louise Caswell, Nadeen Cooper, psychology. They are approximstely one
Rowland Estall, Kathryn Frankland, hour in length, and include a story, some
Marion Holley, H. R. Hurlbut, Leroy memory work, and a little picture drawing
in connection with the general lesson.
C. Ioas, Sylvia Kemp, George Latimer,
Charlotte Linfoot, Joyce Lyons, Or- "Notebooks are kept by each child and
cella Rexford, Paul Schoeney, Maimie additions to them are made daily. Hence,
Seto, Irwin Somerhalder, N. F. Wdrd at the end of the two weeks, there is a per-
and Nell Wilson.) manent record of the entire set of lessons,
and each child's accomplishments in con-
TEACHING CONFERENCE:
nection with the lessons. A good deal of
2:30 p. m., Saturday, July Zoth, in Odd
effort goes into the construction of these
Fellows' Hall.
little booklets, and, in many cases, they are
Round-table Discussions-Leaders,
among the most treasured possessions of
Virginia Orbeson-"Return and Reincar-
their owners. When a particularly fine
nation"; S. Schopflocher-"Problems
piece of work is done, there is recognition
Within the Cause"; Joe Bray-"Cre-
for this achievement in the form of a gold
ative Discussion."
star given. I t is interesting to note the
JOHN D. BOSCH,Chairman
enthusiasm resulting from such a recog-
LEROVC. IOAS,Secretary
nition--small as it is.
AMELIACOLLINS
"Since the physical development of each
GEORGELATIMER
individual is recognized as a necessary
ELLA G. COOPER
requisite for a full and worthwhile life,
Child Training a t Geyserville recreation and physical activities are impor-
tant in the summer school program.
The following description of the program "The director tries to dividc hcr time for
for children, maintained at the Geyserville the supervision of recreation as equally as
Summer School, has been prepared by Mary possible into three groups-those for the
Walker, recreational director in 1933 and very young children, the older children, and
1931. the youth group.
"Although the school was originally "The recreation period for the young
founded for adults, children and youth have children follows the class lesson in the
their place in the program, and it is these morning, and includes simple circle games,
two groups which will be considered in this stories, songs, shorc walks, simple hand-
account. crafts and sand pile constructions.
"A brief description of the physical set- "The children of this group range in age
58 THE B A H A 'I WORLD
from shout three years to seven years. eliminated, and the songs and handcrafts
Aside from the pure enjoyment derived are of a more difficult nature.
from the above-mentioned activities, there "In the afternoon, there is supervised
is, for each one, a practical educational recreational swimming, as well as instruc-
justification. The circle games provide hig- tion in swimming, diving, and life-saving
muscle activity, and are especially impor- methods for the youth and older children's
tant for the correct and normal growth and group. At the same time, a story hour is
development of the child. Stories exercise conducted for the smaller children.
the imagination, assist in the development "In the evening, the recreational program
of a young child's vocabulary, and often is primarily planned for the youth group,
illustrate an important moral or social although a few of the older children enjoy
principle, which aids in character develop- participation in the activities. These in-
ment. (The writer does not, however, be- clude campfires and 'sings,' social games,
lieve that every child's story must have a social dancing, and evening walks. It will
moral.) be noticed that the activities are mainly of
"The singing and learning of songs helps a social character. These are necessary for
in the musical and rhythmical ability of the a well-rounded life, and are included be-
child, which will he a source of enjoyment cause they are the activities in which the
throughout life. youth of today derives a great deal of
"Handcrafts assist in the development pleasure.
of intricate neuro-muscular coordinations, "Social behavior of the highest type is
necessary for poise and various skills such expected and maintained, and where in-
as writing, drawing, and so forth. Short struction is necessary, it is provided. The
observation walks help to enlarge the gen- music for the dances and 'sings' is fur-
eral fund of information, and an apprecia- nished by members of the youth group, and
tion of the natural surroundings, to say is of a remarkably high calibre.
nothing of the child's physical strength. "Geyserville and the surrounding country
Construction in the sand pile increases in- offer a splendid setting for delightful eve-
tricate neuro-muscular coordinations, and ning walks. As large a group as twenty or
imagination. Tunnels, highways, bridges, twenty-five young people enjoys this type
and castles of sand are reaI and important of activity during the long summer eve-
objects of construction in the minds and nings. Singing is very popular with this
the eyes of little children. group, and is remarkably well done. Several
"However, all of these activities empha- camphes around which community singing
size, mainly, the social development of the is led are enjoyed during the two-weeks'
child-a desire and an ability to work and period.
play with others. No adjustment, aside "The members of the youth group meet
from normal physical growth and develop- with the adults for lectures and discussions
ment, is more important than this one of a on the various phases of the Bahh'i teach-
social nature, for the child who learns and ings during the morning hours. This plan
practices the habits of fair-play and con- is probably not an ideal one, and it is pos-
genial give and take will find his place in sible that an alteration may be made with
the world, and will be accepted into socioty a n increase in the size of the summer school.
by his fellow men much more readily than "During the entire two-weeks' period,
if his habits were of a less desirable nature. the young people are busily engaged in
"The older children have a recreational preparations for a large pageant in which
program somewhat similar to that of the all of the children and youth participate.
younger ones, although it is a good deal The general theme is the promotion of in-
more complicated. These children range ternational and interracial harmony and
in age from seven to thirteen years. Games good-will, and, although there is not time
of higher organization are substituted for for the children to write the pageant, allnost
simple circle games. Stories and construc- all of the other responsibilities are car-
tion in the sand pile are almost entirely ried by them. These responsibilities include
CURRENT BAH6'i ACTIVITIES 19

the playing of the various r6les-some Mrs. Howard Iven and Mr. and Mrs. Harlan
thirty or forty in number, the selection and Ober. A marked spirit of harmony and a
rendering of the music, the construction of spiritual atmosphere seemed to pervade the
stage settings, lights, and costumes; and place from the beginning and has been in
assistance in directing the production. This evidence each summer since, while a steady
pageant has become something which is g o w t h in attendance and interest has taken
looked forward to with eagerness by all of place which would seem to belie the small
the students of the summer school. The and almost unnoticed beginning.
outstanding feature is not, however, the "Each year Mr. and Mrs. Eggleston have
production itself, but it is the sincerity with generously added buildings and other equip-
which each participant makes his contribu- ment to the original plant until now there
tion t o the whole affair. are comfortable summer accommodations
"The members of the summer school are for about one hundred people besides an
given the opportunity of living in a most auditorium and a recreation hall.
broadening and thought-stimulating cosmo- "The outstanding step forward in 1934
politan group. All stages of financial and was the inauguration of a separate session
economic conditions are found. Many races for young people. This idea really started
and nations are represented, and all ages with the young people themselves who had
have a place. There is an unlnistakabk asked the previous summer that they might
spirit of sincere and joyous good-fellowship have a session all their own the next sum-
and cooperation prevalent at all times. I t mer. Their joyous enthusiasm did not wane
would be difficult to find a happier corn- and for four days, June 21-28, they proved
munity. to those in charge that in the hands of to-
"Could any group of p e ~ ~ l e - - ~ oor u n ~morrow's adults lies a real gift to our
old-be trained and educated in a more beloved Cause. The daily program fol-
ideal situation? Could any community be lows:
more wholesome, or more conducive to q + h e Principles of Bahi'u3116h, ~~~l~~
international, interracial, and interclass Ober, followed by open discussion.
harmony? Effective Leadership, Prof. Bishop
"Certainly the opportunities of these Brown.
young BahCis-their Lackground and Bahi'i Teachings in Daily Living,
training-are rare treasures to be cherished Mrs. Mary Hanford Ford.
and shared now and in future years." Stories from The Dawn-Breakers,
Mary Maxwell.
LOUHELEN RANCH Outstanding Events in Religious His-
Seasons of 1934 and 193 1 tory, James McCormick.
"The Central States Summer School had "Counselors for the young people who
its beginning in the summer of 1931 when, guided, advised, and helped in plans were
in the month of August, some score of Mrs. Dorothy Baker and Stanley Mason.
Bahb'is and their friends gathered at Lou- Mrs. Baker conducted the devotional period
helen Ranch to study intensively for nine each morning. There was a resident attend-
days the teachings of Bahb'u'llih and to ance of abouc forty, and others who were
spread the teachings in the surrounding present for a day or more made about sixty
country. Louhelen Ranch is the name who contacted the teachings. Most of these
given to the farm owned by Mr. and Mrs. came from Bahl'i families but there were
L. W. Eggleston of Detroit. I t is a beau- a few who learned of the teachings for the
tiful stretch of rolling land containing first time and who since this first knowl-
stream, ravine, woods, open fields and pas- edge have constantly grown in their love
ture and situated in eastern Michigan near and zeal for the Cause.
the little village of Davison and only ten "The classes, with thc exccption of the
miles from the city of Flint. The leaders one by James McCormick which was held
of the classes that summer were Mr. and right after supper, were held in the morn-
60 THE BAHA'i WORLD

ing. This left the afternwns largely free about thirty visitors for a day or more.
for recreation or for group discussions and As far as we know this is the largest group
private interviews of deep import to those of Bah6'i youth ever gathered in a four-
concerned. Programs of a more or less day conference in this country. They were
serious nature were arranged for the eve- eager, enthusiastic, happy. Their daily
nings by a committee of young people. morning program was:
"The importance of this definite begin- "Devotions, Mrs. Dorothy Baker.
ning of a distinct youth conference cannot The Bah6'i Approach to World Prob-
be overestimated. May its growth, through lems, Mrs. Ruth Brown.
the power of the Spirit, be unbounded and The Bahi'i Life, Mrs. Baker.
its influence in establishing the World World Order Letters of The Guardian,
Order of Bah6'u'llih be unlimited. -Forum conducted by one of the
"Many young people remained through young people.
the general session which covered nine days,
July 30-July 8. June 30 was registration "As previously, the afternoons were free
day with a program of welcome, inspiration, for games or sports or whatever one chose.
and fellowship in the evening, and on the I t was noticeable that many chose to devote
remaining eight days the following program a part of each afternoon to quiet group dis-
was carried out: cussions sometimes with one of the teachers
and sometimes by themselves. The eve-
"Devotions-Leader selected.
nings, too, as formerly were in charge
Bahi'i Administration, Bishop Brown
of a young people's committee which chose
and Harlan Ober.
to devote a part of each evening t o serious
Stories from The Dawn-Breakers, Mary
subjects. 'The time is so short,' they said,
Maxwell.
'that it seems a pity not to have something
Bahb'i Teachings in Daily Living, Mrs.
really worth while in the evening.' One
Mary Hanford Ford.
evening was devoted to a teaching confer-
Bahb'i Teachings and the Bible, Mrs.
ence under the leadership of Dale Cole,
Shahnaz Waite.
regional representative of the Teaching
"Each afternoon a public lecture was Committee. Great enthusiasm was shown,
given. The evening programs were varied many questions were asked, and valuable
and required less concentration. Often suggestions were made.
there were stories of Haifa, 'Akk6, and the "On the Sunday preceding the youth
Master. Sometimes there was group sing- session Madame Orlova gave two inspiring
ing. Two evenings directed by the young talks and many were on hand to hear her.
people were given over to Temple inspira- Monday, too, she spoke in the afternoon,
tion. but was called back to Chicago before the
"This was the first summer a special youth session closed. Later she returned
course on Bahl'i Administration had been and her afternoon talks were a source of
given and the interest was noteworthy. attraction during the general session.
The opportunity for questions and discus- "Dr. Lenore Morris was counselor and
sions seemed to satisfy a widely felt need general assistant at this session for the young
and to indicate a growing consciousness that people.
each individual is a member of and each "The general session followed the youth
local community a unit in Bahl'u'llih's session with one day intervening and a few
World Order. of the youth remained for this session.
"The summer of 193 Y showed expansion About fifty-five were registered for full
in that three sessions instead of two were time or for more than a day. There were
held. The attendance increased and there three regular courses and an address in the
was sustained interest and enthusiasm. The afternoon designed especially for those who
youth session covered the dates June 24-27 come in from outside and know little of the
inclusive. Fifty-seven young people were Cause. The nine-day program (June 29-
in daily attendance as residents besides July 7) follows:
CURRENT B A H A ' ~A C T I V I T I E S 61

"Devotions (based on Seven Valleys). "Devotions-Leader selected.
The Conduct of Bahi'i Affairs, Horace Foundations of the New World Order,
Holley. Carl Scheffler.
The Bahi'i Life, Mrs. Mamie Seto. The Origin and Powers of Man, Dr.
Security in a Failing World, Stanwood Lenore Morris.
Cobb. "Public afternoon talks and varied eve-
ning programs were maintained as in the
"An unusually high spiritual 2nd schol-
arly standard was maintained in all these
other sessions. on two evenings we were
by groups from ~ l i one ~ ~ of,
courses and they dovetailed into each other
as though they had been worked out in 'on-
-
these was a aroup - of friends and
a number of the regular attendants were
sultation. colored. The presence of Mrs. True gave
"According to custom the afternoons a special inspiration for she shared with us
were free for visiting, discussion, swim- her recent experiences at Haifa and messages
ming, games and other recreation except from Shoghi Effendi. An evening devoted
for the public talk which was given by to the Temple resulted in a further offering
Madame Orlova or one of the teachers. to the national fund.
The evening programs were varied and of "More publicity was given to the school
a more or less serious nature. One evening this summer than before. A fine feature
Madame Orlova gave a beautiful talk on article in the Flint Journal is worthy of
the Baha'i House of Worship. This led to especial mention. This summer school has
voluntary offerings which were sent as a made a very definite connection with the
special gift to the national treasurer. Two city of Flint and two or three carloads of
other evenings Madame Orlova spoke on people came out every day to morning,
other subjects or gave readings. One eve- afternoon, or evening meetings. A vigor-
ning Frank Warner of Lima told us about ous and growing Bahl'i commuhity is
his trip to Haifa, illustrating his talk by developing in Flint as a result of the school.
pictures he had taken while there. The T o the young people of this group the
true spirit of the Master's house and the school is much indebted for their activities
Holy Shrines seemed to pervade the atmos- and help.
phere at that time. At another evening "Besides this outstanding result of the
gathering stories of Haifa and 'Abdu'l- summer school we believe the school is hay-
Bah6 were told. Community games and ing an influence which it is difficult, even
singing helped us to get acquainted the first impossible, to estimate. There is a real
evening. The talk which Mr. Cobb gave spreading of the knowledge of the Cause
about the Turk at one of these evening and the individuals who attend surely gain
gatherings helped to make us understand in the depth and amount of their knowl-
and appreciate the fine qualities of these edge. The courses are intensive. A great
brothers. deal of ground is gone over, but the interest
"Thc first afternoon and evening were has been sustained throughout and the
given over to a teaching conference led by attendance almost one hundred per cent of
Dale Cole. The exchange of ideas and sug- those enrolled. There has been a distinct
gestions was stimulating. spirit of happiness, hope, and courage in all
"At the third session, which was held the sessions. More than one has said that
August.19-21, the plan was the same as for he, or she, came tired and discouraged and
the other general session. The daily rttend- went away with hope and vision and desire
ance averaged from twenty t o twenty-five to work. The meeting together of Bahh'is
and there was keen interest throughout. from different communities has a distinct
Many came daily from the nearby city of value in increasing understanding and
Flint so that forty or fifty people were unity. A good many new people have be-
reached in this session. The daily program come interested in the Cause as a result of
was: the school. Our aim is to follow the in-
T H E B A H b 'f WORLD

structionr of Shoghi Effendi in widening "Dienstag, 7.8.:
the range and cohsolidating the foundations 9 Uhr Kurs B: Von Christus bis Bah2-
of this school year bp year. u'llih I
"Besides these sessions reported the school 16 Uhr Kurs C: Bahi'i-Glaube und
is open throughout the season to casual in- Christentum I
quirers or to those who wish to spend a "Mittwoch, 8.8.:
quiet vacation or to Bah6'i groups for a 9 Uhr Kurs B: Von Christus bis
day's outing. During the past summer Mr. Bah6'u'lIih I1
and Mrs. Dale Cole made the ranch their 16 Uhr Kurs C: Baha'i-Glaube nnd
headquarters and Mrs. Cole was in constant Christentum I1
residence. More and more it is the hope 20 Uhr Vortrag: Gott in uns
that this will be a center from which there "Donnerscag, 9.8.:
is a constant flow of the teachings and 9 Uhr Kurs B: Von Christus bis Bahc-
spirit of Bahi'u'll6h.-Bertha Hyde Kirk- u'11i.h 111
patrick, Secretary." Nachmittag und Abend frei
"Freitag, 10.8.:
ESSLINGEN, GERMANY 9 Nachrnittag Kurs D: Bahb'i-Ver-
"Die Bahd'i So~nvzerwoche1934 waltnng (Administration) I
16 Nachmittag Kurs C: Bahi'i-Glaube
Vom 1.-12. August 1934 im Baha'i-Heim und Christenturn 111
bei Esslingen a.N.
20 Nachmittag Vortrag: Deutsches
Kurs A: Vollc und Glauhe, Ref. Dr. Gottsuchen
Adelbert Muhlschlegel. "Samstag, 11.8.:
Kurs B: Von Christus bis Bahi'u'llah, 9 Nachmittag Kurs D: Bahi'i-Ver-
Ref. Dr. Herrnann Gross- waltung (Administration) 11
mann. 16 Nachmittag Kurs D: BahEi-Ver-
Kurs C: Bahi'i-Glaube und Christen- waltung (Administration) 111
tum, Ref. Dr. Eugen 20 Nachmittag Aussprache
Schmidt. "Sonntag, 12.8.:
Kurs D: Baha'i-Verwaltunp, Ref. Dr. 10 Nachrnittag Schlussfeier mit Riick-
Hermann Grossmnnn. blick auf die Sommerwoche.
(Administration), Korref. Frau Abreisetag
H. Bishop, Dr. Eugen
Schmidt. "Die Sommerwoche sol1 wieder den Char-
"Vortriige: Religion, Dr. Eugen Schmidt. akter einer Arbeitsgemeinschaft tragen,
Manifestation, Dr. Adelbert weshalb sich an die taglichen Kurse jeweils
Muhlschlegel. eine gemeinsame Aussprache anschliessen
Gott in uns, Emil Jorn. wird. Eine rege Mitarbeit der Teilnehmer
Deutsches Gottsuchen, Dr. wird sehr hegrusst. Auf Wunsch konnen
Adelbert Miihlschlegel. besondere Aussprachen angesetzt werden.

"Tayan~sklutz: EINLADUNG
"Samstag, 4.8.: "zur vierten Baha"a'-Sommerwoche, Esslingen
Anreisetag und Begriissung a.N., 24. August-1. September 193 1
"Sonntag, 1.8.: "Leitthema: 'Der Mensrh der Nesen Aera.'
10 Uhr Morgenfeier
"Kurse:
1f Uhr Vortrag: Religion
17 Uhr Vortrag: Manifestation Helen Bishop-Genf, Dr. Hermann
"Montag, 6.8.: Grosrmann - Neckargemund, Dr.
9 Uhr Kurs A: Volk und Glaube I Adelbert Muhlschlegel - Stuttgart,
16 Uhr Kurs A: Volk und Glaube I1 Dr. Eugen Schmidt-Stuttgart.
CURRENT BAHA'i ACTIVITIES 63

A.'Wo strht die Welt?"(nie Gernein- "Sarnstag, 11. August:
schaft / Der Einzelne / Welten- 9 Uhr: Kurs C, 4a. 17 Uhr: Kurs C,
wende) . 4b. 20% Uhr: 'Der Ruf nach dem
B. 'Der Mensch der Neuen Aera' (Re- neuen Menschen.'
ligiiise Lebenshaltung / Organ- "Sonntag, 1. September:
ische Lebensgesetze / Schicksal 10 Uhr: Schlussfeier.
u, freier Wille / Liehe-Glaube- -=ie veranstaltungen finden im esslinger
.
Gerecl~ti~lreit-Erkenntnis) BahCi-Heim bei der Katharinenlinde statt,
C. 'Die Sendung Bahb'u'lllh's' (Die das dt~rchseine liebliche Lage, abseits yon
Entscheidung Bah6'i-Prin- Verkehr und Grosstadt in Nihe des Waldes,
zipien: Der Einzelne / BahCi- mit ~ i und reicher
~ MBglichlreit
~ zu~ ~ i ~ ~ ~
Prinzipien: Die Gemeillschaft / Spaziergingen in den Freizeiten ausreichend
Bahi'i-Verwaltung) . Gelergenheit zu korperlicher Erholung und
"EinzelvortrBge: Ausspannung bietet. Die Teilnahmekosten
Alice Schwarz-Solivo: 'Der Tag betragen R. M. 15.-einschliesslich Verpfle-
Gottes.' gung und einfacher Unterkunft im BahCi-
Helen Bishop: 'Nabils Erzihlunrg aus Heim; Ein7el7immer auswarts zu massig-
den lriihen Tagen des Bahi'i-Glau- sten Preissen.
bens.' "Moglichst baldige Anmeldung an Frl.
A. M. Schweizer-Zuffenhausen: 'Leben Anna Kostlin, Esslingen a.N., Wehrneckar-
und Tod.' strasse 1, erbeten."
Dr. A. Muhlschlegel: 'Der Ruf nach August 24-September 1, 193 5
dem neuen Menschen' (aus Dich- Main Theme: of
tungen aller Zeiten) . Era."
"Sonstige Veranstaltungen: Courscs: Helen Bishop, Geneva, Dr. Her-
Morgenfeier (Leitung A. Kostlin-Ess- m a n ~Grossmann, Neckargemiind, Dr.
lingen, Ans~rache Dr. A. Miihl- Adelbert Miihlschlegel, Dr. Eugen
schlegel) / Schlussfeier (Leitung P. Schmidt, Stuttgart.
Gollmer-Stuttgart, Ansprache H. A, "Where Does the World Stand?" (Com-
Bishop) / Musik- u. Liederabend munity, The Individual, The turn of the
(Leitung Fred Kohler-Winterbach) . times).
B. "The Man of the New Fra" (Religious
Tagungsplan: Life, Organic Life-Laws, Fate and Free
"Samstag, 24. August: Will, Love-Faith- Justice-Knowledge) .
Anreisetag. 20 '/4 Uhr: Begrussung. C. "The Message of Bah6'11'116h."
"Sonntag, 25. August: (The decision, Bah6'i-Principles:
10 Uhr: Morgenfeier. 17 Uhr: Vortrag The Individual
'Der Tag Gottes.' Bah6'i-Principles: The Community-
"Montag, 26. August: Administration.)
9 Uhr: Kurs A, 1. 17 Uhr: Kurs A, 2. Single addresses: Alice Schwarz-Solivo:
20 54 Uhr: Kurs A, 3. "The Day of God."
"Dienstag, 27. August: Helen Bishop: "Nabil's Narrative from
9 Uhr: Kurs B, 1. 17 Uhr: Kurs B, 2 . the early days of the Bahl'i faith.''
2 0 % Uhr: 'Leben u. Tod.' A. M. Scliweizer: "Life and Death."
"Mittwoch, 28. August: Dr. A. Miihlschlegel: "The Call for the
9 Uhr: Knrs B, 3. 17 Uhr: Kurs B, 4. New Man" (from the poetry of all
2054 Uhr: Musik- u. Liederabend. ages).
"Donnerstag, 29. August: Other events: Morning celebration (Miss
9 Uhr: Kurs C, 1. A. Kostlin-Esslingen, Speaker Dr. A.
"Freitag, 30. August: Miiblschlegel) .
9 Uhr: Kurs C, 2. 17 Uhr: Kurs C , 3. Closing celebration (Direction P. Goll-
20 % Uhr: 'Nabils Erzihlung.' mer-Stuttgart, Speaker Helen Bishop,
Musicd Evening Fred Kohler-Winter- Spirituelle de Paris, souhaita 1a bienvenue
bach) . puis donna la ~ a r o l eh Monsieur Hakim,
SecrCtaire des Etudiants Bahi'is, qui remer-
CONFERENCE OF BAHli'i STUDENTS cia les personnes prksentes, l'Assemhl6e
AT PARIS Spirituelle de Paris, et donna lecture de
l'ordre du jour.
During the past six years, an annual con- "Monsieur Chah'idzadeh traita avec con-
ference has been held in Paris which gathers science le premier point: 'L'histoire des re-
together for discussion and study a number ligions et leur rapport avec le Bahb'isme.'
of students attending various universities in I1 dimontra que le besoin d'une religion se
Europe, all of whom are dkclared Bahl'is. retrouve i travers les Bges et dans les
An interesting account of the conference civilisations les plus diverses, et que le
held December 29 and 30, 1931, has been Bahi'isme a le caractere universe1 nkcessaire
furnished by the committee, through Mr. pour rapprocher les hommes de toutes races
M. Hakim. This statement, in the original et croyances.
French, follows: "Ensuite, Monsieur Dehkan, avec son
"Nous sommes trks heureux d'informer Cloquence habitnelle, parla du second point:
ceux auxquels nous avons envoy6 la Convo- 'L'Education BahCie, base de la Paix Mon-
cation du 11 Novembre dernier que la diale.' En larges traits il montra, d'une
6bme ConfCrence annuelle des Etudiants part le parti-pris, d'autre part les probl6mes
Bahi'is a eu lieu les 29 et 30 DCcembre vitaux non rCsolus qui empscheot le monde
1935, chez Mme. Scott, dans la plus grande de sortir du cercle infernal des guerres, puis
joie et sincCritC. comment le Bahl'isme apporte l'esprit de
"En effet, conformiment au dCsir communaut6 mondiale nicessaire iune base
supr@mede 'Abdu'l-Bahi de r6aliser l'union durable de Paix.
de I'Est et de l'Ouest par l'intermidiaire de "Apr6s ces deux causeries notre premiere
la jeunesse, notre ami Monsieur Rochan a journee prenait fin, et rendez-vous f u t pris
eu l'idCe il y a cinq ans, en 1931, d'organiser pour 1e lendemain.
h Paris la premibre ConfCrence. "Le Lundi 30 Dicembre, toujours devant
"Aiisi, chaque annee, nos amis se r6unis- un auditoire assez nombreux, notre ami
sent pendant la periode des vacances uni- Monsieur Mesbah traita avec profondeur de
versitaires du nouvel an, et cette annke vue la question suivante: 'Connais-toi toi-
comme les annCes prCcCdentes, avec I'appro- m8me (Socrate) .) I1 expliqua comment,
bation de notre Gardien Shoghi Effendi, pour tout Stre, il est essentiel de connaltre
notre 6bme Conf6rence a eu lieu. ses limites et ses possibilitCs et si par sa
"Pendant les deux jours, 60 personnes volonti il se tourne vers la source de vCritC,
furent presentes. Parmi nos amis, nous Dieu, il pourra donner B ses acres une haute
avons eu le grand plaisir d'avoir Madame portke morale et bienfaisante.
Maxwell, fondatrice de la Cause h Paris, "Aprhs une bGve discussion sur ce sujet,
qui Ctait venue en France sp.4cialement pour Madame Maxwell parla pendant un quart
cettc reunion, et Mademoiselle Lidja Zamen- d'heure de l'activit6 de la jeunesse am&-
hof; on connait la valeur et le mirite de caine et canadienne pour la Cause. Puis on
son pere, Monsieur Zamenhof, le =reatcur commensa traiter le point de l'ordre du
de la langue esperanto. I1 f u t Cgalement jour relatif A un Cchange de vues sur 'Les
tr2s agrCable pour nous de voir Monsieur meilleurs Moyens de r$andre le Bahi'isme'
Zabih, venant de Lyon oh, depuis deux ans, et on envisagea tour h tour: I'exemple donne
il rtussit iformer le premier groupe BahVi par la vie, les publications, les reunions, les
de cette ville. voyages et correspondances, etc. Malheu-
"Plusieurs amis de province et de reusement le temps s'avangant, on ne put
Petranger nous ont exprim6 leur regret de donner que trois quarts d'heure i ce sujet.
ne pouvoir assister A la ConfCrence et nous "Avant de terminer on fit une distribu-
ont souhait6 succks et aide spirituelle. tion de livres Bahi'is, de photos du Maitre,
"Le premier jour, aprhs une prikre, Mon- de bagues gravCes offertes par Madame
sieur Kennedy, PrCsident de I'Assemhl~e Dreyfus-Barney et Miss Sanderson.
Room in H i j i Mirzl Jini's House in K a h i n , where the Bib slept.

Alcove in Imim-Z6dih Ma'sGm, Tihrin, where the remains of the Bib
were kept.

Grave of Bhdi', Bearer of BahP'u'llbh's Tablet to Ni~iri'd-Din sib,
near Tihr6n.
66 T H E B A H ir'f WORLD
"Aprbs ccs dcux jours de rkunion, nous national Youth Day had been observed on
avons senti la vCritable intimite qui exis- March 21, 1936.
tait entre ces diffirentes personnes de In Part Two of this volume appears an
l'Ouest et de l'Est riunies sous le notn de article summarizing the work of Bahk'i
Bahh'u'llih, et nons itious tellement Youth for the period of this survey, and
heureux que les Etudiants dkcidkrenc d'ex- reference should be made to that article.
primer dans une lettre, leur joie et leur An important element underlying the for-
fidilitk au Gardien Shoghi Effendi." mation of Bahi'i youth groups is the Teach-
ing of Bahi'u'llih, that the age of fifteen
EXTENSION OF YOUTH ACTIVITY years brings the condition of maturity.
During 1933, Shoghi Effendi extended Since the voting age of the Bahi'i com-
the functions of the American Bahi'i Youth munity is twenty-one years, the young peo-
Committee in the following words: "He ple between fifteen and twenty-one are
would strongly urge you t o cooperate, heart assimilated into the community by permis-
and soul, with all the various Assemblies, sion to attend the Nineteen Day Feast after
groups and committees throughout the reporting to the Spiritual Assembly their
Bahh'i world, to ask for their assistance and acceptance of the Faith and their intention
help for the successful discharge of your of applying for the full voting right on
duties and obligations, and in this way to reaching the age of twenty-one.
try to build up an active and ready mind Above all, the Bahi'i youth group does
among the Bahi'i youtl~ throughout the not represent a "youth movement" in the
world. In other words, you should not con- sense that it is a revolt or separation from
fine your activities t o the national sphere the older BahVi community. The social
but should strive to create under the super- pattern created by Bahb'u'll6h is universal;
vision of your N. S. A. an international its establishment upon earth calls for every
body of active young Bahi'i men and human quality and attribute-enthusiasm as
women who, conscious of their manifold well as wisdom, initiative as well as experi-
and sacred responsibilities, will una~limously ence, and the moral and emotional virtues
arise to spread the Holy Word." of youth not less than the characteristics of
The period 1934-1936 has consequently the older generation. The Bahi'i youth
represented a rapid development of world group of today undergoes training to be-
consciousness among the Bahi'i youth of come the active Bahd'i community of to-
North America and the formation of plans morrow. This means nothing less than the
more intensive in spirit and more widespread fact that the inherent function of the
in scope. Teachings, the creation of reality, has be-
As stated in the Youth Committee's an- gun to project itself nearer the beginnings
nual report for 1934-1935, "communication of spiritual experience as guidance and in-
has been established with nineteen interna- spiration for those who otherwise would
tional groups representing fifteen nations, find their predominant social influence in
and with fifty-three local groups." That the pressures of a divided world.
same year brought forth a "Bahi'i Youth Since the first International Bahb'i Youth
Bulletin" as the organ of the young people Day marked a new stage in the progress of
and also a number of study outlincs aimed youth activity, it is fitting to conclude this
to bring the youth groups into closer touch brief reference with a statement on that
with the Teachings as the solution of mod- event by the secretary of the Youth Com-
ern problems. mittee during 1934-1936, Miss Marion
The Committee's report a year later stated Holley.
that the Bulletin had been transformed into
International BabBi Youth Day
a quarterly magazine entitled Bahi'i Youth,
that regional youth conferences had been "Shoghi Effendi wrote the American
held in America, that the young people were Bah6'i youth who had attended the Twenty-
centering their energies on the three Bah6'i Eighth Annual Convention ' as follows: 'In
Summer Schools, and that the first inter-
-
Throuph his secretary.
CURRENT BAHA'f ACTIVITIES 67

these days of universal affliction, of wide- B. Methods in the ConJsg Year.
spread disillusionment and discontent the A study of ways to develop individual
eyes of the entire BahCi world are directed teaching, local youth group activity,
towards the activities which the Bah6'i and Summer School -programs.
-
youth are initiating in various countries
C. Eflorbs Toward the BahBi Life
with the view of hastening the unfoldment
A consideration of Bahi'i Faith as a
of the Divine Plan. Their hopes for a better
way of living*for young people who,
and saner world center chiefly in you who
inspired by the Manifestation, may be
have been called upon to vindicate through
united by their mutual goal.
both your words and deeds those verities
which alone can effectively establish unity
and peace in the world.'
"Certainly the American Youth Commit-
tee had no hint of this new era of teaching
which the Guardian was about to introduce
when, in January, 1936, it determined to A. World Order
invite the Bahi'i youth of the world to a B. The Most Great Peace
joint celebration of Naw-R6z. Nor did the C. An Economic Solution
local groups who responded so eagerly real- D. Human Solidarity
ize the timeliness of their demonstration. E. The Renewal of Religion
Their intention was but to move one step
nearer the goal which Shoghi Effendi had "Groups in fifteen nations were asked to
fixed for them, the goal 'to create an inter- participate and at the time of meeting it
national body of active young Bahi'i men was not known exactly how many had
.
and women. . .' I t was their common planned to do so. Thus the cablegram sent
to Shoghi Effendi over-stated the number:
thought that at Naw-Rhz, the opening of a
new year in the history of the Faith, they 'Thirty regional conferences Bahi'i youth
could most seriously celebrate their solidar- fifteen nations greet beloved Guardian on
ity, re-affirm their joint purpose, and create Naw-Rhz. Beg prayers (for) confirma-
new modes for the expansion of their work. tions Bahi'u'116h (on) first demonstration
Thus, assisted by the American Youth our kiternational unity.' Actually there
Committee, an international program was were twenty-six conferences reported, rep-
adopted for Sunday, March 22, 1936, under resenting ten nations of the world: the
the general title of Bahd'i Yozrth Look to United States, Canada, England, Germany,
the Fzcture. France, Egypt, 'Iriq, India, China, and
Japan.' T o their message the Guardian
PROGRAM cabled in reply: 'Overjoyed, deeply thank-
"BAHA'f YOUTH LOOK T O ful. Appreciate greeting. Loving remem-
THE FUTURE" brance Holy Shrine.' I n addition to the
cablegram, the delegates at every conference
signed a letter which read as follows:

Sfbnday, March 22, 1936 'Dearly-beloved Guardian:
I. 'Today young Bahd'is are celebrating iw
"WAYS T O CONSOLIDATE international conferences the inaaguration
BAHA'f YOUTH" of another Bah~i'i year. I n unity with ozlr
A TEACHINGCONFERENCE -
fellows throughout the world we have
l Conferences occurred in Binghamton, noston,
A. International Responsibility
Montreal, Philadelphia, Teaneck, Washington, D. C.,
A discussion based on the Guardian,s Clevelsnd, Flint, Lima, Milwaukee, wilmerte, nen-
instruction "to create an international Ter, Lor Angcles, Monroe, Phoenix, san ~rmciseo;
body of active young ~ ~ h men g i and and in London, Paris, Hamburg, Heidelberg, ~ l e x -
andria, B ~ g h d i d , Karachi, Poona, canton,
women . . ." Tokyo.
68 T H E BAHA'I: WORLD

joined in a new deternrination to sevt'e the rescucd them from such delusions, His love
Cause of Bahddu'Mdh. had stamped them with a true affection for
'The thought under1ji:zg all our efforts is their brothers, and under the shadow and
that, led by yonr wishes and stimulated by protection of His World Order they joined
yonr prayers and trust in us, we may rise to their hands and hearts. For reasons quite
those heights of endeavor to which the ex- other than these conferences, the year
ample of ~ O Z L Yown life SO c l e a ~ directs
l~ us. ninety-three will gain import as it recedes
May the seed of Bahd'zc'lldh's Word find in into history. Bah6'i youth are proud to
our hearts soil which, prepared by service have signalized its opening with their first
and study, enriched by tests, and contint*. international celebration."
aMy nourished by His blessings, may attain
capacity to prodnce His frt~its. That oar The following account of each meeting
lives may bear testimony to the reality of has been prepared for publication in BahBi
oar Faith, becoming thzcs potent instru- Yorth.
ments for the shaping of His great civiliza-
tion, is our deefiesf hope.
'To you, oarr beloved Gf~ardian,and t o a. Central Area
the members of the Holy Family and
friends of the household, we send our tender " (1) I t is fitting that one of the largest
love and devotion, longing to become more and most successful meetings was held at
ujorthy, that we may be in truth your co- Wilmette in the Magriqu'l-Ad&kir, with
workers in the establishment of the World representatives of the Chicago, North Shore,
Order of Bahd'u'lldh.' Urbana, and Madison youth groups. The
delegates first met at butlet supper, then
"It is impossible to estimate the true sig- took part in the Naw-RGz Feast in the
nificance of these meetings. Not less than Temple. On Sunday morning a teaching
fifty American localities participated, as the conference was held, and in the afternoon
conferences were regional in nature. Each five young speakers addressed an audience
conference seemed unique in a spirit of en- which filled Foundation Hall. Their talks
thusiasm and joy; each described the value were characterized in a telegram from an
of its experience in individual and diverse observer as 'very clear, well done and with
terms; each released without doubt a new wonderful spirit. Deeply moving t o every-
energy throughout the region of its influ- one.'
ence. In the opinion of the National Spir- " ( 2 ) Cleveland, Ohio, called an im-
itual Assembly of the Bahh'is of the U. S. promptu meeting, as the youth were unable
and Canada, there was 'established a new to travel to Lima. Marzieh Carpenter
and important public activity which can spoke on her recent experiences in irin.
develop into a great asset to our teaching " ( 3 ) Flint, Michigan, was conference
work, as well as a powerful means for de- center for Bah6'i youth of Flint, Detroit,
veloping experience and capacity among Marysville, Pt. Huron, and Idlewild, who,
members of the youth groups.' after Sunday breakfast together, met for a
"But surmounting and transforming short devotional meeting and a thorough
these practical benefits was the dynamic discussion of Bah6'i responsibilities. Em-
unity which stood demonstrated around the phasis was laid on the reconciliation of
Bah6'i world. Nations might be at war; ~nternational and national loyalties. The
rivalries and antagonisms between countries group recommended the importance of
might run high; the theories and credos of Esperanto, subscription to La Nova Tago,
totalitarian States could violate the oneness and inclusion of Esperanto articles in Bahd'i
of humanity; religious, class and racial dog- Youth.
mas could divide in subtle and treacherous " (4) Youth of Toledo, Columbus, Ak-
ways those who in reality were inter- ron, Cincinnati, Dayton, Fremont, and
dependent; but BahBi youth were not Lima met in Lima, Ohio, for a teaching
affected! The power of Bahi'u'llih had conference, luncheon, and public meeting
CURRENT BAHA'i ACTIVITIES 69

at which two young and two adult Bahi'is lowing it on Sunday with a public program
were speakers. The group reported a great which was exceptionally attractive.
success and the 'hope that other years will "(10) Seven communities joined in the
bring us together again at this happy teaching conference and public meeting in
seasan.' San Francisco, California. These included
" ( I ) Mrs. Howard Ives was guest and Oakland, Berkeley, Burliigame, Geyserville,
discussion leader at the conference in Mil- Kenwood, and Knightsen. The Teaching
waukee, Wisconsin, in which Kenosha also Committee discovered that in the four
joined. International contacts and local speakers it had fine new talent for its regu-
work with international groups were par- lar meetings, and they have since been called
ticularly emphasized. Delegates also defined upon.
the Bahb'i moral code which young Bahi'is c. Eastern Area
must establish among themselves.
" ( 1 1 ) The Binghamton, New York,
b. Western Area ~ o u t hgroup gave its consideration to plans
for Green Acre, after which one of the
" ( 6 ) Denver, Colorado, found the chief adult believers spoke on the life of
value of its conference in the experience of Qurratu'l-'Ayn.
organization gained by the group. This " (12) Boston, Massachusetts, scheduled
effort, it was felt, would set an auspicious a conference, but this has not yet been
example for future plans. reported.
"(7) Southern California ~ o u t hof Los " ( 1 3 ) Bahi'i youth of Montreal, Can-
Angeles, Glendale, Pasadena, Long Beach, ada, and several outlying suburbs held a
Santa Monica, Southgate, and San Bernar- valuable teaching meeting under the leader-
din0 joined in planning a public symposium ship of Kenneth Christian, chairman of the
ambitiously publicized and executed. Two National Youth Committee. Plans were
thousand programs bearing a reproduction developed for effective cooperation with
of the Temple were distributed. Publicity other youth groups in the city, the Bahb'is
appeared in seven Los Angeles papers and in forming themselves in teams of two to visit
three suburban communities. Posters an- these groups.
nounced the meeting at six colleges, two "(14) Because the young Bahi'is of
central libraries, and in six other localities. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, were unable to
Also, for perhaps the first time, the Bahi'i journey to Washington, D. C., they ar-
Faith received publicity in motion pictures, ranged a small meeting of their own. Ear-
as two theaters showed an announcement nest thought was given to their responsibili-
and picture of the Temple. These prepara- ties and to the habits by which Bahb'is
tions were repaid by an audience of almost should be characterized.
four hundred for the meeting in the " ( 1 5 ) Teaneck, New Jersey, was confer-
Woman's Club of Hollywood, including a ence center for young Bahl'is around New
large representation from several Negro York City. Fourteen attended a teaching
organizations. Many new friends were conference which was followed by a public
made for the Cause. symposium. In the evening Horace Holley,
" ( 8 ) The conference in Monroe, Wash- secretary of the N. S. A,, was guest
ington, represented youth from Seattle and speaker.
Sultan as well. The discussions were espe- " ( 1 6 ) Washington, D. C., held a re-
cially fruitful, and the delegates resolved to gional meeting in which Baltimore and
continue such inter-community meetings. other communities joined. I t has not been
All were aware that they had scarcely pene- reported in full.
trated the surface of this great Message, but CONFERENCES IN EUROPE, ASIA, AFRICA
by planning regular classes in Monroe and "(17) British Isles - Fifteen young
Seattle they intend to remedy this situation. Bahl'ir of London met in conference and
" (9) The Bahi'i youth of Phoenix, Ari- sent a cable of greeting to Shoghi Effendi.
zona, sponsored the Naw-R6z Feast, fol- Discussion emphasized the importance of
'f WORLD

the Bahi'i life, the need to conserve our "(24) A n interecting photograph has
efforts and t o &d in the Bahi'i Teachings been received of the Youth Committee of
the solution to present-day chaos. The ten members recently organized in Poona
group voted to establish a central library in during the Naw-R6z conference. Poona
which important papers read in future con- has thus joined in fulfilling the Guardian's
ferences will be preserved. The meeting request for the consolidation of 'an inter-
was felt t o hold historical significance. national body' of young Bahi'is.
" ( 1 8 ) Chziza-Canton has but one "(21) 'Zriq-During the conference of
Bahi'i, Chan S. Liu, who, wishing to join Bahl'i youth in Badddd, a fund was estab-
the international celebration, announced lished for the purchase of Bah6'i pamphlets
through the newspapers a meeting at the for free distribution. These are t o include
Asia Hotel. Ten strangers were his guests the series of the Free Literature Committee
and have formed the nucleus of a study of America, as well as Shoghi Effendi's
group. World Order letters. I t is hoped 'to create
" ( 1 9 ) Egypt-The Bahi'i youth of a true general knowledge of the spirit of the
Alerand~ia voted to join in the Naw-Rbz Cause which is so grievously misunderstood
celebration, but as yet no report has been among enlightened and well-cultured peo-
rece~ved. ple' of 'Irhq.
-
" ( 2 0 ) France The young Persian " ( 2 6 ) Jflpan-Agnes Alexander, pioneer
Bahi'is of Paris also held a conference teacher of Japan, had as her guests, in
which has not yet been reported. her Tokyo home on March 22, two Amer-
" ( 2 1 ) Geumai%y-Young Bahi'is of ican-born Japanese girls. One of these is
Hamburg held an informal meeting, since at present studying Japanese in order t o
no uno5cial organization of youth under return t o her native Hawaii to teach the
twenty-one is allowed in Germany today. Bahi'i Faith. Three newspapers carried
They expressed firm faith in rhe principles announcements of the international celebra-
of Bahl'u'llih, feeling that these can be tion."
reconciled with obedience to government.
Miss Mary Maxwell reported the sentiments A BAHA'f PIONEER I N ETHIOPIA
of the group when she wrote: 'Our toler-
ance, as well as our firm adherence t o the In December, 1934, a letter was received
Teachings, is needed as a bridge between the reporting the formation of a Spiritual As-
thoughts of this country's youth and the sembly on November 25 of that year at
New World Order we are building.' Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. The establishment
" ( 2 2 ) The Babb'i friends of Heidelberg, of a Bah6'i community in that land was
both young and old, joined t o celebrate In- accomplished by Sabri Elias, a believer from
ternational Youth Day at a public meeting Egypt. Referring t o this achievement, the
and tea. Three speakers discussed 'The Spiritual Assembly of Haifa stated: "We
Historical Significance of the Day,' 'The are happy to report to our friends through-
Life of a Bahl'i,' and 'Godly Peace.' I t out the world encouraging news of the
was agreed that world peace is only progress of Bah6'u'llih's Faith in Ethiopia-
possible when based on the unity of man- the only independent Kingdom in Africa.
kind. . . . Its fate seems uncertain and thus it is
"(23) Iwdia-Mr. Isfandisr Balrhtiari, the more interesting to the Bahi'is and the
president of the Spiritual Assembly of more significant that at this time of agita-
Karachi, presided at a three-hour conference tion and unrest, the Bahi'i Faith should
of young Bahi'is. In a recent letter the have started to permeate that historical
secretary reported that 'we passed land."
a very happy time in explaining and dis- While conditions have been completely
cussing the Bahi'i Faith, and we have sworn changed in the country since 1934, the local
t o wake up from our deep slumber and t r y Assembly having been obliged to stupend its
our utmost to keep pace with our Bah6'i communications, the fruit of such a de-
friends abroad.' voted effort has been permanently secured,
T H E B A H A 'f WORLD

scie~ltiously feel they must uphold and "Bahi'u'llih and the New Era" has bccn
enforce. They have even, under certain translated and ~uhlishedin Amharic, Urdu
circumstances, preferred to suspend their and Norwegian. The same work has also
activities and dissolve their institutions been newly translated into Sindhi, Hindi
rather than follow the dictates of those m d Bengali, and printed copies arc soon to
officials who have tried to induce them to appear.
violate what has been expressly ordained by This book has now been ~ r i n t e din thirty-
the Author of their Faith." two different languages.
Eleven different versions of "Hidden
LEGAL PROTECTION FOR THE Words" have appeared, the latest editions
NAME -BAH/\'P AND SYMBOL being in Dutch and Serbian. An Armenian
OF THE GREATEST NAME translation has been completed but not yet
published, while work is going forward on
Under the protection afforded by the laws its translation iuto ~ r d u ,Chinese, Danish
controlling trade marks, the name "Bahi'i" and Portuguese.
has been legally registered in both the Of the "Kitib-i-fqhn," ten versions now
United States and Canada by the National exist in printed form. I n addition, Swedish
Spiritual Assembly, and similar protection and Spanish translations have been finished
has also been obtained for the symbol of the and are under publication. The translations
Greatest Name. in progress are Danish, Portuguese, Nor-
The National Spiritual Assembly of Aus- wegian, Czech, Netherland, and Esperanto.
tralia and New Zealand have taken similar "Some Answered Questions" has been
steps for the registration of the Greatest printed in six different tongues, but editions
Name. will shortly appear also in Chinese and
The American and Canadian registrations Urdu. Translations likewise exist in Italian,
are reproduced elsewhere in the present Armenian and Portuguese, and a Braille
work. transcription is under way.
I t is evident that the unique spiritual A collection of Bahi'i prayers has been
power established by Bahi'u'llih will before published in Serbian. A new edition of
long exercise such influence as to attract "Kitib-i-fq6n" has appeared in the language
those irresponsible souls who seek to attach of frln.
themselves to any source of prestige, and The "Will and Testament" of BahB'uJll6h
likewise arouse the atten~ionof others who and that of 'Abdu'l-Bahl have been pub-
might seek to mislead the public. A re- lished in German. "The Dawn-Breakers:
vealed Faith is universal, and in each cycle Nabil's Narrative of the Early Days of the
is offered freely to the entire world. The Bahi'i Faith" has been translated into Ger-
Bahi'i Faith, however, involves an admin- man and also into Arabic.
istrative order and a degree of discipline The late M. Hippolyte Dreyfus-Barney's
raising it above the realm of the spiritual "Essai Sur le Babi'isme" has appeared in a
philosophies which can he adapted to suit new edition in France.
the individual understanding. The believ- J. E. Esslemont's brief statement entitled
ers, therefore, realize a responsibility in up- "What is the Bahh'i Movement?" has been
holding the full and complete standard of translatcd and pblished in Finnish and
faith, which remains incomplete until mem- Icelandic.
bership in the Bahl'i order is attained. "Bahl'i Administration," the published
letters of Shoghi Effendi, and also a com-
NEW TRANSLATIONS pilation of Prayers have been rendered into
During the past two years, the list of Urdu.
translations has been greatly extended. The Finally, "The Mysterious Forces of Civil-
Word has been made available to added mil- ization" and the "Paris Talks" of 'Abdu'l-
lions of souls in many parts of the world. Bahh have been translated into French.
The new translations include the following The latter work has also been issued in
titles: Portuguese.
CURRENT BAHA'i ACTIVITIES 73

Most of these versions are likely to prove rounding grounds had bccome influential
only temporary versions, yet they are a vital in the life of the city.
necessity to the promotion of a World I t is gratifying to report that the condi-
Faith. The permanent editions of the fu- tion of the local BahCi communities im-
ture must await the formation of that proved considerably between 1934 and
group of international scholars described by 1936. In 1928, the law expropriating reli-
'Abdu'l-Bahi. gions edifices, from which the Ma&riqu'l-
A@6r had for some time been immune,
LOCAL INCORPORATIONS was applied to that Baha'i edifice. The use
The Guardian's comment upon the legal of the structure, however, was continued
incorporation of local Spiritual Assemblies under a five year lease. This lease was re-
was transmitted to the New York Assembly newed in 1933, for a similar period. In
in.1932, through his secretary, after receiv- 1935, a new administrative ruling restored
ing the first draft of the proposed Articles all religious buildings to their original own-
of Incorporation and By-Laws prepared by ers for an indefinite period, and under this
that Assembly. "It is surely very important ruling the Baha'is were held responsible for
to give to the local Spiritual Assembly some extensive repairs to be effected within six
legal standing, for as the Cause progresses months. Through united sacrifice these
and its adherents increase, they will be con- terms were met, with the result that the
fronted with duties they cannot even imag- Mahriqn'l-A&kir and its surrounding gar-
ine at present. Not only will they have to dens are fully restored to Bah6'i ownership,
make contracts for acquiring halls for their and their impressive beauty again blesses
meeting places, but they will also be obliged the city.
to create new institutions t o care for their Beside the entralice gates of the Temple,
sick, poor and aged people. We hope that the Bahh'i principles have been inscribed on
before long the Baha'is will be able to af- suspended signs in four languages. Public
ford schools that would ~rovide children meetings, held twice a week, have been re-
the intellectual and spiritual education as sumed in the sacred House of Worship.
prescribed in the Writings of Bahi'u'llih I t is reported also that the annual BahL'i
and the Master." election, the teaching activities, inter-com-
Since the last international survey was munity correspondence and other plans of
prepared, the following Spiritual Assemblies the Spiritual Assembly are proceeding with
have incorporated: Washington, D. C.; only slight and occasional civil interference.
Montreal, Quebec; Bombay, Karachi and The great significance of this improved
Calcutta, India; Rangoon, Mandalay and status of the Faith in these centers is that it
Daidanaw-Kalazoo, Burma; and Auckland, prepares the way for the formation of a
New Zealand. The Spiritual Assembly of National Spiritual Assembly, a necessary
London, England, has registered the BahL'i step in the establishment of the first Inter-
Faith with the authorities as a definite re- national House of Justice.
ligions community, and the Bahh'i Center
has now the status of a place of worship. THE ORIENT
Concerning developments in India and
TURKISTAN AND CAUCASUS
The city of 'Ishqibid has long been nota-
.
Burma., reoorts from the National Soiritual
Assembly convey the following informa-
ble from the Baha'i point of view in that tion:
the first Ma&riqu'l-Afiklr was con- "There has been marked progress of the
structed in that city. Before the Bahh'i Bahi'i Cause in India and Burma during the
activities came under control of the political last two years. Besides internal consolida-
authorities under the new Russian regime, tion of the Local Spiritual Assemblies and
they had been developed to a high degree of the National Spiritual Assembly, there has
efficiency. Educational facilities had been been great progress in popularizing the
established, a monthly publication was Cause by means of a teaching campaign and
issued, and the Bahh'i Temple and sur- in translation of Bahh'i literature into sev-
74 THE BAHA'i WORLD

cral Indian tongues. 'Dab6'u'l1611 and the Promised Messiah), the Theosophical Soci-
New Era' has been translated into Gujerati, ety, the Arya Samaj and the Brahmo Samaj.
Burmese and Urdu. Sindhi, Bengali and "Both the vastness of the country and
Hindi translations are in course of prepara- the variety of its beliefs and differences of
tion and will be published in 1936. The language make the task of the National
Urdu translation of 'Some Answered Ques- Assembly extremely difficult, and it is on
tions' is almost ready and its ~ublicationhas account of these causes and not so much
just been taken in hand by the National because of the lack of enthusiasm on the
Assembly. The Publication Committee is part of the Bahi'is of India that the prog-
contemplating translating many other books ress of the Cause has been slow. The Na-
into Indian vernacular tongues. tional Assembly, however, realizes this and
"The Babb'i Magazine (Urdn and Per- steps are accordingly being taken to so con-
sian), formerly published under the name of duct the teaching campaign as to makd it
Xazlkib-&Hind, is a widely circulated maga- reach all the provinces, in all the provincial
zine and has gained considerably in popu- languages and to all classes of people and
larity and has helped in spreading the Cause specially to the intelligentsia of the coun-
far and wide. The American Bahi'i Maga- try. A fair amount of success has been
zine now known as 'World Order' has a cir- already achieved and it is hoped better re-
culation of about forty copies among the sults will be obtained in the years to come.
English-reading Indians. Many copies of "The process of seed sowing is, however,
'The Dawn-Breakers' (Nabil's Narrative) going on apace and there are great possi-
and 'Bahi'u'llih and the New Era,' English bilities in store for the Bahi'i Faith in this
as well as Urdu and Gujerati editions, were vast country which is a continent. We
presented to the libraries of the Universities should face the situation with redoubled
as well as to public libraries and to leading energy and trust in the intrinsic worth of
men, and thus a large number of people the teachiigs of His Holiness Bahi'u'llih.
have been reached through Bahi'i literature. "In order t o effect coordimation between
Articles were contributed to the magazines the friends of India and Burma, the N. S. A.
and journals and through them the atten- deputed Mr. HishmatullIh to visit Burma
tion of the public was drawn to the Cause. and stimulate the friends of that country.
The seventh All-Indian Bahi'i Convention As a result of this visit which produced a
held in Bombay in April this year (1931) general awakening among our Burmese
attracted to the p b l i c lectures varied audi- brothers, it was decided to form a National
ences comprising Hindus, Moslems, Chris- Council of the Bahi'is of All-Burma under
tians, Zoroastrians and others. A lecture the direction of the N. S. A. This Council
tour of the Universities of Northern India, held its first meeting on the 9th, loth and
Delhi, Agra, Aligarh, Benares, Allahabad 11th of April, 1935, at Daidanaw, the Bur-
and Lucknow was organized and lectures mese Bahi'i village, and passed several very
were delivered under the auspices of Uni- important resolutions. One of them was
versity Unions, Oriental Societies, Religious the addition of an English and Urdn section
Fellowship Groups as well as under the aus- to the already existing Burmese school at
pices of the Theosophical Society, the the village.
Drahmo Samaj and the Arya Samaj. A tour
of the province of Sindh was undertaken From the National Spiritual Assembly of
and some important towns in the province Egypt we have the following:
were visited. A Sindhi translation of Haft "In Egypt, as it is in other countries of
Wadi (Seven Valleys) was distributed and the world, the Bahi'i Cause is maintaining
this was very much liked because the prov- its steady progress. Although exposed to
ince of Sindh had for several centuries been fanatical attempts of people of different
dominated by Sufi thought. Contacts were faiths, the teachiigs of Bahi'u'llih, never-
formed with such religious organizations as theless, receive the highest appreciation and
the Ahmedias or followers of Mirzh Ghulam deepest respect on the part of educated and
Ahmed of Qadian (who claimed to be the cultured classes.
Room in a i r 6 2 in which Letters of the Living were appointed
by the Bib.

Tree in Shhr6d under which Mullh
Husayn and his Companions camped.

View of Badaht, Site of Historic BBbi Conference. (See "The Dawn-
Breakers," Chapter XVI.)
THE B A H d 'f W O R L D
"As a 112ost advanced country in the Mu- worst consequences bad I ~ O L the Govern-
1:ammadan world, and the largest center of ment dealt with it wisely.
Muslim studies, Egypt necessarily exercises "But the attempt was directed to the
such an opposition as may suppress, as they destruction of the Bahi'i Cause more than
suppose, the increasing influence of a Cause it was made against Christian missionaries.
which she unjustly deems anti-Muhanlma- Leading articles were published daily under
dan. In fact, the historic pronouncement headings, such as: 'Bahi'ism is the real in-
of 1921, made by the Muslim Court of jury to Islim,' 'Missionaries attract imma-
Egypt by which the Bahh'i religion was ture individuals but Bahd'is attract people
declared entirely independent of Islim, and of intellect.'
Bahb'is, heretics; the subsequent divorce of "As that movement emanated from Port
their Muslim wives, and the various at- Said, the Bahi'is there were subject to more
tempts by which the Muslim ecclesiastical pressure. The Maazoun (Muslim registrar
authorities try, now and then, to uproot the of marriage contracts) started a series of
Cause-all of these facts embody the ex- lectures against the Cause. His attempt to
tent of opposition attempted against a arouse mobs against Bahd'is was at first sup-
growing Faith. Nevertheless, such attempts pressed by the authorities; but due to the
have assisted the Bahh'i Cause in Egypt to effective interference of high religious au-
attain a most favorable condition, and have thorities who were repeatedly approached
clarified its status. by the leaders of the movement in Port
"Although deprived under the circum- Said, the !ecturer was given permission to
stances from legal protection concerning continue. Failing in their attempt to create
matters of personal status, Bahi'is, however, anti-Bahi'i disturbances, the instigators per-
thanks to the confirmations of Bahi'u'llih, suaded a Muslim wife to bring a charge
were given the opportunity, truly unique, against her Bahi'i husband before the Mus-
to sever themselves totally from the old lim court to divorce her. Four religious
fetters of Islkm, and to apply freely, lawyers volunteered to defend her. The
through their Administrative Bodies, their pronouncement was adjourned twice owing
personal status according to the Divine to the absence of the defendant despite the
Laws and Ordinances of Bahh'u'll6h. fact that the lawyers, producing Bahi'i
"Further events had also enhanced the books as witness, urged that sentence be
influence of the Cause. Apart from the passed. The judge, having examined those
individual sufferings caused by the unceas- books and considered the statement of the
ing attacks, persecutions were managed plaintiff that she neither complained against
against Bahh'i groups in almost every Bahi'i the behavior of the husband nor his treat-
center. Prior to 1934, Bah6'is of Alexan- ment of her, refused to give the pronounce-
dria were persecuted by mobs aroused by a ment before he could hear the statement of
certain Muslim clergyman. the defendant. While the case was running
"In 1934, a storm of religious antagonism its course, both wife and husband were liv-
raged throughout the country in conse- ing together in harmony. His brother of
quence of the redoubled energy of the Cairo, whom he had attracted to the Cause,
Christian missionaries. Observing that the visited them and succeeded in settling the
number of converted boys and girls of matter and reconciling them. As both par-
Muslim origin who were attending mission- ties did not attend the court any longer
ary institutions was increasing, Muslims their case was actually cancelled. The
started a movement in which their leaders, events of 1934 in Port Said repeated those
mullis and even the grand s_hayk_hof Islim of 1914, 1920, and 1926, and formed a link
associated themselves. Investigations were in the chain of unceasing persecutions dur-
made by the legal authorities, whereupon ing which the Cause of Bahh'u'llhh became
most of those boys and girls were taken out firmly established in Port Said.
of those institutions and contributions were "In Cairo, the largest Bah6'i center,
made to provide other institutions for them. Bah6'is were called upon by two detectives
The movement would have produced the who made their necessary enquiries as to
CURRENT B A H A ' ~ACTIVITIES 77

whether Bahl'i meetings function in the the Spiritual Assembly of Port Slid accord-
same manner as those of missionaries. Next ing to Bahi'i rites after the passing of the
day the local chairman and secretary paid a late H l j i Muhammad Yazdi. A ring hear-
visit to them and presented some pamphlets ing the Greatest Name was worn on his
and Bahi'i literature which were highly ap- finger and a congregational prayer was read,
preciated. After a short yet interesting in- after which the funeral was conducted in
terview, assurance was given to the Bahi'is absolute silence and the most reverent atti-
that they could freely hold their meetings tude.
as usual, and should report at once in case "During the last two years the National
there was any anti-Bahl'i disturbance. Assembly endeavored to obtain oficial rec-
"The most important matters which ab- ognition. They approached the Government
sorb the care of our Administrative Bodies with the view to invoke their sympathy so
at present are those pertaining to personal as to setcle the Bahl'i case and to clarify the
status. Thus, marriage contracts, passport situation of the Bahl'is in conformity with
certificates, as well as letters of guarantee, the pronouncement of 1921. Personal in-
are all issned by those bodies. In order to terviews with certain officials in the Minis-
conduct the affairs according t o the Divine try of Justice showed that the Government
Laws of Bahl'u'llih, the general rules from is not prepared to extend further recogni-
the 'Kitib-i-Aqdas' were adopted by the tion to fresh religions communities. As the
National Assembly, which work, having matter is thus remaining outstanding, the
been sanctioned by the Guardian, was National Assembly, directed by the Guard-
published and distributed among the local ian, endeavored to maintain the registration
Assemblies to apply them to matters of per- of the Declaration of Trust by the Mixed
sonal status. Such marriage contracts and Court, and this action was successfully per-
different certificates issued by Spiritual As- formed. I n order to render that registration
semblies are regarded as possessing consider- effective an acre of cultivated land was
able importance by the authorities to whom offered to the National Assembly by our
they are delivered. For instance, the mar- dear friend Sharoubeem Effendi Ebeid on
riage contract of our friend Aly Effendi the occasion of the annual convention of
Ruhi of Transjordania was, after a long and 1931. Legal actions are being taken by the
deliberate consultation, recognized by the National Assembly t o have the property
British Consulate and a passport for the transferred to the Assembly.
Egyptian bride was issued accordingly. The "The Arabic translation of 'Kitbb-i-fq6n'
marriage contract of Fouad Effendi Yazdi, the Book of Certitude, and its publication,
and later the divorce document, were ac- enriched the Bahl'i Library. Copies were
cepted and actually registered by the frin- sent to the various countries in the Orient
ian Legation. Passports were also issued to where the need for the Arabic translation is
Sabri Effendi Elias and to his wife on their growing. During the last two years the
trip t o Ethiopia, according to certificates Bahl'i Library supplied 'Iriq, Palestine,
supplied by the Spiritual Assemblies. The Turkey, Tunis, as well as Geneva with
first step taken in this respect was in Port Bahi'i books in both the Arabic and irInian
Said when Philip Effendi Naimi applied for languages.
a passport for his wife. Being of Christian "The annual convention of 1931 re-
origin he was requested by the passport corded the ultimate desire of the delegates
otlice to have an official certificate from the to build a Ha~iratn'l-Qnds. Thanks to the
Patriarchate to which he belonged. Stating Abhl confirmations and to the encouraging
that be is a Bahi'i and that the Baha'i Spir- donation of the Guardian, contributions are
itual Assembly is the only body which can being collected from the believers of Egypt.
supply him with the required certificate, As the first six months sanctioned for those
after some days of consultation the passport contributors desiring to pay in installments
was issued according to the Bahi'i certifi- will end on Msrch, 1936, the National
cate. Assembly will, at that time, decide whether
"Burial services were also performed by the work can be started or whether more
78 T H E B A H A. ' i W O R L D
funds will be required. At all events, it is Bah6'i principles, and their divine program.
hoped that the year of 1936 will mark a But it is to be deplored that the authorities
striking stage in the evolution of the Bahh'i have confiscated the book before its publi-
Cause and its wide progress in Egypt." cation in final form.
"During the summer of 1931, a copy of
From the National Spiritual Assembly of the National Assembly's news letter fell
the Bahh'is of 'Ir6q have come the follow- into the hands of an editor of a religious
ing statements. paper in Baddid. The news letter em-
"The general conditions and status of the bodies the minutes of the Fifth Bahh'i Con-
BahCis in 'Iriq is fairly good, because Re- vention in 'Iriq, with a detailed program
ligious Liberty, for which the constitution of the Assembly for the year. The paper
of the country makes provision, enables the published the greater part of the account,
Bah6'is to hold their spiritual meetings and commented upon it in consecutive
regularly and in complete freedom. I t en- weelily issues, according to the dictates of
ables believers to propound the divine mes- its biased and prejudiced attitude, alleging
sage among their co-citizens with persistent that the Bahi'i Faith is a great menace to
zeal and devotion. This condition is, how- the nation, and described Bahi'is as dan-
ever, not without disturbance and slan- gerous, and unpatriotic, while urging the
derous attacks from religious bigots, and government to be rid of its Bah6'1 06cials.
narrow-minded people who ignore the This anti-Bahh'i drive had precisely the
heavenly grandeur underlying this great opposite effect on the Bahi'is who became
Cause. more consolidated and united, and met this
"The Assembly bought a plot of land for attack with unperturbed emotions, and
the erection of a Haqiratu'l-Quds in an inflexible courage. I t was a golden oppor-
ideal place adjoining Baddid. The Hazi- tunity for teaching the Cause, as non-
ratu'l-Quds is to be constructed on modern believers became interested, and began t o
lines, and in conformity with the high inquire about this new Faith with such a
station occupied by B a d d i d in the Bahi'i body of doctrine. The more alert of these
World. The plan has been completed and peoples began to approach Bahl'is and
meets with this requirement. A copy has inquire about the reality of their religion,
been also submitted to our beloved Guardian and thereby formed a more representative
for approval. But construction was not and accurate view of the Faith.
proceeded with, pendi~lgthe completion of "At Mosnl the Bahl'is used to hold their
the necessary municipal formalities, and meetings in a house rented for that purpose.
when this has been completed, the Assem- But a few fanatics began to incite the
bly hopes to proceed with the construction owner to oust the Babh'is from his house,
work immediately. and used coercion and even threats to force
"The Assembly translated Dr. Essle- his hand. I n the face of this critical sitna-
mont's 'Bahl'u'lllh and the New Era' into tion the owner of the house asked the
the Kurdish Language, and it was printed Bahl'is to vacate the place, and save him
in B a d d i d with several beautiful illus- inconvenience and ill reputation. The
trations. Bah6'is complied with his request, and re-
"The Assembly entertained the hope of mained for a time without a meeting
spreading the Cause of Bahl'u'llih among center, until they succeeded in finding a
the Kurds, in view of their responsiveness proper place which they made into a
and readiness for such message. The more Haziratu'l-Quds.
so as their language is poor in litera- "But fanatics did not stop there. Some
ture of any kind, and especially in Bahh'i of their religious heads began to speak in
books. Mosques, and launch slanderous attacks and
"The publication of such a book in the indictments against the Bahi'is. After-
Kurdish language will most assuredly meet wards they were followed by a Jewish
with a gratifying success, and in this way Rabbi who spoke in the Synagogue, and
Kurds would be attracted by the uplifting delivered a virulent speech on the believers,
CURRENT B A H A ' ~ACTIVITIES 79

singling out one Bahh'i for special condem- Jn Japan, during the same period, Miss
nation, and the Bahi'i in question received Agnes Alexander has succeeded in placing
pernlission from the Assembly to start legal a great deal of Bahh'i publicity in The
proceedings against the Rabbi in the civil Japan Times, a Japanese owned daily of
Courts. When it transpired that the Bahi'i Tokyo published in English. Thanks t o
intended to take action, the Rabbi sent this medium, the Teachings of Bahh'u3116h
some Jewish notables to intervene on his have come to the attention of a new and
behalf, and asked the Bahi'is to forgive wider circle. Miss Alexander likewise found
him. He apologized and oAered his deep it possible to arrange for the publication of
regrets, promising not to attack the cause an article on the House of Worship at
in future. Consequently, the Bahi'i Wilmette in a Buddhist daily paper, the
dropped his case. translation having been made by the editors.
"This drastic step was not taken for the From Miss Alexander's report the follow-
sake of revenge but to cut short similar ing excerpts convey interesting details.
attacks in future and at the same time to "As Mr. Torii is an Esperantist, the way
be a factor for the spread of the Cause in opened for me to speak on the Cause t o the
that city. Esperanto group of Kyoto, and also t o a
"The Bahi'is of Avabiq hold their group of blind Esperantists, teachers from
meetings regularly, enjoying the esteem of schools for the blind in different parts of
their fellow men. The government opened Japan, who had gathered in Kyoto for a
a primary school for their children, who Summer School session. A Braille weekly
constitute the majority of the school chil- newspaper of Osaka also published an article
dren. I t happened that at the end of sum- about the Bahi'i Temple, which was
mer, 1934, at the opening of the school headed, 'Miss Alexander a Great Friend of
session, that the teacher appointed for the the Blind in Japan.' A friend of Mr.
school was a backward and intolerant man. Torii's, who could read printing only letter
He began to sow the seed of discrimination by letter with the aid of a round crystal,
and enmity among the pupils, by speaking and who had in this way copied an English
in lesson hours very slightingly and scorn- dictionary into Braille, the work of many
fully of the Bahl'i pupils, deprecating the years, eagerly received the Bahl'i teachings.
Faith of their parents. The Muslim pupils I t was with delight he read the English
began to maltreat their fellow Bahi'i chil- Braille edition of Esslemont's 'Bah6'u'lIih
dren, and the matter reached such a point and the New Era,' of which there is one
that the conflict and friction influenced copy in Japan. Also, through the coopera-
the parents of the children, with the result tion of Mr. and Mrs. Torii, I was enabled
that the Bah6'i boys were compelled t o dis- to place an article explaining the Bahi'i
continue their lessons. On the directions teachings with the Osalca daily paper, which
of the National Spiritual Assembly, the is the second largest daily in Japan. In the
Bab6'is of Avahiq submitted a petition to September 28, 1931, edition of the paper
the Minister of Education. The teacher this appeared under the title, which traus-
was reprimanded severely, a fine was im- lated reads, 'Bahi'i Religion Born from the
posed upon him, and he was transferred to World's Restlessness.' Both the pictures of
a remote place as a punithment for his the Bahl'i Temple and of 'Abdu'l-Bahi
harsh treatment and misbehavior. The appeared with this article."
government then appointed two teachers
who fulfilled their function with a sense of THE UNITED STATES AND
duty and impartiality." CANADA
(From the Annual Report of the National
The BahB'is of Shanghai during the past Spiritual Assembly, 1934-193 5 )
two years have established a library in a rr,
room taken at the Chinese Y. M. C. A,, and 10the Delegates,
have begun planning for the translation of Twenty-Seventh Annual Convention.
more Bahl'i literature in Chinese. Beloved Bahi'i friends:
The spiritual character and conrrolling that of learning the principles of the World
principle of the Bahi'i year now brought Order of Bahi'u'llih, a phase marked by
to a close were established for us by Shoghi the successive "World Order" letters which
Effendi in these words dated September 16, began in February, 1929. The third phase,
1934: now beginning, is the application of this
"The situation in frin which is growing knowledge to important problems-proh-
from bad to worse, the necessary measures lems which relate the Cause to society as a
which should he taken to insure the unin- whole, and not merely those minor prob-
terrupted completion of the clerestory sec- lems of our own Bahi'i relationships which
tion of the Temple, the adoption of such have engaged our attention and almost ex-
measures as will stimulate the teaching hausted our powers in previous years.
campaign in America, the exercise of the The thoughtful believer will not fail to
utmost vigilance lest the authorities of pursue this analysis until he can perceive
Soviet Russia inflict any injury upon Bah6'i the underlying factors in the progress of
lives and institutions, the extension of any the Faith as a whole. What has happened
support that may be required to safeguard during this Bahi'i year, in brief, is that an
the interests of rhe Cause at its most vital entirely new emphasis has been given all
and international center to ward off the Bahi'i thought and action, identically the
malicious attacks of enemies from both same emphasis which life lays upon the indi-
within and without-these are the out- vidual on that day when childhood and
standing issues which demand the sustained youth, with their preoccupations with self,
and concentrated attention of every be- first begin to realize the tasks which usher
liever." in the time of maturity. What we have
This statement of outstanding issues, learned since 1921, and what we have estab-
more definitely and more vigorously than lished as our attitude toward the Cause and
in any previous communication from the toward life, are now undergoing supreme
Guardian, has served t o summon each and test until it has been proved that individu-
every loyal Bah6'i to arise above undue ally and collectively we are worthy to
concern with local and even national uphold the true and highest interests of a
matters and assume his duties and responsi- Divine Faith.
bilities as citizen in that World Order of Nor will it be overlooked, as we adopt
Bahh'u'llih to establish which the Divine this larger perspective, that the Guardian
Will has revealed itself to mankind. Now issued his first communication on the World
in the realm of action the Bahl'is have the Order of Bahh'u'll6h about six months be-
supreme privilege of receiving guidance and fore the world's economic order underwent
inspiration from one central point, even as so fatal a collapse in the autumn of 1929.
since the Announcement of the Bhb the The germ of the new order became apparent
believers have had one central point in the to Bahi'is before the world received its first
realm of the soul. warning that the old order could not longer
I n its fulness of meaning, in its call for endure. These Providential matters are
positive action, the statement cannot be surely our first and deepest concern, since
limited to any single period of time. only as we grasp them can we adjust our-
Rather may we perceive in it the beginning selves to that irresistible motion of progress
of an era of greater maturity, larger re- which is the sign of the Dispensation of
sponsibility, as the followers of Bahi'u'llih Bahi'u'116h.
unite in resistance to the forces of the One word more on this most thrilling
world. and vital of Bahi'i topics. In the commu-
In preparation for this responsibility, the nication received just before the Annual
Guardian has conducted us through two Convention of 1934, published as "The Dis-
preliminary phases of development since the pensation of BahPu'lIih," Shoghi Effendi
Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Bahi. The first phase brought together in one perfect unity all
was that of learning the principles of the those aspects of the Revelation which we, in
administrative order. The second phase was our human limitations, had been considering
CURRENT B A H A ' ~ACTIVITIES 81

as separate realities: the Station of Mani- One may, nevertheless, without finality,
festations, the mysterious Mission of the refer to certain events as representing
Center of the Covenant, the full signifi- occurrences or trends meriting special
cance of His Will and Testament, and the attention.
nature of that Order which the Testament 1. As has been reported to the friends,
bequeaths t o the friends. In a communica- the Guardian has clarified the problem of
tion so comprehensive, so organic, so unified how to present the Will and Testament to
in its wholeness and so perfected in its parts, new believers. In accordance with his in-
we may now realize that Shoghi Effendi structions, a new edition of the Testament
marked definitely for us an endmg of our has been prepared and published which,
education in details of Bahi'i service, and a until further instructions are given, in-
beginning of our responsibility in dcmon- cludes the text to be explained to and
strating our faith and our unity to our accepted by those who apply for enrollment
fellow men. as Baha'is. The supplementary excerpts
Indeed, the successive steps which Shoghi which precede and follow the selections
Effendi has taken to train, to instruct and from the Testament are in themselves the
to discipline the Bahi'i community are all most perfect of explanations. The edition
paralleled by a swift continuance of that consisting of the complete text is now
process of disintegration in human society almost exhausted, but the National Spiritual
which has become the more appzrcnt as Assembly has recorded its responsibility in
efforts t o attain peace and stability have continuing to supply at least one complete
successively failed. Fourteen years ago the text to each newly elected Spiritual As-
Baha'i community was still as a child in sembly.
the household of civilization, apparently 2. The contract for the completion of
bearing no responsibility for the fate of the clerestory section of the Temple dome
that household, and therefore concerned unit, one of the outstanding issues men-
only with the joys and sorrows of the tioned by Shoghi Effendi, has throughout
child's own growth, the dreams of its own this year proceeded as rapidly as weather
future. Today, with the household in dire permitted. Despite the economic difficulty
confusion and distress, the youth born of which has prevailed, the believers have made
the new age is called upon to prove his notable sacrifices in order to meet the col-
birthright and demonstrate his capacity to lective obligation, the fulfilment of which
achieve eternal peace, his elders having will mean that the Dome unit is at last
failed. entirely finished.
By comparison with that standard of I n the case of future Temple construc-
action, every local or personal issue assumes tion, the Guardian has advised that con-
only a relative importance. Such issues can tracts be entered into by the Trustees only
no longer entirely surround and engulf us when the necessary amount of cash is actu-
at the expense of the world vision which ally on hand. The Dome unit, however,
the Guardian has given us this year. Larger was undertaken and has been carried on in
than the individual is the local community; a spirit of trust that the Guardian's wishes
larger than the local community is the and instructions would be voluntarily met.
national communty; larger still than any I n September and in December, the
national community is the World Order difference between income and obligation
which now claims not merely our passive compelled the National Spiritual Assembly
acceptance and belief but a devotion and to issue an appeal directed to every Ameri-
consecration which a collapsing society will can believer lest the work in its final stages
test with fire. be temporarily abandoned. All along it has
been felt that the problem was not
Major Evenfs
economic but spiritual; not a matter of
Without the perspective of time it is im- dollars and cents but one of resolution and
possible to determine precisely which events of unified response. For, in its ultimate
of a Bahi'i year have major importance. significance, the building of the Temple
82 THE B A H A. ' f WORLD

is not a n md in itself. Tr is a vital qtep in inaogurlting a movrmpnt forward surely
the training of the Bahi'i community in destined to acquire greater emphasis in
the divine art of unity. As such a tremen- every successive year. The details of this
dous taslc is achieved, the power comes to great achievement will be reported by the
carry out other collective missions in serv- Teaching Committee, so that representatives
ice to the beloved Cause. National achieve- from all local communities may return
ment is nothing else than a stepping stone home inspired to work for renewed effort,
to international services. and instructed to convey useful plans
The important details of this subject will which have brought success in other cities.
be presented in the Treasurer's report. At Gratitude, however, must be expressed to
this time it is important t o emphasize the all those teachers who during the year have
fact that this obligation is not yet fully answered the call to service and traveled t o
discharged. so many cities upholding the banner of the
3. The passing of the venerable, the be- Faith. This circulation of thought and
loved and revered Dr. Susan I. Moody in devotion from city t o city, in the person of
the field of her life work at Tihrin fur- the teachers who are able to travel, is a
nishes the Bahh'i world one more example great stimulus to the Bahi'i communities
of heroism and consecration a later genera- themselves as well as to the non-believers
tion of believers may well take to heart. thereby attracted. But above all the firm
How fruitful her life was! What noble unity of the local communities affords and
institutions she developed, what a monu- will always afford the only enduring foun-
ment she reared in the lives of youth of dation for the new era of vitality and
frin! Even the enemies of the Cause could spiritual zeal. The greatest teacher in the
not withhold their admiration and their Cause of Bahi'u'llih is not a person but a
recognition of her sincerity! Even official- community not only united together on the
dom refrained from destructive measures plane of personality but imbued with con-
until her stalwart Bahi'i presence had teen viction that its essential purpose is to open
removed from the scene! How brief will the doors to the new souls.
be that restless triumph, seizing its oppor-
tunity so blindly from the folded hands of
Communications from the Guardian
death, ignorant of that Kingdom to which The first communication from the
the faithful believer goes, that Kingdom Guardian was the cablegram sent in reply
whence comes the Will that governs the to the message cabled him by the Twenty-
world! Sixth Annual Convention. That cablegram,
4. In no year of which we have record received after the Convention had closed,
have there been so many enrollments of was reported in a general letter dated June
new believers as during the year now closed. 4, 1934 and also in the Convention Num-
Both in number of the new members added ber of BahBi News: "American believers'
to existing communities, and in number of inspired leadership steadily unfolding t o
groups prepared for election of a Spiritual Bahi'is world over potentialities majestic
Assembly for the first time, this present edifice heralding formative period Faith of
period has been one of remarkable growth. Bahi'u'llih. Their unerring vision con-
From Milwaukee came the news that more ceived its matchless design. 'Abdu'l-Bahl's
than sixty believers had been enrolled in own hands laid its cornerstone. Their
one meeting; from Chicago, from New dynamic faith reared its structure. Their
York gnd from many other communities sustained self-sacrifice crowned it with im-
reports of new enrolhnents surpass the an- mortal glory. May flame their unconquer-
nouncements made in previous years. Our able enthusiasm continue glowing in their
teaching of the Cause, reinforced by the hearts till its naked frame is enveloped in
mysterious power of the Mabriqu'l- its shining mantle."
A&klr, made more effective by our Is not this message directed also to this
knowledge of the nature of the Bahi'i Convention, since the task is yet unfinished?
community, has received a vast stimulus, In Bahd'i News of July, 1934, were
CURRENT BAHA'? ACTIVITIES 83

published excerpts from letters dated May 6 . Request for Euglish translations of
10, May 19, June 11, 1934, and cablegram Bahd'i News Letters issued by the National
received on May 18. The following sub- Spiritual Assembly of Germany and Austria.
jects were treated: 7. Emphasis upon the necessity of main-
1 . As soon as the clerestory section of taining the flow of contributions to the
the Temple is completed, no new contract Temple, and the importance of the National
to be made for the next unit until the Fund as the indispensable medium for the
entire sum required for the contract has growth and expansion of the Cause. Con-
already been collected. tributions to this fund constitute a way by
2. The scope of local news letters. which each believer can test the measure
3. News of the soccessful negotiations and character of his faith.
with the Palestine authorities concerning 8. The Guardian's inability to continue
the exemption from taxation of the area for the present his own contribution to the
surrounding the Shrines, tantamount to a Temple Fund, in view of the severe restric-
recognition of the sacredness of the Shrines tions imposed upon the Cause in frhn and
and the significance of the international the increase in the international expenses.
center of the Faith. In connection with this subject it is neces-
4. Appreciation of the American BahCis' sary t o point out that the Guardian has for
cooperation in preventing that area from years been contributing as much to the
falli~lginto the hands of non-BahCis. Cause in America as all the American
5 . The relation of local Assemblies to the believers, through the National Fund at
National Spiritual Assembly. least, are together contributing to the de-
6. Affirmation of the supreme and un- velopment of the Bahh'i World Center.
divided authority of the N. S. A. and its Difficult though it still is, apparently, to
moral responsibility if it allows any body maintain the nationdl budget, including
or institution within its jurisdiction to Temple construction, must we not become,
abuse its privileges or to decline in the exer- as the American Bahi'i community, more
cise of its rights and privileges. deeply conscious of our collective responsi-
7. Approval of instruction to disregard bility to the Guardian's International Fund?
anonymous communications. Must we not begin to realize that a monthly
September Bahd'i News carried the contribution worthy of our combined re-
Guardian's explanation of passages in "The sources should constitute the first and not
Dispensation of Bahi'u'11611." the last obligation upon our national BahS'i
Excerpts from letters dated September 9, budget? Without the Guardian's capacicy
16, 2! and 3 0, were published in November to function materially as well as spiritually,
on the following subjects: are we not fatally lim~tingthe development
1. The hope that through self-sacrifice of the Cause at its very Center? Just as no
further steps will be taken to safepard the local community can flourish if the
entire area surrounding the Shrines. National Fund be deprived of power to
2. Explanation of the general principle serve, so no national community in this
that no administrative body under the unified Cause can flourish if the Inter-
jurisdiction of the N. S. A. has authority t o national Fund at the disposal of the Guard-
receive complaints against the Assembly, ian is deprived of power. The matter is
but that matters which are unsatisfactory ~nentionedhere only for deep and prayerful
are to be referred to the Guardian. consideration, that a new resolve may be
3. The list of "outstanding issues" al- born and develop impetus until this omis-
ready mentioned in this Report. sion shall for the future be overcome.
4. Renewed instruction that photographs Expression of the Guardian's gratitude
of the Guardian are not to be circulated. that continuance of Temple construction
1. Approval of statement concerning was assured.
the Convention with correction of view The January, 193!, number of Bahd'i
that its sessions are joint meetings with the News contained excerpts from the Guard-
N. S. A. ian's letters on the following subjects:
84 THE BAHA

1. Explanation of further questions the subject of the relation of be-
raised concerning the meaning of passages lievers to their local, national and inter-
in "The Dispensation of Bahl'u'lllh." national Bahi'i institutions.
2. The use of Bahi'i ringstones and 8. The Guardian's abiding appreciation
burial stones left to the discretion of the and gratitude for the manner in which the
believers pending the publication of the American believers rose to meet the emer-
Kitib-i-Aqdas. gency caused by lack of funds for Temple
3 . The National Assemblies of Egypt, construction.
'Ir6q and frin are adopting the text of the 9 . His heart-felt condolences and loving
American Declaration of Trust and By- sympathy for the loss sustained in the pass-
Laws, at the Guardian's request, the ing away of Dr. Moody.
N. S. A. of India and Burma having already 10. These significant words in a letter
taken this step. dated December 1: "Despite the perils and
4. Approval of plan to unite the two uncertainties with which their country is
magazines. now beset, and in the face of the financial
5 . Explanation of a passage on page 88 reverses they have suffered and the unfor-
of "Bahl'i Administration" referring to the tunate controversies that have perplexed and
date when Oriental Bahi'is celebrated the agitated them, they have forged ahead and
Declaration of the Bib in 1921. are fast approaching the termination of the
6. Explanation that when a Memorial is first stage in the ornamentation of their
constructed in the pine grove at West consecrated Edifice. Undaunted by the
Englewood to commemorate 'Abdu'l-Bahi's magnitude of this colossal enterprise, undis-
visit to America, the Memorial should take mayed by the smallness of their numbers,
the form of a monument and not of a the scantiness of their resources and the
building. This explanation reminds us of scorn of their enemies, they have carried
the Guardian's previous instruction, that on triumphantly the banner of Bah6'u'llih and
account of the importance of the Unity brought to a successful issue the first
Feast which the Master held on that spot, stage in the formative period of His
the sole Memorial co~nmemorating His Faith."
American visit is to be constructed there. Special attention is called to the fact that
The Guardian's views in this matter would the Guardian, in this passage, considers the
seem to answer a question raised locally dome and clerestory sections one unit-a
from time to time in various cities, namely, matter of very great importance in the light
whether the local Spiritual Assembly should of the misunderstanding which has prevailed
not take steps to acquire permanently some here and there that the dome alone was the
house which had been blessed by the "unit" which the Guardian wished com-
Master's Holy Presence. pleted and that consequently the clerestory
At this point in the Report might be section was a task arbitrarily added by the
inserted reference to the fact that during National Assembly.
March, 1931, Roy C. Wilhelm executed an Observe also that Shoghi Effendi gives
Indenture of Trust under which the Ever- new and more striking emphasis to the com-
green Cabin property, and the two lots in pletion of the cleresto~ysection of the dome
the pine grove where the Unity Feast was unit Ly stating that its successful issue
celebrated in 1912, were transferred to the terminates the first stage in the formative
Cause through nine trustees in a manner era of the Faith.
similar to that under which the Temple and These subjects explained by the Guardian
Green Acre properties are now administered. in a letter dated January 27 were reported
The place so signally blessed by the Mas- in BahBi News of March, 193 1.
ter thus comes perpetually under Baha'i 1. The figures of the Bib, Bahh'u'llih
ownership and control by this generous and 'Abdu'l-Bah6 are not to appear as char-
gift. acters in dramatic works written by be-
7. Approval of letter published in No- lievers.
vember Bahd'i News by the N. S. A. on 2. Explanation of the Bahh'i teaching on
CURRENT B A H A ' ~A C T I V I T I E S 85

marriage, especially in relation to inter- mischief-makers is to insist that they should
racial marriage. obtain proper credentials from the Assem-
Other passages from the Guardian's let- bly of the locality in which they live. This
ters quoted in March were: measure, he feels, is absolutely essential and
1. An important reference to the teach- there can he no exception whatever t o it."
ings on econon~icstaken from a letter dated (Haifa, January 4, 193 1.)
December 20, 193 1. 3. The cablegram received March 3 0 ,
2. The importance of Bahl'i Summer 193 1, and reported to the friends in a gen-
Schools, from a letter to Central States eral letter sent to local Assemblies on April
Summer School Commi~tee,dated Novem- 3: "Contract for purchase and transfer to
ber 6 , 1934. Palestine Branch American Assembly (of
Since the April, 1935 issue of the News the) Dumit property situated (at the)
Letter was devoted to Annual Committee center (of) area dedicated to Shrines on Mt.
Reports, except for a few news items car- Carmel (has been) signed. Four year liti-
ried over in type from the previous number gation involving Bahl'i world's petitions
in which space was lacking, a number of (to) Palestine High Commissioner aban-
excerpts in recent letters have not yet been doned. Owners require 4,000 pounds.
published, and these will be given in full Half (this) sum (is) available. Will
at this time: American believers unitedly contribute
1. In comment on the ruling that mem- 1,000 pounds before end of May and re-
bers of local Spiritual Assemblies must he maining 1,000 pounds within nine months.
able to attend meetings: "He believes that Am compelled appeal entire body American
your Assembly was well-advised in adopting community subordinate national interests
such a ruling. For it is only too obvious of Faith to its urgent paramount require-
that unless a member can attend regularly ments at its World Center."
the meetings of his local Assembly, it would At the time this Report is in preparation,
be impossible for him to discharge the duties no further information and no result of
incumbent upon him, and to fulfil his that appeal is available. I t will be for the
responsibilities as a representative of the Treasurer to convey the result in his Finan-
community. Membership in a local Spir- cial Report. The impressive fact to be
itual Assembly carries with it, indeed, the noted is the Providential manner in which,
obligation and capacity to remain in close at every stage in the development of Bahi-
touch with local Bahi'i activities, and 'u'll6h's Faith, events are provided and tasks
ability to attend regularly the sessions are allotted to the believers which prepare
of the Assembly." (Haifa, January 27, them for the new step. The building of
1931.) the Temple was the divine plan for creating
2. In a letter written to the Spiritual a national Bahl'i community out of the
Assembly of New York in acknowledgment local communities and factional groups ex-
of a letter reporting the local Assembly's isting years ago, and now we are given
decision to uphold fully and without excep- compelling needs at the World Center in
tion the general instruction concerni~lg order to create a world BahPi community
Orie~ltalbelievers who lack proper creden- out of the national communities which have
tials: "In this connection, the Guardian recently been established. Our collective
wishes to draw once more your attention to response to all snch successive emergency
the all-importance of his instructions to the constitutes our training and discipline for
Western believers regarding association with service in a divine World Order. The
Orientals. The friends in the West must Cause progresses by heroic endeavor and
be wide awake, and be extremely cautious sacrifice and for the believers there can be
when dealing with Easterners, particularly no stay on the upward march.
with those who in the name of the Cause 4. There is one other recent commnnica-
desire to satisfy their own desires and amhi- tion from the Guardian, but reference t o it
tions. The first step which they should will be deferred to the conclusion of this
take in protecting themselves against such Report.
86 T H E BAHA'f WORLD

Secondarv Administrative Develotmzents should request a declaration of their interest
in the Cause and their intention to become
time time problems and members when they reach the age of
tions are reported by local Spiritual Assem- and that . - -people,
-
blies which call for some general ruling. not children of believers. can attend ~ i ~ ~ -
The rulings of this character made by the teen D~~ F~~~~~ and other meetings
- -
National Assembly during the past year will after reachine the aee of sixteen vears bv
now be reviewed. making a similar declaration to the local
Before doing so, however, it seems im- Assembly.
portant t o call attention to the fact that 4. The functions of the Reviewing and
the National Spiritual Assembly after the Editorial Committee were defined, as re-
i934 Convention adopted a new and better ported in BahB'i N m r of July, 1934.
method of keeping all its members informed 5 . That exceryts from letters written by
throughout the interval between the meet- the Guardian to individual believers will not
ings. hereafter be published.
Once a week each member receives a 6 . National Committees which have
summary of all communications which have occasion to use a printed letterhead were
arrived at the National Office, and each requested t o consult the Narional Assembly
item in the summary is numbered for ideu- in order to use the proper form.
tification. Up t o April 19, 1931 there had 7. That until further notice the annual
been 1,124 items, but this figure does not meeting called on April 21 for the election
represent the total amount of correspond- of the local Spiritual Assembly is to be con-
ence because an effort is made to use the ducted by the officers of the outgoing
same key number throughout all the corre- Assembly and not by officers elected by
spondence pertaining to the same matter. those present at this meeting.
Hitherto the members were only informed 8. I n the elect~on of the National and
of special matters, the general correspond- local Assemblies, when the result of the
ence being itemized only once a month in ballot is that eight members are elected but
the form of an agenda for each meeting. two or more believers are tied for the ninth
This new method has been found t o be membership, the second ballot taken to
exceedingly helpful. eliminate the tie vote must be limited to
The general rulings adopted during the voting for one of the two or more names
year are as follows: who received a tie vote for the ninth place.
1 . That each local Assembly, in dealing 7. The friends were reminded that the
with the matter of members of the com- Guardian's original instructions concerning
munity who have joined non-Bahh'i organ- letters written to him by local Assemblies
izations which might be political or even and National Committees were that such
radical in character, is in duty bound to letters were to be sent him through the
point out to the community the Guardian's National Spiritual Assembly.
instructions as published in Bakd'i News 10. Local Assemblies which have no per-
of August, 1933. manent headquarters were requested to take
2 . Fresh emphasis was recorded for the a Post Office box which can be used as a
principle under which a traveling teacher permanent address for Bah6'i correspond-
is not only subject to the jurisdiction of the ence.
local Assembly in each city, but is expected 11. Local Assemblies were advised to
to be concerned only with teaching activi- engage expert legal assistance in adapting
ties and not intervene in local problems the local By-Laws to the Religious Statutes
unless specifically requested by the Assem- of their particular State; and meanwhile
bly to assist in some situation. that it is advisable and necessary for all
3 . That the children of believers can local Assemblies without exception to abide
attend the Nineteen Day Feasts and other by the set of By-Laws approved by the
Bahh'i meetings, but when they reach the Guardian.
age of sixteen years the local Assembly 12. Recommended that all local Assem-
CURRENT B A H A'f ACTIVITIES 87

blies if possible arrange to have a Bahi'i furnished by each local Assembly should be
address listed in the local telephone direc- accompanied by a separate list of all be-
tory. lievers transferred to and from the As-
13. General reports from local Assem- sembly.
blies are to be sent directly to the N. S. A. 19. That local Assemblies are to instruct
but reports confined to teaching activities new believers in the meaning of the new
are to be sent to the Teaching Committee. compilation of excerpts from the Will and
Inter-Assembly Committees and confer- Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahl and further-
ences have no executive capacity and there- more, that local Assemblies are to be re-
fore do not receive reports nor transact sponsible for providing new believers with
business. copies.
14. When a local Assembly wishes to The above rulings have been published in
secure the services of any teacher from Bahd'i News during the year, but those
another city it is requested to c o ~ s u l tthe following have not yet been published.
National Teaching Committee. That Com- 20. That local Assemblies are requested
mittee, in turn, is requested to recommend to send to the N . S. A. a copy of all impor-
only such teachers as conform to the fol- tant notices covering policies, rules or regu-
lowing qualifications: thorough knowledge lations as well as important announcements
of the Teachings; complete loyalty to the having to do with elections and organiza-
Administrative Order as outlined in the tion under BahB'i administration, which
Guardian's general letters including the they may issue to their communities from
World Order communications; rigorous time to time.
obedience to the principle that teachers are 21. That the Committees in charge of
not to intervene in any local problem, and the three Summer School programs are, after
true sincerity and severance. ' this season, to send their programs and
IS. That local news letters should be arrangements to the National Assembly,
distributed only to members of the local which body will publish them in some
community, but copies sent to the Guard- uniform style.
ian, the National Assembly and t o other 22. That the collective activities of
National Assemblies for their information. Bahh'is, with which the name Bahi'i is
16. That local Assemblies, in transrnit- associated, ought not to be extended to
ting to the N. S. A. reports and recom- activities of non-Bahi'is which cannot be
mendations from the community, should be controlled by the believers through their
not merely a passive medium used by institutions and under the recognized prin-
believers to bring matters to the attention ciples of BahP'i administration; and further
of the N. S. A. but should make their own that the public solicitation of funds under
independent study of such recommendations Bahi'i auspices, irrespective of the worthi-
and forward them with a statement of their ness of the object, may give a wrong
own attitude and comment. impression of the nature of the Cause.
17. Interpretations of the By-Law on When believers wish t o show a special re-
residential qualification of voting believers: spect to any non-believer or non-Bahi'i
first, that when a member or officer of a organization, they should do so as indi-
local Spiritual Assembly cannot function viduals without involving the name of the
for an indefinite period, and there is no Cause.
certainty of return to service, the Assembly 23. In view of the apparent tendency of
should recognize the vacancy and arrange a certain teachers to designate themselves as
meeting of the community to elect a new "International" Bahi'i teachers or lecturers,
member; and second, that the requirements it has been voted to publish in Bahi'i
of residence as one of the qualifications of News a brief statement discouraging the
a voting believer should be based upon use of the descriptive term "International"
definite proof of capacity to associate with in connection with Bahi'i service, on ac-
the BahP'i comthunity. count of the fact that the word "Inter-
18. That hereafter the annual voting list national" with reference t o the Cause is
88 THE B A H A 'P WORLD

properly confined to certain specific institu- have happened since the last Convention.
tions such as the Guardianship and the The complete history of the Cause during
Universal House of Justice, and to the the year can only be followed by consider-
activities carried on in and through these ing the detailed reports of National Com-
bodies. mittees, and in addition the records of the
sixty local Assemblies and the unorganized
General Statements groups.
In addition to specific rulings required 1. Through generous action of certain
for definite situations, the National Assem- believers, an obligation inherited by the
bly endeavors also to throw somi light on Green Acre Trustees from the Green Acre
more general trends and developments noted Fellowship in the amount of $10,000 pay-
from time to time in its correspondence able on a bond issue has been cancelled by
and other contacts with the national com- owners of bonds. A loan of $2,000 to the
munity. National Assembly several years ago to as-
During the year, statements have been sist in financing the printing of The Dawn-
published on the following subjects: Breakers has likewise been cancelled by the
lender. The unpaid note of $7,100 held by
1. Status of the National Bah6'i Fund.. the bank for loan made in March, 1934, to
2. Suggestions on the subject of teach- the N. S. A. for the Temple Trustees has
ing. been met by a special gift.
3. The institution of the Spiritual As- 2. The literature has been enriched by
sembly. several new works, including The Promise
4. The new attitudes and principles of of All Ages, Security for a Failing World,
action which the Guardian has established Mysticism and the Bahi'i Revelation, the
in the World Order communications. Economics Compilation, The Will and Tes-
I . The nature of the Nineteen Day tament, The Practise of the Presence of
Feast. God, B A H ~ NEWS)~ Index, and the leaflet,
6. Preparation of new believers for mem- World Religion.
bership in the Bahi'i community. 3. A beautiful design was made by My-
7. Important events affecting the Faith ron Potter for the Memorial t o Keith at
in frin. Isfihln, and working drawings sent to the
8. Plans for new Bahl'i Magazine. Assembly in that city, but due to the ie-
9. The annual Baha'i Convention. strictions imposed upon Bahl'i activities in
10. Several reports on recommendations i r l n we do not know what the Isflhln
made by the last Convention. Assembly has been able to do.
4. The house at Malden, Mass., where the
General Letters
Master visited, has been transferred by the
At the beginning of the year the Na- Guardian to Trustees for the benefit of the
tional Spiritual Assembly planned as far as N. S. A.
possible to its general letters in 1. Final details are being worked out
Bahi'i News so that they could be shared with John and Louise Bosch for the trans-
by the entire community. In addition, let- fer of property at Geyserville used for the
ters were sent t o local Assemblies on the Summer School, to Bahi'i trustees.
following dates: June 4, September 1, Sep- 6 . The three Summer Schools have pro-
tember 18 (two letters), October 9, No- gressed steadily, and by now are recognized
vember 1, November 16, December 1, in their true light, as the beginning of the
February 4, February 14, March 21 and divine Education given humanity by Ba-
April 3-a total of twelve communications. hi'u'lllh.
7. The Symbol of the Greatest Name has
A Summary of Events been legally protected in the United States
Without attempting to evaluate their rel- and steps are being taken to acquire sim-
ative importance, i t will be well to record ilar protection in Canada.
some of the incidents and events which 8. References to the Cause by non-Ba-
CURRENT BAHA'i ACTIVITIES 89

hi'is in newspapers, books and magazines 16. The Bnhd'i Magazine has been issued
have considerably increased. in a new form, the title and general char-
9 . The Race Amity Committee, in its acter of which reflect the Guardian's own
article on "The Divine Call to Race Amity" teaching method as developed in his general
published in Bahi'i News for March, 1 9 3 1, letter entitled "The Goal of a New World
has made available to all the American be- Order."
lievers a new and valuable source of infor- 17. The National Assembly is endeavor-
mation and spiritual impetus for successful ing to work out a settlement with the
service in that field. executor of the estate of Mrs. Agnes Par-
10. The pubhc bulletin entitled "A New sons, who wrote her intention of donadng
World Order" has been sent to a special property at Dublin, N. H., to the Cause,
list of people of capacity, at intervals of but did not provide for this intention in
every other month, adding its weight t o her will along the lines of her personal let-
all other teaching efforts. ter. It seems advisable for believers who
11. Many, but not all of the annual wish t o leave bequests to the Cause to make
Committee Reports prepared last year have certain that the necessary legal steps have
been published in successive issues of Bahd'i been taken.
News, affording a background of informa- 18. A Memorial Meeting to commemo-
tion about the progress of activities along rate the passing of Dr. Moody was held in
national lines. Foundation Hall, Bahl'i House of Worship,
12. Two new Spiritual Assemblies were on Sunday, November 21.
established on April 21, 1934-Lima, Ohio, 19. A statement on the Cause is now in-
and Sonth Bend, Indiana, while a Spiritual cluded annually in the International Year
Assembly was re-established at Geneva, Book published by Funk & Wagnalls, New
New York. York.
13. A list of Bahl'i young people be- 20. A new series of inexpensive pam-
tween the ages of fifteen and twenty-one phlets is now under way, for general use
is maintained at the National Office, and in presenting the Cause to the public. The
the friends are requested to assist in keep- text was prepared under the direction of
ing this list complete. the Free Literature Committee, and as each
14. The National Spiritual Assembly has article is approved by the Reviewing Com-
recorded its thanks and appreciation for the mittee it will be published in Wovld Order
valuable services rendered by A. F. Mat- and then reprinted by the Publishing Com-
thisen in acting as accountant and prepar- mittee from the magazine types, which
ing the monthly and annual Financial Re- makes a large saving in cost. The first
ports. pamphlet, on Bahl'i Education, by Stan-
1 5 . A special committee has been giving wood Cobb, is now on the press. The sec-
much time and thought to the preparation ond will appear next month, on The Most
of a form of Bahl'i parliamentary pro- Great Peace, by Marion Holley. The series
cedure for use by local Assemblies in con- will eventually include some six or more
ducting their own meetings and also the titles, and will surely prove very valuable
Nineteen Day Feasts, for use by the Con- to local Assemblies and individual teachers.
vention, and also a procedure for the 21. The suffering of the Bahl'is of ir6n
N. S. A. itself. Action has not been taken has been before the National Assembly un-
on this matter at the date of the writing ceasingly for two years. During this pe-
of this Report, but the matter is men- riod, under the Guardian's direction, every
tioned because the request for such pro- possible effort has been made to exert in-
cedures was one of the important recom- fluence for their relief. The situation has
mendations at the 1934 Convention. I t is now passed into what appears to be a cru-
hoped that the final drafts can all be pub- cial stage, and we must pray to Bahi'u'116h
lished, so that every believer can become that so grievous a blow at His Cause shall
familiar with the methods for the conduct Providentially be prevented from carrying
of Bahi'i deliberation. out the full destructiveness of its intention.
90 T H E BAHA'i WORLD

The matter has been reported as fully as the friends a wonderful blessing in the form
the Assembly has been permitted to make of new translations of excerpts from Tab-
it known among the friends. I t is hoped lets of Bah6'n'lIih. Within the last few
that this Convention, among other actions, days three different manuscripts have been
may unite in heart-felt prayer on behalf of received from Haifa, and with them a let-
our fellow Bah6'is in that country. ter stating that these are to be published
22. Let us be grateful for the remark- with the title "Gleanings from the Writ-
able services being rendered by the Amer- ings of Bahi'u'llBh." I t would be presump-
ican believers who travel in other lands- tuous to attempt to describe their power,
Martha Root, Louise Gregoly, Mountfort their beauty, their vitalizing spirit. Su5ce
Mills, Louise Drake Wright, Dr. Howard it to remark that Shoghi Effendi, having
L. and Madiyyih Nabil Marzieh Carpenter, renewed the Cause by instructing us in the
Loulie Mathews, Leonora Holsapple, Mar- principles of administrative order, now calls
jorie Morten, Julia Goldman, Charles and us to a spiritual renewal in our knowledge
Helen Bishop, Mr. and Mrs. Greeven, Mark of the creative Utterance of BahS'u'llBh.
Tobey, Nellie S. French, Mr. and Mrs. Let us consider this one passage included
Harry Romer, Amelia Collins, Sylvia Mat- in the Guardian's translations:
teson, Emogene Hoagg. On Sunday, April "The first duty prescribed by God for
14, the press carried the news that Mr. His servants is the recognition of Him Who
Romer had passed on at London- great is the Day-Spring of His Revelation and the
loss to the Cause. fountain of His laws, Who representeth the
Godhead in both the Kingdom of His
A New Annwal Conference Cause and the world of creation. Whoso
After careful consideration of some of achieveth this duty hath attained unto all
the needs of the Cause, the National Spirit- good; and whoso is deprived thereof, hath
ual Assembly has recently recorded its view gone astray, though he be the author of
that hereafter each successive N. S. A. every righteous deed. I t behoveth every
should arrange a three-day joint session for one who reacheth this most sublime station,
the special purpose of conferences with rep- this summit of transcendent glory, to ob-
resentatives of all local Assemblies who can serve every ordinance of Him Who is the
be present. Desire of the world. These twin duties are
The purpose of this plan is to go more inseparable. Neither is acceptable without
deeply into the opportunities and problems the other. Thus hath it been decreed by
faced by all local Assemblies in this forma- Him Who is the Source of Divine inspira-
tive period, and at the same time enable tion."
the National Assembly to acquire a more Faithfully yours,
intimate picture of conditions than is pos- National Spiritual Assembly of the
sible by correspondence. The thought is Bahl'is of the United States and
that such a conference could be held during Canada.
the fall or early winter, at some central By HORACE HOLLEY,
point like the Foundation Hall of the Tem- Secretary.
ple, or Chicago, and each Assembly invited December 31, 1934.
to send a representative or at least some
suggestions for the agenda. The meetings His Imperial Majesty
would doubtless be helpful to all, and grap- Reza S i h Pahlavi
ple with real problems and opportunities Teheran, Persia.
which arise on all sides. I t is confidently Your Majesty:
hoped that the plan when carried out will
have important results for the Cause. I n more than seventy cities of the United
States and Canada there are associations of
Conclusion people who feel a special interest in and
In conclusion the important annonnce- a high and sincere regard for your Maj-
ment is made that the Guardian has given esty's enlightened rCgime and for the prog-
CURRENT B A H A'f ACTIVITIES

ress of the Persian people. Tlrse A~nericans lished attitude is madc clcar by rccital of
do not feel that Persia is a distant country, the following facts:-
having at present few commercial relations First, Bahh'i books and even letters sent
or public ties with these nations of the by the American believers t o their fellow-
West, but on the contrary they feel that helievers in Persia are confiscated by the
Persia is a second Fatherland, the source and Persian Postal Department.
origin of a Faith they hold dearer than life Second, BahCi books printed in Persia
itself. By reason of that Faith they exalt are seized and destroyed by Postal, Police
the destlny of Your Majesty's nation and or other o5icials.
are assured that Persia shall, in this new Third, the Tarbiat School for girls in
age, become the object of a veneration and Teheran, and BahCi Schools in the cities of
a love as the Holy Land whence first came Kashan, Qatvin and Sultanabad have been
forth the divine Message of Universal Peace. closed by order of the Ministry of Educa-
With this deep and sincere respect for tion.
Persia, Your Majesty is assured that no po- Fourth, in a number of leading cities,
litical and no selfish commercial motives including Qazvin and Kirmanshah, public
are combined. As the followers of Mu- orders have been issued prohibiting BahCi
hammad all through the ages have made gatherings, closing BahB'i meeting places
spiritual pilgrimage to Mecca, in Arabia, and suspending Bahl'i activities. Likewise
and as the followers of Christ have in the in these cities the orders even deny to
same manner thronged to Palestine, so the Bahl'is the right of burial in BahCi ceme-
followers of Bahi'u'llih look upon Persia as teries.
the Center toward which their gratitude Fifth, the Bahi'is of Teheran are com-
and their hopes must ever turn. Even pelled under penalty of imprisonment t o
though at present other nations possess a register as Moslems in their identity papers.
larger measure of material wealth and polit- Sixth, the Moslem clergy, elated by the
ical power, nevertheless the followers of opportunity t o arouse public prejudice
Bahi'n'116h feel perfect assurance that Per- against the Bahl'is, are inciting the popu-
sia shall, in the not distant future, attain lation to injure and oppress the innocent
a true pre-eminence in the hearts and minds followers of Bahl'u'llih.
of all civilized people, since the develop- Seventh, the Bahi'is of Teheran have
ment of peoples and nations is subject to made effort to present a petition to Your
the will of God. Majesty, but their petition has been unde-
I t is in the name and on behalf of all livered and its pleas rejected.
these American people who are so devoted Therefore we, Your Majesty, relying
t o the Persian nation that the National wholly upon Your Majesty's justice and
Spiritual Assembly now addresses to Your upon the spiritual nature of the Faith we
Majesty this respectful petition, appealing hold in common with the Bahi'is of Persia
to Your Majesty's justice in a matter that and other lands, respectfully seek this op-
deeply moves our hearts and affects our re- portunity to prove that Your Majesty's
ligious Faith. Bahi'i subjects are loyal and innocent, and
T o state the matter in its most essential that they are made victims of a religious
form, it consists of the sacred privilege ol fanaticism which developed many years ago
religious worship which has been denied by before the great blessing of religious free-
certain government officials to the follow- dom was given t o Persia in Your Majesty's
ers of BahB'u'llih in Persia, although the noble constitutional reform.
principle of religious freedom is granted in The proof we desire to submit is not
the national Constitution and represents based upon mere words but upon deeds.
what we are convinced is Your Majesty's Reference is accordingly made to the re-
established policy and intention for the wel- markable services rendered to Persla by that
fare and development of the entire realm. venerable and loved Dr. Susan Moody, who
How far this denial and suppression have so recently died in the city of Teheran.
proceeded beyond Your Majesty's own pub- From the year 1909 even to her last hour,
THE BAHd'f WORLD

this American Bahi'i had no other thought centuries of dissension which lravr exisred
than that of the development of the Tar- between Christians and Moslems. The fol-
biat School for Girls in Your Majesty's cap- lowers of Bahi'u'lllh are taught that both
ital city. Through her love for Persia, Muhammad and Christ are Prophets and
inspired by her devotion to Bahb'u'llih, Dr. Messengers of God, and that true faith in
Moody was given the great historical priv- one requires equal faith in the other. They
ilege of establishing the first educational accept and abide by the Bahl'i teaching
institution for girls in that land. Her that declares an end must come in this new
achievement has become known and deeply age to all those false religious doctrines, not
admired throughout the civilized world, revealed by the Prophets but advanced by
and her firm intention of dying and being the leaders of church and mosque, which
buried in Persia, her chosen field of service, justify in the name of God the present
was acclaimed in articles published by news- separation and antagonism of the religious
papers of Teheran following her death. We sects and creeds. Thus, the Bahi'is of
cannot believe that Your Majesty wishes the Christian countries revere and extol Mu-
heavy hand of prejudice, and the blind hammad, and gladly endure suspicion and
venom of clerical hatred and jealousy, to scorn from orthodox Christians for the sake
destroy what so many years of pure inten- of the spiritual unity made possible by the
tion and sacrifice created for the sake of teachings of Bah6'u'lIlh. Yet the Bahi'i
Persian girls, whose education the Moslem books published in America, which dare to
clergy itself has never attempted nor even exalt Muhammad among people who believe
desired. I t is surely the characteristic of that Muhammad is the enemy of Christ,
true civilization to open schools and not to are banned and forbidden entry in Persia
close them. by the leaders of Islim who are themselves
Now as for the true attitude of the Per- unable to prove the Prophethood of Mu-
sian Bahi'is toward Your Majesty's reign hammad to the Christian peoples!
2nd Your Majesty's government. From the point of view of enlightened
The spiritual teachings of Bahb'u'lllh, civilization, Your Majesty, it is desirable to
Your Majesty, specifically and positively refer to one more important teaching of
inculcate in all Bahb'is the principle of BahUu'Ilih, namely, that teaching which
obedience to their civil ruler and govern- forbids the Bahl'is of all countries ever to
ment, in whatever country Bahi'is reside, allow the development of a priesthood or
and complete non-interference in political professional clergy in this worldwide Faith.
affairs. N o Bahl'i for any reason whatso- N o spiritual principle could be more accept-
ever is permitted by his Faith to take part able to an enlightened Monarch than this,
in any political faction or have any associa- since it has ever been from the clergy, and
tion with radical movements. We ask not from the people, that those false doc-
Your Majesty to note this most essential trines have arisen which serve to instigate
Bahl'i principle, because it can be found hatred and enmity where the Prophet him-
in no previous religion. This Bahi'i teach- self has taught only friendship and peace.
ing is no less than the greatest of blessings Your Majesty is assured that the Ameri-
for the rulers and governments of this age, can Bahl'is and the Bahl'is of Persia pos-
since no lesson is more clearly taught by sess the same Faith, follow the same teach-
history than the evil results of the disorders ings and carry on their religious services in
and rebellions originating in religious preju- the same manner. The Faith of Bahb'u'lllh
dice. No such results can ever, in any is uniform and identical among all the be-
country, arise from the actions or even lievers in the forty countries where this
thoughts and feelings of the Bahi'is. Faith exists today. Therefore if true and
Moreover, the spiritual teachings of complete reports cannot be obtained in Per-
Bah611'116h remove the very foundation of sia, on account of the active prejudice so
that inter-religious strife which throughout long fomented by Moslem leaders, we appeal
history it has been so difficult for civil to Your Majesty and plead that the true
governments to control, as for example the character of our religion be established by
CURRENT B A H k'f ACTIVITIES 93

Your Majesty's representatives in America and hearts of the people, are in fact hoping
or other countries. For example, the Amer- to restore their former condition of author-
ican government recognizes the Bahi'i ity and are thereby hostile to all public
Faith as a new religion, allows the American education and constitutional order. They
believers full freedom to maintain their violently assail the Baha'is, then accuse the
Bahi'i institutions and activities, and has Bahi'is of disturbing the peace of the
never found any evidence that the religion realm. Such has been the method of the
of Bahi'u'llih is a source or cause of diffi- cunning hypocrite in all ages, as Muham-
culty to the national regime or to the pub- mad and Jesus have lamented in their Holy
lic order and general welfare. When the Books.
truth is fairly ascertained, we have com- We therefore express the deepest hope and
plete confidence that Your Majesty's justice confidence, Your Majesty, that measures
and concern for the progress of civilization will be taken to relieve Your Majesty's loyal
will cause the Persian Bahi'is to be saved subjects, the Persian Bahi'is, who consti-
from religious persecution and to be given tute the largest religious minority in Your
liberty to maintain their spiritual institu- Majesty's realm, of the burdens which hare
tions without interference, including those been laid upon them of such grievous na-
Schools in which innocent children have re- ture as to carry the stigma and hardship
ceived instruction in the sciences and arts so imposed only upon vile criminals and those
necessary to the progress of society, and also who secretly plot their country's overthrow
in those religious principles of love and and destruction.
unity which are even more essential to a We likewise make appeal, Your Majesty,
humanity now everywhere in the world that the Postal Department be instructed to
confronted by dangers of disastrous war permit the entry of letters and books sent
and revolution. by the American Bahi'is to their fellow be-
What we above all wish to testify, Your lievers in Persia, and the dispatch of corre-
Majesty, is that the spiritual teachings of spondence from the Persian Bahi'is to us.
Bahi'u'11611 emphatically deny the false The noble sacrifice made for Persia by the
truths on which Communistic doctrines late Dr. Moody is surely evidence that our
and practices are based, and declare that no intercourse and association with the Persian
sound and enduring justice can be estab- Bahi'is has sincere intention and beneficial
lished until the supreme evil of international result. The death of Mrs. Keith Ransom-
war has been banished from the earth. Kehler, also an American Bahi'i, and her
The BahCis are convinced that should an- burial at Isfihan during 1933, is one more
other World War be precipitated, civiliza- sacred bond uniting the hearts of the fol-
tion itself can be destroyed. Therefore, the lowers of Persia's Prophet, Bahi'u'llih, in
BahCis in all lands serve the ideals of spir- these two lands.
itual fellowship and unity which God has We are, the well wishers of Your Maj-
instituted as the sole protection of mankind. esty's nation and people,
The responsible and far-seeing statesman, The National Spiritual Assembly of the
concerned with the larger issues of public Bahi'is of the United States and Canada.
order and progress, can by investigation
fully satisfy himself that the Bahi'is in all ALLEN B. MCDANIEL,
countries uphold principles upon which Chairman.
ruler and governments can establish a firm HORACEHOLLEY,
basis for social development, while the reli- Secretary.
gious enemies of the Bahgis, seeking special 119 Waverly Place
privilege and domination over the minds New York City, U. S. A .
94 THE B A H A ' ~WORLD

R E P O R T P R E P A R E D BY T H E N A T I O N A L
S P I R I T U A L ASSEMBLY OF T H E
BAHA'IS OF I R A N
E A R L Y in the Bahh'i year 91 (1931 act was to telegraph the Guardian:
A.D.), the former Central Assembly of "National Spiritual Assembly elected im-
irin, following the Guardian's instructions plores confirmation." The following was
sent out a circular letter to all central Local received in reply: "Greatest aim and crown-
Assemblies of Bah6'i districts throughout ing act is purchase of land for first national
the country, containing instructions as to frin Temple. Delay would jcopardizc this
the election of the ninety-five Convention vital matter. (Signed) Shoghi." The new
delegates. On the 6th of Ridvdn when the Assembly in its first session elected its
first session of the Convention was held in executive officers (Chairman, Valiyu'U6h
Tihrln, eighty-one delegates were present, L h i n Varqd; Vice-Chairman, Dr. Y h i s
this number increasing by the second session g i n A f r u e t i h ; SeCretary, 'Ali-Akbar
to eighty-four. @in Furutan), and in the course of this
The Convention continued with utter and later sessions appointed its committees
spirituality for eight days, and the dele- as follows: Census; Teaching; Children's
gates felt and showed great happiness, and Training; Publicity; Unity of East and
praised the power of Bah6'u'llih, so mani- West; Youth; f r l n Madriqu'l-A&kir;
fest among them. The gathering of these Women's Progress; Committee for Copying
men from remote and mutually isolated Tablets; Savings Bank.
communities, their harmony in spite of Work undertaken by the National Spir-
differences of language and race, their com- itual Assembly in the year 91 included the
ing together with unequaled love and sin- following: establishment of a special body
cerity t o consult over the affairs of the to study and translate the By-Laws of the
Cause, offered a striking symbol of Bahh'i National Spiritual Assembly of America;
oneness and human brotherhood. The unity the translation made was then submitted
of these sessions drew those present like a to the Guardian for final revision. Pur-
magnet and its effect is still a living thing, chase of the land for irin's first Mahriqu'l-
During the first session the following tele- A&kir in accordance with the Guardian's
gram was sent to the Guardian: "Eighty- instructions; this land consists of a property
one delegates present humbly solicit divine known as Hadiqih (Paradise), situated
confirmation." The Guardian wired in re- among the s m r i n hill-villages on the
ply: "Implore assistance and favor for slopes of the Alhurz Mountains, about six
chosen delegates. (Signed) Shoghi." miles to the north-east of Tihrin, and com-
Following a study of the Guardian's manding a beautiful view of the city; at
written instructions, reviewing of the re- present, pending the construction of a
lated sections of the By-Laws of the direct road at some future time, it may be
National Spiritual Assembly of America reached in twenty minutes by auto from
and careful discussion, in the fifth session the capital. The land, acquired at a cost
(after chanting of the Visitation Tablet of of 176,000 riyils, is a tract of 1,257,000
Bah6'u'llih) with prayerfulness and humil- square meters, and unlike most parts of
ity the following were elected by secret a i r n r i n it is relatively level and fertile;
ballot as members of frin's first National two subterranean water courses (Qanit)
Spiritual Assembly: Valiyu'llih Khin come to the surface on this land, and in
Varqi; S_hu'Vu'llih L h i n 'Ali'i; Dr. Yhnis addition it has an allotment by law of 161
L h i n AfniGtih; Jin5.b-i-Fidil-i-Mizin- hours of purchased water, which is ample
darini; Amin-Amin; A h a d &hin Yaz- for irrigation of the garden and some of the
dini; 'Ali-Akbar Khin Funitan; 'Iniyatu- farm area. . . . Purchase of a vineyard
'11ih Khin Ahmadphr; MahmGd Lhin adjoining the Hadiqih. Dispatch of two
Badi'i. traveling teachers through fr6n to supple-
The National Spiritual Assembly's first ment the work of local teachers. Presenta-
Mount Awrang, Mhzindarin, where 'Ahdu'l-Bahi was
taken as a Child to view the Village of Thkur in the
Valley. He stood on the raised rock a t left-hand side,
near the summit.
Garden in Thkur, Mizinda-
rin, showing Pear-tree on
right, a Favorite Spot of
Bahi'u'lllh, where He often
sat.

Room in the House in Qazvin,
where Tlhirih met the Believers.
96 THE B A H A ' ~W O R L D

tion of petitions to His Majesty the &ih transmit to the authorities petitions of
and to the Government authorities regard- appeal from persecuted Bahi'is. Through-
ing the following occurrences: out this year the National Assembly further
The closing of all Bahi'i meetings in sent regular reports to the Guardian, spread
some of the provinces, including &hurlsin; his instructions among the friends, corre-
the confiscation by police authorities of the sponded with Assemblies at home and
Bahi'i pocket calendars which had been abroad, encouraged Bahi'i institutions and
printed and spread in Tihrln; seizure in the individuals to carry out the Guardian's in-
puhlishing office of the hook "Mysterious structions and to remain firm in spite of
Porces of Civilization" which had been adverse pressure; as directed by the Guard-
printed and was being distributed through ian, the National Assembly also distiu-
the efforts of one of the friends; dismissal guished between purely administrative
of some Bahl'i employees from the Depart- matters and matters of faith and con-
ment of Highways in Ahviz, Khhhzistin; science, summoning the friends to complete
public denunciation of the Cause from the obedience to the Government where admin-
pulpits in the mosques of Ahv6z by one of istrative affairs were concerned, and full
the mullis, in the presence of civil and observance of their religious laws in matters
military heads; seizure in the post offices of conscience; it further endeavored to con-
of Spiritual Assembly correspondence; the sole and sustain them in their difficulties
spread of articles and caricatures directed and to encourage their strength and har-
against the Cause, some printed in frin and mony. When the schools were first shut
others abroad; the refusal by registry offices down and the restrictions imposed, the
to register Bahl'i marriage certificates in National Assembly also dispatched hrqly-i-
spite of full observation by Bahi'is of all f i i b i t to the Guardian to receive his
stipulated regulations; the refusal of some instructions (no other means of communi-
departments of the Ministry of Finance to cation being available) ; it has likewise met
employ Bahi'is as a result of the latter's frequently with Government authorities
filling in the religions column of their appli- with reference to the occurrences described.
cation blanks with the word "Bahl'i"; the The following are extracts from Assem-
closing of the Tarbiyat Schools in Tihrin bly reports regarding the above-mentioned
because of their having closed to com- occurrences. Tihrin: it is reported that the
memorate the martyrdom of the Bib National Police Department issued a cir-
(&l'bin 2 8 ) and the subsequent closing of cular order to its local departments in the
the following Bahl'i schools throughout capital and throughout the country to the
the country: Qazvin, Tavakkul School effect that all public declaration of faith
(girls) ; K l b l n , Vahdat-i-Ba&ar Schools by Bahi'is should be strictly suppressed,
(boys and girls) ; Arin-i-Kibin, Ma'rifat that all their meetings and organizations
Schools (boys and girls) ; Hamadin, Ta'yid should be dissolved, that everyone calling
High School (boys) ; Mawhibat School himself a Bahl'i should be arrested and
(girls) ; Najafibid, Sa'idat Schools (boys prosecuted. Following these orders pressure
and girls) ; Sangisar and aahmirzid, Boys' began to be exerted on the Bahl'is both in
and Girls' Schools and Kindergartens; Yazd, Tihrin and throughout the provinces; all
Tawfiq T a h a i b , Hlihangi, Tarbiyat Bahi'i meetings. whether in private homes
Schools (boys and girls) ; Bibul, Sa'idat-i- or in the Haziratu'l-Quds, and even certain
Umhmiyyih School; Abidih, Tarhiyat of the children's character-training classes,
Schools (boys and girls). The suppression were banned; individuals in whose homes
of all Bahl'i gatherings throughout the meetings were customarily held were re-
country; closing of the Bahi'i meeting quired to sign a pledge to the effect that
houses (Haziratu'l-Quds) in all localities; these would be discontinued; some of the
imprisonment of a number of BahPis and friends were summoned to district police
even the subjection of some to physical in- departments and told to desist in future
jury; refusal of telegraph offices both in the from calling themselves Bahl'is; regarding
capital and throughout the provinces to this point the authorities would severely
CURRENT B A H A'f ACTIVITIES 97
reprimand the friends but seeing then, un- to the teacher's action, thc tcacher and
moved by threats would let the matter superintendent and later the District
drop. Certain minor officials made use of Director of Public Instruction intervened
the situation to serve their own ends and and the Bahb'i student was expelled from
to introduce their personal views. For ex- the schwl.
ample, when a Bahi'i youth whose bicycle Ki&in: on A&ar 22ud the Chief of
had been stolen referred to the district Public Safety accompanied by the Chief of
police, the officers in charge asked him to Police and a number of officers and depart-
what religion he belonged; learning that he ment inspectors went to the Bahi'i Vahdat-
was a BahPi, the Chief roughly upbraided i-Ba&ar Schools for boys and girls, closing
him, saying, "So you're still declaring your- them hoth. They seized the school equip-
self a Bahi'i! Haven't you heard that no ment, put out the custodian and imprisoned
one has the right to breathe that word any the school principal for three days at police
more!" The yeung man answered simply, headquarters, certain of the officials insult-
"I am a Bahb'i, and how could I help saying ing and abusing the Bahh'is. Following
so when yon asked my religion?" The closing of the schools all Bahi'i meetings
result was that the theft of the bicycle was were banned.
ignored and the young man who had come Najafbbbd: here the representative of
to recover his property was imprisoned. the Vice-Governor proceeded to the Bahh'i
Similar incidents have repeatedly occurred schools, gave a verbal order to close them
in Tihrin. Certain Tihrbn newspapers and and had the schools' sign-board taken
magazines have hoth outwardly and by down; at this the director and directress
implication attacked the Baha'is and the addressed the students, informing them
Tarbiyat Schools in libelous articles; in par- that the suspension of the schools was due
ticular g~ari'at-i-Sangalaji, one of the re- solely to their being Baha'i institutions.
ligious leaders who exerts an influence over The students, many of them in tears, left
Muslim ~ o u t h spoke
, from the pulpit these for their homes, even the Government
words which were later published verbatim officials being visibly affected by their
in the magazine "Kinfin-i-su'ar6": "Last distress.
night I heard a report which so delighted Mashhad: after forbidding all BahPi
me that if I had the means I would strew gatherings, arresting the members of the
the floor of this mosque with sweets. I t Assembly and a number of others and then
was that His Imperial Majesty our powerful releasing them on bail, the Chief of Public
s h h has ordered the closing of their girls' Safety summoned a representative of the
and boys' schools. 0 People, this is indeed Assembly and said, "Your meetings are to
a matter for thanksgiving! Think what be dissolved for all time, and even the
would happen t o our Muslim children who building which is your Haziratu'l-Quds
would attend those schools. May God must be sold so that no trace of this may
Himself assist our mighty and exalted remain." I t is obvious that since these
$16h!" At the same time 'Abdu'l-Husayn orders were not issued by the Government
Ayati (Avirih) in his magazine "Namak- but were actuated by personal views, none
din" did not hesitate to publish the worst were made effective.
sort of slander and libel. Yazd: during this difficult period the
Qazvin: the delegate from the Qazvin officials in charge of the Government
Assembly states that following the closing Census and Identification 5ureau attempted
of the Tavakkul School a Government- to oblige the Yazd BahPis to register them-
school teacher in addressing his class turned selves as Muslims and the Bahh'is refused to
the subject to the Bahl'i Cause and the do so. Among others 'A<a'u'llbh Vujdini-
Baha'is, and began to vilify the Cause, NiGbd was summoned to the police station
finally shouting with the students, "May and ordered to fill in the religions column
God curse the enemies of the Prophet!" of the identification form with the word
after which the class repeated "So be it!" "Islbm" and sign it; upon his refusal to
When one of the Bahh'i students objected comply, the officials agreed that he should
'f WORLD
leave the space for religions entirely blank all be destroyed." On the following day the
or should draw a line through it and sign Chief summoned the entire Assembly and
the paper; he replied that he would not sign addressed them roughly, saying, "You must
unless he could fill in the column with the give me a list of the names of all the
word "Bahi'i." The Chief of Police began Bahb'is in Maliyir and on leaving here you
to argue with him urging him to do as must adopt one of the recognized religions."
directed, but seeing that his words had no A member of the Assembly answered, "Is
effect on Vujdini, he struck him about the it possible for you to take a raisin and whip
head several tlmes and committed him to it into a green grape? We are unable t o
prison. It is reported that Vujdlni said to obey your order; do whatever yon think
the Chief, "My father died for this faith best." The Malayir believers were subse-
rather than conceal it-do you expect me quently so much oppressed that they were
to recant because of your blows and im- unable even to organize their Assembly.
prisonment?" Following this episode the . . . Correspondence from other parts of
friends here all registered as Bahl'is. frin, omitted here for the sake of brevity,
i i h i h h : with reference to declaring reports similar episodes everywhere.
their religion in the census blanks the Election of the National Spiritual Assem-
Bahi'is of this city telegraphed the Gov- bly in 92 was effected as follows: according
ernor of Firs to say that even if all the to Article 8 section VI of the National
Bahi'is, young and old, should be put t o Assembly By-Laws ("If in any year the
the sword they would never sign any other N. S. A, shall consider that it is imprac-
name than "Bahl'i" in the religious column ticable or unwise to assemble together the
of the census forms; the Governor there- delegates to the National Convention, the
upon ordered local authorities to allow the N. S. A. shall provide ways and means by
Bahi'is to register as such. which the busincss of the Col~ventionmay
Rafsanjin (Kirmln) : here the restric- be conducted by correspondence or tele-
tions imposed were of such severity that gram."), the National Spiritual Assembly
even the meeting of two Bahi'is in a shop in view of the above-mentioned restrictions
was objected to. Sirjan (Kirmln): here and threatening occurrences, finding it im-
the house-door of one of the believers was practicable to assemble the delegates in
defiled during the night. Sabzavlr: the Tihrin, informed the local Assemblies to
entire Spiritual Assembly of this town was advise election of the delegates in each sec-
imprisoned for several days and afterward tion according LO the procedure of the
released on bail. All Bahl'i gatherings previous year, and cause the delegates to
were forbidden. 'Iraq: here the police not dispatch their votes by reliable means to the
only put a stop to all Bahi'i meetings and capital. On the 4th of Jamil, 9 2 the ont-
administrative activities, but also seized the going National Assembly held its ninety-
Assembly's books and archives, removed second session; seventy-eight ballots had
them to Headquarters and have never re- been received by this date, and the follow-
turned them. They further confiscated ing were elected as the National Spiritual
and retained for a long period the furniture Assembly for the year 92: 'Ali-Akbar L h l n
of the Haziratu'l-Quds. Furhtan (68 votes) ; Valiyu'lllh L h i n
Maliyir: the local Chief of Public Safety Varql (67); Dr. Ydnis L h i n Afnilhtih
summoned a member of the Spiritual ( 6 1 ) ; S_hu'i'u'116h G i n 'Ali'i (16) ;
Assembly and said that he had confidential Amin-Amin (54) ; Ahmad Khin Yazdlni
news to the effect that all the Bahl'is in (12) ; Jinlb-i-Fidil-i-Mizindareni (41) ;
Tihrin were under arrest, that they were 'In&yatu'll5h Kh5n Ahmadp6r (43) ;
being put in prison and tortured and perse- Mahm6d g h l n Badi'i ( 3 7 ) . Following
cuted, and that the Government was deter- counting of the ballots the outgoing Assem-
mined to obliterate the name "Bahi'i" bly officially notified each new member of
from the face of the earth; "Yon must," he his election, and relegated affairs to the new
added, "urge your friends to adopt one of body. The incoming National Assembly
the recognized religions, otherwise they will held its first meeting on the 27th of Jamll,
CURRENT B A H A ' ~A C T I V I T I E S 99

electing its officers (Chairman, Varq6; made inquiries of two BahEis with refer-
Vice-Chairman, AfrGkhtih; Secretary, ence to the Bahi'i calendar, subsequently
Funitan; Treasurer, 'A16'i) and wiring to holding its publishers prisoner in the capital
the Guardian: "National Spiritual Assembly for two days. R a h t : by order of the
elected implores divine confirmation." Re- Tihrln authorities, two ranking Bahl'i
ferring to this the Guardian later wrote, "I officials of the Post and Telegraph Depart-
wired an answer to that telegram and there ment here who were members of the Spir-
is no doubt that the authorities withheld itual Assembly were forbidden to attend its
it." During this first session the incoming sessions. Zihidin: here the Vice-Governor
Assembly further appointed a committee of ordered the Bahb'is to evacuate the I l a ~ i -
five t o select the membership of the ratu'l-Quds, lease it to a non-Bahi'i and
National Committees, the following com- discontinue all Bahb'i gatherings in private
mittees being appointed: Teaching; Chil- homes. Following this order, three mem-
dren's Training; f r i n Temple; Census; bers of the Spiritual Assembly were placed
Shrines; Bahi'i Properties; Library; Unity under arrest, and later released. Kirmin:
of the East and West; Reviewing; Youth; the local police showed great opposition to
Publicity. the Baha'is, and the lowest elements of the
Following are extracts fronr Assembly populace publicly abused them. Ad&r-
reports regarding continued restrictions im- biyjin: after forbidding all Assembly
posed on Bahh'is throughout the country: sessions and general meetings in the Hasi-
Tihrin: as heretofore, no public meetings ratn'l-Quds, the police here refused to
have been held in the eaziratu'l-Quds, ex- grant recommendation cards to Bahi'is
cept that on the eve of the ascension of (The i r l n Government grants such a card
Bahh'n'lllh, some four hundred Bahh'is to citizens in good standing who require
with the approval of the Local Assembly the same) on the grounds that being a
were admitted by written invitation to the Bahl'i in itself constitutes misconduct.
Haziratu'l-Quds for dinner, and remained Hamadbn: a number of local believers who
there to chant prayers and sacred verses did not possess a Muslim marriage certifi-
until three o'clock in the morning. Bahi'i cate (such a civil certificate being a recent
meetings continue to be held regularly in requirement) were prosecuted when apply-
private homes without any opposition from ing for identification papers for their
the police. Character training classes, new-born children. One believer was
teaching meetings, national and local ad- further brought to trial for refusal to in-
ministrative meetings are regularly held. clude the word "Muslim" in his census
Bandar-i-&6h: here the police authorities papers. These individuals were convicted
subjected the friends t o ill-treatment and in in the lower courts and their cases were
one way or another persecuted several of appealed.
the well-known Bahi'is. 'Irlq: local be- As an instance of the difficulties attend-
lievers have suffered more through the ant on registration of Bahh'i marriage cer-
recent restrictions than those elsewhere. tificates, the following letter from the
The Police and Census Departments have Local Assembly of Bandar-'Abbis is cited:
pursued the friends with extraordinary ". . . on Qudrat 1, 92 (Abin 12, 1314)
fanaticism. As an example the police Khalil-i-Nidi'i and Mariyam Khinum,
summoned ~qiy-i-Zargarzldih, Secretary daughter of the late Qullm-Rid& Sami-
of the Assembly, arrested him and placed 'zldih were married as directed by the
him in such close confinement that he was Guardian according to Bahi'i law, and five
not even permitted to see his child. days later in confortnity with Government
Qazvin: the local police have strictly for- regulations the marriage certificate was
bidden Bahh'i community and business taken to the Municipal Bureau for regis-
meetings. They summoned and repri- tration, following which it was to be regis-
manded one of the Bah6'is who had held a tered at the Census Department (there
meeting at his house in commemoration of being no local official marriage registry).
Bahh'u'lllh's ascension. The police further After several days of delay and promises by
100 T H E BAHA'f WORLD
the officials that they would register the after which it was to he filed with the
certificate and give notice of the same, on Identification Bureau. Instead however of
the 1st of A&ar one of the witnesses was registering the document they prosecuted
summoned to the Municipal Bureau and us because of our being BahPis, making a
asked about the subject-matter of the cer- case against us and referring it to the De-
tificate and where and by whom the mar- partment of Justice. We are astonished
riage was performed; he answered that that such a thing should happen in the era
according to the Bahh'i Faith there is no of justice inaugurated by His Majesty
special individual who performs the mar- Pahlavi when all faiths are treated with
riage ceremony, it being necessary only that impartiality; we humbly request you to
the ceremony be held in the presence of order the authorities to cease persecution of
nine witnesses, and that this wedding took these innocent persons."
place in the bride's home. On successive Many instances have been reported of
days the remainder of the witnesses were oppression suffered by Bahh'is serving in the
called in and likewise questioned. They army; certain of these are as follows:
then declared that the marriage had not recently 'Ali-Muhammad L h i n Varq6, son
been performed according to the country's of Mimi Valiyu'lllh Rhln, who was a
regulations; the friends replied that they conscripted officer, was committed to mili-
had acted according to their religious re- tary prison by order of the General Staff,
quirements, following which they had and this was charged to the fact that in
complied with Government regulations by connection with the registration of his
submitting the marriage certificate for marriage certificate he had addressed com-
registration at the Municipal Bureau. The plaints to the authorities concerned, includ-
authorities then summoned the bride and ing the Minister of Justice, who had
questioned her; she answered fearlessly that forwarded his petition to the General Staff
she and her husband were both born of as an alleged infringement of military rules
Bahl'i parents, had acted according to their and an act of insubordination; the Chief of
faith and had then submitted their marriage the General Staff had reported the incident
document for registration, adding that the to His Majesty, whereupon orders were
authorities could register or not as they saw issued for Varqb's arrest; his father then
fit, since she and her husband had in any addressed the following petition to His
case complied with the regulations. They Majesty: "I have the honor to submit that
then asked, "What is a BahPi?" and she my eldest son 'Ali-Muhammad Varqi after
replied with the Master's words, "A Bahh'i the completion of advanced studies entered
is the embodiment of all human perfec- the Officers' Training College last year to
tions." Their marriage certificate is still finish his term of military service; having
shelved at the Municipal Bureau, and concluded his studies there he served as a
Khalil-i-Nidl'i has appealed to the District 3rd lieutenant in the artillery until on the
Attorney of Bandar-'Abbls and t o the 31st of Murdld his term of service was
National Census Authorities. As the local completed. O n the 4th of Sahrivar he
authorities continued to agitate the case, was summoned to Headquarters and
the young couple were obliged t o wire the although he was no longer in the army and
following, signed by themselves and the was seeking work in order to support his
nine witnesses, to the Ministries of Justice family, he was arrested and imprisoned by
and of the Interior: "We respectfully sub- the military authorities. I t appears that
mit that on 6 b l n 12, 1314, we were the cause of his arrest was his marriage,
married in good will and accord in the which the Ministry of Justice has declared
presence of the witnesses listed below. As illegal although it conformed to all the
we are Bahi'is the marriage was performed regulations, as is proved by his marriage
according t o our religious requirements and certificate which was officially submitted to
since there is no official marriage bureau in the Registry Office. A BahPi can never
Bandar-i-'Abbls, we submitted our certifi- act against the country's laws and the
Fate to the Municipality for registration, Imperial will, and his conscience forbids
CURRENT BAHA'i ACTIVITIES 101

him falsely to represent himself as Muslim, the Assistant Chief of Police summoned
Christian, Jew or Zoroastrian and t o regis- him and the following conversation ensued:
ter his marriage on the certificates and at (Chief) "Did you write a pecition to His
the bureaus reserved for them. Such an act Majesty seeking your son's release?"
would be disloyalty to the Government and (Varql) "Yes."
is forbidden by the BahPi Faith; a BahPi is (Chief) "His Majesty orders me to
obliged to conform to the Bahi'i marriage advise you that you have already repeatedly
requirements and to seek the registration of been warned t o desist from declaring your
Bahi'i certificates by the officials con- faith. You have also been informed that
cerned; and since hundreds of such mar- His Majesty looks upon you all with favor
riages have taken place all over frln, and and is sure of your loyalty, but he does not
being in conformity with the law have led wish you to make avowals of your faith.

A Tablet of Bahi'u'116h addressed to 'Abdu'l-Bahi.
(Translation of part of this Tablet appears in "The
Dispensation of Bahl'u'llLh," page 43, paragraph
beginning with " 0 Thou Who art the apple of
Mine eye!")

to no incidents, my son likewise has pro- An evidence of His Majesty's favor is rhat
ceeded according to the laws of his faith a large number of Bahi'is are employed in
and also of his country. I t is certain that various Government departments; for ex-
in view of imperial justice and favor, it will ample Aqly-i-'A16'i has a very important
not be permitted that a young man of position in the army, and this is an ont-
education, who has completed his military standing proof of the good-will
service ander the law, has married and with toward you, but he cannot condone your
a thousand hopes made ready to serve his public declaration of faith. He can never
country; should at the outset of his career forgive any infringement of laws and regn-
for no fault or disloyalty be subjected to lations, even on the part of his own son;
such difficulties. I humbly beg His for instance a few days ago the man who
Majesty's order for a thorough iuvestiga- next to His Majesty was the foremost per-
tion of the legality of this marriage, and, if sonage in the country became the object
it agrees with the desire of His Majesty, of His Majesty's displeasure and reprimand
the order for his release." Three days later because he had made a slight departure
102 T H E B A H A '1 W O R L D

Ironi the regulations." The speakcr con- Inan is not a member of any of them.
tinued angrily, "And now you people want What is he t o do? If the Government
to force the Government t o give you official wishes him t o give up his faith, that is
recognition. The Government recognizes impossible."
only four religions and cannot recognize (Chief) "The Government has nothing
yon. See how much better off you are than to do with people's religion. For instance,
you were thirty years ago. What more do you hold meetings in the Ha~iratu'l-Quds
you want?" H e repeated these things and worship according to the requirements
several times adding that these were not of your faith. The Government has no
His Majesty's words but his own, His objection. But it cannot overlook your
Majesty having only outlined the message public declarations of faith and it cannot
t o be delivered. give you an official status; present condi-
(Varql) "My dear Colonel, I don't tions are not favorable; perhaps in future
understand your motive in speaking as you it will be different."
have. The point at issue is neither the open (Varq6) "Again you speak of public
declaration of faith nor the desire for avowals of faith. Such avowals are for
recognition. My son has been imprisoned children and the ignorant; the Baha'is are
by His Majesty's order; I wrote His a serious people. His Eminence Shoghi
Majesty and stated the circumstances, sub- Rabbani has stated in a letter t o the
mitting that my son was imprisoned be- National Spiritual Assembly that 'both
cause he is a Baha'i and has married public avowals of faith and concealment of
according t o the teachings of his religion. faith are blameworthy.' So you can be
N o Bahi'i has acted or will act against the sure that Bahl'is neither declare nor con-
country's regulations and the Imperial will. ceal their religion. But consider that both
There has apparently been a misunderstand- the grandfather and the twelve-year-old
ing, for we have repeatedly submitted t o uncle of this boy-that is, my father and
His Majesty and the ministers in charge brother-were hacked t o pieces forty years
that Bah6'is are obliged by their faith t o ago in Nisiri'd-Din &ah's prison because
conform fully to Government regulations they refused to conceal their belief; obvi-
in all administrative matters; that is, when ously my son who is a fourth generation
the Government orders us to serve in the Bah6'i will likewise refuse t o do so."
army, pay taxes, work in the Government Rfihu'llPh M a w z h , a member of the
offices during stated hours or refrain from Naval Officers Division, was for similar
giving a daughter in marriage before the procedure in marrying according t o Bahl'i
age of fifteen, a Bahh'i is obliged by the doctrine and petitioning the authorities
dictates of his conscience and religion t o when his certificate was not registered,
obey. However, as regards spiritual matters called to the capital, degraded to the ranks,
such as acts of worship and marriage he ordered to serve two years in the army as
must obey the laws of his religion; in all a private and imprisoned pending payment
that relates to spiritual conduct, such as by him of 1,511 t6m6ns, the sum spent
prayer, fasting and the like, which matters by the Government for his education.
have indeed no concern with Government Although newly married and full of hope
regulations, a Bahl'i will give up his life for his future, this young man quietly and
rather than obey any outside authority. cheerfully accepted what had happened,
The case of my son's marriage is an ex- saying, "Though I am deprived of a rank
ample; he is a Bahi'i of the fourth genera- which to me was of no value, I have gained
tion, born and reared in this faith; he has precious things in the world of the spirit."
married according t o the laws of his religion His father, Mihdi-Quli MawzGn, stated in
and has also made out a marriage certificate a letter written t o the National Assembly,
in conformity with the laws of his country; "I request you t o send someone t o R 3 u -
to what bureau must he take this certificate '116h t o comfort him and t o tcll him from
to he registered? For you have only four me that he must stand firm."
bureaus for four religions, and this young Early in Masi'il, 92, the General Staff
CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 103

summoned Dr. 'Abdu'l-Karim L h l n Ayidi, their permitting him to leave the religions
an army physician, and advised him that by column blank; his rank was restored and
His Majesty's order he must cross out the he was reinstated into his former position.
word "Bahi'i" written in the religions I t is thought that the Doctor's medical skill
column of his personnel papers, replace it and excellent character influenced the
with the word "Muslim" and endorse the authorities in his favor.
change; that failure to comply would result At this time a circular order was issued
in the loss of his rank and in imprisonment by the General Staff relative to Bahh'i
until he should reimburse the Government officers, as follows: "Because inspection of
for his education-this notwithstanding the the ten-year identification forms recencly
notice on the form in question that all turned in discloses that certain oficers have
answers should be in strict conformity with described their religion as Bahl'i, you are
truth and that anyone writing in a false informed by His Majesty's order that the
statement would he severely penalized. religion with which the Bahh'i community
Dr. Ayidi declared that he could leave the identifies itself has no official status, that
space blank but that it was impossible for the word 'Bahh'i' should on no account be
him to fill it in with the word "Muslim." permitted to appear in the identification
They warned him that refusal would mean forms, that no avowal of their faith should
Loss of rank, a heavy fine and imprisonment, be allowed and that the slightest expression
and urged him in his own interest to con- of faith by them should immediately be
ceal his faith and give up insisting on this suppressed and reported to the capital.
point; he answered, "If I do as you say, I Officers who in their identification forms or
shall have lied, and the Governinellt would elsewhere describe themselves as Bahh'is
then have no reason ever to trust me. must if they are conscripts be deprived of
Furthermore, you require army men to their rank and finish their term of service
swear on their conscience and religion to as privates, and if they belong to the regu-
serve the Government with loyalty and lar army they must after being deprived
never conceal the truth; how can you of their rank be imprisoned until they
attenlpt to do away with my religion and reimburse the Government for their educa-
as a result with my honor, and oblige me tion. His Majesty has especially decreed
to conceal the truth and also ro lie?" They that leaving the religions column blank in
repeated that he must cross out the word itself constitutes a sort of avowal of faith
"Bahl'i" and write "Muslim" in its place. and this too should not be accepted.
Dr. Ayidi answered, "I shall never do that, Officers may only fill in the blank with the
even if you put me to death." At this the name of one of the officially recognized
officials stripped off his insignia and im- religions. (Signed) Acting Chief of Staff,
prisoned him. Dr. Ayldi was a prisoner Darghimi."
about fifteen days, during which time he Following this order various officers in
s~uilinglyand firmly withstood all adverse the capital and provinces were called to
pressure. His mother, Munirih K_hAnum, account, some of these being imprisoned
expressed no sorrow at her son's imprison- and others discharged from the army.
ment, and prepared herself with entire faith Typical cases were as follows:
and serenity for whatever might come t o
pass, saying, "My father, the late H l j i Aq6y-i-Avirig6n was ordered to the
~ l f i 6 n d (The 'Ali-Qabl-i-Akbar of Bah6- capital from his post in Kurdistin, and re-
'u'llih's tablets), was time and again plied that his mission had not yet been
chained and imprisoned in the path of the completed; he was then advised by a tele-
Cause, and my husband the late Ibn-i- gram in cipher to inform the authorities
Abhar likewise suffered imprisonment and whether he was willing to change his listing
chains. What harm is there in my son's of himself as a BahPi in his identification
sharing chis bounty and following his father papers. AvIrigin wired in reply, "Since
and grandfather in the path of his Lord?" my conscience and duty as a soldier forbid
At last Dr. Ayldi's firmness resulted in departure from truth I cannot change the
record." O n his arrival in the capital he character, but two days following this they
was ordered to cross out the word "Bahi'i" were again ordered t o wear a private's
and endorse the paper. He answered that uniform.
he could only agree to leave the space blank. Mihdi L h i n Varqi, who had recently re-
As a result he was put under arrest but they ceived employment as a military dentist in
finally accepted his suggestion, and released the conscript army, upon joining the regi-
him. ment and reporting to his commander, had
S i y i v a b Safidvab, one of the earliest with the latter the following conversation:
Zoroastrian Bahi'is, reports that his son (Commander) "Are you a Muslim?"
Kayl&usraw who is a conscripted officer (Varqi) "No, I am a BahUi."
was summoned and told that it was officially (Commander) "His Imperial Majesty has
forbidden to write the word "Bahi'i" in the ordered that all officers must he Muslims,
religions column of the identification form, and that non-Muslims must change to the
and was ordered t o erase it and substitute religion of Islim in order to become
one of the recognized religions. They officers."
further asked for his answer in writing, (Varqi) "I have no desire to become an
whereupon he wrote the following: "In officer and I shall not change my religion."
compliance with the regulations heading (Commander) "Four of you people were
the ten-year identification form I truth- in the army; of these, three concealed their
fully stated my religion therein, and I pray religion; one refused, and he is still in
God to keep me firm in it to my last prison. Why should you make trouble for
breath; 'whatsoever He wills is best.' " As yourself ?"
a result he was arrested and deprived of his (Varqh) "I know, sir, that your inten-
rank, but eventually this was restored; he tions are good, but please don't give me any
was released and permitted to leave the such advice because it will have no effect on
religions column blank. me. If you wish to prosecute or imprison
'&if L h i n Lhidim, also a conscripted me, I am ready for it, and if I must serve
officer, was treated in the same way and as a common soldier, I am also ready."
for the same reason, but after several days (Commander) "Then I must refer your
of imprisonment he was freed, his rank was case to the General Staff for instructions."
restored and he was allowed to leave the At this juncture the Commander's sec-
religions column blank. retary began to offer his advice to the
Aqiy-i-Farz6nih took second place in the young man. Mihdi L h i n asked, "Would
Arsenal Department examinations held to you who are a Muslim be willing to declare
select students for study in Europe; since, yourself a Jew?"
however, he had registered as a Bahb'i and (Secretary) "Yes, because His Holiness
had refused the authorities' order to change the Prophet has enjoined concealment of
the record, he not only lost the opportunity faith in time of need."
of being sent to Europe but was arrested (Varqi) "In our faith, on the contrary,
and is still in prison. such concealment is forbidden."
Aqiy6n Ahmadi and Jalili, conscripted (Commander) "Do as you wish, but I
officers, were likewise ordered by their must refer your case to the General Staff."
superiors to cross out the word "Bahi'i" Again, 1st Lieutenant Malik-K&sruvi
from their registration papers and replace it who had served in the army thirteen years,
with "Muslim," this in spite of the fact five of these in action, had been for some
that only twenty-three days remained of time an ii~structorin the Military College
their term of military service; unmoved by and once had among others the Crown
threats, they refused to comply, agreeing Prince as a pupil, although relatively a new
only to Ieave the religions column blank. believer and except for his sister the only
They were then degraded to the ranks, member of his family to be a Bahh'i, regis-
which they accepted gladly; some three tered as a BahQi and when informed at the
days later their rank was restored and they College that be must cross this word out
were much praised for their strength of and substitute "Muslim" replied as in the
CURRENT BAHli'i ACTIVITIES 101

other cases described that hc could only is s principle of my faith. Purthennol-e,
leave the religions column blank. He was the identification form imposes the condi-
told that this was forbidden, and that he tion that unless the questions are answered
must register as a member of one of the truthfully the signatory will be court-
four recognized religions. He answered, martialed; it is likewise definitely stated in
"Since you oblige me to state my religion, the army regulations that a soldier must tell
write 'Bahl'i.' " In spite of their insistence, the truth and the whole truth."
he stood firm. When his papers were wb- (Chief) "It is better for you not to de-
mitted to the Chief of the General Staff the clare your faith."
latter summoned him and strongly advised (Lhusruvi) "I shall leave the column
him to change his decision, adding, "I am blank."
interested in you and do not wish you to (Chief) "You will he expelled."
get into trouble." At last the Chief de- (Lhusruvi) "So be it."
clared that he would take the matter to the (Chief) "They will deprive you of your
&6h. I t is reported that on hearing the rank."
case the &hh said quietly, "I never interfere (Lhusruvi) "Let them."
with anyone's religion, but since this Inan (Chief) "You may be imprisoned or
has not obeyed my commands, the pro- transferred to the ports where the climate
visions of the circular order apply to him; is bad."
however, do not imprison him unless he (K_husruvi) "It makes no difference."
refuses to reimburse the Government for (Chief) "I see that you don't want to
his education." As a result he was ex- serve in the army."
pelled from the army and required to (Khusruvi) "I am ready to serve so long
reimburse the Government for the cost of as the army wants me; otherwise, wherever
his education. Malik-&uaruvi is thus the I am I shall serve the Government."
first person in whose case the provisions of (Chief) "If they expel you from the
the circular order were f ~ ~ l applied.
ly The army, the other Government departments
following is a report of his conversation will refuse you admission."
with the Chief of the General Staff: (ghusruvi) "It doesn't matter. I can
(Chief) "I am interested in you and do work for business houses."
not wish you to suffer misfortune. Give (Chief) "Is suicide allowable in your
up this idea and don't declare your faith." religion?"
(Lhusruvi) "I have repeatedly submitted (K_husruvi) "No, it is discountenanced."
that I am making no declaration of faith (Chief) "Why then are you trying to die
and that I am ready to leave the religions by your own hand?"
column blank, but they do not accept this (K_husruvi) "This is not suicide; it is a
and compel me to state my religion." matter of conscience and faith."
(Chief) "According to Aq6y-i-'A11'i, (Chief) "Go and consult with your
the Bah6'is are much attached to frln." elders."
(Lhusruvi) "Bahl'is all over the world (Lhusruvi) "This has to do with a re-
have the same regard for fr6n that Muslims ligious command; it requires no consul-
have for Mecca, and they consider frin tation."
their point of adoration. I do not think a (Chief) "Go and think it ovcr."
Babi'i could be a traitor to his country. (K_husruvi) "I did not come here with-
I am happy to he expelled on account of out ha.iing thought it over."
my religion instead of on the pretext of (Chief) "Is it not true that every day in
embezzlement or some such crime." one way or another you tell some falsehood?
(Chief) "Well then, since you are so Consider this as one of those falsehoods.
much attached to fr6n it is well for you to For example, if your child begs you to buy
obey the %Ah's command and register as a him an automobile don't you agree to,
Muslim." although you never will?"
( a u s r u v i ) "I cannot; my Master (Lhusruvi) "No sir, I never give a false
teaches me to speak the truth; truthfulness promise to my child; for in our faith lying,
106 T H E B A H A. ' f WORLD

and especially to children, is atric~ly for- Training School in Milu- 1308 with the
bidden." rank of 2nd Lieutenant and has in the past
(Chief) "What do you tell him then?" seven years of service given full proof of
(K_husruvi) "I occupy his mind with his trustworthiness, as the Personnel De-
something else." partment will testify. Since the recently-
(Chief) "This affair will lead t o your distributed ten-year identification forms
misfortune." stated that answers must be in full con-
( Q u s r u v i ) "Not misfortune-happi- formity with truth I obeyed instructions
ness." and, being an adherent of the Bahh'i re-
The following incidents have been re- ligion, recorded this in the religions column.
ported from the provinces: The Spiritual I t is not possible for me t o dissimulate; I
Assembly of Ahv6z advises that Dr. Amin am a Bahi'i and have no other religion."
Ahmadzidih, Mul?ammad Naji', Sirr-i-Din Aminu'llih Sami'i was another of those
'Ali'i and Majid-i-Samadi having registered who omitted t o fill in the religions column
as Bahi'is were informed that they must at in the identification forms; it was later dis-
all costs declare themselves Muslims; they covered that a secretary had filled in the
refused, and were given some days time t o space with the word "Muslim." H e made
alter their decision. I n S i r b z , officers a verbal protest and was about t o pursue
Himmat and Dr. Salmhnp6r registered as the matter but as this was not deemed
Bah6'is in spite of warnings and threats advisable, desisted. I t is reported that on
from their superiors, and stood firm. I n numerous occasions when Bahi'i officers
Zahidin likewise, Bahb'i officers were sub- have left the religions column blank, army
jected t o threats and prosecuted for the corps secretaries have later written in the
same reason. I n Tabriz, the following name of one of the four recognized re-
letter was received by a Bahi'i officer, 2nd ligions.
Lieutenant Muhammad B6hiri: "According Among the activities of the National
to order No. -, officers in filling out iden- Spiritual Assembly and its committees dur-
tification forms are obliged to name one of ing the year 92 were the sending out of two
the officially recognized faiths in the re- traveling teachers throughout f r l n ; the
ligions column, and since the religion of supplying of teachers to Bahh'i centers in
Bahb has according t o this order no official accord with the request of various Spiritual
status, you must, therefore, correct your Assemblies; the presentation of petitions t o
identificatio~~ papers; you are advised t o the authorities relative t o the restrictions
inform us of your decision and t o appear imposed on Bahh'is, and personal interviews
at Headquarters to see the order in question. with leading officials in the same connec-
(Signed) Acting Commander." Officer tion; the distribution of Bahi'i news to the
Blhiri wrote in reply: "It is respectfully believers; the dispatch of comprehensive
submitted relative t o order No. - that instructions t o all Local Assen~hliest o the
since mention of the Bahl'i religion is for- effect that as directed by the Guardian
bidden in the officers' identification form, Bahi'i marriages should be performed in
I request that a second form be sent me t o full conformity with Bahi'i doctrine and
fill in and I shall leave the religions column the marriage certificates presented for regis-
blank. It is obvious that since I am a tration at the registry-offices for non-
Bahi'i, declaring myself an adherent of Muslims, following which they should he
another religion would he untrue and I submitted t o the Government authorities
would consider such a declaration as dis- for registration, and that if refused regis-
loyal t o the army and my country." I n tration the Assemblies should address peti-
Bandar-'Abbis the text of the circular tion t o the authorities concerned. . . .
order from the General Staff was officially The translation of the Local Assembly By-
forwarded t o 1st Lieutenant Ja161 Asbsi and Laws and their careful comparison with the
he replied as follows: "With reference t o English original. The formation by the
order No. - it is respectfully submitted National Committee for Child Training of
that the undersigned completed the Officers' two classes for men and women teachers of
CURRENT B A H A'f ACTIVITIES 107

character training; the holding of lectures warded messages of condolence to their
on the Cause for Bahl'i students; corre- fellow-believers in America through the
spondence with BahL'i centers outside irln, American National Assembly. In a letter
and contact through the Unity of the East received by the National Spiritual Assembly
and West Committee with orientalists and some time after the passing of Amatu'l-
travelers; the collection of funds from all A'li, the Guardian writes: "This occur-
frin Bahl'is for purchases of places sacred rence has filled the hearts of the friends
to Bahi'is; the preparation by the Census with grief, and I am greatly saddened by
Committee of temporary identification the passing of that essence of severance and
papers for Bah6'is under twenty-one; con- that altar-fire of divine love. In faith and
stant written and verbal encouragement of assurance she surpassed all about her, and
the friends not to conceal their faith and for courage and strength she was far famed.
to study carefully the Guardian's in- The great institutions she founded shall re-
structions. main a peerless standard. In times to come
In the month of Abin, Dlwud Effendi Bahl'i men and women from America and
Tuwiq, Chairman of the National Spir- o ~ h e rlands following in the footsteps of
itual Assembly of 'Iriq, reached the capital that glory of wo~nanhood will hasten to
on a visit to the Baha'is of frln, attended the sacred country of frln, will with great
numerous meetings organized by the Serv- energy, spirituality and joy perpetuate her
ice and Feast Committees and greatly resplendent services, and will speak in praise
inspired the friends with a number of im- and commendation of her illustrious, un-
portant lectures. He then traveled to . .
ceasing work. . The value of these
Gilin, Mlzindarin, Firs and AGirbiyjin, blessed, holy souls is not recognized today,
returning to B a d d i d by way of Hamadin. but as time goes on the effect of their
During his journey he was attended by a worthy efforts and pure spirit will be made
group of Bahl'is from the capital, and the known. At this moment her triumphant
friends everywhere report that they were soul is dwelling in the all-highest paradise,
much rejoiced by his visit. communing with the denizens of the King-
First among the BahL'is who ascended to dom about the A l ~ l l i ~ h t Throne;
y she is
the Kingdom during the years 91 and 92 looking on her dear ones who were for
was the beloved Amatu'l-Kli, Dr. Susan I. many years her companions in that land,
Moody. Upon her departure on October and she is chanting the words, 'Would that
23, 1934, the Tihrin Assembly wired the my people could know!' Let the friends be
Guardian and received the following tele- comforted in this bereavement, and praise
gram in reply: "Hearts in East and West her high and noble qualities in all private
are saddened by the passing of Amatu'l- and public gatherings, and 'let them who
A'1i; she who was chosen by our peerless act, act in this wise.'"
Master is numbered among the denizens of Ji116b-i-Fi$il-i-S_hirizi, one of the fore-
paradise in the Abh6 Kingdom. Her most of the early Bahi'i teachers and
illustrious and constant services forged and travelers, a scholar of the first rank and
fortified the bonds of spiritual union be- one who served the Cause by night and day,
tween East and West. All Baha'i centers ascended to the Abhl Kingdom in 'Izzat,
should hold fitting memorial services; 92. His body was with due ceremonies
Amin-Amin shall expend SO0 t-Jmins on interred in the new Gulastin-i-Jivid, and
my behalf t o build for her a tomb of unique two memorial meetings attended by men
beauty. (Signed) Shoghi." The National and women respectively were held at the
Spiritual Assembly of America was likewise Ha~iratu'l-Qnds. On the day of his pass-
cabled of Dr. Moody's passing; her body ing. the Assembly wired the Guardian,
was interred with fitting ceremonies in the "Fidil-i-&irizi ascended" and the Guard-
GulastBn-i-Jlvid (The Bahl'i cemetery of ian telegraphed in reply, "Deeply grieved at
Tihrin) and numerous memorial services the departure of the renowned beloved
were held in the capital and throughout the teacher; his services shall never be over-
country, while the frin Bahl'is also for- come by death. Assure his family of my
THE BAHA'i WORLD
attachment and loving prayers. (Signed) I n preparation for the elections of the
Shoghi." year 93, the present National Spiritual
Mirzi Taghi Lhbn ahi in-Ayin, one of Assembly has sent out a circular letter to
the early and much-afflicted teachers and all Bahi'i centers, requesting the friends
known as Qljir, ascended in the month of to elect their delegates and arrange for their
A&ar ( 1 9 3 1 ) and was interred with fit- journey to the capital, where the Conven-
ting ceremonies in the Bah6'i cemetery of tion for the year 93 will meet on the 6th
Tihran. of Ridvin.

UNITED STATES A N D C A N A D A
BY NELLIE
S. FRENCH
"Lo, the Nightingale of Paradise singeth upon the twigs of the Tree of Eternity, with
holy and sweet melodies, proclaiming to the sincere ones the glad tidings of the nearness
of God-"

L O O K I N G back over the vista of the Soviet Russia inflict any injury upon BahPi
past two years one is impressed with the lives and institutions, the extension of any
different notes and varying cadences which support that may be required to safeguard
are constantly being introduced in the the interests of the Cause at its most vital
great universal symphony of the "Unfold- and international center to ward off the
ment of the Divine Civilization" of Bahl- malicious attacks of enemies from both
'u'116h. These years, so rich in experience, within and without-these are the out-
so poignant in the history of the life of standing issues which demand the sustained
mankind are at once a definite link in the and concentrated attention of every be-
working out of the divine plan and sep- liever.' . . .
arate and unexplored spiritual efforts! "Indeed, the successive steps which Shoghi
They cannot be visioned as a whole-each Etlendi has taken to train, to instruct and
variation of the glorious melody must be to discipline the Bahi'i Community are all
given its own share, its varying nuances paralleled by a swift continuance of that
emphasized, its overtones duly recognized, process of disintegration of human society
its growing harmony of theme and purpose which has become the more apparent as
properly evaluated. efforts to attain peace and stability have
In his annual report read by the secre- successively failed. Fourteen years ago the
tary of the National Spiritual Assembly Bahi'i Community was still as a child in
before the delegates assembled for the the household of civilization, apparently
Twenty-Seventh Annual Convention of the bearing no responsibility for the fate of that
Bahi'is held in Foundation Hall of the household, and therefore concerned only
Ma&riqu'l-A&khr in April, 1935, he says: with the joys and sorrows of the child's
"The spiritual character and controlling own growth, the dreams of its own future.
principle of the Bahi'i year now brought to Today, with the household in dire confusion
a close were established for us by Shoghi and distress, the youth born of the new age
Effendi in these words dated September 16, is called upon to prove his birthright and
1934- demonstrate his capacity to achieve eternal
"'The situation in frin which is grow- .
peace, his elders having failed. . ."
ing from bad t o worse, the necessary meas- Thus it is that the outstanding major
ures which should be taken t o insure the events of the year mark a diversity of
uninterrupted completion of the clerestory achievement and growth never before
section of the Temple, the adoption of such chronicled in Bahi'i history, nor will new
measures as will stimulate the teaching paths fail successively to unroll themselves
campaign in America, the exercise of the before the wayfarer in this New Age of
utmost vigilance lest the authorities of unfolding mysteries, for the standardizing
CURRENT B A H A ' ~ACTIVITIES 109

of those articles of the Faith contained in of their resources 2nd thr scorn of their
the unique document of the Will and enemies, they have carried triumphantly
Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahi, and their in- the Banner of BahUu'116h and brought to a
troduction to new believers, bind together successful issue the first stage in the forma-
the fabric of Bahl'i Community life in the tive period of His Faith."
indissoluble bonds of the Covenant of God. Among the major events of the year
And accompanying the development of the also must be noted the passing of the ven-
spiritual structure of the Faith the progress erable, the beloved and revered Dr. Susan
of the ornamentation of the dome of the I. Moody in the field of her life work in
Ma&riqu21-A&klr, despite the serious Tihrin. Dr. Moody was one of the early
adversities of the financial world, moved on believers to embrace the opportunity of
toward completion; a miracle in stone, a strengthening the bond between the East
miracle in faith, a miracle in devotion and and the West by taking up her residence
an evidence of abiding love of the faithful in frln and giving her life to the service
followers of Bahi'u'llih. Though at this of humanity. The national secretary in
time the dome was not completed the mentioning the passing of Dr. Moody says:
friends were heartened and refreshed by the "Her life furnishes the Bahi'i world one
following cablegram which served as in- more example of heroism and consecration
spiration for the year of work ahead. This a later generation of believers may well
cablegram received after the close of the take to heart. How fruitful her life was!
Convention of 1934 was immediately com- What noble institutions she developed,
municated t o the friends. It read:- what a monument she reared in the lives
"American believers' inspired leadership of youth of I'rin! Even the enemies of the
steadily unfolding to Bahi'is world over Cause could not withhold their admiration
potentialities majestic edifice heralding and their recognition of her sincerity! Even
formative period Faith of Bah6'u'lllh. officialdom refrained from destructive meas-
Their unerring vision conceived its match- ures until her stalwart Bahi'i presence had
less design. 'Abdu'l-Bahi's own hands laid been removed from the scene!"
its cornerstone. Their dynamic faith reared
its structure. Their sustained self-sacrifice Teaching Activities
crowned it with immortal glory. May flame I n no previous year of which there is
their unconquerable enthusiasm continue record were there so many enrollments of
glowing in their hearts till its naked frame new believers as in this Bahi'i year. Both
is enveloped in its shining mantle." in the number of new members added to
What greater inspiration than this?- existing communities, and in number of
Then followed the instruction that as soon groups prepared for election of a Spiritual
as the clerestory of the Temple was com- Assembly for the first time, this period was
pleted no further contracts were to be made one of remarkable growth. Milwaukee,
for the next unit until the full amount of Chicago, New York and many of the other
the sum required was in hand. communities reported enrollments which
In a letter dated December first, 1934, surpassed all previous years. The teaching
these significant words appear: "Despite of the Cause, reinforced by the mysterious
the perils and uncertainties with which power of the Mas_hriqu'l-A&klr made more
their country is now beset, and in the face effective by the knowledge of the nature
of the financial reverses they have suffered of the Bahi'i community, received a vast
and the unfortunate controversies that have stimulus, inaugurating a movement for-
perplexed and agitated them they have ward surely destined to acquire greater
forged ahead and are fast approaching the emphasis with every successive year.
termination of the first stage in the orna- The annual report of the National Teach-
mentation of their consecrated Edifice. ing Committee comments with gratification
Undaunted by the magnitude of this on the extension of the Faith, and points
colossal enterprise, undismayed by the out with appreciation the fact that the
smallness of their numbers, the scantiness financial sacrifices made necessary by the
110 T H E B A H A 'f WORLD

devotion to the project of completing the efficiency in its ideal form. Much teaching
clerestory section of the Temple imposed has been carried on by correspondence and
serious limitations in the teaching field over four thousand letters written by the
workers, who met the situation with truly various members of the committee must
sacrificial devotion. The Teaching Com- surely some time hear fruit.
mittee report mentions the names of the Perhaps the most important phase of the
following friends who have participated in work of the teachers, whether of the
the work of teaching under the direction National Committee or in the Local Assem-
of the National Committee: blies, is the preparation of new believers for
Mrs. Dorothy Baker, Mrs. Ruth Brandt, memhership in the Bahb'i Community.
Mrs. Louise Caswell, Mr. Dale Cole, Mr.
Roland Estall, Mrs. Ida Finch, Mrs. Eliza- Prekarntion of N n u Believers for Member-
beth Greenleaf, Mr. Louis Gregory, Dr. ship in the BnhL'i Community
Walter B. Guy, Mr. Leroy Ioas, Mirzi 'Ali To prepare applicants for the right use
Kuli K_hin, Miss Alma Knoblock, Miss oi their membership in the Bahb'i Com-
Fanny Knoblock, Mrs. Laura Luther, Mrs. munity it was found necessary by the
Gertrude Matteson, M r s . May Maxwell, National Spiritual Assembly to clarify the
Mrs. Loulie Matthews, Mrs. Florence Mor- qualifications for membership according to
ton, Mrs. Ruth Moffett, Dr. Lenore Morris, the instructions received from the Guardian
Mme. Gita Orlova, Mr. Charles Mason and statements have appeared from time to
Remey, Mrs. Orcella Rexford, Mrs. Lorol time in the Bahd'i N e w s which are a valu-
Schopflocher, Mrs. A. Y. Seto, Mr. Mark able guide in determining this important
Tobey, Mr. N. Forsyth Ward, Mrs. Shahnaz step. The following constructive sugges-
Waite, and Mrs. Georgie Wiles. tions appeared in the News for March,
Under these able exponents of the Teach- 1935:
ings fifteen public teaching campaigns were 1. "As years of experience have shown,
conducted, while 39 public meetings were intellectual acceptance of the formal stand-
held regularly for teaching purposes; 34 ards of the Bahi'i Faith alone is not
study classes were inaugurated for new in- sufficient. A true heliever will, in addition,
quirers and 37 classes organized for deepen- endeavor whole-heartedly to abide by the
ing the knowledge of the Faith among the results of BahVi consultation as maintained
friends themselves. A careful analysis of by the institutions of the Cause. A true
the work of the year has proven the most heliever, furthermore, will seek to coil-
productive method of teaching to he in the tribute to the unity of the entire com-
fireside groups in the homes, and great munity, and find his own development in
stress is laid upon this system, while the the growth of the Cause, and not attempt
National Teaching Committee strongly to make the community revolve around his
urges that more of the friends assume this own perconality, nor himself revolve around
responsibility and open their homes for the the human personality of any one heliever.
reading and study of the Word. The The capacity for spiritual association is not
annual report also presents for consideration an additional qualification for memhership
that very few of the Assemblies have em- -it is the real test of the believers' pro-
braced the opportunity to sponsor nearby foundest spiritual faith. All teachers re-
towns and cities and to become responsible sponsible for preparing applicants for
for introducing the Faith into new centers membership will do well to emphasize this
where no believers are registered. important and vital point, for the aim of
The work of the National Teaching Bahh'u'llih's Revelation is to establish one-
Committee over this period, and indeed ness of spirit and unity of action through-
over the succeeding year, of which an ac- out the world.
count will he made later, has been so 2. "An applicant who is enrolled as
wonderfully systematized and the entire voting member of a local Bahb'i com-
country so splendidly catalogued that one munity is thereby given association not
sees here a true demonstration of Bahi'i merely in that community alone, hut by
CURRENT B A HA'f ACTIVITIES 111

his enrollment becomes a Bahi'i world the wise and impersonal functioning of the
citizen-a member of the Bahi'i Common- institution, and profit also by contact with
wealth maintained by the central institu- other teachers. Later on, when local com-
tions of the Guardianship and the Universal munities are larger and their collective
House of Justice. If he travels, the en- undertakings more proficient, perhaps all
rolled believer is given credentials which applicants, before enrollment, will be able
will be recognized and honored by National to receive this final, supervised instruction.
and local Spiritual Assemblies without dis- At present, conditions vary so much among
tinction, whether in the East or the West. the communities that this suggestion must
How important, therefore, in the prepara- be developed in accordance with local cir-
tion of applicants for membership, that cumstances. I t would he well, however,
they be made conscious of this supreme for individual members of each local As-
privilege, this most vital responsibility sembly to feel a more positive responsibility
assumed by all who voluntarily seek the in following all local teaching activities,
shade of the Divine Tree, who would con- visiting each class or group as frequently
tribute to the World Order of Bahi'n'llAh! as possible, in order to have direct knowl-
This consideration is likewise a reminder to edge of this vital aspect of Assembly re-
all of the present believers, especially those sponsibility. By consultation it wonld then
who are members of local Assemblies, how he possible for the Assembly to assist each
essential it is to avoid merely local and per- group or class conducted by individual
sonal issues and situations which might teachers in planning their subjects so as to
conceal from an applicant the true uni- lead up to the central study class held by
versality of the Faith of God. the Assernbly itself. Success depends upon
3. "The same consideration lilrewise gives the unity of the Assembly and the willing
due emphasis to the fact that no local cooperation of ail teachers, old and young,
Spiritual Assembly is to be regarded as an in striving to enlarge the Bahi'i community
independent, self-sufficient Bahl'i institu- year by year.
tion, but rather as one important link in I . "It has been realized by discerning
the series of institutions which constitute Bahl'is that one essential aspect of Bahi'i
the World Order of Babl'u'llBh. Local community life, the social aspect, has so far
Assemblies are dependent upon the National remained practically undeveloped. As local
Spiritual Assembly, as the National institu- communities become larger and more er-
tions are dependent upon the Guardian and perienced, their Assemblies will he able to
the Universal House of Justice. I t is be- arrange social meetings and gatherings to
cause of this organic dependence that the satisfy the innate human need of friendly
national By-Laws make enrollment condi- association, thus supplementing the Nine-
tional upon final approval by the National teen Day Feasts and the Anniversaries
Spiritual Assembly. which at present are the only recognized
4. "In order to assure the entrance of Bahl'i gatherings. The larger local Assem-
each new believer into the BahCi com- blies might even now arrange occasional
mmity upon the soundest basis possible, it feasts, in addition to those in the Bahi'i
is recommended that local Assemblies, calendar, to provide occasions for informal
wherever conditions permit, provide a final association of believers and also to enable
step for the preparation of applicants already applicants to become acquainted with the
interested by home study classes or some local community. So far, such informal
teacher's individual instruction. This final gatherings have been arranged mostly by
step consists in the holding of a special individual believers in their own homes,
study class under the Assembly's own direct which tends to make the social aspect of
supervision and control, where the appli- the community too onesided and personal,
cants can be trained in the Administrative in distinction to the universality of the
principles and their knowledge of the formal Bahi'i meetings. The National
basic teachings carefully reviewed. By this Assembly regrets deeply that Bahl'is are
method, the new believers will experience still compelled to develop a social life either
CURRENT B A H A ' ~ACTIVITIES 113

outside or on a basis of restricted intin~acy 3s well as a collection of stories from Bahl'i
within the Cause. But through social literature.
gatherings arranged by the local Spiritual An interesting development of the work
Assembly, the social life of Bahi'is will re- with children has been the exchange of
inforce and strengthen their spiritual and letters between various groups for through
ethical lives, and moreover such gatherings this means is born a greater consciousness
will not only bring the applicants and the of unity and oneness in the Faith and a
older believers together but also demon- greater encouragement toward study and
strate the vital fact that Bahi'u'llhh's Faith, research.
in the Guardian's own words, inculcates a
Bahd'i Yoath
standard which 'incline it to neither East
nor West, neither Jew nor Gentile, neither This, the second year of the work of the
rich nor poor, neither white nor colored.' committee for Bahh'i Youth, marked cer-
6 . "Last but by no means least in i n - tain definite accomplishments and deter-
portance is the fact that when new appli- mined certain definite aims and purposes in
cants are enrolled, not merely are they to the pursuit of its ideals. Since the incep-
be adjusted to the Bahi'i community, but tion of the Youth work in 1933 communi-
the older believers are also to adjust to the cation has been established with nineteen
new friends. This consideration, in fact, international groups represellting fifteen
must receive increasing attention as indica- nations, and with fifty-three local groups.
tions multiply that the era of more rapid These do not, however, represent adequately
growth has begun. Courtesy, true Bahh'i the Youth Groups of the world.
love and the spirit of cooperation are due During the year also the committee
every new Bahi'i, without the slightest issued their first Bulletin designed to reach
tincture of aloofness, separateness or, on and interest young people between the ages
the other hand, undue favoritism, from of fifteen and twenty-one years. By the
those who have longer shared the privilege time the third Bulletin was ready for circu-
of adherence to the Faith. lation the subscription list amounted to
"The National Spiritual Assembly offers three hundred names, showing a marked
these remarlts as suggestions deserving of increase in interest and a growing spirit of
thoughtful attention. In no sense are they cooperation among the various Assemblies.
put forth as rulings or commands, because These Bulletins contained valuable sugges-
formal legislation cannot be carried illto the tions and lists of publication* designed to
realm of the heart and the conscience. In increase the knowledge of the Faith and
essence this statement is an appeal, an provide information invaluable in the for-
urgent call for new and higher spiritual mztion of Youth Groups everywhere. Open
attitudes on the part of all the members letters addressed to young Bahi'is were
of the American Bahi'i Community." published in the BahBi News and the com-
munications from the Committee became a
Teaching and Training of Children valuable part of the regular issues of the
In the hands of a most able and devoted News.
committee study outlines i'or the teaching With the decision rendered by the
and training of children have been made National Spiritual Assembly that youth of
available and are widely used throughout sixteen to twenty-one years might declare
the Bahi'i World; however, these outlines their interest in the Faith and attend the
are susceptible of great expansion and Nineteen Day Feasts, it became a matter
should be more generally used as their value of paramount importance to educate the
is inestimable. Among the material in youth and prepare them for the time when
preparation is a collection of poems for the age of maturity being reached, they
groups of various ages on themes in keep- might declare their desire to become fully
ing with the Bahi'i Faith, a sclcction of qualified members of the voting com-
stories from the "Dawn Breakers," Bible munity.
stories which BahCi children should know International correspondence was increas-
114 T H E BAHA'i WORLD

ing, and with the Guardian's instruction to The following programs advanccd for thc
"create an international body of active season of 1935 will show the trend of the
young Bahl'i men and women" the com- work in hand:
mittee arose to accept the challenge and
have bent every effort in that direction. 1. Green Acre
Work for peace is always one of the main
Study Couvses
issues, and cooperation with the "Herald
of the South" established a link between 1. July 8-12. The Conduct of Bahl'i
the two continents which will become more Affairs. Leader to be announced later.
and more intimate as time goes on. 2. July 15-19, The Most Great Peace.
I t is with a sense of the greatest gratiii- Leader, Horace Holley.
cation that those believers who form the 3. July 22-26. Fundamental Bahi'i
older generation and even the pioneers in Teachings. Leader, Sahnaz Waite.
the Faith in America are now witnessing 4. July 29-August 2. The Practice of
the preparation of the hosts which are to the Bahi'i Life. Leader, Dorothy Baker.
follow in their footsteps and meet the chal- I. August S-9. Bahi'i Teachings 011
lenge of a dying civilization with the truth Mysticism. Leader, Glenn Shook.
and power and love of the Faith of Bahi- 6 . August 12-16. Racial Similarities and
'u'llih and His program for the New World Differences: The Scientific Evidence and the
Order. Bahi'i Teachings. Leader, Genevieve Coy.
7. August 19-23. The Origins, Powers
Bnhri'i Sz~mmer Schools and Conditions of Man. Leader to be an-
Their Intkortance nounced later.
8. August 26-30. Review of "The
"He (the Guardian, Shoghi Effendi) "Promise of All Ages" and "Security for a
hopes that through the earnest and sus- Failing World" with suggestions as to their
tained efforts of your committee these use in teaching. Leader, Stanwood Cobb.
annual gatherings will acquire increasing
importance in the eyes of the public, and Conferences
will constitute an effective medium for the
dissemination of the Teachings. He feels
that in your next summer meetings con-
July '-" Teaching Conference'
July 20, 21. Youth Conference'
tinued emphasis should be laid upon the August 17, Race
teaching of the Administration, especially
in its relation t o the outside world, so as to 2. Pacific Coast
impress the non-Bahi'i attendants at the (Geyserville)
school with the nature, character and world
July 14-27
significance of the World Order of Bahi-
'u'116h." (Frotn a letter from the Guardian Devotions: 9:00 A. M. daily.
through his secretary to the Central States Classes: 9:30 A. M. to 12:30 P. M.
Summer School, dated November 6, 1934.) daily.
No medium for teaching lies so near to Round Table Discussions: 2:30 P. M.
the heart of the Guardian as these Summer each Tuesday and Friday.
Schools. He watches with infinite hope and Children's Activities: Study Classes 9:30
trust the preparation of their work, the A. M. daily. Supervised Recreation, 2:30
contents of their programs, the number of P. M. daily.
attendants, the and effect of their Public Meetings: Fellowship Dinner
efforts. The National Assembly urges the with Geyserville Grange, 6:30 P. M., Thurs-
believers t o realize the importance of these day, July 18. Griffith Grove, Santa Rosa,
three Summer Schools, for these institutions 2:30 P. M., Sunday, July 21. Odd Fellows'
are to evolve into educational centers which Hall, 8:00 P. M., Wednesday, July 24.
eventually will have profound public in- Unity Feast: Annual Reunion of Bah6'is
fluence. and guests, 12 noon, Sunday, July 14.
C U R R E N T B A H A ' ~A C T I V I T I E S 111

Courses of Study: Rohd'i Avchi~ips
History of the Bahi'i Faith.
During this period the Archives Com-
Underlying Principles of Bahb'i Ad-
mittee was busy collecting, authenticating
ministration.
and translating the Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahi
The Administrative Order of the
hitherto kept by their recipients, who cher-
Bahb'i Faith.
ished them so dearly that they had not
Individual and Collective Relation-
become conscious of the vital importance
ships to the Bah6'i Faith.
of preserving them in the National
The Teaching and Influence of Isl6m.
Archives, and who parted with them only
Teaching Conference: 2 : 3 0 P. M.,
after much earnest solicitation. Through
Saturday, July 20.
the preservation of these Tablets, those
bearing the signature of 'Abdu'l-Bahd only,
3 . Central States
the authentic words of the Center of the
(Louhelen Ranch) Covenant of Bahi'u'llih will be made
Young People's Conference. available to all posterity and with the
Monday, June 24 through Thursday, utmost vigilance the committee strove to
June 27. Registration, Sunday, secure, to list and to file them. Among the
June 23. Tablets received was a group of twenty-
five originals, with translations, from
Study Courses 'Abdu'l-Bahi to Miss Sarah Farmer. Other
1 , The Bahb'i Life. Leader, Dorothy materials received included a small collec-
Baker. tion of sacred relics which had belonged to
2. Bah6'i Approach to World Problems. Dr. Moody, and a collection of notes,
Leader, Bishop Brown. correspondence, newspaper clippings and
3 . The Guardian's Letters. (A forum to photographs which had belonged to Mrs.
be conducted by the Young People's Keith Ransom-Kehler which form an excel-
Council.) lent record of her work in various lands.
4. What is the Bahi'i Movement? (In-
troductory course to be given by young Editing of Tablets of Xbdu'l-Bahd
people selected by the Council.) Collaborating with the Archives Com-
First General Summer Session. mittee those responsible for the editing of
Saturday, June 29 through Sunday, the unpublished Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bah6
July 7. Registration, Friday, June 28. were working diligently on the preparation
of the contents for Vol. IV of the Tablets
Study Courses -sorting, classifying, separating and mak-
1. Conduct of Bah6'i Affairs. Leader, ing three copies of each Tablet of which
Horace Holley. there were up to that time three hundred
2 . Security in a Failing World. Leader, and ninety-seven. These will constitute
Stanwood Cobb. Vol. IV and will be printed as soon as it is
3. Divine Art of Living. Leader, Loulie possible to bring them out in suitable form.
A. Mathews. In the meantime they have been filed alpha-
hetically and returned to the Archives.
Public Meetings
Afternoon talks. Subject and speaker to Other Committees
be announced later. During this period the Committee for
Second General Summer Session. the preparation of material for the "BahP'i
Monday, August 19 through Saturday, World," Vol. VI, were working steadily t o
August 24. bring this volume more nearly to the high
standard which the Guardian constantly
Study Courses upholds.
Two courses will be presented. An- The Committee for the Transcription of
nouncement later. Braille for the Blind made the obiective of
116 THE BAHA'I: WORLD

thpir year's work the production of the grounds, the irinian section and the new?
"Book of iqh" and the hand-tooling of of the progress of the Faith in other lands,
various of the shorter Bahl'i writings for through these-and the subsequent change
that remarkable Swedish publisher, Mr. of title to the "Bahl'i Magazine"-this
Harald Thilander, through whose instru- intimate organ of the friends was about to
mentality it is hoped, some breeze from the merge itself into a vehicle to be known as
Divine Rosegarden may reach the hlind "The World Order Magazine" which should
readers of many cities in Europe. appeal to the intelligentsia, to the world at
The "Book of iqln" as well as "Bahl- large, to the minds and hearts of those true
'u'116h and the New Era" and certain pam- seekers of unity for whom the "BahB'i
phlets are now in the circulating libraries Magazine" as such, might fail to have an
for the hlind which are connected with the appeal. Never again will there he so
public libraries in many of the large cities precious, so glorious, so intimate a record of
of this country. the beginnings of a Mighty Age! May its
The Contacts Committee, carried on pri- pages be preserved in imperishable glory!
marily to arouse interest in the Bahb'i
Faith, have done yeoman service in tact- Histovy of the Cause
fully and consistently seeking to contact
nationally known figures in the educational, A National History Committee delegated
sociological and literary fields, and the to collect and preserve for posterity the
response with which they have been met is early history of the Faith in America, to-
highly interesting. In their report the gether with all the circumstances relating
committee says: ". . . The responses have to the visit of 'Abdu'l-Bahl, has been
earnestly endeavoring to make an authentic
shown how general is the search for the
solution of the difficulties confronting record which only future generations will
humanity today. When it is pointed out be able fully to appreciate, when with the
that men such as Horace Bridges, Graham growth of human perceptions mankind will
Taylor, Howard Vincent O'Brien and have begun to understand its significance,
others of the same stamp have eagerly re- will know this is a "Day wherein the River
sponded, it is clearly apparent that 'the of Life streamed forth from the finger of
world is waiting."' I t is recorded that His Generosity and the Fountain of Revela-
some six hundred and more persons have tion and Unity became manifest through
been individually approached. His Manifestation, to all who are in His
earth and heaven!"
"The BahBi Magazine" Indexing and Cataloguing the BahBi
"The Bah6'i Magazine," so dear to the Literature
hearts of all who had watched its growth The difficulties encountered by this com-
from year to year and had found it a means mittee were due to the fact that the work
of inspiration, a faithful record of the early was new and the members entirely untu-
history of the Faith, and fund of informa- tored in its technique. I t is indeed the work
tion and a veritable mine of the jewels of of experts to undertake so important a com-
the wisdom of 'Abdu'l-Bahh, was approach- mission hut a survey of the believers in
ing the culmination of a long and useful many centers revealed the fact that there
career. Evolving through the "Bahl'i were those who could undertalre it and in-
News" which made its first appearance in deed some work had already been done, so
1909, through the "Star of the West" con- that a good beginning has been made and
taining the record of that wonderful visit many valuable suggestions ~resented.
of 'Abdu'l-Bahl to this country, of His
public addresses, His Tablets and instruc- Legal Matters
tions, His prayers and exhortations, the
early photographs as He appeared on vari- The Legal Committee concerned itself
ous occasions, the dedication of the Temple with the Indenture conveying the valuable
West Englewood property, upon which the Distribution of Bahd'd Literature to
National Bahl'i headquarters are situated, as Public Libraries
well as the parcel of land in the grove where Every possible avenue of approach to the
'Abdu'l-Bahb held His memorable Unity public has been employed, but through the
Feast in 1912, from Mr. Wilhelm to the means of the public libraries it is hoped to
Trustees for the National Spiritual Assem- acquaint interested readers with the litera-
bly. The Indenture also conveying to the ture of the Faith and to this end Local
Trustees for the National Spiritual Assem- Assemblies were urged to place the "Bahh'i
bly the former home of the late Maria P. World," Vol. IV, before the public in this
Wilson in Malden, Mass., which 'Abdu'l- way so that they might have a consecutive
Bahb blest by living there for some time in record of Bahi'i international progress.
1912, and which had originally been be- Local Assemblies were also requested to
queathed to the Guardian, was transferred place copies of Dr. Cobb's "Security for a
by him t o the trusteeship of the National Failing World" and "The Promise of All
Assembly. Ages" of Cbristophil in public and univer-
The Indenture of the Bosch property in sity libraries, the Y. M. C. A. and the
Geyersville, California, was at this time in Y. W. C. A. A complete catalogue of the
its final stages and has since passed into the
Bahs'i books now on the shelves of the
hands of the Trustees also. public libraries throughout the country is in
Legal questions connected with the incor- the hands of this committee.
poration of several of the Local Spiritual
Assemblies were under consideration, as well
Publicity
as certain By-Law changes and interpre-
tations. Well organized and efficient methods of
A new form of bequests was in prepara- publicizing the news of the Faith and famil-
tion so that any legacy might appear in the iarizing the general public with the Teach-
proper legal form in the will of anyone ings and activities of the Bahi'is have
desiring to bequeath property to the Cause. opened the doors of many of the most im-
According to the Bahb'i Law it is incum- portant newspapers and magazines of the
bent upon every Bah6'i to make a will and country, the Mahriqu'l-Ad_hkbr ever prov-
during this period bequests were left to the ing a most fertile and acceptable subject in
Cause by Mrs. Agnes S. Parsons, Mrs. Mary every case. A complete file of all publicity
Harriman Rudd, Mme. Frida Stjerna and is kept and a record of each teacher is
Dr. Susan I. Moody. available far any city where the travelling
The symbol of the Greatest Name has teachers may be visiting for the purpose of
been protected by law under trade mark teaching the Faith.
registration made by the National Spiritual
Assembly through the U. S. Patent Office, Publishing
action having been taken to secure similar The brilliant work of the Publishing
protection in Canada. The National Spir-
Committee is evidenced by the continual
itual Assembly has now limited the use of
supply of new publications and the many
the symbol of the Greatest Name to books
valuable reprints which demand has made
and pamphlets containing the Words of
necessary. The books are now handled
Bahh'u'116h. The word "Bahi'i" was legally
through an eastern and a western agency as
protected some years ago. . . . well as through the librarian at the Temple.
Deeds transferring several parcels of land
This year witnessed as new publications-
in Haifa to the Palestine Branch of the Na-
tional Spiritual Assembly had been received "The Bahi'i World, Vol. V
from the Guardian, while several American "Index for Bahb'i News" prepared
believers have taken steps to transfer their under supervision of the N. S. A.
holdings of Mt. Carmel land to the Pal- "Bah6'i Teachings on Economics"
estine Branch of the National Spiritual As- "Mysticism and the Bah6'i Revelation"
sembly. by RGhi Afnbn
118 T H E B A H A 'f WORLD

"World Religion"-pamphlet by Sho- a most valuable study course of twenty
ghi Effendi lessons on Bahi'i Administration which sim-
"Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l Bahi" plifies and epitomizes many questions in
(pamphlet form) Administration thus minimizing the labor
"Bahi'i Teachings on Universal Peace" of the sincere student.
Catalogue in small convenient size
Race Amity
Reprints:- "The complexity of the racial situation
"Bahi'i Prayers" in America," says Mr. Louis Gregory in his
"Bah6'i Faith" (Publicity leaflet) report t o the National Spiritual Assembly
"Golden Age of the Cause of Bah6- at the Convention of 1931, "makes the
'u'lS6h (pamphlet) work of building race amity one of delicacy
"America and the Most Great Peace" and difficulty that challenges constant effort
(pamphlet). and the best resources of minds and hearts.
Translations:- The status of the colored race the country
"World Economy of Bahb'u'llih" into over, with marked varieties of degree, is that
German and French of an under-privileged and minority group,
Other translations not as yet listed. whose attainments of rights, which theoret-
ically belong to all Americans, and whose
Titles added to the catalog this year but progress economically, socially, morally and
not published by the committee:- spiritually is very largely dependent upon
"Do'a: Call t o Prayer" by Ruth J. the attitude of their neighbors of the ma-
Moffett jority group."
"Security for a Failing World" by "That the general awakening of the
Stanwood Cobh world has favorably affected this problem,
"The Promise of All Ages" by Chris- that spiritual powers have play, that sub-
tophil. stantial progress has been made, nothing
short of morbid pessimism can deny. The
Review afzd Editorial resources of government, education, philan-
The functions of this committee as de- thropy, business and religion have unfolded
fined by the National Spiritual Assembly plans in the effort to hind the breaches
were: among peoples. Yet with rare exceptions,
T o determine whether the manuscript even the most active and sincere, unless
conformed t o Bahi'i teaching. aided by the Divine Revelation of Today,
T o determine whether the manuscript are veiled by the shadows of past and pres-
conformed to adequate standards of lit- ent. And even among the favored few tests
erary style and taste. are many and severe, making a constant de-
T o determine whether the manuscript mand for faith, fidelity, intelligence, broad-
met a real need in the Cause. mindedness, courage, love, patience, prayer-
fulness and Guidance."
A further and most important step, in The committee and the cause of Amity
view of the possibility of a vast quantity of met with a great loss in the passing of that
literature not fully conforming with the ardent advocate of this ideal, Mr. Hooper
requirements which may appear in the fu- Harris, whose profound Stnowledge of the
ture was, that the National Assembly in- Teachings, especially in their relation t o the
structed the committee that the notation Bible, made his services invaluable in this
that the work is approved by the Bahi'i and every other field.
Reviewing Committee is to be limited to Amity meetings were held in many of the
such works as have not only been approved, centers, and especially noteworthy was the
and confirmed by the National Assembly, Conference in Green Acre, while the pub-
but which are also published under Bahi'i licity accorded the work of the committee
auspices. by articles which appeared in the "Chicago
The Study Outline Committee compiled Defender," the "Pittsburgh Courier" and
CURRENT BAHA'i ACTIVITIES

the "Amsterdam News," three great weekly the use of the Foundation Hall for meetings
journals of the colored race, were of im- and a committee in charge of the programs
mense importance, The report comments worked diligently to sustain the interest in
with appreciation on the devotion and serv- the public meetings which occurred as usual
ice of the Southern Bahh'is in particular. each Sunday at 3.30 P.M., and which were
attended largely by new people. Every
speaker is at his best when standing in this
The dominant note, the great undertak- holy place to proclaim the Message of this
ing of this year was the continuation of the Day of God, for the Temple is the heart of
work of ornamentatiol~on the dome of the the Faith on the western hemisphere--
Temple and every pulse quickened as prog- ". . . Sanctified be the Lord of all man-
ress reports appeared from time to time and kind, at the mention of Whose name all the
photographs of the details of the work were atoms of the earth have been made to vi-
generously distributed among the friends. brate, and the Tongue of Grandeur hath
That this beautiful dome should have been been moved to disclose that which had been
able to grow and take form under existing wrapt in His knowledge and lay concealed
financial conditions which have swept the within the treasury of His might. He,
country is one of the miracles of this age. verily, through the potency of His name,
To enumerate the various phases of the the Mighty, the All-Powerful, the Most
work would only be to recall some of the High, is the ruler of all that is in the
anxieties which beset those whose responsi- heavens and all that is on earth." (Glean-
bility it was to bring the matter to a suc- ings of Balti'u'llhh, p. 16.)
cessful issue. I t is more timely then to Special meetings are frequently arranged
quote from the letter of the secretary of as was the case during the sojourn of Mme.
the Guardian which appeared at the end Gita Orlova whose brilliant teaching at-
of the report of the chairman, Mr. Allen tracted many people. The Feasts and all
McDaniel. The letter read: "In closing Baha'i Holy Days are celebrated in the
may I convey to you and to the American Temple, the Assemblies of Wilmette, Evan-
Community of the believers as well, the ston and Winnetka and Chicago alternating
Guardian's abiding appreciation and grati- in collaboration with the Temple program
tude for the striking manner in which the committee. Besides this, hundreds of peo-
American friends, under the leadership of ple visit the Temple and are informed of its
your Assembly, have each and all arisen to significance and of the Great Advent. Dur-
meet the emergency which the lack of suffi- ing the year of 1934 approximately 12,000
cient funds had created in connection with visitors were conducted through the build-
the work of the Temple. This constitutes ing; of these some 1,130 represented the
indeed an added victory in the series of tri- membership of many organizations such as
umphs which the American believers have, clubs, etc.
ever since the ascension of the Master, been "Tear asunder in My Name, the veils that
winning in the fields of service to the Faith. have grievously blinded your vision, and,
Their collective, united and sustained labors through the power born of your belief in
in this connection are surely hound t o the unity of God, scatter the idols of vain
hasten the realization of the Master's prom- imitation. Enter then, the Holy Paradise
ises concerning the ultimate triumph of the of the good pleasure of the All-Merciful.
Cause throughout the American continent. Sanctify your souls from whatsoever is not
May this sublime vision disclosed by 'Ah- of God, and taste ye the sweetness of rest
du'l-Bahi intensify their zeal and stimulate within the pale of His vast and mighty
their ardour in bringing their sacred and Revelation, and beneath the shadow of His
mighty task to a speedy consummation." supreme and infallible authority. Suffer not
yourselves to be wrapt in the dense veils of
Services in the Temple
your selfish desires, inasmuch as I have per-
The work of the exterior ornamentation fected in every one of you My creation, so
of the Temple in no way interfered with that the excellence of My handiwork may
120 T H E BAHA'I WORLD

be fully revealed unto men. I t follows APRIL 21, 1935-APRIL 21, 1936.
therefore, that every man bath been, and l-he keynote of [his epoch best be
will continue to be, able of himself t o ap- by reverting to a letter from the
preciate the Beauty of God, the Glorified. ~ ~ under date
~ of J~~~~~~
~ d10, 1936,
i ~ ~
Had he not been endowed with such a ,,L;,L -,,"A",
""'-"'L*w''
capacity, how could he be called to account
for hisfailure? If in the day when all the "Dearlv beloved co-worlrers:
peoples of the earth will be gathered to-
"This new stage in the gradual unfold-
gether, any man should, whilst standing in
ment of the Formative Period of our Faith
the presence of God, be asked: 'Wherefore
into which we have just entered-the phase
hast thou disbelieved in My Beauty and
of concentrated teaching activity, syn-
turned away from My Self?' and if such a
chronizes with a period of deepening gloom,
man should reply and say: 'Inasmuch as all
of universal impotence, of ever-increasing
men have erred and none hath been found
destitution and wide-spread disillusionment
willing to turn his face t o the Truth, I too,
in the fortunes of a declining age. This is
following their example, have grievously
truly providential and its significance and
failed t o recognize the Beauty of the
the opportunities it offers us should be fully
Eternal,' such a plea will, assuredly, be re-
apprehended and utilized. Now that the
jected. For the faith of no man can be
Administrative organs of a firmly estah-
conditioned by any one except himself. . . . lished Faith are vigorously and harmoni-
"The signs of God shine as manifest and
ously functioning, and now that the Symbol
resplendent as the sun amidst the works of
(i.e. the House of Worship) of its invinci-
His creatures. Whatsoever proceedeth from
ble might is lending unprecedented impetus
Him is apart and will always remain distin-
to its spread, an effort unexampled in its
guished, from the inventions of men. From scope and sustained vitality is urgently re-
the Source of His knowledge countless quired so that the moving spirit of its
Luminaries of learning and wisdom have
Founder may permeate and transform the
arisen, and out of the Paradise of His Pen
lives of the countless multitudes that hun-
the breath of the All-Merciful hath con-
ger for its teachings. That the beloved
tinually been wafted to the hearts and souls
friends in America, who have carried tri-
of men. Happy are they that have recog- umphantly the banner of His Cause through
nized this truth." (Gleanings of Bahl'u- the initial stages of its development, will
'Ilih, p. 143 et seq.) in a still greater measure prove themselves
capable of meeting the challenge of the
Conclusion present hour, I, for one, can never doubt.
Of the evidences of their inexhaustible
"In conclusion the important announce-
vitality I am sufficiently and continually
ment is made that the Guardian has given
conscious. My fervent plea will not, I feel
the friends a wonderful blessing in the form
certain, remain unanswered. For them I
of new translations of excerpts from Tab-
shall continue t o pray from all my heart.
lets of Bahi'u'llih. Within the last few "(Signed) SHOGHI"
days three different manuscripts have been
received from Haifa, and with them a letter "The year that has come t o a close, while
stating that these are to be published with marked by vigorous and varied activity, has
the title "Gleanings from the Writings of been a period of spiritual incubation, of a
Bahi'u'lUh." I t would be presumptuous turning inward to the life of the soul, such
t o attempt to describe their power, tbeir as has not occurred, perhaps, since the
beauty, tbeir vitalizing spirit. Suffice it t o American Bahi'is entered the valley of
reinark that Shoghi Effendi, having renewed desolation at the loss of our Master, our
the Cause by instructing us in the ~rinciples inspiration, our guide, 'Abdu'l-Bahh.
of administrative order, now calls us t o a "Two conditions may be noted as chiefly
spiritual renewal in our knowledge of the responsible for this concentration of effort
creative Utterance of Bah6'u'116h." upon the establishment of a more conscious
CURRENT EAHli'i ACTIVITIES 121

and vital inner life-the Guardian's gift of Manifestation of God upon which all capac-
'Gleanings from the Writings of Bahh'. ity and all effort depends.
u'llhh,' that inexhaustible draft of the Di- "Therefore, as we summarize the history
vine Elixir, and the increased perturbations of this Bah6'i year terminated by the
of a world whose 'foundations tremble and Twenty-Eighth Annual Convention, let us
whose wise men are confounded.' In reality not fail to bear in mind the fact that not
we should regard these not as two condi- by outward progress and achievement alone,
tions but as the two facets of the same but also by the establishment of purer
providential destiny which both destroys motives, deeper humility and new powers of
and creates. understanding, does the BahP'i community
"As long ago as November 24, 1924, fulfil its privilege as the 'nucleus and pat-
Shoghi Effendi wrote: 'We have but to turn tern' of the world order of Bahi'n'llhh."
our eyes t o the world without t o realize the " 0 ye discerning ones of the people:
fierceness and the magnitude of the forces "Verily, the Words of God which have
of darkness that are struggling with the descended from the heaven of the Will of
dawning light of the Abh6 Revelation. God are the source of unity and harmony
Nations, though exhausted and disillusioned, for the world. Close your eyes to racial
have seemingly begun to cherish anew the differences and welcome all with the light
spirit of revenge, of domination, and strife. of oneness. Be the cause of the comfort
Peoples, convulsed by economic upheavals, and the advancement of humanity. This
are slowly drifting into two great opeosing handful of dust, the world, is one home, let
camps with all their menace of social chaos, it be in unity."
class hatreds, and world-wide ruin. Races, Steadily and earnestly the work of unify-
alienated more than ever before, are filled ing the divergent races into the all-embrac-
with mistrust, humiliation and fear, and ing consciousness of the Faith of Bahl'u'llih
seem to prepare themselves for a fresh and has been moving forward. The varying na-
fateful encounter. Creeds and religions, tionalities, so long victims of the error of
caught in this whirlpool of conflict and pas- separateness, won by the sincerity of the
sion, appear to gaze with impotence and followers of Bahh'u'116h, have come at last,
despair at this spectacle of unceasing tur- or perhaps better, are coming at last t o
moil.' recognize that no ulterior motive, no un-
"What the Guardian, with clear and un- worthy ambition lies at the root of the
impeded view, could then so deeply discern, devotion t o this Cause of those whose lives
the nations themselves, for all the veils of are dedicated to these holy ideals. Public
spiritual darkness, interfering with and dis- meetings throughout the country, well
torting their vision, now begin to appreci- planned conferences, seasoned by the love
ate. I t is the note of conscious desperation of justice and understanding, are winning
sounding in society which this year has sur- this hard contested territory. N o longer is
rounded us with an altered environment, the emphasis placed on race amity, but on
one far more responsive to the ministration amity alone, the consciousness of racial dif-
of the Divine Physician, yet one which like- ferences having broken down in the "light
wise makes supreme challenge to the com- of oneness."
munity of Bahl'is.
"What wonder then that Shoghi Effendi The Teaching Field
has made teaching the very essence of our "The new hour has struck in the history
individual and collective Bah6'i life; what of our beloved Cause, calling for nation-
wonder that he has made the translation of wide systematic, sustained effort in the
Bah6'u'llhh's Tablets so important a part of teaching field enabling thereby these forces
his myriad services; what wonder that the t o be directed into such channels as shall
believers themselves, without relaxing their redound to the glory of our Faith and the
etforts in the performance of definite tasks, honor of its institmions."
have felt intensely the need for renewing "With this clarion call of Shoghi Effendi
and confirming their relationship t o the to higher services in the teaching field, the
122 T H E BAHA'I WORLD

Guardian set in motion a new wave of con- though the staff of teachers operating under
certed action by the American Baha'i Com- the direction of the National Teaching
munity. How miraculously the Will of Committee is all too limited, still in the
God functions through the sincere servants two year period covered by this survey the
may be realized by surveying the develop- number of Local Spiritual Assemblies has
ment of community activities within the increased from sixty to seventy-two with
Faith, with the trends of conduct and the several more in a preparatory stage of de-
increasing problems of humanity without velopment.
the Faith. The preparation of individuals for an
"After the Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Bahi, Assembly, besides the thorough grounding
when the Faith was filled with great en- in the simple but explicit articles of Faith as
thusiasm, but with the form under which expressed by the Guardian-the recogi~ition
its dynamic principles were to function un- of the Rib as the Herald, Bah6'u'llih as the
developed, the Guardian stressed the neces- Divine Messenger, 'Abdu'l-Bahi as the Cen-
sity of perfecting the Administrative Order, ter of the Covenant, the Guardianship im-
the Form through which the Holy Spirit posed by His Will and Testament on Shoghi
might descend u~lsulliedand unstained dur- Effendi, and the Administrative Order-
ing the Dispensation of Bahi'u'llih. . . . there are certain ordinances which a believer
"The next call t o community activity must understand and which are not only t o
was the call t o unified action in completing be accepted as obligatory, but which are to
the superstructure of the Temple and the he followed in conformity with the Laws
ornamentation of the dome-that 'flaming contained in the "Most Holy Booli," the
beacon of hope t o a distracted world.' "Kit6.b-i-Aqdas," under which the Com-
Now with the Form of the Faith firmly munity of the Most Great Name will func-
established, with the symbol of its glory tion in the near future. The Ordinance of
standing unique as a beacon to wandering Fasting is one of these, and its explana-
humanity, we are called t o arise as a unit in tion as set forth by the Guardian is as
carrying t o the human race the healing and follows:
quickening power of the Holy Spirit de- "As regards fasting, it constitutes, to-
scending into the world through the Faith gether with the obligatory prayers, the two
of Bah6'u'llih alone." pillars that sustain the revealed Law of
Throughout America it has become evi- God. They act as stimulants t o the soul,
dent that each and every follower of Bahi- strengthen, revive and purify it, and thus
'u2116h is beginning to sense his individual insure its steady development.
responsibility and as this consciousness "The ordinance of fasting is, as is the
deepens the cry for teachers will he more case with these three prayers,'> a spiritual
adequately met and the spread of the new and vital obligation enjoined by Bahi'u'llih
consciousness will gain more and more impe- upon every believer who has attained the age
tus. The Guardian stresses the need of the of fifteen. I n the Aqdas He thus writes:
pioneer spirit such as actuated the disciples 'Me have commanded you to pray and fast
of Jesus and of those who, in the early his- from the beginning of maturity; this is
tory of the Faith, forsook all worldly entan- ordained by God, your Lord and the Lord
glements and followed in His footsteps. A of your forefathers. He has exempted from
canvass of the present situation reveals the this those who are weak from illness or age,
fact that there are ten states in the United as a bounty from His Presence, and H e is
States and three provinces in Canada where the Forgiving, the Generous.' And in an-
no believers exist. In several of the states other passage H e says: 'We have enjoined
and provinces the Cause is represented by upon you fasting during a brief period, and
either isolated believers, or by small groups at its close have designated for you Naw-
who have not reached the required propor- R ~ as z a feast. . . . The traveler, the ail-
tions to become a duly qualified Assembly. ing, those who are with child or giving
These conditions are being met with all the
)The three obligatory daily praycrr, any one of
ardor and all the power possible and al- which the believer is free t o choose.
C U R R E N T BAHA'I: ACTIVITIES 123
suck, are not bound by the fast. .. . Ab- The Annual Souvenir of 'Abdu'l-BahB
stain from food and drink, from sunrise t o
Among the beloved and authentic tra-
sundown, and beware lest desire deprive
ditions which will ever be treasured and
you of this grace that is appointed in the
Book.' celebrated by the Bahi'i Community of
"Also in the 'Questions and Answers' Teaneck, New Jersey, assisted by all the
that form an appendix to the Aqdas, Bah6- adjacent Communities, is the Souvenir Feast
'n'llih reveals the following: 'Verily, I say of 'Abdu'l-Bahi inaugurated by Him on the
that God has appointed a great station for twenty-ninth of June, 1912. I t is as if
fasting and prayer. But during good health He had said: "This do ye in remembrance
its benefit is evident, and when one is ill, it of Me," for in a Tablet to Mr. Roy Wilhelm
is not permissible t o fulfill them.' Con- 'Abdu'l-Bahh says: "Thy letter dated July
cerning the age of maturity, He reveals in 13, 1913, was received. Its contents indi-
the appendix of that same hook: 'The age of cated the firmness and steadfastness of the
maturity is in the fifteenth year; women believers of God and told of holding a
and men are alike in this respect.' divine meeting in your radiant, charming
"Regarding the vital character and im- country place. Praise be t o God that the
portance of the Divine ordinances and laws, day was spent in the utmost joy and hap-
and the necessity of complete obedience to piness. That Annual Memorial Meeting
them by the believers, we thus read in the will be the Souvenir of 'Abdu'l-Bahi espe-
Gleanings, p. 175: 'Know verily that the cially when it is passed with infinite delight
essence of justice and the source thereof are and gladness." And so from year t o year
both embodied in the ordinance prescribed this Peast marks one of the cherished events
by Him Who is the Manifestation of the in which several hundred people participate.
Self of God amongst men, if ye be of them A beautifully arranged program with music
that recognize this truth. He doth verily and discourses by various friends proves
incarnate the highest, the infallible standard indeed the source of joy and delight and
of justice unto all creation. Were His law proves also a successful method of advauc-
t o be such as to strike terror into the hearts ing the teachings.
of all that are in heaven and on earth, that During this year a notable increase is
law is naught but manifest justice. The apparent in the number of attendants at
fears and agitation which the revelation of the services, not only in the Mahriqu'l-
this law provoke in men's hearts should in- A a k i r , hut in the various centers where
deed be likened t o the cries of the sucliling meetings are held in public places particu-
babe weaned from his mother's milk, if ye larly for the purpose of attracting new
be of them that perceive . . .' people. During the notable visit of R6hi
"The fasting period, which lasts nineteen Effendi Afnin, that radiant expounder of
days starting as a rule from the second of the Faith, great numbers of people attended
March every year and ending on the twen- the meetings and many expressed the wish
tieth of the same month, involves complete to become members of the study classes
abstention from food and drink from sun- which are assiduously being carried on in
rise till sunset. I t is essentially a period of every locality.
meditation and prayer, of spiritual recuper- T o mcct the demand for infor-mation
ation, during which the believer must strive about the Faith a quantity of literature has
to make the necessary readjust~l~ents in his been prepared and is distributed t o all in-
inner life, and to refresh and reinvigorate quirers. Among these pamphlets are those
the spiritual forces latent in his soul. Its of Dr. Stanwood Cobb o n "Homoculture,"
significance and purpose are, therefore, fun- Miss Marion Holley's "Most Great Peace,"
damentally spiritual in character. Fasting the "Oneness of Mankind" by Hussein Ef-
is symbolic, and a reminder of abstinence fendi Rabbini and the "Path t o God" by
from sclfish and carnal desires."-SHOGHI Mrs. Dorothy Baker. A beautifully illus-
EFFENDI, through his secretary, Haifa, Janu- trated pamphlet on the "Bahi'i House of
ary 10, 1936. Worship" with text by Dr. Genevieve Coy
124 T H E BAHA'I WORLD
has a ~ t r s c ~ ei~luch
J comnlent and admira- administrative structure wan developed and
tion and is one of which the friends may be the thoughts and actions concentrated upon
justly proud. Temple construction, can we rise t o the full
height of spiritual development and service
"Termination of First Stage of Formative vouchsafed t o us in this era of teaching.
Period of Our Faith" The body of the Cause in America has been
created. I t is for us now to pray and strive
"Examining the year as a whole, the fol- that this body he filled with the light of
lowing events and trends seem t o possess true faith.
most decisive importance. "The character of the present era was In
"First, the publication of 'Gleanings fact disclosed clearly to us in the cablegram
From the Writings of Bah6'u3116h'; second, sent t o the National Spiritual Assembly for
the completion of the external decoration of the conference at the Temple in October:
the clerestory section of the dome unit; 'The forces which progressive revelation of
third, the formation of ten new Spiritual this mighty symbol of our Faith is fast re-
Assemblies, which took place near the end leasing in (the) heart of a sorely tried con-
of last year but could not be recognized and tinent no one of this generation can cor-
reported to the friends until after the 1935 rectly appraise. The new hour has struck
Convention; fourth, the intensification of in (the) history of our beloved Cause, call-
teaching activities and the increased clarity ing for nation-wide, systematic, sustained
and power with which the believers have effort in teaching field, enabling thereby
promulgated the Message; fifth, the visit these forces to be directed into such chan-
paid us by R6hi Effendi A f n i n ; and sixth, nels as shall redound to the glory of our
the National Meeting at the Bahi'i I-Iouse Faith and (the) honor of its institutions.'
of Wnrchip on October 26 and 27 which "Such words are as the turning of a fresh
commemorated the completion of anorher page. May we inscribe upon it the record
stage in Temple construction and inaugu- of inner and outer achievement brought
rated the beginning of general conferences into the realm of possibility and therefore
between the National Spiritual Assembly responsibility by the irresistible onward
and the representatives of local Assemblies. march of God's Cause!
"On August 3, in response t o a cable- "The ten new communities of believers
gram announcing the completion of the who have established Spiritual Assemblies,
clerestory section, the Guardian used these adding their force t o the development of
significant words: 'Gratefully rejoice clos- the new world order, have surely received
ing glorious chapter marlsing termination the prayers and good wishes of the friends
first stage (of) Formative Period of our as they assume their place in the Cause and
Faith. Appeal entire community henceforth take up the responsibilities which rest upon
concentrate its attention (and) resources all who enter the realm of sacrifice and
(upon) activities (in the) teaching field, unity. I n the letter of greeting sent them
ensuring thereby (the) means essential for by the National Spiritual Assembly last
completion remaining units. Praying con- May, they were reminded of these words
tinually success.' written by Shoghi Effendi in 1923: 'Though
"Thus were we madc conscious of the your number . . . be small and limited, yet
operation of the mysterious law of cycles, by virtue of that Celestial Power bequeathed
under which each successive period is given to every one of you by our departed Master,
its lesson to learn, its task to perform, cre- you are assured that ere long your small
ating thereby, like the succession of classes company shall expand and wield such power
in a school, an enlargement of capacity for and influence as no earthly power can ever
the harder tasks and the more important hope for or attain. Who can doubt that
lessons t o come. The opportunity offered H e is ever watching from His Station on
does not return; only co rhe degree that we high over His scattered fold and is guiding
have been faithful in acquiring the qualities and strengthening His faithful lovers who
characteristic of the prior period, when the toil and labor for the fulfilment of His
word and the realization of His purpose for atticudcs and ~nethods. While that visit,
mankind?' unhappily, could not extend west of Chi-
"The root of all spiritual teaching lies cago, nevertheless for many communities it
hidden in the soil of the quickened soul, brought inspiration and active, fruitful as-
nourished by study and devotion volun- sistance. His knowledge, his passionate de-
tarily attained by the individual himself, sire to promote the teachings, his heroic
and thus the success of any general teaching endurance in carrying out the continuous
plan depends entirely upon the extent to schedule of meetings-all this contributed
which we ourselves, as individual believers, greatly to the advancement made by the
have made intense prior effort to become Cause in America this year.
firmly rooted in the spiritual Kingdom. Ba- "The conference held in Temple Founda-
hi'i teaching is the fruit of faith and the tion Hall last October, which gave to so
measure of unity. The Cause is perfect and many believers an opportunity to consult
the world of humanity is starved for lack on the important subjects provided by the
of the bread of understanding and the wine agenda, will, it is hoped, be followed in the
of love. Therefore may we not for one future by similar general Bahb'i conferences
moment regard our existence in the Cause held not only in Foundation Hall hut also
as a kind of static membership which, once in other parts of the country. The recom-
attained, we hold passively for life, but mendation has been recorded in the Minutes
rather as a dynamic opportunity that must of the National Assembly for the considera-
he fulfilled by continuous advance from tion of the incoming Assembly, that it pre-
stage to stage without limit and without pare a schedule of its meetings throughout
end. the year in advance, which schedule is to
"As we were told in 'The Golden Age of provide if possible for similar conferences
the Cause of Bahl'u'llih': 'That the Cause with the friends on the Pacific Coast, on the
associated with the name of Bahi'u'llih Atlancic Coast, and perhaps also for those in
feeds itself upon those hidden springs of the South. Included in the recommenda-
celestial strength which no force of human tion is the thought that these regional con-
personality, whatever its glamor, can re- ferences should contain one or more large
place; that its reliance is solely upon that public meetings, like the Bah6'i Congress
mystic Source with which no worldly ad- held at each Annual Convention, so that
vantage, be it wealth, fame, or learning, can the consultation of the friends and the col-
compare; that it propagates itself by ways lective responsibility for teaching may be
mysterious and utterly at variance with the more closely linked together by the Na-
standards accepted by the generality of tional Spiritual Assembly.
.
mankind, will . . become increasingly ap- "It is interesting to note that this general
parent as it forges ahead towards fresh plan revives and extends a policy put for-
conquests in its struggle for the spiritual ward by the Assembly some ten years ago,
regeneration of mankind.' On the other when effort was made to hold a public
hand, this truth does not exclude unified meeting at the conclusion of each Assembly
effort nor well-conceived general plans; it meeting-an effort which the pressure of
does not confine teaching to the realm of work compelled the Assembly to forego
personal mysticism; rather does it revel1 the after a few months. We trust that the
necessity of imbuing our plans, whatever time has now come when the idea can be
they are from year to year, with spiritual developed with added energy and made a
reality and not relying upon formal and distinct aspect of BahL'i activity."
collective measures alone.
"It was most fortunate and opportune The Decisive Events of the Year
that the American visit of Rhhi Effendi
Afnhn came at the time when we were be- "Only time can determine the relative
ginning to realize that the Guardian's words importance of matters affecting the Cause,
on teaching involved our rise to a higher but the following specific happenings all
level and not merely a duplication of former have more than merely temporary value.
126 T H E B A H A 'f WORLD

"The publication of 'Gleanings from the and the notable services they have been
Writings of Bah6'u3116h.' privileged to render. Early in the BahCi
"The consolidation of Bahi'i control of year, Mrs. True and Mrs. Hoagg returned
land surrounding the Shrines on Mount from Europe and Mr. E. R. Mathews and
Carmel. Mrs. Loulie Mathews from their journey
"The completion of the entire dome unit through South America. The American
of the House of Worship. believers now teaching abroad are: Miss
"The transfer t o Trustees under an In- Martha L. Root, Miss Lenora Holsapple,
denture of the house at Malden, Mass., given Miss Agnes Alexander, Miss Marion Jack,
t o the Guardian under the Will and Testa- Mrs. Louise Gregory, Mrs. Clara Sharp, Miss
ment of the late Maria Wilson-the house Adelaide Sharp, Miss Julia Goldman, Mr.
at which the Master rested for some time Charles Bishop and Mrs. Helen Bishop, Mrs.
during His American visit. Anna Kunz, Miss Bertha Matthiesen, Miss
"The donation to the Cause by Mr. and Orcella Rexford, Mrs. Ruhangis Bolles, Miss
Mrs. John Bosch of the property at Geyser- Jeanne Bolles and Mr. Randolph Bolles, Jr.,
ville, Calif., for use as a Bahb'i Summer Mrs. May Maxwell, Miss Mary Maxwell,
School. As this property is also held under Mrs. Inez Greeven, Mrs. India Haggerty,
an Indenture of Trust, it makes five sepa- Mr. Mark Tohey, Mr. George Spendlove,
rate legal bodies to be administered in Mrs. Isabelle Stebbins Dodge, Mr. Dudley
addition t o the function of the National Blakeley, Mrs. Elsa Russell Blakeley, Mrs.
Spiritual Assembly itself: Temple Trustees, Lorol Schopflocher, Mme. Gita Orlova.
Green Acre Trustees, Wilhelm Trustees, Thus the American Bahi'i community,
Trustees for the Wilson property at Malden, through such devoted adherents, continues
and Trustees under the Indenture effected to perform its high mission in the Bahi'i
by Mr. and Mrs. Bosch. world.
"The second visit made to America by "Early in the Bah6'i year, it was the priv-
Rhhi Effendi Afnin. ilege of the N. S. A. to meet the boat on
"The symbol of the Greatest Name has which Mr. and Mrs. Howard Carpenter
been legally protected for the Cause by returned from their visit to frin.
trade mark registration both in the United "The more vigorous and comprehensive
States and Canada. The word 'Babi'i' was plans carried out by Bahi'i youth, under
similarly protected in the United States which groups throughout America and in
some years ago, and Canadian protection of many other cnuntries held the first of a
i t has likewise been obtained. series of regional confhences, extended their
"The Encyclopaedia Britannica has re- services into the field of public teaching,
moved the article on 'Babiism' which for and, by the National Youth Committee,
years has conveyed a limited and in many inaugurated a new and improved Youth
ways inaccurate impression of the Cause and bulletin.
replaced it with a new article approved by "The publication of The BnhBi World,
the Reviewing Committee, and furthermore Vol. V, an immense undertaking, both with
has provided space for a brief article under respect to the gathering of its contents and
the heading 'Bahi'i.' These changes will the cost involved in its printing, with com-
appear in the next printing of the prcsent mensurate value as an impressive evidence
edition, and we have the assurance that in of the international scope of the BahCi
the next edition the subject of the Bahi'i community.
Faith will be more adequately treated than "The deepening in our collective realiza-
was possible in the restricted space available tion of the importance of the three Sum-
in the existing edition. T o Miss Edna True mer Schools as instruments destined t o exalt
we are indebted for the interest shown by rhe standards of our public teaching in all
the Editor in arranging for the two new local communities, and concentrate both
articles. facilities and experience for the establish-
"The increased number of American be- ment of future Bahi'i Universities.
lievers serving the Cause in foreign lands, "The publication of the first three new
CURRENT BAHli'i ACTIVITIES 127

teaching pamphlets in the series planned by "The possibility that Spiritual Assemblies
the Free Literature Committee, which when will be established this year in the new cities
completed will provide brief but interesting of Dayton, Ohio, Springfield, Mass., and
statements on essential aspects of the Faith, Rockford, Ill.
at a price so low that eventually hundreds "Bahd'i News, it should be remarked,
of thousands of copies may be distributed. has been the vehicle for so many general
"The completion of the important task statements and reports that there has not
assumed by the Committee on Editing been space for publishing a number of in-
Tablets several years ago, of preparing the teresting news items this year. The thought
unpublished Tablets of 'Abdu'L-Bah6 in the might be advanced that possibly in futute
National Archives for use in another vol- a distinction can be made between material
ume of Tablets. intended primarily for local Spiritual As-
"The preparation of the general letters semblies, and material directed t o all
written by the Guardian for publication in Bahb'is. The material intended for the
two volumes instead of the one volume Assemblies could be issued in the form of
issued originally in 1928. Under the new a monthly mimeographed bulletin, while
plan, the letters are to he divided into two the more general information could have
series, one with the present title of 'Baha'i priority in Bahd'i News. Such a method
Administration'; the other with the title would tend to develop Bnhd'i News along
'The World Order of Bah6'u'llhh' and con- the lines indicated in the letter written by
taining those letters on that subject received the Guardian on April 10, 1921."
in more recent years. This general idea, it
may be remarked, was approved by the
Guardian in 1934, but the plan has been "A few general observations may be per-
deferred until the supply of the books on mitted, in order t o learn as much as possible
hand was exhausted. The next edition of from our collective experience during the
'Bahi'i Administration' will contain several time since the last Convention.
early letters reported this year by the Ar- "First of all, let us note that the Guard-
chives Committee. The 'World Order' vol- ian's communications have in several in-
ume will contain the two 'World Order' stances been directed to the individual
letters, 'The Goal of a New World Order,' believer, emphasizing values in the Bah6'i
'The Golden Age of the Cause of Bahb- life which only voluntary effort can create.
'u'llah,' 'America and the Most Great Peace,' For example, his appeal f o r concentrated
'The Dispensation of Bahi'u'llih,' and the effort on teaching goes to the very heart of
new letter already mentioned, on 'The Un- individual faith and devotion, and cannot
foldment of World Civilization.' This lat- be fulfilled by administrative effort alone.
ter book, as all believers recognize, traces His call for an abandonment of membership
not merely for the present Bah6'i com- in non-Bahh'i religious bodies is another ap-
munity but also for humanity itself the peal to the individual loyalty. In his defi-
golden thread of Divine destiny woven nition of the National Fund as 'bedrock on
through the fabric of human life in this which all other institutions must necessarily
crucial period. rest and be established,' Shoghi Effendi
"The inclusion of an illustrated article clearly enlarges the sphere of the individual
on the Temple and the Teachings in the believer's responsibility. His letter on
'American Guide' series of volumes under prayer and fasting, above all, strikes the
preparation by writers in a Federal Depart- note of personal spirituality which must
ment, which will be duplicated in the vol- distinguish our own heart's relationship to
umes covering the State of Illinois. the Divine.
"The first effort t o compile information "Without this personal responsibility and
concerning each individual believer in the continuous individual effort t o advance in
United Statcs and Canada by means of the spiritual realms, administrative action
'Historical Record' cards distributed a few would be fruitless and unavailing, a mere
months after the last Convention. exercise of defined authority and power
without result. Only in a common con counter in the Cause represents nothing el-e
secration to Bah6'u'llbh can the inner as than opportunity for further growth in the
well as outer ties between communities and Kingdom. T o withdraw from a situation
Assemblies become fulfilled in the unity for because it challenges our ego is a turning
which the Manifestation suffered all the away from the healing waters that well
days of His life on earth. from the Source of life and love."
"Regarding the National Fund, we have
the Guardian's expressed view that the de- "The Unfoldnsent of World CLvrlization"
mands upon it can be fully met by enlarg- "In conclusion, a few quotations from
ing constantly the number of confirmed the Guard~an'slatest letter, addressed to all
Bahh'is. H e does not advocate a retreat the friends. Its title, 'The Unfoldment of
into smaller efforts and diminishing powers, World Civilization,' suggests its marvelous
but raises the golden banner heralding a scope as an analysis of the death of the old
determined and unflagging advance along order and the birth of the new.
the entire line. H e has declared that none " 'The contrast between the accumu-
can estimate the reinforcement which the lating evidences of steady consolidation
Bahl'i community, and every active be- that accompany the rise of the Administra-
liever, will receive from on high when tive Order of the Faith of God, and the
devotion becomes motion of the spirit t o forces of disintegration which batter at the
share a God-given truth. fabric of a travailing society, is as clear as
"Now we must continually seek to en- it is arresting. Both within and without
large our conception and purify our view of the Bahi'i world the signs and tokens
the universal meaning of Bahh'i consulta- which, in a mysrerious manner, are herald-
tion, the principle underlying all our ing the birth of that World Order, the
activities and sustaining our collective life. establishment of which must signalize the
Consultation has been ordained not to en- Golden Age of the Cause of God, are grow-
able any individual or group t o bring ing and multiplying day by day. . . .
pressure to bear upon others for the sake of " 'This New World Order, whose promise
attaining some predetermined aim. Consul- is enshrined in the Revelation of Bah6-
tation surely means that personal and group 'u'llbh, whose fundamental principles have
suggestions are advanced for the sake of been enunciated in the writings of the
contributing to the general community or Center of His Covenant, involves no less
Assembly discussion, and in a spirit severed than the complete unification of the entire
from grief or dissatisfaction whatever the human race. . . . N o machinery falling
final decision may be. Furthermore, the short of the standard inculcated by the
law of consultation means that no matter Bahi'i Revelation, and at variance with the
how di6cult the problem or tangled the sublime pattern ordained in His teachings,
situation which arises, all the believers con- which the collective efforts of mankind may
cerned with it will continue their mutual yet devise can ever hope to achieve any-
contact and maintain effort t o solve it until thing above or beyond that "Lesser Peace"
the problem has actually been removed. to which the Author of our Faith has Him-
Those who remain absent from Nineteen self alluded in His writings. . . . The
Day meetings and other %enera1 Bahl'i Mort Great Peace on the other hand, as
gatherings lose the flow of life through the conceived by B a h i ' u ' l l i h a peace that
Bahi'i body, and after a time must neces- must inevitably follow as the practical con-
sarily become unduly individualistic or sequence of the spiritualization of the world
reflect the influence of the non-Bahl'i en- and the fusion of all its races, creeds, classes
vironment. The creation of unity brings and nations-can rest on no other basis,
sacrifice and suffering t o every believer and can he preserved through no other
without exception. We can pay this price agency, except the divinely appointed ordi-
with gratitude and cheerfulness rather than nanccs that are implicit in the World Order
reluctance if we realize that every experi- that stands associated with His holy name.'
ence of unhappiness or confusion we en- " 'The Revelation of Bahi'u'llih, whose
Recent Views of the Castle of Mbh-K6 where the Bib was confined.
130 T H E BAHA'I WORLD

supremc mission is none other but thc suffering would sccm t o bc indispensable.
achievement of this organic and spiritual Resplendent as has been the Age that has
unity of the whole body of nations, should, witnessed the inception of the Mission with
if we be faithful t o its implications, be which Bahi'u'llih has been entrusted, the
regarded as signalizing through its advent interval which must elapse ere that Age
t h e coming of age of t h e entiye h u m a n race. yields its choicest fruit must, it is be-
I t should be viewed not merely as yet comingly increasingly apparent, be over-
another spiritual revival in the ever-chang- shadowed by such moral and social gloom
ing fortunes of mankind, not only as a as can alone prepare an unrepentant
further stage in a chain of progressive humanity for the prize she is destined to
Revelations, nor even as the culmination of inherit. . . . Deep as is the gloom that
one of a series of recurrent prophetic cycles, already encircles the world, the afflictive
but rather as marking the last and highest ordeals which that world is t o suffer are
stage in the stupendous evolution of man's still in preparation, nor can their black-
collective life on this planet. The emerg- ness be as yet imagined. We stand
ence of a world community, the conscious- on the threshold of an age whose con-
ness of world citizenship, the founding of vulsions proclaim alike the death-pangs of
a world civilization and culture-all of the old order and the birth-pangs of the
which must synchronize with the initial new.'
stages in the unfoldment of the Golden "Such is the tremendous vista revealed
Age of the Baha'i era-should, by their to us by the Guardian's power to open the
very nature, be regarded, as far as this door upon the movements of destiny!
planetary life is concerned, as the further- Nothing that is merely human nature can
most limits in the organization of human possibly sustain the shock of the collapse
society, though man, as an individual, will, as the pillars of the false temple are thrown
nay must indeed as a result of such a con- from their foundations by an Almighty
summation, continue indefinitely t o pro- power. Only the Cause of God can en-
gress and develop.' d u r e t h e Cause that moves forward by
" 'For the revelation of so great a favor the sincerity of its believers and their whole-
a period of intense turmoil and widespread souled unity in a Divine Faith."

GENEVA SCANS T H E EUROPEAN COMMUNITY
m BY HELENBISHOP
HE International Bahh'i Bureau in Not in any way is the Bureau staff to
Geneva is a secretariat constituted to serve be confused with elected administrative
the eight hundred centers of the Bahi'i bodies. Its function is essentially an inter-
World Community, and to be a bureau of mediary one to such elected bodies, as well
information on the Cause. as to other centers and even individuals.
The Bureau exercises no authority what- Our Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, has sum-
soever; neither is it subject to the jurisdic- marized:
tion of any local or National Assembly. "Geneva is auxiliary to the Center in
Although our local teaching activity aims Haifa. I t does not assume the place of
at the eventual formation of a Local Spir- Haifa, but is auxiliary. I t exercises no
itual Assembly, the Bureau's sphere is inter- international authority; it does not try to
national and its function cannot be im- impose, but helps and acts as intermediary
paired. between Haifa and other Baha'i centers.
The prerogative of the Bureau and its I t is international because it links the differ-
obligation t o Assemblies is that same Law ent countries; it is like a distributing
of Consultation, which Baha'u'llih has center." (Bahd'i W o r l d , Vol. IV, p. 261.)
legislated t o harmonize affairs, and to solve A life-sketch of this Bah6'i institution is
the human problems arising through the available in the Bahd'i W o r l d , Vol. IV.
interaction of the individual and the group. More recent happenings include the arrival
CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 131

of Mr. and Mrs. Charles Bishop in April own use are translaced i n d ~ p c n d e n t l ~but
;
of 1934. They came t o work under the translations for publication are made in
direction of Mrs. Emogene Hoagg, there to collaboration with Assemblies, more par-
reinforce the efforts of Miss Lentz and Mrs. ticularly of late with the National Spiritual
Lynch, two members of staff who had car- Assembly of the Bahi'is of Germany and
ried the Bureau routine for years. The Austria.
former is German by birth, the latter (e) The publication of a news Bulletin,
Russian; both are versed in languages. heretofore occasional, in French, German,
I n July of 1934, Mrs. Hoagg, under and English, to the number of five hundred
medical orders and with the permission of copies.
Shoghi Effendi, withdrew from the Bureau ( f ) A world correspondence in various
on extended leave of absence. This rest languages including Esperanto, supplying
she has strenuously earned by years of information or dealing with matters per-
pioneer work for the Cause in Italy and taining t o the Bahi'i Faith. This is more
Geneva. intimately directed to isolated Bahi'is and
Foremost among the Bureau's champions Assemblies of the continent, who are press-
is Miss Julia Culver, now in California. ing for a firmer grasp of the Principles
These many years Miss Culver has assumed supporting the Administrative Order of
the quiet task of financing a diminutive Bahi'i Faith.
institution in Geneva, reputedly one of the (g) The distribution of free literature
high-priced capitals of the world. The to callers, or in response to letters of re-
only other regular subscriber is Shoghi quest; besides, the sale and distribution of
Effendi, who sends nine pounds sterling all Bahi'i books when ordered. The main-
every month t o keep us on the credit side tenance of a free reading and lending
of the ledger. Library, opened daily for morning and
Inasmuch as the Bahi'i traveler invari- afternoon hours, is a prime feature of the
ably greets us, "After all, what goes on in Bureau. Incidentally, the enlargement of
the Bureau?", decorum allows that we make our Library depends upon the continuous
reply and state what the Bureau's mecha- donations made by the Bureau's friends,
nism of service entails. and the Assemblies of the Orient and
( a ) A modest charity, sometimes mate- Occident.
rial, but habitually the patient interview (h) The entertainment of visiting
and encouragement of that inevitable drift Bah6'is nr their acquaintances, who bring
of wanderers and maladjusted personalities, cards of introduction. The weekly tea and
who are drawn into any religious strong- social hour, sometimes with music, is the
hold that keeps an open door on a public most conspicuous of Bureau pleasures,-
Street. and, more seriously, the prolific field of
(b) Attendance at the public sessions of Bahi'is-to-be: ". . . for association is the
the League of Nations, and cooperation cause of unity; and unity is the source of
with international societies which are not order in the world." (Bahi'u'llih)
committed to party politics. The Bureau (i) The conduct of a weekly evening
is absolutely non-partisan, and free from meeting for the public, wherein the Teach-
political entanglements actual or conver- ings are presented in accordance with a
sational. program, published and issued to indi-
( c ) The persistent effort to contact in- viduals and societies. This direct BahB'i
ternational workers, and all lesser person- method is varied by an occasional guest
alities, who can be led from the universal speaker on some universal perspective of
social Principles revealed by Bahi'u'lllh t o today's work.
the recognition of His divine Manifestation. Since the Ridvin Season 1934, which is
(d) Translations of the Teachings and the time limit fixed for the commencement
other required materials into Esperanto, of this survey, visiturs and guest speakers,
Spanish, Italian, Russian, French, German, who have contributed t o the meetings, in-
ind English. Materials for the Bureau's clude: Professor Pitman Potter, instructor
in in~ernational law and mcmber of a made excellent contacts during two seasons
Juridical Commission under the League of of the northern cruise. I n Copenhagen,
Nations; Miss Emily Balch, International Miss Johanna Sorenson keeps alive the in-
Secretary of the Women's International terest stimulated by these traveling teachers.
League for Peace and Freedom; Madame His Majesty, King Haakon, granted Miss
Dreyfus-Barney, member of the Intellectual Root an audience at the Royal Palace in
Cooperation Commission of the League of Oslo on May 9th, 1931. Previously, His
Nations; Dr. Kenneth Saunders of Colum- Majesty, the King of Denmark, had ac-
bia University, author of The Ideals of cepted Bah6'i literature presented hy Mrs.
E~lstand West; Swami Yatiswarananda of Louise Erickson. She was granted an
the Ramakrishna-Vivekananda Order; Mrs. audience by Crown Prince Adolph of
Lorne Matteson; Dr. and Madame Fozdar Sweden. Among celebrities, Dr. Sven
of Bombay; the late Mr. Chatterjee, head Hedin, noted for explorations and Chinese
of the Information Office of the League of archaeology, encountered another Bahh'i
Nations; Mr. Mountfort Mills; several and accepted literature. A Swedish com-
leaders in the Esperanto Movement; Bahl'is poser, Count Wachmeister, is an ardent
from fr6n. friend t o the Cause and attends meetings
However, Miss Julia Goldman has been in Paris. That Bahb'i soul, brave "Man of
the traveling Bahi'i teacher most fre- the Trees," Richard St. Barbe Baker, did
quently associated with Mrs. Bishop in the good work in Scandinavia in January, 1931.
conduct of this teaching work. I n April Activity is always propitious, but the
of 1934, later in September through March arrival of Mrs. Louise Erickson in Scandi-
of 193 1, in September of 193 1, Miss Gold- navia in February, 1931, is particularly so.
inan was in Geneva cultivating the field of The Master designated her to lift the spade
contacts. The orhit of Miss Goldinan's of broken earth in the name of Scandinavia,
activity extends t o Florence, Paris, Brussels, when H e dedicated the Universal House of
in collaboration with the Princess Anssenac- Worship at Wilmette, Illinois, in 1912.
de-Broglie; England, Copenhagen, Stocb- She and Miss Root are now teaching in
holm, and some of the Bahl'i centers in Finland, where indications are promising
Germany, in collaboratiou with Mrs. Jeanne because observers agree that its folk are
Bolles. characterized by a high seriousness and an
The archetype of traveling teachers is Oriental strain of religious insight.
Miss Martha L. Root. After the publica- During the summer montbs of 1931,
tion of the modern Greek version of Miss Root was acclaimed in Iceland. She
Bahi'u'lldh and the New Era [Athens, wrote that a friend at Reykjavik, won by
May 19341, she passed through the Balkan Mrs. Thomas Collins with a booklet, he-
cities t o Vienna, where the Assembly came the open door through which all
arranged meetings for her. She and Miss subsequent reception was offered: inter-
Lydia Zamenhof presented the Bahi'i Faith views, lectures, radio broadcasting, pnb-
a t the International Esperanto Congress licity. Thereby is a tale lively and gratify-
held in Stockholm, August 4th to the l l t h , ing, recent data towards the precept that
1934. I n Oslo, Norway, Miss Root .
a Bahi'i may not neglect t o ". . make
assisted Miss Johanna Schubarth in the wide mention of Me on M y elrth"; for only the
distribution of the latter's translation of "Essayer of Entities" can determine afore-
Bahd'u'lldh and the New Era, published in time the seeker's perception or the indi-
April, 193 I. Now she is translating the vidual's share in this universal Cause.
Kitdb-i-fqdu into Norwegian. Holland is waiting for Miss Root's visit.
Throughout this period publicity was There she will he equipped with the Dutch
activated in Denmark, Sweden and Norway translations of Bahd'u'lldh and fhe N e q Era
some leading newspapers, which re- and the Hidden Words. The latter is the
z w e d the aims and Principles of chi excellent work of Captain Leyden, his first
Cause. Among the fine interviews were translation of a Text from Bahi'n'llih.
those accorded t o Mrs. Stuart French, who Both publications are gifts made during this
CURRENT B A H A ' ~A C T I V I T I E S 133

period by Mr. and Mrs. Max Greeven of and able translators, former Theosophists,
Bremen, supplemented by a donation from and an Esperanto leader, are working to-
Shoghi Egendi. gether with less talented folk. Interesting
T o proceed with this enumeration of meetings are arranged t o draw from a
outposts: in Brussels, Belgium, a first-rate sympathetic circle double the size of the
teacher, Mrs. May Maxwell, is active with Community. Now, the Spiritual Assembly
Miss Mary Maxwell. N o doubt, they w ~ l l of Sofia is reaching out to further the teach-
rally a group and hold regular meetings, for ing work in Varna, Dubnitza, Plovdiv, and
such is their record elsewhere. Starazagora.
Esthonia bas its family of BahB'is, first Miss Jack describes the Bulgarians as
led to the Cause by the Nova Tago. I n open-minded and of religious temperament.
Praha, Czechoslovakia, a Bahi'i cooperates Poised mid-way between Occident and
with Esperantists, and brings peace move- Orient, they are singularly free from in-
ments sotne cognizance of the Bahh'i Faith. sular, cultural prejudices. This acceptance
I n Budapest, there are those who cherish of the Prophetic Message recalls the genuine
the remembrance of 'Ahdu'l-Bahi's pres- religious passion with which they received
ence there. Nor is Bahh'u'llah left without Cyril and Methodius, the Christian Apostles
a witness in Albania, for Mr. Refo Chapary sent out from Constantinople. In the ninth
translates and teaches in Gjinokaster. century, by the conversion of the sovereign,
Meanwhile, the Delegate from Albania t o Khin Boris, the people embraced Ortho-
the League of Nations, M. Kurti, stands for doxy; and Bulgaria became an independent
the ennobling spiritual and humanitarian Church. frinian religion has been known
Principles represented by the Bahh'i Move- there before, hut it was a sophisticate and
ment. decadent form of it with which Bulgaria
Other centers in the Balkans require only grappled from the tenth through the
the presence of a moving Bahi'i spirit to twelfth centuries (i.e. Manichaeism, "The
guide interest to the height of consecration. Bogomil Heresy"). Martyrdoms, too. The
Mrs. Louise Gregory has been working in poetic temperament ever seeks the romance
Belgrade courageously; and, at this writing, of religion. Conflicts are the index of alive-
her return is immediate. Before her de- ness.
parture at the end of April in 1931, new If, through the informing Principles of
Bahh'is were declared; and a study class of the Baha'i Administrative Order, and the
six Russian students was formed. discipline of membership in World Com-
Madame Draga Ilif became a BahB'i munity, a profound, religious subjectivity
when she translated Bahi'u'lldh and the be converted into Unity-then Bulgaria
Nezu Era into Serbian. A manuscript trans- may find a sublime destiny in the Common-
latiol; of Sonzc Answered Questions into wealth of the Nations.
Croatian was made at the Bureau in Geneva, In Italy, Bahi'is are t o be found in Rome
and sent to Belgrade for circulation. The and Florence. In Rapallo, at New Year
outlook is more than hopeful: Mrs. Gregory 1931, the BahB'i Faith was introduced by
finds the Jugoslavs to he ". . . the most two talks given at the villa of an American
responsive I have found in any of the coun- singer, Mrs. Ephra Townley. Brigadier
tries of Europe." General MacGeorge, who was in command
A t a still more concrete stage is the status of troops in f r i n during the World War,
quo in Bulgaria. Miss Marion Jack, know- was glad to hear of a Cause which fostered
ing only French and English, hut en- understanding and unity between East and
dowed by the Master with a winning spirit West.
and a patience that subdues oppositions, has Mr. Ezra Pound admires 'Ahdu'l-Bah6,-
succeeded in the formation of a Spiritual and met Him in London. A compelling
Assembly, the first in the Balkans, elected poet, Mr. Pound has abandoned poetry to
in Sofia in July, 1934 by a Community of cry out for "Social Credit," and applaud
thirty or more. Movements to spiritualize man's material
In that Community men of professions life.
T H E B A H A 'i WORLD

A t the International Esperanto Congress. cooperation with London. T o that end, a
which traveled through the Italian cities northern representative was selected from
during the week of August 3 , 1935, Miss Manchester, one of the oldest and strongest
Lidja Zamenhof presented the Bahi'i centers, much visited by the late Dr. Essle-
Teachings. mont, the Americans and the Persians. Its
I n Genoa, there is published in Italian earliest Bahb'i, Mr. E. T. Hall, completes
a brilliant monthly review, which gives a this year his first quarter-century in teach-
world perspective on cultural, social, and ing the Cause.
spiritual achievements. Exchange of litera- Meanwhile, in London, Mrs. Basil Hall's
ture from the Bureau, and a somewhat Drama oJ Ihe Kingdom and the challenging
detailed correspondence with its Editor, Promise of All Ages have been published.
Professor Lorenzo Caboara, becomes an The variety and charm of the meetings
index of the depths of pure consciousness have increased during this two-year period;
resident in Italy, and directed towards the and the flow of visitors from other coun-
emergence of a New World Order based tries has been constant.
upon j u s t i c e a n d for humanity. A t last the Youth Group has been prop-
I n France, the Spiritual Assembly of erly organized for regular meetings of
Paris holds the largest regular meetings, and study or sociability. I t numbers twenty-
these according t o high standard. Brilliant five and counts some fine irinian students
intellectual feats are performed by the among its members.
students from frin, who select one of the In October of 193 5, the new Center in
youth group t o prepare and read a paper London was opened. I t is more artistic and
at their own monthly meeting, sometimes offers spacious quarters for meetings. In
attended by as many as fifty guests. This that same month the Committee sent forth
Union of Bahb'i Students in Europe holds a teacher to all the groups and their friends,
a yearly conference in Paris. A t the Con- more particularly to deepen the understand-
ference at Christmas time, 1934, the pro- ing of the evolving Administrative Order.
gram developed a correlation between the All in all, the hour is auspicious and marks
Bahh'i Cause and essential world-trends. the time in which to increase the followers
The activities of an Armenian Bahi'i in of Bahi'u'116h in the British Isles.
Marseilles have yielded a group which meets I n Germany, on the other hand, teaching
regularly. I n Lyon, a study group of seven on a grand scale is not feasible now. I n
has been brought together by the combined October of 1934, the government gave per-
efforts of Madame Borel, Miss Lidja Zamen- mission for the Bahh'is t o hold meetings
hof, and M. Ezzatollah Lhdn Zabih of throughout Germany, but these gatherings
Isfihin. From Toulouse and Nancy, where are necessarily invitational t o Bahi'is and
Bahi'is from f r i n are residents, we antici- their friends. I n some cities a police com-
pate further reports of teaching activity. missioner attends special meetings.
A tract entitled Le Bahi'isme-son his- Exceptional successes were as follows:
foire-sa jortde mondiale, and the new edi- the Feast of Bahh'u'llih commemorated in
tion of L'essai sur le Babd'isme, revised and Stnttgart on November 12th, 1934, con-
annotated by Madame Dreyfus-Barney, are sisting of poetry, music, and addresses
up-to-date equipment for the teaching offered to an audience of several hundred;
work in France,-and throughout Europe as the public session of the Convention at
French is still the secondary language. Ridvin, 1931; the conference held in Berlin
The National Spiritual Assembly of the at Whitsuntide, 1935, for representatives of
Bahh'is of the British Isles appointed a the northern centers.
National Teaching Committee in the spring By far the most spectacular teaching
of 1931, under the chairmanship of Mr. project is the yearly Summer Week at
F. St. George Spendlove. By assisting resi- Esslingen, near Stuttgart. Besides the
dent teachers, and extending the orbit of orientation courses, and Bah6'i Teachings,
traveling teachers, this Committee plans to the Administration has been presented dur-
draw the groups of the provinces into closer ing the seasons of 1934 and 1931. The
CURRENT BAHA'I ACTIVITIES 135

School draws visitors from frin, Amcrica besides ~ l l r refined prejudices of history,
and Europe; and it is, indeed, among the tradition, and culture.
rememberable adventures of a Bahh'i on the Addresses to the public notwithstanding,
continent. teaching in Europe at this eleventh hour
Today, the program of activity in Ger- resolves ultimately into the penetration of
many is four-fold: 1) translations and being in quest of souls inwardly taught and
publications; 2 ) the subjective deepen- prepared by God for His Manifestation:
ing in the Faith and the Unity; 3 ) the cen- ". . . I saw another angel ascending
tralization of authority in the National from the East, having the seal of the living
Spiritual Asse~nhly and the direction of its God: and he cried with a loud voice . . .
strength t o the Assemblies and groups; 4 ) .
'Hurt not the earth . . until we have
declaring the Manifestation t o those who sealed the servants of our God in their
will hear. foreheads.' " (Revelation VII)
This last is, in the deepest sense, the The followers of the Most Great Name
imperative throughout the countries under are ". . . fighting the lawful and great
review here. To us it seems that Europe's fight for the prize of a high calling," but
spiritual oppression is too far advanced t o the Victory doer not depend upon them.
admit of conversion in the mass: if souls Great world events, predestined by God, are
escape the dismal atmosphere of religious happening. Others will follow in rapid
orthodoxy, they are too frequently trapped succession t o alter life and manners at the
in the sterility of a bitter unfaith. Preju- roots; and, through that radical trausfor-
dices abound, subtle and amazingly complex mation, there will finally emerge the World
-prejudices of religion, class, nation, race, Order of Bahi'u'llih.
EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I
SACRED WRITINGS

Froin "Glearzings from the Writings of Bahk'zl'lllih"

M A N is the supreme Talisman. Lack The generations that have gone before
of a proper education hath, however, de- you-whither are they fled? And those
prived him of that which he doth inher- round whom in life circled the fairest and
ently possess. Through a word proceeding the loveliest of the land, where now are
out of the mouth of God he was called they? Profit by their example, 0 people,
into being; by one word more he was and be not of them that are gone astray.
guided to recognize the Source of his educa- Others ere long will lay hands on what
tion; by yet another word his station and ye possess, and enter into your habitations.
destiny were safeguarded. The Great Being Incline your ears to My words, and be not
saith: Regard man as a mine rich in gems numbered among the foolish.
of inestimable value. Education can, alone, For every one of yon his paramount
cause it to reveal its treasures and enable duty is to choose for himself that on which
mankind to benefit therefrom. If any man no other may infringe and none usurp from
were to meditate on that which the Scrip- him. Such a thing-and to this the
tures, sent down from the heaven of God's Almighty is My witness-is the love of
holy Will, have revealed, he will readily God, could ye but perceive it.
recognize that their purpose is that all men Build ye for yourselves such houses as
shall be regarded as one soul, so that the the rain and floods can never destroy, which
seal bearing the words "The Kingdom shall shall protect you from the changes and
be God's" may be stamped on every heart, chances of this Life. This is the instruction
and the light of Divine bounty, of grace, of Him Whom the world hath wronged
and mercy may envelop all mankind. The and forsaken.
one true God, exalted be His glory, hath
wished nothing for Himself. The allegiance Consider the pettiness of men's minds.
of mankind profiteth Him not, neither doth They ask for that which injureth them, and
its perversity harm Him. The Bird of the cast away the thing that profiteth them.
Realm of Utterance voiceth continually They are, indeed, of those that are far
this call: "All things have I willed for astray. We find some men desiring liberty,
thee, and thee, too, for thine own sake." and priding themselves therein. Such men
If the learned and worldly-wise men of this are in the depths of ignorance.
age were to allow mankind to inhale the Liberty must, in the end, lead to sedition,
fragrance of fellowship and love every whose flames none can quench. Thus
understanding heart would apprehend the warneth you He Who is the Reckoner, the
meaning of true liberty, and discover the All-Knowing. Know ye that the embodi-
secret of undisturbed peace and absolute ment of liberty and its symbol is the
composure. Were the earth to attain this $nimal. That which beseemeth man is sub-
station and be illumined with its light it mission unto such restraints as will protect
could then be truly said of it: "Thou shalt him from his own ignorance, and guard
see in it no hollows or rising hills." him against the harm of the mischief-
EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'f SACRED WRITINGS 137

maker. Liberty causerh man to overstep crating impulse and the primary purpose
the bounds of propriety, and t o infringe on underlying the whole of crearion . . .
the dignity of his station. I t debaseth him Upon the inmost reality of each and every
to the level of extreme depravity and wick- created thing He hat11 shed the light of
edness. one of His names, and made it a recipient
Regard men as a flock of sheep that need of the glory of one of His attributes.
a shepherd for their protection. This, Upon the reality of man, however, He
verily, is the truth, the certain truth. We hath focused the radiance of all His names
approve of liberty in certain circumstances, and attributes, and made i t a mirror of His
and refuse to sanction it in others. We, own Self. Alone of all created things man
verily, are the All-Knowing. hath been singled out for so great a favor,
Say: True liberty consisteth in man's so enduring a bounty.
submission unto My commandments, little These energies with which the Day-Star
as ye know it. Were men t o observe that of Divine bounty and Source of heavenly
which We have sent down unto them from guidance hath endowed the reality of man
the Heaven of Revelation, they would, of lie, however, latent within him, even as the
a certainty, attain unto perfect liberty. flame is hidden within the candle and the
Happy is the man that hath apprehended rays of light are potentially present in the
the Purpose of God in whatever He hath lamp. The radiance of these energies may
revealed from the Heaven of His Will, that be obscured by worldly desires even as the
pervadeth all created things. Say: The light of the sun can be concealed beneath
liberty that profiteth you is to be found the dust and dross which cover the mirror.
nowhere except in complete servitude unto Neither the candle nor the lamp can be
God, the Eterilal Truth. Whoso bath lighted through their own unaided efforts,
tasted of its sweetness will refuse t o barternor can it ever be possible for the mirror
it for a11 the dominion of earth and heaven. to free itself from its dross. It is clear and
evident that until a fire is kindled the lamp
All-praise to the unity of God, and all- will never be ignited, and unless the dross
honor t o Him, the sovereign Lord, the in- is blotted out from the face of the mirror
comparable and all-glorious Ruler of the it can never represent the image of the sun
universe, Who, out of utter nothingness, nor reflect its light and
hath created the reality of all things, Who, And since there can be 110 tie of direct
from naught, hat11 brought into being the intercourse to bind rhe one truc God with
most refined and subtle elements of His His creation, and no resemblance whatever
creatiot~,and Who, rescuing His creatures can exist between the transient and the
from the abasements of remoteness and the Eternal, the contingent and the Absolute,
perils of ultimate extinction, hath received H e hath ordained that in every age and
them into the Kingdom of incorrupt~ble dispensation a pure and stainless Soul be
glory. Nothing short of His all-encom- made manifest in the lringdoms of earth
passing grace, His all-pervading mercy, nnd heaven. Unto this subtle, this mys-
could have possibly achieved it. How terious and ethereal Being H e hath assigned
could it, otherwise, have been possible for a twofold nature; the physical, pertaining
sheer nothingness t o have lcquircd by itself to thc world of matter, and the spiritual,
the worthiness and capacity to emerge from which is born of the substance of God
its state of non-existence into the realm of Himself. H e hath, moreover, conferred
being? upon Him a double station. The first
Having created the world and all that station, which is related to His in~lermost
liveth and moveth therein, He, through the reality, representeth H i m as One Whose
direct operation of His unconstrained and voice is the voice of God Himself. To this
sovereign Will, chose to confer upon man testifieth the tradition: "Manifold and
rhe unique distinction and capacity to mysterious is My relationship with God"
know Him and to love Him-a capacity .
. . The second station is the human
that must needs be regarded as the gen- station, exemplified by the following verses:
138 T H E BAHA'I WORLD

"I am but a man likc you." "Say, praise the portals of Divine mercy have been flung
be t o my Lord! Am I more than a man, open to the face of all created things, and
an apostle?" These Essences of Detach- the clouds of Truth will continue to the
ment, these resplendent Realities are the end that hath no end to rain on the soil of
channels of God's all-pervasive grace. Led human capacity, reality and personality
by the light of unfailing guidance, and their favors and bounties. Such hath been
invested with supreme sovereignty, they are God's method continued from everlasting
commissioned to use the inspiration of their t o everlasting.
words, the effusions of their infallible grace The Purpose of the one true God, exalted
and the sanctifying breeze of their revela- be His glory, in revealing Himself unto
tion for the cleansing of every longing men is to lay bare those gems that lie hidden
heart and receptive spirit from the dross within the mine of their true and inmost
and dust of earthly cares and limitations. selves. That the divers communions of
Then, and only then, will the Trubt of the earth, and the manifold systems of re-
God, latent in the reality of man, emerge as ligious belief, should never be allowed to
resplendent as the rising Orb of Divine foster the feelings of animosity among men
Revelation from behind the veil of conceal- is, in this Day, of the essence of the Faith
ment, and implant the ensign of its revealed of God and His Religion.
glory upon the summit of men's hearts.
From the foregoing passages and allusions Consider the past. How many, both
it hath been made indubitably clear that in high and low, have, at all times, yearningly
the kingdoms of earth and heaven there awaited the advent of the Manifestations of
must needs be manifested a Being, an God in the sanctified persons of His chosen
Essence Who shall act as a Manifestation Ones. How often have they expected His
and Vehicle for the transmission of the corning, how frequently have they prayed
grace of the Divinity Itself, the Sovereign that the breeze of Divine mercy might
Lord of all. Through the Teachings of this blow, and the promised Beauty step forth
Day-Star of Truth every man will advance from behind the veil of concealment, and
and develop until he attaineth the station he made manifest to all the world. And
at which he can manifest all the potential whensoever the portals of grace did open,
forces with which his inmost true self hath and the clouds of divine bounty did rain
been endowed. I t is for this very purpose upon mankind, and the light of the Unseen
that in every age and dispensation the did shine above the horizon of celestial
Prophets of God and His chosen Ones have might, they all denied Him, and turned
appeared amongst men, and have evinced away from His face-the face of God
such power as is born of God and such Himself. .. .
might as only the eternal can reveal. Reflect, what could have been the motive
Can one of sane mind ever seriously for such deeds? What could have prompted
imagine that, in view of certain words the such behavior towards the Revealers of the
meaning of which he cannot comprehend, beauty of the All-Glorious? Whatever in
the portal of God's infinite guidance can days gone by hath been the cause of the
ever be closed in the face of men? Can he denial and opposition of those people hath
ever conceive for these Divinc Luminaries, now led to the perversity of the people of
these resplendent Lights either a beginning this age. T o maintain that the testimony
or an end? What outpouring flood can of Providence was incomplete, that it hath
compare with the stream of His all-embrac- therefore been the cause of the denial of
lng grace, and what blessing can excel the the people, is but open blasphemy. H o w
evidences of so great and pervasive a mercy? far from the grace of the All-Bountiful and
There can be no doubt whatever that if for from His loving providence and tender
one moment the tide of His mercy and mercies it is t o single out a soul from
grace were to be withheld from the world, amongat all men for the guidance of His
it would completely perish. For this reason, creatures, and, on one hand, t o withhold
from the beginning that hath no beginning from Him the full measure of His divine
EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 139

testimony, and, on the othcr, inflict severe of char sacred Tree, obliv~ousof the truth
retribution on His people for having turned that no earthly water can quench the flames
away from His chosen One! Nay, the of Divine wisdom, nor mortal blasts ex-
manifold bounties of the Lord of all beings tinguish the lamp of everlasting dominion.
have, at all times, through the Manifesta- Nay, rather, such water cannot but in-
tions of His Divine Essence, encompassed tensify the burning of the flame, and such
the earth and all that dwell therein. N o t blasts canrwt but ensure the preservation
for a moment hath His grace been with- of the lamp, were ye to observe with the eye
held, nor have the showers of His loving- of discernment, and walk in the way of
kindness ceased t o rain upon mankind. God's holy will and pleasure. . ..
Consequently, such behavior can be at-
tributed to naught save the petty-minded- And when the days of Moses were ended,
ness of such souls as tread the valley of and the light of Jesus, shining forth from
arrogance and pride, are lost in the wilds of the Day-Spring of the Spirit, encompassed
remoteness, walk in the ways of their idle the world, all the people of Israel arose in
fancy, and follow the dictates of the protest against Him. They clamored that
leaders of their faith. Their chief concern I-Je Whose advent the Bible had foretold
is mere opposition; their sole desire is to must needs promulgate and fulfil the l a m
ignore the truth. Unto every discerning of Moscs whereas this youthful Nazarene,
observer it is evident and manifest that had who laid claim to the station of the divine
these people in the days of each of the Messiah, had annulled the law of divorce
Manifestations of the Sun of Truth sancti- and of the sabbath day-the most weighty
fied their eyes, their ears, and their hearts of all the laws of Moses. Moreover, what
from whatever they had seen, heard, and of the signs of the Manifestation pet to
felt, they surely would not have been de- come? Thesc people of Israrl are even
prived of beholding the beauty of God, unto the present day still expecting that
nor strayed far from the habitations of Manifestation which the Bible hath fore-
glory. But having weighed the testimony told! How many Manifestations of Holi-
of God by the standard of their own ness, how many Revealers of the light
knowledge, gleaned from the teachings of everlasting, have appeared since the time
the leaders of their faith, and found i t at of Moses, and yet Israel, wrapt in the
variance with their limited understanding, densest veils of satanic fancy and false
they arose to perpetrate such unseemly imdginings, is still expectant that the idol
.
acts. . . of her own handiwork will appear with
such signs as she herself hath conceived!
Consider Moses! Armed with the rod of Thus hath God laid hold of them for their
celestial dominion, adorned with the white sins, hath extinguished in them the spirit
hand of Divine knowledge, and proceeding of faith, and tormented chem with the
from the Pir6n of the love of God, and flames of the nethermost fire. And this for
wielding the serpent of power and everlast- no other reason except that Israel refused
ing majesty, He shone forth from the to apprehend the meaning of such words
Sinai of light upon the world. H e sum- as have been revealed in the Bible concern-
moned all the peoples and kindreds of the ing che signs of the coming Revelation.
earth to the kingdom of eternity, and in- As she never grasped their true significance,
vited them t o partake of the fruit of the and, to outward seeming, such events never
tree of faithfulness. Surely you are aware came t o pass, she, therefore, remained de-
of the fierce opposition of Pharaoh and his prived of recognizing the beauty of Jesus
people, and of the stones of idle fancy and of beholding the Face of God. And
which the hands of infidels cast upon that they still await His coming! From time
blessed Tree. So much so that Pharaoh immemorial even unto this day, all the
and his people finally arose and exerted kindreds and peoples of the earth have clung
their utmost endeavor to extinguish with t o such fanciful and unseemly thoughts,
the waters of falsehood and denial the tire and thus have deprived themselves of the
clear waters streaming from the springs of "I gu 2nd another will comc, Who will tell
purity and holiness. . .. you all that 1 have not told you, and will
To them that are endowed with under- fulfil all that I have said." Both these say-
standing, it is clear and manifest that, ings have but one meaning, were ye to
when the fire of the love of Jesns consumed ponder upon the Manifestations of the
the veils of Jewish limitations, and His Unity of God with Divine insight.

House occupied by Bahi'u'llih, Qasr Mazra'ih,
'Akkh, Palestine.

authority was made apparent and partially Every discerl~ingobserver will recognize
enforced, He, the Revealer of the unseen that in the Dispensation of the Qur'hn both
Beauty, addressing one day His disciples, the Book and the Cause of Jesus were con-
referred unto His passing, and, kindling firmed. As to the matter of names,
in their hearts the fire of bereavement, Muhammad, Himself, declared: "I am
said unto them: "I go away and come again Jesus." He recognized the truth of the
unto you." And in another place He said: signs, prophecies, and words of Jesus, and
EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'i SACRED WRITINGS 141

testified that they were all of God. I n hindered from acknowledging His truth.
this sense, neither the person of Jesus nor Such things are as "clouds" that veil the
His writings hath differed from that of eyes of those whose inner being hath not
Muhammad and of holy Book, inas- tasted the Salsabil of detachment, nor
much as both have championed the Cause drunk from the Kawaar of the knowledge
of God, uttered His praise, and revealed of God. Such men, when acquainted with
His commandments. Thus it is that Jesus, those circumstances, become so veiled that,
Himself, declared: "I go away and come without the least question, they pronounce
again unto you." Consider the sun. Were the Manifestation of God as infidel, and
it to say now, "I am the sun of yesterday," sentence Him to death, You must have
it would speak the truth. And should it, heard of such things taking place all down
bearing the sequence of time in mind, claim the ages, and are now observing them in
to be other than that sun, it still would these days.
speak the truth. In lilre manner, if it be I t behooveth us, therefore, to make the
said that all the days are but one and the utmost endeavor, that, by God's invisible
same, it is correct and true. And if it be assistance, these dark veils, these clouds of
said, with respect to their particular names Heaven-sent trials, may not hinder us from
and designations, that they differ, that again beholding the beauty of His shining Coun-
is true. For though they are the same, yet tenance, and that we may recognize Him
one doth recognize in each a separate desig- only by His own Self.
nation, a specific attribute, a particular
character. Conceive accordingly the dis- The beginning of all things is the knowl-
tinction, variation, and unity characteristic edge of God, and the end of all things is
of the various Manifestations of holiness, strict observance of whatsoever hath been
that thou mayest comprehend the allusions sent down from the empyrean of the Divine
made by the Creator of all names and Will that pervadeth all that is in the
attributes to the mysteries of distinction heavens and all that is on the earth.
and unity, and discover the answer to thy
question as to why that everlasting Beauty Divine Springtime is come, 0 Most
should have, at sundry times, called Himself Exalted Pen, for the Festival of the All-
.
by different names and titles. . . Merciful is fast approaching. Bestir thy-
self, and magnify, before the entire crea-
I t is evident that changes brought about tion, the name of God, and celebratr His
in every Dispensation constitute the dark praise, in such wise that all created things
clouds that intervene between the eye of may be regenerated and made new. Speak,
man's understanding and the Divine Lumi- and hold not thy peace. The day-star of
nary which shineth forth from the day- blissfnlness shineth above the horizon .of
spring of the Divine Essence. Consider Our name, the Blissful, inasmuch as the
how men for generations have been blindly kingdom of the name of God hath been
imitating their fathers, and have been adorned with the ornament of the name of
trained according to such ways and man- thy Lord, the Creator of the heavens. Arise
ners as have been laid down by the dictates before the nations of the earth, and arm
of their Faith. Were these men, therefore, thyself with the power of this Most Great
to discover suddenly that a Man, Who hath Name, and be not of those who tarry.
been living in their midst, Who, with re- Methinks that thou hast halted and
spect to every human limitation, hath been movest not upon My Tablet. Could the
their equal, had risen to abolish every brightness of the Divine Countenance have
established principle imposed by their Faith bewildered thee, or the idle talk of the
-principles by which for centuries they froward filled thee with grief and paralyzed
have been disciplined, and every opposer thy movement? Take heed lest anytbing
and denier of which they have come to deter thee from extolling the greatness of
regard as infidel, profligate and wicked,- this Day-the Day whereon the Finger of
rhey would of a certainly be veiled and majesty and power hath opened the seal of
'f W O R L D
the Wine of Reunion, and called all who unto men. I am, verily, the All-Bountiful,
are in the heavens and all who are on the the Ancient of Days.
earth. Preferrest thou to tarry when the
breeze announcing the Day of God hath Beware, 0 believers in the Unity of God,
already breathed over thee, or art thou of lest ye be tempted to make any distinction
them that are shut out as by a veil from between any of the Manifestations of His
Him? Cause, or to discriminate against the signs
No veil whatever have I allowed, 0 Lord that have accompanied and proclaimed
of all names and Creator of the heavens, their Revelation. This indeed is the true
to shut me from the recognition of the meaning of Divine Unity, if ye be of then?
glories of Thy Day-the Day which is the that apprehend and believe this truth. Be
lamp of guidance unto the whole world, ye assured, moreover, that the works and
and the sign of the Ancient of Days unto acts of each and every one of these Mani-
all them that dwell therein. My silence festations of God, nay whatever pertaineth
is by reason of the veils that have blinded unto them, and whatsoever they may mani-
Thy creatures' eyes to Thee, and my mute- fest in the future, are all ordained by God,
nesp is because of the impediments that have and are a reflection of His Will and Pur-
hindered Thy people from recognizing Thy pose. Whoso maketh the slightest possible
truth. Thou knowest what is in me, but I difference between their persons, their
know not what is in Thee. Thou art the words, their messages, their acts and man-
All-Knowing, the All-Informed. By Thy ners, hath indeed disbelieved in God, hath
name that excelleth all other names! If repudiated His signs, and betrayed the
Thy overruling and all-compelling behest Cause of His Messengers.
should ever reach me, it would empower
me to revive the souls of all men, through Look not upon the creatures of God ex-
Thy most exalted Word, which I have cept with the eye of lundliness and of
heard uttered by Thy Tongue of power in mercy, for Our loving providence hath
Thy Kingdom of glory. I t would enable pervaded all created things, and Our grace
me to announce the revelation of Thy efful- encompassed the earth and the heavens.
gent countenance wherethrough that which This is the Day whereon the true servants
lay hidden from the eyes of men hath been of God partake of the Iife-giving waters of
manifested in Thy name, the Perspicuous, reunion, the Day whereon those that are
the sovercip Protector, the Self-subsist- nigh unto Him are able to drink of the
ing. soft-flowing river of immortality, and they
Canst thou discover any one but Me, 0 who believe in His unity the wine of His
Pen, in this Day? What hath become of Presence, through their recognition of Him
the creation and the manifestations thereof? Who is the Highest and Last End of all, in
What of the names and their kingdom? Whom the Tongue of Majesty and Glory
Whither are gone all created things, voiceth the call: "The Kingdom is Mine.
whether seen or unseen? What of the I, Myself, am, of Mime own right, its
hidden secrets of the universe and its Ruler."
revelations? Lo, the entire creation hath Attract the hearts of men, through the
passed away! Nothing remaineth except call of Him the one alone Beloved. Say:
My Face, the Ever-Abiding, the Resplen- This is the Voice of God, if ye do but
dent, the All-Glorious. hearken. This is the Day-Spring of the
This is the Day whereon naught can be Revelation of God, did ye but know it.
seen except the splendors of the Light that This is the Dawning-Place of the Cause of
shineth from the face of Thy Lord, the God, were ye to recognize it. This is the
Gracious, the Most Bountiful. Verily, We Source of the commandment of God, did
have caused every soul to expire by virtue ye but judge it fairly. This is the manifest
of Our irresistible and all-subduing sover- and hidden Secret; would that ye might
eignty. We have, then, called into being perceive it. 0 peoples of the world! Cast
a new creation, as a token of Our grace away, in My name that transcendeth all
EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I: SACRED WRITINGS 143

other names, the things ye posscss, and h a v e utteredsuch words as must of neces-
immerse yourselves in this Oceau in whose sity imply the existence of any direct
depths lay hidden the pearls of wisdom and relationship between the Pen of Thy
of utterance, an ocean that surgeth in My Revelation and the essence of all created
name, the All-Mercif d. things. Far, far are They Who are related
to Thee above the conception of such rela-
Lauded and glorified art Thou, 0 Lord, tionship! All comparisons and likenesses
my God! How can I make mention of fail t o do justice ro the Tree of Thy Reve-
Thee, assured as I am that no tongue, how- lation, and every way is barred to the
ever deep its wisdom, can befittingly mag- comprehension of the Manifestation of Thy
nify Thy name, nor can the bird of the Self and the Day-Spring of Thy Beauty.
human heart, however great its longing, Far, far from Thy glory be what mortal
ever hope to ascend inco the heaven of Thy man can affirm of Thee, or attribute unto
majesty and knowledge. Thee, or the praise with which he can
If I describe Thee, 0 n ~ yGod, as Him glorify Thee! Whatever duty Thou hast
Who is the All-Perceiving, I find myself prescribed unto Thy servants of extolling
compelled to admit that they Who are the to the utmnst Thy majesty and glory is but
highest Embodiments of perception have a token of Tlry grace unto them, that they
been created by virtue of Thy behest. And may be enabled to ascend unto the station
if I extol Thee as Him Who is the All-Wise, conferred upon their own inmost being, the
I, likewise, am forced to recognize that the station of the knowledge of their own
Well-Springs of wisdom have themselves selves.
been generated through the operation of No one else besides Thee hath, at any
Thy Will. And if I Thee as the time, been able to fathom Thy mystery, or
Incomparable One, I soon discover that befittingly to extol Thy greatness. Un-
They Who are the inmost essence of one- searchable and high above the praise of men
ness have been sent down by Thee and are wilt Thou remain for ever. There is none
but the evidences of Thine handiwork. other God but Thee, the Inaccessible, the
And if I acclaim Thee as the Knower of Omnipotent, the Omniscient, the Holy of
all things, I must confess that They Who Holies.
are the Quintessence of knowledge are but
the creation and instruments of Thy All-praise and glory be to God Who,
Purpose. through the power of His might, hath de-
Exalted, immeasurably exalted, art Thou livered His creation from the nakedness of
above the strivings of morcal man to un- non-existence, and clothed it with the
ravel Thy mystery, to describe Thy glory, mantle of life. From among all created
or even to hint at the nature of Thine things He hath singled out for His special
Essence. For whatever such strivings may favor the pure, the gem-like reality of man,
accomplish, they never can hope to tran- and invested it with a unique capacity of
scend the limitations imposed upon Thy knowing Him and of reflecting the great-
creatures, inasmuch as these efforts are ness of His glory. This twofold distinc-
actuated by Thy decree, and are begotten tion conferred upon him hath cleansed away
of Thine invention. The loftiest senti- from his heart the rust of every vain
ments which the holiest of saints can ex- desire, and made him worthy of the vesture
press in praise of Thee, and the deepest with which his Creator hath designed to
wisdom which the most learned of men can clothe him. I t hath served t o rescue his
utter in their attempts to comprehend Thy soul from the wretchedness of ignorance.
nature, all revolve around that Center This robe with which the body and soul
Which is wholly subjected to Thy sov- of man hath been adorned is the very foun-
ereignty, Which adoretb Thy Beauty, and dation of his well-being and development.
is propelled through thc illovement of Thy 0 , how blessed the day when, aided by the
Pen. grace and might of the one true God, man
Nay, forbid it, 0 my God, that I should will have freed himself from the bondage
THE B A H A 'f WORLD

and corruption of the world and all rhat is Be light and untrammelled as the breeze,
therein and will have attained unto true that ye may obtain admittance into the pre-
and abiding rest beneath the shadow of the cincts of My court, My inviolable Sanctu-
Tree of Knowledge! ary.

Know thou that, according to what thy 0 My servanrs! Let not your vain hopes
Lord the Lord of all men, hath decreed in and idle fancies sap the foundations of your
His Book, the favors vouchsafed by Him belief in the All-Glorious God, inasmuch as
unto mankind have been, and will ever re- such imagining5 have been wholly unprof-
main, limitless in their range. First and itable unto men, and failed to direct their
foremost among these favors, which the steps unto the straight Path. Think ye, 0
Almighty hath conferred upon man, is the My servants, that the Hand of My all-en-
gift of understanding. His purpose in con- compassing, My overshadowing, and tran-
ferring such a gift is none other except to scendent sovereignty is chained up, that the
enable His creature to know and recognize flow of Mine ancient, My ceaseless, and all-
the one true God-exalted be His glory. pervasive mercy is checked, or that the
This gift +eth man the power to discern clouds of My sublime and unsurpassed fa-
the truth in all things, leadeth him to that vors have ceased to rain their gifts upon
which is right, and helpeth him to discover men? Can ye imagine that the wondrous
the secrets of creation. Next in rank, is works that have proclaimed My divine and
the power of vision, the chief instrument resistless power are withdrawn, or that the
whereby his understanding can f~inction. potency of My will and purpose hath been
The sense of hearing, of the heart, and the deterred from directing the destinies of
like, are similarly to he reckoned among mankind? If it not be so, wherefore, then,
the @its with which the human body is have ye striven to prevent the deathless
endowed. Immeasurably exalted is the Al- Beauty of My sacred and gracious Coun-
mighty Who hath created these powers, and tenance from being unveiled to men's eyes?
revealed them in the body of man. Why have ye struggled to h'ulder the Man-
ifestation of the Almighty and All-Glorious
Thine eye is My trust, suffer not the Being from shedding the radiance of His
dust of vain desires to becloud its luster. Revelation upon the earth? Were ye to be
Thine ear is a sign of My bounty, let not fair in your judgment, ye would readily
the tumult of unsecmly motives turn it recognize how the realities of all created
away from My Word that encompasseth all things are inebriated with the joy of this
creation. Thine heart is My treasury, al- new and wondrous Revelation, how all the
low not the treacherous hand of self to rob atoms of the earth have been illuminated
thee of the pearls which I have treasured through the brightness of its glory. Vain
therein. Thine hand is a symbol of My and wretched is that which ye have imag-
lovingkindness, hinder it not from holding ined and still imagine!
fast unto My guarded and hidden Tablets. Retrace your steps, 0 My servants, and
. . . Unasked, I have showered upon thee incline your hearts to Him Who is the
My grace. Unpetitioned, I have fulfilled Source of your creation. Deliver yourselves
thy wish. In s p i ~ eof thy undeserving, I from your evil and corrupt affections, and
have singled thee out for My richest, My hasten to embrace the light of the undying
incalculahle favors. . . . O My servants! Fire that gloweth on the Sinai of this mys-
Be as resigned and submissive as the earth, terious and transcendent Revelation. Cor-
that from the soil of your being there may rupt not the holy, the all-embracing, and
blossom the fragrant, the holy and multi- primal Word of God, and seek not to pro-
colored hyacinths of My knowledge. Be fane its sanctity or to debase its exalted
ablaze as the fire, that ye may burn away character. 0 heedless ones! Though the
the veils of heedlessness and set aglow, wonders of My mercy have encompassed all
through the quickening energies of the love created things, both visible and invisible,
of God, the chilled and wayward heart. and though the revelations of My grace
EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 14f

and bounty have permeated every atom of yc would, of a truth, rid your~rlvrsof at-
the universe, yet the rod with which I tachment to all created things, and would
can chastise the wicked is grievous, and the gain a true knowledge of your own selves
fierceness of Mine anger against them ter- -a knowledge which is the same as the
rible. With ears that are sanctified from comprehension of Mine own Being. Ye
vain-glory and worldly desires hearken unto would find yourselves independent of all
the counsels which I, in My merciful kind- else but Me, and would perceive, with your
ness, have revealed unto you, and with your inner and outer eye, and as manifest as the
inner and outer eyes contemplate the evi- revelation of My effulgent name, the seas
dences of My marvelous Revelations. . . . of My loving kindness and bounty moving
within you. Suffer not your idle fancies,
0 My servants! Deprive not yourselves your evil passions, your insincerity and
of the unfading and resplendent Light- that blindness of heart to dim the luster, or
shineth within the Lamp of Divine glory. stain the sanctity, of so lofty a station.
Let the flamt of the love of God burn Ye are even as the bird which soareth, with
brightly within your radiant hearts. Feed the full force of its mighty wings and with
it with the oil of Divine pidance, and pro- complete and joyous confidence, through
tect it within the shelter of your constancy. the immensity of the heavens, until, im-
Guard it within the globe of trust and de- pelled to satisfy its hunger, it turneth long-
tachment from all else but God, so that the ingly to the water and clay of the earth
evil whisperings of the ungodly may not below it, and, having been entrapped in the
extinguish its light. 0 My servants! My mesh of its desire, findeth itself impotent
holy, My divinely ordained Revelation may to resume its flight to the realms whence it
be likened unto an ocean in whose depths came. Powerless t o shake off the burden
are concealed innumerable pearls of great weighing on its sullied wings, that bird,
price, of surpassing luster. I t is the duty hitherto an inmate of the heavens, is now
of every seeker t o bestir himself and strive forced to seek a dwelling-place upon the
t o attain the shores of this ocean, so that he dust. Wherefore, 0 My servants, defile not
may, in proportion t o the eagerness of his your wings with the clay of waywardness
search and the efforts he hath exerted, par- and vain desires, and suffer them not to be
take of such benefits as have been pre- stained with the dust of envy and hate, that
ordained in God's irrevocable and hidden ye may not be hindered from soaring in the
Tablets. If no one be willing to direct his heavens of My divine knowledge.
steps towards its shores, if every one should 0 My servants! Through the might of
fail t o arise and find Him, can such a fail- God and His power, and out of the treasury
ure be said t o have robbed this ocean of its of His knowledge and wisdom, I have
power or t o have lessened, to any degree, brought forth and revealed unto yon the
its treasures? How vain, how contempt- pearls that lay concealed in the depths of
ible, are the imaginations which your hearts His everlasting ocean. I have summoned
have devised, and are still devising! the Maids of Heaven t o emerge from be-
0 My
servants! The one true God is My w~tness! hind the veil of concealment, and have
This most great, this fathomless and surg- clothed them with these words of Mine-
ing Ocean is near, astonishingly near, unto words of consumlnatc power and wisdom.
you. Behold it is closer to you than your I have, moreover, with the hand of divine
life-vein! Swift as the twinkling of an eye power, unsealed the choice wine of My Rev-
ye can, if ye but wish it, reach and par- elation, and have wafted its holy, its hid-
take of this imperishable favor, this God- den, and musk-laden fragrance upon all
given grace, this incorruptible gift, this created things. Who else but yourselves is
most potent and unspeakably glorious to be blamed if ye choose to remain unen-
bounty. dowed with so great an outpouring of God's
0 My servants! Could ye apprehend with transcendent and all-encompassing grace,
what wonders of My munificence and with so bright a revelation of His resplend-
bounty I have willed to entrust your souls, ent mercy? ...
T H E B A H A 'f WORLD

0 My servants! Thrrc d l i n e ~ hnothing hend this truth, and should consequently
else in Mine heart except the unfading light indulge in vain and unseemly language, no
of the Morn of Divine guidance, and out of one whose sight is keen and whose under-
My mouth proceedeth naught but the es- standing is enlightened would ever allow
sence of truth, which the Lord your God such idle talk to cause him to waver in his
hath revealed. Follow not, therefore, your belief.
earthly desires, and violate not the Cove- The measure of the revelation of the
nant of God, nor break your pledge to Him. Prophets of God in this world, however,
With firm determination, with the whole must differ. Each and every one of them
affection of your heart, and with the full hath been the Bearer of a distinct Message,
force of your words, turn ye unto Him, and hath been commissioned t o reveal Him-
and walk not in the ways of the foolish. self through specific acts. It is for this
The world is but a show, vain and empty, reason that they appear t o vary in their
a mere nothing, bearing the semblance of greatness. Their Revelation may be likened
reality. Set not your affections upon it. unto the light of the moon that sheddeth its
Break not the bond that uniteth you with radiance upon the earth. Though every
your Creator, and be not of those that have time it appeareth, it revealeth a fresh meas-
erred and strayed from His ways. Verily I ure of its brightness, yet its inherent splen-
say, the world is like the vapor in a desert, dor can never diminish, nor can its light
which the thirsty dreameth to be water and suffer extinction.
striveth after it with all his might, unril I t is clear and evident, therefore, that any
when he comerh unto it, he findeth it to be apparent variation in the intensity of their
mere illusion. I t may, moreover, be lik- light is not inherent in the light itself, b u t
ened unto the lifeless image of the beloved should rather be attributed t o the varying
whom the lover hath sought and found, in receptivity of an ever-changing world.
the end, after long search and to his utmost Every Prophet Whom the Almighty and
regret, to be such as cannot "fatten nor Peerless Creator hath purposed t o send to
appease his hunger." the peoples of the earth hath been entrusted
0 My servants! Sorrow not if, in these with a Message, and charged t o act in a
days and on this earthly plane, things con- manner, that would best meet the require-
trary to your wishes have been ordained and ments of the age in which H e appeared.
manifested by God, for days of blissful joy, God's Purpose in sendiilg His Prophets unto
of heavenly delight, are assuredly in store men is twofold. The first is t o liberate
for you. Worlds, holy and spiritually glor- the children of men from the darkness of
ious, will be unveiled t o your eyes. You ignorance, and guide them to the light of
are destined by Him, in this world and true understanding. The second is t o en-
hereafter, t o partake of their benefits, t o sure the peace and tranquillity of mankind,
share in their joys, and to obtain a portion and provide all the means by which they
of their sustaining grace. can be established. . . . Little wonder,
then, if the treatment prescribed by the
Know thou assuredly that the essence of physician in this day should not be found
all the Prophets of God is one and the same. t o be identical with that which he pre-
Their unity is absolute. God, the Creator scribed before. How could it be otherwise
saith: There is no distinction whatsoever when the ills affecting the sufferer necessi-
among the Bearers of My Message. They tate at every stage of his sickness a special
all have but one purpose; their secret is the remedy? I n like manner, every time the
same secret. T o prefer one in honor to an- Prophets of God have illumined the world
other, t o exalt certain ones above the rest, with the resplendent radiance of the Day-
is in no wise to be permitted. Every true Star of Divine knowledge, they have in-
Prophet hath regarded His Message as fnn- variably summoned its people t o embrace
damentally the same as the Revelation of the light of God through such means as
every other Prophet gone before Him. If best befitted the exigencies of the age in
any man, therefore, should fail t o compre- which they appeared. They were thus able
EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'i SACRED WRITINGS 147

to scatter the darkness of ignorance, and to sistance to mankind, and deliver it from its
shed upon the world the glory of their own state of grievous abasement.
knowledge. I t is towards the inmost es- In one of the Tablets these words have
sence of these Prophets, therefore, that the been revealed: 0 people of God! Do not
eye of every man of discernment must be busy yourselves in your own concerns; let
directed, inasmuch as their one and only your thoughts be fixed upon that which
purpose hath always been to guide the err- will rehabilitate the fortunes of mankind
ing, and give peace to the aficted. These and sanctify the hearts and souls of men.
are not days of prosperity and triumph. This can best be achieved through pure and
The whole of manlrind is in the grip of holy deeds, through a virtuous life and a
manifold ills. Strive, therefore, to save its goodly behavior. Valiant acts will ensure
life through the wholesome medicine which the triumph of this Cause, and a saintly
the almighty hand of the unerring Physi- character will reinforce its power. Cleave
cian hath prepared. unto righteousness, 0 people of BahH! This,
verily, is the commandment which this
Justice is, in this day, bewailing its wronged One hath given unto you, and the
plight, and Equity groaneth beneath the first choice of His unrestrained Will for
yoke of oppression. The thick clouds of every one of you.
tyranny have darkened the face of the 0 friends! I t behoveth you to refresh
earth, and enveloped its peoples. Through and revive your souls through the gracious
the movement of Our Pen of glory We favors which in this Divine, this soul-stir-
have, at the bidding of the omnipotent Or- ring Springtime are being showered upon
dainer, breathed a new life into every hu- you. The Day-Star of His great glory hath
man frame, and instilled into every word shed its radiance upon you, and the clouds
a fresh potency. All created things pro- of His limitless grace have overshadowed
claim the evidences of this world-wide re- you. How high the reward of him that
generation. This is the most great, the hath not deprived himself of so great a
most joyful tidings imparted by the pen of bounty, nor failed to recognize the beauty
this wronged One to mankind. Wherefore, of his Best-Beloved in this, His new attire.
fear ye, 0 My well-beloved olles! Who is Watch over yourselves, for the Evil One is
it that can dismay you? A touch of mois- lying in waic, ready to entrap you. Gird
ture sufficeth to dissolve the hardened clay yourselves against his wicked devices, and,
out of which this perverse generation is led by the light of the name of the All-
molded. The mere act of your gathering Seeing God, make your escape from the
together is enough to scatter the forces of darkness that surroundeth you. Let your
.
these vain and worthless people. . . vision be world-embracing, rather than
Every man of insight will, in this day, confined to your own self. The Evil One
readily admit that the counsels which the is he that hindereth the rise and obstruct-
Pen of this wronged One hath revealed con- eth the spiritual progress of the children of
stitute the supreme animating power for men.
the advancement of the world and the ex- I t is incumbent upon every man, in this
altation of its peoples. Arise, 0 people, Day, to hold fast unto whatsoever will pro-
and, by the power of God's might, resolve mote the interests, and exalt the station, of
to gain the victory over your own selves, all nations and just governments. Through
that haply the whole earth may be freed each and every one of the verses which the
and sanctified from its servitude to the gods Pen of the Most High hath revealed the
of its idle fancies-gods that have inflicted doors of love and unity have been unlocked
such loss upon, and are responsible for the and flung open to the face of men. We
misery of, their wretched worshipers. These have erewhile declared-and Our Word is
idols form the obstacle that impeded man the truth-: "Consort with the followers
in his efforts to zdvance in the path of per- of all religions in a spirit of friendliness and
fection. We cherish the hope that the fellowship." Whatsoever hath led the chil-
Hand of Divine power may lend its as- dren of men to shun one another, and hath
148 THE BAHti'i WORLD

caused dissensions and divisions amongst tue of Our inscrutable decree, We have
them, hath, ~hroughthe revelation of these preferred to conceal.
words, been nullified and abolished. From Beseech ye the one true God to grant
the heaven of God's Will, and for the pur- that all men may be graciously assisted to
pose of ennobling the world of being and fulfil that which is acceptable in Our sight.
of elevating the minds and souls of men, Soon will the present-day order be rolled
hath been sent down that which is the most up, and a new one spread out in its stead.
effective instrument for the education of Verily, thy Lord speaketh the truth, and is
the whole human race. The highest essence the Knower of things unseen.
and most perfect expression of whatsoever
the peoples of old have either said or writ- 0 ye the beloved of the one true God!
ten hath, through this most potent Revela- Pass beyond the narrow retreats of your evil
tion, been sent down from the heaven of and corrupt desires, and advance into the
the Will of the All-Possessing, the Ever- vast immensity of the realm of Gad, and
Abiding God. Of old it hath been re- abide ye in the meads of sanctity and of
vealed: "Love of one's country is an ele- detachment, that the fragrance of your
ment of the Faith of God." The Tongue deeds may lead the whole of mankind to the
of Grandeur hath, however, in the day of ocean of God's unfading glory. Forbear
His manifestation proclaimed: "It is not ye from concerning yourselves with the af-
his to boast who loveth his country, hut it fairs of this world and all that pertain-
is his who loveth the world." Through eth unto it, or from meddling with the
the power released by these exalted words activities of those who are its outward
He hath lent a fresh impulse, and set a new leaders.
direction, to the birds of men's hearts, and The one true God, exalted he His glory,
hath obliterated every trace of restriction hath bestowed the government of the earth
and limitation from God's holy Book. upon the kings. To none is given the right
0 people of Justice! Be as brilliant as to act in any manner that would run coun-
the light, and as splendid as the fire that ter to the considered views of them who
blazed in the Burning Bush. The bright- are in authority. That which He hath re-
ness of the fire of your love will no doubt served for Himself are the cities of men's
fuse and unify the contending peoples and hearts; and of these the loved ones of Him
kindreds of the earth, whilst the fierceness Who is the Sovereign Truth are, in this
of the flame of enmity and hatred cannot Day, as the keys. Please God they may,
but result in strife and ruin. We beseech one and all, be enabled to unlock, through
God that H e may shield His creatures from the power of the Most Great Name, the
the evil designs of His enemies. He verily gates of these cities. This is what is meant
hath power over all things. . . . by aiding the one true God-a theme to
which the Pen of Him Who causeth the
This is the Day in which God's most ex- dawn to break hath referred in all His
cellent favors have been poured out upon Books and Tablets.
men, the Day in which His most mighty
grace hath been infused into all created As to those that have tasted of the fruit
things. I t is incumbent upon all the peo- of man's earthly existence, which is the
ples of the world to reconcile their differ- recognition of the one true God, exalted be
ences, and, with perfect unity and peace, His glory, their life hereafter is such as We
abide beneath the shadow of the Tree of are unable to describe. The knowledge
His care and lovingkindness. I t behoveth thereof is with God, alone, the Lord of all
them to cleave to whatsoever will in this worlds.
Day be conducive to the exaltation of their
stations, and to the promotion of their best This is the Day whereon the Ocean of
interests. Happy are those whom the all- God's mercy hath been manifested unto
glorious Pen was moved to remember, and men, the Day in which the Day-Star of His
blessed are those men whose names, by vir- lovingkindness hath shed its radiance upon
EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'i SACRED WRITINGS 149

them, the Day in which the clouds of His Every eye, in this Day, should seek what
bountiful favor have overshadowed the will best promote the Cause of God.
whole of mankind. Now is the time to
cheer and refresh the down-cast through Great indeed is this Day! The allusions
the invigorating breeze of love and fellow- made to it in all the sacred Scriptures as
ship, and the living waters of friendliness the Day of God attest its greatness. The
and charity. soul of every Prophet of God, of every Di-
They who are the beloved of God, in vine Messenger, hath thirsted for this won-
whatever place they gather and whomso- drous Day. All the divers kindreds of the
ever they may meet must evince, in their earth have, likewise, yearned to attain it.
attitude towards God, and in the manner No sooner, however, had the Day-Star of
of their celebration of His praise and glory, His Revelation manifested itself in the
such humility and submissiveness that every heaven of God's Will, than all, except
atom of the dust beneath their feet may those whom the Almighty was pleased to
attest the depth of their devotion. The guide, were found dumbfounded and heed-
conversation carried by these holy souls less.
should be informed with such power that 0 thou that hast remembered Me! The
these same aroms of dust will be thrilled by most grievous veil hath shut out the peo-
its influence. They should conduct them- ples of the earth from His glory, and hin-
selves in such manner that the earth upon dered them from hearkening t o His Call.
which they tread may never be allowed to God grant that the light of unity may en-
address them such words as these: "I am velop the whole earth, and that the seal,
to be preferred above you. For witness, "the Kingdom is God's," may be stamped
how patient I am in bearing the burden upon the brow of all its peoples.
which the husbandman layeth upon me. I Arise, O wayfarer in the path of the
am the instrument that continually impart- Love of God, and aid thou His Cause. Say:
eth unto all beings the blessings with which Barter not away this Youth, 0 people, for
He Who is the Source of all grace hath en- the vanities of this world or the delights
trusted me. Notwithstanding the honor of heaven. By the righteousness of the one
conferred upon me, and the unnumbered true God! One hair of Him excelleth all
evidences of my wealth* wealth that sup- that is in the heavens and all that is on the
plieth the needs of all creation-behold the earth. Beware, 0 men, lest ye he tempted
measure of my humility, witness with what to part with Him in exchange for the gold
absolute submissiveness I allow myself to he and silver ye possess. Let His love be a
trodden beneath the feet of men . .". store-house of treasure for your souls, on
Show forbearance and benevolence and the Day when naught else but Him shall
love to one another. Should any one among profit yon, the Day when every pillar shall
you be incapable of grasping a certain tremble, when the very skins of men shall
truth, or be striving to comprehend it, creep, when all eyes shall stare up with ter-
show forth, when conversing with him, a ror. Say: 0 people! Fear ye God, and
spirit of extreme kindliness and good-will. turn not away disdainfully from His Rev-
Help him to see and recognize the truth, elation. Fall prostrate on your faces before
without esteeming yourself to be, in the God, and celebrate His praise in the day-
least, superior to him, or to be possessed of time and in the night-season.
greater endowments. Let thy soul glow with the flame of this
The whole duty of man in this Day is undying Fire that burneth in the midmost
to attain that share of the flood of grace heart of the world, in such wise that the
which God poureth forth for him. Let waters of the universe shall be powerless t o
none, therefore, co~lsider the largeness or cool down its ardor. Make, then, mention
smallness of the receptacle. The portion of of thy Lord, that haply the heedless among
some might lie in the palm of a man's hand, Our servants may be admonished through
the portion of others might fill a cup, and thy words, and the hearts of the righteous
of others even a gallon-measure. be gladdened.
THE B A H A .'f WORLD

Say: 0 men! This is a matchless Day. with the ornament of existence, and a
Matchless must, likewise, be the tongue that breath wafted from His peerless Paradise
celebrateth the praise of the Desire of all hath invested all beings with the robe of
nations, and matchless the deed that aspir- His sanctity and glory. A sprinkling from
eth to be acceptable in His sight. The the unfathomed deep of His sovereign and
whole human race hath longed for this Day, all-pervasive Will hath, out of utter noth-
that perchance it may fulfil that which well ingness, called into being a creation which
beseemeth its station, and is worthy of its is i n h i t e in its range and deathless in its
destiny. Blessed is the man whom the af- duration. The wonders of His bounty can
fairs of the world have failed to deter from never cease, and the stream of His merciful
recognizing Him Who is the Lord of all grace can never be arrested. The process
things. of His creation hath had no beginning, and
So blind hath become the human heart can have no end.
that neither the disruption of the city, nor In every age and cycle He hath, through
the reduction of the mountain in dust, nor the splendorous light, shed by the Manifes-
even the cleaving of the earth, can shake tations of His wondrous Essence, recreated
off its torpor. The allusions made in the all things, so that whatsoever reflecteth in
Scriptures have been unfolded, and the signs the heavens and on the earth the signs of
recorded therein have been revealed, and the His glory may not be deprived of the out-
prophetic cry is continually being raised. pourings of His mercy, nor despair of the
And yet all, except such as God was pleased showers of His favors. How all-encom-
to guide, are bewildered in the drunkenness passing are the wonders of His boundless
of their heedlessness! grace! Behold how they have pervaded the
0 Salmin! The door of the knowledge whole of creation. Such is their virtue that
of the Ancient Being hath ever been, and not a single atom in the entire universe can
will continue for ever to be, closed in the he found which dot11 not declare the evi-
face of men. No man's understanding shall dences of His might, which doth not glor-
ever gain access unto His holy court. As ify His holy Name, or is not expressive of
a token of His mercy, however, and as a the effulgent light of His unity. So per-
proof of His lovingkind~~ess, He hath man- fect and comprehensive is His creation that
ifested unto men the Day-Stars of His di- no mind nor heart, however keen or pure,
vine guidance, the Symbols of His divine can ever grasp the nature of the most insig-
unity, and hath ordained the knowledge of nificant of His creatures; much less fathom
these sanctified Beings to be identical with the mystery of Him Who is the Day-Star
the knowledge of His own Self. Whoso of Truth, Who is the invisible and unknow-
recognizeth them hath recognized God. able Essence. The conceptions of the de-
Whoso hearkeneth to their call, hath heark- voutest of mystics, the attainments of the
ened to the Voice of God, and whoso testi- most accomplished amongst men, the high-
fieth to the truth of their Revelation, hath est praise which human tongue or pen can
testified to the truth of God Himself. render are all the product of man's finite
Whoso turneth away from them, hath mind and are conditioned by its limitations.
turned away from God, and whoso disbe-
lieveth in them, hath disbelieved in God. Shake off, 0 heedless ones, the slumber
Every one of them is the Way of God that of negligence, that ye may behold the radi-
connecteth this world with the realms ance which His glory hath spread through
above, and the Standard of His Truth unto the world. How foolish are those who
every one in the kingdoms of earth and murmur against the premature birth of His
heaven. They are the Manifestations of light. 0 ye who are inly blind! Whether
God amidst men, the evidences of His too soon or too late, the evidences of His
Truth, and the signs of His glory. effulgent glory are now actually manifest.
Tt behoveth you to ascertain whether or
A drop of the billowing ocean of His not such a light hath appeared. I t is neither
endless mercy hath adorned all creation within your power nor mine to set the time
EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'f SACRED WRITINGS 111

at which it shonld he made manifest. God's dreds of the carth. Say; 0 fliends! Drink
inscrutable Wisdom Lath fixed its hour be- your fill from this crystal stream that flow-
forehand. Be content, 0 people, with that eth through the heavenly grace of Him
which God hath desired for you and pre- who is the Lord of Names. Let others par-
destined unto yon. . . . 0 my ill-wishers! take of its waters in My name, that the
The Day-Star of eternal Guidance beareth leaders of men in every land may fully rec-
me witness: Had it been in my power, I ognize the purpose for which the Eternal
would have, under no circumstances, con- Truth hath been revealed, and the reason
sented to distinguish myself amongst men, for which they themselves have been cre-
for the Name I bear utterly disdaineth t o ated.
associate itself with this generation whose
tongues are sullied and whose hearts are The vitality of men's belief in God is
false. And whenever I chose to hold my dying out in every land; nothing short of
peace and be still, lo, the voice of the Holy His wholesome medicine can ever restore it.
Ghost, standing on my right hand, aroused The coorrosion of ungodliness is eating into
me, and the Supreme Spirit appeared before the vitals of human society; what else hut
my face, and Gabriel overshadowed me, and the Elixir of His potent Revelation can
the Spirit of Glory stirred within my cleanse and revive it? Is it within human
bosom, bidding me arise and break my si- power, 0 Hakim, to effect in the constitu-
lence. If your hearing he purged and your ent elements of any of the minute and iu-
ears be attentive, ye will assuredly perceive divisible particles of matter so complete a
that every linlb of my body, nay all the transformation as to transmute it into pur-
atoms of my being, and bear wit- est gold? Perplexing and difficult as this
ness to this call: "God, besides Whom is may appear, the still greater task of con-
none other God, and He, Whose beauty is verting satanic strength into heavenly
now manifest, is the reflection of His glory power is one that We have been empow-
unto all that arc in heaven and on ered to accomplish. The Force capable of
earth." such a transformation transcendeth the po-
tency of the Elixir itself. The Word of
0 Kamhl! The heights which through God, alone, can claim the distinction of he-
the most gracious favor of God, mortal ing endowed with the capacity required for
man can attain in this Day are as yet un- so great and far-reaching a change.
revealed to his sight. The world of being
hath never had, nor doth it yet possess the The Great Being saith: 0 ye children of
capacity for, such a revelation. The day, men! The fundamental purpose animating
however, is fast approaching when the po- the Faith of God and His Religion is to
tentialities of so great a favor will, by safeguard the interests and promote the
virtue of His behest, be manifested unto unity of the human race, and to foster the
men. Though the forces of the nations be spirit of love and fellowship amongst men.
arrayed against Him, though the kings of Suffer it not to become a source of dissen-
the earth be leagued to undermine His sion and discord, of hate and enmity. This
Cause, the power of His might shall stand is the straight path, the fixed and immov-
unshaken. He, verily, speaketh the truth, able foundation. Whatsocvcr is raised on
and summoneth all mankind to the way of this foundat~on,the changes and chances of
Him who is the Incomparable, the All- the world can never impair its strength, nor
Knowing. will the revolution of countless centnries
All men have been created to carry for- undermine its structure. Our hope is that
ward an ever-advancing civilization. The the world's religious leaders and the rulers
Almighty beareth Me witness: T o act like thereof will undoubtedly arise for the re-
the beasts of the field is unworthy of man. formation of this age and the rehabilitation
Those virtues that befit his dignity are for- of its fortunes. Let them, after meditating
bearance, mercy, compassion and loving- on its needs, take counsel together and,
kindness towards all the peoples and kin- through anxious and full deliberation, ad-
THE B A H A 'f WORLD

minister to a diseased and surely-afflicted der which they abidc should be attributed
world the remedy it requires. . . . I t is in- t o the varying requisites and exigencies of
cumbent upon them who are in authority the age in which they were revealed. All
to exercise moderation in all things. What- of them, except a few which are the out-
soever passeth upon the limits of modera- come of human perversity, were ordained
tion will cease ro exert a beneficial influ- of God, and are a reflection of His Will
ence. Consider for instance such things as and Purpose. Arise and, armed with the
liberty, civilization and the like. However power of faith, shatter to pieces the gods
much men of understanding may favorably of your vain imaginings, the sowers of dis-
regard them, they will, if carried to excess, sension amongst you. Cleave unto that
exercise a pernicious influence upon men. which draweth you together and uniteth
. . . Please God, the peoples of the world you. This, verily, is the most exalted Word
may be led, as the result of the high en- which the Mother Book hath sent down and
deavors exerted by their rulers and the wise revealed unto you. To this beareth witness
and learned amongst men, to recognize their the Tongue of Grandeur from His habita-
best interests. How long will humanity tion of glory.
persist in its waywardness? How long will
injustice continue? How long is chaos and Behold the disturbances which, for many
confusion to reign amongst men? How a long year, have afnicted the earth, and
long will discord agitate the face of society? the perturbation that hatb seized its peo-
The winds of despair are, alas, blowing ples. I t hath either been ravaged by war,
from every direction, and the strife that or tormented by sudden and unforeseen
divideth and afflicteth the human race is calamities. Though the world is encom-
daily increasing. The signs of impending passed with misery and distress, yet no man
convulsions and chaos can now be dis- hath paused to reflect what the cause or
cerned, inasmuch as the prevailing order source of that may be. Whenever the True
appeareth to be lamentably defective. I Counsellor uttered a word in admonish-
beseech God, exalted be His glory, that He ment, lo, they all denounced Him as a
may graciously awaken the peoples of the mover of mischief and rejected His claim.
earth, may grant that the end of their con- How bewildering, how confusing is such
duct may be profitable unto them, and aid behavior! No two men can be found who
them to accomplish that which beseemeth may be said to be outwardly and inwardly
their station. united. The evidences of discord and mal-
ice are apparent everywhere, though all
0 contending peoples and kindreds of the were made for harmony and union. The
earth! Set your faces towards unity, and Great Being saith: 0 well-beloved ones!
let the radiance of its light shine upon you. The tabernacle of unity hath been raised;
Gather ye together and, for the sake of regard ye not one another as strangers. Ye
God, resolve to root out whatever is the are the fruits of one tree, and the leaves of
source of contention amongst you. Then one branch. We cherish the hope that the
will the effulgence of the world's great light of justice may shine upon the world
Luminary envelop the whole earth, and its and sanctify it from tyranny. If the rul-
inhabitants become the citizens of one city, crs and kings of the earth, the symbols of
and the occupants of one and the same the power of God, exalted be His glory,
throne. This wronged One hath, ever since arise and resolve to dedicate themselves to
the early days of His life, cherished none whatever will promote the highest interests
other desire but this, and will continue to of the whole of humanity, the reign of jus-
entertain no wish except this wish. There tice will assuredly be established amongst
can be no doubt whatever that the peoples the children of men, and the effulgence of
of the world, of whatever race or religion, its light will envelop the whole earth. The
derive their inspiration from one heavenly Great Being saith: The structure of world
source, and are the subjects of one God. stability and order hath been reared upon,
The difference between the ordinances un- and will continue to he sustained by, the
E X C E R P T S FROM BAHA'1 SACRED WRITINGS 113

twin pillars of reward and punishment. In tage, much less recognize a Kevelation so
another passage He hath written: Take bewildering and challenging as this. And
heed, 0 concourse of the rulers of the whenever any one of them hath striven to
world! There is no force on earth that can improve its condition, his motive hath been
equal in its conquering power the force of his own gain, whether confessedly so or not;
justice and wisdom. . . . Blessed is the and the unworthiness of this motive hath
king who marcheth with the ensign of wis- limited his power to heal or cure.
dom unfurled before him, and the battal- That which the Lord hath ordained as
ions of justice massed in his rear. He verily the sovereign remedy and mightiest instru-
is the ornament that adorneth the brow of ment for the healing of all the world is the
peace and the countenance of security. union of all its peoples in one universal
There can he no doubt whatever that if Cause, one common Faith. This can in no
the day-star of justice, which the clouds wise be achieved except through the power
of tyranny have obscured, were to shed its of a skilled, an all-powerful and inspired
light upon men, the face of the earth would Physician. This, verily, is the truth, and
be completely transformed. all else naught but error.

0 ye the elected representatives of the The purpose underlying the revelation of
people in every land! Take ye counsel to- every heavenly Book, nay of every divinely
gether, and let your concern he only for revealed verse, is to endue all men with
that which profiteth mankind, and better- righteousness and understanding, so that
eth the condition thereof, if ye be of them peace and tranquillity may be firmly estab-
that scan heedfully. Regard the world as lished amongst them. Whatsoever instilleth
the human body which, though at its crea- assurance into the hearts of men, whatso-
tion whole and perfect, hath bcen afflicted, ever exalteth their station or prornotrth
through various causes, with grave disorders their contentment, is acceptable in the sight
and maladies. Not for one day did it gain of God. How lofty is the station which
ease, nay its sickness waxed more severe, as man, if he but chooseth to fulfil his high
it fell under the treatment of ignorant phy- destiny, can atrain! To what depths of
sicians who gave full rein to their personal degradation he can sink, depths which the
desires, and have erred grievously. And if, meanest of creatures have never reached!
at one time, through the care of an able Seize, 0 friends, the chance which this Day
physician, a member of that body was offereth you, and deprive not yourselves of
healed, the rest remained afflicted as before. the liberal effusion of His grace. I beseech
Thus informeth you the All-Knowing, the God that He may graciously enable every
All-Wise. one of you to adorn himself, in this blessed
We behold it, in this day, at the mercy Day, with the ornament of pure and holy
of rulers so drunk with pride that they can- deeds. He, verily, doeth whatsoever He
not discern clearly their own best advan- willeth.

UNDERSTANDING

G O D ' S greatest gift to man is that of into touch with those kingdoms; and by
intellect, or understanding. this gift, he can frequently, through his
The understanding is the power by which scientific knowledge, reach out with pro-
man acquires his knowledge of the several phetic vision.
kingdoms of creation, and of various stages Intellect is, in truth, the most precious
of exi~tence,as well as of much which is gift bestowed upon man by the divine
invisible. bounty. Man alone, among created beings,
Possessing this gift, he is, in himself, the has this wonderful power.
sum of earlier creations-he is able to get All creation, preceding man, is bound by
114 T H E BAHA'f WORLD

the stern law of nature. The great sun, the ments of war, for breaking the command-
multitudes of stars, the oceans and seas, the ment of God "Thou shalt not kill," and
mountains, the rivers, the trees, and all ani- for defying Christ's injunction t o "Love
mals, great or small-none are able LO evade one another."
obedience to nature's law. God gave this power t o man that it
Man alone has freedom, and, by his un- might be used for the advancement of civ-
derstanding or intellect, has been able to ilization, for the good of humanity, to in-
gain co~ltrol of and adapt some of those crease love and concord and peace. But
natural Iaws to his own needs. Ry the man prefers to use this gift to destroy
power of his intellect he has discovered instead of to build, for injustice and op-
means by which he not only traverses great pression, for hatred and discord and devas-
continents in express trains and crosses vast tation, for the destruction of his fellow-
oceans in ships, but, like the fish, he travels creatures, whom Christ has commanded
under water in submarines, and, imitating that he should love as himself!
the birds, he flies through the air in air- I hope that you will use your understand-
ships. ing t o promote the unity and tranquillity of
Man has succeeded in using electricity in mankind, to give enlightenment and civil-
several ways--for light, for motive power, ization to the people, to produce love in all
for sending messages from one end of the around you, and to bring about the Uni-
earth t o the other-and by electricity he versal Peace.
can even hear a voice many miles away. Study the sciences, acquire more and
By this gift of understanding or intellect more knowledge. Assuredly one may learn
he has also been able t o use the rays of the to the end of one's life! Use your knowl-
sun t o picture people and things, and even edge always for the benefit of others; so
t o capture the form of distant heavenly may war cease from off the face of this
bodies. beautilul earth, and a glorious edifice of
We perceive in what numerous ways man peace and concord be raised. Strive that
has been able t o bend the powers of nature your high ideals may be realized in the
to his will. Kingdom of God on earth, as they will he
How grievous it is to see how Inan has in heaven.
used his God-given gift to frame instru- Wisdom of 'Abdu'l-BahB.
-

EVOLUTION O F THE SOUL

G O D , In
. HIS. bounty, has given us a
foretaste here, has given us certain proofs
The progress and development of the soul,
the joy and sorrow of the soul, are inde-
of the difference that exists between body, pendent of the physical body.
soul and spirit. If we are caused joy or pain by a friend,
We see that cold, heat, suffering, etc., if a love prove true or false, it is the soul
only concern the body, they do not touch that is affected. If our dear ones are far
the spirit. from us-it is the soul that grieves, and the
H o w often do we see a man poor, sick, grief or trouble of the soul may react on
miserably clad, and with no means of sup- the body.
port, yet spiritually strong. Whatever his Thus, when the spirit is fed with holy
body has to suffer, his spirit is free and well. virtues, then is the body joyous; if the soul
Again, how often do we see a rich man, falls into sin, the body is in torment.
physically strong and healthy, but with a When we find truth, constancy, fidelity
soul sick unto death. and love, we are happy; but if we meet
I t is quite apparent to the seeing mind with lying, faithlessness and deceit, we are
that a man's spirit is something very dif- miserable.
ferent t o his physical body. These are all things pertaining to the
The spirit is changeless, indestructible. soul, and are not bodily ills. Thus, it is
EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS l!f

apparent that the soul, even as the body, t o he dead, yet she, roo, lives and has a life
has its own individuality. But if the body of her own. I n this world things live and
undergoes a change, the spirit need not be die, and live again in other forms of life,
touched. When you break a glass on which but in the world of the spirit it is quite
the sun shines, the glass is broken, but the otherwise.
sun still shines. If a cage containing a bird The soul does not evolve from degree t o
is destroyed, the bird is unharmed. If a degree as a law-it only evolves nearer to
lamp is broken, the flame can still burn God, by the mercy and bounty of God.
bright. T r y with all your hearts t o be willing
The same thing applies to the spirit of channels for God's bounty. For I say unto
man. Though death destroy his body, it you that H e has chosen you to be His mes-
has no power over his spirit-this is eternal, sengers of love throughout the world, t o be
everlasting, both birthless and deathless. His bearers of spiritual gifts t o man, to be
As t o the soul of man after death, it re- the means of spreading unity and concord
mains in the degree of purity to which it on the earth. Thank God with a11 your
has evolved during life in the physical body, hearts that such a privilege has been given
and after it is f see from the body it remains unto you. For a life devoted to praise is
plunged in the ocean of God's mercy. uot too long in which to thanlc God for
From the moment the soul leaves the such a favor.
body and arrives in the heavenly world, its Lift up your hearts above the present and
evolution is spiritual, and that evolution is: look with eyes of faith into the future!
The approaching unto God. Today the seed is sown, the grain falls upon
I n the physical creation, evolution is from the earth, hut behold the day will come
one degree of perfection to another. The when it shall rise a glorious tree and the
mineral passes with its mineral perfections branches thereof shall be laden with fruit.
t o the vegetable; the vegetable, with its per- Rejoice and be glad that this day has
fection, passes t o the animal world, and so dawned, try to realize its power, for it is
on t o thac of humanity. This world is full indeed wonderful! God has crowned you
of seeming contradictions; in each of these with honor and in your hearts has H e set a
kingdoms (mineral, vegetable and animal) radiant star; verily the light thereof shall
life exists in its degree; though, when corn- brighten the whole world.
pared t o the life in a man, the earth appears Wdsdonz of 'Abdu'l-Bahi.

IMMORTALITY

A C C O R D I N G t o divine philosophy, creation in its endless forms and infinite
there are two important and universal con- variety of expression. Certain elements have
ditions in the world of material' phenomena; formed the composite creature man. This
one which concerns life, the other concern- composite association of the elements in the
ing death; one relative to existence, the form of a human body is therefore subject
other non-existence; one manifest in com- to disintegration which we call death, but
position, the other in decon~position. Some after disintegration the elements themselves
define existence as the expression of reality persist unchanged. Therefore total anni-
or being, and non-existence as non-being, hilation is an impossibility, and existence
imagining that death is annihilation. This is can never become non-existence. This
a mistaken idea, for total annihilation is an would he equivalent to saying that light can
impossibility. A t most, composition is ever become darkness, which is manifestly un-
subject to decon~positionor disintegration; true and impossible. As existence can never
that is to say, existence implies rhe group- become non-existence, there is no death for
ing of material eleinents in a form or body, man; nay, rather, man is everlasting and
and non-existence is simply the de-compos- everliving. 'The rational proof of this is
ing of these groupings. This is the law of that the atoms of the material elements are
116 THE B A H A ' ~W O R L D
transferable from one form of existence to upward change. In each kingdom we find
another, from one degree and kingdom to the same virtues manifesting themselves
another, lower or higher. For example, an more fully, proving that the reality has been
atom of the soil or dust of earth may tra- transferred from a lower to a higher form
verse the kingdoms from mineral to man by and kingdom of being. Therefore non-
successive incorporations into the bodies of existence is only relative and absolute non-
the organisms of those kingdoms. At one existence inconceivable. This rose in my
time it enters into the formation of the hand will become disintegrated and its sym-
miueral or rock; it is then absorbed by the metry destroyed, but the elements of its
vegetable kingdom and becomes a constitu- composition remain changeless; nothing af-
ent of the body and fibre of a tree; again it fects their elemental integrity. They can-
is appropriated by the animal, and at a still not become non-existent; they are simply
later period is found in the body of man. transferred from one state to another.
Throughout these degrees of its traversing Through his ignorance, man fears death;
the kingdoms from one form of phenom- but the death he shrinks from is imaginary
enal being to another, it retains its atomic and absolutely unreal; it is only human
existence and is never annihilated nor rele- imagination.
gated to non-existence. The bestowal and grace of God have
Non-existence therefore is an expression cpickened the realm of existence with life
applied to change of form, but this trans- and being. For existence there is neither
formation can never be rightly considered change nor transformation; existence is ever
annihilation, for the elements of composi- existence; it can never be translated into
tion are ever present and existent as we have non-existence. I t is gradation; a degree be-
seen in the journey of the atom through low a higher degree is considered as non-
successive kingdoms, unimpaired; hence existence. This dust beneath our feet, as
there is no death; life is everlasting. So to compared with our being, is non-existent.
speak, when the atom entered into the com- When the human body crumbles into dust
position of the tree, it died to the mineral we can say it has become non-existent;
kingdom, and when consumed by the ani- therefore its dust in relation to living forms
mal, it died to the vegetable kingdom, and of human being is as non-existent but in its
so on until its transference or transmutation own sphere it is existent, it has its mineral
into the kingdom of man; but throughout being. Therefore it is well proved that ab-
its traversing it was subject to transforrna- solute non-existence is impossible; it is only
tion and not annihilation. Death therefore relative.
is applicable to a change or transference The purpose is this;-that the everlasting
from one degree or condition to another. In bestowal of God vouchsafed to man is never
the mineral realm there was a spirit of ex- subject to corruption. Inasmuch as He has
istence; in the world of plant life and or- endowed the phenomenal world with being,
ganisms it reappeared as the vegetative it is impossible for that world to become
spirit; thence it attained the animal spirit non-being, for it is the very genesis of God;
and finally aspired to the human spirit. it is in the realm of origination; it is a
These are degrees and changes but not ob- creational and not a subjective world, and
literation; and this is a rational proof that the bounty descending upon it is continu-
man is everlasting, ever living. Therefore ous and permanent. Therefore man the
death is only a relative term implying highest creature of the phenomenal world is
change. For example, we will say that this endowed with that continuous bounty be-
light before me, having reappeared in an- stowed by divine generosity without cessa-
other incandescent lamp, has died in the tion. For instance, the rays of the sun are
one and lives in the other. This is not death continuous, the heat of the sun emanates
in reality. The perfections of the mineral from it without cessation; no discontinu-
are translated into the vegetable and from ance of it is conceivable. Even so the
thence into the animal, the virtue always bestowal of God is descending upon the
attaining a plus or superlative degree in the world of humanity, never ceasing, con-
EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'i SACRED WRITINGS 117

tinuous, forever. If we say that the be- world. The bestowals of God are alwayv
stowal of existence ceases or falters it is manifest. The promises of heaven are ever
equivalent to saying that the sun can exist present. The favors of God are all-sur-
with cessation of its effulgence. Is this pos- rounding but should the conscious eye of
sible? Therefore the effulgences of exist- the soul of man remain veiled and darkened
ence are ever-present and continuous. he will be led to deny these universal signs
The conception of annihilation is a factor and remain deprived of these manifestations
in human degradation, a cause of human of divine bounty. Therefore we must en-
debasement and lowliness, a source of deavor with heart and soul in order that
human fear and abjection. It has been con- the veil covering the eye of inner vision may
ducive t o the dispersion and weakening of be removed, that we may behold the mani-
human thought whereas the realization of festations of the signs of God, discern His
existence and continuity has upraised man mysterious graces, and realize that material
to sublimity of ideals, established the foun- blessings as compared with spiritual boun-
dations of human progress and stimulated ties are as nothing. The spiritual blessings
the development of heavenly virtues; there- of God are greatest. When we were in the
fore it behooves man to abandon thoughts mineral kingdom, although endowed with
of non-existence and death which are abso- certain gifts and powers, they were not to
lutely imaginary and see himself ever living, be compared with the blessings of the
everlasting in the divine purpose of his human kingdom. In the matrix of the
creation. He must turn away from ideas mother we were the recipients of endow-
which degrade the human soul, so that day ments and blessings of God, yet these were
by day and hour by hour he may advance as nothing compared to the powers and
upward and higher to spiritual perception graces bestowed upon us after birth into
of the continuity of the human reality. If this human world. Likewise if we are born
he dwells upon the thought of non-exist- from the matrix of this physical and
ence he will become utterly incompetent; phenomenal environment into the freedom
with weakened will-power his ambition for and loftiness of the life and vision spirit-
progress will be lessened and the acquisition ual, we shall consider this mortal existence
of human virtues will cease. and its blessings as worthless by compari-
Therefore you must thank God that He son.
has bestowed upon you the blessing of life I n the spiritual world, the divine be-
and existence in the human kingdom. stowals are infinite, for in that realm there
Strive diligently to acquire virtues befitting is neither separation nor disintegration
your degree and station. Be as lights of the which characterize the world of material
world which cannot be hid and which have existence. Spiritual existence is absolute
no setting in horizons of darkness. Ascend immortality, completeness and unchange-
to the zenith of an existence which is never able being. Therefore we must thank God
beclouded by the fears and forebodings of that He has created for us both material
non-existence. When man is not endowed blessings and spiritual bestowals. He has
with inner perception he is not informed given us material gifts and spiritual graces,
of these important mysteries. The retina of outer sight to view the lights of the sun
outer vision though sensitive and delicate and inner vision by which we may perceive
may nevertheless be a hindrance to the the glory of God. He has designed the
inner eye which alone can perceive. The outer ear to enjoy the melodies of sound
bestowals of God which are manifest in all and the inner hearing wherewith we may
phenomenal life are sometimes hidden by hear the voice of our Creator. We must
intervening veils of mental and mortal strive with energies of heart, soul and mind
vision which render man spiritually blind to develop and manifest the perfections and
and incapable but when those scales are re- virtues latent within the realities of the
moved and the veils rent asunder, then the phenomenal world, for the human reality
great signs of God will become visible and may be compared to a seed. If we sow the
he will witness the eternal light filling the seed, a mighty tree appears from it. The
158 T H E B A H A ' ~WORLD

virtues of the seed are r ~ v ~ d rind the tree; within human reahties certain virtues latent
it puts forth branches, leaves, blossoms, and and potential. Through education and cul-
produces fruits. All these virtues were ture, these virtues deposited by the loving
hidden and potential in the seed. Through God will become apparent in the human
the blessing and bounty of cultivation these reality even as the unfoldment of the tree
virtues became apparent. Similarly the from within the germinating seed.
merciful God our Creator has deposited Promulgation of Universal Peace.

T H E DIVl'NE SPIRIT

T H E greatest power in the realm and have their operation upon its own plane of
range of human existence is spirit-the existence and it cannot go beyond that
divine breath which animates and pervades boundary.
all things. I t is manifested tluoughout There is however another spirit which
creation in different degrees or kingdoms. may be termed the divine, to which Jesus
In the vegetable kingdom it is the spirit Christ refers when he declares that man
augmentative or power of growth, the must be born of its quickening and bap-
animus of life and development in plants, tized with its living fire. Souls deprived of
trees and organisms of the floral world. In that spirit are accounted as dead, though
this degree of its manifestation, spirit is un- they are possessed of the human spirit. His
conscious of the powers which quahfy the Holiness Jesus Christ has pronounced them
kingdom of the animal. The distinctive dead inasmuch as they have no portion of
virtue or plus of the animal is sense percep- the divine spirit. He says "Let the dead
tion; it sees, hears, smells, tastes and feels bury their dead." In another instance he
but is incapable in turn, of conscious idea- declares, "That which is born of the flesh
tion or reflection which characterize and is flesh; and that which is born of the spirit
differentiate the human kingdom. The ani- is spirit." By this he means that souls
mal neither exercises nor apprehends this though alive in the human kingdom are
distinctive human power and gift. From nevertheless dead if devoid of this particular
the visible it cannot draw conclusions re- spirit of divine quickening. They have not
garding the invisible whereas the human partaken of the divine life of the higher
mind from visible and known premises kingdom; for the soul which partakes of the
attains knowledge of the unknown and in- power of the divine spirit is verily living.
visible. For instance, Christopher Colum- This quickening spirit has spontaneous
bus from information based upon known emanation from the Sun of Truth, from the
and provable facts drew conclusions which reality of divinity and is not a revelation
led him unerringly across the vast ocean to or a manifestation. I t is like the rays of
the unknown continent of America. Such the sun. The rays are emanations from the
power of acco~nplishment is beyond the sun. This does not mean that the sun has
range of animal intelligence. Therefore become divisible; that a part of the sun has
this power is a distinctive attribute of the come out into space. This plant beside me
human spirit and kingdom. The animal has risen from the seed; therefore it is a
spirit cannot penetrate and discover the manifestation and unfoldment of the seed.
mysteries of things. I t is a captive of the The seed, as you can see, has unfolded in
senses. No amount of teaching, for in- manifestation and the result is this plant.
stance, would enable it to grasp the fact Every leaf of the plant is a part of the seed.
that the sun is stationary and the earth But the reality of divinity is indivisible and
moves around it. Likewise the human each individual of human kind cannot be a
spirit has its limitations. I t cannot com- part of it as is often claimed. Nay, rather,
prehend the phenomena of the kingdom the individual realities of mankind when
transcending the human station, for it is a spiritually born are emanations from the
captive of powers and life forces which reality of divinity, just as the flame, heat
EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 119

and light of the sun are the effulgence of material lines lnon is noc prfected. At
the sun and not a part of the sun itself. most, the physical aspect of man, his natn-
Therefore a spirit has emanated from the ral or material conditions may become
reality of divinity, and its effulgences have stabilized and improved but he will remain
become visible in hulnan entities or realities. deprived of the spiritual or divine bestowal.
This ray and this heat are permanent. He is then like a body without a spirit, a
There is no cessation in the effulgence. As lamp without the light, an eye without the
long as the sun exists the heat and light will power of vision, an ear that hears no sound,
exist, and inasmuch as eternalicy is a prop- a mind incapable of perceiving, an intellect
crty of divinity, this emanation is everlast- minus the power of reason.
ing. There is no cessation in its outpouring. Man has two powers, and his develop-
The more the world of humanity develops, ment two aspects. One power is connected
the more the effulgences or emanations of with the material world and by it he is
divinity will become revealed, just as the capable of material advancement. The
stone when it becomes polished and pure as other power is spiritual and through its
a mirror will reflect in fuller degree the development his inner, potential nature is
glory and splendor of the sun. awakened. These powers are like two
The mission of the prophets, the revela- wings. Both must be developed, for flight
tion of the Holy Books, the manifestation is i~npossiblewith one wing. Praise be to
of the heavenly teachers and the purpose of God! material advancement has been evi-
divine philosophy all center in the training dent in the world but there is need of
of the human realities so that they may be- spiritual advancement in like proportion.
come clear and pure as mirrors and reflect We must strive unceasingly and without
the light and love of the Sun of Reality. rest to accomplish the development of the
Therefore I hope that whether you be in the spiritual nature in man, and endeavor with
east or the west you will strive with heart tireless energy to advance humanity toward
and soul in order that day by day the world the nobility of its true and intended station.
of humanity may become glorified, more For the body of man is accidental; it is of
spiritual, more sanctified; and that the no importance. The time of its disintegra-
splendor of the Sun of Reality may be re- tion will inevitably come. But the spirit
vealed fully in human hearts as in a mirror. of man is essential and therefore eternal. I t
This is worthy of the world of mankind. is a divine bounty. It is the effulgence of
This is the true evolution and progress of the Sun of Reality and therefore of greater
humanity. This is the supreme bestowal. in~portancethan the physical body.
Otherwise, by simple development along Promulgation of Universal Peace.

NATURE A N D THE WORD

N A T U R E is the material world. When may grow instead of thorns and weeds;
we loolc upon it we see that it is dark and that is to say, we must illumine the dark
imperfect. For instance, if we allow a piece world of nature. In their primal natural
of land to remain in its natural condition, state, the forests are dim, gloomy, im-
we will find it covered with thorns and penetrable. Man opens them to the light,
thistles; useless weeds and wild vegetation clears away the tangled underbrush and
will flourish upon it and it will become like plants fruitful trees. Soon the wild wood-
a jungle. The trees will be fruitless, lack- lands and jungle are changed into produc-
ing beauty and symmetry; wild animals, tive orchards and beautiful gardens; order
noxious insects and reptiles will abound in has replaced chaos; the dark realm of nature
its dark recesses. This is the incompleteness has become illumined and brightened by
and i~nperfection of the world of naturc. cultivation.
T o change these conditions, we must clear If man himself is left in his natural state,
the ground and cultivate it so that flowers he will become lower than the animal and
THE BAHA'f WORLD
continue to grow more ignorant 2nd im- cation in schools and colleges until his mind
perfect. The savage tribes of Central has awakened and unfolded to higher realms
Africa are evidences of this. Left in their of thought and perception; otherwise both
natural condition, they have sunk to the are human and natural.
lowest depths and degrees of barbarism, God has sent forth the prophets for the
dimly groping in a world of mental and purpose of quickening the soul of man into
moral obscurity. If we wish to illumine higher and divine recognitions. He has
this dark plane of human existence we nus st revealed the heavenly books for this great
bring man forth from the hopeless captivity purpose. For this the breaths of the Holy
of nature, educate him and show h ~ mthe Spirit have been wafted through the gar-
pathway of light and knowledge, until, up- dens of human hearts, the doors of the
lifted from his condition of ignorance, he divine kingdom opened to mankind and the
becomes wise and knowing; no longer invisible inspirations sent forth from on
savage and revengeful, he becomes civilized high. This divine and ideal power has been
and kind; once evil and sinister, he is en- bestowed upon man in order that he may
dowed with the attributes of heaven. But purify himself from the imperfections of
left in his natal condition without educa- nature and uplift his soul to the realm of
tion and training, it is certain that he will might and power. God has purposed that
become more depraved and vicious than the the darkness of the world of nature shall
animal, even to the extreme degree wit- be dispelled and the imperfect attributes of
nessed among African tribes who practice the natal self be effaced in the effulgent
cannibalism. It is evident therefore that reflection of the Sun of Truth. The mis-
the world of nature is incomplete, imper- sion of the prophets of God has been to
fect until awakened and illumined by the train the souls of humanity and free them
light and stimulus of education. from the thraldom of natural instincts and
In these days there are new schools of physical tendencies. They are like unto
philosophy blindly claiming that the world prdeners, and the world of humanity is the
of nature is perfect. If this is true, why field of their cultivation, the wilderness and
are children trained and educated in schools, untrained jungle growth wherein they pro-
and what is the need of extended courses in ceed to labor. They cause the crooked
sciences, arts and letters in colleges and branches to become straightened, the fruit-
universities? What would he the result if less trees to become fruitful, and gradually
humanity was left in its natal condition transform this great wild uncultivated field
without education of training? All scien- into a beautiful orchard producing won-
tific discoveries and attainments are the derful abundance and outcome.
outcomes of knowledge and education. If the world of nature was perfect and
The telegraph, phonograph, telephone were complete in itself, there would be no need
latent and potential in the world of nature of such training and cultivation in the
but would never have come forth into the human world; no "red of teachers, schools
realm of visibility unless man through and universities, arts and crafts. The reve-
education had pentrated and discovered the lations of the prophets of God would not
laws which control them. All the mar- have been necessary and the heavenly books
velous developments and miracles of what would have been superfluous. If the world
we call civilization would have remained of nature was perfect and snfficient for
hidden, unknown and so to speak, non- mankind we would have no need of God
existent, if man had remained in his natural and our belief in Him. Therefore the be-
conditon, deprived of the bounties, bless- stowal of all these great helps and acces-
ings and benefits of education and mental sories to the attainment of divine life is
culture. The intrinsic difference between because the world of nature is incomplete
the ignorant man and the astute philosopher and imperfect. Consider this Canadian
is that the former has not been lifted out country during the early history of Mon-
of his natural condition, while the latter treal when the land was in its wild, uncul-
has undergone systematic training and edu- tivated and natural condition. The soil was
EXCERPTS FROM B A H A ' ~S A C R E D WRITINGS 161

unproductive, rocky and almost unin- and nature's laws. All thc animals are
habitable, vast forests stretching in every materialists. They are deniers of God and
direction. What invisible power caused without realization of a transcendent power
this great metropolis to spring up amid such in the universe. They have no knowledge
savage and forbidding conditions? I t was of the diviue prophets and holy books; mere
the human mind. Therefore nature and the captives of nature and the sense world. In
effect of nature's laws were imperfect. reality they are like the great philosophers
The mind of man remedied and removed of this day who are not in touch with God
this imperfect condition, until now we be- and the Holy Spirit; deniers of the prophets,
hold a great city instead of a savage ignorant of spiritual susceptibilities, de-
unbroken wilderness. Before the coming of prived of the heavenly bounties and with-
Columbus, America itself was a wild, un- out belief in the power supernatural. The
cultivated expanse of primeval forest, animal lives this kind of life blissfully and
mountains and r i v e r s a very world of untroubled whereas the material philoso-
nature. Now it has become the world of phers labor and study for ten or twenty
man. I t was darlc, forbidding and savage; years in schools and colleges, denying God,
now it has become illumined with a great the Holy Spirit and divine inspirations.
civilization and prosperity. Instead of The animal is even a greater philosopher,
forests, we behold productive farms, beau- for it attains the ability t o do this without
tiful gardens and prolific orchards. Instead labor and study. For instance, the cow
of thorns and useless vegetation, we find denies God and the Holy Spirit, lcnows
flowers, domestic animals and fields await- nothing of divine inspirations, heavenly
ing harvest. If the world of nature was bounties or spiritual emotions and is a
perfect, the condition of this great country stranger to the world of hearts. Like the
would have been left unchanged. philosophers, the cow is a captive of nature
If a child is left in its natural state and and knows nothing beyond the range of the
deprived of education, there is no doubt senses. The philosophers however glory in
that it will grow up in ignorance and illit- this, saying, "We are not captives of super-
eracy, its mental faculties dulled and stitions; we have implicit faith in the
dimmed; in fact it will become like an impressions of the senses and know nothing
animal. This is evident among the savages beyond the realm of nature which contains
of Central Africa who are scarcely higher and covers evelything." But the cow with-
than the beast in mental development. out study or proficiency in the sciences,
The conclusion is irresistible that the modestly and quietly views life from the
splendors of the Sun of Truth, the Word of same standpoint, living in harmony with
God have been the source and cause of nature's laws in the utmost dignity and
human upbuilding and civilization. The nobility.
world of nature is the kingdom of the This is not the glory of man. The glory
animal. In its natural condition and plane of man is in the knowledge of God, spir-
of limitation the animal is perfece. The itual susceptibilities, attainment to tran-
ferocious beasts of prey have been corn- scendent powers and the bounties of the
pletely subject to the laws of nature in Holy Spirit. The glory of man is in being
their development. They are without informed of the teachings of God. This is
education or training; they have no power the glory of humanity. Ignorance is not
of abstract reasoning and intellectual ideals; glory but darkness. Can these souls who
they have no touch with the spiritual world are steeped in the lower strata of ignorance
and are without conception of God or the become informed of the mysteries of God
Holy Spirit. The animal can neither recog- and the realities of existence yet His Holi-
nize nor apprehend the spiritual power of ness Jesus Christ be without knowledge of
man, and makes no distinction between them? Is the intellect of these people
man and itself for the reason that its sus- grcater than the intrllect of Christ? His
ceptibilities are limited to the plane of the Holiness Christ was heavenly, divine and
senses. I t lives under the bondage of nature belonged to the world of the kingdom.
162 THE BAHA'I WORLD
He was the embodiment of spirit~lalknowl- suffering vicissitudes because he was en-
edge. His intellect was superior to these dowed with spiritual susceptibilities and the
philosophers, his comprehension deeper, his power of the Holy Spirit. He beheld the
perception keener, his knowledge more per- splendors of the divine kingdom, embodied
fect. How is it that he overlooked and the bounties of God and possessed deal
denied himself everything in this world? powers. He was illumined with love and
He attached little importance to this mate- mercy and so likewise were all the prophets
rial life, denying himself rest and com- of God.
posure, accepting trials and voluntarily Promulgatio?z of Uaiversal Peace.

THE M

T H E divine Reality is unthinkable, limit- The Holy Spirit is the light from the
less, eternal, immortal and invisible. Sun of Truth bringing, by its infinite
The world of creation is bound by natu- power, life and illumination to all mankind,
ral law, finite and mortal. flooding all souls with divine radiance, con-
The infinite Reality cannot be said to veying the blessings of God's mercy to the
ascend or descend. I t is beyond the under- whole world. The earth, without the
standing of man, and cannot be described medium of the warmth and light of the
in terms which apply to the phenomenal rays of the sun, could receive no benefits
sphere of the created world. from the sun.
Man, then, is in extreme need of the only Likewise the Holy Spirit is the very cause
power by which he is able to receive help of the life of man; without the Holy Spirit
from the divine reality, that power alone he would have no intellect, he would be
bringing him into contact with the source unable to scquire his scientific knowledge
of all life. by which his great influence over the rest
An intermediary is needed to bring two of creation is gained. The illumination of
extremes into relation with each other. the Holy Spirit gives to man the power of
Riches and poverty, plenty and need: with- thought, and enables him to make dis-
out an intermediary power there could be coveries by which he bends the laws of
no relation between these pairs of opposites. nature to his will.
So we can say that there must be a The Holy Spirit it is which, through the
Mediator between God and man, and this is mediation of the prophets of God, teaches
none other than the Holy Spirit, which spiritual virtues to man and enables him to
brings the created earth into relation with attain eternal life.
the "Unthinkable One," the divine Reality. All these blessings are brought to man
The divine Reality may be likened to the by the Holy Spirit; therefore we can under-
sun and the Holy Spirit to the rays of the stand that the Holy Spirit is the Inter-
sun. As the rays of the sun bring the light mediary between the creator and the cre-
and warmth of the sun to the earth, giving ated. The light and heat of the sun cause
life to all created beings, so do the "Mani- the earth to be fruitful, and create life in
festations" bring the power of the Holy all things that grow; and the Holy Spirit
Spirit from the divine Sun of Reality to quickens the souls of men.
give light and life to the souls of men. The two great Apostles, St. Peter and
Behold, there is an intermediary necessary St. John the Evangelist, were once simple,
between the sun and the earth; the sun does humble workmen, toiling for their daily
not descend to the earth, neither does the bread. By the power of the Holy Spirit
earth ascend to the sun. This contact is their souls were illumined, and they received
made by the rays of the sun which bring the eternal blessings of Christ.
light and warmth and heat. Wisdonz of 'Abdu'l-Bahn'.
EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 163

T H E MYSTERY O F SACRIFILE

T H I S evening I wish to speak to you con- was a manifestation of God and a descend-
cerning the mystery of sacrifice. There are ant of Adam; likewise His Holiness Ishmael,
two kinds of sacrifice, the physical and the His Holiness Isaac, His Holiness Jeremiah
spiritual. The explanation made by the and the whole line of prophets including
churches concerning this subject is in David, Solomon and Aarou were among his
reality superstition. For instance it is re- posterity. Were 211 these holy men con-
corded in the gospel that His Holiness demned to a realm of punishment because
Christ said, "I am the living bread which of a deed committed by the first father,
came down from heaven: if any man eat of because of a mistake said to have been
this bread he shall live forever." He also made by their mutual and remotest ancestor
said, "This wine is my blood which is shed His Holiness Adam? The explanation is
for the remission of sins." These verses made that when His Holiness Christ came
have been interpreted by the churches in and sacrificed himself, all the line of holy
such a superstitious way that it is impos- prophets who preceded him became free
sible for human reason to understand or from sin and punishment. Even a child
accept the explanation. could not justly make such an assertion.
They say that His Holiness Adam dis- These interpretations and statements are due
obeyed the command of God and partook of to a misunderstanding of the meanings of
the fruit of the forbidden tree thereby com- the Bible.
mitting a sin which was transmitted as a In order to understand the reality of sac-
heritage to his posterity. They teach that rifice let us consider the crucifixioll and
because of Adam's sin all his descendants death of His I-Ioliness Jesus Christ. I t is
have likewise committed transgression and true thnt he sacrificed himsclf for our sake.
have become responsible through inher- What is the meaning of this? When His
itance; consequently all mankind deserves Holiness Christ appeared, he knew that he
punishment and must make retribution; must himself in opposition to all
and that God sent forth His son as a sacri- the nations and peoples of the earth. He
fice in order that man might be forgiven knew that mankind would arise against him
and the human race delivered from the and in0'ict upon him all manner of tribula-
consequences of Adam's transgression. tions. There is no doubt that one who put
We wish to consider these statcments forth such a clailn as Christ announced,
from the standpoint of reason. Could we would arouse the hostility of the world and
conceive of His Highness the Divinity who be subjected to personal abuse. He realized
is justice itself, inflicting punishment upon that his blood would be shed and his body
the posterity of Adam for Adam's own sin rent by violence. Notwithstanding his
and disobedience? Even if we should see knowledge of whar would befall him, he
a governor, an earthly ruler punishing a arose t o proclaim his message, suffered all
son for the wrong-doing of his father, we tribulation and hardships from the people
would look upon that ruler as an unjust and finally offered his life as a sacrifice in
man. Granted the father committed a order to illumine humanity; gave his blood
wrong, what was the wrong commnirtcd by in order to guide the world of mankind.
the son? There is no connection between He accepted every calamity and suffering in
the two. Adam's sin was not the sin of order to guide men to the truth. Had he
his posterity especially as Adam is a thou- desired to save his own life and were he
sand generations back of the nlan today. without wish to offer himself in sacrifice he
If the father of a thousand generations would not have been able to guide a single
committed a sin, is it just to demand that soul. There was no doubt that his blessed
the present generation should suffer the blood would be shed and his body broken.
consequences thereof? Nevertlieless that holy soul accepted calam-
There are other questions and evidences ity and death in his love for mankind. This
to be considered. His Holiness Abraham is one of the meanings of sacrifice.
164 T H E BAHA'I \VOXLD

As to the second mealring, he said, "I am and perfections of Christ became manifect
the bread which came down from heaven." in the Christian community which Christ
I t was not the body of Christ which came founded through sacrificing himself. When
from heaven. His body came from the you look at the tree you will realize that
womb of Mary but the Christ perfections the perfections, blessings, properties and
descended from heaven; the reality of beauty of the seed have become manifest in
Christ came down from heaven. The spirit the branches, twigs, blossoms and fruit;
of Christ and not the hody descended from consequently the seed has sacrificed itself to
heaven. The hody of Christ was but the tree. Had it not done so, the tree
human. There could be no question that would not have come into existence. His
the physical hody was horn from the womb Holiness Christ like unto the seed sacri-
of Mary. But the reality of Christ, the ficed himself for the tree of Christianity.
spirit of Christ, the perfections of Christ all Therefore his perfections, bounties, favors,
came from heaven. Consequently by say- lights and graces became manifest in the
ing he was the bread which came from Christian community, for the coming of
heaven he meant that the perfections which which he sacrificed himself.
he showed forth were divine perfections, As t o the fourth significance of sacrifice,
that the blessings within him were heavenly it is the principle that a reality sacrifices its
gifts and bestowals, that his light was the own characteristics. Man must sever him-
light of reality. He said, "If any man eat self from the influences of the world of
of this bread, he shall live forever." That matter, from the world of nature and its
is t o say whosoever assimilates these divine laws; for the material world is the world of
perfections which are within me will never corruption and death. I t is the world of
die; whosoever has a share and partakes of evil and darkness, of animalism and feroc-
thesc heavenly bounties I embody will find ity, bloodthirstiness, ambition and avarice,
eternal life; he who takes uilto himself of self-worship, egotism and passion; it is
these divine lights shall find life everlasting. the world of nature. Man must strip him-
How manifest the meaning is! How evi- self of all these imperfections, must sacrifice
dent! For the soul which acquires divine these tendencies which are peculiar t o the
perfections and seeks heavenly illumination outer and material world of existence.
froin the teachings of Christ will undoubt- O n the other hand man must acquire
edly live eternally. This is also one of the heavenly rqualities and attain divine attri-
mysteries of sacrifice. butes. He nl~rst become the image and
I n reality His Holiness Abraham sacri- likeness of God. H e must seek the bounty
ficed himself, for he brought heavenly of the eternal, become the manifester of
teachings to the world and conferred the love of God, the light of guidance, the
heavenly food upon mankind. tree of life and the depository of the
As to the third meaning of sacrifice, i t is bounties of God. That is t o say man must
this:-If you plant a seed in the ground a sacrifice the qualities and attributes of the
tree will become manifest from that seed. world of nature for the qualities and
The seed sacrifices itself t o the tree that attributes of the world of God. Eor in-
will come from it. The seed is outwardly stance consider the substance we call iron.
lost, destroyed but the samc seed which is Observe its qualities; it is solid, black, cold.
sacrificed will be absorbed and embodied These are the characteristics of iron. When
in the tree, its blossoms, fruit and branches. the same iron absorbs heat from the fire, i t
If the identity of that seed had not been sacrifices its attribute of solidity for the
sacrificed to the tree which became mani- attribute of fluidity. It sacrifices its attri-
fest from it, no branches, blossoms or fruits bute of darkness for the attribute of light
would have been forthcoming. His Holi- which is a quality of the fire. I t sacrifices
ness Christ outwardly disappeared. His its attribute of coldness to the quality of
personal identity became hidden from the heat which the fire possesses; so that in the
eyes even as the identity of the seed disap- iron there remains no solidity, darkness or
peared, but the bounties, divine qualities cold. I t becomes illumined and trans-
EXCERPTS FROM B A H A ' ~S A C R E D WRITINGS 165

formed, hnving sacrificed its qualities to the perfections. Consequently every perfect
qualities and attributes of the fire. person, every illumined, heavenly individual
Likewise man when separated and severed stands in the station of sacrifice. I t is my
from the attributes of the world of nature hope that through the assistance and provi-
sacrifices the qualities and exigencies of that dence of God and through the bounties of
mortal realm and manifests the perfections the kingdom of Ahh6 you may be entirely
of the Kingdom, just as che qualities of the severed from the imperfections of the
iron disappeared and the qualities of the fire world of nature, purified from selfish,
appeared in their place. human desires, receiving life from the king-
Every man trained through the teachings dom of Ahh6 and attaining heavenly graces.
of God and illumined by the light of His May the divine light become manifest upon
guidance, who becomes a believer in God your faces, the fragrances of holiness refresh
and His signs and is enkmdled with the your nostrils and the breath of the Holy
fire of the love of God sacrifices the imper- Spirit quicken yon with eternal life.
fections of nature for the sake of divine Promzblgation of Univcvsal Peace.

SPIRITUAL TRUTH IS REVEALED

IT is a self-evident fact that phenomenal
existence can never grasp nor comprehend
prehension whatever of us. No matter how
near perfection this rose may advance in its
the ancient and essential reality. Utter own sphere it can never possess hearing and
weakness cannot understand absolute sight. Inasmuch as in the creation21 world
strength. When we view the world of which is phenomenal, difference of degree
creation we discover differences in degree is an obstacle or hindrance to comprehen-
which make it impossible for the lower to sion, how can the human being, which is a
comprehend the higher. For example, the created exigency, comprehend the ancient
mineral kingdom, no matter how much it divine reahty which is essential? This is
may advance can never comprehend the impossible because the reahty of divinity is
phenomena of the vegetable kingdom. sanctified beyond the comprehension of the
Whatever development the vegetable may created being man.
attain, it can have no message from nor Furthermore, that which man can grasp
come in touch with the kingdom of the is finite to man, and man to it is as infinite.
animal. However perfect may be the Is it possible then for the reality of divinity
growth of a tree it cannot realize the sensa- to be finite and the human creature in-
tion of sight, hearing, smell, taste and finite? On the contrary the reverse is true;
touch; these are beyond its limitation. the human is finite while the essence of
Although it is the possessor of existence in divinity is infinite. Whatever comes within
the world of creation, a tree nevertheless the sphere of human comprehension must
has no knowledge of the superior degree of be limited and finite. As the essence of
the animal kingdom. Likewise no matter divinity transcends the comprehension of
how great the advancement of the animal man, therefore God brings forth certain
it can have no idea of the human plane; Manifestations of the divine reality upon
no knowledge of intellect and spirit. whom He bestows heavenly effulgences in
Difference in degree is an obstacle to this order that they may be intermediaries be-
comprehension, A lower degree cannot tween humanity and Himself. These holy
comprehend a higher although all are in the Manifestations or prophets of God are as
same world of creation, whether mineral, mirrors which have acquired illumination
vegetable or animal. Degree is the barrier from the Sun of Truth, but the Sun does
and limitation. In the human plane of not descend from its high zenith and does
existence we can say we have knowledge not effect entrance within the mirror. In
of a vegetable, its qualities and product, truth this mirror has attained complete
but the vegetable has no knowledge or com- polish and purity until the utmost capacity
.'f WORLD
of reflection has been developed in it, there- adoration of the mirror of Moscs did not
fore the Sun of Reality with its fuliest perceive the lights and effulgences of the
effulgence and splendor is revealed therein. Sun of Reality resplendent in Jesus, there-
These mirrors are earthly whereas the fore they were deprived of its bestowals.
reality of divinity is in its highest apogee. Yet the Sun of Reality, the Word of God
Although its lights are shining and its heat shone from the Messianic mirror through
is manifest in them, although these mirrors the wonderful channel of Jesus Christ more
are telling their story of its effulgence, the fully and more wonderfully. Its efful-
Sun nevertheless remains in its own lofty gences were manifestly radiant hut even
station; it does not descend, it does not to this day the Jews are holding to the
effect entrance, because it is holy and Mosaic mirror. Therefore they are bereft
sanctified. of witnessing the lights of eternity in
The Sun of Divinity and of Reality has Jesus.
revealed itself in various mirrors. Though I n brief; the sun is one sun, the light is
these mirrors are many, yet the Sun is one. one light which shines upon all phenomenal
The bestowals of God are one; the reality being. Every creature has a portion
of the divine religion is one. Consider how thereof, but the pure mirror can reveal the
the one and same light has reflected itself story of its bounty more fully and com-
in the different mirrors or manifestations pletely. Therefore we must adore the light
of it. There are certain souls who are of the Sun no matter through what mirror
lovers of the Sun; they perceive the efful- it may be revealed. We must not entertain
gence of the Sun from every mirror. They prejudice, for prejudice is an obstacle to
are not fettered or attached t o the mirrors; realization. Inasmuch as the effulgence is
they are attached to the Sun itself and one effulgence, the human realities must all
adore it no matter from what point it may become recipients of the same light, recog-
shine. But those who adore the mirror and nizing in it the compellig force that unites
are attached to it, become deprived of them in its illumination.
witnessing the light of the Sun when it As this is the radiant century, it is m y
shines forth from another mirror. For in- hope that the Sun of Truth may illumine
stance, the Sun of Reality revealed itself all humanity. May the eyes be opened and
from the Mosaic mirror. The people who the ears become attentive; may souls be-
were sincere accepted and believed in it. come resuscitated and consort together in
When the same Sun shonc from the Mes- the utmost harmony as recipients of the
sianic mirror, the Jews who were not lovers same light.
of the Sun and who were fettered by their Prontulgatdon of Universal Peace.

T H E NEED OF A N EDUCATOR

W H E N we consider existence, we see barren trees become fruitful, and through
that the mineral, vegetable, animal, and cultivation, fertilization, and engrafting,
human worlds are all in need of an edu- the trees which had bitter fruits yield sweet
cator. fruits. These are rational proofs; in this
If the earth is not cultivated it becomes age the peoples of the world need the argu-
a jungle where useless weeds grow; but if a ments of reason.
cultivator comes and tills the ground, it The same is true with respect to animals:
poduces crops which nourish living crea- notice that when the animal is trained it
tures. I t is evident, therefore, that the soil becomes domestic, and also that man, if he
needs the cultivation of the farmer. Con- is left without training, becomes bestial,
sider the trees: if they remain without a and, moreover, if left under the rule of
cultivator they will be fruitless, and w i ~ h - nature, b e c o ~ ~ ~lower
es than an animal;
out fruit they are useless; but if they whereas if he is educated he becomes an
receive the care of a gardener, these same angel. For the greater number of animals
EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 167

do not devour their own kind, but men, Then it is plain and evident that lnan
among the negroes of Central Africa, kill needs an educator, and this educator must
and eat each other. be unquestionably and indubitably perfect
Now reflect that it is education that in all respects, and distinguished above all
brings the East and the West under the men. For otherwise he cannot be their
authority of man; it is education that pro- educator. More particularly because he
duces wonderful industries; it is education must be at the same time their material and
that spreads glorious sciences and arts; it is human as well as their spiritual educator;
education that makes manifest new dis- that is to say, he will teach men to organise
coveries and laws. If there were no and carry out physical matters, and to
educator, there would be no such things as regulate the form of society with regard to
comforts, civilization, facilities, or human- the establishing of help and assistance in
ity. If a man be left alone in a wilderness life, so that material affairs may be organ-
where he sees none of his own kind, he will ized and replated for any circumstances
undoubtedly become a mere brute; it is then that may occur. In the same way he will
clear that an educator is needed. establish human education; that is to say,
But education is of three kinds: material, he must educate intelligence and thought in
human, and spiritual. Material education such a way that they may attain complete
is concerned with the progress and develop- development, so that knowledge and science
ment of the body, through gaining its sus- may increase, and the reality of things, the
tenance, its material comfort and ease. mysteries of beings, and the properties of
This education is common to anilnals and existence may be discovered; that day by
man. day instructions, inventions, and laws may
Human education signifies civilization be improved; and from things perceptible
and progress: that is to say, government, to the senses conclusions as to intellectual
administration, charitable works, trades, things may be deduced.
arts and handicrafts, sciences, great inven- He must ako impart spiritual education;
tions and discoveries of physical laws, which so that intelligence and comprehension may
are the activities essential to man as dis- penetrate the metaphysical world, and may
tinguished from the animal. receive benefit from the sanctifying breeze
Divine education is that of the Kingdom of the Holy Spirit, and may enter into re-
of God: it consists in acquiring divine per- lationship with the Supreme Concourse.
fections, and this is true education; for in He must so educate the human reality that
this estate man becomes the center of divine it may become the center of the divine
appearance, the manifestation of the words, appearance, to such a degree that the attri-
"Let us make man in our image and after butes and the names of God shall be
our likeness." This is the supreme goal of resplendent in the mirror of the reality of
the world of humanity. man, and the holy verse, "We will make
Now we need an educator who will be at man in Our image and likeness," shall be-
the same time a material, human, and come true.
spiritual educator, and whose authority will I t is clear that human power is not able
be effective in all conditions. So if any one to fill such a great office, and that the
should say, "I possess perfect comprehen- reason alone could not undertake the re-
sion and intelligence, and I have no need sponsibility of so great a mission. How can
of such an educator," he would be denying one solitary person without help and with-
that which is clear and evident, as though a out support lay the foundations of such a
child should say, "I have no need of educa- noble construction? He must depend on
tion; I will act according to my reason and the help of the spiritual and divine power
intelligence, and so I shall attain the perfec- to be able to undertake this mission. One
tions of existence"; or as though the blind Holy Soul gives life to the world of
should say, "I am in no need of sight, humanity, changes the aspect of the ter-
because many other blind people exist with- restrial globe, causes intelligence to progress,
out difficulty." vivifies souls, lays the foundation of a new
THE BAH6'f WORLD

existence, estahlishcs the basis of a mar- Europe. Christ removed there divergences,
vellous creation, organizes the world, brings and became the cause of love between these
nations and religions under the shadow of communities. Although after some time
one standard, delivers man from the world empires destroyed this union, the work of
of imperfections and vices, and inspires him Christ was accomplished.
with the desire and need of natural and Therefore the universal educator must be
acquired perfections. Certainly nothing at the same time not only a material, but
short of a divine power could accomplish also a human and spiritual educator; and he
so great a work. We ought to consider must possess a supernatural power, so that
this with just-ice, for this is the ofice of be may hold the position of a divine teacher.
justice. If he does not show forth such a holy
A Cause which all the governments and power, he will not he able to educate, for
peoples of the world, with all their powers if he be imperfect, how can he give a per-
and armies, cannot promulgate and spread, fect education? if he he ignorant, how can
one Holy Soul can promote without help he make others wise? If he be unjust, how
o r support! Can this be done by human can he make others just? If he be earthly,
power? No, in the name of God! For how can he make others heavenly?
example, Christ, alone and solitary, up- Now we must consider justly: did these
raised the standard of spiritual peace and Divine Manifestations l who have appeared
righteousness, a work which all the vic- possess all these qualifications or not? If
torious governments with all their hosts they had not these qualifications and
were unable to accomplish. Consider what these perfections, they were not real edu-
was the fate of so many and diverse em- cators.
pires and peoples: the Roman Empire, Therefore it must be our task to prove
France, Germany, Russia, England, etc.; to the thoughtful by reasonable arguments
all were gathered together under the same the prophethood of Moses, of Christ, and
tent; that is to say, the appearance of of the other Divine Manifestations. And
Christ brought about a union among these the proofs and evidences which we give
diverse nations; some of whom, under the must not be based on traditional but on
influence of Christianity, became so united rational arguments.
that they sacrificed their lives and property I t has now been proved by rational argu-
for one another. After the time of Con- ments that the world of existence is in the
stantine, who was the protagonist of Chris- utmost need of an educator, and that its
tianity, divisions broke out among them. education must be effected by a divine
The point I wish to make is that Christ sus- power. There is no doubt that this holy
tained a cause that all the kings of the earth power is due to inspiration, and that the
could not establish! He united the various world must he educated through this power
religions and modified ancient customs. which is above human power.
Consider what great divergences existed be- Some Answered Questions.
tween Romans, Greeks, Syrians, Egyptians,
'Divine Manifestations sre the founders of re-
Phaenicians, Israelites, and other peoples of lipions.

THE FIVE ASPECTS O F SPIRIT

K N O W that, speaking generally, there and elements are separated from each other,
are five divisions of the spirit. First the the power of growth also ceases to exist;
vegetable spirit: this is a power which so, to use another figure, electricity results
results from the combination of elements from the combination of elements, and
and the mingling of substances by the when these elements are separated, the elec-
decree of the Supreme God, and from the tric force is dispersed and lost. Such is the
influence, the effect, and connection of vegetable spirit.
other existences. When these substances After this is the animal spirit, which also
EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 169

results from the lningliig and colnbination rapidity. Briefly, this power embraces all
of elements; but this combination is more things.
complete, and through the decree of the But the spirit of man has two aspects:
Almighty Lord a perfect lningling 1s ob- one divine, one satanic; that is to say, it is
tained, and the animal spirit, in other words capable of the utmost perfection, or it is
the power of the senses, is produced. Ir capable of the utmost imperfection. If it
will perceive the reality of things from acquires virtues it is the most noble of
that which is seen and visible, audible, the existing beings, and if it acquires
edible, tangible, and that which can be vices it beconles the most degraded exist-
smelt. After the dissociation and decompo- ence.
sition of the combined elements, this spirit The fourth degree of spirit is the
also will naturally disappear. I t is hke heavenly spirit; it is the spirit of faith and
this lamp which you see: when the oil and the bounty of God; it comes from the
wick and fire are brought together, light is breath of the Holy Spirit, and by the divine
the result; but when the oil is finished 2nd power it becomes the cause of eternal life.
the wick consumed, the light will also I t is the power which makes the earthly
vanish and be lost. man heavenly, and the imperfect man per-
The human spirlt may be likened to the fect. It makes the impure t o be pure, the
bounty of the sun shining on crystal. The silent eloquent; it purifies and sanctifies
body of man, which is composed froin the those made captive by carnal desires; it
elements, is combined and mingled in thc makes the ignorant wise.
most perfect form; it is the most solid con- The fifth spirit is the Holy Spirit. This
struction, the noblest combination, che Holy Spirit is the mediator between God
most perfect existence. I t grows and de- and His creatures. I t is like a mirror
velops through the anilnal spirit. This facing the sun. As the pure mirror re-
perfected body can be coinpared to a ceives light from the sun and transmits
crystal, and the human spirit t o the sun. this bounty to others, so the Holy Spirit
Nevertheless, if the crystal breaks, the is the mediator of the Holy Light froin the
bounty of the sun continues; and if the Sun of Reality, which it gives to the sancti-
crystal is destroyed or ceases to exist, no fied realities. I t is adorned with all the
harm will happen to the bounty of the sun divine perfections. Every time it appears
which is everlasting. This spirit has the the world is renewed, and a new cycle is
power of discovery; it encompasses all founded. The body of the world of
things. All these wonderful signs, these humanity puts on a new garment. I t can
scientific discoveries, great enterprises and be compared t o the spring; whenever it
important historical events which you comes, the world passes from one condition
know, are due t o it. From the realm of t o another. Through the advent of the
the invisible and hidden, through spiritual season of spring the black earth and the
power, it brought them u, the plane of fields and wildernesses will become verdant
the visible. So, man is upon the earth, yet and blooming, and all sorts of flowers and
he makes discoveries in the heavens. Froin sweet-scented herbs will grow; the trees will
known realities, that is to say from the have new life, and new fruits will appear,
things which are known and visible, he dis- and a new cycle is founded. The appear-
covers unknown things. For example, man ance of the Holy Spirit is like this. When-
is in this hemisphere, but, like Columbus, ever it appears, it renews the world of
through the power of his reason he dis- humanity and gives a new spirit t o the
covers another hemisphere, that is America, human realities: it arrays the world of
which was until then unknown. His body existence in a praiseworthy garment, dis-
is heavy, but through the help of an in- pels the darkness of ignorance, and causes
strument which he invents, he is able to the radiation of the light of perfections.
soar aloft. H e is slow of movement, but Christ with this power has renewed this
by an instrument which he invents he cycle; the heavenly spring with the utmost
travels to the East and West with extreme freshness and sweetness spread its tent in
the world of humanity, and the life-giving of everlasting life, and with heavenly
breeze perfumed the nostrils of the en- power. I t established the Throne of the
lightened ones. Divine Kingdom in the center of the world,
In the same way, the appearance of and by the power of the Holy Spirit re-
BahA'u'll6h was like a new springtime which vived souls and established a new cycle.
appeared with holy breezes, with the hosts Some Answered Qsestions.

THE DIVINITY C A N O N L Y BE COMPREHENDED THROUGH T H E
DIVINE MANIFESTATIONS

Question.-What connection has the is higher. So the stone, the earth, the tree,
Reality of Divinity with the Lordly Rising- however much they may evolve, cannot
places and the Divine Dawning-points? comprehend the reality of man, and can-
Answer.-Know that the Reality of not imagine the powers of sight, of hearing,
Divinity or the substance of the Essence of and of the other senses, although they are
Oneness is pure sanctity and absolute holi- all alike created. Therefore how can man,
ness: that is to say, i t is sanctified and the created, understand the reality of the
exempt from all praise. The whole of the pure Essence of the Creator? This plane is
supreme attributes of the degrees of exist- unapproachable by the understanding, no
ence, in reference t o this plane, are only explanation is sufficient for its comprehen-
imaginations. I t is invisible, incompre- sion, and there is no power t o indicate it.
hensible, inaccessible, a pure essence which What has an atom of dust to do with the
cannot be described; for the Divine Essence pure world, and what relation is there be-
surrounds all things. Verily that which tween the limited mind and the infinite
surrounds is greater than the surrounded, world? Minds are powerless t o comprehend
and the surrounded cannot contain that by God, and the souls become bewildered in
which it is surrounded, nor comprehend its explaining Him. "The eyes see Him not,
reality. However far mind may progress, but H e seeth the eyes. He is the Omni-
though it may reach to the final degree of scient, the ICnower." '
comprehension, the limit of understanding, Consequently, with reference to this
it beholds the divine signs and attributes in plane of existence, every statement and
the world of creation, and not in the world elucidation is defective, all praise and all
of God. For the essence and the attributes description are unworthy, every conception
of the Lord of Unity are in the heights of is vain, and every meditation is futile. But
sanctity, and for the minds and under- for this Essence of the essences, this Truth
standings there is no way to approach that of truths, this Mystery of mysteries, there
position. "The way is closed and seeking is are reflections, auroras, appearances and re-
forbidden." splendencies, in the world of existence. The
dawning-place of these splendors, the place
IT is evident that the human understand-
ing is a quality of the existence of man,
of these reflections, and the appearance of
these manifestations, are the Holy Dawn-
and that man is a sign of God, how can the ing-places, the Universal Realities and the
quality of the sign surround the creator Divine Beings, who are the true mirrors of
of the sign? that is t o say, how can the the sanctified Essence of God. All the
understanding which is a quality of the perfections, the bounties, the splendors
existence of man, comprehend God? There- which come from God, are visible and evi-
fore the Reality of the Divinity is hidden dent in the Reality of the Holy Manifesta-
from all comprehension, and concealed from tions, like the sun which is resplendent in
the minds of all men. I t is absolutely im- a clear polished mirror with all its perfec-
poasible t o ascend to that plane. We see tions and bounties. If it be said that the
that everything which is lower is power- mirrors are the manifestations of the sun
less to comprehend the reality of that which
-
Qur'in, Sdrih 6.
EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I SACRED WRITINGS 171

and the dawning places of thc rising atal, i o ~we have no means of comprehend~ng
this does not mean that the sun has de- that which is invisible and inaccessible.
scended from the height of its sanctity and This is why it is said: "All that you have
become incorporated in the mirror, nor that distinguished through the illusion of your
the Unlimited Reality is limited to this imagination in your subtle mental images,
place of appearance. God forbid! This is is but a creation like unto yourself, and
the belief of the adherents of anthropomor- returns to you." I t is clear that if we
phism. No; all the praises, the descriptions wish to imagine the Reality of Divinity,
and exaltations refer to the Holy Manifes- this imagination is the surrounded, and we
tations. That is to say, all the descriptions, are the surrounding one; and it is sure that
the qualities, the names and the attributes the one who surrounds is greater than the
which we mention, return to the Divine surrounded. From this i t is certain and
Manifestations; but ns no one has attained evident that if we imagine s Divine Reality
to the reality of the Essence of Divinity, outside of the Holy Manifestations, it is
so no one is able to describe, explain, praise pure imagination; for there is no way t o
or glorify it. Therefore all that the human approach the Reality of Divinity which is
reality knows, discovers, and understands of not cut off to us, and all that we imagine
the names, the attributes, and the perfec- is mere supposition.
tions of God, refer t o these Holy Manifesta- Therefore reflect that different peoples of
tions. There is no access to anything else: the world are revolving around imagina-
"the way is closed, and seebing is forbid- tions, and are worshippers of the idols of
den." thoughts and conjectures. They are not
Nevertheless we speak of the nalnes and aware of this; they consider their imagina-
attributes of the Divine Reality, and we tions t o be the Reality which is withdrawn
praise Him by attributing to Him sight, from all comprehension, and purified from
hearing, power, life, and knowledge. We all descriptions. They regard themselves as
affirm these names and attributes, not to the people of Unity, and the others as wor-
prove the perfections of God, but t o deny shippers of idols; but idols at least have a
that He is capable of imperfections. When mineral existence, while the idols of
we look at the existing world, we see that thoughts and he imaginations of man are
ignorance is imperfection and knowledge is hut fancies; they have not even mineral
perfection, therefore we say that the sancti- existence. "Talre warning, 0 possessors of
fied Essence of God is wisdom. Weakness perception!"
is imperfection and power is perfection; Know that the attributes of perfection,
consequently we say that the sanctified Es- the splendor of the divine bounties, and
sence of God is the acme of power. I t is the lights of inspiration, are visible and evi-
not that we can comprehend His knowledge, dent in all the Holy Manifestations; but
His sight, His power and life, for it is be- the glorious Word of God, Christ, and the
yond our comprehension; for the essential Greatest Name, Bah6'u'116h, are manifesta-
nalnes and attributes of God are identical tions and evidences which are beyond im-
with His Essence, and His Essence is above agination; for they possess all the perfections
all comprehension. If the attributes are of the former Manifestations, and more than
not identicnl with the Essence, there must that, they possess some perfections which
also be a multiplicity of pre-existences, and malie the other Manifestations dependent
differences between the attributes and the upon chem. So all the Prophets of Israel
Essence must also exist: and as Pre-existence were centers of inspiration; Christ also was
is necessary, therefore the sequence of pre- a receiver of inspiration; but what a dif-
existences would become infinite. This is ference between the inspiration of the Word
an evident error. of God and the revelations of Isaiah, Jere-
Accordingly all these attributes, names, miah, and Elijah!
praises, and eulogies apply to the Places of Reflect that light is the expression of the
Manifestation; and all that we imagine and
suppose beside them is mere imagination,
-
vibrations of the etheric matter: the nerves
From H a d i e .
a
172 THE BAHA'I W O R L D
of the eye are aifected by these vibrations, leaves, and is the placc where the vegetable
and sight is produced. The light of the spirit appears; in the condition of fruit it
lamp exists through the vibration of the manifests the same spirit, that is t o say, the
etheric matter, so also does that of the sun; power of growth appears in the utmost
but what a difference between the light perfection: but what a difference between
of the sun and that of the stars or the the condition of the leaves and that of the
lamp! fruit! For from the fruit a hundred thou-
The spirit of man appears and is manifest sand leaves appear, though they all grow
in the embryonic condition, and also in and develop through the same vegetable
that of childhood and of maturity, and it spirit. Notice the difference between the
is resplendent and evident in the condition virtues and perfections of Christ, the
of perfection. The spirit is one, but in the splendors and brilliance of Bahi'u'116h, and
embryonic condition the power of sight the virtues of the Prophets of Israel, such as
and of hearing is lacking. I n the state of Ezekiel or Samuel. All were the manifesta-
maturity and perfection it appears in the tions of inspiration, but between them there
utmost splendor and brilliance. I n the is an infinite difference.
same way the seed in the beginning becomes Sowre Answeved Questions.
--
THE THREE STATIONS O F T H E DIVINE MANIFESTATIONS

K N O W that the Holy Manifestations, souls are phenomenal, they are nevertheless
though they have the degrees of endless immortal, everlasting, and perpetual; for
perfections, yet, speaking generally, have the world of things is the world of imper-
only three stations. The first station is the fection in comparison with that of man,
physical; the second station is the human, and the world of man is the world of per-
which is that of the rational soul; the third fection in comparison with that of things.
is that of the divine appearance and the When imperfections reach the station of
heavenly splendor. perfection, they become eternal.' This is
The physical station is phenomenal; it an example of which you must comprehend
is composed of elements, and necessarily the meaning.
everything that is composed is subject to The third station is that of the divine
decomposition: i t is not possible that a appearance and heavenly splendor: it is
composition should not be disintegrated. the Word of God, the Eternal Bounty, the
The second is the station of the rational Holy Spirit. It has neither beginning nor
soul, which is the human reality; this also end, for these things are related to the
is phenomenal, and the Holy Manifestations world of contingencies, and not t o the di-
share i t with all mankind. vine world. For God, the end is the same
Know that, although the human soul has thing as the beginning. So the reckoning
existed on the earth for prolonged times of days, weeks, months, and years, of yes-
and ages, yet it is phenomenal. As it is a terday and today, is connected with the
divine sign, when once i t has come into terrestrial globe; but in the sun there is
existence it is eternal. The spirit of man no such thing-there is neirher yesterday,
has a beginning, but it has no end; it con- today, nor tomorrow, neither months nor
tinues eternally. I n the same way the y e a r s a l l are equal. I n the same way the
species existing on this earth are phenome- Word of God is purified from all these con-
nal, for i t is established that there was a ditions and is exempt from the boundaries,
time when these species did not exist on the the laws, and the limits of the world of
surface of the earth. Moreover, the earth contingency. Therefore the reality of
has not always existed, but the world of prophethood, which is the Word of God
existence has always been: for the universe and the perfect state of rnanifcstation, did
is not limited t o this terrestrial globe. The ,i.r."
the of man, where alone
meaning of this is, that although human spirit manifests immortality,
EXCERPTS FROM B A H A ' ~S A C R E D WRITlNGS 173

not have any beginning, and will not have Huly Reality, of which Christ says "The
any end; its rising is different from all Father is in the Son," has neither beginning
others, and is like that of the sun. For ex- nor end. When beginning is spoken of, it
ample, its dawning in the sign of Christ signifies the state of manifesting; and sym-
was with the utmost splendor and radiaqce, bolically, the condition of silence is com-
and this is eternal and everlasting. See how pared to sleep. For example, a man is sleep-
many conquering kings there have been, ing-when he begins to speak he is a w a k e
how many statesmen and princes, powerful but it is always the same individual, whether
organizers, all of whom have disappeared, he be asleep or awake; no difference has oc-
whereas the breezes of Christ are still blow- curred in his station, his elevation, his glory,
ing, his light, is still shining, his nlelody is his reality, or his nature. The state of
still resounding, his standard is still waving, silence is compared to sleep, and that of
his armies are still fighting, his heavenly manifestation to walsefulness. A man
voice is still sweetly melodious, his clouds sleeping or waking is the same man; sleep
are still showering gems, his lightning is is one state, and wakefulness is another.
still flashing, his reflection is still clear and The time of silence is compared to sleep,
brilliant, his splendor is still radiating and and manifestation and guidance are com-
luminous; and it is the same with those pared to wakefulness.
souls who are under his protection and are In the Gospel ic is said, "In the begin-
shining with his light. ning was the Word, and the Word was
Then it is evident that the Manifestations with God." Then it is evident and clear
possess three conditions: the physical con- that Christ did not reach to the station of
dition, the condition of the rational soul, Messiahahip and its perfections at the time
and the condition of the divine appearance of baptism, when the Holy Spirit descended
and heavenly splendor. The physical condi- upon Him in the likeness of a dove. Nay,
tion will certainly become decomposed, but the Word of God from all eternity has al-
the condition of the rational soul, though ways been, and will be, in the exaltation of
it has a beginning, has no end: nay, it is sanctification.
endowed with everlasting life. But the Some Answered Questions.

T H E HUMAN CONDITION A N D T H E SPIRITUAL CONDITION OF
T H E DIVINE MANIFESTATIONS

W E said that the Manifestations have like the sun, which by its essential nature
three planes. First, the physical reality, produces lighc, and cannot be compared
which depends upon the body; secondly, to the moon, just as the particles that com-
the individual reality, that is to say, the pose the globe of the sun callnot be com-
rational soul; thirdly, the divine appearance, pared with those which compose the moon.
which is the divine perfections, the cause of The particles and organization of the former
the life of existence, of the education of produce rays, but the particles of which
souls, of the guidance of paople, and of the the moon is composed do not produce rays,
enlightenment of the contingent world. but need to borrow light. So other human
The physical state is the human state realities are those souls who, like the moon,
which perishes, because it is composed of take light from the sun; but that holy re-
elements, and all that is composed of ele- ality is luminous in himself.
ments will necessarily be decomposed and The third plane of that Being1 is the
dispersed. Divine Bounty, the splendor of the Pre-
But the individual reality of the Mani- existent Beauty, and the radiance of the
festations of God is a holy reality, and for light of the Almighty. The individual re-
that reason it is sanctified, and in that alities of the Divine Manifestations have no
which concerns its nature and quality, is separation from the Bounty of God and
-
distinguished from all other things. I t is ' The Manifestation.
174 T H E B A H A. ' I WORLD
the Lordly Splendor. In thc aarrle way the plane of thc rational soul-the spirit and
orb of the sun has no separation from the mind. So the saying "I was asleep and the
light. Therefore it may he said that the divine breezes passed over me and I awoke,"
ascension of the Holy Manifestation is is like Christ's saying: "The body is sad
simply the leaving of this elemental form. and the spirit is happy," or again: "I am
For example, if a lamp illumines this niche, afflicted, or I am at ease, or I am troubled"
and if its light ceases to illuminate it he- -these refer to the physical condition, and
cause the niche is destroyed, the bounty of have no reference to the individual reality
the lamp is not cut off. Briefly, in the nor to the manifestation of the Divine Re-
Holy Manifestations the Pre-existent Bounty ality. Thus consider what thousands of
is like the light, the individuality is repre- vicissitudes can happen to the body of man,
sented by the glass globe, and the human but the spirit is not affected by them; it
hody is like the niche: if the niche is de- may even be that some members of the
stroyed, the lamp continues to burn. The body are entirely crippled, but the essence
Divine Manifestations are so many different of the mind remains and is everlasting. A
mirrors, because they have a special indi- thousand accidents may happen to a gar-
viduality, but that which is reflected in the ment, bnt for the wearer of it there is no
mirrors is one sun. I t is clear that the danger. These words which Bah6'u'llih
reality of Christ is different from that of said: "I was asleep, and the breeze passed
Moses. over me and awakened me," refer to the
Verily from the beginning that Holy hody.
Reality is conscious of the secret of ex- In the world of God there is no past, no
istence, and from the age of childhood signs future, and no present; all are one. So
of greatness appear and are visible in him. when Christ said: "In the beginning was
Therefore how can it be that with all these the Word"--that means it was, is, and shall
bounties and perfections he should have be; for in the world of God there is no time.
no consciousness? Time has sway over creatures, but not over
We have mentioned that the Holy Mani- God. For example, in the prayer he says:
festations have three planes. The physical "Thy name is hallowed"; the meaning is
condition, the individual reality, and the that Thy name was, is, and shall be hal-
center of the appearance of perfection: it lowed. Morning, noon, and evening are
is like the sun, its heat and its light. Other related to this earth, but in the sun there
individuals have the physical plane, the is neither morning, noon, nor evening.
1 The Manifestation. Some Answered Questions.

THE KNOWLEDGE OF THE DIVINE MANIFESTATIONS

Question.--One of the powers possessed the heart. The circle of this knowledge is
by the Divine Manifestations is knowledge: very limited, because it depends upon effort
to what extent is it limited? and attainment.
Answer.-Knowledge is of two kinds: But the second.sort of knowledge, which
one is subjective, and the other objective is the knowledge of being, is intuitive, it
knowledge; that is to say, an intuitive is like the cognizance and consciousness that
knowledge and a knowledge derived from man has of himself.
perception. For example, the mind and the spirit of
man are cognizant of the conditions and
T H E lrnowledge of things which men states of the members and component parts
universally have, is gained by reflection or of the body, and are aware of all the physi-
by evidence: that is to say, either by the cal sensations; in the same way they are
power of the mind the conception of an aware of their power, of their feelings, and
object is formed, or from beholding an oh- of their spiritual conditions. This is the
ject the form is produced in the mirror of lrnowledge of being which man realizes and
EXCERPTS FROM B A H A ' ~SACRED WRITINGS 175

perceives; for the spirit surrounds the body, which proceed- from the realities of things,
and is aware of its sensations and powers. and he will certainly not be able to establish
This knowledge is not the outcome of effort a religion conformable to the facts and
and study; it is an existing thing, it is an suited to the conditions. The Prophets of
absolute gift. God, the universal Manifestations, are like
Since the Sanctified Realities, the univer- skilled physicians, and the contingent world
sal Manifestations of God, surround the is like the body of man: the divine laws
essence and qualities of the creatures, tran- are the remedy and treatment. Conse-
scend and contain existing realities and quently the doctor must be aware of, and
understand all things, therefore their knowl- know, all the members and parts, as well
edge is divine knowledge, and not acquired: as the constitution and state of the pa-
that is to say, it is a holy bounty, it is a tient, so that he can prescribe a medicine
divine revelation. which will be beneficial against the violent
We will mention an example, expressly poison of the disease. In reality the doctor
for the purpose of comprehending this sub- deduces from the disease itself the treat-
ject. The most noble being on the earth ment which is suited to the patient, for he
is man. He embraces the animal, vegetable, diagnoses the malady, and afterwards pre-
and mineral kingdoms: that is to say, these scribes the remedy for the illness. Until
conditions are contained in him to such an the malady be discovered, how can the
extent that he is the possessor of these con- remedy and treatment be prescribed? The
ditions and states; he is aware of their mys- doctor then must have a thorough knowl-
teries and of the secrets of their existence. edge of the constitution, members, organs,
This is simply an example, and not an and state of the patient, and be acquainted
analogy. Briefly, the universal Manifesta- with all diseases and all remedies, in order
tions of God are aware of the reality of the to prescribe a fitting medicine.
mysteries of beings, therefore they establish Religion, then, is the necessary connec-
laws which are suitable and adapted to the tion which emanates from the reality of
state of the world of man; for religion is things; and as the universal Manifestations
the essential connection which proceeds of God are aware of the mysteries of be-
from the realities of things. The Mani- ings, therefore they understand this essen-
festation, that is, the Holy Lawgiver, unless tial connection, and by this knowledge
he is aware of the realities of beings, will estahlish the Law of God.
not comprehend the essential connection Some Answered Questions.

THE UNIVERSAL CYCLES

Question.-What is the real explanation rences. When a cycle is ended, a new cycle
of the cycles which occur in the world of begins, and the old one, on account of the
existence? great events which take place, is completely
Answer.-Each one of the lun~inous forgotten, and not a trace or record of it
bodies in this limitless firmament has a will remain. As you see, we have no records
cycle of revolution which is of a different of twenty thousand years ago, although we
duration, and every one revolves in its own have before proved by argument that life
orbit, and again begins a new cycle. So the on this earth is very ancient. I t is not one
earth, every three hundred and sixty-five hundred thousand, or two hundred thou-
days, five hours, forty-eight minutes and a sand, or one million or two million years
fraction, completes a revolution; and then old; it is very ancient, and the ancient rec-
it begins a new cycle, that is to say, the ords and traces are entirely obliterated.
first cycle is again renewed. In the same
way, for the whole universe, whether for E A C H of the Divine Manifestations has
the heavens or for men, there are cycles of likewise a cycle, and during the cycle his
great events, of important facts and occur- laws and commandments prevail and are
EXCERPTS FROM BAHA'I: SACRED WRITINGS 177

performed. When his cycle is complctcd Manifestations appear with splendor in the
by the appearance of a new Manifestation, realm of the visible, until a great and uni-
a new cycle begins. I n this way cycles versal Manifestation makes the world the
begin, end, and are renewed, until a uni- center of his radiance. His appearance
versal cycle is completed in the world, when causes the world to attain to maturity, and
important events and great occurrences will the extension of his cycle is very great.
take place which entirely efface every trace Afterwards other Manifestations will arise
and every record of the past; then a new under his shadow, who according t o the
universal cycle begins in the world, for this needs of che time will renew certain com-
universe has no beginning. We have be- mandments relating to material questions
fore stated proofs and evidences concerning and affairs, while remaining under his
this subject; there is no need of repetition. shadow.
Briefly, we say a universal cycle in the We are in the cycle which began with
world of existence signifies a long duration Adam, and its universal Manifestation is
of time, and innumerable and incalculable BahA'u'llih.
periods and epochs. I n such a cycle the Sonre Answered Qxertions.
PART TWO
THE WORLD ORDER OF
BAHA'U'LLAH
PRESENT-DAY ADMINISTRATION OF T H E
BAHA'I FAITH
INTRODUCTORY STATEMENT

By Horace Holley

I T HAS been the general characteristic of and sympathetic, offering a foundation upon
religion that organization marks the inter- which reconciliation can he firmly based.
ruption of the true spiritual influence and Amid the complex interrelations of govern-
serves to prevent the original impulse from ments, the religion stands absolutely neu-
being carried into the world. The organi- tral as to political purposes and entirely
zation has invariably become a substitute for obedient to all recognized authority. I t
religion rather than a method or an instru- will not he overlooked by the student that
ment used to give the religion effect. The Bahl'u'lllh is the only religious teacher
separation of peoples into different traditions making obedience to just governments and
unbridged by any peaceful or constructive rulers a definite spiritual command.
intercourse has made this inevitable. Up to In this brief analysis of the several fea-
the present time, in fact, no Founder of a tures of the Bahl'i system of administration
revealed religion has explicitly laid down the the purpose is rather to place in the hands
principles that should guide the administra- of the believers themselves a convenient
tive machinery of the Faith He has estab- summary of the available instructions than
lished. to clarify this aspect of the teachings to
In the Bahi'i Cause, the principles of the non-Bah6'i. Until one has made con-
world administration were expressed by Ba- tact with the spirit of the Bah6'i teachings
hl'u'lllh, and these principles were developed and desires to cooperate wholeheartedly with
in the writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahi, more espe- their purpose, the administrative phase of
cially in His Will and Testament. the Faith can have little real meaning or
The purpose of this organization is t o appeal.
make possible a true and lasting unity among At the time of the passing of 'Abdu'l-
peoples of different races, classes, interests, Bah6, the organization was fully defined
characters, and inherited creeds. A close but not yet established among His follow-
and sympathetic study of this aspect of the ers. The responsibility for carrying out
Bahi'i Cause will show that the purpose the instructions was placed by 'Abdu'l-
and method of Bahl'i administration is so Bah6 upon His grandson, Shoghi Effendi, to
perfectly adapted to the fundamental spirit whom was assigned the function of "Guard-
of the Revelation that it bears to it the ian of the Cause." Obedience to the au-
same relationship as body to soul. In char- thority of the Guardian was definitely en-
acter, the principles of Bah6'i administra- joined upon all Bahh'is by 'Abdu'l-Bahi,
tion represent the science of cooperation; but this authority carries with it nothing of
in application, they provide for a new and an arbitrary or personal character, being
higher type of morality worldwide in scope. limited as to purpose and method by the
In the clash and confusion of sectarian writings of Bahl'u'llih and ' ~ b d u ' l - ~ a h l .
prejudice, the Bahl'i religion is impartial The Guardian unifies the efforts to bring
182 THE BAHA'I WORLD

into complete ~pplication thow principles and agreement as to the methods by which
of world administration already clearly de- these aims can be advanced.
fined. A Bahb'i community differs from other
To assist the Guardian in his manifold voluntary gatherings in that its foundation
responsibilities and duties and particularly is so deeply laid and broadly extended that
in the promotion of the teaching work, 'Ab- it can include any sincere soul. Whereas
du'l-Bah6 provided for the appoii~tmentof other associations are exclusive, in effect if
a group of co-workers to be known as "The not in intention, and from method if not
Hands of the Cause of God." The appoint- from ideal, BahCi association is inclusive,
ment of this body is a function of the shutting the gates of fellowship to no sin-
Guardian, and these from their own num- cere soul. I n every gathering there is latent
ber are to elect nine persons who will be or developed some basis of selection. In
closely associated with the Guardian in the religion this basis is a creed limited by the
discharge of his duties. I t is the function historical nature of its origin; in politics
of the Guardian also to appoint his own this is party or platform; in economics this
successor, this appointment to be ratified is a mutual misfortune or mutual power;
by the nine Hands of the Cause. in the arts and sciences this basis consists of
I t is the genius of the Bahb'i Faith that special training or activity or interest. In
the principle underlying the administration all these matters, the more exclusive the
of its affairs aims to improve the life and basis of selection, the stronger the move-
upbuild the character of the individual be- ment-a condition diametrically opposed to
liever in his own local community, wher- that existing in the Bah6'i Cause. Hence
ever it may be, and not to enhance the the Cause, for all its spirit of growth and
prestige of those relatively few who, by progress, develops slowly as regards the num-
election or appointment, hold positions of bers of its active adherents. For people
higher authority. Bahi'i authority is meas- are accustomed to exclusiveness and divi-
ured by self-sacrifice and not by arbitrary sion in all affairs. The important sanctions
power. This fundamental aim can be seen have ever been warrants and justifications
clearly on studying the significant emphasis of division. To enter the BahCi religion
which 'Abdu'l-Bah6 placed upon the local is to leave these sanctions behind-an ex-
Bahi'i community. The local group, in- perience which at first invariably exposes
volving as it does men and women in all one to new trials and sufferings, as the hu-
the normal activities and relations of life, man ego revolts against the supreme sanc-
is the foundation upon which rests the en- tion of universal love. The scientific must
tire evolution of the Cause. The local Ba- associate with the simple and unlearned,
h9'i community is given ofiicial recognition the rich with the poor, the white with the
only after its number of adult declared be- colored, the mystic with the literalist, the
lievers has become nine or more. Up t o Christian with the Jew, the Muslim with
this point, the community exists as a vol- the Parsee: and on terms removing the ad-
untary group of worlrers and students of vantage of long established presumptions
the Cause. and privileges.
In this connection, the word "commu- But for this difficult experience there are
nity" is not used in the sense of any local- glorious compensations. Let us remember
ity, exclusively Bahi'i in membership, nor that art grows sterile as it turns away from
of any manner of living differing outwardly the common humanity, that philosophy like-
from the general environment, such as has wise loses its vision when developed in soli-
been attempted by religionists and also tude, and that politics and religion never
members of philosopl~icand economic move- succeed apart from the general needs of
ments in the past. A BahCi community is mankind. Human nature is not yet known,
a unity of minds and hearts, an association for we have all lived in a state of mental,
of people entirely voluntary in character, moral, emotional or social defense, and the
established upon a common experience of psychology of defense is the psychology of
devotion to the universal aims of BahPu'llih inhibition. But the love of God removes
THE WORLD ORDE

fear; the removal of fear establishes the safed to them. In this day, Assemblies of
latent powers, and association with others consultation are of the greatest importance
in spiritual love brings these powers into and a vital necessity. Obedience unto them
vital, positive expression. A Bah6'i com- is essential and obligatory. The members
munity is a gathering where this process thereof must take counsel together in such
can take place in this age, slowly at first, wise that no occasion for ill-feeling or dis-
as the new impetus gathers force, more cord may arise. This can be attained when
ropidly as the members become conscious every member expresses with absolute free-
of the powers unfolding the flower of unity dom his own opinion and setteth forth his
among men. argument. Should anyone oppose, he must
Where the community is small and insig- on no account feel hurt, for not until mat-
nificant, in comparison with the population ters are fully discussed can the right way
of the city or town, the first condition of be revealed. The shining spark of truth
growth is understanding of the Manifesta- cometh forth only after the clash of differ-
tion of Bahh'u'llih, and the next condition ing opinions. If after discussion a decision
is that of true humility. If these two con- be carried unanimously, well and good; but
ditions exist, the weakest soul becomes en- if, the Lord forbid, differences of opinion
dowed with effective power in service to should arise, a majority of voices must pre-
the Cause. The result of unity, in fact, is vail.
to share the powers and faculties of all with "The first condition is absolute love and
each. harmony amongst the members of the As-
The responsibility for and supervision of sembly. They must be wholly free from
local Bahh'i affairs is vested in a body estrangement and must manifest in them-
known as the Spiritual Assembly. This selves the Unity of God, for they are the
body (limited to nine members) is elected waves of one sea, the drops of one river, the
annually on April Zlst, the first day of stars of one heaven, the rays of one sun, the
Ridvln (the Festival commemorating the trees of one orchard, the flowers of one gar-
Declaration of Bahh'u'llih) by the adult den. Should harmony of thought and abso-
declared believers of the community, the lute unity be non-existent, that gathering
voting list being drawn up by the outgoing shall be dispersed and that Assembly be
Spiritual Assembly. Concerning the char- brought to naught.
acter and fuactions of this body, 'Abdu'l- "The second condition: They must when
Bah6 has written as follows: coming together turn their faces to the
"It is incumbent upon everyone (every Kingdom on high and ask aid from the
believer) not t o take any step (of Bahh'i realm of Glory. . .. Discussions must all be
activity) without consulting the Spiritual c o n h e d to spiritual matters that pertain to
Assembly, and they must assuredly obey the training of souls, the instruction of
with heart and soul its bidding and be sub- children, the relief of the poor, the help
missive unto it, that things may be properly of the feeble throughout all classes in the
ordered and well arranged. Otherwise every world, kindness to all peoples, the diffusion
person will act independently and, after his of the fragrances of God and the exaltation
own judgment, will follow his own desire, of His Holy Word. Should they endeavor
and do harm to the Cause. to fulfil these conditions the grace of the
"The prime requisites for them that take Holy Spirit shall be vouchsafed unto them
counsel together are purity of motive, radi- and that Assembly shall become the center
ance of spirit, detachment from all else of the divine blessings, and hosts of divine
save God, attraction to His divine fra- confirmation shall come to their aid, and
grance, humility and lowliness amongst His they shall day by day receive a new effu-
loved ones, patience and long-suffering in sion of spirit."
difficulties and servitude to His exalted The letters of Shoghi Effendi quote the
Threshold. Should they be graciously aided fundamental instructions contained in the
to acquire these attributes, victory from the writings of Bah6'u'llhh and 'Abdu'l-Bah6 on
unseen Kingdom of Bah6 shall be vouch- the character of Bahi'i administration, and
184 THE B A H A. ' f WORLD
give then1 definite application: "A careful will have to be referred to a special Corn-
study of Bahh'u'llih's and 'Abdu'l-Bahi's mittee, responsible to that Assembly, elected
Tablets will reveal that other duties (besides by it from among the friends in that local-
teaching the Cause), no less vital to the in- ity, and upon whose work the Assembly
terests of the Cause, devolve upon the will have to exercise constant and general
elected representatives of the friends in every supervision.
locality. "In every locality, be it city or hamlet,
"They must endeavor to promote amity where the number of adult declared be-
and concord amongst the friends and secure lievers exceed nine, a local Spiritual Assem-
an active and wholehearted cooperation for bly nlust be forthwith established.
the service of the Cause. "As the progress and extension of spirit-
"They must do their utmost to extend at ual activities is dependent and conditioned
all times the helping hand t o the poor, the upon material means, it is of absolute neces-
sick, the disabled, the orphan, the widow, sity that immediately after the establish-
irrespective of color, caste and creed. ment of local as well as national Spiritual
"They must promote by every means in Assemblies, a Bahi'i Fund be established, to
their power the material as well as spiritual be placed under the exclusive control of
enlightenment of youth, the means for the the Spiritual Assembly. All donations and
education of children; institute, whenever contributions should be offered to the
possible, Bahi'i educational institutions; or- Treasurer of the Assembly, for the express
ganize and supervise their work, and pro- purpose of promoting the interests of the
vide the best means for their progress and Cause throughout that locality or country.
development. . . . I t is the sacred obligation of every con-
"They must bend every effort to promote scientious and faithful servant of Bahi'u-
the interests of the Ma&riqu'l-A&k&r (that 'Ilih, who desires to see His Cause advance,
is, House of Worsbip)l and hasten the day t o contribute freely and generously for the
when the work of this glorious Edifice"il1 increase of that Fund. The members of
have been consummated. the Spiritual Assembly will at their own
"They must encourage and stimulate by discretion expand it to promote the teach-
every meails at their command, through ing campaign, to help the needy, to estab-
subscriptions, reports and articles, the de- lish educational Bahi'i institutions, to ex-
velopment of the various Bahh'i magazines. tend in every way their sphere of service.
"They must undertake the arrangement "Nothing whatever should be given to
of the regular meetings of the friends, the the public by any individual among the
feasts and anniversaries, as well as the spe- friends, unless fully considered and ap-
cial gatherings designed to serve and pro- proved by the Spiritual Assembly in his
mote the social, intellectual and spiritual locality; and, if this (as is undoubtedly the
interests of their fellowmen. case) is a matter that pertains to the general
"They must supervise in these days when interests of the Cause in that land, then it
the cause is still in its infancy all Bahi'i is incumbent upon the Spiritual Assembly
publications and translations, and provide in to submit it to the consideration and ap-
general for a dignified and accurate presen- proval of the National Body representing
tation of all Bah6'i literature and its distri- all the various local Assemblies. Not only
bution to the general public. with regard to publication, but all matters
"These rank among the most outstanding without any exception whatsoever, regard-
obligations of the members of every Spirit- ing the interests of the Cause in that lo-
ual Assembly. I n whatever locality the cality, individually or collectively, should
Cause has sufficiently expanded, and in be referred exclusively to the Spiritual As-
order to insure efficiency and avoid con- sembly in that locality, which shall decide
fusion, each of these manifold functions upon it, unless it be a matter of national
- interest, in which case it shall be referred
1 Referring ia Spiritual Assemblies in to the National (Bah6'i) Body. With this
America.
2 On rhe shore of Lake Michigan.
National Body also will rest the decision
whether a given question is of local or that the nine elected members shall exem-
national interest. (By national affairs is plify diverse interests and types of charac-
not meant matters that are political in ter, with the result that unity of heart
their character, for the friends of God the and conscience with the other eight mem-
world over are strictly forbidden to meddle bers is a direct training to enter into spirit-
with political affairs in any way whatever, ual unity with the larger body of mankind.
but rather things that affect the spiritual No such schools of discipline and inspira-
activities of the body of the friends in that tion exist on earth today, for one must
land.) bear in mind that a Bahh'i community can
"Full harmony, however, as well as co- never be an exclusive group nor a cloard
operation among the various local Assem- circle of interests but, on the contrary, its
blies and the members themselves, and par- fundamental purpose is to unify and co-
ticularly between each Assembly and the operate with every possible element in the
National Body is of the utmost importance, surrounding population.
for upon it depends the unity of the Cause The local Spiritual Assembly after elec-
of God, the solidarity of the friends, the tion organizes by electing from its own
full, speedy and efficient working of the number a chairman, corresponding secre-
spiritual activities of His loved ones. tary, recording secretary and treasurer. I t
"The various Assemblies, local and na- should appoint from its own members or
tional, constitute today the bedrock upon from the local Bahh'i community working
the strength of which the Universal House committees responsible for the various per-
(of Justice) is in future to be firmly estab- manent activities of the Cause.
lished and raised. Not until these function Since a Spiritual Assembly is established
vigorously and harmoniously can the hope upon a new and higher ideal, the character,
for the thrmination of this period of tran- knowledge and purity of its members is es-
.
sition he realized. . . Bear in mind that the sential to success. Wherever personal ambi-
keynote of the Cause of God is not dic- tion, narrowness or impurity enters a Spir-
tatorial authority, but humble fellowship; itual Assembly, the results are invariably to
not arbitrary power, but the spirit of frank check the growth of the Cause and, if these
and loving consultation. Nothing short of conditions are prolonged, to destroy the
the spirit of a true Bahh'i can hope to foundation already laid. The careful stu-
reconcile the principles of mercy and jus- dent of the teachings will accept this result
tice, of freedom and submission, of the as one more vindication of the all-surround-
sanctity of the right of the individual and ing spirit protecting this Faith. The
of self -surrender, of vigilance, discretion elimination of an unworthy group from the
and prudence on the one hand, and fellow- Bahh'i Cause would be a hitter disappoint-
ship, candor, and courage on the other.'' ment but not an evidence that the Cause
Experience in the life of a Bahh'i com- had failed. On the contrary, the Cause
munity and participation in the details of could only be declared a failure if personal
its several activities impresses one with the ambition, pride, narrowness and impurity
fact that Bahh'i unity has in it new ele- should so prevail as to build a world-wide
ments which work powerfully to expand organization able to pervert the original
one's area of sympathy, deepen one's insight, purpose.
develop one's character and bring order and The local Spiritual Assemblies of a coun-
stability into all of one's affairs. There try are linked together and co-ordinated
can be no higher privilege than the experi- through another elected body of nine mem-
ence of attempting t o serve faithfully upon bers, the National Spiritual Assembly. This
a Spiritual Assembly, conscious as its mem- body comes into being by means of an an-
bers are of the unique standard upheld by nual election held by elected delegates
'Abdu'l-Bah6 and bringing as it does the representing the local Bahh'i communities.
opportunity of dealing with :, large range The delegates are elected by all the adult
and diversity of human problems from an declared believers of a community in which
impersonal point of view. I t is inevitable a Spiritual Assembly exists. The National
186 T H E B A H A. ' f WORLD
Convention in which the delegates are in general the affairs of the Cause i n that
gathered together is composed of an elec- country.
tive body based upon the principle of pro- "It serves also another purpose, no less
portional representation. The total num- essential than the first, as in the course of
ber of delegates is fixed by Shoghi Effendi time it shall evolve into the National House
for each country, and this number is ful- of Justice (referred to in 'Abdu'l-Bahi's
filled by assigning to each local community Will as the 'Secondary House of Justice')
the number of delegates called for by its which according to the explicit text of the
relative numerical strength. These National Testonzent will have, in conjunction with
Coll~entions are preIerably held during the other National Assemblies throughout
the period of Ridvln, the twelve days be- the Bahh'i world, to elect directly the mem-
ginning April 21, which commemorate the bers of the International or Universal House
Declaration made by Bahb'u'lllh in the of Justice, that Supreme Council that will
Garden of RidvIn near Baddid. The guide, organize and unify the affairs of the
recognition of delegates is vested in the Movement throughout the world.
outgoing National Spiritual Assembly. "This National Spiritual Assembly which,
A National Convention is an occasion for pending the establishment of the Universal
deepening one's understanding of Bah6'i ac- House of Justice, will have to be re-elected
tivities and of sharing reports of national once a year, obviously assumes grave re-
and local activities for the period of the sponsibilities for it has to exercise full au-
elapsed year. I t has been the custom to thority over all the local Assemblies in its
hold a public Bah6'i Congress in connection province, and will have to direct the ac-
with the Convention. The function of a tivities of the friends, guard vigilantly the
Bahl'i delegate is limited to the duration of Cause of God, and control and supervise
the National Convention and participation the affairs of the Movement in general.
in the election of the new National Spirit- "Vital issues, affecting the interests of
ual Assembly. While gathered together, the the Cause in that country, such as the mat-
delegates are a consultative and advisory ter of translation and publication, the
body whose recommendations are to be Mahriqu'l-AdJkir, the teaching work, and
carefully considered by the members of the other similar matters that stand distinct
elected National Spiritual Assembly. from strictly local affairs, must be under
Delegates unable to attend the Conven- the full jurisdiction of the National As-
tion in person are permitted to vote for the sembly.
new National Spiritual Assembly by mail. "It will have to refer each of these ques-
The relation of the National Spiritual As- tions, even as the local Assemblies, to a
sembly to the local Spiritual Assemblies and special committee, to be elected by the
to the body of the believers in the country members of the National Spiritual Assembly
is thus defined in the letters of the Guard- from among all the friends in that country,
ian of the Cause: which will bear to it the same relations as
"Regarding the establishment of National the local committees bear to their respective
Assemblies, it is of vital importance that in local Assemblies.
every country, where the conditions are fa- "With it, too, rests the decision whether
vorable and the number of the friends has a certain point at issue is strictly local in
grown and reached a considerable size-- its nature, and should be reserved for the
that a National Spiritual Assembly be im- consideration and decision of the local As-
mediately established, representative of the sembly, or whether it should fall under its
friends throughout that country. own province and be a matter which ought
"Its immediate purpose is to stimulate, to receive its special attention.
unify and co-ordinate, by frequent personal "It is the bounden duty, in the interest of
consultations, the manifold activities of the the Cause we all love and serve, of the mem-
friends as well as the local Assemblies; and bers of the incoming National Assembly,
by keeping in close and constant touch with once elected by the delegates at Convention
the Holy Land, initiate measures, and direct time, t o seek and have the utmost regard,
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 187

individually as well as collectively, foti the sufficient thoroughness, efficiency and dis-
advice, the considered opinion and the true patch. I t would also appear to me unob-
sentiments of the assembled delegates. Ban- jectionable to enable and even to require
ishing every vestige of secrecy, of undue in the last resort such delegates as cannot
reticence, of dictatorial aloofness from their possibly undertake the journey to the seat
midst, they should radiantly and abundantly of the Bahl'i Convention to send their
unfold to the eyes of the delegates by whom votes, for the election of the National Spir-
they were elected, their plans, their hopes itual Assembly only, by mail to the Na-
and their cares. They should familiarize the tional Secretary."
delegates with the various matters that will Concerning the matter of drawing up the
have to be considered in the current year, voting list to be used at the annual local
and calmly and conscientiously study and Bahl'i elections, the responsibility for this
weigh the opinions and judgmemlts of the is placed upon each local Spiritual Assembly,
delegates. The newly elected National As- and as a guidance in the matter the Guard-
sembly, during the few days when the Con- ian has written the following:
vention is in session, and after the dispersion "To state very briefly and as adequately
of the delegates, should seek ways and means as present circumstances permit, the prin-
to cultivate understanding, facilitate and cipal factors that must he taken into con-
maintain the exchange of views, deepen sideration before deciding whether a person
confidence, and vindicate by every tangible may be regarded a true believer or not: Full
evidence their one desire to serve and ad- recognition of the station of the Forerunner,
vance the common weal. the Author and the True Exemplar of the
"The National Spiritual Assembly, how- Bahh'i Cause, as set forth in 'Abdu'l-Bahd's
ever, in view of the unavoidable limitations Will and Testament; unreserved acceptance
imposed upon the convening of frequent of and submission t o whatsoever has been
and long-standing sessions of the Conven- revealed hy their Pen; loyal and steadfast
tion, will have to retain in its hands the adherence to every clause of our Beloved's
final decision on all matters that affect the sacred Will; and close association with the
interests of the Cause-such as the right spirit as well as the form of the present-day
to decide whether any local Assembly is Bahb'i administration-these I conceive to
functioning in accordance with the prin- be the fundamental and primary considera-
ciples laid down for the conduct and the tions that must t e fairly, discreetly and
advancement of the Cause. thoughtfully ascertained before reaching
"The seating of delegates to the Conven- such a vital decision."
tion (that is, the right to decide upon the 'Abdu'l-Bahi's instructions provide for
validity of the credentials of the delegates the further development of Bahi'i organi-
at a given Convention), is vested in the zation through an International Spiritual
outgoing National Assembly, and the right Assembly t o be elected by the members of
to decide who has the voting privilege is the National Spiritual Assemblies. This
also ultimately placed in the hands of the international body has not yet come into
National Spiritual Assembly, either when a existence, but its special character has been
local Spiritual Assembly is for the first time clearly defined:
being formed in a given locality, or when "And now, concerning the Assembly
differences arise between a new applicant (Baytu'l-'Ad'l: that is, House of Justice)
and an already established local Assembly. which God hath ordained as the source of
"Were the National Spiritual Assembly all good and freed from all error, it must
to decide, after mature deliberation, to omit be elected by universal suffrage, that is, by
the holding of the Bahh'i Convention and the believers. Its members ,nust be mani-
Congress in a given year, then they could, festations of the fear of God, and day-
only in such a case, devise ways and means springs of knowledge and understanding,
to insure that the annual election of the must be steadfast in God's Faith, and the
National Spiritual Assembly should be held well-wishers of all mankind. By this As-
by mail, provided it can be conducted with sembly is meant the Universal Assembly:
188 THE BAHA'f WORLD

that is, in each country a secondary Assem- ception of religion i,s one which combines
bly must be instituted, and these secondary mysticism, which is a sacred personal experi-
Assemblies must elect the members of the ence, with practical morality, which is a
Universal one. useful contact between the individual and
"Unto this body all things must be re- his fellow man. In the nature of things,
ferred. I t enacteth all ordinances and regu- some souls are more advanced than others,
lations that are not to he found in the ex- and the function of spiritual teaching is
plicit Holy Text. By this body all the given special importance in the writings of
difficult problems are to be resolved, and Bahl'u'llih and 'Abdu'l-Bahb. The Bahl'i
the Guardian of the Cause is its sacred head teacher, however, has no authority over the
and the distinguished member, for life, of individual conscience. The individual con-
that body. Should he not attend in person science must he subordinated to the deci-
its deliberations, he must appoint one to sions of a duly elected Spiritual Assembly,
represent him. ... This assembly enacteth but this relationship is entirely different in
the laws and the executive enforceth them. character and results from the relationship
The legislative body must reinforce the ex- of an individual with minister or priest.
ecutive, the executive must aid and assist The third characteristic is the absence of
the legislative body, so that, through the internal factionalism, that bane of all or-
close union and harmony of these two ganized effort, and the sure sign of the
forces, the foundation of fairness and jus- presence of spiritual disease. The pre-
tice may become firm and strong, that all dominant spirit of unity which distinguishes
the regions of the world may become even the Bahi'i Cause in its relation to the world,
as Paradise itself. making its followers strive for reconcilia-
"Unto the Most Holy Book everyone tion rather than partisan victory, creates
must turn, and all that is not expressly re- an internal condition, unlike that which ex-
corded therein must be referred to the Uni- ists in movements which accept partisan
versal Assembly. That which this body, victory, in one or another form, as their
either unanimously or by a majority, doth very reason for being. Such movements
carry, that is verily the truth and the can but disintegrate from within; the
purpose of God Himself. Whoso doth Bahl'i Order can but grow.
deviate therefrom is verily of them that Significant also is the fourth characteris-
love discord, hath shown forth malice and tic, namely, that the Bahl'i Cause has
turned away from the Lord of the Cove- within it an inherent necessity operating
nant." slowly but surely to bring its administra-
Even at the present time, the Bahi'i's in tidn into the hands of those truly fitted for
all parts of the world maintain an intimate the nature of the work. The lesser vision
and cordial association by means of regular gives way invariably for the larger vision,
correspondence and individual visits. This itself replaced by the still larger vision in
contact of members of different races, na- due time. The result is an inevitable im-
tionalities and religious traditions is con- provement in the qualities placed at the
crete proof that the burden of prejudice service of the Cause, until the highest at-
and the historical factors of division can he tributes of humanity will be enrolled. I n
entirely overcome through the spirit of one- the Bahl'i Cause we are actually witness-
ness established by Bah6'u'llih. ing the fulfilment of that strange and, cryp-
The general student of religion will not tic saying, "The meek shall inherit the
fail to note four essential characteristics of earth."
Bahi'i administration. The first is its com- That the administrative machinery is not
pletely successful reconciliation of the usu- an end in itself but merely the means to
ally opposed claims of democratic freedom spread everywhere the light of faith and
and unancwerahle authority. The second is brotherhood, is frequently expressed by the
the entire absence from the Bahl'i Cause of Guardian in his general letters, and this
anything approaching the institution of a brief survey may well close with one of
salaried professional clergy. The Bahl'i con- those passages:
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 189

"Not by thr forrp of nxmbevs, not by of the Abhi Revelation. One t&g and
the mere exposition of a set of new and only one thing will unfailingly and alone
noble principles, not by an organized cnm- secure the undoubted triumph of this sacred
paign of teaching-no matter how world- Cause, namely the extent to which our own
wide and elaborate in its character-not innev life and private character mirror forth
e v n by the staunchness of our faith or the in their manifold aspects the splendor of
exaltation of o w elzthsiasnt, can we ulti- those eternal principles proclaimed by
mately hope to vindicate is the eyes of a Bahd's'llih."
critical nfzd skeptical age the supreme clainc

A PROCEDURE FOR THE CONDUCT OF THE LOCAL
SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY

Adopted by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of the
United States and Canada

wise every person will act independently
and after his own judgment, will follow his
"A perusal of some of the words of own desire, and do harm to the Cause.
Bah6'u'llAh and 'Abdu'l-Bahi on the duties "The prime requisites for them that take
and functions of the Spiritual Assemblies counsel together are purity of motive, radi-
in every land (later to be designated as ance of spirit, detachment from all else save
the local Houses of Justice), emphatically God, attraction to His Divine Fragrance,
reveals the sacrcdncss of their nature, the humility and lowliness amongst His loved
wide scope of their activity, and the grave ones, patience and long-suffering in difficul-
responsibility which rests upon them."- ties and servitude to His exalted Threshold.
SHOGHIEFFENDI,March 7, 1922. Should they be graciously aided to acquire
these attributes, victory from the unseen
"The Lord hath ordained that in every Kingdom of Bah6 shall be vouchsafed to
city a House of Justice be established them. I n this day, Assemblies of consulta-
wherein shall gather counsellors to the num- tion are of the greatest importance and a
.
ber of Bahl. . . I t bebooveth them to be vital necessity. Obedience unto them is es-
the trusted ones of the Merciful among men sential and obligatory. The members there-
and to regard themselves as the guardians of must take counsel together in such wise
appointed of God for all that dwell on that no occasio~~ for ill-feeling or discord
earth. I t is iucumbmt upon them to take may arise. This can be attained when every
counsel together and to have regard for member expresseth with absolute freedom
the interests of the servants of God, for his own opinion and setteth forth his argu-
His sake, even as they regard their own ment. Should any one oppose, he must on
interests, and to choose that which is meet no account feel hurt for not until matters
and seemly. Thus hath the Lord your God are fully discussed can the right way be
commanded you. Beware lest ye put away revealed. The shining spark of truth cometh
that which is clearly revealed in His Tablet. forth only after the clash of differing opin-
Fear God, 0 ye that perceive."- BAHX- ions. If, after discussion, a decision be car-
U'LL~H. ried unanimously, well and good; but if, the
"It is incumbent upon every one not to Lord forbid, differences of opinion should
take any step without consulting the Spir- arise a majority of voices must prevail. . .
.
itual Assembly, and they must assuredly "The first condition is absolute love and
obey with heart and soul its bidding and be harmony amongst the members of the As-
submissive unto it, that things may be sembly. They must be wholly free from
properly ordered and well arranged. Other- estrangement and must manifest in them-
190 T H E BAHA'f WORLD

selves the Unity of God, for they are the rhey shall day by day receive a new effusion
waves of one sea, the drops of one river, the of S P ~ ~ ~ ~ . " - ' A B D ~ ' L - B A H ~ .
stars of one heaven, the rays of one sun, "The importance, nay the absolute neces-
the trees of one orchard, the flowers of one sity of these local Assemblies is manifest
garden. Should harmony of thought and when we realize that in the days to come
absolute unity be non-existent, that gather- they will evolve into the local House of
ing shall be dispersed and that Assembly be Justice, and at present provide the firm
brought to naught. The second condition:- foundation on which the structure of the
They must when coming together turn their Master's Will is to be reared in future.
faces to the Kingdom on High and ash aid "In order to avoid division and disrup-
from the Realm of Glory. They must then tion, that the Cause may not fall a prey to
proceed with the utmost devotion, courtesy, conflicting interpretations, and lose thereby
dignity, care and moderation to express its purity and pristine vigor, that its affairs
their views. They must in every matter may be conducted with efficiency and
search out the truth and not insist upon promptness, it is necessary that every one
their own opinion, for stubbornness and per- (that is, every member of the Bahi'i com-
sistence in one's views will lead ultimately munity) should conscientiously take an
to discord and wrangling and the t n ~ t hwill active part in the election of these Assem-
remain hidden. The honored members must blies, abide by their decision, enforce their
with all freedom express their own thoughts, decree, and cooperate with them whole-
and it is in no wise permissible for one to heartedly in their task of stimulating the
belittle the thought of another, nay, he growth of the Movement throughout all
must with moderation set forth the truth, regions. The members of these Assemblies.
and should differences of opinion arise a on their part, must disregard utterly their
majority of voices must prevail, and all own likes and dislikes, their personal inter-
must obey and submit to the majority. I t ests and inclinations, and concentrate their
is again not permitted that any one of the minds upon those measures that will con-
honored members object to or censure, duce to the welfare and happiness of the
whether in or out of the meeting, any Bahi'i community and promote the com-
decision arrived at previously, though that mon weal."-SHOGHI EFFENDI,March 12,
decision be not right, for such criticism 1923.
would prevent any decision from being en- "Let us recall His explicit and often-
forced. In short, whatsoever thing is ar- repeated assurance that every Assembly
ranged in harmony and with love and ~ u r i t y elected in that rarified atmosphere of self-
of motive, its result is light, and should the lessness and detachment is, in truth, ap-
least trace of estrangement prevail the re- pointed of God, that its verdict is truly
sult shall be darkness upon darkness. .. . inspired, that one and all should submit t o
If this be so regarded, that Assembly shall its decision unreservedly and with cheerful-
be of God, but otherwise it shall lead to ness."-SHo~~I EFFENDI, February 23,
coolness and alienation that proceed from 1924.
the Evil One. Discussions must all be con- -
fined to spiritual matters that ~ e r t a i nto the
training of souls, the instruction of chil-
dren, the relief of the poor, the help of the
feeble throughout all classes in the world,
kindness to all peoples, the diffusion of the The various functions of the local Spir-
fragrances of God and the exaltation of His itual Assembly, and its nature as a constitu-
Holy Word. Should rhey endeavor to fulfil tional body, are duly set forth in Article
these conditions the Grace of the Holy VII of the By-Laws of the National Spir-
Spirit shall be vouchsafed unto them, and itual Assembly, and are more definitely de-
that Assembly shall become the center of fined in the By-Laws of a local Spiritual
the Divine blessings, the hosts of Divine Assembly approved by the National Spir-
confirmation shall come to their aid and itual Assembly and recommended by the
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 191

Guardian. Each local Spiritual Assembly, applicants for enrollment a7 members
and ail members of the local Bah6'i com- of the community.
munity, shall be guided and controlled by Closing Prayer.
the provisions of those By-Laws.
C o n d u c t of Business
- A Spiritual Assembly, in maintaining its
11. M E E r l ~ C sOF THE LOCAL s ~ ~ threefold
~ I Tfunction
~ ~of a~ body given (within
ASSEMBLY the limits of its jurisdiction) an executive,
a legislative and a judicial capacity, is
In addition to its observance of the gen-
charged with responsibility for initiating
eral functions vested in the institution of a
Spiritual Assembly, each Spiritual Assembly action and making decisions. Its meetings,
has need of a procedure for the conduct of therefore, revolve around various definite
matters which require deliberation and col-
its meetings. The following items represent
lective decision, and it is incumbent upon
the outline of the parliamentary rules of
the members, one and all, to address them-
procedure which the National Spiritual As-
selves to the subject under discussion and
sembly has adopted and recommends to each
not engage in general speeches of an irrele-
and every local Spiritual Assembly through-
vant character.
out the United States and Canada.
Everv, subiect
, or orohlein before an As-
Calling of Meetings sembly is most efficiently handled when the
A meeting of the Spiritual Assembly is following process is observed: fiust, ascer-
valid only when it has been duly called, that tainment and agreement upon the facts;
is, when each and every member has been second, agreement upon the spiritual or
informed of the time and place. The gen- administrative Teachings which the ques-
eral practice is for the Assembly to decide tion involves; third, full and frank discus-
upon some regular time and place for its sion of the matter, leading up to the offering
meetings throughout the Bahi'i year, and of a resolution; and fourth, voting upon the
this decision when recorded in the Minutes resolution.
is sufficient notice to the members. When A resolution, or motion, is not subject
the regular schedule cannot be followed, or t o discussion or vote until duty made and
the need arises for a special meeting, the seconded. I t is preferable to have each reso-
secretary, on request by the chairman or any lution clear and complete in itself, but when
three members of the Spiritual Assembly, an amendment is duly made and seconded,
should send due notice to all the members. the chairman shall call for a vote on the
amendment first and then on the original
Order of Business motion. An amendment must be relevant
Roll call by the Secretary (or Recording to, and not contravene, the subject matter
Secretary). of the motion.
Prayer. The chairman, or other presiding officer,
Reading and approval of Minutes of has the same power and responsibility for
previous meetings. discussion and voting upon motions as
Report of Secretary (or Corresponding other members of the Assembly.
Secretary), including presentation of Discussion of any matter before the As-
letters received by the Assembly since sembly may be terminated by a motion duly
its last meeting, and of any and all made, seconded and voted calling upon the
recommendations duly adopted by the chairman to put the matter to a vote or to
community at the last Nineteen Day proceed to the next matter on the agenda.
Feast. The purpose of this procedure is to prevent
Report of Treasurer. any member or members from prolonging
Report of Committees. the discussion beyond the point at which
Unfinished business. full opportunity has been given all mem-
New business, including conferences with bers to express their views.
members of the community and with When the Assembly has taken action
192 THE BAHA'I WORLD
upon any matter, t h action
~ is binding upon tion between the Spiritual Assembly and the
all members, whether present or absent from members of the community. The conduct
the meeting at which the action was taken. of the period of consultation at Nineteen
Individual views and opinions must be sub- Day Feasts is a vital function of each Spir-
ordinated to the will of the Assembly when itual Assembly.
a decision has been made. A Spiritual As- From Words of 'Abdu'l-Bahh, "The
sembly is an administrative unit, as it is a Nineteen Day Feast was inaugurated by
spiritual unit, and therefore no distinction the Bib and ratified by Bahi'u'llih, in His
between "majority" and "minority" groups Holy Book, the Aqdas, so that people may
or factions can be recognized. Each mem- gather together and outwardly show fel-
ber must give undivided loyalty to the lowship and love, that the Divine mysteries
institution to which he or she has been may be disclosed. The object is concord,
elected. that through this fellowship hearts may be-
Any action taken by the Assembly can come perfectly united, and reciprocity and
be reconsidered at a later meeting, on mo- mutual helpfulness be established. Because
tion duly made, seconded and carried. This the members of the world of humanity are
reconsideration, according to the result of unable to exist without being banded to-
the consultation, may lead to a revision or gether, cooperation and helpfulness is the
the annulment of the prior action. If a basis of human society. Without the real-
majority is unwilling to reconsider the prior ization of these two great principles no
action, further discussion of the matter by great movement is pressed forward." Lon-
any member is improper. don, England, December 29, 1912. (Quoted
The Assembly has a responsibility in fill- in B A H NEWS~ ~ No. 3 3 . )
ing a vacancy caused by the inability of any The Nineteen Day Feast has been de-
member to attend the meetings. "It is only scribed by the Guardian as the foundation
too obvious that unless a member can attend of the World Order of Bahi'u'llih. I t is to
regularly the meetings of his local Assem- be conducted according to the following
bly, it would be impossible for him to program: the first part, entirely spiritual in
discharge the duties incumbent upon him, character, is devoted to readings from
and to fulfil his responsibilities as a repre- Bahi'i Sacred Writings; the second part
sentative of the community. Membership consists of general consultation on the
in a local Spiritual Assembly carries with it, affairs of the Cause. The third part is the
indeed, the obligation and capacity to re- material feast and social meeting of all the
main in close touch with local Babi'i activi- believers, and should maintain the spiritual
ties, and ability to attend regularly the ses- nature of the Feast.
sions of the Assembly."-SHOGHI EFFENDI, Bah6'is should regard this Feast as the
January 27, 1931. very heart of their spiritual activity, their
The Spiritual Assembly, as a permanent participation in the mystery of the Holy
body, is responsible for maintaining all its Utterance, their steadfast unity one with
records, including Minutes of meetings, cor- another in a universality raised high above
respondence and financial records, through- the limitations of race, class, nationality,
out its existence as a Bahi'i institution. sect, and personality, and their privilege of
Each officer, therefore, on completing his or contributing to the power of the Cause in
her term of office, shall turn over to the the realm of collective action.
Assembly all records pertaining t o the busi-
Calendar of the Nineteen Day Feast
ness of the Assembly.
- March 2 1 July 13 November 23
Co~suLT*no~ THE April 9 August 1 December 1 2
COMMUNITY April 28 August 20 December 3 1
A. The institution of the Nineteenth Day May 17 September 8 January 19
Feast provides the recognized and regular June 1 September 27 February 7
occasion for general consultation on the June 24 October 16 March 2
part of the community, and for consnlta- November 4
T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 193

Thc Spiritual Assembly is responsible for dations to the National Spiritual Assembly.
the holding of the Nineteen Day Feast. If These recommendations are offered first to
the Bahi'i calendar for some adequate rea- the local community, and when adopted by
son cannot be observed, the Assembly may the community come before the local As-
arrange to hold a Feast at the nearest pos- sembly, which then may in its discretion
sible date. forward the recommendation to the Na-
Only members of the Bahh'i community, tional Spiritual Assembly accompanied by
and visiting Baha'is from other communi- its own considered view.
ties, may attend these meetings, but young Provision is to be made for reports from
people of less than twenty-one years of age, committees, with discussion of each report.
who have studied the Teachings and de- Finally, the meeting is to be open for sug-
clared their intention of joining the com- gestions and recommendations from indi-
munity on reaching the age of twenty-one, vidual believers on any matter affecting the
may also attend. Cause.
Regular attendance at the Nineteen Day The local Bahl'i community may adopt
Feast is incumbent upon every Baha'i, ill- by majority vote any resolution which it
ness or absence from the city being the only wishes collectively t o record as its advice
justification for absence. Believers are ex- and recommendation to the Spiritual As-
pected to arrange their personal affairs so assembly.
to enable them to observe the Baha'i cal- Upon each member of the community
endar. lies the obligation to make his or her utmost
contribution to the consultation, the ideal
Ovder of Business for the
being a gathering of Bahi'is inspired with
Consultation Period
one spirit and concentrating upon the one
The chairman or other appointed repre- aim to further the interests of the Faith.
sentative of the Spiritual Assembly presides The Secretary of the Assembly records
during the period of consultation. each resolution adopted by the community,
The Spiritual Assembly reports to the as well as the varions suggestions advanced
community whatever communications have during the meeting, in order to report these
been received from the Guardian and the to the Spiritual Assembly for its considera-
National Spiritual Assembly, and provides tion. Whatever action the Assembly takes
opportunity for general discussion. is to be reported at a later Nineteen Day
The Assembly likewise reports its own Feast.
activities and plans, including committee Matters of a personal nature should be
appointments that may have been made brought before the Spiritual Assembly and
since the last Feast, the financial report, not to the community at the Nineteen Day
arrangements made for public meetings, and Feast. Concerning the attitude with which
in general share with the community all believers should come to these Feasts, the
matters that concern the Faith. These re- Master has said, "You must free yourselves
ports are to be followed by general con- from everything that is in your hearts, be-
sultation. fore you enter." (Bahi'i News Letter of
A matter of vital importance at this the N. S. A. of Germany and Austria,
meeting is consideration of national and December, 1934.)
international Bah6'i affairs, to strengthen B. The Annual Meeting on April 21,
the capacity of the community t o cooperate called for the election of the Spiritual As-
in promotion of the larger Bahl'i interests sembly, provides the occasion for the pres-
and to deepen the understanding of all be- entation of annual reports by the Assembly
lievers concerning the relation of the local and by all its Committees.
community t o the Bahb'i World Commun- The chairman of the outgoing Assembly
ity. presides at this meeting.
Individual Bahi'is are LO find in the The order of Business includes: Reading
Nineteen Day Feast the channel through of the call of the meeting, reading of ap-
which t o make suggestions and recommen- propriate Bahl'i passages bearing upon the
subjcct of thc clcction, appointment of tcl- called upon to manifest the attributes of
lers, distribution of ballots, prayers for the courtesy, patience and loving insight. Many
spiritual guidance of the voters, the elec- conditions are not to be remedied by the
tion, presentation of annual reports, tellers' exercise of power and authority but rather
report of the election, approval of the tel- by a sympathetic understanding of the
lers' report. sources of the difficulty in the hearts of the
C. The Annual Meeting for the election of friends. As 'Abdu'l-Bahi has explained,
Convention delegate (or delegates) is like- some of the people are children and must be
wise presided over by the Assembly chair- trained, some are ignorant and must be edu-
man, and except for the annual reports the cated, some are sick and must be healed.
Order of Business is similar to that observed Where, however, the problem is not of this
at the meeting held each April 21. I t is order but represents flagrant disobedience
preferable for the Spiritual Assembly to and disloyalty to the Cause itself, in that
arrange a special meeting for the election of case the Assembly should consult with the
delegates, and not hold this election during National Spiritual Assembly concerning the
the consultation period of a Nineteen Day necessity for disciplinary action.
Feast. Members of the Bahi'i community, for
D. In addition to these occasions for gen- their part, should do their utmost by prayer
eral consultation, the Spiritual Assembly is and meditation to remain always in a posi-
to give consultation to individual believers tive and joyous spiritual condition, bearing
whenever requested. in mind the Tablets which call upon Bahi'is
During such consultation with individual to serve the world of humanity and not
believers, the Assembly should observe the waste their precious energies in negative
following principles: the impartiality of complaints.
each of its members with respect to all mat-
ters under discussion; the freedom of the
individual BahCi to express his views, feel- IV. BAHli'i ANNIVERSARIES,
FESTIVALS
AND

ings and recommendations on any matter DAYSOF FASTING
affecting the interests of the Cause, the con- The Spiritual Assembly, among its vari-
fidential character of this consultation, and ous duties and responsibilities, will provide
the principle that the Spiritual Assembly for the general observance by the local com-
does not adopt any resolution or make any munity of the following Holy Days:
final decision, until the party or parties have Feart of Ridvin (Declaration of Bahi-
withdrawn from the meeting. 'u'llih) April 21-May 2, 1863.
Appeals from decisions of a local Spir- Declaration of the Bib, May 23, 1844.
itual Assembly are provided for in the By- Ascension of Bahi'u'llih, May 29, 1892.
Laws and the procedure fully described in a Martyrdom of the Bib, July 9, 1810.
statement published in B~Hii)iNEWS, Feb- Birth of the BQb,October 20, 1819.
ruary, 1933. Birth of Bahi'u'llih, November 12, 18 17.
When confronted with evidences of Day of the Covenant, November 2 6 .
unhappiness, whether directed against the Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Bahi, November
Assembly or against members of the com- 2 8 , 1921.
munity, the Spiritual Assembly should real- Period of the Fast, nineteen days Legin-
ize that its relationship to the believers is ning March 2.
not merely that of a formal constitutional Feast of Naw-R6z (Bahl'i New Year),
body but also that of a spiritual institution March 21.
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 191

THE ANNUAL BAHA'f CONVFNTION
A Statement by the National SkMtual Assembly
(Approved by the Guardian)

Despite the repeated explanations given Conventions, acting upon some matters as
by the Guardian on this subject, there seems a law unto themselves, have inadvertently
to exist each year, prior to and also during contravened the Guardian's clear instruc-
the Convention period, some misunderstand- tions.
ing as to the nature of the Annual Meeting. "The National Spiritual Assembly now
In order to establish a definite standard calls attention to two specific portions of
of Convention procedure, the following the 1930 statement approved by the Guard-
statement has been approved and adopted, ian which have been neglected in subsequent
and in accordance with the vote taken by Conventions: first, the ruling that non-
the National Assembly, a copy of the state- delegates do not possess the right to par-
ment is placed in the hands of the presiding ticipate in Convention proceedings; and,
officer of the Convention to control the second, that the time of the election of
Convention procedure, after being read to members of the National Spiritual Assembly
the delegates by the officer of the National shall be fixed in the Agenda at such a time
Spiritual Assembly by whom the Conven- as to allow the outgoing Assembly full time
tion is convened.' to report to the delegates, and to allow the
"The delegates present at this Annual incoming Assembly to have full consulta-
Bahi'i Convention are called ~rponto render tion with the assembled delegates. I t is
a unique, a vital service to the Faith of surely evident that a procedure or principle
Bahi'u'lllh. Their collective functions and of action once authorized by the Guardian
responsibilities are not a matter of arb~trary is not subject to alteration by any Bahl'i
opinion, but have been clearly described by body or individual believer to whom the
the Guardian of the Cause. If civil govern- procedure directly applies.
ments have found it necessary to adopt the "In order to remove other sources of mis-
doctrine that 'ignorance of the law is no understanding, the National Spiritual As-
excuse,' how much more essential it is for sembly now feels it advisable to point out
Bahi'is, individually and collectively, to that the Guardian's letters on the subject of
base their responsible actions upon thorough the Convention, received and published in
comprehension of the fundamental princi- BAHM NEWS this year,' do not, as some
ples which underlie that Administrative believers seem to feel, organically change
Order which in its maturity is destined to the character and i-unction of the Annual
become the World Order of Bahi'u'll6h. Meeting, but reaffirm and strengthen in-
"Considerable confusion would have been structions and explanations previously
avoided at Conventions held during the past given. I n the light of all the Guardian's
three years had the delegates, and all mem- references to this subject, compiled and
bers of the National Spiritual Assembly it- published by the National Spiritual As-
self, given sufficient consideration to the sembly in B ~ n i i ' iNEWSof November, 1933
fact that B A H ~ ?NEWSof February, 1930, and February, 1934, the following brief
contained an explanation of the Annual summary has been prepared and is now
Convention which had been prepared by the issued with the sole purpose of contributing
National Spiritual Assembly, submitted to to the spiritual unity of the chosen dele-
Shoghi Effendi, and definitely approved by gates here present:-
him. It is because this statement of four "1. The Annual Bahi'i Convention has
years ago has gone unnoticed that successive two unique functions to fulfill, discussion
of current Bahi'i matters and the election
This reference to "being read to the delepate." of the National Spiritual Assembly. The
was in connection with the 1 9 1 4 Collvention only. discussion should be free and untrammeled,
The statement is here published for rhe general in-
farmation of the believers. February, 1934.
196 THE BAHA'I WORLD

the election carried on in that spirit of recommendations which shall, according to
prayer and meditation in which alone every the Guardian's instructions, be given con-
delegate can render obedience to the Guard- scientious consideration by the National
ian's expressed wish. After the Convention Assembly.
is convened by the Chairman of the Na- "7. The National Spiritual Assembly is
tional Spiritual Assembly, and after the roll the supreme Bahb'i administrative body
call is read by the Secretary of the Assem- within the American Bah6'i community,
bly, the Convention proceeds to the election and its jurisdiction continues without inter-
of its chairman and secretary by secret bal- ruption during the Convention period as
lot and without advance nomination, ac- during the remainder of the year, and inde-
cording to the standard set for all Bah6'i pendently of the individuals composing its
elections. membership. Any matter requiring action
" 2 . Non-delegates may not participate of legislative, executive or judicial nature,
in Convention discussion. All members of whether arising during the Convention pe-
the National Spiritual Assembly may par- riod or at any other time, is to be referred
ticipate in the discussion, but only those to the National Spiritual Assembly. The
members who have been elected delegates National Assembly is responsible for up-
may vote on any matter brought up for holding the administrative principles ap-
vote during the proceedings. plying to the holding of the Annual
"3. The outgoing National Spiritual As- Convention as it is for upholding all other
sembly is responsible for rendering reports administrative principles. If, therefore, a
of its own activities and of those carried on Convention departs from the principles laid
by its committees during the past year. The down for Conventions by the Guardian,
annual election is to be held at a point mid- and exceeds the limitstions of function
way during the Convention sessions, so that conferred upon it, in that case, and in
the incoming Assembly may consult with that case alone, the National Spiritual
the delegates. Assembly can and must intervene. I t is
"4. The Convention is free to discuss the National Spiritual Assembly, and not
any Bahi'i matter, in addition to those the Convention, which is authorized to
treated in the annual reports. The Con- decide when and why such intervention is
vention is responsible for making its own required.
rules of procedure controlling discussion; "8. The National Spiritual Assembly
for example, concerning any limitations the feels that it owes a real duty to the dele-
delegates may find it necessary to impose gates, and to the entire body of believers,
upon the time allotted to or claimed by any in presenting any and all facts that may be
one delegate. The National Assembly will required in order to clarify matters dis-
maintain the rights of the delegates to con- cussed at the Convention. There can be no
fer freely and fully, free from any re- true Bahi'i consultation at this important
stricted pressure, in the exercise of their meeting if any incomplete or erroneous view
function. should reva ail.
" 5 . The Convention as an organic body "9. The National Assembly in adopting
is limited to the actual Convention period. and issuing this statement does so in the
I t has no function to discharge after the sincere effort to assurc the constitutional
close of the sessions except that of electing freedom of the Convention to fulfill its
a member or members to fill any vacancy high mission. The path of true freedom
that might arise in the membership of the lies in knowing and obeying the general
National Spiritual Assembly during the principles given to all Bahb'is for the proper
year. conduct of their collective affairs. While
" 6 . The Convention while in session has the entire world plunges forward to de-
no independent legislative, executive or ju- struction, it is the responsibility of the
dicial function. Aside from its action in National Spiritual Assembly to uphold that
electing the National Spiritual Assembly, Order on which peace and security solely
its discussions do not represent actions but depends."
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 197

T H E NON-POLITICAL CHARACTER OF THE BAHA'I FAITH

A Statement Prepared by the National Spiritual Assembly in Respolzse to the Request
fou Clarification of the Subject Voiced by the 1933 Annual Convenfion

It is the view of the National Spiritual and regulate their conduct that no charge
Assembly that the Guardian's references to of secrecy, of fraud, of bribery or of in-
the non-political character of the Bahi'i timidation may, however ill-founded, be
Faith, when studied as a whole, are so clear brought against them. .. . It is their duty
that they can be fully grasped by all be- ro strive to distinguish, as clearly as they
lievers and rightly applied by all Local Spir- possibly can, and if needed with the aid of
itual Assemblies to any problems they may their elected representatives, such posts and
encounter. Should special circumstances functions as are either diplomatic or politi-
arise, however, the National Assembly will cal, from those that are purely administra-
make every effort to assist any Local Assem- tive in character, and which under no
bly to arrive at fuller understanding of this circumstances are affected by the changes
important subject. and chances that political activities and
The first reference to consider is taken party governmeut, in every land, must
from the letter written by Shoghi Effendi necessarily involve. Let them affirm their
on March 21, 1932, published under the unyielding determination to stand, firmly
title of "The Golden Age of the Cause of and unreservedly, for the way of Bahi-
Bah6'u'lllh." 'u'llih, to avoid the entanglements and
"I feel it, therefore, incumbent upon me bickerings inseparable from the pursuits of
t o stress, now that the time is ripe, the im- the politician, and to become worthy
portance of an instruction which, at the agencies of that Divine Polity which incar-
present stage of the evolution of our Faith, nates God's immutable Purpose for all
should be increasingly emphasized, irrespec- men. ...
tive of its application to the East or to the "Let them proclaim that in whatever
West. And this principle is no other than country they reside, and however advanced
that which involves the non-participation their institutions, or profound their desire
by the adherents of the Faith of Bahi'u'lllh, to enforce the laws and apply the principles
whether in their individual capacities or col- enunciated by Bahi'u'llih, they will, unhesi-
lectively as local or national Assemblies, in tatingly, subordinate the operation of such
any form of activity that might be inter- laws and the application of such principles
preted, either directly or indirectly, as an to the requirements and legal enactments
interference in the political affairs of any of their respective governments. Theirs is
particular government. not the purpose, while endeavoring to con-
"Let them refrain from associating them- duct and perfect the administrative affairs
selves, whether by word or by deed, with of their Faith, to violate, under any circum-
the political pursuits of their respective na- stances, the provisions of their country's
tions, with the policies of their governments constitution, much less to allow the ma-
and the schemes and programs of parties chinery of their administration to supersede
and factions. In such controversies they the governmeut of their respective coun-
should assign no blame, take no side, further tries."
no design, and identify themselves with no This instruction raised the question
system prejudicial to the best interests of whether believers should vote in any
that world-wide Fellowship which it is their public election. A Tablet revealed by
aim to guard and foster. Let them beware 'Ahdu'l-Bahl to Mr. Thornton Chase was
lest they allow themselves to become the sent to the Guardian, and the follow-
tools of unscrupulous politicians, or to be ing reply was received, dated January 26,
entrapped by the treacherous devices of the 1933:
plotters and the perfidious among their "The Guardian fully recognizes the au-
countrymen. Let them so shape their lives thenticity and controlling influence of this
198 T H E BAHA'i WORLD

in~tructinn from 'Abdu'l-Bahi upon the "As regards the non-political character
question. He, however, feels under the of the BahP'i Faith, Shoghi Effendi feels
responsibility of stating that the attitude that there is no contradiction whatsoever
taken by the Master (that is, that American between the Tablet (to Thornton Chase,
citizens are in duty bound t o vote in public referred t o above) and the reservations t o
elections) implies certain reservations. He, which he has referred. The Master surely
therefore, lays it upon the individual con- never desired the friends t o use their influ-
science to see that in following the Master's ence towards the realization and promotion
instructions no Bahh'i vote for an officer of policies contrary t o any of the principles
nor Bahi'i participation in the afiairs of the of the Faith. The friends may vote, if rhey
Republic shall involve acceptance by that can do it, without identifying theinselves
individual of a program or policy that con- with one party or another. To enter the
travenes any vital principle, spiritual or arena of party politics is surely detrimental
social, of the Faith." The Guardian added t o the best interests of the Faith and will
t o this letter the following postscript: "I harm the Cause. I t remains for the indi-
feel it incumbent upon me t o clarify the viduals t o so use their right t o vote as t o
above statement, written in my behalf, by keep aloof from party politics, and always
stating that no vote cast, or office under- bear in mind that they are voting on the
taken, by a Bahl'i should necessarily consti- merits of the individual, rather than because
tute acceptance, by the voter or office he belongs t o one party or another. The
holder, of the entire program of any polit- matter must be made perfectly clear t o the
ical party. N o Baha'i can be regarded as individuals, who will be left free to exercise
either a Republican or Democrat, as such. their discretion and judgment. But if a
H e is, above all else, the supporter of the certain person does enter into party politics
principles enunciated by BahP'u'116h, with and labors for the ascendency of one party
which, I am firmly convinced, the program over another, and continues to do i t against
of no political party is completely har- the expressed appeals and warnings of the
monious." Assembly, then the Assembly has the right
I n a letter dated March 16, 1933, the to refuse him the right to vote in BahP'i
Guardian sent these further details: elections."

CONCERNING MEMBERSHIP IN NON-BAH6'1 RELIGIOUS
ORGANIZATIONS

The instruction written by Shoghi Ef- subject, and a copy of that letter was for-
fendi concerning membership in non-Bahi'i warded t o Shoghi Effendi for his approval
religious organizations, published in the July, and comment. His rePerences to its con-
1935, number of Ba~iC'iNEWS>has brought tents, made in letters addressed t o the Na-
forth some interesting and important com- tional Spiritual Assembly o n November 2 9
munications from local Spiritual Assemblies and December 11, 1931, are appended t o
and also from individual believers, t o all of this statement.
which the National Spiritual Assembly has Now that Shoghi Effendi's approval has
given careful and sympathetic attention. been received, the National Assembly feels
The National Assembly itself, on receiv- i t desirable to publish, for the information
ing that instruction, made i t the subject of of all the American believers, the substance
extensive consultation, feeling exceedingly of the October letter.
responsible for its own understanding of the While so fundamental an instruction is
Guardian's words and anxious t o contribute bound t o raise different questions corre-
t o the understanding of the friends. sponding t o the different conditions existing
I n October, 1931, the Assembly sent in throughout the Bah6'i community, the
reply t o some of these communications a most important consideration is our collec-
general letter embodying its thoughts on the tive need t o grasp the essential princip!e
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 199

underlying the new instruction, and our versity of its adherents, and the state of
capacity to perceive that the position which confusion that assails on every side the
the Guardian wishes us to take in regard to infant Faith of God, can for a moment
church membership is a necessary and inev- question the necessity of some sort of ad-
itable result of the steady development of ministrative machinery that will insure,
the World Order of Bahi'u'lllh. amid the storm and stress of a struggling
This essential principle is made clear when civilization, the unity of the Faith, the pres-
we turn to Shoghi Effendi's further refer- ervation of its identity, and the protection
ence to the subject as published in B A H ~of~ its interests?"
NEW ior October, 193S-words written Although for five years the Guardian had
by the Guardian's own hand. been setting forth the principles of Bahl'i
I n the light of these words, it seems fully Administration in frequent letters, in 1927
evident that the way to approach this in- he apparently felt it necessary to overcome
struction is in realizing the Faith of Bah6- some doubts here and there as to the validity
'u'llih as an ever-growing organism des- of the institutions the Master bequeathed to
tined to become something new and greater the Bahl'is in His Will and Testament. The
than any of the revealed religions of the series of World Order letters, however, goes
past. Whereas former Faiths inspired hearts far beyond the point of defending and ex-
and illumined souls, they eventuated in plaining their validity as an essential ele-
formal religions with an ecclesiastical or- ment in the Faith of Bah6'u'lllh-the
ganization, creeds, rituals and churches, Guardian vastly extended the horizon of
while the Faith of Bahh'u'll61~, likewise our understanding by making it clear that
renewing man's spiritual life, will gradually the Administrative Order, in its full devel-
produce the institutions of an ordered soci- opment, is to he the social structure of the
ety, fulfilling not merely the function of future civilization.
the churches of the past hut also the func- Thus, in that same letter quoted above,
tion of the civil state. By this manifesta- he wrote: "Not only will the present-day
tion of the Divine Will in a higher degree Spiritual Assemblies he styled differently in
than in former ages, humanity will emerge future, but will be enabled also to add to
from that immature civilization in which their present functions those powers, duties,
church and state are separate and competi- and prerogatives necessitated by the recog-
tive institutions, and partake of a true nition of the Faith of Bahi'n'lllh, not
civilization in which spiritual and social merely as one of the recognized religious
principles are at last reconciled as two systems of the world, but as the State Reli-
aspects of one and the same Truth. gion of an independent and Sovereign
No Bahi'i can read the successive World Power. And as the Bahl'i Faith permeates
Order letters sent us by Shoghi Effendi the masses of the peoples of East and West,
without perceiving that the Guardian, for and its truth is embraced by the majority
many years, has been preparing us t o under- of the peoples of a number of the Sovereign
stand and appreciate this fundamental pur- States of the world, will the Universal
pose and mission of the Revelation of Bah6- House of Justice attain the plenitude of its
'u'lllh. Even when the Master ascended, we power, and exercise, as the supreme organ
were for the most part still considering the of the Bahi'i Commonwealth, all the rights,
Bahl'i Faith as though it were only the the duties, and responsibilities illcumbent
"return of Christ" and failing to perceive upon the world's future super-state."
the entirely new and larger elements latent This passage stands as the keystone in the
in the Teachings of Bahh'u'llih. noble structure which Shoghi Effendi has
Thus, in the very first of the World raised in his function as interpreter of the
Order letters, written February 27th, 1929, Teachings of Bahl'u'll6h. The Master de-
Shoghi Effendi said: "Who, I may ask, when veloped the Cause to the point where this
viewing the international character of the social Teaching, always existent in thc Tab-
Cause, its far-flung ramifications, the in- lets of Bahl'u'lllh, could he explained to the
creasing complexity of its affairs, the di- believers and given its due significance as
200 THE BAHA'f WORLD
the fulfilment of Bahi'i evolution. As the Again, when the question was raised as
Guardian expressed it: "That Divine Civil- to membership in certain non-Babi'i organ-
ization, the establishment of which is the izations not directly religious or political in
primary mission of the Bahi'i Faith." character, the Guardian replied: "Regarding
(World Order of Bahi'u'llih, pages 3 association with the World Fellowship of
and 4.) Faiths and kindred Societies, Shoghi Effendi
For us these words mean that a Bahl'i is wishes to reaffirm and elucidate the general
not merely a member of a revealed Religion, principle that Bahl'i elected representatives
he is also a citizen in a World Order even as well as individuals should refrain from
though that Order today is still in its in- any act or word that would imply a depar-
fancy and still obscured by the shadows ture from the principles, whether spiritual,
thrown by the institutions, habits and atti- social or administrative, established by Ba-
tudes derived from the past. But since the hi'u'116h. Formal affiliation with and ac-
aim and end has been 'made known, our ceptance of membership in organizations
devotion and loyalty must surely express whose programs or policies are not wholly
itself, not in clinging to views and thoughts reconcilable with the Teachings is of course
emanating from the past, but in pressing out of the question." ( B A H ~ .NEWS,
~
forward in response to the needs of the new August, 1933.)
creation. Thus, not once but repeatedly the Guard-
That true devotion, which consists in ian has upheld the vital principle underlying
conscious knowledge of the "primary mis- every type of relationship between Bahi'is
sion," and unified action to assist in bring- and other organizations, namely, that the
ing about its complete triumph, recognizes Cause of Bahi'u'llBh is an ever-growing
that a Bahi'i today must have singleness of organism, and as we begin to realize its
mind as of aim, without the division arising universality our responsibility is definitely
when we stand with one foot in the Cause established to cherish and defend that uni-
and one foot in the world, attempting to versality from all compromise, all admixture
reconcile diverse elements which the Mani- with worldly elements, whether emanating
festation of God Himself has declared to from our own habits rooted in the past or
be irreconcilable. from the deliberate attacks imposed by ene-
The principle underlying the Guardian's mies from without.
instruction about membership in non-Bahi'i I t will be noted that in the instruction
religious bodies has already been emphasized published in July, 193$, B ~ ~ dNEWS,l i the
by Shoghi Effendi in another connection- Guardian made it clear that the principle
the instruction about the non-political char- involved is not new and unexpected, but
acted of the Faith which he incorporated in rather an application of an established prin-
his letter entitled "The Golden Age of the ciple to a new condition. "Concerning
Cause of Bahi'u'llih." For example: "I feel membership in non-Bahl'i religious associa-
it, therefore, incumbent upon me to stress, tions, the Guardian wishes to re-emphasize
now that the time is ripe, the importance of the general principle already laid down in
an instruction which, at the present stage his communications to your Assembly and
of the evolution of our Faith, should be also to the individual believers that no
increasingly emphasized, irrespective of its Bahi'i who wishes to be 2 whole-hearted
application to the East or to the West. And and sincere upholder of the distinguishing
this principle is no other than that which principles of the Cause can accept full
involves the non-participation by the adher- membership in any non-Bahl'i ecclesiastical
ents of the Faith of Bahi'u'llih, whether in organization. . . . For it is only too obvi-
their individual capacities or collectively as ous that in most of its fundamental as-
local or national Asserhblies, in any form of sumptions the Cause of Bahl'u'llih is
activity that might be interpreted, either completely at variance with outworn creeds,
directly or indirectly, as an interference in ceremonies and institutions. ... During the
the political affairs of any particular gov- days of the Master the Cause was still in a
ernment." stage that made such an open and sharp
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 201

dissociation between it and other religious csscntial universality of the Cause, likewise
organizations, and particularly the Muslim repeat and renew the warning that the
Faith, not only inadvisable but practically organized religions, even in America, will
impossible to establish. But since His pass- become bitterly hostile to the Faith of
ing events throughout the Bahi'i world, Bahi'u'llih, denounce and oppose it, and
and particularly in Egypt where the Mus- seek its destruction in vain effort to main-
lim religious courts have formally testified tain their own "outworn creeds" and
to the independent character of the Faith, material power. Informed of this in-
have developed to a point that has made evitable development, can a Bahh'i any
such an assertion of the independence of longer desire to retain a connection which,
the Cause not only highly desirable but however liberal and pleasing it now seems,
absolutely essential." is a connection with a potential foe of the
To turn now to the Guardian's words Cause of God? The Guardian's instruction
published in October BAHA'I NEWS: "The signifies that the time has come when all
separation that has set in between the in- American believers must become fully con-
stitutions of the Bah6'i Faith and the scious of the implications of such connec-
Isl6mic ecclesiastical organizations that tions, and carry out their loyalty to its
oppose it . . . imposes upon every loyal logical conclusion.
upholder of the Cause the obligation of re- Shoghi Effendi's latest words are no:
fraining from any word or action that merely an approval of the foregoing state-
might prejudice the position which our ment, but a most helpful elucidation of
.
enemies have . . of their own accord pro- some of the problems which arise when the
claimed and established. This historic de- friends turn to their local Assemblies for
velopment, the beginnings of which could specific advice under various special circum-
neither be recognized nor even anticipated stances.
in the years immediately preceding 'Abdu'l- "The explanatory statement in connec-
Bahgs passing, may be said to have sig- tion with membership in non-Bahi'i re-
nalized the Formative Period of our Faith ligious organizations is admirably conceived,
and to have paved the way for the consoli- convincing and in full conformity with the
dation of its administrative order. ... principles underlying and implied in the un-
Though our Cause unreservedly recognizes folding world order of Bahl'u'llhh." (No-
the Divine origin of all the religions that vember 2 9 , 1933.)
preceded it and upholds the spiritual truths "Thc Guardian has carefully read the
which lie at their very core and are com- copy of the statement you had recently
mon to them all, its institutions, whether prepared concerning non-membership in
administrative, religious or humanitarian, non-Bahh'i religious organizations, and is
must, if their distinctive character is t o be pleased to realize that your comments and
maintained and recognized, be increasingly explanations are in full conformity with his
divorced from the outworn creeds, the views on the subject. He hopes that your
meaningless ceremonials and man-made letter will serve to clarify this issue in the
institutions with which these religions are minds of all the believers, and to further
at present identified. Our adversaries in the convince them of its vital character and
East have initiated the struggle. Our importance in the present stage of the evo-
future opponents in the West will, in their lution of the Cause.
turn, arise and carry it a stage further. ". . . In this case," as also in that of
Ours is the duty, in anticipation of this suffering believers, the Assemblies, whether
inevitable contest, to uphold unequivocally local or national, should act tactfully,
and with undivided loyalty the integrity patiently and in a friendly and kindly
of our Faith and demonstrate the distin- spirit. Knowing how painful and danger-
guishing features of its divinely appointed ous it is for such believers to repudiate
institutions."
Nothing could be clearer or more em- " A special case involving mn aged believer, afflicted
with illness, for whom severance of church relations
phatic. These words, asserting again the might havc beell too great a shock.
202 THE B A H A ' ~W O R L D

heir former allegial~ces and friendships, o11ly bc tolcrarcd but cven encouraged.
they should try to gradually persuade them There is no better way to demonstrate
of the wisdom and necessity of such an the universality of the Cause than this.
action, and instead of thrusting upon them Bahi'u'llih, indeed, urges His follow-
a new principle, to make them accept it ers to consort with all religions and
inwardly, and out of pure conviction and nations with utmost friendliness and love.
desire. Too severe and immediate action in This constitutes the very spirit of His
such cases is not only fruitless but actually message to mankind." (December 11,
harmful. I t alienates people instead of 1935.)
winning them to the Cause. The National Spiritual Assembly trusts
"The other point concerns the advisa- that the subject will receive the attention
bility of contributing to a church. I n this of local Assemblies and communities, and
case also the friends must realize that con- that in the light of the foregoing explana-
tributions to a church, especially when not tions the friends will find unity and agree-
regular, do not necessarily entail affiliation. ment in applying the instruction to
The believers can make such offerings, occa- whatever situations may arise. In teaching
sionally, and provided they are certain that new believers let us lay a proper foundation
while doing so they are not connected as so that their obedience will be voluntary
members of any church. There should be and assured from the beginning of their en-
no confusion between the terms affiliation rollment as Bahi'is. In our attitude toward
and association. While affiliation with the older believers who are affected by the
ecclesiastical organizations is not permis- instruction let us act with the patience and
sible, association with them should not kindliness the Guardian has urged.

BAHA'IS AND WAR
A Statement by the National Spiritual Assembly

One of the chief responsibilities of and Justice upon earth, and uproot forever
Bah6'is in this transitional era is to grasp the dire calamity of international war.
the principle upon which rests their Despite His Revelation, a most agonizing
loyalty to the Faith of Bahb'u'llbh in re- and excruciating conflict raged in Europe
lation to their duty toward their civil gov- for four years, and since that war many
ernment. This problem arises in its most other wars and revolutions have dyed the
difficult form in connection with our earth, while at present the heaven of human
individual and collective attitude toward hope is black with the approach of a final
war. world-shaking catastrophe.
Nothing could be more powerful than What wonder that faithful Bahi'is, ab-
the Bahi'i teachings on the subject of horring and detesting war as insane repudia-
Peace. Not only does Bahi'u'llih confirm tion of divine law, as destroyer of life and
the teachings of all former Manifestations ruin of civilization, should now, in these
which uphold amity and fellowship be- fateful days, ponder how they may save
tween individual human beings, and the their loved ones from the calamity of the
supremacy of love as the end and aim of battlefield, and how they may contribute
mutual intercourse and association, but He their utmost to any and every effort aimed
likewise extends the divine law of Peace to at the attainment of universal Peace?
governments and rulers, declaring to them Conscious of these heart-stirrings, and
that they are called upon to establish Peace mindful of its responsibility toward all
>"The Guardian has carefully read the N. S. A.'s American believers, and particularly that
srarernenr on the Bahi'i arrirudc toward war, m d radiant which would first of all he
approves of its circulation among the believers."- sacrificed in the event of a declaration of
Shoghi Effendi, through his secretary, Haifa, Janu-
ary 10, 1936. war by the government, the National Spir-
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 203

itual Assemhly wishes to express its view Christians prcfcrred persecutio~~ to ~ r l i l i ~ l r ~
upon the matter, in the hope that che result service.
of its study of the Teachings and of the The answer to this question is that the
Guardian's explanations will assist in bring- Guardian instructs us that the obligation to
ing a unity of opinion and a clarification of render military duty placed by govern-
thought among the friends. ments upon their citizens is a form of
Concerning the duty of Bahi'is to their loyalty to one's government which the
government, we have these words, writcen Bahi'i must accept, but that the believers
by Shoghi Effendi on January 1, 1929 (see can, through their National Assembly, seek
"BahCi Administration," page 1 5 2 ) : "To exemption from active army duty provided
all these (that is, restrictive measures of their government recognizes the right of
the Soviet regime) the followers of the members of religious bodies making peace
Faith of Bahi'u'llih have with feelings of a matter of conscience to serve in some
burning agony and heroic fortitude unani- non-combatant service rather than as part
mously and unreservedly submitted, ever of the armed force.
mindful of the guiding principle of Bahi'i The National Spiritual Assembly has in-
conduct that in connection with their vestigated carefully this aspect of the
administrative activities, no matter how situation, and has found that, whereas the
grievo~~sly interference with them might government of the United Sthtes did, in the
affect the course of the extension of the last war, provide exemption from military
Movement, and the suspension of which duty on religious grounds, nevertheless this
does not constitute in itself a departure exemption was part of the Statutes bearing
from the principle of loyalty to their Faith, directly upon that war, and with the cessa-
the considered judgment and authoritative tion of hostilities the exemption lapsed.
decrees issued by their responsible rulers In other words, there is today no basis on
must, if they be faithful to Bahb'u'llih's which any Bahi'i may be exempted from
and 'Abdu'l-Bahi's express injunctions, be milita$ duty in a possible future conflict.
thoroughly respected and loyally obeyed. The National Assembly, consequently, can-
In matters, however, that vitally affect the not at present make any petition for
integrity and honor of the Faith of Bahi- exemption of Bahi'is from war service, for
'u'lllh, and are tantamount to a recantation such petitions must be filed with reference
of cheir faith and repudiation of their to some specific Act or Statute under which
innermost belief, they are convinced, and exemption can be ganted. The Asscmbly
are unhesitatingly prepared to vindicate by understands that, in the event of war, there
their life-blood the sincerity of their con- will be some rind of provision for exemp-
viction, that no power on earth, neither the tion enacted, but as far as Bahi'is are con-
arts of the most insidio~isadversary nor the cerned, no steps can be taken until this
bloody weapons of the most tyrannical government declares itself in a state of war.
oppressor, can ever succeed in extorting This explanation, it is hoped, will satisfy
from them a word or deed that might tend those who for some years have been urging
to stifle the voice of their conscience or that protection be secured for American
tarnish the purity of their faith." Bahi'i youth.
In view of the fact that early Christians On the othcr hand it must be pointed out
were persecuted because they refused t o that it is no part of our teaching program
render military service, the question might to attract young people to the Cause merely
be raised whether the above statement in order to take advantage of any exemp-
means that the Guardian includes refusal tion that may later on be officially obtained
to bear arms as one of those matters which for duly enrolled Bahi'is. The only justifi-
"vitally affect the integrity and honor of able reason for joining this Faith is because
.
the Faith . . and are tantamount to a one realizes that it is a divine Cause and is
recantation of cheir faith and repudia- ready and willing to accept whatever may
tion of their innermost belief"-% ques- befall a believer on the path of devotion.
tion the more important in that the early The persecutions which have been inflicted
204 T H E BAHA'f WORLD
upon Bah6'is so frequently make it clear 'u'llih, we are doing the utmost to rid
that the path of devotion is one of sacrifice humanity of the scourge of war. Of what
and not of ease or special privilege. use to spend time and money upon incom-
Another question encountered here and plete human programs when we have the
there among believers is what can Bahl'is universal program of the Manifestation of
do to work for Peace? Outside the Cause God? The firm union of the Bahl'is in
we see many organizations with peace pro- active devotion to the advancement of their
grams, and believers occasionally feel that own Faith-this is our service to Peace, as
it is their duty to join such movements it is our service to all other human needs-
and thereby work for a vital Baha'i prin- economic justice, race amity, religious
ciple. unity, etc. Let non-believers agitate for
I t is the view of the National Spiritual disarmament and circulate petitions for
Assembly that activity in and for the Cause this and that pacifist aim-a Baha'i truly
itself is the supreme service to world peace. alive in this Faith will surely prefer to base
The Baha'i community of the world is the his activities upon the foundation laid by
true example of Peace. The Bahl'i prin- Baha'u'llih, walk the path which the Master
ciples are the only ones upon which Peace trod all His days, and heed the appeals
can be established. Therefore, by striving which the Guardian has given us t o initiate
to enlarge the number of declared believers, a new era in the public teaching of the
and broadcasting the Teachings of Bahh- Message.

THE WILL AND TESTAMENT OP 'ABQU'L-BAHA
Excerpts Made b y the National Spiritual Assenzbly of the Bahri'is of the
U?zited States and Canada, b y Direction of Shoghi Effendi,
Guardian of tbe Babd'i Faith
W E L L is it with him who fixeth his purposed, Who hath branched from this
gaze upon the Order of Baha'u'llih and Ancient Root." The object of this sacred
rendereth thanks unto his Lord! For He verse is none except the Most Mighty
assuredly will be made manifest. God hath Branch ('Abdu'l-Bahi) . Thus have We
indeed ordained it in the Bayin.-The Bib. graciously revealed unto you Our potent
("The Dispensation of Bahi'u'llih," pages Will, and I am verily the Gracious, the All-
54-55.) Powerful.-Babd'u'11dh. ("The Dispensa-
tion of BahA'u'llih," page 42.)
The world's equilibrium hath been upset
through the vibrating influence of this most There hath branched from the Sadratu'l-
great, this new World Order. Mankind's Muntahh this sacred and glorious Being, this
ordered life hath been revolutionized Branch of Holiness; well is it with him
through the agency of this unique, this that hath sought His shelter and abideth
wondrous System-the like of which mortal beneath His shadow. Verily the Limb of
eyes have never witnessed.-Bahd'u'l1dh. the Law of God hath sprung forth from
("The Dispensation of Baha'u'llih," page this Root which God hath firmly implanted
54.) in the Ground of His Will, and Whose
Branch hath been so uplifted as to encom-
I t is incumbent upon the the pass the whole of creation,-~ah~a~~la'h.
Afnin and My hindred to turn, one and (-=he Dispensation of Bah6'u,lllh," page
all, their faces towards the Most Mighty 43,)
Branch. Consider that which We have re-
vealed in Our Most Holy Book: "When I n accordance with the explicit text of
the ocean of My presence hath ebbed and the Kidb-i-Aqdas, Bahi'u'llih hath made
the Book of My Revelation is ended, turn the Center of the Covenant the Interpreter
your faces toward Him Whom God hath of His Word-a Covenant so firm and
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 205

mighty that from the beginning of time and is taking shape undcr our very cycs in
until the present day no religious Dispensa- no fewer than forty countries of the world,
tion hath produced its like.-'Abdu'l-Bahd. may be considered as the framework of the
("The Dispensation of Bah6'n'116h," page Will itself, the inviolable stronghold where-
44.) in this new-born child is be in^ nurtured
and develops. This Administrative Order,
'Abdu'l-Bahi, Who incarnates an institu- as it and itself, will no
for which we find parallel doubt manifest the potentialities and reveal
whatsoever
.. . in any of the world's recognized the full imolications of momentous
religious systems, may be said to have closed most expres.
the Age to which He Himself belonged and ,ion of the will of one of the most
opened the one in which we are now labor- remarkable Figures of the Dispensation of
ing. His Will and Testament should thus BahPu'llih. I t will, as its component
be regarded as the perpetual, the indis- parts, its organic institutions, begin to
soluble link which the mind of Him Who function with efficiency and vigor, assert
is the Mystery of God has conceived in its claim and demonstrate its capacity to be
order to insure the continuity of the three regarded not only as the nucleus but the
ages that constitute the component parts very pattern of the New World Order
of the Bahk'i Dispensation. . . . destined to embrace in the fulness of time
The creative energies released by the Law the whole of mankind.--Shoghi Effendi.
of Bahi'u'llih, permeating and evolving ("The Dispensation of Bahi'u'llih," pages
within the mind of 'Abdu'l-Bahi, have, by 51-12.)
their very impact and close interaction,
given birth to an Instrument which may be A u - P R A I s E to Him Who, by the Shield
viewed as the Charter of the New World of His Covenant, hath guarded the Temple
Order which is at once the glory and the of His Cause from the darts of douhtful-
promise of this most great Dispensation. ness, Who by the Hosts of His Testament
The Will may thus be acclaimed as the in- hath preserved the Sanctuary of His Most
evitable offspring resulting from that Beneficent Law and protected His Straight
mystic intercourse between Him Who com- and Luminous Path, staying thereby the on-
municated the generating influence of His slaught of the company of Covenant-
divine Purpose and the One Who was its breakers, that have threatened to subvert
vehicle and chosen recipient. Being the His Divine Edifice; Who hath watched over
Child of the Covenant-the Heir of both His Mighty Stronghold and All-glorious
the Originator and the Interpreter of the Faith, through the aid of men whom the
Law of God-the Will and Testament of slander of the slanderer affects not, whom
'Ahdn'l-Bahh can no more be divorced from no earthly calling, glory and power can
Him Who supplied the original and inoti- turn aside from the Covenant of God and
vating impulse than from the One Who His Testament, established firmly by His
ultimately conceived it. Bahi'u'llih's in- clear and manifest words, writ and revealed
scrutable purpose, we must ever bear in by His All-glorious Pen and recorded in
mind, has been so thoroughly infused into the Preserved Tablet.
the conduct of 'Abdu'l-BahA, and their Salutation and praise, blessing and glory
motives have been so closely wedded to- rest upon that primal branch of the Divine
gether, that the mere attempt t o dissociate and Sacred Lote-Tree, grown out, blest,
the teachings of the former from any tender, verdant and flourishing from the
system which the ideal Exemplar of those Twin Holy Trees; the most wondrous,
same teachings has established would unique and priceless pearl that doth gleam
amount to a repudiation of one of the most from out the Twin Surging Seas; upon the
sacred and basic truths of the Faith. offshoots of the Tree of Holiness, the twigs
of thc Celestial Tree, they that in the Day
The Administrative Order, which ever of the Great Dividing have stood fast and
since 'Abdu'l-Bahi's ascension has evolved firm in the Covenant; upon the Hands
206 T H E B A H A 'f WORLD
(pillars) of the Cause of God that have the Most Great Prison ('AkkB). He
diffused widely the Divine Fragrances, de- Whom the world hath wronged (may my
clared His Proofs, proclaimed His Faith, life be offered up for His loved ones) was
published abroad His Law, detached them- four times banished from city to city, till
selves from all things but Him, stood for at last condemned to perpetual confinement,
righteousness in this world, and kindled He was incarcerated in this Prison, the
the Fire of the Love of God in the prison of highway robbers, of brigands and
very hearts and souls of His servants; of manslayers. All this is but one of the
upon them that have believed, rested as- trials that have afflicted the Blessed
sured, stood steadfast in His Covenant Beauty, the rest being even as grievous as
and followed the Light that after my this.
passing shineth from the Dayspring of
Divine Guidance-for behold! he is the According to the direct and sacred com-
blest and sacred bough that hath branched mand of God we are forbidden to utter
out from the Twin Holy Trees. Well slander, are commanded to show forth
is it with him that seeketh the shel- peace and amity, are exhorted to rectitude
ter of his shade that shadoweth all man- of conduct, straightforwardness and har-
kind. mony with all the kindreds and peoples of
0 ye beloved of the Lord! The greatest the world. We must obey and be the well-
of all things is the protection of the True wishers of the governments of the land,
Faith of God, the preservation of His Law, regard disloyalty unto a just king as dis-
the safeguarding of His Cause and service loyalty to God Himself and wishing evil to
unto His Word. Ten thousand souls have the government a transgression of the Cause
shed streams of their sacred blood in this of God.
path, their precious lives they offered in sac- 0 God, my Godl Thou seest this
rifice unto Him, hastened wrapt in holy wronged servant of Thine, held fast in the
ecstasy unto the glorious field of rnartyr- talons of ferocious lions, of ravening
dom, upraised the Standard of God's Faith wolves, of bloodthirsty beasts. Graciously
and writ with their life-blood upon the assist me, through my love for Thee, that
Tablet of the world the verses of His I may drink deep of the chalice that brim-
Divine Unity. The sacred breast of His meth over with faithfulness to Thee and is
Holiness, the Exalted One (may my life filled with Thy bountiful Grace; so that,
be a sacrifice unto Him), was made a target fallen upon the dust, I may sink prostrate
to many a dart of woe, and in Mizindarin, and senseless whilst my vesture is dyed
the Blessed feet of the Abhi Beauty (may crimson with my blood. This is my wish,
my life be offered up for His loved ones) my heart's desire, my hope, nly pride, my
were so grievously scourged as to bleed and glory. Grant, 0 Lord my God, and my
be sore wounded. His neck also was put Refuge, that in my last hour, my end, may
into captive chains and His feet made fast even as musk shed its fragrance of glory!
in the stocks. In every hour, for a period Is there a bounty greater than this? Nay,
of fifty years, a new trial and calamity by Thy Glory! I call Thee to witness
befell Him and fresh afflictions and cares that no day passeth but that I quaff my fill
beset Him. One of them: after having from this cup, so grievous are the misdeeds
suffered intense vicissitudes, He was made wrought by them that have broken the
homeless and a wanderer and fell a victim Covenant, kindled discord, showed their
to still new vexations and troubles. In malice, stirred sedition in the land and dis-
'Iriq, the Day-Star of the world was so honored Thee amidst Thy servants. Lord!
exposed to the wiles of the people of malice Shield Thou from these Covenant-breakers
as t o be eclipsed in splendor. Later on He the mighty Stronghold of Thy Faith and
was sent an exile to the Great City (Con- protect Thy secret Sanctuary from the on-
stantinople) and thence to the Land of slaught of the ungodly. Thou art in truth
Mystery (Adrianople) , whence, grievously the Mighty, the Powerful, the Gracious,
wronged, He was eventually transferred to the Strong.
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHb'U'LLbH 207

0 God, my God! Shield Thy tn~sred In these days, the most important of all
servants froill the evils of self and passion, things is the guidance of the nations and
protect them with the watchful eye of Thy peoples of the world. Teaching the Cause
loving kindness from all rancor, hate and is of utmost importance for it is the head
envy, shelter them in the impregnable corner-stone of the foundation itself. This
stronghold of Thy Cause and, safe from the wronged servant has spent his days and
darts of doubtfulness, make them the mani- nights in promoting the Cause and urging
festations of Thy glorious Signs, illumine the peoples to service. He rested not a
their faces with the effulgent rays shed moment, till the fame of the Cause of God
from the Dayspring of Thy Divine Unity, was noised abroad in the world and the
gladden their hearts with the verses revealed celestial strains from the Abhi Kingdom
from Thy Holy Kingdom, strengthen their roused the East and the West. The be-
loins by Thy all-swaying power that cometh loved of God must also follow the same
from Thy Realm of Glory. Thou art the example. This is the secret of faithfulness,
All-Bountiful, the Protector, the Almighty, this is the requirement of servitude to the
the Gracious! Threshold of Bahb!
0 ye that stand fast in the Covenant! The disciples of Christ forgot themselves
When the hour cometh that this wronged and a11 earthly things, forsook all their
and broken winged bird will have taken cares and belongings, themselves of
flight unto the celestial concourse, when it self and passion and with absolute detach-
will have hastened to the Realm of the Un- ment scattered far and wide and engaged
seen and its mortal frame will have been in calling the peoples of the world to the
either lost or hidden neath the dust, it is Divine Guidance, till at last they made the
incumbent upon the Afnin, that are stead- world another world, illumined the surface
fast in the Covenant of God, and have of the earth and even to their last hour
branched from the Tree of Holiness; the proved self-sacrificing in the pathway of
Hands (pillars), of the Cause of God (the that Beloved One of God. Finally in vari-
glory of the Lord rest upon them), and all ous lands they suffered glorious martyrdom.
the friends and loved ones, one and all to Let them that are men of action follow in
bestir themselves and arise with heart and their footsteps!
soul and in one accord, to diffuse the sweet 0 my loving friends! After the passing
savors of God, to teach His Cause and to away of this wronged one, it is incumbent
promote His Faith. I t behooveth them not upon the A g h ~ l n (~ranches),the Afnln
to rest for a moment, neither to seek repose. (Twigs) of the Sacred Lote-Tree, the
They lnust disperse themselves in every Hands (pillars) of the Cause of God and
land, pass by every clime and travel the loved ones of the Ahh6 Beauty to turn
throughout all regions. Bestirred, without unto Shoghi Effendi-the youthful brauch
rest and steadfast to the end they must branched from the two hallowed and sacred
raise in every land the triumphal cry "0 Lore-Trees and the fruit grown from the
Thou the Glory of Glories!" (Yi-Bahi'u'l- union of the two offshoots of the Tree of
Ahhb), must achieve renown in the world Holiness-as he is the sign of God, the
wherever they go, must burn b r i g l ~ t leven
~ chosen branch, the guardian of the Cause
as a candle in every meeting and must of God, he unto whom all the A&&, the
kindle the flame of Divine love in every Afnbn, the Hands of the Cause of God
assembly; that the light of truth may rise and His loved ones must turn. He is the
resplendent in the midmost heart of the expounder of the words of God and after
world, that throughout the East and hiun will succeed the first-born of his lineal
throughout the West a vast concourse may descendants.
gather under the shadow of the Word of The sacred and youthful branch, the
God, that the sweet savors of holiness may guardian of the Cause of God, as well as
he diffused, that faces may shine radiantly, the Universal House of Justice, to be m i -
hearts be filled with the Divine spirit and versally elected and established, are both
souls be made heavenly. under the care and protection of the Abh6
208 THE B A H d 'f WORLD

Beauty, under the shelter and unerring might sow the seeds of doubt in the hearts
guidance of His Holiness, the Exalted One of men!
(may my life be offered up for them both). 0 ye beloved of the Lord! I t is incum-
Whatsoever they decide is of God. Whoso bent upon the guardian of the Cause of God
obeyeth him not, neither obeyeth them, to appoint in his own life-time him that
hath not obeyed God; whoso rebelleth shall become his successor, that differences
against him and against them hath rebelled may not arise after his passing. He that is
against God; whoso opposeth him hath appointed must manifest in himself detach-
opposed God; whoso contendeth with them ment from all worldly things, must be the
hath contended with God; whoso disputeth essence of purity, must show in himself the
with him hath disputed with God; whoso fear of God, knowledge, wisdom and learn-
denieth him hath denied God; whoso dis- ing. Thus, should the first-born of the
believeth in him hath disbelieved in God; guardian of the Cause of God not manifest
whoso deviateth, separateth himself and in himself the truth of the words:-"The
turneth aside from him hath in truth child is the secret essence of its sire," that
deviated, separated himself and turned is, should he not inherit of the spiritual
aside from God. May the wrath, the fierce within him (the guardian of the Cause of
indignation, the vengeance of God rest God) and his glorious lineage not be
upon him! The mighty stronghold shall matched with a goodly character, then
remain impregnable and safe through obedi- must he (the guardian of the Cause of
ence to him who is the guardian of the God), choose another branch to succeed
Cause of God. I t is incumbent upon the him.
members of the House of Justice, upon all The Hands of the Cause of God must
the A d s i n , the Afnhn, the Hands of the elect from their own number, nine persons
Cause of God to show their obedience, sub- that shall at all times be occupied in the
missiveness and subordination unto the important services in the work of the
guardian of the Cause of God, to turn unto guardian of the Cause of God. The elec-
him and be lowly before him. He that tion of these nine must be carried either
opposeth him hath opposed the True One, unanimously or by majority from the com-
will make a breach in the Cause of God, pany of the Hands of the Cause of God
will subvert His word and will become a and these, whether unanimously or by a
manifestation of the Center of Sedition. majority vote, must give their assent to the
Beware, beware, lest the days after the choice of the one whom the guardian of the
ascension (of Bahh'u'llhh) be repeated Cause of God hath chosen as his successor.
when the Center of Sedition waxed haughty This assent must be given in such wise as
and rebellious and with Divine Unity for the assenting and dissenting voices may not
his excuse deprived himself and perturbed be distinguished (secret ballot).
and poisoned others. No doubt every 0 friends! The Hands of the Cause of
vainglorious one that purposeth dissension God must be nominated and appointed by
and discord will not openly declare his evil the guardian of the Cause of God. All
purposes, nay rather, even as impure gold, must be under his shadow and obey his
would he seize upon divers measures and command. Should any, within or without
various pretexts that he may separate the the company of the Hands of the Cause of
gathering of the people of Bah6. My ob- God, disobey and seek division, the wrath
ject is to show that the Hands of the of God and His vengeance will be upon
Cause of God must be ever watchful him, for he will have caused a breach in the
and so soon as they find anyone begin- true Faith of God.
ning to oppose and protest against the The obligations of the Hands of the
guardian of the Cause of God cast him Cause of God are to diffuse the Divine
out from the congregation of the people Fragrances, to edify the souls of men, t o
of Bahi and in no wise accept any excuse promote learning, to improve the character
from him. How often hath grievous error of all men and t o be, at all times and under
been disguised in the garb of truth, that it all conditions, sanctified and detached from
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 209

earthly things. They must manifest the and universally extended to all mankind.
fear of God by their conduct, their man- Regarding this, restrictions and limitations
ners, their deeds and their words. are in no wise permitted.
This body of the Hands of the Cause of Wherefore, O my loving friends! Con-
God is under the direction of the guardian sort with all the peoples, kindreds and
of the Cause of God. He must continually religions of the world with the utmost
urge them to strive and endeavor to the truthfulness, uprightness, faithfulness,
utmost of their ability to diffuse the sweet kiidlmess, good-will and friendliness; that
savors of God, and to guide all the peoples all the world of being may be filled with
of the world, for it is the light of Divine the holy ecstasy of the grace of Bahl,
Guidance that causeth all the universe to he that ignorance, enmity, hate and rancor
illun~ined. To disregard, though it be for may vanish from the world and the dark-
a moment, this absolute command which is ness of estrangement amidst the peoples
binding upon everyone, is in no wise per- and kindreds of the world may give way to
mitted, that the existent world may become the Light of Unity. Should other peoples
even as the Abhi Paradise, that the surface and nations he unfaithful to you show your
of the earth may become heavenly, that fidelity unto then?, should they be unjust
contention and conflict amidst peoples, toward you show justice towards them.
kindreds, nations and governments may dis- should they keep aloof from you attract
appear, that all the dwellers on earth may them to yourself, should they show their
become one people and one race, that the enmity he friendly towards them, should
world may become even as one home. they poison your lives sweeten their souls,
Should differences arise they shall be ami- should they inflict a wound upon yon be a
cably and conclusively settled by the salve to their sores. Such are the attributes
Supreme Tribunal, that shall include mem- of the sincere! Such are the attributes of
bers from all the governments and peoples the truthful.
of the world. And now, concerning the House of Jus-
0 ye beloved of the Lord! In this tice which God hath ordained as the source
sacred Dispensation, conflict and contention of all good and freed from all error, it
are in no wise permitted. Every aggressor must be elected by universal suffrage, that
deprives himself of God's grace. I t is in- is, by the believers. Its members must be
cumbent upon everyone to show the utmost manifestations of the fear of God and day-
love, rectitude of conduct, straightfor- springs of knowledge and understanding,
wardness and sincere kindliness unto all the must be steadfast in God's faith and the
peoples and kindreds of the world, be they well-wishers of all mankind. By this House
friends or strangers. So intense must be is meant the Universal House of Justice,
the spirit of love and loving-kindness, that that is, in all countries, a secondary House
the stranger may find himself a friend, the of Justice must be instituted, and these
enemy a true brother, no difference what- secondary Houses of Justice must elect the
soever existing between them. For uni- members of the Universal one. Unto this
versality is of God and all limitations body all things must be referred. I t
earthly. Thus man must strive that his enacteth all ordinances and regulations that
reality may manifest virtues and perfec- are not t o be found in the explicit Holy
tions, the light whereof may shine upon Text. By this body all the difficult prob-
everyone. The light of the sun shineth lems are to be resolved and the guardian of
upon all the world and the merciful showers the Cause of God is its sacred head and
of Divine Providence fall upon all peoples. the distinguished member for life of that
The vivifying breeze reviveth every living body. Should he not attend in person its
creature and all beings endued with life deliberations, he must appoint one to rep-
obtain their share and portion at His resent him. Should any of the members
heavenly hoard. In like manner, the affec- commit a sin, injurious to the common
tions and loving-kindness of the servants weal, the guardian of the Cause of God
of the One True God must be bountifully hath at his own discretion the right to expel
210 T H E BAHA'I WORLD

him, whereupon the people must elect Manifestation of God and the Dayspring of
another one in his stead. This House of His Most Divine Essence. All others are
Justice enacteth the laws and the govern- servants unto Him and do His bidding."
ment enforceth them. The legislative Unto the Most Holy Book every one must
body must reinforce the executive, the turn and all that is not expressly recorded
executive must aid and assist the legislative therein must be referred to the Universal
body so that through the close union and House of Justice. That which this body,
harmony of these two forces, the foanda- whether unanimously or by a majority doth
tion of fairness and justice may become carry, that is verily the Truth and the Pur-
firm and strong, that all the regions of the pose of God himself. Whoso doth deviate
world may become even as Paradise itself. therefrom is verily of them that love dis-
cord, hath shown forth malice and turned
0 ye beloved of the Lord! I t is incum- away from the Lord of the Covenant. By
bent upon you to be submissive to all this House is meant that Universal House
monarchs that are just and show your of Justice which is to be elected from all
fidelity to every righteous king. Serve ye countries, that is, from those parts in the
the sovereigns of the world with utmost East and West where the loved ones are to
truthfulness and loyalty. Show obedience be found, after the manner of the cus-
unto them and be their well-wishers. With- tomary elections in Western countries such
out their leave and permission do not as those of England.
meddle with political &airs, for disloyalty I t is incumbent upon these members (of
to the just sovereign is disloyalty to God the Universal House of Justice) to gather
himself. in a certain place and deliberate upon all
This is my counsel and the command- problems which have caused difference,
ment of God unto you. Well is it with questions that are obscure and matters that
them that act accordingly. are not expressly recorded in the Book.
Whatsoever they decide has the same effect
0 dearly beloved friends! I am now in as the Text itself. And inasmuch as this
very great danger and the hope of even an House of Justice hath power to enact laws
hour's life is lost to me. I am thus con- that are not expressly recorded in the Book
strained to write these lines for the and bear upon daily transactions, so also
protection of the Cause of God, the preser- it hath power to repeal the same. Thus
vation of His Law, the safeguarding of His for example, the House of Justice enacteth
Word, and the safety of His Teachings. today a certain law and enforceth it, and
By the Ancient Beauty! This wronged one a hundred years hence, circumstances hav-
hath in no wise borne nor doth he bear a ing profoundly changed and the conditions
grudge against any one; towards none doth having altered, another House of Justice
he entertain any ill-feeling and uttereth no will then have power, according to the
word save for the good of the world. My exigencies of the time, to alter chat law.
supreme obligation, however, of necessity, This it can do because that law formeth no
prompteth me to guard and preserve the part of the Divine Explicit Text. The
Cause of God. Thus, with the greatest House of Justice is both the Initiator and
regret, I counsel you saying:-"Guard ye the Abrogator of its own laws.
the Cause of God, protect His law and
have the utmost fear of discord. This is And now, one of the greatest and most
the foundation of the belief of the people fundamental principles of the Cause of God
of Bah6 (may my life be offered up for is to shun and avoid entirely the Covenant-
them). "His Holiness, the Exalted One, breakers, for they will utterly destroy the
(the Bib) is the Manifestation of the Unity Cause of God, exterminate His Law and
and Oneness of God and the Forerunner of render of no account all efforts exerted in
the Ancient Beauty. His Holincss the the past. 0 friends! I t behooveth you to
Abhl Beauty (may my life be a sacrifice call to mind with tenderness the trials of
for His steadfast friends) is the Supreme His Holiness, the Exalted One and show
your fidelity t o the Ever-Blest Bcauty. from him, hath turned away from God and
The utmost endeavor must be exerted lest he that denieth him, hat11 denied the True
all these woes, trials and aflictions, a11 this One. Beware lest anyone falsely interpret
pure and sacred blood that hat11 been shed these words, and like unto them that have
so profusely in the Path of God, may prove broken the Covenant after the Day of
t o be in vain. Ascension (of Bahi'u'llih) advance a pre-
0 ye beloved of the Lord! Strive with text, raise the standard of revolt, wax
all your heart to shield the Cause of God stubborn and open wide the door of false
from the onslaught of the insincere, for interpretation. T o none is given the right
souls such as these cause the straight t o t o put forth his own opinion or express his
become crooked and all benevolent efforts particular convictions. All must seek
t o produce contrary results. guidance and turn unto the Center of the
0 God, my God! I call Thee, T h y Cause aud the House of Justice. And he
Prophets and Thy Messengers, T h y Saints that turneth unto whatsoever else is indeed
and T h y Holy Ones, t o witness that I have in grievous error.
declared conclusively T h y Proofs unto Thy The Glory of Glories rest npon you!
loved ones and set forth clearly all things
unto them, that they may watch over T h y Let no one, while this System is still in
Faith, guard Thy Straight Path and pro- its infancy, misconceive its character, be-
tect T h y Resplendent Law. Thou art, little its significance or misrepresent its
verily, the All-knowing, the All-wise! purpose. The bedrock on which this
Administrative Order is founded is God's
Whosoever and whatsoever meeting be- immutable Purpose for mankind in this day.
cometh a hindrance to the diffusion of the The Source from which it derives its in-
Light of Faith, let the loved ones give them spiration is no one less than Bah6'u'llhh
counsel and say: "Of all the gifts of God Himself. Its shield and defender are the
the greatest is the gift of Teaching. I t embattled hosts of the Abhi Kingdom.
draweth unto us the Grace of God and is Its seed is the blood of no less than twenty
our first obligation. Of such a gift how thousand martyrs who have offered up their
can we deprive ourselves? Nay, our lives, lives that i t may Le born and flourish. The
our goods, our comforts, our rest, we offer axis round which its institutions revolve are
them all as a sacrifice for the Ahhi Beauty the authentic provisions of the Will and
and teach the Cause of God." Caution and Testanlent of 'Ahdu'l-Bahi. Its guiding
prudence, however, must he observed even principles are the truths which H e Who is
as recorded in the Booli. The veil must in the unerring Interpreter of the teachings of
no wise be suddenly rent asunder. The our Faith has so clearly enunciated in His
Glory of Glories rest npon you. public addresses throughout the West.
0 ye the faithful loved ones of 'Ahdu'l- The laws that govern its operation and limit
Bahi! I t is incumbent upon you t o take its functions are those which have been
the greatest care of Shoghi Effendi, the twig expressly ordained in the Kitih-i-Aqdas.
that hath branched from and the fruit The seat round which its spiritual, its
given forth by the two hallowed and Divine humanitarian and ad~ninistrative activities
Lote-Trees, that no dust of despondency will cluster are the Mn&riqu'l-Ad&k6r and
and sorrow may stain his radiant nature, its Dependencies. The pillars that sustain
that day by day he may wax greater in its authority and buttress its structure are
happiness, in joy and spirituality, and may the twin institutions of the Guardianship
grow t o become even as a fruitful tree. and of the Universal House of Justice. The
For he is, after 'Abdu'l-Bahi, the p a r d - central, the underlying aim which animates
ian of the Cause of God, the Afnin, the it is the establishment of the New World
Hands (pillars) of the Cause and the Order as adumbrated by Bahl'u'lllh. The
beloved of the Lord must obey him and methods it employs, the standard it incul-
turn unto him. H e that obeyeth him not, cates, incline it t o neither East nor West,
hath not obeyed God; he that turneth away neither Jew nor Gentile, neither rich nor
THE BAHA'f WORLD
poor, neither white nor colored. Its watch- of this world shall have become the King-
word is the unification of the human race; dom of God Himself, the Kingdom of
its standard the "Most Great Peace"; its Bah6'u'llih.-S~o~1u EFFENDI. ("The Dis-
consummation the advent of that golden pensation of Bahi'u'llih," pages 64 and
millennium-the Day when the kingdoms 65.)

EXCERPTS FROM THE LETTERS O F SHOGHI EFFENDI

1 HAVE been acquainted by the perusal of the provisions of these sacred documents
of your latest communications with the will reveal the close relationship that exists
nature of the doubts that have been pub- between them, as well as the identity of
licly expressed, by one who is wholly purpose and method which they inculcate.
misinformed as to the true precepts of the Far from regarding their specific provisions
Cause, regarding the validity of institutions as incompatible and contradictory in spirit,
that stand inextricably interwoven with the every fair-minded inquirer will readily
Faith of Bahl'u'llih. Not that I for a admit that they are not only comple-
moment view such faint misgivings in the mentary, but that they mutually confirm
light of an open challenge to the structure one another, and are inseparable parts of
that embodies the Faith, nor is it because one complete unit. A comparison of their
I question in the least the unyielding tenac- contents with the rest of Bahi'i Sacred
ity of the faith of the American believers, Writings will similarly establish the con-
if I venture to dwell upon what seems to formity of whatever they contain with the
me appropriate observations at the present spirit as well as the letter of the autheuti-
stage of the evolution of our beloved Cause. cated writings and sayings of Bahi'u'116h
I am indeed inclined to welcome these ex- and 'Abdu'l-Bahi. I n fact, he who reads
pressed apprehensions inasmuch as they the Aqdas with care and diligence will not
afford me an opportunity to familiarize the find it hard to discover that the Most Holy
elected representatives of the believers with Book [Aqdas] itself anticipates in a number
the origin and character of the institutions of passages the institutions which 'Ahdu'l-
which stand at the very basis of the world Bah6 ordains in His Will. By leaving cer-
order ushered in by Bahi'u'llih. We should tain matters unspecified and unregulated in
feel truly thankful for such futile attempts His Book of Laws [Aqdas], Bah6'u'llih
to undermine our beloved Faith-attempts seems to have deliberately left a gap in the
that protrude their ugly face from time to general scheme of Babl'i Dispensation,
time, seem for a while able to create a which the unequivocal provisions of the
breach in the ranks of the faithful, recede Master's Will has filled. T o attempt to
finally into the obscurity of oblivion, and divorce the one from the other, t o insinuate
are thought of no more. Such incidents that the Teachings of Bahi'u'116h have not
we should regard as the interpositions of been upheld, in their entirety and with
Providence, designed to fortify our faith, to absolute integrity, by what 'Abdu'l-Bahh
clarify our vision, and t o deepen our under- has revealed in his Will, is an unpardonable
standing of the essentials of His Divine affront to the unswerving fidelity that has
Revelation. characterized the life and labors of our
I t would, however, be helpful and in- beloved Master.
structive to bear in mind certain basic I will not attempt in the least to assert
principles with reference to the Will nnd or demonstrate the authenticity of the Will
Testament o f 'Abdu'l-Babd, which together and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Babd, for that in
with the Kita'b-i-Aqdas, constitutes the itself would betray an apprehension on my
chief depositary wherein are enshrined those part as t o the unanimous confidence of the
priceless elements of that Divine Civiliza- believers in the genuineness of he last writ-
tion, the establishment of which is the pri- ten wishes of our departed Master. I will
mary mission of the Bahi'i Faith. A study only confine my observations to those issues
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 213

which may assist them to appreciate the rately laid down by Bahi'u'llhh and 'Abdu'l-
essential unity that underlies the spiritual, Bahi, and is indissolubly bound with the
the humanitarian, and the administrative essential verities of the Faith. To dissoci-
principles enunciated by the Author and the ate the administrative principles of the
Interpreter of the Bahi'i Faith. Cause from the purely spiritual and hnmani-
I am at a loss to explain that strange tarian teachings would he tantamount to a
mentality that inclines to uphold as the sole mutilation of the body of the Cause, a
criterion of the truth of the Bah6'i Teach- separation that can only result in the dis-
ings what is admittedly only an obscure and integration of its component parts, and the
unauthenticated translation of an oral extinction of the Faith itself.
statement made by 'Abdu'l-Bahi, in de-
fiance and total disregard of the available L o c a l and National Houses of ]astiice
text of all of His universally recognized ITshould be carefully borne in mind that
writings. I truly deplore the unfortunate the local as well as the international Houses
distortions that have resulted in days past of Justice have been expressly enjoined by
from the, incapacity of the interpreter to the ~ita'b-i-Aqdas;that the institution of
grasp the meaning of 'Abdu'l-Bahl, and the National Spiritual Assembly, as an in-
from his incompetence to render adequately termediary body, and referred to in the
such truths as have been revealed to him Master's Will as the "Secondary House of
by the Master's statements. Much of the Justice," has the express sanction of 'Abdu'l-
confusion that has obscured the uuder- Bahi; and that the method to be pursued
standing of the believers should be at- for the election of the International and
tributed to this double error involved in National Houses of Justice has been set
the inexact rendering of an only partially forth by Him in His Will, as well as in a
understood statement. Not infrequently number of His Tablets. Moreover, the in-
has the interpreter even failed to convey the stitutions of the local and national Funds,
exact purport of the inquirer's specific that are now the necessary adjuncts to all
questions, and, by his deficiency of under- Local and National Spiritual Assemblies,
standing and expression in conveying the have not only been established by 'Abdu'l-
answer of 'Abdu'l-Bahl, has been responsible Bahl in the Tablets He revealed to the
for reports wholly at variance with the true Baha'is of the Orient, but their importance
spirit and purpose of the Cause. I t was and necessity have been repeatedly empha-
chiefly in view of this misleading nature of sized by Him in His utterances and writ-
the reports of the informal conversations of ings. The concentration of authority in the
'Abdn'l-Bahl with visiting pilgrims, that I hands of the elected representatives of the
have insistently urged the believers of the believers; the necessity of the submission of
West t o regard such statements as merely every adherent of the Faith to the consid-
personal impressions of the sayings of their ered judgment of Bah6'i Assemblies; His
Master, and to quote and consider as preference for unanimity in decision; the
authentic only such translations as are decisive character of the majority vote;
based upon the authenticated text of His and even the desirability for the exercise
recorded utterances in the original tongue. of close supervision over all Bab6'i publi-
I t should be remembered by every fol- cations, have been sedulously instilled by
lower of the Cause that the system of Ba- 'Abdu'l-Bahi, as evidenced by His authenti-
hi'i administration is not an innovation cated and widely-scattered Tablets. T o ac-
imposed arbitrarily upon the Bahl'is of the cept His broad and humanitarian Teachings
world since the Master's passing, but derives on one hand, and to reject and dismiss with
its authority from the Will and Testament neglectful indifference His more challenging
of 'Abdu'l-Bahd, is specifically prescribed and distinguishing precepts, would be an act
in unnumbered Tablets, and rests in some of manifest disloyalty to that which He bas
of its essential features upon the explicit cherished most in His life.
provisions of the Kita'b-i-Aqdas. I t thus That the Spiritual Assemblies of today
unifies and correlates the principles sepa- will be replaced in time by the Houses of
214 THE B A H A ' ~WORLD

Justice, and are to all intents and purposes the Universal House of Justice in His own
identical and not separate bodies, is abnn- lifetime, and but for the unfavorable cir-
dantly confirmed by 'Abdn'l-Bahi Himself. cumstances prevailing under the Turkish
He has in fact in a Tablet addressed to the regime, would have, in all probability, taken
members of the first Chicago Spiritual As- the preliminary steps for its establishment.
sembly, the first elected Bahi'i body msti- I t will be evident, therefore, that given
tuted in the United States, referred to them favorable circumstances, under which the
as the members of the "House of Justice" Bahl'is of frbn and of the adjoining coun-
for that city, and has thus with His own tries under Soviet Rule may be enabled to
pcn established beyond any doubt the idell- elect their national representa~ives, in ac-
tity of the present Bahh'i Spiritual Assem- cordance with the guiding principles laid
blies with the Houses of Justice referred to down in 'Abdu'l-Bahl's writings, the only
by Bahh'u'116h. For reasons which are not remaining obstacle in the way of the defi-
difficult to discover, it has been found ad- nite formation of the International Honse
visable to bestow upon the elected repre- of Justice will have been removed. For upon
sentatives of Bahb'i communities through- the National Houses of Justice of the East
out the world the temporary appellation of and West devolves the task, in conformity
Spiritual Assemblies, a term which, as the with the explicit provisions of the Will,of
position and aims of the Bahl'i Faith are electing directly the members of the Inter-
better understood and more fully recog- national House of Justice. Not until they
nized, will gradually be superseded by the are themselves fully representative of the
permanent and more appropriate designation rank and file of the believers in their re-
of House of Justice. Not only will the spective countries, not until they have ac-
present-day Spiritual Assemblies be styled quired the weight and the experience that
differently in future, but will be enabled will enable them to function vigorously in
also to add to their present functions those the organic life of the Cause, -can they ap-
powers, duties, and prerogatives necessitated proach their sacred task, and provide the
by the recognition of the Faith of Bahi- spiritual basis for the constitution of so
'u'llih, not merely as one of the recognized august a body in the Bahi'i world.
religious systems of the world, but as the
State Religion of an independent and Sov- The institution of Guardianship
ereign Power. And as the Bahi'i Faith
permeates the masses of the peoples of East
IT must be also clearly understood by
every believer that the institution of Guard-
and West, and its truth is embraced by the ianship does not under any circumstances
majority of the peoples of a number of the abrogate, or even in the slightest degree de-
Sovereign States of the world, will the Uni- tract from, the powers granted to the Uni-
versal House of Justice attain the plentitude versal House of Justice by Bahh'u'116h in
of its power, and exercise, as the supreme the Kitdb-i-Aqdas, and repeatedly and
organ of the Bahi'i Commonwealth, all the solemnly confirmed by 'Abdu'I-Bahi in His
rights, the duties, and responsibilities in- Will. I t does not constitute in any man-
cumbent upon the world's future snper- ner a contradiction t o the Will and Writ-
state. ings of Bahl'u'116h, nor does it nullify any
I t must be pointed out, however, in this of His revealed instructions. I t enhances
connection that, contrary to what has been the prestige of that exalted assembly, sta-
confidently asserted, the establishment of bilizes its supreme position, safeguards its
the Supreme House of Justice is in no way unity, assures the continuity of its labors,
dependent upon the adoption of the Bahh'i without presuming in the slightest to in-
Faith by the mass of the peoples of the fringe upon the inviolability of its clearly
world, nor does it presuppose its acceptance defined sphere of jurisdiction. We stand
by the majority of the inhabitants of any indeed too close t o so monumental a docu-
one country. In fact, Xbdu'l-Bah6, Him- ment to claim for ourselves a complete un-
self, in one of His earliest Tablets, contem- derstanding of all its implications, or to
plated the possibility of the formation of presume to have grasped the manifold mys-
T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 211

teries it ~ m d o u b t e d lcontains.
~ Only fu- may flow, that it should guard against such
ture generations can comprehend the value rigidity as would clog and fetter the liber-
and the significance attached to this Divine ating forces released by His Revelation. . . .
Masterpiece, which the hand of the Master- Who, I may ask, when viewing the inter-
builder of the world has designed for the national character of the Cause, its far-flung
unification and the triumph of the world- ramifications, the increasing complexity of
wide Faith of Bahl'n'lllh. Only those who its affairs, the diversity of its adherents, and
come after us will be in a position to realize the state of confusion that assails on every
the value of the surprisingly strong empha- side the infant Faith of God, can for a
sis tbat has been placed on the institution moment question the necessity of some sort
of the House of Justice and of the Guard- of administrative machinery tbat will in-
ianship. They only will appreciate the sig- sure, amid the storm and stress of a strug-
nificance of the vigorous language employed gling civilization, the unity of the Faith,
by 'Abdu'l-Bahl with reference to the band the preservation of its identity, and the pro-
of Covenant-breakers that has opposed Him tection of its interests? T o repudiate the
in His days. To them alone will be revealed validity of the assemblies of the elected
the suitability of the institutions initiated ministers of the Faith of Bahl'u'llih would
by 'Abdu'l-Bahi to the character of the be to reject these countless Tablets of Bahl-
future society which is to emerge out of the 'u'lllh and 'Abdu'l-Bah6, wherein they have
chaos and confusion of the present age. . .. extolled their privileges and duties, empha-
sized the glory of their mission, revealed the
The Animating Purpose of Bahd'i immensity of their task, and warned them
Institutions of the attacks they must needs expect from
And, now, it behooves us to reflect on the the unwisdoln of friends, as well as from
animating purpose and the primary func- the malice of their enemies. I t is surely for
tions of these divinely-established institu- those to whose hands so priceless a heritage
tions, the sacred character and the nniver- has been committed to prayerfully watch
sal efficacy of which can be demonstrated lest the tool should supersede the Faith it-
only by the spirit they diffuse and the work self, lest undue concern for the minute de-
they actually achieve. I need not dwell tails arising from the administration of the
upon what I have already reiterated and Cause obscure the vision of its promoters,
emphasized that the administration of the lest partiality, ambition, and worldliness
Cause is to be conceived as an instrument tend in the course of time to becloud the
and not a substitute for the Faith of Bahl- radiance, stain the purity, and impair the
'u'lllh, that it should be regarded as a cban- effectiveness of the Faith of Bah6'u'lllh.
nel through which His promised blessings (February 27, 1929.)

THE WORLD ORDI

AMID the reports that have of late
reached the Holy Land, most of which wit-
contrive to sow the seeds of dissension in the
hearts of the faithful.
ness to the triumphant march of the Cause, Viewed in the light of past experience,
a few seem to betray a certain apprehension the inevitable result of such futile attempts,
regarding the validity of the institutions however persistent and malicious they be,
which stand inseparably associated with the is to contribute to a wider and deeper recog-
Faith of Bahl'u'lllh. These expressed mis- nition by believers and unbelievers alike of
givings appear to be actuated by certain the distinguishing features of the Faith pro-
whisperings which have emanated from claimed by BahB'n'lllh. These challenging
quarters which are either wholly misin- criticisms, whether or not dictated by mal-
formed regarding the fundamentals of the ice, cannot but serve to galvanize the souls
BahCi Revelation, or which deliberately of its ardent supporters, and to consolidate
216 THE BAHA'f WORLD

the ranks of its faithful promoters. They searching question: "Where and how does
will purge the Faith from those pernicious this Order established by Bahi'u'llih, which
elements whose continued association with to outward seeming is but a replica of the
the believers tends t o discredit the fair institutions established in Christianity and
name of the Cause, and to tarnish the pur- Islim, diger from them? Are not the twin
ity of its spirit. We should welcome, institutions of the House of Justice and
therefore, not only the open attacks which of the Guardianship, the institution of the
its avowed enemies persistently launch Hands of the Cause of God, the institution
against it, but should also view as a blessing of the national and local Assemblies, the
in disguise every storm of mischief with institution of the Ma&riqu'l-Ad&kir, bur
which they who apostatize their faith or different names for the institutions of the
claim t o be its faithful exponents assail it Papacy and the Caliphate, with all their at-
from time to time. Instead of undermining tending ecclesiastical orders which the
the Faith, such assaults, both from within Christians uphold and advocate? What can
and without, reinforce its foundations, and possibly be the agency that can safeguard
excite the intensity of its flame. Designed these Bah6'i institutions, so strikingly re-
to becloud its radiance, they proclaim to all semblant, in some of their features, t o those
the world the exalted character of its pre- which have been reared by the Fathers of
cepts, the completeness of its unity, the the Church and the Apostles of M&am-
uniqueness of its position, and the perva- mad, from witnessing the deterioration in
siveness of its influence. character, the breach of unity, and the ex-
I do not feel for one moment that such tinction of influence, which have befallen
clamor, mostly attributable t o impotent all organized religious hierarchies? Why
rage against the resistless march of the should they not eventually suffer the same
Cause of God, can ever distress the valiant fate that has overtaken the institutions
vrarriors of the Faith. For these heroic which the successors of Christ and Mu-
souls, whether they be contending in hammad have reared?"
America's impregnable stronghold, or strug- Upon the answer given to these challeng-
gling in the heart of Europe, and across ing questions will, in a great measure, depend
the seas as far as the continent of Aus- the success of the efforts which believers in
tralia, have already abundantly demon- every land are now exerting for the estab-
strated the tenacity of their faith and the lishment of God's kingdom upon the earth.
abiding value of their conviction. Few will fail t o recognize that the Spirit
I feel it, however, incumbent upon me by breathed by Bah6'u'Ilih upon the world,
virtue of the responsibility attached to the and which is manifesting itself with vary-
Guardianship of the Faith, to dwell more ing degrees of intensity through the efforts
fully upon the essential character and the consciously displayed by His avowed sup-
distinguishing features of that world order porters and indirectly through certain hu-
as conceived by Bahi'u'116h. . . . manitarian organizations, can never perme-
I t behooves us, dear friends, to endeavor ate and exercise an abiding influence upon
not only to familiarize ourselves with the mankind unless and until it incarnates it-
essential features of this supreme Handiwork self in a visible Order, which would bear
of Bahl'u'llih, but also to grasp the funda- its name, wholly identify itself with His
mental difference existing between this principles, and function in conformity with
world-embracing, divinely-appointed Order His laws. That Bahl'u'llih in His Book of
and the chief ecclesiastical organizations of Aqdas, and later 'Ahdu'l-Bah6 in His Will
the world, whether they pertain to the -a document which confirms, supplements,
Church of Christ, or to the ordinances of and correlates the provisions of the Aqdns
the M&ammadan Dispensation. -have set forth in their entirety those es-
For those whose priceless privilege is to sential elements for the constitution of the
guard over, administer the atfairs, and ad- world Bah6'i Commonwcalth, no one who
vance the interests of these BahPi institu- has read them will deny. According to these
tions will have, sooner or later, to face this divinely-ordained administrative principles,
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 217

the Dispensation of BahB'u'llih-the Ark of the Church of Christ was irretrievably shat-
human salvation-must needs be modelled. tered, and its influence was in the course of
From them, all future blessings must flow, time undermined was that the Edifice which
and upon them its inviolable authority must the Fathers of the Church reared after the
ultimately rest. passing of His First Apostle was an Edifice
For BahCu'llih, we should readily recog- that rested in nowise upon the explicit di-
nize, has not only imbued mankind with a rections of Christ Himself. The authority
new and regenerating Spirit. He has not and features of their administration were
merely enunciated certain universal princi- wholly inferred, and indirectly derived, with
ples, or propounded a certain more or less justification, from certain
however potent, sound and universal these vague and fragmentary references which
may be. In addition to these He, as well as they found scattered amongst His utter-
'Abdu'l-BahA after H i , have, unlike the ances as recorded in the Gospel. Not one
Dispensations of the past, clearly and spe- of the sacraments of the Church; not one
cifically laid down a set of Laws, established of the rites and ceremonies which the Chris-
definite institutions, and provided for the tian Fathers have elaborately devised and
essentials of a Divine Economy. These are ostentatiously observed; not one of the ele-
destined to be a pattern for future society, a ments of severe discipline they rigorously
supreme instrument for the establishment of imposed upon the primitive Christians;
The Most Great Peace, and the one agency none of these reposed on the direct author-
for the unification of the world, and the ity of Christ, or emanated from His specific
proclamation of the reign of righteousness utterances. Not one of these did Christ
and justice upon the earth. Not only have conceive, none did He specifically invest
they revealed all the directions required for with sufficient authority to either interpret
the practical realization of those ideals His Word, or to add to that which He had
which the Prophets of God have visualized, not specifically enjoined.
and which from time immemorial have in- For this reason, in later generations, voices
flamed rhe imagination of seers and poets were raised in protest against the self-ap-
in every age; they have also, in unequivocal pointed Authority which arrogated to itself
and emphatic language, appointed those privileges and powers which did not eman-
twin institutions of the House of Justice ate from the clear text of the Gospel of
and of the Guardianship as their chosen Suc- Jesus Christ, and which constituted a grave
cessors, destined to apply the principles, departure from the spirit which that Gospel
promulgate the laws, protect the institu- did inculcate. They argued with force and
tions, adapt loyally and intelligently the justification that the canons promulgated
Faith to the requirements of progressive by the Councils of the Church were not
society, and consummate the incorruptible divinely-appointed laws, but were merely
inheritance which the Founders of the Faith human devices which did not even rest upon
have bequeathed to the world. the actual utterances of Jesus. Their con-
Should we look back to the past, were tention centered around the fact that the
we to search out the Gospel and the Qur'in, vague and inconclusive words, addressed by
we will readily recognize that neither the Christ to Peter, "Thou art Peter, and upon
Christian nor the Isl6mic Dispensations this rock I will build my Church," could
can offer a parallel either to the system never justify the extreme measures, the elab-
of Divine Economy so thoroughly estab- orate ceremonials, the fettering creeds and
lished by Bahi'u'llih, or to the safeguards dogmas, with which His successors have
which He has provided for its preser- gradually burdened and obscured His Faith.
vation and advancement. Therein, I am Had it been possible for the Church Fathers,
profoundly convinced, lies the answer to whose unwarranted authority was thus
those questions to which I have already fiercely assailed from every side, to refute
ref erred. the denunciations heaped upon them by
None, I feel, will question the fact that quoting specific utterances of Christ re-
the fundamental reason why the unity of garding the future administration of His
218 THE BAHA'f WORLD

Church, or the nature of the authority of none can belittle or ignore. Therein lies
His Successors, they would surely have been the distinguishing feature of the BahCi
capable of quenching the flame of coutro- Revelation. Therein lies the strength of
versy, and preserving the unity of Christen- the unity of the Faith, of the validity of a
dom. The Gospel, however, the only re- Revelation that claims not to destroy or be-
pository of the utterances of Christ, afford little previous Revelations, but to connect,
.
no such shelter to these harassed leaders of unify and fulfill them. . .
the Church, who found themselves helpless We should also bear in mind that the dis-
in the face of the pitiless onslaught of their tinguishing character of the Bahk'i Revela-
enemy, and who eventually had to submit tion does not consist solely in the complete-
to the forces of schism which invaded their ness and unquestionable validity of the
ranks. Dispensation which the teachings of Bahi-
In the M4ammadan Revelation, how- 'u'llkh and 'Abdu'l-Bahl have established.
ever, although His Faith as compared with Its excellence lies also in the fact that those
that of Christ was, so far as the administra- elements which in past Dispensations have,
tion of His Dispensation is concerned, more without the least authority from their
complete and more specific in its provisions, Founders, been a source of corruption and
yet in the matter of succession it gave no of incalculable harm to the Faith of God,
written, no binding and conclusive instruc- been strictly excluded by the clear text of
tions to those whose mission was to propa- Bahi'u'llkh's writings. Those unwarranted
gate His Cause. For the text of the Qur'an, practices, in connection with the sacrament
the ordinances of which regarding prayer, of baptism, of communion, of confession of
fasting, marriage, divorce, inheritance, pil- sins, of asceticism, of priestly domination,
grimage, and the like, have after the revo- of elaborate ceremonials, of holy war and of
lution of thirteen hundred years remained polygamy, have one and all been rigidly
intact and operative, gives no definite goid- suppressed by the Pen of Bahi'u'llkh, whilst
ance regarding the Law of Succession, the the rigidity and rigor of certain observances,
source of all the dissensions, the contro- such as fasting, and which are necessary to
versies, and schisms which have dismem- the devotional life of the individual, have
bered and discredited Islim. been considerably abated. . . .
Not so with the Revelation of Bahk- Dear friends! Feeble though our Faith
'u'llkh. Unlike the Dispensation of Christ, may now appear in the eyes of men, who
unlike the Dispensation of Mdammad, un- either denounce it as an offshoot of Islim,
like all the Dispensations of the past, the or contemptuously ignore it as one more of
apostles of Bahi'u'llkh in every land, wher- those obscure sects that abound in the West,
ever they labor and toil, have before them this priceless gem of Divine Revelation, now
in clear, in unequivocal and emphatic lan- still in its embryonic state, shall evolve
guage, all the laws, the regulations, the within the shell of His law, and shall forge
principles, the institutions, the guidance, ahead, undivided and unimpaired, till it
they require for the prosecution and con- embraces the whole of mankind. Only
summation of their task. Both in the ad- those who have already recognized the su-
ministrative provisions of the Bahi'i Dis- preme station of Bahi'u'llkh, only those
pensation, and in the matter of succession, whose hearts have been touched by His love,
as embodied in the twin institutions of the and have become familiar with the potency
House of Justice and of the Guardianship, of His spirit, can adequately appreciate the
the followers of Bah6'u'llkh can summon value of this Divine Economy-His ines-
to their aid such irrefutable evidences of timable gift to mankind. . . . (March 21,
Divine Guidance that none can resist, that 1930.)
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 219

THE GOAL OF A NEW WORLD ORDER

T H E inexorable march of recent events whilst the tumult of triumphant enthusi-
has carried humanity so near to the goal asm was still at its height and long before
foreshadowed by BahB'u'll6h that no respon- the faintest misgivings could have been felt
sible follower of His Faith, viewing on all or expressed, confidently declaring that the
sides the distressing evidences of the world's Document, extolled as the Charter of a
travail, can remain unmoved at the thought liberated humanity, contained within itself
of its approaching deliverance. seeds of such bitter deception as would
I t would not seem inappropriate, at a further enslave the world. How abundant
time when we are commemorating the are now the evidences that attest the per-
world over, the termination of the first spicacity of His unerring judgment!
decade since 'Abdu'l-Bahi's sudden re- Ten years of unceasing turmoil, so laden
movall from our midst, to ponder, in the with anguish, so fraught with incalculable
light of the teachings bequeathed by Him consequences to the future of civilization,
to the world, such events as have tended to have brought the world to the verge of a
hasten the gradual emergence of the World calamity too awful to contemplate. Sad
Order anticipated by Bah6'u'llih. indeed is the contrast between the manifes-
Ten years ago, this very day, there flashed totions of confident enthusiasm in which the
upon the world the news of the passing of Plenipotentiaries at Versailles so freely in-
Him Who alone, through the ennobling in- dulged 2nd the cry of unconcealed distress
flnence of His love, strength and wisdom, which victors and vanquished alike are now
could have proved its stay and solace in the raising in the hour of bitter delusion.
many afflictions it was destined to suffer. Neither the force which the Framers and
How well we, the little band of His Guarantors of the Peace Treaties have mus-
avowed supporters who lay claim to have tered, nor the lofty ideals which originally
recognized the Light that shone within animated the Author of the Covenant of
Him, can still remember IHis repeated allu- the League of Nations, have proved a snf-
sions, in the evening of His earthly life, to ficient bulwark against the forces of inter-
the tribulation and turmoil with which an nal disruption with which a structure so
unregenerate humanity was to be increas- laboriously contrived had been consistently
ingly afflicted. How poignantly some of us assailed. Neither the provisions of the so-
can recall His pregnant remarks, in the called Settlement which the victorious Pow-
presence of the pilgrims and visitors who ers have sought to impose, nor the ma-
thronged His doors on the morrow of the chinery of an institution which America's
jubilant celebrations that greeted the ter- illustrious and far-seeing President had con-
mination of the World War-a war, which ceived, have proved, either in conception or
by the horrors it evoked, the losses it en- pactice, adequate instruments to ensure the
tailed and the complications it engendered, integrity of the Order they had striven to
was destined to exert so far-reaching an in- establish. "The ills from which the world
fluence on the fortunes of mankind. How suffers," wrote 'Abdn'l-Bahl in Janu-
serenely, yet how powerfully, He stressed ary 1920, "will multiplji; the gloom which
the cruel deception which a Pact, hailed by erave/,ops it will deepen. The Balkans will
peoples and nations as the embodiment of remain discontented. Its vestless?zess will in-
triumphant justice and the unfailing instru- nease. ~h~ vanquish,ed Powers will con-
ment of an abiding peace, held in store for tinue to agitate. They will uesort to every
an unrepentant humanity. "Peace, Peace," meassre that may rekindle the flame o f
how often we heard Him remark, "the lips war. Movements, nauly-born and world-
of potentates and peoples unceasingly pro- wide in their mange, will exwt their utmost
claim, whereas the fire of unquenched fov the advancement of their designs.
hatreds still smouldcv~ in their hearts." ~h~ ~~~~~~~t of the Left will acquire
How often we heard Him raise His voice, gveat importance. Its inflsence will
-
lNovember 28, 1921. spread."
220 THE B A H A 'f WORLD

Economic distress, sincc those words were Australia, whicb, owing to its remoceness
written, together with political confusion, from the storm-centers of Europe, would
financial upheavals, religious restlessness and have been expected to be immune from the
racial animosities, seem to have conspired to trials and torments of an ailing continent,
add immeasurably to the burdens under has been caught in this whirlpool of passion
which an impoverished, a war-weary world and strife, impotent to extricate herself
is groaning. Such has been the cumulative from their ensnaring influence.
effect of these successive crises, following Never indeed have there been such wide-
one another with such bewildering rapidity, spread and basic upheavals, whether in the
that the very foundations of society are social, economic or political spheres of hu-
trembling. The world, to whichever conti- man activity as those now going on in dif-
nent we turn our gaze, to however remote a ferent parts of the world. Never have there
region our survey may extend, is everywhere been so many and varied sources of danger
assailed by forces it can neither explain nor as those that now threaten the structure of
control. society. The following words of BahB'u-
Europe, hitherto regarded as the cradle of '116h are indeed significant as we pause t o
a highly-vaunted civilization, as the torch- reflect upon the present state of a strangely
bearer of liberty and the mainspring of the disordered world: "How long will humanity
forces of world industry and commerce, persist in its waywardness? How long will
stands bewildered and ~aralyzedat the sight injustice continue? How long is chaos and
of so tremendous an upheaval. Long-cher- confusion to reign amongst men? How
ished ideals in the political no less than in long will discord agitate the face of society?
the economic sphere of human activity are The winds of despair are, alas, blowing
being severely tested under the pressure of from every direction, and the strife that
reactionary forces on one hand and of an divides and afflicts the human race is daily
insidious and persistent radicalism on the increasing. The signs of impending convul-
other. From the heart of Asia distant rum- sions and chaos can now be discerned, inas-
blings, ominous and insistent, portend the much as the prevailing order appears to be
steady onslaught of a creed which, by its lamentably defective."
negation of God, His Laws and Principles, The disquieting influence of over thirty
threatens to disrupt the foundations of million souls living under minority condi-
human society. The clamor of a nascent tions throughout the continent of Europe;
nationalism, coupled with a recrudescence the vast and ever-swelling army of the un-
of skepticism and unbelief, come as added employed with its crushing burden and de-
misfortunes to a continent hitherto re- moralizing influence on governments and
garded as the symbol of age-long stability peoples; the wicked, unbridled race of arma-
and undisturbed resignation. From darkest ments swallowing an ever-increasing share
Africa the first stirrings of a conscious and of the substance of already impoverished
determined revolr against the aims and nations; the utter demoralization from
methods of political and economic imperial- which the international &ancia1 markets
ism can be increasingly discerned, adding are now increasingly suffering; the on-
their share to the growing vicissitudes of a slaught of secularism invading what has
troubled age. Not even America, which hitherto been regarded as the impregnable
until very recently prided itself on its tra- strongholds of Christian and Muslim ortho-
ditional policy of aloofness and the self- doxy-these stand out as the gravest symp-
contained character of its economy, the toms that bode ill for the future stability
invulnerability of its institutions and the of the structure of modern civilization.
evidences of its growing prosperity and pres- Little wonder if one of Europe's preEminent
tige, has been able to resist the impelling thinkers, honored for his wisdom and re-
forces that have swept her into the vortex straint, should have been forced to make so
of an economic hurricane that now threat- bold an assertion: "The world is passing
ens to impair the basis of her own indus- through the gravest crisis in the history of
trial and economic life. Even far-away civilization." "We stand," writes another,
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 221

"before either a world catastrophe, or per- mankind to q ~ u k e . Then and only then
haps before the dawn of a greater era of will the Divine Standard be unfurled and
truth and wisdom." "It is in such times," the Nightingale of Paradise warble its
he adds, "that religions have perished and melody."
are born." -
Dearly beloved friends! Humanity,
Might we not already discern, as we scan whether viewed in the light of man's indi-
the political horizon, the alignment of those vidual conduct or in the existing relation-
forces that are dividing afresh the continent ships between organized communities and
of Europe into camps of ~otentialcombat- nations, has, alas, strayed too far and suf-
ants, determined upon a contest that nlay fered too great a decline to be redeemed
mark, unlike the last war, the end of an through the unaided efforts of the best
epoch, a vast epoch, in the history of human among its recognized rulers and statesmen
evolution? Are we, the privileged cns- -however disinterested their motives, how-
todians of a ricel less Faith, called upon to ever concerted their action, however un-
witness a cataclysmical change, politically as sparing in their zeal and devotion to its
fundamental and spiritually as beneficent as cause. No scheme which the calculations of
that which precipitated the fall of the Ro- the highest statesmanship may yet devise,
man Empire in the West? Might it not no doctrine which the most distinguished
happen-every vigilant adherent of the exponents of economic theory may hope to
Faith of Bahh'u'llhh might well pause to re- advance, no principle which the most ar-
flect-that out of this world eruption there dent of tnoralists may strive to inculcate,
may stream forces of such spiritual energy can ~rovide, 111 the last resort, adequate
as shall recall, nay eclipse, the splendor of foundations upon which the future of a
those signs and wonders that accompanied distracted world can be built. No appeal
the establishment of the Faith of Jesus for mutual tolerance which the worldly-
Christ? M ~ g h tthere not emerge out of the wise might raise, however compelling and
agony of a shaken world a religious revival insistent, can calm its passions or help re-
of such scope and power as to even tran- store its vigor. Nor would any general
scend the potency of those world-directing scheme of mere organized international co-
forces with which the Religions of the Past operation, in whatever sphere of human ac-
have, at fixed intervals and according to an tivity, however ingenious in conception or
inscrutable Wisdom, revived the fortunes extensive in scope, succeed in removing the
of declining ages and peoples? Might not root cause of the evil that has so rudely
the bankruptcy of this present, this highly- upset the equilibrium of present day society.
vaunted materialistic civilization, in itself Not even, I venture to assert, would the
clear away the choking weeds that now very act of devising the machinery required
hinder the unfoldment and future efflor- for the political and economic unification
escence of God's struggling Faith? of the world-a principle that has been
Let Bahi'u'llhh Himself shed the illnmi- increasingly advocated in recent times -
nation of His words upon our path as we provide in itself the antidote against the
steer our course amid the pitfalls and miser- poison that is steadily undermining the
ies of this troubled age. More than fifty vigor of organized peoples and nations.
years ago, in a world far removed from the What else, might we not confidently af-
ills and trials that now torment it, there firm, but the unreserved acceptance of the
flowed from His Pen these prophetic words: Divine Program enunciated, with such sim-
"The world is in travail and i f s agitation plicity and force as far back as sixty years
waxeth day by day. Its face is turned ago, by BahPu'llih, embodying in its essen-
towards waywardness and unbelief. Such tials God's divinely appointed scheme for
shall he its plight that to disclose it now the unification of mankind in this age,
would not be meet and seenzly. Its ppr- coupled with an indomitable conviction in
versity will long continue. And when the the unfailing efficacy of each and all of its
appointed hour is come, there shall suddenly provisions, is eventually capable of with-
appear that which shall cause the limbs of standing the forces of internal disintegration
222 THE B A H A ' f WORLD

which, if unchecked, must needs continue prejudiced observer. That the spirit of vin-
to eat into the vitals of a despairing society. dictiveness, of suspicion, of fear and rivalry,
I t is towards this g o a k h e goal of a new engendered by the war, and which the pro-
World Order, Divine in origin, all-embrac- visions of the Peace Treaties have served to
ing in scope, equitable in principle, chal- perpetuate and foster, has led to an enor-
lenging in its features-that a harassed hu- mous increase of national competitive arma-
manity must strive. ments, involving during the last year the
To claim to have grasped all the implica- aggregate expenditure of no less than a
tions of Bahi'u'llhh's prodigious scheme for thousand million pounds, which in turn
world-wide human solidarity, or to have has accentuated the effects of the world-
fathomed its import, would be presumptu- wide depression, is a truth that even the
ous on the part of even the declared sup- most superficial observer will readily admit.
porters of His Faith. To attempt to visual- That a narrow and brutal nationalism,
ize it in all its possibilities, to estimate its which the post-war theory of self-determi-
future benefits, to picture its glory, would nation has served to reinforce, has been
be premature at even so advanced a stage chiefly responsible for the policy of high
in the evolution of mankind. and proh~bitivetariffs, so injurious to the
All we can reasonably venture to attempt healthy flow of international trade and to
is to strive to obtain a glimpse of the first the mechanism of international finance, is
streaks of the promised Dawn that must, in a fact which few would venture to dispute.
the fulness of time, chase away the gloom I t would be idle, however, to contend
that has encircled humanity. All we can do that the war, with all the losses it involved,
is to point out, in their broadest outlines, the passions it aroused and the grievances
what appears to us to be the piding prin- it left behind, has solely been responsible
ciples underlying the World Order of Ba- for the unprecedented confusion into which
hh'u'llhh, as amplified and enunciated by almost every section of the civilized world
'Abdu'l-Bahl, the Center of His Covenant is plunged at present. Is it not a fact-
with all mankind and the appointed Inter- and this is the central idea I desire to em-
preter and Expounder of His Word. phasize-that the fundamental cause of this
That the unrest and suffering afflicting world unrest is attributable, not so much to
the mass of mankind are in no small meas- the consequences of what must sooner or
ure the direct consequences of the World later come to be regarded as a transitory
War and are attributable to the unwisdom dislocation in the affairs of a continually
and shortsightedness of the framers of the changing world, but rather to the failure of
Peace Treaties only a biased mind can re- those into whose hands the immediate des-
fuse to admit. That the financial obliga- tinies of peoples and nations have been com-
tions contracted in the course of the war, mitted, to adjust their systems of economic
as well as the imposition of a staggering and political institutions to the imperative
burden of reparations upon the vanquished, needs of a fast evolving age? Are not these
have, to a very great extent, been respon- intermittent crises that convulse present-
sible for the maldistribution and consequent day society due primarily t o the lamentable
shortage of the world's monetary gold sup- inability of the world's recognized leaders
ply, which in turn has, to a very great to read aright the signs of the times, to rid
measure, accentuated the phenomenal fall themselves once for all of their precon-
in prices and thereby relentlessly increased ceived ideas and fettering creeds, and to
the burdens of impoverished countries, no reshape the machinery of their respective
impartial mind would question. That inter- governments according to those standards
governmental debts have imposed a severe that are implicit in Bahl'u'llih's supreme
strain on the masses of the people in Europe, declaration of the Oneness of Mankind-
have upset the equilibrium of national the chief and distinguishing feature of the
budgets, have crippled national industries, Faith He proclaimed? For the principle
and led to an increase in the number of the of the Oneness of Mankind, the corner-stone
unemployed, is no less apparent to an un- of Bahi'u'lllh's world-embracing dominion,
implies nothing more or less than the en- in the midmost heart of the world when-
forcement of His scheme for the unification ever a certain number of its distinguished
of the world-the scheme to which we have and high-minded sovereigns - the shining
already referred. "In every Dispensation," exemplars of devotion and determination-
writes 'Abdu'l-Bahh, "the light of Divine shall, for the good and happiness of all man-
Guidance has been focussed upon one cen- kind, arise, with firm resolve and clear vi-
..
tral theme. . I n this wondrous Revelation, sion, to establish the Cause of Universal
this glorious century, the foundation of the Peace. They must make the Cause of Peace
Faith of God and the distinguishing feature the object of general consultation, and seek
of His Law is the consciousness of the One- by every means in their power t o establish
ness of Mankind." a Union of the nations of the world, They
How pathetic indeed are the efforts of must conclude a binding treaty and estab-
these leaders of human institutions who, in lish a covenant, the provisions of which
utter disregard of the spirit of the age, are shall be sound, inviolable and definite. They
striving to adjust national processes, suited must proclaim it to all the world and ob-
to the ancient days of self-contained na- tain for it the sanction of all the human
tions, to an age which n u s t either achieve race. This supreme and noble undertaking
the unity of the world, as adumbrated by -the real source of the peace and well-being
Bahh'u'llhh, or perish. At so critical an of all the world-should be regarded as
hour in the history of civilization it be- sacred by all that dwell on earth. All the
hooves the leaders of all the nations of the forces of humanity must be mobilized to
world, great and small, whether in the East ensure the stability and permanence of this
or in the West, whether victors or van- Most Great Covenant. In this all-embracing
quished, to give heed to the clarion call of pact the limits and frontiers of each and
Bahi'u'llbh and, thoroughly imbued with a every nation should be clearly fixed, the
sense of world solidarity, the sine qu8 non principles underlying the relations of gov-
of loyalty to His Cause, arise manfully to ernments towards one another definitely laid
carry out in its entirety the one remedial down, and all international agreements and
scheme He, the Divine Physician, has pre- obligations ascertained. I n like manner, the
scribed for an ailing humanity. Let them size of the armaments of every government
discard, once for all, every preconceived should be strictly limited, for if the prepa-
idea, every national prejudice, and give heed rations for war and the military forces of
to the sublime counsel of 'Abdu'l-Bah6, the any nation should be allowed to increase,
authorized Expounder of His teachings. they will arouse the suspicion of others.
You can best serve your country, was The fundamental principle underlying this
'Abdu'l-Bahl's rejoinder to a high official solemn Pact should be so fixed that if any
in the service of the federal government of government later violate any one of its
the United States of America, who had provisions, all the governments on earth
questioned Him as t o the best manner in should arise to reduce it to utter submis-
which he could promote the interests of his sion, nay the human race as a whole should
government and people, if you strive, in resolve, with every power at its disposal, to
your capacity as a citizen of the world, to destroy that government. Should this
assist in the eventual application of the greatest of all remedies be applied to the
principle of federalism underlying the gov- sick body of the world, it will assuredly re-
ernment of your own country to the rela- cover from its ills and will remain eternally
tionships now existing between the peoples safe and secure."
and nations of the world. "A few," He further adds, "unaware of
In "The Secret of Divine Civilization" the power latent in human endeavor, con-
("The Mysterious Forces of Civilization"), sider this matter as highly impracticable,
'Abdu'l-Babi's outstanding contribution to nay even beyond the scope of man's utmost
the future re-organization of the world, we efforts. Such is not the case, however. On
read the following: the contrary, thanks to the unfailing grace
"True civilization will unfurl its banner of God, the loving-kindness of His favored
224 THE B A H A 'f WORLD

ones, the endeavors of unrivalled wise and its candles will burn in the assemblage of
capable souls, and the thoughts and ideas man.
of the peerless leaders of this age, nothing "Behold how its light is now dawning
whatsoever can be regarded as unattainable. upon the world's darkened horizon. The
Endeavour, ceaseless endeavour, is required. first candle is unity in the political realm,
Nothing short of an indomitable determina- the early glimmerings of which can now be
tion can possibly achieve it. Many a cause discerned. The second candle is unity of
past ages have regarded as purely visionary, thought in world undertakings, the con-
yet in this day have become most easy and summation of which will ere long be wit-
practicable. Why should this most great nebsrrl. The third candle is unity in free-
and lofty c a u s e t h e day-star of the firma- dom which will surely come to pass. The
ment of true civilization and the cause of fourth candle is unity in religion which u
the glory, the advancement, the well-being the corner-stone of the foundation itself,
and the success of all humanity-be re- and which, by the power of God, will be
garded as impossible of achievement? Surely revealed in all its splendor. The fifth candle
the day will come when its beauteous light is the unity of nations-a unity which in
shall shed illumination upon the assemblage this century will be securely established,
of man." causing all the peoples of the world to re-
I n one of His Tablets 'Abdu'l-Bahi, elu- gard themselves as citizens of one common
cidating further His noble theme, reveals fatherland. The sixth candle is unity of
the following: races, making of all that dwell on earth
"In cycles gone by, though harmony was peoples and kindreds of one race. The sev-
established, yet, owing to the absence of enth candle is unity of language, that is,
means, the unity of all mankind could not the choice of a universal tongue in which
have been achieved. Continents remained all peoples will be instructed and converse.
widely divided, nay even among the peoples Each and every one of these will inevitably
of one and the same continent association come to pass, inasmuch as the power of the
and interchange of thought were well nigh Kingdom of God will aid and assist in their
impossible. Consequently intercourse, UI- realization."
derstanding and unity amongst all the peo- Over sixty years ago, in His Tablet to
ples and kindreds of the earth were unat- Queen Victoria, Bah&'u'116h, addressing "the
tainable. I n this day, however, means of concourse of the rulers of the earth," re-
communication have multiplied, and the vealed the following:
five continents of the earth have virtually "Take ye counsel together, and let your
merged into one. . .. In like manner all concern be only for that which profiteth
the members of the human family, whether mankind and bettereth the condition
peoples or governments, cities or villages, thereof. . . . Regard the world as the hu-
have become increasingly interdependent. man hody which though created whole and
For none is self-su6ciency any longer pos- perfect has been afflicted, through divers
sible, inasmuch as political ties unite all causes, with grave ills and maladies. Not
peoples and nations, and the bonds of trade for one day did it rest, nay its sicknesses
and industry, of agriculture and education, waxed more severe, as it fell under the treat-
are being strengthened every day. Hence ment of unskilled physicians who have
the unity of all mankind can in this day he spurred on the steed of their worldly de-
achieved. Verily this is none other but sires and have erred grievously, And, if at
one of the wonders of this wondrous age, one time, through the care of an able phy-
this glorious century. Of this past ages sician, a member of that hody was healed,
have been deprived, for this century-the the rest remained afflicted as before. Thus
century of light-has been endowed with informeth you the All-Knowing, the All-
unique and unprecedented glory, power Wise. . . . That which the Lord hath or-
and illumination. Hence the miraculous dained as a sovereign remedy and mightiest
unfolding of a fresh marvel every day. instrument for the healing of all the world
Eventually it will he seen how bright is the union of all its peoples in one uni-
versa1 Cause, unr L-ummonFai~h. This can in which rhr clanlor of religious fanaticism
in no wise be achieved except through the and strife will have been forever stilled;
power of a skilled, all-powerful and inspired in which the flame of racial animosity will
Physician. This verily is the truth, and all have been finally extinguished; in which a
else naught but error." single code of international law-the prod-
In a further passage Bahi'u'llhh adds uct of the considered judgment of the
these words: world's federated representatives - shall
"We see you adding every year unto your have as its sanction the instant and coercive
expenditures and laying the burden thereof intervention of the combined forces of the
on the people whom ye rule; this verily is federated units; and finally a world com-
naught hut grievous injustice. Fear the munity in which the fury of a capricious
sighs and tears of this wronged One, and and militant nationalism will have been
burden not your peoples beyond that which transmuted into an abiding consciousness of
they can endure. . . . Be reconciled among world citizenship--such indeed, appears, in
yourselves, that ye may need armaments no its broadest outline, the Order anticipated
more save in a measure to safeguard your by Bahi'u'llih, an Order that shall come
territories and dominions. Be united, 0 to be regarded as the fairest fruit of a
concourse of the sovereigns of the world, slowly maturing age.
for thereby will the tempest of discord be "The Tabernacle of Unity," Bahi'u'116h
stilled amongst you and your peoples find proclaims in His message to all mankind,
rest. Should any one among you take up "has been raised; regard ye not one another
arms against another, rise ye all against him, .
as strangers. . . Of one tree are all ye the
for this is naught but manifest justice." fruit and of one bough the leaves. . . . The
What else could these weighty words sig- world is but one country and mankind its
nify if they did not point to the inevitable citizens. . . . Let not a man glory in that
curtailment of unfettered national sover- he loves his country; let him rather glory
eignty as an indispensable preliminary to in this, that he loves his kind."
the formation of the future Commonwealth Let there be no misgivings as to the ani-
of all the nations of the world? Some form mating purpose of the world-wide Law of
of a world super-state must needs be Bah6'u'116h. Far from aiming at the sub-
evolved, in whose favor all the nations of version of the existing foundations of so-
the world will have willingly ceded every ciety, it seeks to broaden its basis, t o re-
claim to make war, certain rights to im- mould its institutions in a manner consonant
pose taxation and all rights to maintain with the needs of an ever-changing world.
armaments, except for purposes of main- I t can conflict with no legitimate alle-
taining internal order within their respec- giances, nor can it undermine essential loy-
tive dominions. Such a state will have to alties. Its purpose is neither to stifle the
include within its orbit an international ex- flame of a sane and intelligent patriotism in
ecutive adequate to enforce supreme and men's hearts, nor to abolish the system of
unchallengeable authority on every recal- national autonomy so essential if the evils
citrant member of the commonwealth; a of excessive centralization are to be avoided.
world parliament whose members shall he I t does not ignore, nor does it attempt to
elected by the people in their respective suppress the diversity of ethnical origins,
countries and whose election shall be con- of climate, of history, of language and tra-
firmed by their sespective governments; dition, of thought and habit, that differ-
and a supreme tribunal whose judgment entiate the peoples and nations of the world.
will have a binding effect even in such cases I t calls for a wider loyalty, for a larger
where the parties concerned did not volun- aspiration than any that has animated the
tarily agree to submit their case to its con- human race. It insists upon the subordina-
sideration. A world community in which tion of national impulses and interests t o
all economic barriers will have been perma- the imperative claims of a unified world.
nently demolished and the interdependence I t repudiates excessive centralization on one
of Capital and Labor definitely recognized; hand, and disclaims all attempts at uni-
forlnity on the other. Its watchword is rant emotionalism or an expression of vaguc
unity in diversity such as 'Abdu'l-Bahi and pious hope. Its appeal is not to be
Himself has explained: merely identified with a re-awakening of
"Consider the flowers of a garden. the spirit of brotherhood and good-will
Though differing in kind, color, form and among men, nor does it aim solely at the
shape, yet, inasmuch as they are refreshed fostering of harmonious cooperation among
by the waters of one spring, revived by the individual peoples and nations. Its impli-
breath of one wind, invigorated by the cations are deeper, its claims greater than
rays of one sun, this diversity increaseth any which the Prophets of old were allowed
their charm and addeth unto their beauty. to advance. Its message is applicable not
How unpleasing to the eye if all the flow- only t o the individual, but concerns itself
ers and plants, the leaves and blossoms, the primarily with the nature of those essential
fruit, the branches and the trees of that relationships that must bind all the states
garden were all of the same shape and color! and nations as members of one human fam-
Diversity of hues, form and shape enricheth ily. I t does not constitute merely the
and adorneth the garden, and heighteneth enunciation of an ideal, but stands insep-
the effect thereof. In like manner, when arably associated with an institution ade-
divers shades of thought, temperament, and quate to embody its truth, demonstrate its
character, are brought together under the validity, and perpetuate its inhence. I t
power and influence of one central agency, implies an organic change in the structure
the beauty and glory of human perfection of present-day society, a change such as the
will he revealed and made manifest. Naught world has not yet experienced. I t consti-
but the celestial potency of the Word of tutes a challenge, at once bold and uni-
God, which ruleth and transcendeth the versal, to outworn shibboleths of national
realities of all things, is capable of harmo- creeds-creeds that have had their day and
nizing the divergent thoughts, sentiments, which must, in the ordinary course of events
ideas and convictions of the children of as shaped and controlled by Providence, give
men." way t o a new gospel, fundamentally differ-
The call of Bal~i'u'llih is primarily di- ent from, and infinitely superior to, what
rected against all forms of provincialism, the world has already conceived. I t calls
all insularities and prejudices. If long-cher- for no less than the reconstruction and the
ished ideals and time-honoured institutions, demilitarization of the whole civilized
if certain social assumptions and religious world-a world organically unified in all
formu1;e have ceased to promote the wel- the essential aspects of its life, its political
fare of the generality of mankind, if they machinery, its spiritual aspiration, its trade
no longer administer to the needs of a con- and finance, its script and language, and
tinually evolving humanity, let them be yet infinite in the diversity of the national
swept away and relegated to the limbo of characteristics of its federated units.
obsolescent and forgotten doctrines. Why I t represents the consummation of hu-
should these, in a world subject to the im- man evolution-an evolutiou that has had
mutable law of change and decay, he ex- its earliest beginnings in the birth of family
empt from the deterioration that must life, its subsequent development in the
needs overtake every human institution? achievement of tribal solidarity, leading in
For legal standards, political and economic turn to the constitution of the city-state,
theories are solely designed to safeguard the and expanding later into the institution of
interests of humanity as a whole, and not independent and sovereign nations.
humanity to be crucified for the preserva- The principle of the Oneness of Man-
tion of the integrity of any particular law kind, as proclaimed by Bahi'u'llih, carries
or doctrine. with it, no more and no less, than a solemn
Let there be no mistake. The principle assertion that attainment to this final stage
of the Oneness of Mankind-the pivot in this stupendous evolution is not only
round which all the teachings of Bahl- necessary but inevitable, that its realization
'u'116h revolve-is no mere outburst of igno- is fast approaching, and that nothing short
of 2 power that is born of God can succeed Unired Stltes of Europe which was subse-
in establishing it. quently advanced, and the failure of the
So marvellous a conception finds its earli- general scheme for the economic union of
est manifestations in the efforts consciously Europe, may appear as setbacks to the ef-
exerted and the modest beginnings already forts which a handful of foresighted people
achieved by the declared adherents of the are earnestly exerting to advance this noble
Faith of Bahb'u'llih who, conscious of the ideal. And yet, are we not justified in de-
sublimity of then calling and initiated into riving fresh encouragement when we ob-
the ennobling ~rinciplesof His Administra- serve that the very consideration of such
tlon, are forging ahead t o establish His proposals is in itself an evidence of their
Kingdom on this earth. I t has its indirect steady growth in the minds and hearts of
manifestations in the gradual diffusion of men. I n the organized attempts that are
the spirit of world solidarity which is spon- being made t o discredit so exalted a concep-
taneously arising out of the welter of a dis- tion are we not witnessing the repetition,
organized society. 011 a larger scale, of those stirring struggles
I t would be stimulating t o follow the and fierce controversies that preceded the
history of the growth and development of birth, and assisted in the reconstruction, of
this lofty conception which must increas- the unified nations of the West?
ingly engage the attention of the responsible T o take but one instance. How confident
custodians of the destinies of peoples and were the assertions made in the days pre-
nations. T o the states and principalities ceding the unification of the states of the
just emerging from the welter of the great North American continent regarding the
Napoleonic upheaval, whose chief preoccu- insuperable barriers that stood in the way
pation was either to recover their rights to of their ultimate federation! Was it not
an independent existence or to achieve their widely and emphatically declared that the
national unity, the conception of world couflicting interests, the mutual distrust,
solidarity seemed not only remote but in- the differences of government and habit
conceivable. I t was not until the forces that divided the states were such as no force,
of nationalism had succeeded in overthrow- whether spiritual or temporal, could ever
ing the foundations of the Holy Alliance hope to harmonize or control? And yet
that had sought to curb their rising power, how different were the conditions prevailing
that the possibility of a world order, tran- a hundred and fifty years ago from those
scending in its range the political institu- that characterize present-day society1 I t
tions these nations had established, came t o would indeed be no exaggeration t o say
be seriously entertained. I t was not until that the absence of those facilities which
after the World War that these exponents modern scientific progress has placed at the
of arrogant nationalism came t o regard such service of humanity in our time made of
an order as the object of a pernicious doc- the problem of welding the American states
trine tending t o sap that essential loyalty into a single federation a taslc infinitely
upon which the continued existence of their more complex than that which confronts a
national life depended. With a vigor that divided humanity in its efforts to achieve
recalled the energy with which the members the unification of all mankind.
of the Holy Alliance sought t o stifle the Who knows that for so exalted a concep-
spirit of a rising nationalism among the tion to take shape a suffering more intense
peoples liberated from the Napoleonic yoke, than any it has yet experienced will have
those champions of an unfettered national t o he inflicted upon humanity? Could any-
sovereignty, in their turn, have labored thing less than the fire of a civil war with
and are still laboring t o discredit principles all its violence and vicissitudeoa war that
upon which their own salvation must ulti- nearly rent the great American Republic-
mately depend. have welded the states, not only into a
The fierce opposition which greeted the Union of independent units, but into a
abortive scheme of the Geneva Protocol; Nation, in spite of all the ethnic differences
the ridicule poured upon the proposal for a that characterized its component parts? That
228 THE BAHA'f WORLD
so fundamental a revolution, involving such states~nanship and which Napoleon's des-
far-reaching changes in the structure of so- perate efforts failed to achieve-will depend
ciety, can be achieved through the ordinary the ultimate realization of that millennium
processes of diplomacy and education seems of which poets of all ages have sung and
highly improbable. We have but to turn seers have long dreamed. Upon it will de-
our gaze to humanity's bloodstained history pend the fulfillment of the prophecies ut-
to realize that nothing short of intense men- tered by the Prophets of old when swords
tal as well as physical agony has been able shall be beaten into ploughshares and the
to precipitate those epoch-making changes lion and the lamb lie down together. I t
that constitute rhe greatest landmarks in alone can usher in the Kingdom of the
the history of human civilization. Heavenly Father as anticipated by the Faith
Great and far-reaching as have been those of Jesus Christ. I t alone can lay the foun-
changes in the past, they cannot but appear, dation for the New World Order visualized
when viewed in their proper perspective, by Bahi'u'llih-a World Order that shall
except as subsidiary adjustments preluding reflect, however dimly, upon this earthly
that transformation of unparalleled majesty plane, the ineffable splendors of the Abh6
and scope which humanity is in this age Kingdom.
bound to undergo. That the forces of a One word more in conclusion. The proc-
world catastrophe can alone precipitate such lamation of the Oneness of Mankind-the
a new phase of human thought is, alas, be- head corner-stone of Bahi'u'llih's all-em-
coming increasingly apparent. That nothing bracing dominion - can under no circum-
short of the fire of a severe ordeal, unparal- stances be compared with such expressions
leled in its intensity, can fuse and weld the of pious hope as have been uttered in the
discordant entities, that constitute the ele- past. His is not merely a call which He
ments of present-day civilization, into the raised, alone and unaided, in the face of the
integral components of the world Common- relentless and combined opposition of two
wealth of the future is a truth which future of the most powerful Oriental potentates of
events will increasingly demonstrate. His day-while Himself an exile and pris-
The prophetic voice of Bahi3u'l16h warn- oner in their hands. I t implies at once a
ing, in the concluding passages of the Hid- warning and a promise-a warning that in
den Words, "the peoples of the world" that it lies the sole means for the salvation of a
"an unforeseen calamity is following them greatly suffering world, a promise that its
and that grievous retribution awaiteth them" realization is at hand.
throws indeed a lurid light upon the im- Uttered at a time when its possibility had
mediate fortunes of sorrowing humanity. not yet been seriously envisaged in any part
Nothing but a fiery ordeal, out of which of the world, it has, by virtue of that celes-
humanity will emerge, chastened and pre- tial potency with which the Spirit of Ba-
pared, can succeed in implanting that sense hi'u'116h has breathed into it, come at last
of responsibility which the leaders of a new- to be regarded, by an increasing number of
born age must arise to shoulder. thoughtful men, not only as an approaching
I would again direct your attention to possibility, but as the necessary outcome of
those ominous words of Bah6'u'116h which the forces now operating in the world.
I have already quoted: "And when the ap- Surely the world, contracted and trans-
pointed hour is come, there shall suddenly formed into a single highly complex organ-
appear that which shall cause the limbs of ism by the marvellous progress achieved in
mankind to quake." the realm of physical science, by the world-
Has not 'Abdu'l-Bahl Himself asserted wide expansion of commerce and industry,
in unequivocal language that "another war, and struggling, under the pressure of world
fiercer than the last, will assuredly break economic forces, amidst the pitfalls of a
out"? materialistic civilization, stands in dire need
Upon the consummation of this colossal, of a restatement of the Truth underlying
this unspeakably glorious enterprisean en- all the Revelations of the past in a language
terprise that baffled the resources of Roman suited to its essential requirements. And
what voice other than that of Bahi'u'llhh- Ours, dearly-beloved co-workers, is the
the Mouthpiece of God for this age-is ca- paramount duty to continue, with un-
pable of effecting a transformation of society dimmed vision and unabated zeal, to assist
as radical as that which He has already ac- in the final erection oi that Edifice the
complished in the hearts of those men and ioundations of which Bahh'u'llih has laid in
women, so diversified and seemingly irre- our hearts. Ours is the duty to derive added
concilable, who constitute the body of His hope and strength from the general trend of
declared followers throughout the world? recent events, however dark their immediate
That such a mighty conception is iast effects, and to pray with unremitting fer-
budding out in the minds of men, that vor that He may hasten the approach of
voices are being raised in its support, that its the realization of that Wondrous Vision
salient features must fast crystallize in the which constitutes the brightest emanation
consciousness of those who are in authority, of His Mind and the fairest fruit of the
few indeed can doubt. That its modest fairest civilization the world has yet seen.
beginnings have already taken shape in the Might not the hundredth anniversary' of
world-wide Administration with which the the Declaration of the Faith of Bahh'u'llih
adherents of the Faith of Bahi'u'llih stands mark the inauguration oi so vast an era in
associated only those whose hearts are human history? (November 28, 1931.)
-
tainted by prejudice can fail to perceive. ' 1963.

NON-POLITICAL CHARAClTER OF T H E BAHA'I FAITH

We stand too close to so colossal a Reve- this principle is no other than that which
lation to expect in this, the first century involves the non-participation by the adher-
of its era, to arrive at a just estimate of its ents of the Faith of Bahi'u'llih, whether in
towering grandeur, its infinite possibilities, their individual capacities or collectively as
its transcendent beauty. Small though our local or national Assemblies, in any form of
present numbers may be, however limited activity that might be interpreted, either
our capacities, or circumscribed our influ- directly or indirectly, as an interference in
ence, we, into whose hands so pure, so ten- the political affairs of any particular gov-
der, so precious, a heritage has been en- ernment. Whether it he in the publications
trusted, should at all times strive, with which they initiate and supervise; or in
unrelaxing vigilance, to abstain from any their official and public deliberations; or in
thoughts, words, or deeds, that might tend the posts they occupy and the services they
to dim its brilliance or injure its growth. . . . render; or in the communications they ad-
Dear friends: Clear and emphatic as are dress to their fellow-disciples; or in their
the instructions which our departed Master dealings with men of eminence and author-
has reiterated in countless Tablets be- ity; or in their affiliations with kindred so-
queathed by Him to his followers through- cieties and organizations, it is, I am firmly
out the world, a few, owing to the restricted convinced, their first and sacred obligation
influence of the Cause in the West, have to abstain from any word or deed that
been purposely withheld from the body of might be construed as a violation of this
His occidental disciples, who, despite their vital principle. Theirs is the duty to dem-
numerical inferiority, are now exercising onstrate, on one hand, their unqualified
such a preponderating influence in the direc- loyalty and obedience to whatever is the
tion and administration of its affairs. I feel considered judgment of their respective
it, therefore, incumbent upon me to stress, governments.
now that the time is ripe, the importance of Let them refrain from associating them-
an instruction which, at the present state of selves, whether by word or by deed, with
the evolution of our Faith, should he in- the political pursuits of their respective na-
creasingly emphasized, irrespective of its tions, with the policies of their governments
application to the East or to the West. And and the schemes and programs of parties
230 THE BAHA 'f WORLD

and factions. In such controversies they necessarily involve. T . e t them affirm their
should assign no blame, take no side, further unyielding determination to stand, firmly
no design, and identify themselves with 110 and unreservedly, for the way of BabP-
system prejudicial to the best interests of 'u'llih, to avoid the entanglements and
that world--wideFellowship which it is their bickering inseparable from the pursuits
aim to guard and foster. Let them beware of the politician, and to become worthy
lest they allow themselves to become the agencies of that Divine Polity which in-
tools of unscrupulous politicians, or to he carnates God's immutable Purpose for all
entrapped by the treacherous devices of the men.
plotters and the perfidious among their I t should be made unmistakably clear
countrymen. Let them so shape their lives that such an attitude implies neither the
and regulate their conduct that no charge slightest indifference to the cause and inter-
of secrecy, of fraud, of bribery or of intimi- ests of their own country, nor involves any
dation may, however ill-founded, he brought insubordination on their part to the author-
against them. Let them rise above all par- ity of recognized and established govern-
ticularism and partisanship, above the vain ments. Nor does it constitute a repudiation
disputes, the petty calculations, the tran- of their sacred obligation to promote, in the
sient passions that agitate the face, and most effective manner, the best interests of
engage the attention, of a changing world. their government and people. I t indicates
I t is their duty to strive to distinguish, as the desire cherished by every true and loyal
clearly as they possibly can, and if needed follower of Bahi'u'llbh to serve, in an un-
with the aid of their elected representatives, selfish, unostentatious and patriotic fashion,
such posts and functions as are either diplo- the highest interests of the country t o
matic or political from those that are purely which he belongs, and in a way that would
administrative in character, and which un- entail no departure from the high standards
der no circumstances are affected by the of integrity and truthfulness associated with
changes and chances that political activities the teachings of His Faith, (March 21,
and party government, in every land, must 1932.)

AMERICA AND THE MOST GREAT PEACE

Dearly-beloved friends! I t is not for me, lum, have caused the administrative center
nor does it seem within the competence of of the Faith to gravitate, away from its
any one of the present generation, to trace cradle, to the shores of the American con-
the exact and full history of the rise and tinent and towards its very heart-the pres-
gradual consolidation of this invincible arm, ent mainspring and chief bulwark of its fast
this mighty organ, of a continually advanc- evolving institutions. On them will devolve
ing Cause. I t would be premature at this the task of recording the history, and of
early stage of its evolution, to attempt all estimating the significance, of so radical a
exhaustive analysis, or to arrive at a just revolution in the fortunes of a slowly ma-
estimate, of the impelling forces that have turing Faith. Theirs will be the opportunity
urged it forward to occupy so exalted a to extol the virtues and to immortalize the
place among the various instruments which memory of those men and women who have
the Hand of Omnipotence has fashioned, participated in its accomplishment. Theirs
and is now perfecting, for the execution of will be the privilege of evaluating the share
His divine Purpose. Future historians of which each of these champion-builders of
this mighty Revelation, endowed with pens the World Order of Bah6'u'Ilih has had in
abler than any which its present-day sup- ushering in that golden Millennium, the
porters can claim to possess, will no doubt promise of which lies enshrined in His
transmit to posterity a masterly exposition teachings.
of the origins of those forces which, Does not the history of primitive Chris-
through a remarkable swing of the pendu- tianity and of the rise of IslLrn, each in its
T H E W O R L D O R D E R OF BAHA'U'LLAH 23 1

own way, offer a striking parallel t o this bath evm been the dawning-place of the
strange phenomenon the beginnings o f Sun of Truth. I n the East all the Prophets
which we are now witnessing i n this, the of God have appeared. . .. T h e West hath
first century o f the Bah6'i Era? Has not the acquired illumination fronz the East but in
Divine Impulse which gave birth t o each o f some res@ectsthe reflection of the light hath
these great religious systems been driven, been greater i n the Occidznt. This is spe-
through the operation o f those forces which cially true of Christianity. Jesus Christ
the irresistible of the Faith itself appeared in Palestine and His teachings were
had released, t o seek away from the land of founded i n t h d country. Although t b
its birth and i n more propitious climes a doors of the Kingdom were first opened i n
ready field and a more adequate medium for that land and the bestowals of God were
the incarnation o f its spirit and the propa- spvead broadcast from its center, the people
gation of its cause? Have not the Asiatic of the West have embraced and promul-
churches of Jerusalem, of Antioch and of gated Christianity +nore fully than the peo-
Alexandria, consisting chiefly o f those Jew- ple of the East."
ish converts, whose character and tempera- Little wonder that from the same unerr-
ment inclined them t o sympathize with the ing pen there should have flowed, after
traditional ceremonies of the Mosaic Dis- 'Abdu'l-Bahi's memorable visit t o the W e s t ,
pensation, been forced as they steadily de- these often-quoted words, the significance
clined t o recognize the growing ascendancy o f which it would be impossible for me t o
of their Greek and Roman brethren? Have overrate: "The continent of America," He
they not been compelled t o acknowledge the announced in a Tablet unveiling His Divine
superior valor and the trained esciency Plan t o the believers residing i n the North-
which have enabled these standard-bearers Eastern States of the American Republic,
of the Cause of Jesus Christ t o erect the "is i n the eyes of the one true God the land
symbols o f HIS world-wide dominion on the wherein the splendors of His light shall be
ruins of a collapsing Empire? Has not the revealed, where the righteous will abide and
animating spirit o f Islim been constrained, the free assemble." "Mdy this Amevican
under the pressure o f similar circumstances, democracy," He Himself, while i n America,
t o abandon the inhospitable wastes o f its was heard t o remark, "be the first nation t o
Arabian Home, the theatre o f its greatest establish the foundation of international
sufferings and exploits, t o yield i n a distant agreement. May it be the first nation t o
land the fairest fruit of its slowly maturing proclaim the urcily of mankind. May it be
civilization? the first to unfurl the standard of the 'Most
"From the beginning of time until the Great Peace.' ... The A~nericanpeople are
present day:' 'Abdu'l-Bahi Himself affirms, indeed worthy of being the first t o build the
"the light of Divine Revelation hath risen tabernacle of the great peace and proclaim
i n the East and sh'ed its radiance upon the . .
the oneness of mankind. . May America
West. The illumination thus shed hath, become the distribulin~center of spiritual
however, acquired i n the West an extraor- enlightenment and all the world receive this
dinary brilliancy. Consider the Faith pro- heavenly blessing. For America has devel-
claimed b y Jesus. Though it first appeared oped powers and capacities gveater and more
i n the East, yet not until its light had been .
wonderful than any other nations. . . May
shed upon the West did the full measzlre of the inhabitants of this roz~ntrybecome like
its potentialities be manifest." "The day b angels of heaven with faces turned continu-
a>proaching," He, i n another passage, assures ally toward God. May all of them become
us, '"hen ye shall witness how, throz~ghthe servants of the omnipotent One. May they
splendor of the Faith of Bahd'u'llrih, the rise from their present material attainments
W e s t will have replaced the East, radiating t o such a height that heavenly illumination
the light of Divine Guidance." "In the books may stream from this center t o all t b
of the Prophets," He again asserts, "certain peoples o f the world. . . . This American
glad-tidings are recorded which are abso- nation is eqz~ipped and empowered t o ac-
lutely true and free from doubt. The East c m p l i s h that which will adorn the pages
232 THE BAHA'I WORLD
of history, t o become the envy of the world serve them in person, or in the emphasis
and be blest i n both the East and the W e s t which He on a more solemn occasion placed
for the triumph of its people. . .. The on the implications of His spiritual station
American colztinent gives signs and evi- -was He not, thereby, deliberately be-
dences of very great advance?nent. Its queathing to them all the essentials of that
futz~reis eve72 more promisirrg, fop- its influ- spiritual heritage which He knew they
ence and illumi~zationare far-reaching. I t would ably safeguard and by their deeds
will lead all nations spiritzrally." continually enrich? And finally who can
Would it seem extravagant, in the light doubt that in the Divine Plan which, in the
of so sublime an utterance, to expect that evening of His life, He un~eilcdto their
in the midst of so enviable a region of the eyes He was investing them with that spir-
earth and out of the agony and wreckage of itual primacy on which they could rely in
an unprecedented 'crisis there should burst the fulfillment of their high destiny?
forth a spiritual renaissance which, as it "0 ye apostles of Bahd'z~'lldh!" He thus
propagates itself through the instrumental- addresses them in one of His Tablets, "May
ity of the American believers, will rehabili- m y life be sacrificed for you! ... Behold
tate the fortunes of a decadent age? I t was the portals which Bahd'zr'lldh bath opeized
'Abdu'l-Bah6 Himself, His most intimate before you! Consider how exalted and lofty
associates testify, Who, on more than one is the station you are destined t o attain;
occasion, intimated that the establishment how unique the favors with which you have
of His Father's Faith in the North Ameri- beev endowed." " M y thoughts," He tells
can continent ranked as the most outstand- them in another passage, "are turned t o -
ing among the threefold aims which, as He wards you, and nzy heart leaps within me at
conceived it, constituted the principal ob- yoza mention. Coa~ld ye know how m y
jective of His ministry. It was He who, in soul glows w i t h your love, so great a happi-
the heyday of His life and almost immedi- ness would flood yosr hearts as t o cause yon
ately after His Father's ascension, conceived t o become enamoured w i t h each other."
the idea of inaugurating His mission by "The full measure of your success," He de-
enlisting the inhabitants of so promising a clares in another Tablet, "is as yet zrnre-
country under the banner of Bah6'u'llhh. vealed, its significa+zce still unapprehemied.
He it was Who in His unerring wisdom and Ere lolzg ye will, zuiEh your o w n eyes, wit-
out of the abundance of His heart chose to ness how brilliantly every one of yon, even
bestow on His favored disciples, to the very as a shining star, will radiate i n the firnza-
last day of His life, the tokens of His un- ment of your coulztry the light of Divine
failing solicitude and to overwhelm them Gzlidance and will bestow u@n its people
with the marks of His special favor. I t was the glory of an everlasti~zg life." "The
He Who, in His declining years, as soon as range of your future achievements," He
delivered from the shackles of a long and once more affirms, "still remains undisclosed.
cruel incarceration, decided to visit the land I f e r v e ~ t l yhope that i n the near fzrture the
which had remained for so many years the zuhole earth ?nay be stirred and shaken b y
object of His infinite care and love. I t was the vesults o f yonv achieuenzents."' "The
He Who, through the power of His pres- Almighty:' He assures them, "will 920 doubt
ence and the charm of His utterance, in- glsllrf you the help of His grace, will invest
fused into the entire body of His followers yorc w i t h the fokens of His mi@, and will
those sentiments and principles which could endue your sozrls with the szlrtaining power
alone sustain them amidst the trials which of His holy Spirit." "Be not concerned,"
the very prosecution of their task would He admonishes them, "with the small~zessof
inevitably engender. Was He not, through your numbers, neither be oppressed b y the
the several functions which He exercised multitude o f an unbelieving world. . . .
whilst He dwelt amongst them, whether in E.%ert yourselves; yowr nfi?ssion is ?&speak-
the laying of the corner-stone of their ably glorious. Should success crown your
House of Worship, or in the Feast which enterprise, America will assuredly evolve
He offered them and at which He chose to into a center from which waves of spiritzral
powev will emanate, and the throne of the its majesty and glory, be firmly established."
Kingdom of God will, in the plenitude of (April 21, 1933.)

THE BAHA'f ADMI?\TISTRATIVE ORDER

Dearly-beloved brethren in 'Abdu'l-Bahi! 'Abdu'l-Bahi, Who incarnates an institu-
With the ascension of Bahh'u'llih the Day- tion for which we can find no parallel
Star of Divine guidance which, as foretold whatsoever in any of the world's recognized
by S_haykJ Ahmad and Siyyid Kizim, had religious systems, may be said to have closed
risen in S i r i z , and, while pursuing its the Age to which He Himself belonged and
westward course, had mounted its zenith in opened the one in which we are now labor-
Adrianople, had finally sunk below the ing. His Will and Testament should thus
horizon of 'Aklii, never to rise again ere the be regarded as the perpetual, the indissoluble
complete revolution of one thousand years. link which the mind of Him Who is the
The setting of so effulgent an Orb brought Mystery of God has conceived in order to
to a definite termination the period of Di- insure the continuity of the three ages that
vine Revelation-the initial and most vital- constitute the component parts of the
izing stage in the Baha'i era. Inaugurated Baha'i Dispensation. The period in which
by the Bib, culminating in Bahi'u'llih, the seed of the Faith had been slowly ger-
anticipated and extolled by the entire com- minating is thus intertwined both with the
pany of the Prophets of this great prophetic one which must witness its efflorescence and
cycle, this period has, except for the short the subsequent age in which that seed will
interval between the Bib's martyrdom and have finally yielded its golden fruit.
Bahi'u'll6h's shaking experiences in the The creative energies released by the Law
Siyih-chi1 of Tihrin, been characterized of Bahi'u'llih, permeating and evolving
by almost fifty years of continuous and within the mind of 'Abdu'l-Bahi, have, by
progressive Revelatio~l-a period which by their very impact and close interaction,
its duration and fecundity must be regarded given birth to an Instrument which may be
as unparalleled in the entire field of the viewed as the Charter of the New World
world's spiritual history. Order which is at once the glory and the
The passing of 'Abdu'l-Bahi, on the other promise of this most great Dispensation.
hand, marlts the closing of the Heroic and The Will may thus be acclaimed as the
Apostolic Age of this same Dispensation- inevitable offspring resulting from that
that primitive period of our Faith the splen- mystic intercourse between Him Who com-
dors of which can never be rivalled, much municated the generating influence of His
less be eclipsed, by the magnificence that divine Purpose and the One Who was its
must needs distinguish the future victories vehicle and chosen recipient. Being the
of Baha'u'llih's Revelation. For neither the Child of the Covenant-the Heir of both
achievements of the champion-builders of the Originator and the Interpreter of the
the present-day institutions of the Faith of Law of God-the Will and Testament of
Baha'u'llih, nor the tu~nultuous triumphs 'Abdu'l-Bahi can no more be divorced from
which the heroes of its Golden Age will in Him W l o supplicd thc original and rnoti-
the coming days succeed in winning, can vating impulse than from the One Who
measure with, or be included within the ultimately conceived it. Bahb'u'llih's in-
same category as, the wondrous works asso- scrutable purpose, we must ever bear in
ciated with the names of those who have mind, has been so thoroughly infused into
generated its very life and laid its pristine the conduct of 'Abdn'l-Bahi, and their
foundations. That first and creative age of motives have been so closely wedded to-
the Bahi'i era must, by its very nature, gether, that the mere attempt t o dissociate
stand above and apart from the formative the teachings of the former from any sys-
period into which we have entered and the tem which the ideal Exemplar of those same
golden age destined to succeed it. teachings has established would m o u n t to
234 THE BAHA'I WORLD
a repudiation of one of the most sacred and cils that have claimed the right and assumed
basic truths of the Faith. the function of interpreting the provisions
The Administrative Order, which ever of their sacred scriptures and of administer-
since 'Abdu'l-Bahi's ascension has evolved ing the affairs of their respective communi-
and is taking shape under our very eyes in ties? Could Peter, the admitted chief of the
no fewer than forty countries of the world, Apostles, or the Imim 'Ali, the cousin and
may be considered as the framework of the legitimate successor of the Prophet, produce
Will itself, the inviolable stronghold where- in support of the primacy with which both
in this new-born child is being nurtured and had heen invested written and explicit affir-
develops. This Administrative Order, as it mations from Christ and Muhammad that
expands and consolidates itself, will no could have silenced those who either among
doubt manifest the potentialities and reveal their contemporaries or in a later age have
the full implications of this momentous repudiated their authority and, by their ac-
Document-this most remarkable expression tion, precipitated the schisms that persist
of the Will of One of the most remarkable until the present day? Where, we may con-
Figures of the Dispensation of Bahl'u'llih. fidently ask, in the recorded sayings of Jesus
I t will, as its component parts, its organic Christ, whether in the matter of succession
institutions, begin to function with effi- or in the provision of a set of specific laws
ciency and vigor, assert its claim and dem- and clearly defined administrative ordi-
onstrate its capacity to he regarded not only nances, as distinguished from purely spir-
as the nucleus but the very pattern of the itual ~ r i n c i ~ l e s can
, we find anything
New World Order destined to embrace in approaching the detailed injunctions, laws
the fulness of time the whole of mankind. and warnings that abound in the authenti-
I t should be noted in this connection that cated utterances of both Bahi'n'lllh and
this Administrative Order is fundamentally 'Abdu'l-Bahi? Can any passage of the
different from anything that any Prophet Qur'ln, which in respect to its legal code,
has previously established, inasmuch as Ba- its administrative and divotional ordinances
hl'u'lllh has Himself revealed its principles, marks already a notable advance over pre-
established its institutions, appointed the vious and more corrupted Revelations, be
person to interpret His Word and conferred construed as placing upon an unassailable
the necessary authority on the body de- basis the undoubted authority with which
signed to supplement and apply His legisla- Muhammad had, verbally and on several
tive ordinances. Therein lies the secret of occasions, invested His successor? Can the
its strength, its fundamental distinction, Author of the B6bi Dispensation, however
and the guarantee against disintegration and much He may have succeeded through the
schism. Nowhere in the sacred scriptures provisions of the Bayln in averting a
of any of the world's religious systems, nor schism as permanent and catastrophic as
even in the writings of the Inaugurator of those that afflicted Christianity and Islbm-
the Bahl'i Dispensation, do we find any can He be said to have produced instru-
provisions establishing a covenant or pro- ments for the safeguarding of His faith as
viding for an administrative order that can definite and efficacious as those which must
compare in scope and authority with those for all time preserve the unity of the organ-
that lie aL the very basis of the Baha'i Dis- ized followers of the Faith of Bah6'u'llih?
pensation. Has either Christianity or Isllm, Alone of all the Revelations gone before
to take as an instance two of the most it this Faith has, through the explicit direc-
widely diffused and outstanding among the tions, the repeated warnings, the authenti-
world's recognized religions, anything t o cated safeguards incorporated and elaborated
oger that: can measure with, or be regarded in its teachings, succeeded in raising a struc-
as equivalent to, either the Book of Bahi- ture which the bewildered followers of
'u'llih's Covenant or to the Will and Testa- bankrupt and broken creeds might well ap-
ment of 'Abdu'l-Bahi? Does the text of proach and critically examine, and seek, ere
either the Gospel or the Qur'Qn confer snffi- it is too late, the invulnerable security of its
cient authority upon those leaders and coun- world-embracing shelter.
THE WORLD 0RL)E

No wonder that He Who through the of the Hands of the Cause of God which
operation of His Will has inaugurated so first Bahi'u'llih and then 'Abdu'l-Bahi
vast and unique an Order and Who is the brought into being; in the institution of
Center of so mighty a Covenant should both local and national Assemblies which in
have written these words: "So firm and their embryonic stage were already func-
mighty is this Covenant that fronz the be- tioning in the days preceding 'Abdu'l-
ginning of tinze until the present day no Bahi's ascension; in the authority with
religions Dispmsatioiz bath produced its which the Author of our Faith and the
like." "Whatsoever is latent i n the inner- Center of His Covenant have in their Tab-
most of this holy cycle," He wrote during lets chosen to confer upon them; in the
the darkest and most dangerous days of His institution of the Local Fund which oper-
ministry, "shall gradually appear and be ated according to 'Abdu'l-Bahi's specific
made manifest, for now is but the begin- injunctions addressed to certain Assemblies
ning of its growth and the day-spring of in frin; in the verses of the Icitih-i-Aqdas
the revelation of its signs." "Fear not," the implications of which clearly anticipate
are His reassuring words foreshadowing the the institution of the Guardianship; in the
rise of the Administrative Order established explanation which 'Ahdu'l-Bah6, in one of
by His Will, "fear not if this Braqzch be His Tablets, has given to, and the emphasis
severed from this material world and cast He has placed upon, the hereditary prin-
aside its leaves; nay, the leaves thereof shall ciple and the law of primogeniture as hav-
flourish, for this Branch will grow after it ing been upheld by the Prophets of the past
is cut o f f from this world below, i t shall -in these we can discern the faint glim-
reach the loftiest pinnacles of glory, and it merings and discover the earliest intimation
shall bear such fruits as will perfnnze the of the nature and working of the Adminis-
world with their fragrance." trative Order which the Will of 'Abdu'l-
To what else if not to the power and maj- Bahi was at a later time destined to
esty which this Administrative Order-the proclaim and fornlally establish.
rudiments of the future all-enfolding Bahb'i
Commonwealth-is destined to manifest, An attempt, I feel, should at the present
can these utterances of Bahi'u'llih allude: juncture be made to explain the character
"The world's equilibrium bath been upset and functions of the twin pillars that sup-
through the vibrating infnence of this nzost port this mighty Administrative Structure
great, this new World Order. Mankind's -the institutions of the Guardianship and
ordered life bath been revolntio~zized of the Universal House of Justice. To de-
through the agency of this unique, this scribe in their entirety the diverse elements
wondrous Systenz--the liRe of which nzortal that function in conjunction with these
eyes have never witnessed." institutions is beyond the scope and purpose
The Bib Himself, in the course of His of this general exposition of the fnnda-
references to "Him Whom God will malte mental verities of the Faith. To define
manifest" anticipates the System and glori- with accuracy and minuteness the features,
fies the World Order which the Revelation and to analyze exhaustively the nature of
of Bahi'u'llih is destined to unfold. "Well the relationships which, on the one hand,
is it with him," is His remarkable statement bind together these two fundamental organs
in the third chapter of the Bayin, "who of the Will of 'Ahdu'l-Bah6 and connect,
fixeth his gaze upon the Ordw of Bahd- on the other, each of them to the Author
'n'lldh ihnd rendereth thanks wnto his Lord! of the Faith and the Center of His Cove-
For I f e will assuredly be made manifest. nant is a task which future generations will
God bath indeed irrevocably ordained i t in no doubt adequately fulfil. My present in-
the Baydn." tention is to elaborate certain salient fea-
In the Tablets of Bahl'n'llih where the tures of this scheme which, however close
institutions of the International and local we may stand to its colossal structure, are
Houses of Justice are specifically designated already so clearly defined that we find it
and formally established; in the institution inexcusable to either misconceive or ignore.
236 THE B A H A 'f WORLD
Tt should he stated, a t the very outset, its elected representxtiver would he totally
in clear and unambiguous language, that withdrawn.
these twin institutions of the Administra- Severed from the no less essential institu-
tive Order of Bahi'u'llih should be regarded tion of the Universal House of Justice this
as divine in origin, essential in their func- same System of the Will of 'Abdu'l-Bahi
tions and complementary in their aim and would be paralyzed in its action and would
purpose. Their common, their funda- be powerless to fill in those gaps which the
mental object is to insure the continuity Author of the Kitib-i-Aqdas has deliber-
of that divinely-appointed authority which ately left in the body of His legislative
flows from the Source of our Faith, to safe- and administrative ordinances.
guard the unity of its followers and to "He is the Interpreter of the Word of
maintain the integrity and flexibility of its God," 'Abdu'l-Bahi, referring to the func-
teachings. Acting in conjunction with tions of the Guardian of the Faith, asserts,
each other these two inseparable institutions using in His Will the very term which He
administer its affairs, coordinate its activi- Himself had chosen when refuting the
ties, promote its interests, execute its laws argument of the Covenant-breakers who
and defend its subsidiary institutions. had challenged His right to interpret the
Severally,, each operates within a clearly utterances of Bahi'u'llih. "After him,"
defined sphere of jurisdiction; each is He adds, "will succeed the first-born of his
equipped with its own attendant in- lineal descendants." "The mighty strong-
stitutionsinstruments designed for the hold," He further explains, "shrzll remain
effective discharge of its particular responsi- inzpregnable and safe through obedience to
bilities and duties. Each exercises, within him who k the Guardian of the Cause of
the limitations imposed upon it, its powers, God." "It is incumbent upon the nzembers
its authority, its rights and prerogatives. of the House of Justice, upon all the
These are neither contradictory, nor detract A&_hsn'n, the Afndn, the Hands of the Caa~se
in the slightest degree from the position of God, to show their obedience, submis-
which each o f these institutions occupies. siveness afzd subordination anto the Gaard-
Far from being incompatible or mutually ian of the Cause of God."
destructive, they supplement each other's "It is incumbent upon the members of
authority and functions, and are perma- the House of Justice," Bahi'u'llih, on the
nently and fundamentally united in their other hand, declares in the Eighth Leaf of
aims. the Exalted Paradise, "to take coansel to-
Divorced from the institution of the gether regarding those things which have
Guardianship the World Order of Bahi'- not outwardly been revealed in the Book,
u'116h would be mutilated and permanently and to enforce that which is agreeable to
deprived of that hereditary principle which, them. God will verily inspire them with
as 'Abdu'l-Bah6 has written, has been in- whatsoever He willeth, and He verily is
variably upheld by the Law of God. "In the Provider, the Onmiscient." "Unto the
all the Divine Dispensations," He states, Most Holy Book" (the Kitib-i-Aqdas),
in a Tablet addressed to a follower of the 'Abdu'l-Bahi states in His Will, "every one
Faith in frin, "the eldest son bath been must turn, and all that is not expressly re-
given extraordinary distinctions. Even the corded therein must be referred to the
station of prophethood bath been hh birth- Universal House of Justice. That which
right."' Without such an institution the this body, whether unaninlously or by a
integrity of the Faith would be imperilled, majority doth carry, that is verily the truth
and the stability of the entire fabric would and the purpose of God Himself. Whoso
be gravely endangered. Its prestige would doth deuiate therefrom is verily of them
suffer, the means required t o enable it to that love discord, bath shown forth malice,
take a long, an uninterrupted view over a and turned away from the Lord of the
series o f generations would be completely Covenant."
lacking, and the necessary guidance to de- Not only does 'Abdu'l-Bah6 confirm in
fine the sphere of the legislative action of His Will Bahi'u'llih's above-quoted state-
THE W O R L D O R D E R OF BAHA'U'LLbH 237

ment, but invests this body with the revealed utterances. He interprets what
additional right and power to abrogate, has been specifically revealed, and cannot
according to the exigencies of time, its own legislate except in his capacity as member
enactments, as well as those of a preceding of the Universal House of Justice. He is
House of Justice. "I~zasmuchas the House debarred from laying down independently
of Justice," is His explicit statement in His the constitution that most govern the or-
Will, "bath power to enact laws that are ganized activities of his fellow-members,
not exkessly recorded in the Bwk and bear and from exercising his influence in a man-
upon daily transactions, so also it hath ner that would encroach upon the liberty
power to repeal the same . . . This it can of those whose sacred right is t o elect the
do because these laws form no pavt of the body of his collaborators.
divine explicit text." It should be borne in mind that the in-
Referring to both the Guardian and the stitution of the Guardianship has been
Universal House of Justice we read these anticipated by 'Abdu'l-Bahh in an allusion
emphatic words: "The sacred and yonthful He made in a Tablet addressed, long before
Branch, the Guardian of the Cause of God, His own ascension, to three of His friends
as well as the Universal House of Justice in frin. T o their question as to whether
to be universally elected and established, there would be any person to whom all the
are both under the care and protection of Bahi'is would be called upon to turn after
the Ahha' Beauty, under the shelter and zm- His ascension He made the following reply:
m i n g guidalzce of the Exalted One (the "As to the question ye have asked me, know
Bib) (may m y life be offered up for them verily that this is a well-gwded secret. It
both). Whatsoever they decide is of God." is even as a gem concealed within its shell.
From these statements it is made in- That it will be revealed is predestined. The
dubitably clear and evident that the Guard- time will come when its light will appear,
ian of the Faith has been made the when its evidences will be made manifest,
Interpreter of the Word and that the and its secrets unravelled."
Universal House of Justice has been in- Dearly-beloved friends! Exalted as is the
vested with the function of legislating on position and vital as is the function of the
matters not expressly revealed in the teach- institution of the Guardianship in the
ings. The interpretation of the Guardian, Administrative Order of Bahh'n'llih, and
functioning within his own sphere, is as staggering as must be the weight of re-
authoritative and binding as the enactments sponsibility which it carries, its importance
of the International House of Justice, whose must, whatever be the language of the Will,
exclusive right and prerogative is to pro- be in no wise over-emphasized. The
nounce upon and deliver the final judgment Guardian of the Faith must not under any
on such laws and ordinances as Bahi'u'llih circumstances, and whatever his merits or
has not expressly revealed. Neither can, his achievements, be exalted to the rank
nor will ever, infringe upon the sacred and that will make him a co-sharer with
prescribed domain of the other. Neither 'Abdu'l-Bahi in the unique position which
will seek to curtail the specific and un- the Center of the Covenant occupies--
doubted authority with which both have much less to the station exclusively or-
been divinely invested. dained for the Manifestation of God. So
Though the Guardian of the Faith has grave a departure from the established
been made the permanent head of so august tenets of our Faith is nothing short of open
a body he can never, even temporarily, blasphemy. As I have already stated, in
assume the right of exclusive legislation. the course of my references to 'Abdu'l-
He cannot override the decision of the Bah6's station, however great the gulf that
majority of his fellow-members, but is separates Him from the Auihor of a Divine
bound to insist upon a reconsideration by Revelation it can never measure with the
them of any enactment he conscientiously distance that stands between Him W h o is
believes to conflict with the meaning and the Center of Bahi'u'llih's Covenant and
to depart from the spirit of Bahb'u'llih's the Guardians who are its chosen ministers.
238 THE B A H A. ' f WORLD

There is a far, far grater distance sepa- ity with which He Himself has been
rating the Guardian from the Center of the invested.
Covenant than there is between the Center
of the Covenant and its Author. A word should now be said regarding the
No Guardian of the Faith, I feel in my theory on which this Administrative Order
solemn duty to place on record, can ever is based and the principle that must govern
claim to be the perfect exemplar of the the operation of its chief institutions. I t
teachings of Bahi'u'llih or the stainless would be utterly misleading to attempt a
mirror that reflects His light. Though comparison between this unique, this
overshadowed by the unfailing, the uner- divinely-conceived Order and any of the
ring protection of Bahi'u'llhh and of the diverse systems which the minds of men, at
Bib, and however much he may share with various periods of their history, have con-
'Abdu'l-Bahh the right and obligation to trived for the government of human
interpret the Bahi'i teachings, he remains institutions. Such an attempt would in
essentially human and cannot, if he wishes itself betray a lack of complete appreciation
to remain faithful to his trust, arrogate to of the excellence of the handiwork of its
himself, under any pretence whatsoever, great Author. How could it be otherwise
the rights, the privileges and prerogatives when we remember that this Order con-
which Bahi'u'llih has chosen to confer stitutes the very pattern of that divine
upon His Son. In the light of this truth civilization which the almighty Law of
to pray to the Guardian of the Faith, to Bahi'u'llih is designed t o establish upon
address him as lord and master, to designate earth? The divers and ever-shifting sys-
him as his holiness, t o seek his benediction, tems of human polity, whether past or
to celebrate his birthday, or to commemo- present, whether originating in the East or
rate any event associated with his life would in the West, offer no adequate criterion
be tantamount to a departure from those wherewith t o estimate the potency of its
established truths that are enshrined within hidden virtues or to appraise the solidity
our beloved Faith. The fact that the of its foundations.
Guardian has been specifically endowed with The Bahl'i Commonwealth of the future,
such power as he may need to reveal the of which this vast Administrative Order is
purport and disclose the implications of the the sole framework, is, both in theory and
utterances of Bah6'n'Ilih and of 'Abdu'l- practice, not only unique in the entire his-
Bahh does not necessarily confer upon him a tory of political institutions, but can find
station co-equal with those Whose words no parallel in the annals of any of the
he is called upon to interpret. He can world's recognized religious systems. No
exercise that right and discharge this obli- form of democratic government; no system
gation and yet remain infinitely inferior to of autocracy or of dictatorship, whether
both of them in rank and different in monarchical or republican; no intermediary
nature. scheme of a purely aristocratic order; nor
To the integrity of this cardinal prin- even any of the recognized types of
ciple of our Faith the words, the deeds of its theocracy, whether it be the Hebrew Com-
present and future Guardians must abun- monwealth, or the various Christian eccle-
dantly testify. By their conduct and siastical organizations, or the ImImate or
example they must needs establish its truth the Caliphate in Islhm-none of these can
upon an unassailable foundation and trans- be identified or be said to conform with the
mit to future generations unimpeachable Administrative Order which the master-
evidences of its reality. hand of its perfect Architect has fashioned.
For my own part to hesitate in recog- This new-born Administrative Order in-
nizing so vital a truth or to vacillate in corporates within its structure certain
proclaiming so firm a conviction must con- elements which are to be found in each of
stitute a shameless betrayal of the confi- the three recognized forms of secular gov-
dence reposed in me by 'Abdu'l-Bahh and ernment, without being in any sense a mere
an unpardonable usurpation of the author- replica of any one of them, and without
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 239

introducing within its machinery any of the unmitigated autocracy or as an idle imita-
objectionable features which they inherently tion of any form of absolutistic ecclesiasti-
possess. I t blends and harmonizes, as no cal government, whether it be the Papacy,
government fashioned by mortal hands has the Imimate or any other similar institu-
as yet accomplished, the salutary truths tion, for the obvious reason that upon the
which each of these systems undoubtedly international elected representatives of the
contains without vitiating the integrity of followers of BahPu'11611 has been conferred
those God-given verities on which it is the exclusive right of legislating on matters
ultimately founded. not expressly revealed in the BahPi writ-
The Administrative Order of the Faith of ings. Neither the Guardian of the Fairh
Bahi'u'llih must in no wise be regarded nor any institution apart from the Inter-
as purely democratic in character inasmuch national House of Justice can ever usurp
as the basic assumption which requires all this vital and essential power or encroach
democracies to depend fundamentally upon upon that sacred right. The abolition of
getting their mandate from the people is professional ~riesthoodwith its accompany-
altogether lacking in this Dispensation. In ing sacraments of baptism, of communion
the conduct of the administrative affairs of and of confession of sins, the laws requiring
the Faith, in the enactment of the legisla- the election by universal suffrage of all
tion necessary to supplement the laws of local, national, and international Houses
the Kitib-i-Aqdas, the members of the of Justice, the total absence of episcopal
Universal House of Justice, it should be authority with its attendant privileges,
borne in mind, are not, as BahPu'llih's corruptions and bureaucratic tendencies, are
utterances clearly imply, responsible to further evidences of the non-autocratic
those whom they represent, nor are they character of the Bahi'i Administrative
allowed to he governed by the feelings, the Order and of its inclination to democratic
general opinion, and even the convictions methods in the administration of its affairs.
of the mass of the faithful, or of those Nor is this Order identified with the
who directly elect them. They are to name of Bahi'u'llih to be confused with
follow, in a prayerful attitude, the dictates any system of purely aristocratic govern-
and promptings of their conscience. They ment in view of the fact that it upholds,
may, indeed they must, acquaint themselves on the one hand, the hereditary principle
with the conditions prevailing among the and entrusts the Guardian of the Faith with
community, must weigh dispassionately in the obligation of interpreting its teachings,
their minds the merits of any case presented and provides, on the other, for the free and
for their consideration, but must reserve for direct election from among the mass of the
themselves the right of an unfettered de- faithful of the body that constitutes its
cision. "God will verily inspire them with highest legislative organ.
zvhatsoever He willeth," is Bahi'u'llih's Whereas this Administrative Order can-
incontrovertible assurance. They, and not not be said to have been modelled after any
the body of those who either directly or of these recognized systems of government,
indirectly elect them, have thus been made it nevertheless embodies, reconciles and
the recipients of the divine guidance which assimilates within its framework such
is at once the life-blood and ultimate safe- wholesome elements as are to be found in
guard of this Revelation. Moreover, he each one of them. The hereditary authority
who symbolizes the hereditary principle in which the Guardian is called upon to exer-
this Dispensation has been made the in- cise, the vital and essential functions which
terpreter of the words of its Author, and the Universal House of Justice discharges,
ceases consequently, by virtue of the actual the specific provisions requiring its demo-
authority vested in him, to be the figure- cratic election by the representatives of
head invariably associated with the prevail- the f a i t h f u k h e s e combine t o demonstrate
ing systems of constitutional monarchies. the truth that this divinely revealed Order,
Nor can the Bahb'i Administrative Order which can never he identified with any of
be dismissed as a hard and rigid system of the standard types of government referred
240 THE B A H A 'i WORLD

to by Aristotle in his works, embodies and the Faith of Bahi'u'llih with the cries and
blends with the spiritual verities on which agony, the follies and vanities, the bitter-
it is based the beneficent elements which ness and prejudices, the wickedness and
are to be found in each one of them. The divisions of an ailing and chaatic world.
admitted evils inherent in each of these Witness the fear that torments its leaders
systems being rigidly and permanently ex- and paralyzes the action of its blind and
cluded, this unique Order, however long bewildered statesmen. How fierce the
it may endure and however extensive its hatreds, how false the ambitions, how petty
ramifications, cannot ever degenerate into the pursuits, how deep-rooted the suspicions
any form of despotism, of oligarchy, or of of its peoples! How disquieting rhe law-
demagogy which must sooner or later cor- lessness, the corruption, the unbelief that
rupt the machinery of all man-made and are eating into the vitals of a tottering
essentially defective political institutions. civilization!
Might not this process of steady deterio-
Dearly-beloved friends! Significant as ration which is insidiously invading so many
are the origins of this mighty administra- departments of human activity and thought
tive structure, and however unique its be regarded as a necessary accompaniment
features, the happenings that may be said to the rise of this almighty Arm of Bahl-
to have heralded its birth and signalized 'u'llih? Might we not look upon the
the initial stage of its evolution seem no momentous happenings which, in the course
less remarkable. How striking, how edify- of the past twenty years, have so deeply
ing the contrast between the process of agitated every continent of the earth, as
slow and steady consolidation that charac- ominous signs simultaneously proclaiming
terizes the growth of its infant strength the agonies of a disintegrating civilization
and the devastating onrush of the forces of and the hirthpangs of that World Order-
disintegration that are assailing the outworn that Ark of human salvation-that must
institutions, both religious and secular, of needs arise upon its ruins?
preseilt-day society! The catastrophic fall of mighty mon-
The vitality which the organic institu- archies and empires in the European con-
tions of this great, this ever-expanding tinent, allusions to some of which may be
Order so strongly exhibit; the obstacles found in the prophecies of Bahb'n'lllh; the
which the high courage, the undaunted decline that has set in, and its still continu-
resolution of its administrators have already ing, in the fortunes of the &iCih hierarchy
surmounted; the fire of an unquenchable in His own native land; the fall of the
enthusiasm that glows with undiminished Q l j i r dynasty, the traditional enemy of
fervor in the hearts of its itinerant teachers; His Faith; the overthrow of the Sultlnate
the heights of self-sacrifice which its, and the Caliphate, the sustaining pillars of
champion-builders are now attaining; the Snnni Islim, to which the destruction of
breadth of vision, the confident hope, the Jerusalem in the latter part of the first cen-
creative joy, the inward peace, the uncom- tury of the Christian era offers a striking
promising integrity, the exemplary disci- parallel; the wave of secularization which
pline, the unyielding unity and solidarity is invading the Muhammadan ecclesiastical
which its stalwart defenders manifest: the institutions in Egypt and sapping the
degree to which its moving Spirit has shown loyalty of its staunchest supporters; the
itself capable of assimilating the diversified humiliating blows that have afflicted some
elements within its pale, of cleansing them of the most powerful Churches of Christen-
of all forms of prejudice and of fusing dom in Russia, in Western Europe and
them with its own structure-these are Central America; the dissemination of those
evidences of a power which a disiIlusioned subversive doctrines that are undermining
and sadly shaken society can ill afford to the foundations and overthrowing the
ignore. structure of seemingly impregnable strong-
Compare these splendid manifestations of holds in the political and social spheres of
the spirit animating this vibrant body of human activity; the signs of an impending
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 241

catastrophe, strangely reminiscent of the thousai~dmartyrs who have o%ered up their
Fall of the Roman Empire in the West, lives that it may be born and flourish. The
which threatens to engulf the whole struc- axis round which its institutions revolve
ture of present-day civilizationall witness are the authentic provisions of the Will and
to the tumult which the birth of this Testament of 'Ahdu'l-Bah6. Its guiding
mighty Organ of the Religion of Bahl- principles are the truths which He Who
'u'llih has cast into the world-a tumult is the unerring Interpreter of the teachings
which will grow in scope and in intensity of our Faith has so clearly enunciated in
as the implications of this constantly evolv- His public addresses throughout the West.
ing Scheme are more fully understood and The laws that govern its operation and
its ramifications more widely extended over limit its functions are those which have
the surfnce of the globe. been expressly ordained in the Kitih-i-
A word more in conclusion. The rise Aqdas. The seat round which its spiritual,
and establishment of this Administrative its humanitarian and administrative activi-
Order-the shell that shields and enshrines ties will cluster are the Mahriqu'l-A&kL
so precious a gem---constitutes the hall- and its Dependencies. The pillars that sus-
mark of this second and formative age of tain its authority and buttress its structure
the Bahi'i era. I t will come to be regarded, are the twin institutions of the Guardian-
as it recedes farther and farther from our ship and of the Universal House of Justice.
eyes, as the chief agency empowered t o The central, the underlying aim which
usher in the concluding phase, the consum- animates it is the establishment of the New
mation of this glorious Dispensation. World Order as adumbrated by Bahi-
Let no one, while this System is still in 'u'llih. The methods it employs, the stand-
its infancy, misconceive its character, he- ard it inculcates, incline it t o neither East
little its significance or misrepresent its nor West, neither Jew nor Gentile, neither
purpose. The bedrock on which this rich nor poor, neither white nor colored.
Administrative Order is founded is God's Its watchword is the unification of the
immutable Purpose for mankind in this day. human race; its standard the "Most Great
The Source from which it derives its in- Peace"; its consummation the advent of
spiration is no one less than Bahi'u'llih that golden millennium-the Day when the
Himself. Its shield and defender are the lringdoms of this world shall have become
embattled hosts of the Abhi Kingdom. the Kingdom of God Himself, the Kingdom
Its seed is the blood of no less than twenty of Bahi'u'llih. (February 8 , 1934.)

THE UNFOLDMEN'T OF WORLD CIVILIZATION

A S your co-sharer in the building up of in a mysterious manner, are heralding the
the New World Order which the mind of birth of that World Order, the estahlish-
Bahi'u'llih has visioned, and whose features ment of which must signalize the Golden
the pen of 'Abdu'l-Bahi, its perfect Archi- Age of the Cause of God, are growing and
tect, has delineated, I pause to contemplate multipljing day by day. No fair-minded
with you the scene which the revolution observer can any longer fail to discern
of well-nigh fifteen years after His passing them. He cannot be misled by the painful
unfolds before us. slowness characterizing the unfoldment of
The contrast between the accumulating the civilization which the followers of
evidences of steady consolidation that ac- Bah6'u'llih are laboring to establish. Nor
company the rise of the Administrative can he be deluded by the ephemeral mani-
Order of the Faith of God, and the forces festations of returning prosperity which at
of disintegration which hatter at the fabric times appear to be capable of checking the
of a travailing society, is as clear as it is disruptive influence of the chronic ills
arresting. Both within and outside the afflicting the institutions of a decaying age.
Bahi'i world the signs and tokens which, The signs of the times are too numerous
242 T H E BAHb'f W O R L D

and compelling to allow him t o mistake lective efforts o f mankind may yet devise
their character or t o belittle their signifi- can ever hope t o achieve anything above
cance. He can, i f he be fair i n his judg- or beyond that "Lesser Peace" t o which the
ment, recognize i n the chain o f events Author o f our Faith has Himself alluded i n
which proclaim on the one hand the irre- His writings. " N o w that ye have refused
sistible march of the institutions directly the Most Great Peace," He, admonishing
associated with the Revelation of Bahl- the kings and rulers o f the earth, has
'u'llih and foreshadow on the other the written, "hold ye fast unto this the Lesser
downfall of those powers and principalities Peace, that haply ye ?nay i n some degree
hat have either ignored or opposed it- better yuuv own condition and that of your
he can recognize i n them all evidences of dependents." Expatiating on this Lesser
the operation o f God's all-pervasive Will, Peace, He thus addresses i n that same Tah-
the shaping o f His perfectly ordered and let the rulers of the earth: "Be reconciled
world-embracing Plan. among yourselves, that ye may seed no
"Soon," Bahi'u'llih's own words pro- more ar7naments save i n a measwre t o safe-
claim it, "will the $resent day Order be guard your territories and dominions ...
rolled up, and a sew one spread out i n its Be united, 0 kings of the earth, for thereby
stead. Verily, t h y Lord speaketh the truth wzll the tempest of discord be stilled
and is the Knower of things unseen." "By amongst you, and your peo$les fi~zd rest, if
Myself," He solemnly asserts, "the day is ye be of them that conzpehe7zd. Shoz~ld
approaching when W e will have rolled up any one among you take up arms against
the world and all that is therein, and spread another, rise ye all against him, for this is
out a new Order i n its stead. He, verily, naught but manifest justice."
is powerfi~lover all things." "The world's The Most Great Peace, on the other hand,
equilibrizcm," He explains, "bath been z~pset as conceived b y BahB'u'llih-a peace that
through the vibrating influence of this must inevitably follow as the practical con-
Most Great, this new World Order. Man- sequence of the spiritualization of the world
Rind's ordered life bath been revolutionized and the fusion o f all its races, creeds, classes
through the agency of this unique, this and nations-can rest on no other basis, and
wondrous System, the like of which mortal can be preserved through no other agency,
eyes have never witnessed." "The signs of except the divinely appointed ordinances
impending convzrlsio7zs and chaos," He that are implicit i n the World Order that
warns the peoples of the world, "can now stands associated with His holy name. In
be discerned, inasmuch as the prevailing His Tablet, revealed almost seventy years
Order ajpeareth t o be lamentably de- ago t o Queen Victoria, Bahi'u'llih, alluding
fective." t o this Most Great Peace, has declared:
Dearly-beloved friends! This N e w "That which the Lord bath ordained as the
World Order, whose promise is enshrined in sovereign remedy and mightiest instrument
the Revelation o f Bah6'u'116h, whose funda- for the healing of all the world is the union
mental principles have been enunciated i n of all its peoples i n one universal Cause,
the writings o f the Center o f His Covenant, one common Faith. This can i n no wise
involves no less than the complete nnifica- be achieved except t h o u g h the power of a
tion o f the entire human race. This unifi- skilled, an all-powerful and inspired Phy-
cation should conform t o such principles sician. This, verily, ,is the truth, and all
as would directly harmonize with the spirit else naught but error ... Consider these
that animates, and the laws that govern the days i n which the Ancient Beauty, He W h o
operation o f , the institutions that already is the Most Great Name, bath been sent
constitute the structural basis of the down t o regenerate and unify mankind.
Administrative Order of His Faith. Behold how w i t h drawn swords they rose
N o machinery falling short o f the stand- against Him, and committed that which
ard inculcated b y the Bahi'i Revelation, caused the Faithful Spirit t o tremble. And
and at variance with the sublime pattern whenever W e said unto them: 'Lo, the
ordained i n His teachings, which the col- World Reformer is come,' they wade reply:
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 243

'He, i n truth, ic one of the stirrers of mis- eventual fulfilment of its high destiny.
chief."' " l t beseemeth all men i7z this Such a stage of maturity in the process of
Day," He, in another Tablet, asserts, "to human government must, for all time, if
take firm hold on the Most Great Name, we would faithfully recognize the tremen-
and t o establish the unity of all monkind. dous claim advanced by Bahi'u'llih, remain
There is no place t o pee to, no refuge that identified with the Revelation of which He
any one can seek, except Him.." was the Bearer.
I n one of the most characteristic passages
Hunzanity's Coming of Age H e Himself has revealed, H e testifies in a
The Revelation of Bah6'u'116h, whose language that none call mistake to the
supreme lnission is none other but the truth of this distinguishing principle of
achievement of this organic and spiritual Bah6'i belief: "It hath been decreed by
unity of the whole body of nations, should, Us that the Word of God and all t b poten-
if we be faithful t o its implications, be tialities thereof shall be manifested unto
regarded as signalizing through its advent men i n strict conformity with such condi-
the coming of age of the entire human rare. tions as have been fore-ordained b y H i m
I t should be viewed not merely as yet W h o is t h e All-Knowing, the All-Wise
another spiritual revival in the ever-chang- . . . Should the Word be allowed t o release
ing fortunes of mankind, ]lot only as a suddenly all the energies latent within it,
further stage in a chain of progressive no man could sustain the weight of so
Revelations, nor even as the culmination of mighty a revelation . .. Consider that
one of a series of recurrent prophetic cycles, which bath been sent down unto Muham-
but rather as marking the last and highest mad, the Apostle of God. T h e measure of
stage in the stupendous evolution of the Revelation of which H e was the Bearer
man's collective life on this planet. The had been clearly fore-ordained b y H i m
emergence of a world community, the con- Who is the Almighty, the All-Powerful.
sciousness of world citizenship, the found- T h e y that heard H i m , however, could
ing of a world civilization and culture--all apprehend His pzrrpose only t o the extatt
of which must synchronize with the initial of their station and spiritual capacity. He,
stages in the unfoldment of the Golden in like manner, zrncovered the Face of Wis-
Age of the BahB'i Era-should, by their dom i7z proportion to their ability t o swtaiu
very nature, be regarded, as far as this the b c r d a of His Message. N o sooner had
planetary life is concerned, as the further- mankin,d attained the stage of maturity,
most limits in the organization of human than the Word revealed t o men's eyes the
society, though man, as an individual, will, latent energies with zvhich it had been en-
nay must indeed as a result of such a con- dozued-energies which manifested them-
summation, continue indefinitely t o pro- selves i n the plenitcde of their glory when
gress and develop. the Ancient Benzrtji appeared, in the year
That mystic, all-pervasive, yet indefin- sixty, i n the person of 'Ali-Muhammad,
able change, which we associate with the the Bib."
stage of maturity inevitable in the life of 'Abdu'l-Bahl, elucidating this funda-
the individual and the development of the mental verity, has written: "All created
fruit must, if we would correctly appre- things have their degree or stage of matur-
heud the utterances of Bahl'u'lllh, have its ity. The period of maturity i n the life of
counterpart in the evolution of the organ- a tree is the time of its fruit-bearing . . .
ization of human society. A similar stage The aninral attains a stage of full growth
must sooner or later be attailled in the and completeness, and i n the human king-
collective life of mankind, producing an dom man reaches his maturity when the
even more striking phenomenon in world light of his intelligence attaius its greatest
relations, and endowing the whole human power and development . . . Similarly
race with such potentialities of well-being thwe are keriods and stages i n the collective
as shall provide, throughout the succeeding life of humanity. A t one time it was pass-
ages, the chief incentive required for the ing through its stage of childhood, at
244 THE B A H A ' ~WORLD

another its period o f youth', but ?tow it k s the geographical limits of that nation, be
entered its long-predicted phase of matur- imagined, though the highest destiny of its
i t y , the evidences of which are everywhere ~eople, as a constituent element in a still
apparent . . . That which was applicable larger entity that will embrace the whole
to human needs during the early history of of mankind, may still remain unfulfilled.
the race can %either meet nor satisfy the Considered as an isolated unit, however,
demands of this day, this period of new- this process of integration may be said to
ness and const~?nmntion. Humanity has have reached its highest and final consum-
emerged from its former state of limitation mation.
and preliminary training. Man ntust noau Such is the stage to which an evolving
become imbued with new virtues and humanity is collectively approaching. The
powers, netu moral standards, new cnpaci- Revelation entrusted by the Almighty
tip.!. New boz~7zNes,perfect bestowals, are Ordainer to BahB'u'lMh, His followers
awaiting a77d already descending npon him. firmly believe, has been endowed with such
The gifts and blessbgs of t h ~period of potentialities as are conlmensurate with the
youth, althongh timely and s7rAfcienf dur- maturity of the human race--the crowning
ing the adolesce7zce of n7ankind, arc 7zow and most momentous stage in its evolution
incapable of meeting the requirenzents of from infancy to manhood.
its maturity." The successive Founders of all past Re-
ligions Who, from time immemorial, have
The Process of 172tegration shed, with ever-increasing intensity, the
Such a unique and momentous crisis in splendor of one common Revelation at the
the life of organized mankind may, more- various stages which have marked the
over, be likened to the culminating stage in advance of mankind towards maturity may
the political evolution of the great Ameri- thus, in a sense, be regarded as preliminary
can Republic-the stage which marked Manifestations, anticipating and paving the
the emergence of a unified community of way for the advent of that Day of Days
federated states. The stirring of a new when the whole earth will have fructfied
national consciousness, and the birth of a and the tree of humanity will have yielded
new type of civilization, infinitely richer its destined fruit.
and nobler than any which its component Incontrovertible as is this truth, its chal-
parts could have severally hoped to achieve, lenging character should never be allowed
may be said to have proclaimed the coming to obscure the purpose, or distort the prin-
of age of the American people. Within ciple, underlying the utterances of Bahi-
the territorial limits of this nation, this 'u'lllh-utterances that have established for
consummation may be viewed as the cul- all time the absolute oneness of all the
mination of the process of human govern- Prophets, Himself included, whether be-
ment. The diversified and loosely related longing to the past or to the future.
elements of a divided community were Though the mission of the Prophets pre-
brought together, uuitied and incorporated ceding Bahi'u'llih may be viewed in that
into one coherent system. Though this light, though the measure of Divine Reve-
entity may continue gaining in cohesive lation with which each has been entrusted
power, though the unity already achieved must, as a result of this process of evolu-
may be further consolidated, though the tion, necessarily differ, their common origin,
civilization to which that unity could alone their essential unity, their identity of pnr-
have given birth may expand and flourish, pose, should at no time and under no cir-
yet the machinery essential to such an un- cumstances be misapprehended or denied.
foldment may be said to have been, in its That all the Messengers of God should be
essential structure, erected, and the impulse regarded as "abiding i n the same Taber-
required to guide and sustain it may be nacle, soaring i n the same Heaven, sented
regarded as having been fundamentally im- nporr the same Throne, uttering the same
parted. No stage above and beyond this Speech, and proclaiming the same Faith"
consummation of national unity can, within must, however much we may extol the
measure of Divine Revelation vouchsafed i n the annals of the past, nor will future
to mankind at this crowning stage of its ages witness its like."
evolution, remain the unalterable founda- 'Abdu'l-Bah6's authentic pronouncements
tion and central tenet of Bahi'i belief. should, likewise, he recalled as confirming,
Any variations in the splendor which each in no less emphatic manner, the unexampled
of these Manifestations of the Light of God vastness of the Bah6'i Dispensation. "Cen-
has shed upon the world should be ascribed tz~ries," He affirms in one of His Tablets,
not to any inherent superiority involved in "nay, countless ages, inust pass away ere
the essential character of any one of them, the Day-Star of T r u t h shineth again i n its
but rather to the progressive capacity, mid-summer splendor, or appeareth once
the ever-increasing spiritual receptiveness, more i n the radiafzce of its vernal glory
which mankind, in its progress towards . . . The mere contemplation of the Dis-
maturitv. has invariablv manifested. bensation inaunzwated h/ the Blessed
Beauty would have sufficed to ovevwhclm
The Final Consi~inn~atzo7r the saints of bygone ages-saints who
Only those who are willing to associate longed to partake, for one moment, of its
the Revelation proclaimed by Bahi'u'llah great glory." "Concer.ning the Manifestn-
with the consummation of so stupendous tions thnt will come down in the future
an evolution in the collective life of the ' i n the sh~dowsof the cloz~ds,'" He, in a
whole human race can grasp the signifi- still more definite language, affirms, "know,
cance of the words which He, while allud- verily, that i n so far as their relation t o the
ing to the glories of this promised Day and Source of their inspiration is concerned,
to the duration of the Bahi'i Era, has they are under the shadow of the Ancient
deemed fit to utter. "This is the King of Beauty. I n their relation, however, t o the
Days," He exclaims, "the Day thnt bath age In which they appear, each and every
seen the coming of the Best-Beloved, H i m one of them 'doeth whatsoever He
W h o , through all eternity, hath been ac- willeth."' "This holy Dispe~zsation," He,
claimed the Desire of the World." "The alluding to the Revelation of Bahh'u'llih,
Scriptures of past Dispensations,)) He fur- explains, "is illumined with the light of the
ther asserts, "celebrate the great jubilee that Sun of T r n t h shining from its most exalted
must needs greet this nzost great Day of statbiz, and in the plenitude of its re-
God. Well is it with him that hath lived t o splendency, its heat and glory."
see this Day and bath recognized its sta-
tion." ' 7 t is evident," He, in another Pangs of Death mid Birth
passage explains, "that every age i n which Dearly-beloved friends: Though the
a Manifestation of God hath lived is Revelation of Bahi'u'llih has been delivered,
divinely-ordained, and nzay, i n a sense, be the World Order which such a Revelation
characterized as God's appointed Day. must needs beget is as yet unborn. Though
This Day, however, is unique, and is t o be the Heroic Age of His Faith is passed, the
distinguished from those that have peceded creative energies which that Age has re-
it. T h e designation 'Seal of the Prophets' leased have not as yet crystallized into that
fully revealeth its high station. T h e Pro- world society which, in the fulness of time,
phetic Cycle bath verily ended. The Eternal is to mirror forth the brightness of His
T r z ~ t his now come. He bath lifted a ) the glory. Though the framework of His
ensign o f pmver, and is now shedding upon Administrative Order has been erected, and
the world the unclouded splendov of His the Formative Period of the BahCi Era has
Revelation." "In this most mighty Reve- begun, yet the promised Kingdom into
lation:' He, in categorical language, de- which the seed of His institutions must
clares, "all the Dispeizsations o f the past ripen remains as yet uninaugurated.
have attained their highest, their final con- Though His Voice has been raised, and the
summation. T h t which bath been made ensigns of His Faith have been lifted up
manifest i n this pre-eminent, this most in no less than forty countries of both the
exalted Revelation, standeth unparalleled East and the West, yet the wholeness of
246 T H E B A H A 'i WORLD

the human race is as yet unrecognized, its Faith announced by Aahi'u'116h this New
unity unproclaimed, and the standard of its World Order may be said to have been
Most Great Peace unhoisted. conceived. We can, at the present mo-
"The heights," Bahi'u'116h Himself testi- ment, experience its stirrings in the womb
fies, "which, through the most gracious of a travailing a g e a n age waiting for the
favor of God, mortal nzan can attain in this appointed hour at which it can cast its
Day are as yet unrevealed to his sight. The burden and yield its fairest fruit.
world of being hath never had, nor doth "The whole earth'," writes Bah&'u'116h,
it yet possess, the capacity for snch a revela- "is pzow in a state of pregnancy. The daj~
tion. The day, however, is approaching is approaching when it tudl have yielded
whew the potentialities of so great a favor its noblest fruits, when from it will have
will, by virtzre of His behest, be manifested sprz~ng forth the loftiest trees, th most
unto men." enchanting blossoms, the most heavenly
For the revelation of so great a favor a blessings. Immeasurably exalted is the
period of intense turmoil and wide-spread breeze that wafteth from the garment of
suffering would seem t o be indispensable. thy Lord, the Glorified! For lo, it hath
Resplendent as has been the Age that has breathed its fragrance and made all things
witnessed the inception of the Mission with new! Well is it with then* that conzpre-
which Bahi'u'llbh has been entrusted, the bend." "The onrushing winds of the grace
interval which must elapse ere that Age of God," He, in the Shratu'l-Haykal, pro-
yields its choicest fruit mast, it is becoming claims, "have passed over all things. Eveuji
increasingly apparent, be overshadowed by creatz~rebath been endowed with all the
such moral and social gloom as can alone potentialities it can cawy. And yet the
prepare an unrepentant humanity for the peoples of the world have denied this grace!
prize she is destined t o inherit. Every tree bath been endowed with the
Into such a period we are now steadily chmcest fruits, evevy ocean enriched with
and irresistibly moving. Amidst the shad- the most luminous gems. Man, bi7nself,
ows which are increasingly gathering about bath been invested with the gifts of undcr-
us we can faintly discern the glimmerings standi~zgand knowledge. The whole crea-
of Bahi'u'llbh's unearthly sovereignty ap- tion hath been made the recipient of the
pearing fitfully on the horizon of history. revelation of the All-Merciful, and the
T o us, the "generation of the half-light," earth the rtpository of things inscrutable
living at a time which may be designated to all except Go$ the Truth, the Knower
as the period of the incubation of the of things unseen. The time is appoaching
World Commonwealth envisaged by Bah6- when every created thing will have cast its
'u'lllh, has been assigned a task whose high burden. Glorified be God Who hnth
privilege we can never sufficiently appreci- vozrchsnfed this grace that enco7npasseth all
ate, and the arduousness of which we can things, whether seen or unseen!"
as yet but dimly recognize. We may well "The Call of God," 'Abdu'l-Bah6 has
believe, we who are called upon t o experi- written, "when raised, breathed a nau life
ence the operation of the dark forces into the body of mankind, and ilzfused a
destined to unloose a flood of agonizing new spirit into the whole creation. I t is
afflictions, that the darkest hour that must for thir rraron that the world hath been
precede the dawn of the Golden Age of moved to its depths, and the hearts a~zd
our Faith has not yet struck. Deep as is consciefzcesof men been quickened. Erelong
the gloom that already encircles the world, the evidences of this regeneration will be
the afflictive ordeals which that world is to revealed, and the fast asleep will be
suffer are still in preparation, nor can their awakened."
blackness be as yet imagined. We stand
on the threshold of an age whose convnl- Universal Fermentation
sions proclaim alike the death-pangs of the AS we view the world around us, we are
old order and the birth-pangs of the new. compelled to observe the manifold evidences
Through the generating influence of the of that universal fermentation which, in
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 247

every continent of the glohe and in every hesive power, and their own inherent cor-
department of human life, be it religious, ruption. A few have been swept away by
social, economic or political, is purging and the onrushing forces which the Bahi'i
reshaping humanity in anticipation of the Faith has, at the hour of its birth, so mys-
Day when the wholeness of the human race teriously released. Others, as a direct re-
will have been recognized and its unity sult of a vain and feeble resistance to its
established. A two-fold process, however, rise in the initial stages of its development,
can be distinguished, each tending, in its have died out and been utterly discredited.
own way and with an accelerated momen- Still others, fearful of the pervasive influ-
tum, to bring to a climax the forces that ence of the institutions in which that same
are transforming the face of our planet. Spirit had, at a later stage, been embodied,
The first is essentially an integrating had mobilized their forces and launched
process, while the second is fundamentally their attack, destined to sustain, in their
disruptive. The former, as it steadily turn, after a brief and illusory success, an
evolves, unfolds a System which may well ignominious defeat.
serve as a pattern for that world polity
towards which a strangely disordered world This Age of Transition
is continually advancing; while the latter, I t is not my purpose to call to mind,
as its disintegrating influence deepens, tends much less to attempt a detailed analysis of,
to tear down, with increasing violence, the the spiritual struggles that have ensued, or
antiquated barriers that seek to block to note the victories that have redounded
humanity's progress towards its destined to the glory of the Faith of Bah6'u'llih
goal. The constructive process stands since the day of its foundation. My chief
associated with the nascent Faith of Bah6- concern is not with the happenings that
'u'llih, and is the harbinger of the New have distinguished the First, the Apostolic
World Order that Faith must erelong estab- Age of the Bah6'i Dispensation, but rather
lish. The destructive forces that character- with the outstanding events that are tran-
ize the other should be identified with a spiring in, and the tendencies which char-
civilization that has refused to answer to acterize, the formative period of its de-
the expectation of a new age, and is con- velopment, this Age of Transition, whose
sequently falling into chaos and decline. tribulations are the precursors of that Era
A titanic, a spiritual struggle, uuparal- of blissful felicity which is to incarnate
leled in its magnitude yet unspeakably glori- God's ultimate purpose for all mankind.
ous in its ultimate consequences, is being To the catastrophic fall of mighty king-
waged as a result of these opposing tenden- doms and empires, on the eve of 'Abdu'l-
cies, in this age of transition through which Bahi's departure, Whose passing may be
the organized community of the followers said to have ushered in the opening phase
of Bahi'u'llih and mankind as a whole are of the Age of Transition in which we now
passing. live, I have, in a previous communication,
The Spirit that has incarnated itself in briefly alluded. The dissolution of the Ger-
the institutions of a rising Faith has, in the man Empire, the humiliating defeat inflicted
course of its onward march for the redemp- upon its ruler, the successor and lineal de-
tion of the world, encountered and is now scendant of the Prussian King and Em-
battling with such forces as are, in most peror to whom BahPu'116h had addressed
instances, the very negation of that Spirit, His solemn and historic warning, together
and whose continued existence must inev- with the extinction of the Austro-Hun-
itably hinder it from achieving its purpose. garian Monarchy, the remnant of the once-
The hollow and outworn institutions, the great Holy Roman Empire, were both pre-
obsolescent doctrines and beliefs, the effete cipitated by a war whose outbreak signal-
and discredited traditions which these forces ized the opening of the Age of Frustration
represent, it should be obscrvcd, have, in destined t o precede the establishn~entof the
certain instances, been undermined by vir- World Order of Bahl'u'llBh. Both of these
tue of their senility, the loss of their co- momentous events may be viewed as the
248 T H E BAHA'f WORLD
earliest occurrences of that turbulent Age, verily, that an unforeseen calamity follow-
into the outer fringes of whose darkest eth yon, and grievous retribution awniteth
phase we are now beginning to enter. yo?&. Think not that which ye have com-
To the Conqueror of Napoleon 111, the mitted bath been effaced i n M y sight." And
Author of our Faith had, on the morrow of again: " W e have a fixed time for yon, 0
the Icing's victory, addressed, in His Most peoples. If ye fail, at the appointed hour,
Holy Book, this clear and ominous warn- to tavn towards God, He, verily, will lay
ing: "0 King of Berlin! . . . Take heed violent hold on you, and will cause grievous
lest pride debar thee from recogniziag the afflictions t o assail you from every direc-
Dayspring of Divine Revelation, lest earthly tion. H o w severe, indeed, is the chastise-
desires shut thee out, as b y a veil, from the ment with which your Lord will then chas-
Lord o f the Throne above and of the earth tise you!"
below. Thus cosnselleth thee the Pen of Must humanity, tormented as she now is,
the Most High. He, verily, is the Most be afflicted with still severer tribulations ere
Gracious, the All-Bountiful. Do thou re- their purifying influence can prepare her to
member the one whose power transcended enter the heavenly Kingdom destined to be
t h y power (Napoleon 111), and whose sta- established upon earth? Must the inaugu-
tion excelled t h y station. Where is he? ration of so vast, so unique, so illumined an
Whither are gone the things he possessed? era in human history be ushered in by so
Take warning, and be not of t h a n that great a catastrophe in human affairs as to
arc fast asleep. He it was who cast the recall, nay surpass, the appalling collapse of
Tablet of God behind him, when W e made Roman civilization in the first centuries of
known unto hius what the hosts of tyranny the Christian Era? Must a series of pro-
had caused Us to suffer. Wherefore, dis- found convulsions stir and rock the human
grace assailed him from all sides, and he race ere Bahi'u'llih can be enthroned in the
went down t o dust i n great loss. T h h k hearts and consciences of the masses, ere
deeply, 0 King, concerning him, and con- His undisputed ascendancy is universally
cevning thenz who, like unto thee, have con- recognized, and the noble edifice of His
quered cities and ruled over men. T h e World Order is reared and established?
All-Merciful brought them down from their The long ages of infancy and childhood,
palaces ro their graves. Be zuarned, be of through which the human race had to pass,
them who reflect." have receded into the background. Hu-
"0 banks of the Rhine!" Bahh'u'llih, in manity is now experiencing the commotions
another passage of that same Book, prophe- invariably associated with the most turbu-
sies, " W e have seen yon covered with gore, lent stage of its evolution, the stage of ado-
inasmuch as the swords of retribution were lescence, when the impetuosity of youth
drawn against you; and so you shall have and its vehemence reach their climax, and
another turn. And W e hear the laanenta- must gradually be superseded by the calm-
tions of Berlin, though she be today i n con- ness, the wisdom, and the maturity that
spicsous glory." .. . characterize the stage of manhood. Then
will the human race reach that stature of
Divine Retribution
ripeness which will enable it to acquire all
The whole of mankind is groaning, is the powers and capacities upon which its
dying to be led to unity, and to terminate ultimate development must depend.
its age-long martyrdom. And yet it stub-
bornly refuses to embrace the light and World Unity the Gosl
acknowledge the sovereign authority of the Unification of the whole of mankind is
one Power that can extricate it from its the hall-mark of the stage which human
entanglements, and avert the woeful calam- society is now approaching. Unity of fam-
ity that threatens to engulf it. ily, of tribe, of city-state, and nation have
Ominous indeed is the voice of Bahi'u- been successively attempted and fully es-
'116h that rings through these prophetic tablished. World unity is the goal towards
words: r'O ye peoples of the world! Know, whiph a harassed humanity is striving. Na-
THE WORLD O R D ER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 249

tion-huilding has come to an end. The resources of all the component nations, and
anarchy inherent in state sovereignty is will enact such laws as shall be required
moving towards a climax. A world, grow- to regulate the life, satisfy the needs and
ing to maturity, must abandon this fetish, adjust the relationships of all races and
recognize the oneness and wholeness of hu- peoples. A world executive, hacked by an
man relationships, and establish once for international Force, will carry out the deci-
all the machinery that can best incarnate sions arrived at, and apply the laws enacted
this fundamental principle of its life. by, this world legislature, and will safe-
"A neiv life," Babi'u'llhh proclaims, "is, p a r d the organic unity of the whole com-
ifz this age, stirring within all the peoples monwealth. A world tribunal will adjudi-
of the earth; and yet none bath discovered cate and deliver its compulsory and final
its cause, or perceived its motive." "0 ye verdict in all and any disputes that may
childuen of men," He thus addresses His arise between the various elements consti-
generation, "the fundamental purpose arzi- tuting this universal system. A mechan-
nwting the Faith of God and His Religion ism of world inter-communication will be
is t o safegnaid the interests and promote devised, embraciug the whole planet, freed
the unity of the human race. . . . This is from national hindrances and restrictions,
the straight path, the fixed and immovable and functioning with marvellous swiftness
foundation. Whatsoever is raised on this and perfect regularity. A world metropo-
foundation, the changes and chances of the lis will act as the nerve center of a world
world can never impair its strength, nov civilizatio~l, the iocus towards which the
will the revolution of countless cefzturics unifying forces of life will converge and
undermine its structure." "The well-being from which its energizing influences will
of mankind," He declares, "its pence and radiate. A world language will either be
security are nnattainable unless and until invented or chosen from among the existing
its unity is firmly established." "So power- languages and will be taught in the schools
ful is the light of unity," is His further of all the federated nations as an auxiliary
testimony, "that it can illuminate the whole to their mother tongue. A world script,
earth. The orze true God, H e W h o h?zow- a world literature, a uniform and universal
eth all things, Himself festifieth to the system of currency, of weights and ineas-
.
truth of these words . . This goal excel- ures, will simplify aud facilitate intercourse
leth every other goal, and this aspirntion is and understanding among the nations and
the nzonavch of all aspirations." " H e W h o races of mankind. In such a world society,
is your Lord, the All-Merciful," He more- science and religion, the two most potent
over, has written, "cherishath i n His heart forces in human life, will be reconciled, will
the desire of beholding the entire human cooperate, and will harmo~liously develop.
race as one soul and one body. Haste ye The press will, under such a system, while
t o win your share of God's good grace and giving full scope to the expression of the
mercy i n this Day that eclipseth all other diversified views and convictions of man-
created days." kind, cease t o he mischievously manipulated
The unity of the human race, as en- by vested interests, whether private or pub-
visaged by Bahl'u'll&h, implies the estab- lic, and will he liberated from the iduence
lishment of a world commonwealth in which of contending governments and peoples.
all nations, races, creeds and classes are The economic resources of the world will
closely and permanently united, and in be organized, its sources of raw materials
which the autonomy of its state members will be tapped and fully utilized, its mar-
and the personal freedom and initiative of kets will be coordinated and developed, and
the individuals that compose them are defi- the distribution of its products will be
nitely and completely safeguarded. This equitably regulated.
commonwealth must, as far as we can visu- National rivalries, hatreds, and intrigues
alize it, consist of a world legislature, whose will cease, and racial animosity and prejudice
members will, as the trustees of the whole will be replaced by racial amity, understand-
of mankind, ultimately control the entire ing and cooperation. The causes of religious
210 THE BAHA'I WORLD

strife will be permanently removed, eco- people. All will dwell i n one common
nomic harriers and restrictions will be com- fatherland, which is the planet itself."
pletely abolished, and the inordinate dis- " N o w , i n the world of being," He has
tinction between classes will he obliterated. moreover explained, "the Hand of Divine
Destitution on the one hand, and gross power bath firmly laid the fonndations of
accumulation of ownership on the other, this all-highest bounty, and this wondross
will disappear. The enormous energy dis- gift. Whatsoever is latmt i n the innermost
sipated and wasted on war, whether eco- of this holy Cycle shall gradz~allyappear
nomic or political, will be consecrated to and be made manifest, for now is but the
such cnds as will extend the range of hurnan beginning o/ its growth, and the day-spring
inventions and technical development, to of the revelation of its ugns. Ere the close
the increase of the productivity of man- of this century and of this age, it shall be
kind, to the extermination of disease, to the made clear and evident how luondrous was
extension of scientific research, to the rais- that spring-tide, and bow heavenly was
ing of the standard of physical health, to that gift."
the sharpening and refinement of the hu- No less enthralling is the vision of Isaiah,
man brain, to the exploitation of the un- the greatest of the Hebrew Prophets, pre-
used and nnsuspecced resources of the dicting, as far back as twenty-five hundred
planet, to the prolongation of human life, years ago, the destiny which mankind must,
and to the furtherance of any other agency at its stage of maturity, achieve: "And H e
that can stimulate the intellectual, the (the Lord) shall judge omong the nations,
moral, and spiritual life of the entire human and shall vebuke many people: and they
race. shall beat their swords into plowshares, and
A world federal system, ruling the whole their speavs into prnninghoohs: nation shall
earth and exercising unchallengeable author- not lift u p sword against nation, neither
ity over its unimaginably vast resources, shall they learn war any more. .. . And
blending and embodying the ideals of both there shall come forth a rod out of the
the East and the West, liberated from the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out
curse of war and its miseries, and bent on of his roots .. . And he shall snzite the
the exploitation of all the available sources earth with the rod of his mouth, and with
of energy on the surface of the planet, a the breath of his lips shall he slay the
system in which Force is made the servant wicked. And righteousness shall be the
of Justice, whose life is sustained by its girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the
universal recognition of one God and by girdle of his reins. The wolf also shall
its allegiance t o one common Revelation- dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall
such is the goal towards which humanity, lie down w i t h the kid; and the calf and the
impelled by the unifying forces of life, is young lion and the fatling together. ...
moving. And the sncking child shall play on the
"One of the great events," affirms 'Ab- hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall
du'l-Bahi, -which is t o occur i n the Day put his hand on the cockatrice's den. They
o f the manifestation o f that incomparable shall not hurt nor destroy i n all nzy holy
Branch is the hoisting of the Standard o f mountain: for the earth shall be full of
God among all nations. B y this is meant the knowledge of the Lord, as the waterc
that all nations and hindreds will be gath- cover the sea."
ered together under the shadow of this Di- The writer of the Apocalypse, prefigur-
vine Banner, which is no other than the ing the millennia1 glory which a redeemed,
Lordly Branch itself, and will become a a jubilant humanity must witness, has simi-
single nation. Religions and sectarian aft- larly testified: "And I saw a new heaven
tagonism, the hostility of races and peoples, and a new earth: for the first heaven and
and differences anzong nations, will be the first earth were passed away; and there
eliminated. All men will adhere t o oae was no more sea. And I John saw the holy
religion, will have one conmmon faith, will city, new Jerusalem, coming down from
be blended into one race and become a single God out of heaven, prepared as a bride
adorned for her husband. And I heard a written in anticipation of thc goldcn age
great voice out of heaven saying, Behold, of His Faith-the age in which the face
the tabernacle o f God is with men, and he of the earth, from pole to pole, will mirror
will dwell with them, and they shall be his the ineffable splendors of the Abh6 Para-
people, and God himself shall be with them, dise? "This is the Day whereon naught can
and be their God. And God shall wipe he seen except the splendors of the Light
away all tears from their eyes; and there that shineth from the face of thy Lord,
shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor the Gracious, the Most Boz~ntifzbl. Verily,
crying, neither shall there be any more W e have caused every soul to expire by
pain: for the former things are passed virtue of Our irresistible and all-subduing
away." sovereignty. W e have then called into he-
W h o can doubt that such a consumma- ing a 7zew creation, as a token of Our grace
tion-the coming of age of the human race unto men. I am, verily, the All-Bountiful,
-must signalize, in its turn, the inaugura- the Ancient of Days. This is the Day
tion of a world civilization such as no mor- whereon the unseen world crieth out: 'Great
tal eye hath ever beheld or human mind is thy blessedness, 0 earth, for thou hast
conceived? W h o is it that can imagine the been made the foot-stool of thy God, and
lofty standard which such a civilization, as been chosen as the seat of His mighty
it unfolds itself, is destined to attain? Who thronp!' The realm of glory exclaimeth:
can measure the heights to which human 'Wozozdd that m y life could be sacrificed for
intelligence, liberated from its shackles, will thee, for He Who is the Beloved of the
soar? W h o can visualize the realms which All-Mercifzd hath established His sover-
the human spirit, vitalized by the outpour- eignty z~ponthee, through the power of His
ing light of Bahl'u'116h, shining in the name that bath been promised unto all
plenitude of its glory, will discover? thigzgs, u'hether of the part or of thc f7r-
What more fitting conclusion to this ture.' "
theme than these words o f Bah&'u'Ilih, (March 11, 1936.)

T H E S P I R I T A N D FORM O F THE BAHA'f
ADMINISTRATIVE ORDER
"And now as I look into the future, I hope to see the friends at all times, in every land,
and of every shade of thought and characteu, voluntarily and joyously rallying row&
their local and in particular their ~zationalcenters of activity, upholding and promoting
their interests with conzplete unanimity and corztentnzent, with perfect zmderstanding,
genuine enthusiasm, and szbstained vigor. This indeed is the one joy mzd yearning of
m y life, for it is the fountain-head from which all futzrre blessings will pow, the broad
foundation upon which the security of the Divine Edifice must ultinzately rest."-
SHOGHIEFFENDI.
FOREWORD

The 1926-1927 National Spiritual As- that known as a Voluntary Trust, a species
sembly of the Bahl'is of the United States of corporation recognized under the com-
and Canada completed a task which, while mon law and possessing a long and inter-
pertaining t o the outer and more material esting history. The famous Covenant
aspects of the Cause, nevertheless has a spe- adopted by the Pilgrim Fathers on the May-
cial significance for its spirit and inward flower, the first legal document in Ameri-
sacred purpose. This task consisted in creat- can history, is of the same nature as the
ing a legal form which gives proper sub- Declaration of Trust voted by the National
stance and substantial character to the ad- Spiritual Assembly. This Declaration of
ministrative processes embodied in the Trust, with its attendant By-Laws, is pub-
Bahh'i Teachings. The form adopted was lished for the information of the Bahl'is
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 253

Certificate of Incorporat~onof the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bah6'is of the
United States and Canada.

- - - -
Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the National Spiritual Assembly of the BahB'is of
the United States and Canada.
DECLARATION OF T R U S T
By t h e National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahfr'is of the
United States and Canada
We, Allen B. McDaniel of Washington, D. C., Horace Holley of New
York City, N. Y., Carl Scheffler of Evanston, Ill., Roy C. Wilhelm of
West Englewood, N. J., Florence Morton of Worcester, Mass., Amelia
Collins of Princeton, Mass., Ali-Kuli Khan of New York City, N.Y.,
Mountfort Mills of New York City, N. Y., and Siegfried Schop-
flocher of Montreal, Quebec, Canada, duly chosen by the repre-
sentatives of the Bahi'is of the United States and Canada at the
Annual Meeting held at San Francisco, Calif., on April 29, April
30, May I, and May 2, 1926, to be the National Spiritual As-
sembly of the Bahi'is of the United States and Canada, with full
power to establish a Trust as hereinafter set forth, hereby declare that
from this date the powers, responsibilities, rights, privileges and obliga-
tions reposed in said National Spirituil Assembly of the Bahi'is of
the United States and Canada by Bahi'u'llih, Founder of the Bahi'i
Faith, by 'Abdu'l-BahL, its Interpreter and Exemplar, and by Shoghi
Effendi, its Guardian, shall be exercised, administered and carried on
by the above-named National Spiritual Assembly and their duly quali-
fied successors under this Declaration of Trust.
The National Spiritual Assembly in adopting this form of associa-
tion, union and fellowship, and in selecting for itself the designation
of Trustees of the Bahi'is of the United States and Canada, does so
as the administrative body of a religious community which has had
continuous existence and responsibility for over. eighteen years. In
consequence of these activities the National Spiritual Assembly is
called upon to administer such an ever-increasing diversity and volume
of affairs and properties for the Bahi'is of the United .States and
Canada, that we, its members, now feel it both desirable and neces-
sary to give our collective functions more definite legal form. This
action is taken in complete unanimity and with full recognition of the
sacred relationship thereby created. W e acknowledge in behalf of
ourselves and our successors in this Trust the exalted religious stand-
ard established by Bahk'u'llih for BahH'i administrative bodies in the
256 THE BAHA'f WORLD

utterance: "Be ye T m t e e s of t . h M a c i f d One among men":
and seek the help of God and His guidance in order to fulfil that
exhortation.
Article I
The name of said Trust shall he the Natiolral Spiritual Assembly
of rhe Bahk'is of the United States and Canada.

Article I1
Sharing the ideals and assisting the efforts of our fellow BahC'is
to establish, uphold and promote the spiritual, educational and humani-
tarian teachings of human brotherhood, radiant faith, exalted char-
acter and selfless love revealed in the lives and utterances of all the
Prophets and Messengers of God, Founders of the world's revealed
religions-and given renewed creative energy and universal applica-
tion to the conditions of this age in the life and utterances of Bahi'u'l-
I&-we declare the purposes and objects of this T ~ s to t be to ad-
minister the affairs of the Cause of BahL'u'lllh for the benefit of the
BahL'is of the United States and Canada according to the principles
of Bahl'i affiliation and administration created and established by
Bahb'u'lllh, defined and explained by 'Abdu'l-BaM, and amplified
and applied by Shoghi Effendi and his duly constituted successor and
successors under the provision of the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-
Bahi.
These purposes are to be realized by means of devotional meet-
ings; by public meetings and conferences of an educational, humani-
tarian and spiritual character; by the publication of books, magazines
and newspapers; by the construction of temples of universal worship
and of other institutions and edifices for humanitarian service; by
supervising, unifying, promating and generally administering the
activities of the Bahl'is of the United States and Canada in the ful-
filment of thejr religious offices, duties and ideals; and by any other
means appropriate to these ends, or any of them.
Other purposes and objects of this Trust are:
a. The right to enter into, make, perform and carry out contracts
of every sort and kind for the furtherance of the objects of this
Trust with any person, firm, association, corporation, private,
public or municipal or body politic, or any state, territory or
colony thereof, ot any foreign government; and in this
connection, and in all transactions under the terms of this
APPENDIX 143
Trust, to do any and all things which a co-partnership or
natural person could do or exercise, and which now or here-
after may be authorized by law.
b. To hold and be named as beneficiary under any trust estab-
lished by law or otherwise or under any will or other testa-
mentary instrument in connection with any gift, devise, or
bequest in which a trust or trusts is or are establisl~edin any
part of the world as well as in the United States and Canada; to
receive gifts, devises or bequests of money or other property.
c. All and whatsoever the several purposes and objects set forth
in the written utterances of Bahi'u'llih, 'Abdu'l-Bahi and
Shoghi Effendi, under which certain jurisdiction, powers and
rights are granted to National Spiritual Assemblies.
d. Generally to do all things and acts which in the judgment of
said Trustees, i.e., the National Spiritual Assembly of the
BahL'is of the United States and Canada, are necessary, proper
and advantageous to promote the complete and successful ad-
ministration of this Trust.

Article I11
Section I. All persons, firms, corporations and associations extend-
ing.credit to, contracting with or having any claim against the Trustees,
i.e., the National Spiritual Assembly, and the members thereof, of any
character whatsoever, whether legal or equitable and whether arising
out of contract or tort, shall look solely to the dunds of the Trust and
to the property of the Trust estate for payment or indemnity, or for
the payment of any debt, damage, judgment or decree o r any money
that may otherwise become due or payable from the Trustees, so that
neither the Trustees nor any of them, nor any of their officers or
agents appointed by them hereunder, nor any beneficiary or bene-
ficiaries herein named shall be personally liable therefor.
Section 2. Every note, bond, proposal, obligation or contract in
writing or other agreement or instrument made or given under this
Trust shall be explicitly executed by the National Spiritual Assembly,
as Trustees by their duly authorized officers or agents.

Article IV
The Trustees, i.e., the National Spiritual Assembly, shall adopt for
the conduct of the affairs entrusted to them under this Declaration of
THE BAHA'i WORLD

Trust, such by-laws, rules of procedure or regulations as are required
to define and carry on its own-administrative functions and those of
the several local and other elements composing the body of the BahB'is
of the United States and Canada, not inconsistent with the terms of
this instrument and all in accordance with the explicit instructions given
us to date by Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Cause of BahB'u'llLh,
which instructions are already known to the Bahi'is of the United
States and Canada and accepted by them in the government and prac-
tice of their religious affairs.

Article V
The central office of this Trust shall be located in the City of New
York, State of New York, United States of America.

Article V I
The seal of this Trust shall be circular in form, bearing the following
description :
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of the United States
and Canada. Declaration of Trust, 1927.

Article VII
This Declaration of Trust may be amended by majority vote of
the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of the United States
and Canada at any special meeting duly called for that purpose, pro-
vided that at least thirty (30) days prior to the date fixed for said
meeting a copy of the proposed amendment or amendments is mailed
to each member of the Assembly by the Secretary.
T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 259

BY-LAWS OF THE N A T I O N A L S P I R I T U A L ASSEMBLY

Article I
The National Spiritual Assembly, in the fulfilment of its sacred
duties under this Trust, shall have exclusive jurisdiction and authority
over all the activities and affairs of the Bahb'i Cause throughout the
United States and Canada, including paramount authority in the
administration of this Trust. It shall endeavor to stimulate, unify
and coordinate the manifold activities of the local Spiritual Assemblies
(hereinafter defined) and of individual Bahi'is in the United States
and Canada and by all possible means assist them to promote the one-
ness of mankind. It shall be charged with the fecognitioll of such
local Assemblies, the scrutiny of local membership rolls, the calling
of the Annual Meeting or special meetings and the seating of delegates
to the Annual Meeting and their apportionment among the various
local Bahi'i communities. I t shall appoint all national Bahb'i com-
mittees and shall supervise t'he publication and distribution of Bahi'i
literature, the reviewing of all writings pertaining to the Bahi'i Cause,
the construction and administration of the Mashriqu'l-Adhklr and its
accessory activities, and the collection and disbursement of all funds
for the carrying on of this Trust. I t shall decide whether any matter
lies within its own jurisdiction or within the' jurisdiction of any local
Spiritual Assembly. It shall, in such cases as it considers suitable and
necessary, entertain appeals from the decisions of local Spiritual As-
semblies and shall have the right of final decision in all cases where
the qualification of an individual or group for continued voting rights
and membership in the Bahb'i body is in question. I t shall furthermore
represent the BahL'is of the United States and Canada in all their
cooperative and spiritual activities with the Bahi'is of other lands, and
shall constitute the sole electoral body of the United States and Canada
in the formation of the Universal House of Justice provided for in
the Sacred Writings of the Bahi'i Cause. Above all, the National
Spiritual Assembly shall ever seek t b attain that station of unity in
devotion to the Revelation of Bahi'u'llih which will attract the con-
firmations of the Holy Spirit and enable the Assembly to serve the
founding of the Most Great Peace. In all its deliberation and action
260 THE BAHb'i WORLD

146 BAHA'I A D M I N I S T R A T I O N
the National Assembly shall have constantly before it as Divine guide
and standard the utterance of Bahi'u'l1ih:-
"It behooveth them (i.e., Spiritual Assemblies) to be the trusted
ones of the Merciful among men and to consider themselves as the
guardians appointed of God for all that dwelt on earth. I t is incum-
bent upon them to take counsel together and to have regard for the
interests of the servants of God, for His sake, even as they regard
their own interests, and to choose that which is meet and seemly."

Article I1
The BahL'is of the United States and Canada, for whose benefit
this Trust has heen established, shall consist of all persons resident in
the United States and Canada who are recognized by the National
Spiritual Assembly a s having fulfilled the requirements of voting mem-
bership in a local BahVi community. T o become a voting member
of a BahVi community a person shall
a. Be a resident of the locality defined by the area of jurisdiction
of the local Spiritual Assembly, as provided by Article VII,
Section 12, of this instrument.
b. Have m i n e d the age of 21 years.
c. Have established to the satisfaction of the local Spiritual As-
sembly, subject to the approval of the National Assembly, that
he possesses the qualifications of BahL'i faith and practice re-
quired under the following standard: Full recognition of the
station of the Forerunner (the Bib), the Author (BahL'u'llih),
and 'Abdu'l-BahA the True Exemplar of the BahC'i Cause: un-
reserved acceptance of, and submission to, whatsoever has been
revealed by their Pen; loyal and steadfast adherence to every
clause of 'Ahdul-Bahi's sacred Will; and close association
with the spirit as well as the form of present-day Bahb'i ad-
ministration throughout the world.

Article I11
The National Assembly shall consist of nine members chosen from
among the Bahi'is of the United States and Canada, who shall be
elected by the said Bahi'is in manner hereinafter provided, and who
shall continue in office for the period of one year, or until their suc-
cessors shall be elected.
APPENDIX 147

Article I V
The officers of the National Spiritual Assembly shall consist of a
Chairman, Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, and such other
officers as may be found necessary for the proper conduct of its affairs.
The officers shall be elected by a majority vote of the entire membership
of the Assembly taken by secret ballot.

Article V
The first meeting of a newly-elected National Assembly shall be
called by the member elected to membership by the highest number of
votes or, in case two or more members have received the same said
highest number of votes, then by the member selected by lot from
among those members; and this member shall preside until the perma-
nent Chairman shall be chosen. All subsequent meetings shall be
called by the Secretary of the Assembly at the request of the Chair-
man or, in his absence or incapacity, of the Vice-Chairman, or of any
three members of the Assembly; provided, however, that the Annual
Meeting of the Assembly shall be held at a time and place to be fixed
by a majority vote of the Assembly, as hereinafter provided.

Article V I
Five members of the National Assembly present at a meeting shall
constitute a quorum, and a majority vote of those present and consti-
tuting a quorum shall be sufficient for the conduct of business, except
as otherwise provided in these By-Laws, and with due regard to the
principle of unity and cordial fellowship involved in the institution
of a Spiritual Assembly. The transactions and decisions of the Na-
tional Assembly shall be recorded at each meeting by the Secretary,
who shall supply copies of the minutes to the Assembly members after
each meeting, and preserve the minutes in the official records of the
Assembly.
Article V I I
Whenever in any locality of the United States and Canada, be it
city, town o r village, the number o t Bahi'is resident therein recog-
nized by the National Spiritual Assembly exceeds nine, these may on
April 21st of any year convene and elect by plurality vote a local ad-
ministrative body of nine members, to be known as the Spiritual As-
262 THE BAHA'f WORLD

148 BAHA'I A D M I N I S T R A T I O N
sembly of the Bahi'is of that community. Every such Spiritual As-
sembly shall be elected annually thereafter upon each successive zrst
day of April. The members shall hold office for the term of one year
and until their successors are elected and qualified.
When, however, the number of Bahi'is in any community is
exactly nine, these may on April axst of any year, or in successive
years, constitute themselves the local Spiritual Assembly by joint
declaration. Upon the recording of such declaration by the Secretary
of the National Spiritual Assembly, said body of nine shall become
established with the rights, privileges and duties of a local Spiritual
Assembly as set forth in this instrument.
Section I. Each newly-elected local Spiritual Assembly shall at
once proceed in the manner indicated in Articles I V and V of these
By-Laws to the election of its officers, who shall consist of a Chairman,
Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, and such other officers as the
Assembly finds necessary for the conduct of its business and the ful-
filment of its spiritual duties. Immediately thereafter the Secretary
chosen shall transmit to the Secretary of the National Assembly the
names of the members of the newly-elected Assembly and a list of
its officers.
Section z. The general powers and duties of a local Spiritual As-
sembly shall be as set forth in the writings of BahB'u'llPh, 'Abdul-
BahL and Shoghi Effendi.
Section 3. Among its more specific duties, a local Spiritual As-
sembly shall have full jurisdiction of all BahL'i activities and affairs
within the local community, subject, however, to the exclusive and
paramount authority of the National Spiritual Assembly as defined
herein.
Section 4. Vacancies in the membership of a local Spiritual
Assembly shall be filled by election at a special meeting of the local
BahL'i community duly called for that purpose by the Assembly.
In the event that the number of vacancies exceeds four, making a
quorum of the local Assembly impossib!e, the election shall be held
under the supervision of the National Spiritual Assembly.
Section 5. The business of the local A s s e n ~ b lshall
~ be conducted
in like manner as provided for the deliberations of the National As-
sembly in Article VI above.
Section 6. The IocAl Assembly shall pass upon and approve the
qualifications of each member of the EahL'i community before such
members shall be admitted to voting membership; but where an indi-
vidual is dissatisfied with the ruling of the local Spiritual Assembly
APPENDIX 149
upon his Baha'i qualifications, such individual may appeal from the
ruling to the National Assembly, which shall thereupon take jurisdic-
tion of and finally decide the case.
Section 7. On or before the 1st day of February of each year
the Secretary of each local Assembly shall send to the Secretary of
the National Assembly a duly certified list of the voting members of
the local Bahi'i community for the information and approval of the
National Assembly.
Section 8. All matters arising within a local Bahi'i community
which are of purely local interest and do not affect the national inter-
ests of the Cause shall be under the primary jurisdiction of the Spiritual
Assembly of that locality; but decision whether a particular matter
involves the interest and welfare of the national Bahi'i body shall
rest with the National Spiritual Assembly.
Section g. Any member of a local Baha'i community may appeal
from a decision of his Spiritual Assembly to the National Assembly,
which shall determine whether it shall take jurisdiction of the matter
or leave it to the local Spiritual Assembly for reconsideration. In the
event that the National Assembly assumes jurisdiction of the matter,
its finding shall be final.
Section 10. Where any dissension exists within a local BahL'i com-
munity of such a character that it cannot be remedied by the efforts of
the local Spiritual Assembly, this condition shall be referred by the
Spiritual Assembly for consideration to the National Spiritual As-
senlbly, whose action in the matter shall be final.
Section 11. All questions arising between two or more local
Spiritual Assemblies, or between members of different Bahi'i com-
munities, shall be submitted in the first instance tw the National
Assembly. which shall have original and final jurisdiction in all such
matters.
Section 12. The sphere of jurisdiction of a local Spiritual As-
sembly, with respect to residential qualification of membership, and
voting tights of a believer in any Baha'i community, shall be the
locality included within the civil limits of the city, town or village,
but Bahi'is who reside in adjacent, outlying or suburban districts and
can regularly attend the meetings of the local Bahl'i community, may
be enrolled on the membership list of the adjacent Spiritual Assembly
and enjoy full voting rights pending the establishment of a local
Spiritual Assembly in their home community.
All differences of opinion concerning the sphere of jurisdiction of
any local Spiritual Assembly or concerning the affiliation of any BahL'i
264 THE B A H A ' I WORLD

or group of BahP'is in the United States and Canada shall be referred
to the National Spiritual Assembly, whose decision in. the matter shall
be final.
Article VIII
The Annual Meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly at which
its members shall be elected shall be known as the National Convention
of the Bahi'is of the United States and Canada, and shall be held at
a time and place to be fixed by the National Assembly, which shall
give sixty days' notice of the meeting to each local BahL'i community
through its Spiritual Assembly. The National Assembly shall at the
same time inform each Spiritual Assembly of the number of dele-
gates to the Convention it has assigned to the local Bahi'i community
in accordance with the principle of proportionate representation in such
manner that the entire number of delegates composing the National
Convention shall be ninety-five. Upon receipt of this notice each local
Spiritual Assembly shall, within a convenient period and after giving
due and sufficient notice thereof, call a meeting of the voting members
on its rolls for the purpose of electing their delegate or delegates to
the National Convention; and, not later than thirty days before the
date of the Convention, the Secretary of each local Spiritual Assembly
shall certify to the Secretary of the National Spiritual Assembly the
names and adddresses of the delegates so elected.
Section I. All delegates to the Convention shall be elected by
plurality vote of those present at their election.
Section 2. All delegates to be skated at the Convention must be
enrolled as voting members of the Bah6'i community represented by
them.
Section 3. The rights and privileges of a delegate may not be
assigned nor may they be exercised by proxy.
Section 4. The recognition and seating of delegates to the Na-
tional Convention shall be vested in the National Spiritual Assembly.
Section 5. Delegates unable to be present in person at the Con-
vention shall have the right to vote for members of the Natioual Spir-
itual Assembly by mail or telegram under such conditions as may be
indicated by the National Assembly.
Section 6. I f in any year the National Spiritual Assunbly shall ton-
sider that it is impracticable or unwise to assemble together the dele-
gates to the National Convention, the National Spiritual Assembly
shall provide ways and means by which the business of the Convention
may be conducted by correspondence or telegram. Any action taken
APPENDIX 151

under such circumstances shall be by a majority vote of all the
delegates.
Section 7. The presiding officer of the National Spiritual Assem-
bly present at the National Convention shall call to order the delegates,
who shall then proceed to the permanent organization of the meeting,
electing a presiding officer, a Secretary and such other officers as are
necessary for the proper conduct of the business of the Convention.
Section 8. The principal business of the National Convention shall
be the election of the nine members of the incoming National Spiritual
Assembty, the consideration of the reports of the financial and other
activities of the outgoing National Assembly and its various com-
mittees, and deliberation upon the affairs of the Eahi'i Cause in gen-
eral, it being understood, however, in accordance with the principles of
BahL'i administration defined by the Guardian that all deliberation
and action of the delegates at the National Convention, other than the
election of the members of the incoming National Spiritual Assembly,
shall constitute merely advice and recommendation for consideration
by the said Assembly, final decision on all matters concerning the
affairs of the Bah6'i Cause in the United States and Canada being
vested solely in that body.
Section g. The general order of business to be taken up at the
National Convention shall be prepared by the National Spiritual Assem-
bly, but any and all matters pertaining to the Cause introduced by any
of the delegates may upon motion and vote be taken up as part of the
deliberations of the Convention.
Section 10. The election of the members of the National Spiritual
Assembly shall be by plurality vote of the delegates recognized by the
outgoing National Spiritual Assembly, i.e., the members elected shall
be the nine persons receiving the greatest number of votes on the
first ballot cast by delegates present at the Convention and delegates
whose ballot has been transmitted to the Secretary of the National
Spiritual Assembly by mail or telegram. In case by reason of a tie
vote or votes the full membership is not determined on the first
ballot, then one or more additional ballots shall be taken until all
nine members a r t elected.
Section 11. All official business transacted at the National Con-
vention shall be recorded and preserved in the records of the National
Assembly.
Section 12. After the termination of the National Convention and
until the next such Annual Meeting has been called in session, the dele-
gates shall continue a s a consultative body capable of rendering a dis-
266 T H E BAHiz'f WORLD

152 BAHA'I ADMINISTRATION
tinctive service to the work of the Cause, and they shaU make every
effort to contribute to the unified spirit, information and useful action
of the National Spiritual Assembly throughout the year.
Section 13. Vacancies in the membership of the National Spiritual
Assembly shall be filled by a plurality vote of the delegates composing
the Convention which elected the Assembly, the ballot to be taken by
correspondence or in any other manner decided upon by the National
Spiritual Assembly.
Article I X
Where the National Spiritual .4ssembly has been given in these
By-Laws exclusive and final jurisdiction, and paramount executive
authority, in all matters pertaining to the activities and affairs of the
Bah6'i Cause in the United States and Canada, it is understood that any
decision made or action taken upon such matters shall be subject in
every instance to ultimate review and approval by the Guardian of the
Cause or the Universal House of Justice.

Article X
Whaterer functions and powers are not specificallg attributed to
local Spiritual Assemblies in these By-Laws shall be considered vested
in the National Spiritual Assembly, which body is authorized to dele-
gate such discretionary functions and powers as it deems necessary
and advisable to the local Spiritual Assemblies within its jurisdiction.

Article X I
In order to preserve the spiritual character and purpose of BahB'i
elections, the practice of nominations or any other electoral method
detrimental to a silent and prayerful election shall not prevail, so
that each elector may vote for none but those whom prayer and reflec-
tion have inspired him to uphold.
Among the most outstanding and sacred duties incumbent upon
those who have been called upon to initiate, direct and coordinate the
affairs of the Cause a s members of local or national Spiritual Assem-
blies are :-
T o win by every means in their power the confidence and affection
of those whom it is their privilege to serve; to investigate and acquaint
themselves with the considered views, the prevailing sentiments and
the personal convictions of those whose welfare it is their solemn obliga-
tion to promote; to purge their deliberations and the general conduct
THE W O R L D O R D E R O F R A H A ' U ' L L A H 267

APPENDIX 153
of their affairs of self-contained aloofness, the suspicion of secrecy,
the stifling atmosphere of dictatorial assertiveness and of every word
and deed that may savor of partiality, self-centeredness and prejudice;
and while retaining the sacred right of final decision in their hands,
to invite discussion, ventilate grievances, welcome advice, and foster
the sense of inter-dependence and co-partnership, of understanding and
mutual confidence between themselves and all other BahL'is.

Article XI1
These By-Laws may be amended by majority vote of the National
Spiritual Assembly at any of its regular or special meetings, provided
that at least fourteen days prior to the date fixed for the said meeting
a copy of the proposed amendment or amendments is mailed to each
member of the Assembly by the Secretary.
THE W O R L D O R D E R OF BAHA'U'LLAH 269

Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the National Spiritual Assembly of
the Bah6'is of frin.
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 271
THE BAHA'I WORLD

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THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 273
2 74 THE BAHA'f WORLD
THE W O R L D O R D E R OF B A H A ' U ' L L A H 271

of the world. Careful examination ui the i~ the fulfillluent of thc idcal of Religion
Declaration and its By-Laws will reveal the in the social as well as spiritual realm. Be-
fact that this document contains no ar- cause in the Bah6'i Faith this perfect cor-
bitrary elements nor features new to the respondence exists between spiritual aud
Bah&i' Cause. O n the contrary, it repre- social laws, the Baha'is believe that admninis-
sents a most conscientious effort to reflect trative success is identical with moral suc-
those very administrative principles and ele- cess; and that nothing less than the true
ments already set forth in the letters of the Bah6'i spirit of devotion and sacrifice can
Guardian, Shoghi Effendi, and already de- inspire with effective power the world-wide
termining the methods and relationships of body of unity, revealed by Bah6'u'11611.
Bahi'i collective association. The provi- Therefore it has seemed fitting and proper
sion both in the Declaration and in the By- to accompany the Declaration of Trust with
Laws for amendments in the future will excerpts from the letters of Shoghi Effendi
permit the National Spiritual Assembly to which furnished the source whence the pro-
adapt this document t o such new adminis- visions of the Declaration were drawn, and
trative elements or principles as the Guard- which furthermore give due emphasis to
ian may at any time give forth. The Dec- that essential spirit without which any and
laration, in fact, is nothing more or less every social or religious form is but a dead
than a legal parallel of those moral and and soulless body.
spiritual laws of unity inherent in the ful-
ness of the Bahl'i Revelation and making Horacc Holley.

DES N A T I O N A L E N GEISTIGEN R A T S DER
BAHA'I I N DEUTSCHLAND U N D
oSTERREICH
THEDECLARATION AND BY-LAW'S OF THE NATIONAL
SPIRITUAL
ASSEMBLY OF THE B A H ~ ~
OF) ~GERMANY
s AND AUSTRIA

W R , Marta Blanche B~,inwzs-Forel, den Hijrer desselben, iibertragencn Befug-
Karlsruhe i. B.; Paul Ferdinand Gollmer, nisse, Verantwortlichlieite~~,Rechte, Vor-
Stuttgart; Max Guetwen, Bremen; Dr. Her- rechte und Pflichteu von dem vorgenannten
mann Grossnzann, Necliargemiind; Edith Nationalen Geistigen Rat und seinen ord-
Elisabeth Anna Horn, Stuttgart; Anna nungsmassig bestellten ~ a c h f o l ~ e r nge-
Maria Kbstlan, Esslingen a. N.; Dr. Adel- mass dieser Treuhands~haftserklerun~aus-
bert Friedrich Alexallder Marillus Muhl- geiibt, verwaltet und fortgefiihrt werden
schlegel, Stuttgart; Dr. Karl Eugen sollen.
Schmidt, Stuttgart; Alice Coriuna GaLriele Die Annahme dieser Form des Zusain-
Emma Amdie (Tlhirih) Schwarz-Soliwo, menscblusses, der Vereinigung und Gemein-
Stuttgart, erkliren hiermit als der dnrch die schaft, und die Zulegung der Bezeichnnng
Abgeordneten dcr Bah6'i in Deutschland als Treuhandcr dcr Bahi'i in Deutschland
uud Oesterreich anlasslich der Jahrestagung und ~ s t e r r e i c herfolgt durch den Nation-
in Stuttgart am 2 2 . April 1934 ordnungs- alrn Geistigen Rat als dem seit mehr als
missig gewahlte und mit allen Vollinachten dreiundzwanzig Jahren bestehenden und
zur Errichtung der nachfolgenden Treu- verantwortlicl~en Verwaltuugsl~orper einer
handschaft ausgestattete Nationale Geistige Religionsge~neinschaft. Infolge dieser Ti-
Rat der BahBi in Dez~tschlandzlnd dster- tigkeit erwichst dem Nationalen Geistigen
reich, dass voin heu~igenTage an die diesem Rat die Pflicht zur Verwaltung der stindig
Rate durch Bah6'u'116h, den Begriinder des mannigfacher und umfangreicher werden-
Bahl'i-Glaubens, 'Abdu'l-Bahl, den Aus- den Angelegenheiten uud Vermogenswerte
leger und das Vorbild, und Shoghi Effendi, der Bah6'i in Deutschland und ~ s t e r r e i c h ,
THE WORLD ORDE

weshalb wir als dessen Mitglieder es fur l i c h ~ n ,mensrhenfreundlichen ttnd geistigen
wunschenswert und notwendig erachten, Charakters, die Veroffentlichung von
unserer gemeinsamen Tatigkeit eine fester Buchern, Zeitschriften und Zeitungen, die
umrissene, gesetzmassige Form zu geben. Errichtung von Tempeh allgemeiner An-
Wir tun dies in volliger Einmutigkeit und betung und anderer Einrichtungen und
in voller Erkenntnis der damit geschaffenen Bauten f u r menschenfreundliche Dienste,
heiligen Bindung. Wir anerltennen fiir uns die ~berwachung, Vereinheitlich~n~, For-
und unsere Nachfolger in dieser Treuhand- de~ung und allgemeine Verwaltung der
schaft die erhabene religiose Richtschnur, Angelegenheiten der Bahl'i in Deutschland
die fur Bahb'i-Verwaltungslrorperschaften und Osterreich in Erfiillung ihrer religiosen
in dem Worte Bahl'u'llbh's zuin Ausdruck Dienste, Pflichten und Ideale, sowie jedes
kommt: ,,Seid Treuhinder des Barmherzi- sonstige diesen Zielen oder einem von ihnen
gen unter den Menschen", und suchen den forderliche Mittel dienen.
Beistand Gottes und Seine Fiihrung, damit Weiterer Zweck und Gegenstand dieser
wir dieser E r ~ n a h n u nfolgen
~ konnen. Tre~hand~emeinschaf t ist:
a, das Recht, mit irgendwelchen Per-
sonen, Unte~nehmun~en, Vcrcinigun-
Die genannte Treuhandge~neitlschaft
fiihrt die Bezeichnung ,,der Nationale Gei- gen, privaten, offentlichen oder ge-
stige Rat der Bahi'i in Deutschland und meindlichen Korperschaften, dem Staat
~sterreich". oder irgendwelchen seiner Linder,
Gebiete oder Kolonien oder mit
irgendwelchen fremden Regierungen
Wir teilen die Ideale unserer Mit-Bal~i'i in jeder Art und Weise Vertrige
und arbeiten mit ihnen an der Aufrichtung, abzuschliessen, zu vollziehen und zu
Erhaltung und Forderung der geistigen, er- erfullen, die zur Forderung der Ziele
ziehlichen und menschenfreundliche~~Leh- dieser Treuhandschaft dienen, und im
ren menschlicher Bruderschaft, strahlenden Zusammenhang damit und bei allen
Glaubens, erhabenen Charakters und selb- Verrichtungen, die im Rahmen dieser
stloser Liebe, wie sie im Leben und in den Treuhandschaft erfolgen, alles und
~ n s s e r u n ~ ealler
n Propheten und Botschaf- jedes zu tun, was eine Gesellschaft
ter Gottes, der Begrunder der Offenbarungs- oder naturliche Person zu tun oder
religionen in der Welt, geoffenbart und mit auszuuhen vermag und was gcgen-
erneuter Kraft und allumfassender Geltung wartig oder kunftig vom Gesetz m-
fur die Gegebenheiten dieses Zeitalters gelassen ist,
durch das Leben und die Worte Bahi'u'llih's b. bei allen durch Gesetz oder anderswie
verkiindet worden sind. Wir erklaren als errichteten Verbanden oder Nach-
Zweck und Gegenstand dieser Treuhandge- lassen und sonstigen letztwilligen
meinschaft die Verwaltung der Angelegen- Verfugungen in Verbindung mit
heiten der Sache Bahi'u'llih's zum Besten Schenkungen, Vermichtnissen oder
der Bahi'i in Deutschland und Osterreich Auflassungen jeder Art, in welchen ein
gemass den von Bahl'u'11bh geschaffenen oder mehrere Treuhinder in irgend
und eingefArten, von 'Abdu'l-Bahi naher einem Teil, der Welt sowohl als auch
bestimmten und erliuterten und von i n Deutschland und Osterreich bestellt
Shogbi Effendi und dessen nach dem Willen werden, aufzutreten und als emp-
und Testament 'Abdu'l-Bahi's ordnungs- fangsberechtigt zu gelten und Schen-
massig eingesetzten Nachfolger und Nach- knngen, Vermichtnisse oder Auflas-
folgern erweiterten und angewandten sungen in Geld oder sonstigen
GrundsXtzeen fiir die Bahl'i-Zugehorigkeit Vermijgenswerten anzunehmen,
und -Verwaltung. c. alles und was immer in den schrift-
Der Erfiillung dieses Zweckes sollen An- lichen ~ u s s e r u n ~ e n Bahi'u'llih'o,
dachtszusammenkiinfte, offentliche Ver- 'Ahdu'l-Bahl's, Shnghi Effendi's und
sammlungen und Zusammenkiinfte erzieh- seiner ordnungsm:ssigeu Nachfnlger,
278 THE BAHA 'i WORLD

dnrch die den Nationalrn Geistigen ARTIKELIV
Riten gewisse Spruchrechte, Befug- Die Treuhinder, d. h, der Nationale
nisse und Gerechtsame gewahrt sind, Geistige Rat, nehmen fur die Durchfiihrung
an verschiedenen Zweclien und Zielen der ihm in dieser Treuhandschaftserklarung
niedergelegt ist, anvertrauten Obliegenheiten die zur Fest-
d. ge~neinhin alles zu tun und zu be- legung und Erledigung der eigenen Ver-
wirken, was nach Ansicht der be- waltungsaufgaben wie auch derjenigen der
nannten Treuhander d. h. des Nation- verschiedenen iirtlichen und sonstigen Glie-
alen Geistigen Rates der Bahi'i in derungen, die die Bahl'i in Deutschland und
Deutschland und Bsterreich znr Bsterreich verkiirpern, erforderlichen Satz-
Fiirderung der vollstindigen und ungen, Bestimmungen und Dienstvorschrif-
erfolgreichen Verwaltung dieser Treu- ten gemass den Zweclren dieser Einrichtung
handgemeinschaft erforderlich, ge- und in ~bereinstimmungmit den seitheri-
eignet und von Vorteil ist. gen ausdriicklichen, den Bahl'i in Deutsch-
land und Bsterreich bereits beliannten und
ARTIICEL111 von ihnen in der Fuhrung und Handhabung
I . Abrchnitt. Allen Personen, Unter- ihrer religiesen Angelegenheiten ubernom-
nehmungen, KGrperschaften und Vereinig- menen Weisungen Shoghi Effendi's, des
ungen gegeniiber, die den Treuhindern d. h. Huters des Bahi'i-Glaubens, an.
dern Nationalen Geistigen Rat nnd den
Mitgliedern desselben in ihrer Eigenschaft ARTIKELV
als solche Kredit gewihren, Vertrage rnit Die Hauptgeschaftsstelle dleser Treu-
ihnen schliessen oder irgendwelche Ans- handgemeinschaft befindet sich an dem-
pruche gegen sie, gleichviel welcher Art, jenigen Ort, der durch den Nationalen
ob rechtlich oder billig, zu Recht oder zu Geistigen Rat vorx Zeit zu Zeit bestimmt
Unrecht, haben, gilt lediglich das Treu- wird.
handvermogen und der Treuhandbesitz als ARTIKELVI
Masse fur Zahlung oder Sicherstellung
bezw. fur die Begleichung irgendwelcher Das Siegel dieser Treuhandgemeinschaft
Schulden, Ersatzan spruche, Auflagen und besitzt runde Form nnd zeigt folgende In-
Bescheide oder irgendwelcher Betrige, die schrift:
in sonstiger Weise seitens der TreuhBnder Der Nationale Geistigc Rat dev Ba-
geschuldet ader zahlbar werden kGnnten, bi'i in Deutschland zcnd ~sterreich
c. V. T~eu6andschaftseukld~z~ng 1935.
sodass weder die Treuhander, noch irgen-
deiner von ihnen, noch irgendeiner ibrer
ARTIKELVII
kraft dieses ernannten Beamten oder Beauf-
tragten, noch irgendwelche hierin genannte Diese Treuhands~haftserklirun~ kann
Berechtigte, sei es einzeln oder gemeinsam, durch absoluten Mehrheitsbeschluss des
personlich dafur haften. Nationalen Geistigen Rats der Bahl'i in
2. Absclmift. Alle Bescheinigungen, Deutschla~id und ~sterreich in jeder be-
Schuldanerkenntnisse, Antrige, schriftlichen sonderen Versammlung, die zu diesem
Verpflichtungen und Vertrige oder sonsti- Zwecke ordnungsmassig einberufen wor-
gen Vereinbarungen und Urkunden, die im den ist, erginzt werden, vorausgesetzc, dass
Rahmen dieser Treuhandschaft getroffen mindestens dreissig Tage vor dem fur die
oder gegeben werden, werden ausdrucklich Versammlung festgesetzten Zeitpunkt eine
vom Nationalen Geistigen Rat als Treu- Abschrift der vorgeschlagenen Erganznng
hander durch dessen ordnungsmassig er- oder Erginzungen an jedes Ratsmitglied
mzchtigte Beamte und Beauftragte vollzo- durch den Sekretir mittels eingeschriebenen
gen. Briefes versandt wird.
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 279

SATZUNG DES NATIONALEN GEISTIGEN RATS
ARTIKELI der Sache voreesehenen Universalen Hauses
Der Nationale Geistige Rat besitzt in der Gerechtigkeit. Vor allem aber soll der
Erfullung seiner geheiligten Pflichten im Nationale Geistige Rat stets jene Stufe der
Rahmen dieses Treuhandverh'altnisses aus- Einheit in Ergebenheit gegenuber der Of-
schliessliches Spruch- und Hoheitsrecht fenbarung Bahi'u'llih's erstreben, die die
uher alle Vera~lstaltungen und Angelegen- Bestitigung des Heiligen Geistes anzieht
heiten der Bahl'i-Sache in Deutschland und und den Rat zum Dienste an der Begrind-
bsterreich LLnter ~ i ~ der~Oberhoheit
~ h lung ~ des ~Grosste~l
~ Friedens fahig machen
in bezug auf die Verwaltung dieser Treu- "jrd. Bei a'1en seinen Beratungen und
handschaft, Er soil darnach strehen, die Handlungen soll der Nationale Geistige Rat
(nachstehend erliuterte) Arbeit der als gottlichen Fuhrer und Massstab standig
lichen Geistigen Rate sowie diejenige der die ~usserung Bah6'u'llih's vor Augen
einzelnen Bahl'i in Deutschland und s t e r - habe":
nEs geziemt ihnen (d. " den Geistigen
reich anzuspornen, zusammenzufassen und
gleichzurichten, und in jeder nur m6g- Raten), die Vertrauten des Barmherzigen
lichen weise in der Forderung der Einheit unter den Menschen zu sein und sich fur
der ~ ~ ~ unterstiitzen,
~ ~ h Ihmh obliert
~ i Gottes
~ auserwahlte Hiiter von allem, was
. . ..
die Anerkennung derartiger ijrtlicher Rite, Erden zu Es obliegt
die prufung der ortlichen ~ i ~ ~ l i ~ d ihnen, ~ ~ miteinander
~ ~ l l ~ zu~ beraten, und auf
die ~ i ~ der b~~h~~~~~~~~~
~ ~ oder~be. f die~ Belange ~ der
~ Diener Gottes acht zu
sonderer ~~~~~~~l~~~~~und die ~i~~~~~~~~ hahen, um Seiner Selbst willen, wie sit
der Abgeordneten zur Jahrestagung und auf die eigenen Belange achten, und das
ihre u'ffernmassige Verteilung auf die ver- zu wihlen, was geziemend ist und schick-
schiedenen Bahi'i-Gemeinden. Er ernennt lich."
simtliche nationalen Bahi'i-Ausschiisse und ARTIKELI1
uberwacht die Veroffentlichung und Ver- Die Bahl'i in Deutschland und Bster-
teilung von Bahi'i-Schrifttum, die ~ b e r - reich, zu deren Gunsten diese Treuhand-
prufung aller die Bah6'i-Sacbe betreffenden schaft errichtet ist, umfassen alle in Deutsch-
Schriften, den Bau und die Verwaltung des land und bsterreich wohnhaften Personen,
allgemeinen Mas_hriqu'l-AQkir's und seiner die vom Nationalen Geistigen Rat als den
Nebeneinrichtungen und die Erhehung und Erfordernissen zum stimmberechtigten Mit-
Verwendung aller Gelder zur Fortfuhrung glied einer Bahi'i-Gemeinde genugend aner-
dieser Treuhandschaft. Er entscheidet, ob kannt sind. Wer stimmberechtigtes Mit-
irgendwelcbe Angelegenheiten dem Bereiche glied einer Bahl'i-Gemeinde werden will,
seines eigenen Spruchrechtes oder demjenigen muss
eines ortlichen Geistigen Rates angehoren. a. in dem Ortsgebiet wohnen, das durch
Er nimmt in Fallen, die ihm geeignet den Rechtsbereich des ijrtlichen Gei-
und notwendig erscheinen, Berufungen aus stigen Rates gemiss dern zweiten Ab-
Entscheidungen ijrtlicher Geistiger Rite schnitt des Artikels VII dieser Satz-
an und besitzt das Recht zur end& ung bestimmt ist,
tigen Entscheidung in allen Flllen, in denen b. das einundzwanzigste Lebenrjahr vol-
die Befihigung eines Einzelnen oder einer lendet haben,
Gruppe, stindig das Wahlrecht auszuuben c. zur Zufriedenheit des ortlichen Gei-
oder Mitglied der Bahl'i-Gemeinschaft zu stigen Rates, die von der Zustimmung
sein, in Frage steht. Er vertritt die Bahl'i durch den Nationalen Geistigen Rat
in Deutschland und ~sterreichiiberall, wo abh'ingt, dargetan haben, dass er den
es sich urn die Zusammenarbeit nnd geistige folgenden Bahl'i-Glaubensforderun-
Betatigung mit den Bahh'i anderer Linder gen und -briuchen genugt:
handelt, und bildet das nlleinige Wahlorgan volle Anerkemung dcr Stufe des
der Bahl'i in Deutschland und ~sterreich Vorl'iufers (des Bib), des BegrGnders
bei Schaffung des in den heiligen Schriften (Bahi'u'llih's) und 'Abdu'l-Bahl's,
280 THE B A H A 'i WORLD

des Erklarers und wahren Vvrbildes
des Bah6'i-Glaubens, vorbehaltlose
Der Nationale Geistige Rat ist beschluss-
Annahme von allem, was durch ihre
fahig, sobald fiinf Mitglieder desselbeu in
Feder geoffenbart ist, und Unterwerf-
einer Sitzung anwesend sind, und die durch
ung darunter, treues und standhaftes
diese gefassten, absoluten Mehrheitsbe-
Festhalten an allen Teilen des gehei-
schlusse gelten, soweit nicht diese Satzung
ligten Willens 'Ahdu'l-Bahi's und
ein Anderes bestimmt, in gebuhrendem
enge Verhundenheit sowohl mit dem
Hiubliclr auf den in der Einrichtung der
Geiste als auch mit der Form der
gcistigen Rite enthaltenen Grundsatz der
gegenwartigen Bahi'i-Verwaltung in
Einheit und aufrichtigen Gemeinschaft als
der Welt.
ausreichend zur Fiihrung der Geschlfte.
Die Verhandlungen und Entscheidungen
des Nationalen Geistigen Rates sind bei
Der Nationale Geistige Rat besteht aus jeder Sitzung durch den Sekretar zu proto-
neun aus dem Kreise der Bah6'i in Deutsch- kollieren, der den Ratsmitgliedern nach
land und Gsterreich gewahlten Mitgliedern, jeder Sitzung Abschriften der Protokolle
die von den genannten Bahi'i in der weiter zusielh und die Protokolle unter den offizi-
unten beschriebenen Weise gewahlt werden ellen Urkunden des Rates aufbewahrt.
und fur die Dauer eines Jahres oder bis zur
Wahl ihrer Nachfolger im Arnte bleiben.
Wo immer in Deutschland und 8ster-
reich, in einer Stadt oder einer landlichen
Die geschaftsfuhrenden Mitglieder des Gemeinde, die Zahl der darin wohnenden,
Nationalen Geistigen Rates bestehen nus vom Nationalen Geistigen Rat anerkannten
einem Vorsitzer, stellvertretenden Vorsitzer, Bahi'i neun ubersteigt, konnen diese am 21.
Sekretar und Rechner nnd was sonst zur April eines Jahres zusammenkommen und
geeigneten Fiihrung seiner Geschifte an nlit relativer Stirnmenmehrheit eine ortliche
amtern fiir notig erachtet wird. Die ge- Verwaltungskorperschaft von neun Perso-
schaftsfuhrenden Mitglieder werden mit nen als Geistigen Rat der betreeenden Ge-
absoluter Stimmenmehrheit durch simtliche meinde wihlen. Jeder solche Geistige Rat
Ratsmitglieder in geheimer Abstimmung wird darauf alljahrlich an jedern folgenden
gewihlt. 21. Tag des Aprils gewiihlt. Die Mitglieder
bleiben fur die Dauer eit~esJahres und bis
ARTIKELV
zur Wahl und Benennung ihrer Nachfolger
Die erste Versammlung des neugewahlten in1 Amte.
Nationalen Geistigen Rates wird durch das- Soweit dagegen die Zahl der Bahi'i in
jenige Mitglied einberufen, das bei der Wahl einer Gemeinde genau neun betragt, konnen
die hochste Stimmenzahl erhalten hat, oder, sich diese am 21. April eines Jahres und in
soweit zwei oder mehrere Mitglieder die den nachfolgenden Jahren durch gemein-
gleiche Stimme~lzahl aufweisen, durch das same Erklarang zum ortlicheu Geistigen
unter diesen ausgeloste Mitglied. Dieses Rat ernenneu. Durch Beurkundung einer
Mitglied fiihrt den Vorsitz his zur Wahl salchen Erklirung seitens des Sekretirs des
des stindigen Vorsitzers. Alle folgenden Nationalen Geistigen Rats gilt der besagte
Sitzungen werden durch den Sekretar des Neunerrat als mit allen Rechten, Vorrech-
Rates auf Ersuchen des Vorsitzers oder, hei ten und Pflichten eines ortlichen Geistigen
dessen Abwesenheit oder Verhindernng, des Rates, wie sie in dieser Satzung festgelegt
stellvertretenden Vorsitzers oder dreier be- sind, eingesetzt.
liebiger Ratsmitglieder einberufen, wobei I . Abschnitf. Jeder neugewahlte ort-
jedoch die Jabrestagung, wie weiterhin fest- liche Geistige Rat verfihrt sofort gerniiss
gelegt, in bazug auf Zeitpunkt und Ort von den in den Artikeln IV und V dieser Satz-
der Versammlung durch absoluten Mehr- ung enthaltenen Anweisungen iiber die
heitsbeschluss festgelegt wird. Wahl seiner geschaftsfuhrenden Mitglieder,
die aus eineu~ Vorsitzer, stellvertretenden lneinde zur Unterrichtung und Gutheissung
Vorsitzer, Sekretir und Rechncr und was durch den Nationalen Geistigen Rat.
der Rat sonst fiir die Fuhrung seiner Ge- 8. Abschnitt. Alle sich innerhalb einer
schafte und die Erfullung seiner Geistigen Bahi'i-Gemeinde ergehenden Angelegen-
Pflichten an Amtern f u r notig erachten heiten von rein ortlichen Interessen, die
mag, bestehen. Un~nittelbardarnach iiber- nicht die nationalen Belange der Sache
mittelt der gewahlte Sekretar den1 Sekre- beriihren, unterstehen in erster Instanz dem
t a r des Nationalen Geistigen Rates die Spruchrecht des betreffenden ortlichen
N a ~ n e n der Mitglieder des neugewahlten Geistigen Rates, doch liegt, die Entscheid-
Rates und cine Liste seiner geschiftsfiihr- ung dariiber, ob in einem Fall durch die
enden Mitglieder. Angelegenheit die Belange und die Wohl-
2. Abschnitt. Die allgemeinen Befug- fahrt der nationalen Bahi'i-Gemeinschaft
nisse nnd Pflichten eines brtlichen Geistigen heriihrt werden, beim Nationalen Geistigen
Rates ergeben sich aus den Schriften Bahi'u- Rat.
'Ilbh's, 'Abdu'l-Bahi's und Shoghi Effendi's. 9. Abschnitt. Jedenl Mitglied einer
3. Abschnitt. Unter die besonderen Bahi'i-Gemeinde steht ea frei, gegen eine
Pflichten eines ortlichen Geistigen Rates Entscheidung seines Geistigen Rates heim
fallt das volle Spruchrecht fiber alle Bahi'i- Nationalen Geistigen R r t Berufung ein-
Veranstaltungen und -Angelegenheiten in- znlegen, der dariiber hefindet, oh er die
nerhalb der Gemeinde, unheschadet der Sache zur Entscheidung ~ufgreifenoder sie
hierin erklirten ausschliesslichen Oberhoheit beim ortlichen Geistigen Rat zur nochmali-
des Nationalen Geistigen Rates. gen Erwigung belassen will. Greift der
4. Abschnitt. Ausscheidende M~tglieder Nationale Geistige R a t die Sache zur Ent-
eines ortlichen Geistigen Rates werden nuf scheidung auf, so ist seine Findung end-
einer zu diesem Zwecke durch den R a t giiltig.
ordnungsmissig einberufenen, besonderen 10. Abschnitt. Bestchen innerhalb einer
Gemeindeversammlung durch Wahl erganzt. Bahi'i-Gemeinde M~inun~sverschiedenheit-
Falls die Zahl der ausscheidenden Mitglieder en, die nicht durch die Bemuhungen des
hoher als vier ist, sodass die Beschlussfihig- ortlichen Geistigen Rates beigelegt werden
keit des orlichen Rates entfallt, wird die konnen, so ist die ~ngelegenheitdurch den
Wahl unter der Oberaufsicht des Nation- Geistigen Rat dem Nationalen Geistigen
alen Geistigen Rates vorgenommen. Rate zur Erwigung zu iiberweisen, dessen
T . Absch~zitf. Die Geschifte des art- Vorgchen in der Sache dann endgiiltig
lichen Rates werden in gleicher Weise ist.
gefiihrt, wie oben in Artikel VI f u r die 11. A b s c h n i t t . A l l e S t r e i t f r a g e n
Verhandlungen des Nationalen Geistigen zwischen zwei oder mehreren ortlichen
Rates festgelegt ist. Geistigen R i t e n oder zwischen Mitgliedern
6. Abschnitt. Der ortliche Rat uher- verschiedener Baha-'i-Gemeinden sollen in
pruft und anerkennt die Eignung jedes erster Instanz dern Nationalen Geistigen
Mitgliedes der Bahi'i-Gemeinde Tor dessen Rate unterbreitet werden, dem Lei allen
Znlassung als wahlherechtigtes Mitglied, derartigen Angelegenheiten das erste nnd
doch steht es jedem, der mit dern Befund letzte Spruchrecht eigen ist.
des ortlichen Geistigen Rates iiber seine 12. Abschnitt. Der Rechtsbereich der
Eignung als Bahb'i unzufrieden ist, frei, einzelnen ortlichen Geistigen R i t e in bezug
gegen den Befund beim Nationalen Geisti- auf die iirtliche Befindung zur Mitglied-
gen R a t Bernfung einzulegen, der den Fall schaft und Wahlberechtigung eines Glaii-
aufgreift und endgiiltig daruber entscheidet. bigen i n einer Bahi'i-Gemeinde entspricht
7. Abschnitt. A m oder vor dern ersten der durcb die verwaltungsrechtlichen Gren-
T a g im Februar jedes Jahres sendet der zen einer Stadt oder einer landlichen Ge-
Sekretzr jedes iirtlichen Rates dern Sekretir meinde bezeichneten Gemarkung, doch
des Nationalen Geistigen Rates eine ord- k6nnen Bahh'i, die in angrenzenden, abseits
nungsmZssig heglaubigte Liste der stimnl- liegenden oder vorstidtiscben Bezirken
berechtigten Mitglieder der Bahi'i-Ge- wohnen und regelmassig an den Versamm-
282 THE BAHA'i WORLD

lungen der Aahi'i-Gemeinden teilzunehmen abzugehen, die dem ortlichen Geistigen Rat
vermogen, bis zur Errichtung eines ort- genugt.
lichen Geistigen Rates in ihrer Heimatge- 2. Abschnitt. Alle fur die Tagung ein-
meinde in die vom angrenzenden Geistigen zusetzenden Ahgeordneten miissen als
Rat gefiihrte Mitgliederrolle eingeschriehen stimmherechtigte Mitglieder der von ihnen
werden und volles Wahlrecht geniessen. vertretenen Bah6'i-Gemeinden 'eingetragen
Alle Auffassungsverschiedenheiten in be- sein.
zug auf das Rechtsgebiet eines ortlichen 3 . Abschnitt. Die Rechte und Vor-
Geistigen Rates oder beziiglich der Anglied- rechte der Abgeordneten konnen weder
erung irgend eines Bahi'i oder einer Gruppe ubertragen noch abgetreten werden.
in Deutschland und ijesterreich sind d e ~ n 4. Abschizitt. Die Anerlrennung und
Nationalen Geistigen Rat zu unterbreiten, Einsetzung der Abgeordneten zur National-
dessen Entscheidung in der Sache endgultig tagung erfolgt im Nationalen Geistigen
ist. Rate.
ARTIKELVIII 5 . Abschnitt. Soweit Abgeorduete nicht
personlich an der Tagung teilnehmen kon-
Die Jahresversammlung des Nationalen nen, haben sie das Recht, Mitglieder des
Geistigen Kates, auf der die Wahl seiner Nationalen Geistigen Rates schriftlich oder
Mitglieder erfolgt, fuhrt die Bezeichnung telegafisch zu den Tom Nationalen Geisti-
Nationaltapng der Bahi'i in Deutschland gen Rat festzusetzendeu Bedingungen zu
und ~sterreich. Zeitpunkt und Ort fur die wihlen.
Ahhahung bestimmt der Nationale Geistige 6. Abschnitt. H i l t der Nationale
Rat, der alle Bahb'i-Gemeinden durch ibre Geistige Rat in irgend einem Jahre die Zu-
Geistigen Rate sechzig Tage zuvor von der sammenrufung der Abgeordneten zur Na-
Versammlung in Kenntnis setzt. Der Na- tionaltagung fur undurchfiihrbar oder nicht
tionale Geistige Rat teilt jedem Geistigen geraten, so setzt der Nationale Geistige
Rat gleichzeitig die von ihm der Bahl'i-Ge- Rat die Mittel und Wege fiir die hriefliche
meinde gemass dem Grundsatz der Ver- oder telegrafische Durchfuhrung der Ge-
h i l t n i s v e r t r e t ~ n ~zugeteilte Anzahl von schafte der Nationaltagung fest.
Ahgeordneten zur Nationaltagung mit, 7. Abschnitt. Das auf der National-
wohei die Gesamtzahl der Abgeordneten, die tagung anwesende vorsitzende, geschifts-
die Nationaltagung darstellen, neunzehn fiihrende Mitglied des Nationalen Geistigen
betragen soll. Nach Empfang dieser Be- Rates ruft die Abgeordneten auf, die darauf
nachrichtigung beruft jeder ortliche Geistige zur endgultigen Ordnung der Versammlung
Rat inuerhalh eines angemessenen Zeitraumes schreiten, einen Vorsitzenden, Schriftfiihrer
und unter Beachtung ordnungsmissiger und und was weiter an dmtern fiir die geeignete
ausreichender Ankiindigung eine Versamm- Fiihrung der Geschafte der Tagung erford-
lung der in seiner Rolle verzeichneten erlich ist, wihlen.
stimmberechtigten Mitglieder zwecks Wahl 8. Abschnitt. Die Hauptaufgabe der
ihres oder ihrer Ahgeordneten zur Nation- Nationaltagung ist die Wahl der neun Mit-
altagung ein, worauf die Sekretare der glieder zum kommenden Nationalen Geisti-
einzelnen ortlichen Geistigen RBte dem Sek- gen Rate, die Entgegennahme der Berichte
retir der Nationalen Geistigen Rates spates- iiber die finanzielle und aonstige Tiitigkeit
tens dreissig Tage vor dem Zeitpunkt der des ausscheidenden Nationalen Geistigen
Tagung die Nameu und Anschriften der so Rates und seiner verschiedenen Ausschiisse
gewahlten Ahgeordneten bescheinigen. und Beratung uber die Angelegenheiten der
I . Abschvzitt. Alle Tagungsabgeordne- Bah6'i-Sache im allgemeinen, selbstverstind-
ten sind mit relativer Stimmeumehrheit zu lich in ~ h e r e i n s t i m m u n ~mit den von
wihlen. Mitglieder, die durch Krankheit Shoghi Effendi ausgedriickten Grundsatzen
oder andere unvermeidliche Griinde ver- der BahCi-Verwaltuq, wonach alle Berat-
hindert sind, an der Wahl persiinlich teil- ungen und Handlungcn dcr Abgcordneten
zunehmen, haben das Recht, ihre Stimme zur N a t i o n a l t a g u ~ ~ ausser der Wahl der
brieflich oder telegrafisch in einer Weise Mitglieder zum kommenden Nationalen
Geistigeu Rate nur R a t s c l ~ l i ~und e b n ~ p - woLei die Wahl in brieflicher odrr irgend
fehlungen zur Beachtung durch den ge- sonstiger durch den Nationalen Geistigen
nannten Rat darstellen, wahrend die Rat bestimmter Form erfolgt.
Entscheidung in allen Fragen, die die Ange-
legenheiten der Baha'i-Sache in Deutschland
und Gsterreich betreffen, ausschliesslich bei
Soweit dem Nationalen Geistigen Rat
dieser Korperschaft liegt.
durch diese Satznng in irgendwelchen, die
9. Abschnitt. Die auf der National-
Tatigkeit und die Angelegenheiten der Ba-
tagung anzunehmende Geschiitsordnung
h$'iSache i l ~Deutschland und bsterreich
wird durch den Nationalen Geistigen Rat
betreffenden Fragen aasschliessliches nnd
vorbereitet, doch konnen alle auf die Sache
hiichstrichterliches Spruchrecht sowie voll-
bezuglichen Angelegenheiten, die von irgend
ziehende Oberhoheit ubertragen ist, gilt dies
einem Abgeordneten vorgebracht werden,
mit der Weisung, dass alle hezuglich solcher
auf Antrag, uber den abzustimmen ist, als
Fragen getroffenen Ent~cheidun~enoder
Punkt der Tagungsberatungen aufgenom-
erfolgten Massnahmen in jedem Falle dem
men werden.
Hiiter der Sache oder dem Universalen
10. Abschitt. Die Wahl der Mitglie-
Hause der Gerechtigkeit zur endgiiltigen
der des Nationalen Geistigen Rates erfolgt
Prufung und Billigung zu unterbreiten sind.
mit relativer Stim~nenmehrheit durch die
vom ausscheidenden Nationalen Geistigen
Rat anerlrannten Abgeordneten, d. h. als
gewahlt gelten diejenigen neun Personen, Soweit Aufgaben und Befugnisse durch
die im ersten Wahlgang der bei der Tagung diese Satzung nicht ausdriicklich den ort-
anwesenden Abgeordneten sowie derjenigen lichen Geistigen Riten iibertragen sind,
Abgeordneten, deren Stimme dem Sekretar gelten sie als dem Nationalen Geistigen Rate
des Nationalen Geistigen Rates schriftlich verliehen, wobei dieser Kijrperschaft das
oder telegrafisch iihermittelt worden ist, die Recht zur Ubertragung solcher beliebiger
grosste Anzahl Stimmen erhalten haben. Verrichtungen und Befugnisse zusteht, die
Falls infolge Stimmengleichheit die volle sie innerhalb ihres Spruchrechtes als fur
Mitgliedszahl nicht im ersten Wahlgang ortliche Geistige Rate erforderlich und
erreicht wird, finden ein oder mehrere ratsam erachtet.
weitere Wahlginge statt, bis samtliche neun
Mitelieder eewihlt sind.
1 7 . ~ b s l b x i t t . Alle bei der National-
Zur Wahrung des geistigen Charakters
tagnng offiziell behandelten Angelegenheiten
und Zweckes der Bahi'i-Wahlen soll weder
sind nnter die Protokolle des Nationalen
der Branch der Wahlvor~chli~e noch irgend
Geistigen Rates aufznnehmen und mit
ein sonstiges, eine stille und yon Gebeten
diesen zu bewahren.
12. Abschnitt. Nach Schluss der Na- getragene Wahl beeintrachtigendes Wahl-
verfahren aufkornmen, sodass jeder Wahler
tionaltagnng und bis zur Einberufung der
fur niemanden stimmen soll, als wen ihm
nachsteu Jahrestapng wirken die Abge-
ordneten als zu besonderem Dienste in der Gebet und Uberlegung eingegeben haben.
Arbeit fur die Sache befahigte beratende Zn den hervorragendsten und geheiligts-
ten Pflichten derer, die herufen werden, die
Korperschaft fort, in jeder Weise bemiibt,
Angelegenheiten der Sache als Mitglieder
zum einheitlichen Geiste und zu frucht-
ortlicher oder nationaler Geistiger Rite auf-
bringender Tatigkeit des Nationalen Geisti-
gen Rates wahrend des Jahres beizu- zugreifen, zu fuhren und gleichzurichten,
gehiirt:
traeen.
13. Abschnitt. FreigewordeneMitglieds- auf jede nur mogliche Weise das Ver-
sitze des Nationalen Geistigen Rates werden trauen und die Zuneigung derer zu ge-
mit relativer Stimmenmehrheit seitens der winnen, denen zu dienen sie das Vorrecht
Abgeordneten der Nationaltagung, die den haben; die Meinungen, vorherrschenden
Rat seinerzeit gewahlt haben, neu besetzt, Empfindungen und die perdnliche ijber-
284 T H E BAHA'I WORLD

r e u g u n g drrjnngen, dcren Wohlergehen AKTIKELXI1
zu fordern ihre feierliche Pflicht ist, zu
Diese Satzung kann vom Nationalen
erforschen und sich mit ihnen vertraut
Geistigen Rat in jeder r e g e l m i ~ s i ~ eoder
n
zu machen; ihre Erwigungen und die all- hesonderen Sitzung mit absoluter Stimmen-
gemeine Fuhrung ihrer Angelegenheiten
mehrheit erganzt werden, vorausgesetzt,
von verschlossener Teilnahmslosigkeit,
dass mindestens vierzehn Tage vor dem f u r
dem Anschein der Heimlichkeit, dem
die betreffende Versammlung festgesetzten
erstickenden Duustkreis diktatorischer
Zeitpunkt eine Abschrift der vorgeschlag-
Bestimmungen und von allen Worten und
enen Erginzung oder Ergan~ungenan jcdrs
Handlungen zu reinigen, die den Ein-
Ratsmitglied durch den Selrretir mittels
druclr von Parteilichlreit, Selbstsucht und
Einschreibebriefes versandt wird.
Vorurteilen erweciren konnen, und un-
In allen Fallen, in denen iiber den durch
ter Vorbehalt des geheiligten Rechtes
den Wortlaut ausgedriicliten Sinn dieser
endgiiltiger Entscheidung znr Besprech-
Treuhandschaftserklarung und Satzung
ung einzuladen, Beschwerden nachzu-
Unklarheit besteht, ist der englische Wort-
gehen, Ratschlage zu begriissen und das
laut der Declaration of Trust and By Laws
Gefuhl der gegenseitigen Abhingigkeit
der Bahi'i der Verein~gten Staaten und
und Mitbeteiligung, des Verstandnisses und
Kanadas z u Rate zu ziehen.
wechselseitiaen Vertrauens unter sich und
allen iibrigen Baha'i zu pflegen. Stuttgart, den 10. Februar 1931

DECLARATION OF TRUST, MEMORANDUM
OF ASSOCIATION A N D BY-LAWS OF T H E
N A T I O N A L S P I K I T U A L ASSEMBLY O F
T H E BAHA'fS OF INDIA A N D
BURMA, 1 9 3 2 - 3 3
Registered under Act X X I of 1860
DECLARATION O F TRUST
B y the Natioval Skiritual Aswmbly of the Bahd'is of India and Bz~rvza

W E ,N. R. Vakil of Surat, S. M. Roumie its Guardian, shall be exercised, adminis-
of Mandalay, Pritam Singh of Lahore, tered and carried on by the abovenamed
Hishmatullah Koreshi of Delhi, Isfandiar National Spiritual Assembly and their duly
Bakhtiari of Karachi, Aspandiar Behram of qualified successors under this Declaration
Bombay, Mahfuzu'l-Haq Ilmi of Delhi, of Trust.
Hormuzdyar Khodabaksh of Poona, and The National Spiritual Assembly in
Ormsby Mollier of Bombay, duly chosen by adopting this form of association, union and
the representatives of the Bah6'is of India fellowship, and in selecting for itself the
and Burma in Ridvin of 1 9 3 2 t o be the designation of Trustees uf the Bahi'is of
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahh'is India and Burma, does so as the administra-
of India and Burma, with full power t o tive body of a religious community which
establish a Trust as hereinafter set forth, has had continuous existence and responsi-
hereby declare that from this date, the bility for over thirty years. I n consequence
powers, responsibilities, rights, privileges of these activities the National Spiritual As-
and obligations reposed in said National sembly is called upon t o administer such an
Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of India ever-increasing diversity and volume of
and Burma by Bahi'u'llih, Founder of the asairs and properties for the Bahi'is of
Bahi'i Faith, by 'Abdu'l-Bah6, its Inter- India and Burma that we, its members, now
preter and Exemplar, and by Shoghi Effendi, feel it both desirable and necessary t o give
our collective functions more definite legal and promote the spiritual, educational and
form. This action is taken in complete humanitarian teachings of human brother-
unanimity and with full recognition of the hood, radiant faith, exalted character and
sacred relationship thereby created. We ac- selfless love revealed in the lives and utter-
linowledge in behalf of ourselves and our ances of all the Prophets and Messengers of
successors in this Trust the exalted religious God, Founders of the world's revealed reli-
standard established by Bahi'u'llih for gions-and given renewed creative energy
Bah6'i administrative bodies in the utter- and universal application to the conditions
ance: "Be ye Trustees of the Merciful One of this age in the life and utterances of
among men" and seek the help of God and Bahd'u'llbh-we declare the purposes and
His guidance in order to fulfil that exhorta- objects of this Trust to be, to administer
tion. the affairs of the Cause of Bahi'u'll5.h for

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of India and Burma, 193s-1936.

MEMORANDUM OF ASSOCIATION OF the benefit of the Bahi'is of India and
THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL Burma according to the principles of Bah6'i
ASSEMBLY affiliation and administration created and
established by Bahi'u'llih, defined and ex-
plained by 'Abdu'l-Bahh and amplified and
The name of the Trust shall be the Na- applied by Shoghi Effendi and his duly con-
tional Spiritual Assembly of the Bah6'is of stituted successor and successors under the
India and Burma. provision of the Will and Testament of
'Abdu'l-Bahl.
ARTICLE2-OBJECTS These purposes are to be redized by
Sharing the ideals and assisting the efforts means of devotional meetings; by public
of our fellow Bah6'is to establish, uphold meetings and conferences of an educational,
286 THE BAHA'f WORLD

Certificate of Incorporation of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is
of India and Burma.
T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 287

humanitarian and spiritua! character; by the against the Trustees, ie., the National Spir-
publication of books, magazines and news- itual Assembly, and the members thereof, of
papers; by the construction of temples of any character whatsoever, whether legal or
universal worship and of other institutions equitable and whether arising out of con-
and edifices for humanitarian service; by tract or tort, shall loolr solely t o the funds
supervising, unifying, promoting and gen- of the Trust and to the property of the
erally administering the activities of the Trust estate for payment or indemnity, or
Bahi'is of India and Burma in the fulfil- for the payment of any debt, damage, judg-
ment of their religious offices, duties and ment or decree or any money that may
ideals; and by any other means appropriate otherwise become due or payable from the
to these ends, or any of them. Trustees, so that neither the Trustees nor
Other purposes and objects of this Trust any of them, nor any of their officers or
are: - agents appointed by them hereunder, nor
(a) The right t o enter into, make, per- any beneficiary or beneficiaries herein named
form and carry out contracts of every sort shall be personally liable therefor.
and kind for the furtherance of the objects Section 2. Every note, bond, proposal,
of this Trust with any person, firm, associa- obligation or contract in writing or other
tion, corporation, private, public or munici- agreement or instrument made or given
pal or body politic or any state, territory or under this Trust shall be explicitly executed
colony thereof, or any foreign government; by the National Spiritual Assembly as Trus-
and in this connection and in all transac- tees by their duly authorized officers or
tions under the terms of this Trust, to do agents.
any and all things which a co-partnership or
ARTICLE 4-RULES A N D PROCEDURE
natural person could do or exercise, and
which now or hereafter may be authorized The Trustees, i.e., the National Spiritual
by law. Assembly, shall adopt for the conduct of
(b) T o hold aud be named as beneficiary the affairs entrusted t o them under the
under any trust established by law or other- memorandum such by-laws, rules of pro-
wise or under any will or any other testa- cedure or regulations as are required to de-
mentary instrument in connection with any fine and carry on its own administrative
gift, devise, or bequest in which a trust or functions and those of the several local and
trusts is or are established in any part of the other elements composing the body of the
world as well as in India and Burma, t o Bahi'is of India and Burma, not inconsist-
receive gifts, devises or bequests of money ent with the terms of this instrunlent and
or other property. all in accordance with the explicit instruc-
(c) All and whatsoever the several pur- tions given us t o date by Shoghi Effendi,
poses and objects set forth in the written Guardian of the Cause of Bahi'u'llih, which
utterances of Bahi'u'lkh, 'Abdu'l-Bah6 and instructions are already known t o the
Shoghi Effendi, under which certain juris- Bahi'is of India and Burma and accepted by
diction, powers and rights are granted to them in the government and practice of
National Spiritual Assemblies. their religious affairs.
(d) Generally t o do all things and acts
ARTICLE5-OFFICE
which in the judgment of said Trustees,
i.,, the National Spiritual Assembly of the The Central Office of this Trust shall he
Bahl'is of India and Burma, are necessary, located in the city of Lahore, Punjab, India,
proper and advantageous to promote the or in such place as may be decided upon
complete and successful administration of from time to time by the National Spiritual
this Trust. Assembly.

ARTICLE 3 ARTICLE.6-SEAL
Section I . All persons, firms, coryora- The seal of this T r ~ i s tshall be circular in
tions and associations extending credit to, form, bearing the following description:-
contracting with or having any claim "National Spiritual Assembly of the
288 T H E B A H A '1 WORLD

Bahi'is of India and Burma. Declaration decisions of Locd Spiritual Arse~nblierand
of Trust 1932-33." shall have the right of final decision in all
cases where the qualification of an individ-
ual or group for continued voting rights
and membership in the BahPi body is in
This memorandum may be amended by question. I t shall furthermore represent the
majority vote of the members of the Na- Bahi'is of India and Burma in all their co-
tional Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of operative and spiritual activities with the
India and Burma at any special meeting Bahi'is of other lands, and shall constitute
duly called for that purpose, provided that the sole electoral body of lndia and Burma
at least 3 0 days prior t o the date fixed for in the formation of the Universal House of
said meeting a copy of the proposed amend- Justice provided for in the sacred writings
ment or amendments is mailed to each of the Bahi'i Cause. Above all, the Na-
member of the Assembly by the Secretary. tional Spiritual Assembly shall ever seek t o
attain that station of unity in devotion t o
BY-LAWS the revelation of Baha'u'llih which will at-
O F T H E NATIONAL SPIRITUAL tract the confirmations of the Holy Spirit
ASSEMBLY and enable the Assembly t o serve the found-
ing of the Most Great Peace. In all its
ARTICLE 1
deliberation and action the National Assem-
The National Spiritual Assembly, in the bly shall have constantly before it as Divine
fulfilment of its sacred duties under this guide and standard the utterance of Bahi-
Trust, shall have exclusive jurisdiction and ,u ,116h:-
authority over all the activities and affairs "It behooveth them ( i . c., Spiritual As-
of the Bahi'i Cause throughout India and semblies) t o be the trusted ones of the
Burma, including paramount authority in Merciful among men and to consider them-
the administration of this Trust. I t shall selves as the guardians appointed of God
endeavour to stimulate, unify and co-ordi- for all that dwell on earth. I t is incumbent
nate the manifold activities of the Local upon them to take counsel together, and t o
Spiritual Assemblies (hereinafter defined) have regard for the interests of the servants
and of individual Bahi:is in India and of God, for His sake, even as they regard
Burma and by all possible means assist them their own interests, and ro choose that
t o promote the oneness of mankind. It which is meet and seemly."
shall be charged with the recognition of
such Local Assemblies, the scrutiny of local ARTICLE 2
membership rolls, the calling of the Annual The Bahh'is of India and Burnla, for
Meeting or special meetings and the seating whose benefit this Trust has been estab-
of delegates to the Annual Meeting and lished, shall consist of all persons resident in
their apportionment among the various India and Burma who are recognized by
Local Bahi'i communities. I t shall appoint the National Spiritual Assembly as having
all National Bahi'i Committees and shall fulfilled the requirements of voting mem-
supervise the publication and distribution of bership in a local BahPi community. T o
Bahi'i literature, the reviewinn of all writ- become a voting member of a Bahi'i com-
ings pertaining t o the Bahi'i Cause, the munity a person shall-
construction and administration of the (n) be a resident of the locality defined
Mahriqu'l-A&kir and its accessory activi- by the area of jurisdiction of the Local
ties, and the collection and disbursement of Spiritual Assembly, as provided by Article
all funds for the carrying on of this Trust. VII, Section 12, of this instrument.
I t shall decide whether any matter lies with- (6) have attained the age of 2 1 years.
in its own jurisdiction or within the juris- ( c ) have established t o the satisfaction
diction of any Local Spiritual Assembly. It of the Local Spiritual Assembly, subject t o
shall, in such cases as it considers suitable the approval of the National Assembly,
and necessary, entertain appeals from the that he possesses the qualifications of Bahi'i
faith and practice, ~equiredunder he fol- Awr1u.s 6
lowing standard: Full recognition of the
Five members of the National Spiritual
station of the Foreruuner (the BLh), the
Assembly present at a meeting shall consti-
Author (Bah6'u'llih) , and 'Abdu'l-Bahi
tute a quorum, and a majority vote of
the True Exemplar of the Bah6'i Cause:
those present and constituting a quorum
unreserved acceptance of, and submission
shall he sufficient for the conduct of busi-
to, whatsoever has been revealed by Their
ness, except as otherwise provided in these
pen; loyal and steadfast adherence t o every
By-Laws, and with due regard to the prin-
clause of 'Ahdu'l-Bahi's sacred Will; and
ciple oL unity and cordial fellowship in-
close association with the spirit as well as
volved in the institution of a Spiritual
the form of present-day Bahi'i administra-
Assembly. The transactions and decisions
tion throughout the world.
of the National Spiritual Assembly shall he
recorded at each meeting by the Secretary,
who shall supply copies of the minutes to
The National Spiritual Assembly shall the Assembly members after each meeting,
consist of nine memhers chosen from among and preserve the minutes in the official
the Bahh'is of India and Burma, who shall records of che Assembly.
be elected by the said Bahi'is in manner
hereinafter provided, and who shall con-
tinne in oifice for the perlod o i one year, or
Whenever in any locality of India and
until their successors shall be elected.
Burma, be it city, town or village, the num-
ber of Bah6'is resident therein recog~lized
by the National Spiritual Assembly exceeds
The officers of the National Spiritual nine, these may on April 21st of any year
Assembly shall consist of a Chairman, Vice- convene and elect by plurality vote a local
Chairman, Secretary, Joint Secretary and administrative body of nine members, to be
Treasurer, and such other officers as may be known as the Spiritual Assembly of the
found necessary for the proper conduct of BahB'is of that community. Every such
its affairs. The officers shall be elected by Spiritual Asselnbly shall be elected annually
a majority vote of the Assembly taken by thereafter upon each successive 21st day of
secret ballot. April. The members shall hold office for
the term of one year and until their suc-
cessors are elected and qualified.
The first meeting of a newly-elected When, however, the numher of Bahi'is in
National Spiritual Assembly shall be called any community is exactly nine, these may
by the member elected to membership by on April 21st of any year, or in successive
the highest numher of votes or, in case two years, constitute themselves the local Spir-
or more members have received the same itual Assembly by joint declaration. Upon
said highest number of votes, then by the the recording of such declaration by the
member selected by lot from among those Secretary of the National Spiritual Assem-
members; and this member shall preside bly, said body of nine shall become estah-
until the permanent Chairman shall be lished with the rights, privileges and duties
chosen. All subsequent meetings shall he of a local Spiritual Assembly as set forth in
called by the Secretary of the Assembly at this instrument.
the request of the Chairman or, in his Sectiofz 1. Each newly elected local
absence or incapacity, of the Vice-Chair- Spiritual Ashmhly shall at once proceed in
man, or of any three members of the the manner indicated in Articles IV and V
Assembly; provided, however, that the of these By-Laws t o the election of its
Annual Meeting of the Assembly shall be officers, who shall consist of a Chairman,
held a t a time and place to be fixed by a Vice-Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer,
majority vote of the Assembly, as herein- and such other officers as the Assembly
after provided. finds necessary for the conduct of its busi-
290 THE BAHA'f WORLD
ness and the fulfilment of its spiritual interests uf the Cause shall be under the
duties. Immediately thereafter the Secre- primary jurisdiction of the Spiritual Assem-
tary chosen shall transmit to the Secretary bly of that locality; but decision whether
of the National Assembly the names of a particular matter involves the interest and
the members of the newly elected Assembly welfare of the national Bahi'i body shall
and a list of its officers. rest with the National Spiritual Assembly.
Section 2. The general powers and duties Section 9. Any member of a local
of a local Spiritual Assembly shall be as set Bahi'i community may appeal from a de-
forth in the writings of Bahl'u'llih, cision of his Spiritual Assembly to the
'Abdu'l-Bahi and Shoghi Effendi. National Assembly, which shall determine
Section 3. Among its more specific whether it shall take jurisdiction of the
duties, a local Spiritual Assembly shall have matter or leave it to the local Spiritual
full jurisdiction of all Bahi'i activities and Assembly for reconsideration. In the event
affairs within the local community, subject, that the National Assembly assumes juris-
however, to the exclusive and paramount diction of the matter, its iinding shall be
authority of the National Spiritual Assem- final.
bly as defined herein. Section 70. Where any dissension exists
Section 4. Vacancies in the membership within a local Bahl'i community of such a
of a local Spiritual Assembly shall be filled character that it cannot be remedied by
by election at a special meeting of the local the efforts of the local Spiritual Assembly,
Bahi'i community duly called for that pur- this condition shall be referred by the Spir-
pose by the Assembly. I n the event that itual Assembly for consideration to the
the nurnber of vacancies exceeds four, mak- National Spiritual Assembly, whose action
ing a quorum of the Local Assembly im- in the matter shall be final.
possible, the election shall be held under the Sectjon I I. All questions arising be-
supervision of the National Spiritual As- tween two or more local Spiritual Assem-
sembly. blies, or between members of different
Section 1. The business of the local Bahi'i communities, shall be submitted in
Assembly shall he conducted in like man- the first instance to the National Assembly,
ner as provided for the deliberations of the which shall have original and final jurisdic-
National Assembly in Article VI above. tion in all such matters.
Section 6. The local Assembly shall pass Section 12. The sphere of jurisdiction
upon and approve the qualifications of each of a local Spiritual Assembly, with respect
member of the Bahi'i community before to residential qualification of membership
such members shall be admitted to voting and voting rights of a believer in any Bahi'i
membership; but where an individual is community, shall be the locality included
dissatisfied with the ruling of the local within the civil limits of the city, town or
Spiritual Assembly upon his Bahh'i qualifi- village, but Bahl'is who reside in adjacent
cations, such individual may appeal from outlying or suburban districts and can
the ruling to the National Assembly, which regularly attend the meeting of the local
shall thereupon take jurisdiction of and Bahi'i community may be enrolled on the
finally decide the case. membership list of the adjacent Spiritual
Section 7. On or before the 1st day of Assembly and enjoy full voting rights
February of each year the Secretary of each pending the establishment of a local Spir-
local Assembly shall send to the Secretary itual Assembly in their home community.
of the National Assembly a duly certified All differences of opinion concerning the
list of the voting members of the local sphere of jurisdiction of any local spiritual
Bahh'i community for the information and Assembly or concerning the affiliation of
approval of the National Assembly. any Bahi'i or group of Bahh'is in India and
Section 8. All matters arising within a Burma shall be referred t o the National
local Bahl'i community which are of purely Spiritual Assembly, whose decision in the
local interest and do not affect the national matter shall be final.
THE WORLD ORDER
Spiritual Assembly by mail or telegram
under such conditions as may be indicated
The Annual Meeting of the National by the National Assembly.
Spiritual Assembly at which its members Section 6 . If in any year the National
shall be elected shall be known as the Spiritual Asseinbl~shall consider that it is
National Convention of the BahL'is of impracticable or unwise to assemble to-
India and Burma, and shall be held at a gether the delegates to the National Con-
time and place to be fixed by the National vention, the National spiritual Assembly
Assembly, which shall give sixty days' shall provide ways and means by which the
notice of the mccting t o each local Bah6'i business of the Convention may be con-
community through its Spiritual Assembly. ducted by correspondence or telegram.
The National Assembly shall at the same Section 7. The presiding officer of the
time inform each Spiritual Assembly of the National Spiritual Asseinbl~ present at
number of delegates to the Convention it the National Convention shall call to
has assigned to the local Babi'i community order the delegates, who shall then proceed
in accordance with the principle of propor- to the permanent organization of the meet-
tionate representation in such manner that ing, electing by ballot a presiding officer, a
the entire number of delegates composillg Secretary and such other officers as are
the National Convention shall be nineteen. necessary for the proper conduct of the
Upon receipt of this notice each local Spir- business of the Convention.
itual Assembly shall, within a convenient Section 8. The principal business of the
period and after giving due and sufficient National Convention shall be the election
notice thereof, call a meeting of the voting of the nine members of the incoming
members on its rolls for the purpose of National Spiritual Assembly, the considera-
electing their delegate or delegates to the tion of the reports of the financial and
National Convention; and, not later than other activities of the outgoing National
thirty days before the date of the Conven- Assembly and its various committees, and
tion, the Secretary of each local Spiritual deliberation upon the affairs of the Bah6'i
Assembly shall certify to the Secretary of Cause in general, it being understood, how-
the National Spiritual Assembly the names ever, in accordance with the principles of
and addresses of the delegates so elected. Bahi'i administration defined by the Guard-
Section I. All delegates to the Conven- ian that all deliberation and action of the
tion shall be elected by plurality vote. delegates at the National Convention, other
Members who for illness or other unavoid- than the election of the members of the
able reasons are unable to be present at the incoming National Spiritual Assembly, shall
election in person shall have the right to constitute merely advice and recommenda-
transmit their ballots by mail or telegram tion for consideration by the said Assembly,
under conditions satisfactory to the local final decision on all matters concerning the
Spiritual Assembly. aifairs of the Bahi'i Cause in India and
Section 2. All delegates to be seated at Burma being vested solely in that body.
the Convention must be enrolled as voting Section 9. The general order of business
members of the Bahi'i community repre- to be taken up at the National Convention
sented by them. shall be prepared by the National Spiritual
Section 3 . The rights and privileges of Assembly, but any and all matters pertain-
a delegate may not be assigned nor may ing to the Cause introduced by any of the
they be exercised by proxy. delegates may upon motion and vote be
Section 4. The recognition and seating taken up as part of the deliberations of the
of delegates to the National Convention Convention.
shall be vested in the National Spiritual Section 10. The election of the members
Assembly. of the National Spiritual Assembly shall be
Section 5 . Delegates unable to be present by plurality vote of the delegates recog-
in person at the Convention shall have the nized by the outgoing National Spiritual
right t o vote for members of the National Assembly, i.e., the members elected shall be
292 THE B A H A 'f WORLD
the nine persons receiving the greatest num- each elector may vote for none but those
ber of votes on the first ballot cast by whom prayer and reflection have inspired
delegates present a t the Convention and him t o uphold.
delegates whose ballot has been transmitted Among the most outstanding and sacred
to the Secretary of the National Spiritual duties incumbent upon those who have been
Assembly by mail or telegram. I n case by called upon t o initiate, direct and co-
reason of a tie vote or votes the full mem- ordinate the affairs of the Cause as members
bership is not determined on the first ballot, of local or National Spiritual Assemblies
then one or more additional ballots shall be are :-
taken until all nine members are elected. T o win b y every means in their power
Section 11. All official business trans- the confidence and affection of those whom
acted at the National Convention shall be it is their privilege to serve; t o investigate
recorded and preserved in the records of the and acquaint themselves with the considered
National Assembly. views, the prevailing sentiments and the
Section 1 2 . Vacancies in the member- personal convictions of those whose welfare
ship of the National Spiritual Assembly it is their solemn obligation t o promote;
shall be filled by a plurality vote of the to purge their deliberations and the general
delegates colnposing the Convention which conduct of their affairs of self-contained
elected the Asselnbly, the ballot t o be taken aloofness, the suspicion of secrecy, the
by correspondence or in any other manner stifling atmosphere of dictatorial assertive-
decided upon by the National Spiritual ness and of every word and deed that may
Assembly. savor of partiality, self-centeredness and
prejudice; and while retaining the sacred
ARTICLE 9
right of final decision in their hands, to
Where the National Spiritual Assembly invite discussion, ventilate grievances, wel-
bas been given in these By-Laws exclusive come advice, and foster the sense of
and final jurisdiction, and paramount ex- inter-dependence and co-partnership, of
ecutive authority, in all matters pertaining understanding and mutual confidence be-
to the activities and affairs of the Bahi'i tween thernsel~resand all other Bahi'is.
Cause in India and Burma, i t is understood
that any decision made or action taken ARTICLE 1 2
upon such matters shall be subject in every These By-laws may be amended by
instance t o ultimate review and approval lnajority vote of the National Spiritual
by the Guardian of the Cause or the Uni- Assembly at any of its regular or special
versal House of Justice. meetings, provided that at least fourteen
days prior to the date fixed for the said
meeting a copy of the proposed amendment
Whatever functions and powers are not or amendments is mailed to each member
specifically attributed to local Spiritual of the Assembly by the Secretary.
Assemblies in these By-Laws shall be con- (Sd.) N. R. VAKIL,
sidered vested in the National Spiritual Chairman and Treasurer.
Assembly, which body is authorised t o dele- " S. M. ROUMIE,
gate such discretionary functions and Vice-chairman.
powers as it deems necessary and advisable " PRITAMSINGS,
t o the local Spiritual Assemblies within its Secretary.
jurisdiction. " HISHMATULLAH,
Joint Secretary.
" MAHFUZU'L-HAQILMI,
I n order t o preserve the spiritual char- " I~FANDIAR BAKHTIARI,
acter and purpose of Babi'i elections, the " ASPANDIARBEHRAM,
practice of nominations or any other elec- " HORMUZDYAR
KHODABAKSH,
toral method detrimental t o a silent and " ORMSBY
MOLLIER,
prayerful election shall not prevail, so that Members.
THE BAHA'I WORLD

. - ,

. ~ ~,$l;ZJ k ,0 'u,
.L
2))&bJ&JLJ')~~ 2

Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the Natio~lalSpiritual Assembly of
the Bahl'is of 'Irbq.
THE W O R L D O R D E R O F B A H A ' U ' L L A H 291
296 THE BAHA'I WORLD
THE WORLD ORDER OF B A H A ' U ' L L A H 297
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 299
THE E A H ~ W
' ~O R L D
THE BAHA'f WORLD

Text of Authorization Issued for Registration by rhe Mixed Court in Egypt of the
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahh'is of Egypt.
Declarat~onof Trust of the Nat~onalSpir~tualAssembly of the Bah6'is of Egypt.

- - -
THE BAHA'I WORLD
T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 301

BY-LAWS OF THE SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF
THE BAHA'IS OF T H E C I T Y
OF NEW YORK1
ARTICLEI Splritual Assembly as defined in the By-
Laws adopted by the National Spiritual
T H E Bahi'is of the City of New York
adopt this Corporation in order to supply Assemhly and published by that body for
the information and guidance of Bah6'is
proper legal status t o the conduct of the
affairs of a rcligiou:, communi~ywhich has throughout the United States and Canada.
had continuous existence for more than
thirty years, being one of the first two
local Bahi'i communities established in The Spiritual Assembly, in the fulfill-
North America. During this period the ment of its obligations and responsibilities
community has been recognized, encouraged under this Corporation, shall have exclusive
and instructed in letters and commuoica- jurisdiction and authority over all the
tions addressed t o i t by 'Abdu'l-Bahi, who local activities and affairs of the Bah6'i
in one com~nuuication designated New community of the City of New York,
York "The City of the Covenant." I t was including paramount authority in the
in this city that 'Abdu'l-Bahi devoted the adn~inistrationof this Corporation. I t shall
larger portion of His American visit in be responsible for maintaining the integ-
1912. The Assembly has been recognized rity and accuracy of all Bahi'i teaching,
since the Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Bah6 in whether written or oral, undertalcen
letters addressed t o it by the Guardian of throughout the local community. I t shall
the Bahi'i Faith. The New Yorls Bah6'i make available the published literature of
community has been continuously and un- the Faith. I t shall represent the com-
interruptedly represented by delegates in munity in its relations to the National
the Annual Meetings held by the recognized Spiritual Assembly, in its relation to the
national Bah6'i body of North America Guardian of the Bahl'i Faith, t o other local
since the formation of that body in 1909. Bahi'i communities, and to the general
The Spiritual Assembly is at present en- public in the City of New York. I t shall
rolled in the list of Local Spiritual Assem- be charged with the recognition of all appli-
blies recognized by the National Spiritual cants requesting membership in the local
Assembly. Bahi'i community. I t shall pass upon the
The Trustees, i.e., the Spiritual Assem- right of any and all members of the com-
bly, recognize that this action has been munity whose tnenlbership is in question
taken in fill1 unanimity and agreement. to retain their status as voting members
They acknowledge for themselves and on of the community. I t shall call the meer-
behalf of their successors the sacred mean- ings of the con~munity, including the
ing and universal purpose of the Bahi'i Bahi'i Anniversaries and Feasts, the meet-
Faith, the teachings and principles of which ings of consultation, the Annual Meeting
fulfil the divine promise of all former re- and the meeting for the election of dele-
vealed religions. gates to the Annual Meeting of the
National Spiritual Assen~bly. I t shall ap-
point and supervise all committees of the
I n administering the affairs of the Bahb'i Baha'i community. I t shall collect and
Religion under this Corporation for the disburse all funds intended for the main-
benefit of the Bah6'is of the City of New tenance of this Corporation. I t shall have
York in accordance with the religious full and complete custody of the headquar-
teachings and administrative principles of ters or meeting place of the Bahi'i com-
this Faith, the Spiritual Assembly shall act munity. I t shall report to the National
in conformity with the functions of a Local Spiritual Assembly annually, or when re-
'The pattern for all local Bahi'i constitutions. quested, the membership roll of the Bahl'i
306 THE B A H A ' ~ WORLD
community, for the information and ap- local Spiritual Assemblies throughout North
proval of the national Bahi'i body. The America in all matters declared by the
Spiritual Assembly, however, shall recognize National Spiritual Assembly to be of gen-
the authority and right of the National eral Bahl'i importance and concern. I t
Spiritual Assembly t o declare at any time shall rigorously abstain from any action or
what activities and affairs of the Bahi'i influence, direct or indirect, that savors of
community of the City of New York are intervention on the part of a Bahi'i body
national in scope and hence subject t o the in matters of public politics and civil juris-
jurisdiction of the national Bahi'i body. diction. It shall encourage intercourse be-
I t shall likewise recognize the right of any tween the Bah6'i community of the City
member of the community to appeal to the of New York and other recognized Bahh'i
National Spiritual Assembly for review and communities, issuing letters of introduction
decision of any matter in which the pre- to Bahi'is traveling from New York and
vious decision of the local Spiritual Assem- passing upon letters of introduction issued
bly is felt by the member t o be contrary by other Bahi'i Assemblies. I t shall regard
t o the explicit teachings of the Bahi'i its authority as a means of rendering serv-
Faith or opposed to its best interests. I t ice to Bahi'is and non-Bahh'is and not as a
shall, on the other hand, have the authority source of arbitrary power. While retaining
and right to appeal from the decision of the the sacred right of final decision in all
National Assembly t o the Guardian of the matters pertaining t o the Bahi'i com-
Bahl'i Faith for review and final decision munity, the Spiritual Assembly shall ever
of any matter related t o the Faith in the seek the advice and consultation of all
City of New York. members of the community, keep the com-
munity informed of all its affairs, and
ARTICLE IV
invite full and free discussion on the part
The Spiritual Assembly, in administering of the community of all matters affecting
tlus Corporation, shall ever bear in mind the the Faith.
ideals upheld in the Sacred Writings of the
ARTICLE V
Bahl'i Faith respecting the relationships of
a Spiritual Assembly to its Bahh'i com- The Bahl'is of the City of New York,
munity, respecting the relations of Bah6'is for whose benefit this Corporation has been
to one another in the community, and the established, shall consist of all persons resi-
relationships of Bahi'is t o all non-Bahi'iv, dent in the City of New York who are
without prejudice of race, creed, class or recognized by the Spiritual Assembly as
nationality. The Assembly shall therefore having fulfilled the requirements of voting
above all recognize its sacred duty t o main- membership in this local Bahi'i community.
rain full and complete unity throughout T o become a voting member of this Bahi'i
the Bahi'i community, to relieve and com- community a person shall:
fort the sick and distressed, to assist the a. Be a resident of the City of New York
poor and destitute, t o protect the orphans, as defined by the area of jurisdiction of the
the crippled and the aged, to educate the Spiritual Assembly, as provided hereinafter
children of Bahl'is according t o the highest in this instrument.
religious and intellectual standards, to corn- 6. Have attained the age of 21 years.
pose differences and disagreements among c . Have established t o the satisfaction of
members of the community, t o promulgate the Spiritual Assembly, subject to the ap-
the principles of Divine Civilization re- proval of the National Spiritual Assembly,
vealed by Bahi'u'llih, and to promote in that he (or she) possesses the qualifications
every way possible the Bahi'i aim of the of Bahh'i Faith and practice required under
oneness of mankind. I t shall faithfully the following standard: Full recognition
and devotedly uphold the general Bahl'i of the Station of the Fore-runner (the
activities and affairs initiated and sustained B i b ) , the Author (Bahi'u'llih) , and
by the National Spiritual Assembly. I t 'Abdu'l-Bahb, the Exemplar of the Bahb'i
shall co-operate wholeheartedly with other religion; unreserved acceptance of, and sub-
Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of New York.

-p-
~p ~ - - --
THE BAHA'I WORLD

Certificate N? 1220 B

STATE OF NEW YORK
COUNTY OF NEW.YORK

I, ALBERT MARINELLI, Clerk of the Counryof N e w Yo& and also
Clcrk of the Supreme Court in and for said c o u n ~ ,

and I do further certify, that such photographic copy is a correct transcripr
of such record and of the whole of said original.
In WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto sct my hand
thc srlin id ronrt d county at o City af New Yo-k, this....
day of .&.& ., q3 2.

The Fee charged for

7 6 2 'was
THE SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BAHATIS
O F m C m o F m Y m

Pursuant t o Section 193 of the Religious
Corporation Lm of the State of New York

CERTIFICATE OF INCORPORATIOll

TEE SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF THE BBHA'IS

OF THE CITY OF NEW Y O N

Re, the undersigned, a l l being of f u l l age, and citizens of the
United States, and residents of the State of New York, desiring t o form
a corporation purswnt to Section 193 of the Religious Corporation Law
of the State of Hew York, do hereby mabe, sign, and aclmowledge t h i s
c e r t i f i c a t e as follows:

FIRST: The p u r p s e and objects for which the corporation i s formed
are t o administer tbe a f f a i r s of the Bahali Religion for the benefit of
the Baha'is of the City of N e w York i n accordance with the religious
teachings and administrative principles of t h i s Faith.

SECOND: The name of the corporation is t o he "The Spiritual Assembly
of the Baha'is of the City of New Pork,"

THIRD: The t e r r i t o r y i n which i t s a c t i v i t i e s are principally t o be
conductei' i s New York City and vicinity.

FOURTB: The p i n c i p a l place of worship i s t o be located i n the City
of New York, County of New York, State of New York.

FIFTR: The number of trustees i s t o be nine.
SIXTH: The names and places of residence of the persons t o be trustees
u n t i l the f i r s t annual meet* are as follows:

-
NAldE PLACE OF RESIDENCE
Ophelia Crum 101 West 55th Street, A m York City
Horace Holley 125 East 10th Street, New Pork City
Bertha Herklotz 1810 Cortelyou Road, Brooklyn, N.Y.
Booper Aarris 162 West 15th Street, New York City
J u l i a Threlkeld 101 West 55th Street, New York City
& d i e A. Mathews 430 East 57th Street, New Pork City
Marie B. Moore 41 Convent Avenue, New York City
Marion L i t t l e 485 Park Avenue, New York City
Edrard B. Kinney 204 West 56th Street, New Pork City

SEWNTX: The tlme f o r holding i t s annual meeting I 8 t o be on the
twenty-first day of April i n each year.
310 THE B A H A ' i WORLD

The f i r s t meeting was held on March 30,1952, a t Bnhnli Center,
U 9 West 57th S t r e e t , New Pork City.

I N WITNESS IRIWEOF, We have made, signed and acknowledged t h i s
c e r t i f i c a t e in t r i p l i c a t e . Dated t h i s t h i r t y - f i r s t day of March,1932.

Before me on t h i s t h i r t y - f i r s t day of March,l932, personally appeared
Horace Holley, Ophelia Crum, and Bertha Herklotz, who being by me severally
sworn did acknowledge t h a t they had executed t h e written c e r t i f i c a t e of

COMMISSIONER OF DEEDS.
N E W YORK C I T Y
N e w York Co. Clrrk's NP. SO
N t r York Co. R e p l s l r i l N o 1 0 5 1
b o . r n i . . ~ a n Esplr.. F e b 1, 193.

mission to, whatsoever has been revealed by ARTICLEVI
Them; loyal and steadfast adherence to The Spiritual Assembly shall consist of
every clause of 'Abdu'l-Bah6's sacred Will nine Trustees chosen from among the
and Testament; and close association with Baha'is of the City of New York, who shall
the spirit as well as the form of BahP'i be elected by these Baha'is in a manner
administration throughout the world. hereinafter provided and who shall continue
T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 311

T E SPIAITIIAL AS
SmT OP THE BAHA'IS
L

OF TBE CITY OF NEW Y O M eI.F?apy LSSlJED

in office for the period of one year, or until Secretary and Treasurer, and such other
their successors shall be elected. officers as may be found necessary for the
ARTICLE VII proper
shall beconduct of its affairs. The officers
elccted by a majority vote of the
The officers of the Spiritual Assembly entire membership of the Assembly taken
shall consist of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman, by secret ballot.
312 THE BAHA'I WORLD
ARTICLEVIII suburban districts and can regularly attend
~h~ first meeting of a newly-elected the meetings of the local Bahh'i com-
Assembly be by the member munity, mgY be enrolled on the membership
elected t o membership by the highest nu,n- list of the Spiritual Assembly and enjoy full
her of votes, or, in case or more mem. voting rights pending the establishment of
hers have received the same said highest a local Spiritual Assembly in their home
number of votes, then by the member
selected Ly lot from among those members; ARTICLEX
and this member shall preside until the
chairman shall be chosen, All Section I. In the evenL t h a ~any decision
subsequent meetings shall be called by the the is to
Secretary of the Assembly at the request member Or members Of the
of the chairman, or, in his or the Assembly shall after endeavoring to
incapacity, of the Vice-Chairlnan, or of any compose the differences of opinion invite
three members of the Assembly; provided the said Or members make appeal
bowever that the Annual Meetillg of to the national Bahi'i body and notify that
~ ~ held on
~ shall be ~ April ~21st, inb body lof the condition
~ of the matter and the
accordance with the administrative prin. readiness of the Assembly to become party
ciples recognized by all Bahd'i Assemblies. the
section 1. ~i~~ members of the Assem- Sectiou 2. In the same manner, if any
bly present at a meeting shall a difference arises between the Assembly and
quorum, and a majority vote of those another local Assembly, or Assemblies, in
present and constituting a quorum shall be North America, the
sufficient for the conduct of business, ex- the matter to the national Bahh'i body and
cept as provided in these By-Laws, inform Of its readiness to make

and with due regard to the principles of joint appeal together with the other As-
unity and cordial fellowship involved in sembly Or
the institution of a Spiritual Assembly. 3. If, however, the of
~b~ transactions and decisions of the As- such appeal is unsatisfactory to the Spiritual
sembly shall be recorded at each meeting Assenlbly or the Assembly at any time has
by the secretary, who shall have the reason to believe that actions of the
minutes adopted and approved by the National Spiritual Assembly are affeciing
Assembly, and preserve them in the official adversely the welfare and the
records of the Assembly. Bahh'i community of the City of New
Section 2, Vacancies in membership York, it shall, after seeking to compose its
of [he Assembly shall be filled by difference of opinion with the national body
election at a special meeting of the local in direct consultation, have the right t o
~ ~ b hcommunity
'i duly called for [hat pur- make appeal to the Guardian of the Faith.
pose by the ~ ~ ~ ~the ~
eventb l ~ Section
, 4. The Assembly shall likewise
the number of vacallcies exceeds four, have the right to make complaint to the
makillg a quorum of the spiritual ~ ~ National
~ Spiritual
~ Assembly
~ in
b the event
l ~
impossible, the election shall be under the that matters of local Bah6'i concern and
supervision of the National Spiritual As. influence are referred to the national body
semblv. by a member or members of the local com-
...
...-
,. mnnity without previous opportunity for
ARTICLEIX
action by the local Assembly.
The svhere of iurisdiction of the Sviritual
Assembly, with respect to residential quali- ARTICLEXI
fication of membership, and voting rights The Annual Meeting of the Corporation
of a believer in the Bah6'i community, at which its Trustees shall be elected shall
shall be the locality ~ncluded within the be held on April 21st at an hour and place
civil limits of the City of New York, but to he fixed by the Assembly, which shall
BahP'is, who reside in adjacent, outlying or give not less than fifteen days' notice of the
T H E WORLD ORDER OF B A H A ' U ' L L A H 311

meeting to all members of the local BahB'i of delegates to be assigned t o the Bahi'i
community. community of the City of New York in
Section 1. The Assembly shall accept accordance with the principle of propor-
those votes transmitted to the Assembly tionate representation controlling the an-
before the election by members who by nual election of members t o the National
reason of sickness or other unavoidable Spiritual Assembly.
reason are unable t o be present at the elec- Section 1. When informed of the num-
tion in person. ber of delegates assigned to the local com-
Section 2. The election of members to munity, the Spiritual Assembly shall call a
the Spiritual Assembly shall be by p l ~ ~ r a l i t y special meeting of the community for the
vote. purpose of electing said number of delegates
Scctioa 3. All voting members of the t o represent the community at the Annual
local Baha'i community are eligible for Meeting of the National Spiritual Assembly.
election as members of the Spiritual As- Section 2. The election of delegates to
sembly. the Annual Meeting of the National
Section 4. The Assembly shall prepare Spiritual Assembly shall be by plurality
an agenda for the Annual Meeting in which vote.
shall be included reports of the activities of Section 3 . All voting members of the
the Asselnbly since its election, a financial local Bahi'i community are eligible for
statement showing all income and expendi- election as delegates to the Annual Meeting
ture of its fund, reports of its committees of the National Assembly.
and presentation of any other matters Section 4. The result of the election
pertaining to the aff~irsof the Bahi'i com- shall be reported by the Spiritual Assembly
munity. The Assembly, both preceding t o the National Spiritual Assembly, and the
and following the annual election, shall in- Spiritual Assembly shall meet all the con-
vite discussion and welcome suggestions ditions laid down by the national Bahh'i
from the community, in order that its body for the recognition of local Spiritual
plans may reflect the community mind and Assemblies and the participation of local
heart. Bahi'i communities in the annual election
Section T. The result of the election of the national Bahi'i body.
shall be reported by the Spiritual Assembly
to the National Assembly. ARTICLEXIV
The seal of this Corporation shall be cir-
A ~ ~ r c 1 .XI1
a cular in form, bearing the following de-
I n addition ro the Annual Meeting, the scription: The Spiritual Assembly of the
Assembly shall arrange for regular meetings Bahi'is of the City of New York, Cor-
of the Bahi'i community throughout the porate Seal.
year at intervals of nineteen days, in ac-
cordance with the calendar incorporated in
the teachings of the Bahi'i Faith. These By-Laws may be amended by ma-
jority vote of the Spiritual Assembly at any
ARTICLEXI11 of its regular or special meetings, provided
The Spiritual Assembly, on notice from that at least fourteen days prior t o the date
the National Spiritual Assembly, shall re- fixed for the said meeting a copy of the
port the number of voting members in the proposed amendment or amendments is
local community, that the national Bahi'i mailed t o each member of the Assembly
body may be duly informed of the number by the Secretary.
Certificate of Incorporation, the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is of Teaneck,
New Jersey, U. S. A.
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 311

Certificate of Incorporation, the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Teaneck,
New Jersey, U.S. A. (page 2 ) .
Certificate of Incorporation, the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Teaneck,
New Jersey, U. S. A. (page 3 ) .
318 THE BAHb'i WORLD
Certificate of Incorporat~on,the Splntual Assembly of Ch~cago(page 3 ) .

- -- - -- -
320 THE B A H b ' f W O R L D

Certificate of Incorporation, the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahh'is of Washington, D. C.,
U.S. A.
Certificate of Incorporation, the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Washington,
D. C . , LJ,S. A. (page 3 ) .

-
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 323

TO HIS HONOUR THE LIEUTENANT
G O V E R N O R OF THE P R O V -
INCE OF QUEBEC
THEPETITION OF Elneric Sala, importer, 2. The Bahb'is of the City of Montreal
194 Riverside Drive, St. Lambert, Quebec, adopt this Corporation in order to supply
William Sutherland Maxwell, architect, proper legal status to their conduct of the
1548 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, Ernest affairs of a religious community which has
Vernon Harrison, clerk, 3411 Northcliffe had continuous existence for more than
Avenue, Montreal, Miss Anne Savage, thirty years, being the first local Bah6'i
spinster, 99 Guilbault Street, Montreal, community established in Canada. During
Mrs. May Maxwell, wife of William this period the community has been recog-
Sutherland Maxwell, 1148 Pine Avenue nized, encouraged and instructed in letters
West, Montreal, Mrs. Rosemary Sala, wife and communications sent by 'Abdu'l-Bahb,
of Emeric Sala, 194 Riverside Drive, St. who, in one communication dated at Haifa,
Lambert, Quebec, Miss Mary Sutherland Palestine, February 21, 1917, and addressed
Maxwell, writer, 1548 Pine Aveuue West, "To the believers of God and the maid-
Montreal, Siegfried Schopflocher, manu- servants of the Merciful in the Dominion of
facturer, 1904 Van Horne Avenue, Mon- Canada," expressed the wish "that in the
treal, and Rowland Ardouin Estall, sec- future Montreal may become so stirred,
retary, 2072 St. Luke Street, Montreal, that the melody of the Kingdom may travel
respectfully showeth as follows:- t o all parts of the world from that Do-
The undersigned petitioners are desirous minion and the breaths of the Holy Spirit
of obtaining Letters Patent under the Pro- may spread from that center t o the East
visions of Part Three of the Quebec Com- and West of America." 'Abdu'l-Baha
panies' Act, (1920) and Amendments, himself spent several days in this City dnr-
without share capital, constituting your ing the course of his visit to America in
petitioners and such others as may become 1912. The Assembly has been recognized
members in the corporation thereby created since the Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Bah6 in
a body corporate and politic under the name letters sent by Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian
of "CORPORATION OF T H E SPIR- of the Bahb'i Faith. The Montreal Bah6'i
ITUAL ASSEMBLY OF T H E BAHA'IS Community has been continuously and
OF T H E CITY OF MONTREAL" or such uninterruptedly represented by delegates in
other name as shall appear to you to be the Annual Meetings held by the recognized
proper in the premises. national Bahb'i body of North America
The undersigned have satisfied them- since the formation of that body in 1909.
selves and are assured that the proposed The Spiritual Assembly is at present en-
corporate name of the corporation under rolled in the list of local Spiritual Assem-
which incorporation is sought is not the blies recognized by the National Spiritual
corporate name of any other known cor- Assembly of the Bahl'is of the United
poration, incorporated or unincorporated, States and Canada.
or any name liable to be confounded there- 3. The Trustees, i e . , the Spiritual As-
with or otherwise on public grounds ob- sembly, recognize that this action has been
jectionable. taken in full unanimity and agreement.
Your petitioners are of the full age of They acknowledge for themselves and on
twenty-one years. behalf of their successors the sacred mean-
The purposes for which this incorpora- ing and universal purpose of the Bahb'i
tion is sought by the petitioners are:- Faith, the teachings and principles of which
1. T o administer the agairs of the Bahl'i fulfil the divine promise of all former re-
Faith for the benefit of the Bahl'is of the vealed religions.
City of Montreal in accordance with the 4. In administering the affairs of the
religious teachings and administrative prin- Bahl'i Religion under this Corporation for
ciples of this Faith. the benefit of the Bahl'is of the City of
324 T H E B A H A ' ~W O R L D

CANADA
PROVINCE OF QUEBEC
- - -
GEORGE THE FIFTH. b y t k ( i r ( i r ( i r ~ j C a l . d C r ( i r d B r i I ~ i n . l n n I d d I k I h i I ~ h M S ~
nlmr t + y d Ih<.'.lS Kme, hjmd" 01fkFa115 E l l W d
rnde

TO .I1 W .bm m a pne." .WI hLhc "me w c o r m .
.c .

GREETING:

Certificate of Incorporation of the Bahi'is of Montreal, Canada.
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 325

IN TESTIMONY WHEREOF, we ham m u d Ua. Ow Ulm to
Ir nu& hmt. a d t b Great S u l d (lumid Rovlon ol w to
Irt h t ~ . ~ ,

Letters Patent
THE BAHA'I: WORLD
A F F I D A V I T

The undersigned solsmnly mhkes oath that a l l
M e Saots U e g e d l a t h e Memorandum of Agreement are trne.

ARD I HAVE SIGNED

Montreal in accordance with the religious National Spiritual Assembly, in its relation
teachings and administrative principles of to the G u a r d i a ~of the Bahl'i Faith, to
this Faith, the Spiritual Assembly shall act other local Bahi'i communities, and t o the
in conformity with the functions of a local general public in the City of Montreal.
Spiritual Assembly as defined in the By- I t shall be charged with the recognition of
Laws adopted by the National Spiritual all applicants requesting membership in the
Assembly of the Bahb'is of the United local Bahi'i community. I t shall pass upon
States and Canada and ~ublished by that the right of any and all members of the
body for the information and guidance of community whose membership is in ques-
Bahl'is throughout the United States and tion t o retain their status as voting mem-
Canada. bers of the community. I t shall call the
5 . The Spiritual Assembly, in the fulfil- meetings of the Community, including the
ment of its obligations and responsibilities Bahi'i Anniversaries and Feasts, the rneet-
under this Corporation, shall have exclusive ings of consultation, the Annual Meeting
jurisdiction and authority over all the local and the meeting for the election of dele-
activities and affairs of the Bahl'i com- gates to the Annual Meeting of the
munity of the City of Montreal, including National Spiritual Assembly. I t shall ap-
paramount authority in the administration point and supervise all committees of the
of this Corporation. I t shall he responsible Bahi'i community. I t shall collect and
for maintaining the integrity and accuracy disburse all funds intended for the main-
of all Bahl'i teaching, whether written or tenance of this Corporation. I t shall have
oral, undertaken throughout the local com- full and complete custody of the head-
munity. I t shall make available the pub- quarters or meeting place of the Bahl'i
lished literature of the Faith. I t shall rep- community. I t shall report to the National
resent the community in its relations t o the Spiritual Assembly annually, or when re-
T H E WORLD ORDE
quested, the membership roll of the Bahl'i Divine Civilization revealed by Bahi'u'llbh,
community, for the information and ap- and to promote in every way possible the
proval of the national Bahi'i body. The Bahi'i aim of the oneness of mankind. I t
Spiritual Assembly, however, shall recognize shall faithfully and devotedly uphold the
the authority and right of the National general Bahi'i activities and affairs initiated
Spiritual Assembly to declare at any time and sustained by the National Spiritual
what activities and affairs of the Bahi'i Assembly. I t shall co-operate whole-
community of the City of Montreal are heartedly with other local Spiritual Asseni-
more than local in scope and hence subject blies throughout North America in all
to the jurisdiction of the National Spiritual matters declared by the National Spiritual
Assembly. I t shall lilcewise recognize the Assembly t o be of general Bahi'i impor-
right of any member of the community to tance and concern. I t shall rigorously
appeal t o the National Spiritual Assembly abstain from any action or influence, direct
for review and decision of any matter in or indirect, that savours of intervention on
which the previous decision of the local the part of a Bahi'i body in matters of
Spiritual Assembly is felt by the member political and civil jurisdiction. I t shall
to be contrary t o the explicit teachings of encourage intercourse between the Bah6'i
the Bahb'i Faith or opposed t o its best in- community of the City of Montreal and
terests. I t shall, on the other hand, have other recognized Bahb'i communities, issu-
the authority and right to appeal from the ing letters of introduction to Bahh'is
decision of the National Assembly to thc traveling from Montreal and passing upon
Guardian of the Bahb'i Faith for review and letters of introduction issued by other
final decision of any matter related to the Baha'i Assemblies. I t shall regard its
Faith in the City of Montreal. authority as a meails of rendering service t o
6 . The Spiritual Assembly, in adminis- Bahi'is and non-Bahk'is and not as a source
tering this Corporation, shall ever bear in of arbitrary power. While retaining the
mind the ideals upheld in the Sacred sacred right of final decision in all matters
Writings of the Bah6'i Faith respecting the pertaining to the Bahl'i community, the
relatio~lshipsof a Spiritual Assembly to its Spiritual Assembly shall ever seek the
Bahh'i community, respecting the relations advice and consultation of all members
of Bahi'is to one another in the community, of the community, lreep the community
and the relationships of Baha'is t o all non- informed of all its affairs and invite
Bahi'is, without prejudice of race, creed, full and free discussion on the part of
class or nationality. The Assembly shall the co~nmunityof all matters affecting the
therefore above all recognize its sacred duty Faith.
t o maintain full and complete unity The Head Office of the Corporation shall
throughout the Bahh'i community, to re- be at Room No. 214, 1231 St. Catherine
lieve and comfort the sick and distressed, Street West in the City and District of
t o assist the p w r and destitute, t o protect Montreal.
the orphans, the crippled and the aged, to The amount ro which the value of the
educate the children of Babl'is according immovable property which the Corporation
to the highest religious and intellectual is t o possess is to be limited is $2YO,OOO.OO.
standards, t o compose differences and dis- The following are the names in full and
agreements among members of the com- the address and profession or calling of each
munity, to promulgate the principles of of the petitioners:

PETITIONERS PROFESSION OR CALLING ADDRESS
Emeric Sala Importer 194 Riverside Drive,
St. Lambert, Que.
William Sutherland Maxwell Architect 1 j 4 8 Pine Avenue W.,
Montreal, Que.
Ernest Vernon Harrison Clerk 341 1 Northcliffe Ave.,
Montreal, Que.
328 T H E BAHA'f WORLD

PETlTIONIRS PROFESSION OR CALLING ADDRESS

Miss Anne Savage Spinster 99 Guilbault Street,
Montreal, Que.
Mrs. May Maxwell Wife of William Sutherland 1148 Pine Avenue W.,
Maxwell Montreal, Que.
Mrs. Rosemary Sala Wife of Emeric Sala 194 Riverside Drive,
St. Lambert, Que.
Miss Mary Sutherland Writer 1>48 Pine Avenue W.,
Maxwell Montreal, Que.
Siegfried Schopflocher Manufacturer 1904 Van Horne Avenue,
Montreal, Que.
Rowland Ardouin Estall Secretary 2072 St. Luke Street,
Montreal, Que.

The said E~nericSala, William Sutherland members of the Corporation a body ~ o l i t i c
Maxwell, Ernest Vernon Harrison, Miss and corporate without share capital for the
Anne Savage. Mrs. May Maxwell, Mrs. purposes above set forth.
Rosemary Sala, Miss Mary Sutherland Max- Emeric Sala,
well, Siegfried Scho~flocher,and Rowland William Sutherland Maxwell,
Ardouin Estall will be the first o r pro- Ernest Vernon Harrison,
visional Trustees of the Corporation. Anne Savage,
A Memorandum of Agreement by the May Maxwell,
petitioners under seal and in accordance Rosemary Sala,
with the Act has been executed in dupli- Mary Sutherland Maxwell,
cate, one of the duplicates being trans- Siegiried Schopflocher,
mitted herewith. Rowland Ardonin Estall.
The undersigned therefore request that a
charter may be g a n t e d constituting them Dated at Montreal this twentieth day of
and such other persods as hereafter become December 1934.

MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT
(To be executed in duplicate, one duplicate to be transmitted with the
application)
CORPORATION O F T H E SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF T H E BAHA'IS
O F T H E CITY O F MONTREAL

W E , the undersigned, do hereby sever- ARTICLE1
ally covenant and agree each with the other
The name of the Corporation
t o become incorporated as a corporation,
shall be Corporation of the Spiritual Assem-
without share capital, under the provisions
of part of the Companies' Act, bly of the Bahi'is of the City of Montreal.
1920, and Amendments, under the name of
Corporation of the Spiritual Assembly of
the Bahi'is of the City of Montreal or such Pwrpose of I~zcorporation. The Bahb'is
other name as the Lieutenant-Governor of of the City of Montreal adopt this Cor-
the Province of Quebec may give to the poration in order to supply proper legal
Corporation. status t o their conduct of the affairs of a
And we do hereby severally agree to be- religious community which has had con-
come members of the Corporation and tinuous existence for more than thirty
subject t o the By-Laws containing the fol- years, being the first local Bahi'i com-
lowing provisions. munity established in Canada. During this
period the community has been rccognizcd,
encouraged and instructed in letters and
communications sent by 'Abdu'l-Bahi, who Powers and Drtics. The Spiritual As-
in one communication dated at Haifa, sembly, in the fulfilment of its obligations
Palestine, February 21, 1917 and addressed and responsibilities under this Corporation,
"To the believers of God and the maid- shall have exclusive jurisdiction and author-
servants of. the Merciful in the Dominion ity over all the local activities and affairs
of Canada" expressed the wish "that in the of the Bahi'i community of the City of
future Montreal may become so stirred, Montreal, including paramount authority in
that the melody of the Kingdom may travel the administration of this Corporation. It
to all parts of the world from that shall be responsible for maintaining the in-
Dominion and the breaths of the Holy tegrity and accuracy of all Bahh'i teach-
Spirit may spread from that center to the ing, whether written or oral, undertaken
East and West of America." 'Ahdu'l- throughout the local community. I t shall
Bahi himself spent several days in this city make available the published literature of
during the course of his visit t o America in the Faith. I t shall represent the com-
1912. The Assembly has been recognized munity in its relations t o the Guardian of
since the Ascension of 'Ahdu'l-Bahi in the Bahi'i Faith, to other local Bahi'i
letters sent by the Guardian of the Bahi'i communities, and to the general public in
Faith. The Montreal Bahi'i Community the City of Montreal. I t shall be charged
has been continuously and uninterruptedly with the recognition of all applicants re-
represented by delegates in the Annual questing membership in the local Bahi'i
Meetings held by the recognized national community. I t shall pass upon the right
Bah6'i body of North America since the of any and all members of the community
formation of that hody in 1909, The Spirit- whose membership i s in question t o retain
ual Assembly is at present enrolled in the list their status as voting members of the com-
of local Spiritual Assemblies recognized by munity. I t shall call the meetings of the
the National Spiritual Assembly of the community, including the Bahi'i Anni-
Bah6'is of the United States and Canada. versaries and Feasts, the meetings of con-
The Trustees, i.e., the Spiritual Assembly, sultation, the Annual Meeting and the
recognize that this action has heen taken meeting for the election of delegates to the
in full unanimity and agreement. They Annual Meeting of the National Spiritual
acknowledge for themcelves and on behalf Assembly. I t shall appoint and supervise
of their successors the sacred meaning and all committees of the Bah6'i community.
universal purpose of the Bahi'i Faith, the I t shall collect and disburse all funds in-
teachings and principles of which fulfil the tended for the maintenance of this Cor-
divine promise of all former revealed re- poration. It shall have full and complete
ligions. custody of the headquarters or meeting
place of the Bahl'i community. I t shall
I-eport to the National Spiritual Assembly
Policy of Corkoratiotz. I n administering annually, or when requested, the member-
the affairs of the Bah6'i Religion under this ship roll of the Bahi'i community, for the
Corporation for the benefit of the Bah6'is information and approval of the na~ional
of the City of Montreal in accordance with Bzhi'i hody. The Spiritual Assembly,
the religious teachings and administrative however, shall recognize the authority and
principles of this Faith, the Spiritual As- right of the National Spiritual Assembly t o
sembly shall act in conformity with the declare at any time what activities and
functions of a local Spiritual Assembly as affairs of the Bahi'i community of the City
defined in the By-Laws adopted b y the of Montreal are more than local in scope
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bshi'is and hence subject t o the jurisdiction of
of the Unitcd States and Canada and pub- the National Spiritual Assembly. I t shall
lished by that body for the information likewise recognize the right of any member
and guidance of Bahl'is throughout the of the community to appeal t o the National
United States and Canada. Spiritual Assembly for review and decision
'i WORLD
of any matter in which the previous Je- traveling from Montreal and passing upon
cision of the local Spiritual Assembly is letters of introduction issued by other
felt by the member to be contrary to the Bahl'i Assemblies. I t shall regard its
explicit teachings of the Bahi'i Faith or authority as a means of rendering service
opposed t o its best interests. I t shall, on LO Bahi'is and non-Bah2is and not as a
the other hand, have the authority and source of arbitrary power. While retaining
right t o appeal from the decision of the the sacred right of final decision in all
National Assemhly t o the Guardian of the maLters pertaining t o the Bihl'i com-
Bahi'i Faith for review and final decision munity, the Spiritual Assembly shall ever
of any matter related to the Faith in the seek the advice and consultation of all
City of Montreal. members of the community, keep the com-
munity informed of all its affairs, and invite
ARTICLE I full and free discussion on the part of the
Powers and Dzcties. The Spiritual Assein- community of all matters affecting the
bly, in administering this Corporation, shall Faith.
ever bear in mind the ideals upheld in the ARTICLE6
Sacred Writings of the Bahh'i Faith respect- Voting Menzbms: The Bahi'is of the
ing the relationships of a Spiritual Assem- City of Montreal, for whose benefit this
bly to its Bahi'i con~munity,respecting the Corporation has been established, shall con-
relations of Bahi'is to one mother in the sist of all persons resident in the City of
community, and the relationships of Bahi'is Montreal who are recognized by the Spir-
to all non-Baha'is, without prejudice of itual Assembly as having fulfilled the re-
race, creed, class or nationality. The As- quirements o i voting membership in this
sembly shall therefore above all recognize local Bahi'i communi~y. T o become a
its sacred duty to maintain full and com- voting member of this Bahi'i community a
plete unity throughout the Bahi'i com- person shall
munity, to relieve and comfort the sick a. Be a resident of the City of Montreal
and distressed, t o assist the poor and as defined by the area of jurisdiction of the
destitute, t o protect the orphans, the Spiritual Assembly, as provided hereinafter
crippled and the aged, to educate the chil- in this instrument.
dren of Bahi'is according t o the highest b. Have attained the age of 21 years.
religious and intellectual standards, to com- c. Have established t o the satisfaction of
pose ditkrer~ces and disagreements anlong the Spiritual Assembly, subject to the ap-
members of the community, t o promulgate p o v a l of the National Spiritual ~ s s e m b l y ,
the principles of Divine Civilization re- that he (or she) possesses the qualifications
vealed by Bahi'u'116h, and t o promote in of Bahi'i faith and practice required under
every way possible the Bahh'i aim of the the following standards: Full recognition
oneness of mankind. I t shall faithfully and of the Station of the Fore-runner (the
devotedly uphold the general Bahi'i activi- Bib), the Author (Bahh'u'llih) , and
ties and affairs initiated and sustained by 'Abdu'l-Bahl the Exemplar of the Bahi'i
the National Spiritual Assembly. I t shall religion; unreserved acceptance of, and sub-
co-operate whole-heartedly with other local mission to, whatsoever has been revealed by
Spiritual Assemblies throughout North Them; loyal and steadfast adherence t o
America in all matters declared by the every clause of 'Abdu'l-Bah6's sacred Will
National Spiritual Assembly t o be of gen- and Testament; and close association with
eral Bahh'i importance and concern. I t the spirit as well as the form of Bahi'i
shall rigorously abstain from any action or administration throughout the world.
influence, direct or indirect, that savours o i
intervention on the part of a Baha'i body ARTICLE 7
in matters of political and civil jurisdiction. Board of Trustees. The Spiritual Assem-
I t shall encourage intercourse between the bly shall consist of nine Trustees chosen
Bahi'i c o n ~ n ~ u n i tofy the City of Montreal from among the Bahi'is of the City of
and other recognized Bah6'i communities, Montreal, who shall be elected by these
issuing letters of introduction t o Bahl'is Bahl'is in a manner hereinafter provided
THE WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 331

and who shall continue in office for the impossible, the election shall be under the
period of one year, or until their successors supervision of the National Spiritual As-
shall be elected. sembly.
AKTICLE 8 ARTICLE 10
Oficerr. The officers of the Spiritual N o Re?nl~nerationfor Services. N o re-
Assembly shall consist of a Chairman, Vice- muneration of any kind shall accrue to any
Chairman, Secretary and Treasurer, and officer or member of the Spiritual Assembly
such other officers as may be found neces- in recognition of any services rendered or
sary for the proper conduct of its affairs. t o be rendered by him (or her) in rhe per-
The officers shall be elected by a majority fonnince of his (or her) official duties as
vote of the Assembly taken by secret ballot. a member of the Assembly.

ARTICLE9 ARTICLEI 1
Meetings of Board, Vacancies. The first Auditing of Books. The Spiritual As-
meeting of a newly-elected Assembly shall sembly shall arrange for the regular auditing
be called by the member elected to member- of its books by an auditor or auditors to be
ship
. by. the highest number of votes or. in appoi~lted by the Assembly.
case two or more members have received ARTICLE 1 2
the same said highest number of votes, then
Sphere of Juvisdiction. The sphere of
by the member selected by lot from among
jurisdiction of the Spiritual Assembly, with
those members; and this member shall pre-
respect t o residential qualification of mem-
side until the permanent Chairman shall be
bership, and voting rights of a believer in
chosen. All subsequent meetings shall be
the Bahi'i community, shall he the locality
called by the Secretary of the Assembly at
included within the civil limits of the City
the request of the Chairman, or, in his
of Montreal, but Bahi'is who reside in
absence or incapacity, of the Vice-Chair-
adjacent, outlying or suburban districts and
man, or of any three members of the
can regularly attend the meetings of the
Assembly; provided however, that the
local Bahi'i community, may be enrolled
Annual Meeting of the Assembly shall be
on the membership list of the Spiritual
held on April 21, in accordance with the
Assen~bly and enjoy full voting rights
administrative principles recognized by all
pending the establishment of a local Spir-
Bahi'i Assemblies.
itual Assembly in their home community.
Section I. Five members of the Assem-
bly present at a meeting shall constitute a ARTICLE I 3
quorum, and a majority vote of those Appeals. Section I. I n the event that
present and constituting a quorum shall be any decision of the Assembly is unac-
sufficient for the conduct of business, ex- ceptable to any member or members of the
cept as otherwise provided in these By- community, the Assembly shall after en-
Laws, and with due regard t o the principle deavouring t o compose the difference of
of unity and cordial fellowship involved in opinion invite the said member o r members
the institution of a Spiritual Assembly. to make appeal to the National Bahi'i
The transactions and decisions of the As- body and notify that body of the condition
sembly shall be recorded at each meeting of the rnattcr and readiness of the Assem-
by the Secretary, who shall have the bly t o become party t o the appeal.
minutes adopted and approved by the Section 11. I n the same manner, if any
Assembly, and preserve them in the official diAerence arises between the Assembly and
records of the Assembly. another local Assembly, or Assemblies, in
Section 11. Vacancies in the membership North America, the Assembly shall report
of the Spiritual Assembly shall be filled by the matter to the national Bahi'i body and
election at a special meeting of the local inform that body of its readiness t o make
Bah6'i community duly called for that pur- joint appeal together with the other Assem-
pose by the Assembly. I n the event that bly or Assemblies.
the number of vacancies exceeds four, mak- Section 111. If, however, the result of
ing a quorum of the Spiritual Assembly such appeal is unsatisfactory t o the Spir-
332 THE BAHA'f WORLD
itual Assembly, or the Assen~blv at any ARTICLEI f
time has reason to believe that actions of
the ~ ~spiritual~ p,ssemb~y
i are afiect-
~ ~ Ge7zeral
~ Meetings.
l In addition to the
ir~gadversely the welfare and unity of the Meeting, the Assembly ar-
~ ~ h d comlnunitv
'i of the citv ~ ~ range ~ for regular
~ .meetings
~ of the~ Bahb'i ~ l ,
- , ~ - comnlunity
~ throughout the year at intervals
it shall, after to compose its differ:
ence of opi,lion with the body in of nineteen days, in accordance with the
direct have right to make calendar in the teachings
appeal to the Guardian of the Faith. the Bahi'i Faith.
Section IV. The Assembly shall like-
wise have the right to make complaint to
the National Spiritual Assembly in the Election of Delegates to Nntional Con-
event that matters of local Bahl'i concern ventiolz. Thc Spiritual Assembly, on notice
and influence are referred to the national from the National Spiritual Assembly, shall
body by a member or members of the local report the number of voting members in
community without previous opportunity the local community, that the national Ba-
for action by the local Assembly. ha'i body may be duly informed of the
number of delegates to be assigned t o the
ARTICLE14 Bahl'i community of the City of Montreal
Annual Meetings and Methods of Elcc- in accordance with the principle of propor-
tion. The Annual Meeting of the Corpora- tionate representation controlling the an-
tion at which its Trustees shall be elected nual election of members to the National
shall be held on April 21, at an hour and Spiritual Assembly.
place to be fixed by the Assembly, which Section I. When informed of the num-
shall givc not less than fifteen days' notice ber of delegates assigned to the local com-
of the meeting to all members of the local munity, the Spiritual Assembly shall call a
Bahi'i community. special meeting of the community for the
Section I. The Assembly shall accept purpose of electing said number of dele-
those votes transmitted to the Assembly be- gates to represent the community at the
fore the election by members who by reason Annual Meeting of the National Spiritual
of sickness or other unavoidable reason are un- Assembly.
able to be present at the election in person. Section 11. The election of delegates to
Section 11. The elcction of rne~nbcrsto the Annual Meeting of the National Spirit-
the Spiritual Assembly shall be by plurality ual Assembly shall be by plurality vote.
vote. Section 111. All voting members of the
Section 111. All voting members of the local Bah6'i community are eligible for
local Bahl'i community are eligible for elec- election as delegates to the Annual Meet-
tion as members of the Spiritual Assembly. ing of the National Assembly.
Section IV. The Assembly shall prepare Section IV. The result of the election
an agenda for the annual Meeting in which shall be reported by the Spiritual Assembly
shall be included reports of the activities of to the National Spiritual Assembly, and the
the Assembly since its election, a financial Spiritual Assembly shall meet all the condi-
statement showing all income and expendi- tions laid down by the national Bah6'i body
ture of its funds, reports of its commit- for the recognition of local Spiritual Assem-
tees and presentation of any other matters blies and the participation of local BahB'i
pertaining to the affairs of the Baha'i communities in the annual election of the
community. The Assembly, both preceding national Bahl'i body.
and following the annual election, shall in-
vite discussion and welcome suggestions
from the community, in order that its plans Seal. The seal of the Corporation shall
may reflect the community mind and heart. be circular in form, bearing the following
Section V. The result of the election description: CORPORATION OF T H E
shall be reported by the Spiritual Assembly SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY OF T H E BA-
to the National Assembly. HkfS OF THE CITY OF MONTREAL.
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 333

ARTICLE18 IN WITNESS WHEREOF WE H A Y ~ SIGNED

Amendments. These By-Laws may be Emeric Sala,
amended by majority vote of the Spiritual William Sutherland Maxwell,
Ernest Vernon Harrison,
Assembly at any of its regular or special
Anne Savage,
meetings, provided that at least fourteen May Maxwell,
days prior to the date fixed for the said Rosemary Sala,
meeting a copy of the proposed amendment Mary Sutherland Maxwell,
or amendments is mailed to each member Siegfried Schopflocher,
of the Assembly by the Secretary. Rowland Ardouin Estall.

The National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Great Britain and Ireland.

B Y - L A W S O F THE S P I R I T U A L ASSEMBLY OF
THE BAHA'IS O F E S S L I N G E N , G E R M A N Y
1. NAMENUND ZWECK. 2. Snz.
Die Bahi'i-Arbeitsgemeinschaft Esslingen Der Sitz ist Esslingen a m .
a/N, ist ein Glied der Bahi'i-Bewegung. Ihr
Zweck ist die Fiirderung, Verbreitung und 3. EINTRAGUNG.
Verwirklichung der Bahi'i-Ideen gemass Die Eintragung in das Vereinsregister ist
den Lehren Bahb'u'lllh's und 'Abdu'l-Bahb's
4. M~TGLIEDSCHAPT.
und ihrer Fortentwicklung durch deren von
zu beantragen. I. Edwevh der Mifglicdsrhaft.
der Allgemeinheit der BahVi in der Welt Mitglied kann jede in der Gemeinde Ess-
anerkannten Nachfolger (Huter) . lingen ansissige v o l l j ~ h r i ~naturliche
e Per-
-P!IS xaq3eju!a iFm q3![~ye!l[e Bun~urmes
-aaaaapa!18a!~q rap uon pa!^ p r r e a s ~ or a~ a
'saaNvzsnoA s s a 3 ~ n a - g '9
.uasse$
n z assplqasag raqnaa!q uassepaqn 8unlurm.e~
' 1 ~ 6 1'padv '01 uap ' U ~ ~ U ! I S S ~ -ranrapaq81!~$ rap q a l q s a .uayasa2ron
'nz . w n H map a=? aal ~ q ~ ! uIS! lq~!~ds8e11!ag awaqasaq au!g
-!aMZ II-ua8ugsg u! a d d n ~ gua8!pueasasqlas .3vauxg
aau!a S u n p u n r % n e ~m z s!q .na aaS1oj .sraanH sap xapo ~a4ojqaaus1qaax
-qaeuslqJax uassap .Mzaq lelleuo!leN-!,eq uassap .Mzaq ler~euo!leN-!c~qeg uaq~slnap
-eg uaqJstnap map su!araA sap 8unsopn.ii
nap q x n p l u n S ! l p s a ~ .zap pun lap
!aq 11lef ua3omransu!a~a~sallanauaaa u!g
-a!lS'!~ rap qaqlqaurlaaJa!A!aIa rap sa p e p
'Nit3Ou'IXEIASNIaX?lA '6 -aq ssnlqassng m n z ~ a p u n q a 8as!rj aapo
.lqaua8spa!q~~uapuamrauxa nz ra%[ojy~eu m ~ o $axmm!3saq au!aq ue IS! aqrasnv a a a
-slqJax uassap 'Mzaq ler~euo!~e~-!,eqeg . s s n ~ q a s s nqarnp
~ 'p
uaqasmap uon mau!a xapa!121!~ a!p q a ~ s '1lfJIsnv qaxnp 'J
uapamJalun ual!aq2!1!a~ls uapua8a8~aqa!s
.POL uJa"P '4
sutaraA sap yJamZ map sne r a p u a 8 a ~ 'PJTM lranauaa I ~ J ! U
'LH3IXa3SQIZH3S '8 a!s sllej saxqel sama f n e p a h q3eu 'e
,1ssep8 a~aqxqauruaururpgx a q q :lyss!~~a~jzg~spa~%a!!,q a!a
-u!a l!tu uapaaM assnlqasag a!a 'uauqJ!az '?jeq2spa?14??~nap ?snpan '11
- ~ a ? u nnz reaaaqas map pun uapuazlrsroh
wapaam lxanaura B!qa!laq
map UOA pu!s assn[qJsag a!a ~uaqa!aqasa8ron
uueq pun lye[ u!a sl!a~a[ lranep afeqaspar[8
lqs!u IS! mi06 aaapuosaq autt .uajnraqu!a
-a!N a!a .IS! a%!a~saqJaralz$aI uon pun
ralarqas map 'Mzaq r a l a ~ a a a n ~ ~ auassap ls
y q e ~ a 8 r a 8 [ o f q 3 e ~ ual!~sem$yJa.z u a n p
'Mzaq uapuazl!sroA map uon pepag qaeu
xapo (~e~leuo!le~-;'eqeg) lfeq~su!amaS
uapraa ua8un~mmes~ah1apa!18a~~a!a
-sl!aqr~-?,gqeg uaTeuo!leN uaqaslnap uaS
.3Nnssvxssn?H3sag a N n oNn? -!ssemlqJar aap ua8uuz1eg uap ss~ma% .&zaq
- y u ~ v s x ~ n a x a a r ~a x~a~ 3q ~q n s n n z g' L uaqayua8o~da3:,eqeg nau!ama41~e uap ssew
~8un~mmesaan -a% (!'eqeg) sralnH UalurreyJaue sap pun
-rapa!lSq~ rap assnlyssag lap Bunrqnfsnv S.eqeg-lcnpqv, pun ~.qe11.n~eq-eara2u~yu.ii
arp 18a!lqo my1 xauyaag map pun leaax ua%!ssesue ua8u!)ssx u! a!p qarnp pun uaua!p
uassap 'uapuazqsJoA nz ua8u![ss~ afeqasu!aura8s~!aq~v-{'~?yeg
-yaS map cra$a~ara~11a3S
map sne lqalsaq pun l l q e ~ a 8a!aqaqaurnam rap qaaMZ map 'IS! I!axaq a!p 'uapraa uos
336 T H E B A H K ' ~W O R L D

Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is
of Karachi, India.
Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is
of Calcurta, India.

-- -- - - -
Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bah6'is
of Delhi, India.
Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Asse~nblyof the Bah6'is of Rangoon, Burma.
340 THE BAHA'i WORLD

Certificate of Registration of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Daidanaw, Burma.
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 341

Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bah6'is of
Mandalay, Burma.
342 THE B A H A ' ~W O R L D

Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bah6'is of Auckland,
New Zealand.
DOCUMENTS RELATED T O THE INCOR-
PORATION OF THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL
ASSEMBLY O F T H E BAHA'IS OF T H E U N I T E D
S T A T E S A N D C A N A D A AS A R E C O G N I Z E D
RELIGIOUS SOCIETY I N PALESTINE
( 1 ) TEXT OF APPLICATION T O THE 2 . Membership.
PALESTINE GOVERNMENT The Association is composed of Shoghi
Haifa the 8th of April, 1930. Effendi Rabbani or whoever may lawfully
succeed him as the Guardian of Bahl'i
To the District Commissioner,
Faith, RG1d Afnin and such other persons
Haifa.
as may be appointed from time to time by
Sir, Shoghi Effendi Rabb6ni or his lawful suc-
In conformity with the notice dared the cessors with consent of the National Spir-
26th of August, 1919, regarding registra- itual Assembly of the Bah6'is of the United
tion of Societies I beg to request that "The States and Canada organized and existing
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bah6'is under the Declaration of Trust adopted on
of the United States and Canada-Pales- the 4th of April, 1927, New York City,
tine Branch" be registered as a Society un- New York, U.S.A.
der the Ottoman Law of the 3rd of Aug-
ust, 1921.
T h e address of the Society is: Persian Col-
ony, C/o Ruhi Afnln, Haifa. The Association is formed in order to
T h e objects of the Society are stated in hold and to administer various movable and
the attached Articles. inlnlovable properties belonging to the Na-
T h e Management of the Society is vested tional Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of
in Shoghi Effendi Rabbini; RGhi Afnin is the United States and Canada in Palestine,
acting as Secretary of the Society. and generally to act on behalf of and to
Two copies of the Society's Regulations represent the said Assembly.
are attached.
Yours faithfully, 4. Management.
Shoghi Rabb6ni (President) Shoghi Effendi Rabbini or whoever may
K5hi Afnan (Secretary) lawfully succeed him as the Guardian of
Seal of Baha'i Faith or any other person appointed
National Spiritual by Shoghi Effendi Rabblni or his lawful
Assembly of the successors with approval of the National
Baha'is of the Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of the
United States and United States and Canada shall be entitled
Canada-Palestine to act on behalf of the Association, to sign
Branch. any deeds or documents, to represent the
( 2 ) ARTICLES OF ASSOCIATION OF Association in any dealings or transactions,
"THE NATIONAL SPIRITUAL AS- to enter into any agreements, to receive
SEMBLY OF THE BAHA'IS OF THE moneys and to give effectual receipts or dis-
UNITED STATES AND CANADA charges, to appear before the Courts and
-PALESTINE BRANCH." Government Offices, to acquire properties,
lands, houses, and other immovables in the
1 . The Name. name of the Association and to dispose of
The name of the Association shall be: any such properties, lands, houses and im-
"The National Spiritual Assembly of the movables by way of sale, mortgage, gift,
Bahi'is of the United States and Canada- partition or otherwise and generally to do
Palestine Branch" (hereinafter called the validly any acts which may be lawfully
Association). done by the Association.
3 44 THE BAHb'f WORLD

Certificate of the Palestine Government Incorporating the National Spiritual Assembly
of the Bahi'is of the United States and Canada, Palestine Branch, as a Religious Society
in Palestine.
T H E WORLD ORDER O F BAHA'U'LLAH 341

TEXT OF APPLlCATION T O T H E PALESTINE
GOVERNMENT FOR INCORPORATION OF
T H E PALESTINE BRANCH OF THE NATIONAL
S P I R I T U A L ASSEMBLY OF T H E B A H A ' I S O F
I N D I A A N D BURMA

Haifa 2nd. December, 1934. OBJECT: TO hold and administer vari-
ous lnovable and immovable properties be-
His Excellency, longing t o the National Spiritual Assembly
Dlstrict Commissioner, of the Bahi'is of India and Burma in Pales-
Northern District, tine and generally t o act on behalf of and
IIaifa. represent the said Assembly.

Your Excellency, ADDRESS: Haifa, Persian Colony, c/o
Shoghi Effendi Rabbini.
The application is hereby made for regis-
tration as a Society under the provisions of MANAGEMENT: Shoghi Effendi Rabbini,
the Ottoman Law of August 3rd, 1925, of Haifa, Persian Colony, as president; R6hi
the National Spiritual AssernLl~of the Ba- Afnin, Haifa, Persian Colony, as Secretary.
hl'is of Indis and Burma-Palestine Branch.
I have the honour to be.
Your Excellency's
THENAME: The National Spiritual As- Your Obedient Servants,
sembly of the Bahi'is of India and Burma-
Palestine Branch. PRESIDENT SECRETARY
346 THE B A H A ' ~W O R L D

Certificate of the Palestine Government Incorporating the National
Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is of India and Burma, Palestine Branch.
Trade Mark Certificate obtained from the United States Government covering the
word "Bahh'i!'
THE B A H A ' ~W O R L D

Registered Aug. 7, 1928. Trade-Mark 245,271

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.
HATIOIAL SPIBITUAL ASBEIBLE OF THE BABA'IE OF TEE UNITED ETATES AND
CANADA, o s NEW Y o a x , rr. Y.

ACT 01 l t P P U b B Y W . 1906.

Applloatlon ffled March 10, 1 1 8 . Be141 lro. 8 1 . W .

BTATEMENT.
To tL Commiseioner of Patents: Applicant hereby appoints Lintun IieI.
Nationalspiritual Assembly of theBaha'is $f, Robic & Bastien a firm Lanlpo&d of
of the United States and Canada, n com- 1 ilam C. Linton, ~ i i b u F.r Kellogg, 1t;ty.
mon-law corporation orgsniaed and oper- mond A. Robic and Alfred Bastien, of 724
ated under declaration of trust, and doing Ninth Street, Northwest, Wasllington, 0.
businevr at 129 East 10th Street, New York, C., re istration 11584, its attorneja to pros,!.
N.Y., has adopt4 and usqd the trade-mark cute ifis applicat:on to registrat~on,to I~avc
shown in the aecompanylno drawin on full power of substitution and revocation
~ A G M I N E SAND P B I N ~ F D, R O ~ I C S tllersm, to make slterations and anlend-
In Clnss 38 I'rints and publsntlons, and ments, to recave the certificate and to t m , .
presents llerkith live specilirens showing the act all business in the Patent Ofice connected
trade- nark us actually ~ ~ s eby d a plrcant therewith.
upon tlta goods and requests that .tfe san~e
be registered ih the United Stntes l'atent NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMLT OF THE
Office in accortlsoce \\.it11 the act ~ r fFebru- BAHA'IS OF THE UNITED STATES AND
ary 20, 1905. The trade-mark hns been con- CANADA,
tinuously used and applied to said g m l s in 5 HORACE HOLUT,
applicant's business slnce 1900. The trndc- rieol(rtary.
mark is applied or uttixed to the goods by
printing the sune thereon.
T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 349

Trade Mark Certificate obtained from the United States Government covering the
symbol of the Greatest Name.

- - -
THE BAHA'I: WORLD

Registered Aug. 28, 1934 Trade-Mark 3 16,444

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE
National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of
the Unitcd States and Canada, Weat Engle-
wood, N. J.
-
A& of Feb- 20,1905

AmUcatlon Asdl 12, 1934. Serial No. 249,883

STATEMENT
To the Commissioner of Patents: same thereon. The English translation of the
National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Arabic symbol shown on the drawing means "The
the United States and Canada, a common-law Greatest Name".
corporation organized and operated under decla- The undersigned hereby appoints Mr. William
ration of trust, and doing business a t Evergreen C. Linton, of 1319 B Street, N. W., Washington,
Cabin, West Englewood, New Jersey, has adopted D. C., U. S. A,, registration No. 10.109,its attorney,
and used the trade-mark shown in the accoh- with full power of substitution and revocation, to
panying drawlng, on PERIODICAL LITEFA- prosecute this application, to make alterations
TURE AND PRINTED BOOKS, in Class 38, and amendments therein, to sign the drawing, to
Prints and publications, and presents herewith receive the certificate of registration and to
five specimens showing the trade-mark rts actual- transact all b u s h e s in the Patent Officeconnect-
ly used by apulicant upon the goods, and requests ed therewith.
that the same be registered in the United Stites
Patent Office in accordance with the act of Feb- NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLY
ruary 20.1905. The trade-mark has been contin- OF THE BAHA'IS OF THE UNITED
uously used and Bpplied to said goods in appli- STATES AND CANADA,
cant's business since 1909. The trade-mark is By HORACE H o r n y ,
applied or affixed to the goods by printing the Seoretaru.
APPLICAPION FOR REGISTiULTICN O F

u *br mt.4
TRADE
The undersigned
s
t
.
*
"
-
.a4
M d X K

LtLlyl. ~pwitua~
O h . -n-L.r .
l o r n ofr tp.
~
o m m r a t i a a ~ a m i u 4and o p e r a t e d u n d e r d e a l a r a t i o n of t r u a t .

a
and having i t s P r i n c i p a l p l a c e of
b u s i n e s s a t E v e r g r e e n Oabin. R a t E W l ~ o o d . Il.r J s r e e y ,
hereby n p p l i a s r o r t h e
r e g i s t r a t i o n o r t h e Trade Nark h e r e a f t e r d a s c r i b a d -pursunnt t o t h e
U n i a l r Competition ~ c t .
The mark o f whioh r e g i s t r a t i o n i s d e s i r e d i s a word
Mark c o n s i s t i n g of t h e f o l l o w i n g l e t t e r s i n t h e following grouping,

. B A H A ' I .
The a p p l i c a n t h a s usad t h e a a i d mark s i n c e
1pg0
on w a r e s o r d i n a r i l y and commercially deboribed by t h e

.".
applicant a s p l e M a l l i ? a r a t w m ma plntml b o b .

. Such u s e h a s been
principally i n the rollowing oountries, U ~ W .
a
0Ul.C..

I n n d d i t i o n t o w a r e s o f t h e klnd d e s c r i b e d t h e ap-
p l i c a n t i s c o m 2 e r o i a l l y concerned w i t h mDmm
Boon.
The a p p l i c a n t h a s no o r r i o e o r p l a c e o r b u s l n e s s i n
Canada end a p p o i n t s J. ALFRD BASTIF&', a member of t h e r i m of
MARION 6 m o N . 1260 U n i v e r s i t y S t r e e t . E o n t r e e l . Cenada. t o whom
any s e r v i c e i n r e s p e c t o r t h e r e g i s t r e t i o n may be s e n t and upon
s e r v i c e o r m y p r o o e e d i n g s i n r e s p e o t of t h e r e g i s t r a t i o n may b e
made w i t h t h e same e i f e o t a s i f t h e y had been served upon t h e a p p l i .
Cant itssli.
The a p p l i c a n t a o n s i d e r s t h a t having r e g a r d t o t h e
p r o v i s i o n s of t h e s t a t u t e e i o r a s a i d it was and i e e n t i t l e d t o adopt
rind u s e t h e m r k i n Canada i n a s s o c i n t l o n w i t h t h e a a r e a upon which
~t h a s used I t a s above s e t o u t .

' 1 r J i n t h e - p r e a e n o e o f t h e twc u n d e r s i y o d w i t n e s s e s .
WIlTiEsss:
ILaOlX,~RUuAmYB
Olr m UIU'II OP 1P
klz.l n Y 011sU.
md

OTTAWA. CANADA. 1
T r a d e Mark Certificate obtained from t h e Canadian G o v e r n m e n t covering
t h e n a m e "Bahl'i."

- -
THE BAHA'I WORLD

TRADE MARK No. NS, 4120
REGISTER 19

Rcdstmnt: ~ T I O I I L SPIRITUAL MS~XBLY OF THE -'IS OF TE4
UAITED STATES MD C U ~ D I . a comnon-law aorporation
and under declsratlon of trust.
klrlmr &ergreen cariin. wa.t ~nglerood. NOW Jersey. United
Stettla of Insriea.

Date of Redatration: 4 Jannmry . 1935. e First use:
~ n t of 1900.

Application Seriel ~a 165 3 2 6 . mid: 4 Jenusry. 1935.

.Agent f0rScrvi.x: I. Nrrsd Bastien. a member 0 s the firm Oi
Merion & Marloo.
1260 Univgrsity Street.
Montreal, "JleboQ. Cmsda.
~srk; * B ABI'I".

Warns: Periodical Literature and Printed Beok~.

Chang of Ownership:

,WIYJ
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 313

CANADA

Zbie: ie: to Certifp
that the TRADE MARK identified on the Register Sheet attached and
forming part of this Certificate has been registered in T H E TRADE M A R K
REGISTER, under the number and date, in the name of the person, and
for use in association with the wares within specified.

3n Zeetimonp PtQlbereof
I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the Seal of the Patent Office
to be hereunto affixeda t the City of Ottawa, in the Dominion of Canada,
this 13th day of Yoveeber .
in the year of Our Lord, one thousand nine hundred and thirty-five..
Oanda. to whom aw marvier in rrmaot of tho r w i r t r a i i o n
rq br .ant an6 nmn earria* of any proos.(ilym i n rargaot
or thr raeistration m y M u ( r with thr I..* rir.ot ar ir
t h q hJ b a a rrna6 npoa the appliomtr t h r n l r a r .

SIGNED AT m n t r r d . o . r ~ a . thia ..Xf..F.
Rovrbu. 1956. in p r r r a r or thr tro ~ 6 r r r i m . d
a y or

wltnarara:
THE BAHA'f WORLD

TRADE MARK No. N.S. 4L45
REGISTER 1 3
Relibnut: IUTIOBU SPIRITUAL m Y OF TK6 BULA'IS OF THC
IJUITLD STATES AND CANAM.

Addreu: h.rc..n Cabin. Wart Ewlrwood. new Jerme).. Ua1t.d
s t a t e * o r )JIerie*.

Dstc olRcpiltntion: 4 January. 19JS. Datr of First Use: 1909.

-
Application Scri.1 No. 166.II27. riled: 4 Jsnmary. 1935.

AecntforSe~ie: J . Alfred B P s t i e n , ncaber of t h e f l r m of
m r i o n & uarion,
1260 Ualver.ity street.

Mwk: . ..
Montreal, m e b e o , Canada.
ARABIC UYHBOL

Wsrer: P.riodie.1
w
L i t e r a t u r e and P r i n t e d Books.

Clnsng of OMcmltip

,O""
THE W O R L D O R D E R O F B A H A ' U ' L L A H 317

CANADA

abn
i r ig to Ctctifp
that the TRADE MARK identified on the Register Sheet attached and
forming part of this Certificate has been registered in THE TRADE MARK
REGISTER, under the number and date, in the name of the person, and
for use in association with the wares within specified.

%n QCerrtirnonp Wlfieceof
I have hereunto set my hand, and caused the Seal of the Patent Office
to be hereunto affixed a t the City of Ottawa, in the Dominion of Canada,
this 3rd day of December.
in the year of Our Lord, one thousand nine hundred and thirty-five.

Commissioner of Patanta . . .........................
Registrar

(L.S.)
318 THE BAH6'f WORLD

The First National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahh'is of Australia and
New Zealand, 1734.1931.

j. The affairs of the Association shall be ever may lawfully succeed him as the
conducted in conformity with such direc- Guardian of Bahh'i Faith with approval of
tions and instructions as may be given by the National Spiritual Assembly of the
the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of the United States and Canada.
Bah6'is of the United States and Canada.
Certified true copy of regulations sub-
6. Dissolution. mitted t o the District Commissioner's
In the event of dissolution of the Asso- oflices for registration.
ciation 211 and any properties movable or (Sigd) E. MacLaren,
immovable and all and any assets of the for District Commissioner.
Association shall be disposed of in such a Haifa 11.1.30.
manner as may be decided by the National
Spiritual Assembly of the Bahk'is of the Seal of
United States and Canada. National Spiritual
Assembly of the
7. Alteration of Articles. Bahi'is of the
The present Articles can be altered by Unitcd States and
decision of Shoghi Effendi Rabbhni or who- Canada-Palestine Branch.
Bahl'i Marr~ageCertificate adopted and enforced by the Nat~onalSpiritual Assembly
of the Bahi'is of fr6n.

- -
3 60 T H E B A H A ' ~W O R L D

Bahri Marriage Certificate adopted and enforced by the National Spiritual
Assembly of the Baha'is of Egypt.
T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 361

Bahi'i Marriagc Certificate adopted and enforced by the National Spilitual
Assembly of the Bah6'is of 'Irlq.
THE B A H A ' i W O R L D

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Bahi'i Divorce Certificate adopted and enforced by the National Spiritual
Assembly of the Bah6'is of frin.
'1
I -
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* > W & C / . I ~ J
Outline of Baha'i Laws regarding matters of Personal Status submitted for recog-
nition to the Egyptian Government by the National Spiritual Assembly of the
Bah6'is of Egypt.
THE BAHb'f WORLD
3 66 THE BAHA'i WORLD

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T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LZAH 371
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THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH

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THE WORLD ORDER OF BANA'U'LLAH
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THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 3 79
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THE W O R L D O R D E R O F BAHA'U'LLAI-I 381

Text of the Resolution presented t o President Franklin D. Roosevelt by the National
Spiritual Assembly of the Bah6'is of the United States and Canada.
THE BAHA'I WORLD
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 383
THE BAHA'f WORLD
T H E B A H A ' ~W O R L D
THE WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 387
T H E WORLD ORDER OF BAHA'U'LLAH 389

Map showing section of route followed by Bahi'dllih on His journey from
Baghdld to Constantinople.

- - -
THE W O R L D O R D E R O F B A H A ' U ' L L A H 391

Facsimile of Tablet addressed by 'Abdu'l-Bah6 to the Chicago "House of Justice."
T H E I N S T I T U T I O N OF T H E
MASRIQU'L-ADHKAR
Visible Enzbodinzent of the Universality of the Faith of Bahri'u'lldh
FOREWORD

M A N Y discerning minds have testified Bahi'i institution, we must lay aside all
to the profoundly significant change which customary ideas of the churches and cathe-
has taken place during recent years in the drals of the past. The Ma&riqu'l-A&kir
character of popular religious thinking. Re- fulfills the original intention of religion in
ligion has developed an entirely new empha- each dispensation, before that intention had
sis, more especially for the layman, quite become altered and veiled by human inven-
independent of the older sectarian divi- tion and belief.
sions. The Mahriqu'l-A&kir is a channel re-
Instead of considering that religion is a leasing spiritual powers for social regenera-
matter of turning toward an abstract creed, tion because it fills a different function than
the average religionist today is concerned that assumed by the sectarian church. Its
with the practical applicatiolls of religion essential purpose is to provide a community
to the problems of human life. Religion, in meeting-place for all who are seeking to
brief, after having apparently lost its in- worship God, and achieves this purpose by
fluence in terms of theology, has been re- interposing no man-made veils between the
stored more powerfully than ever as a spirit worshiper and the Supreme. Thus, the
of brotherhood, an impulse toward unity, Ma&iqu'lLA&k6r is freely open to people
and an ideal making for a more enlightened of all Faiths on equal terms, who now realize
civilization throughout the world. the universality of Bahii'u'llih in revealing
Against this background, the institution the oneness of all the Prophets. Moreover,
of the Mahriqu'l-A&kk stands revealed as since the Bahi'i Faith has no professional
the supreme expression of all those modern clergy, the worshiper entering the Temple
religious tendencies animated by social ideals hears no sermon and takes part in no ritual
which do not repudiate the reality of spirit- the emotional effect of which is to estah-
ual experience hut seek to transform it into lish a separate group consciousness.
a dynamic striving for unity. The Mahri- Integral with the Temple are its accessory
qu'l-A&khr, when clearly understood, gives buildings, without which the Mahriqu'l-
the world its most potent agency for ap- A&kir would not he a complete social in-
plying mystical vision or idealistic aspiration stitution. These buildings are to be devoted
to the service of humanity. I t makes visible to such activities as a school for science, a
and concrete those deeper meanings and hospice, a hospital, an asylum for orphans.
wider possibilities of religion which could Here the circle of spiritual experience at last
not he realized until the dawn of this uni- joins, as prayer and worship are allied di-
versal age. rectly t o creative service, eliminating the
The term "Ma&riqu31-Ad_hk6r3' means static subjective elements from religion and
literally, "Dawning-place of the praise of laying a foundation for a new and higher
God." type of human association.
T o appreciate the significance of this HORACE HOLLEY.
39'2
INSTITUTION OF T H E MACRIQU'L-ADHKAR 393

THE SI'IKITUAL S I G N I F I C A N C E OF THE
MASHRIQU'L A m K k R

The Beloved of the Lord and the Hand- high places among the hitherto sceptical
maids of rhe Mercifrl throughout the and indiflerent towards the merits and the
United States and Canada. practicability of the Faith proclaimed bv
Bahb'u'llih. Neither do I need t o expatiate
MTi well-beloved friends:
Ever since that remarliable manifestation
upon the hopes and fears of the Greatest
Holy Leaf, now in the evening of her life,
of Bahi'i solidarity and self-sacrifice which with deepening shadows caused by failing
has signalized the proceediilgs of last year's eye-sight and decliiling strength swiftly
memorable Convention, I have been expect- gathering about her, yearning to hear as the
antly awaiting the llews of a steady and one remaining solace in her swiftly ebbing
continuous support of the Plan which can life the news of the resumption of work on
alone ensure, ere the present year draws to an Edifice, the glories of which she has,
its close, the resumption of building opera- from the lips of 'Abdu'l-Bahi Himself,
tions on our beloved Temple. learned t o admire. I cannot surely over-
Moved by an impulse that I could not rate a t the present juncture in the progress
resist, I have felt impelled to forego what of our task the challenging character of
may be regarded as the most valuable and these remaining months of the year as a
sacred possession in the Holy Land for the swiftly passing opportunity which it is in
furthering of that noble enterprise which our power t o seize and utilize, ere it is too
you have set your hearts to achieve. With late, for the edification of our expectant
the hearty concurrence of our dear Bahi'i brethren throughout he East, for the vindi-
brother, Ziaoulldh Asgarzadeh, who years cation in the eyes of the world at large of
ago donated it to the Most Holy Shrine, this the realities of our Faith, and last b a t not
precious ornament of the Tomb of Bahi- least for the realization of what is the Great-
'u'llih has been already shipped t o your cst Holy Leaf's fondest desire.
shores, with our fondest hope that the pro- As I have already intimated in the course
ceeds from its sale may at once ennoble and of my conversations with visiting pilgrims,
reinforce the uunumhered offerings of the so vast and significant a11 enterprise as the
American believers already accumulated on construction of the first Mas_hriqu'l-A&k6r
the altar of Bahi'i sacrifice. I have longed of the West should be supported, not by the
ever since to witness such evidences of spon- mu~lificenceof a few but by the joint con-
taneous and generous response on your part tributions of the entire mass of the con-
as would tend t o fortify within me a confi- vinced followers of the Faith. I t cannot
dence that has never wavered in the inex- be denied that the emanations of spiritual
haustible vitality of the Faith of Bahi'u'llih power and inspiration destined t o radiate
in that land. from the central Edifice of the Mas_hriqu'l-
I ueed not stress at this moment thc high A&kir will t o a very large extent depend
hopes which so startling a display of un- upon the range and variety of the contribu-
sparing devotion to our sacred Temple has ting believers, as well as upon the nature
already aroused in the breasts of the multi- and degree of self-abnegation which their
tude of our brethren throughout the East. unsolicited ofieriugs will entail. Moreover,
Nor is it I feel necessary t o impress upon we should, I feel, regard it as an axiom and
those who are primarily concerned with its guiding pri~icipleof Bahl'i administration
erection the gradual change of outloolc that in the conduct of every specific Bahh'i
which the early prospect of the construction activity, as different from undertakings of
of the f ar-famed Mahriqu'l-A&k& in a humanitarian, philanthropic, or charitable
America has unmistakably occasioned in character, which may in future be con-
General View of the Mabriqu'l-A&kir a t Wilmette, Ill., U. S . A.
INSTITUTION OF THE
ducted under Ba116'i auspices, orlly ~huar conflicting interests with which they are
who have already identified themselves with surrounded. This note of warning may not
the Faith and are regarded as its avowed he thought inappropriate at a time when,
and unreserved supporters should be invited inflamed by a consuming passion to witness
to join and collaborate. For apart from the the early completion of the Magriqu'l-
consideration of embarrassing complications A&kir, we may not only be apt to acqui-
which the association of non-believers in the esce in the desire of those who, as yet un-
financing of institutions of a strictly Bahi'i initiated into the Cause, are willing to lend
character may conceivably engender in the financial assistance to its institutions, but
administration of the Bahb'i community of may even feel inclined to solicit from them
the future, it should be remenlbered that such aid as it is in their power to render.
these specific Bahh'i institutions, which Ours surely is the paramount duty so to
should be viewed in the light of Bahi'n'll6h's acquit ourselves in the discharge of our
gifts bestowed upon the world, can best most sacred task that in the days to come
function and most powerfuly exert their neither the tongue of the slanderer nor the
influence in the world only if reared and pen of the malevolent may dare to insinuate
maintained solely by the support of those that so beauteous, so significant an Edifice
who are fully conscious of, and are unre- has been reared by anything short of the
servedly subinissive to, the claims inherent unanimous, the exclusive, and the elf-
in the Revelation of Bahi'u'lkh. In cases, sacrificing strivings of the small yer deter-
however, when a friend or sympathizer of mined body of the conviuced supporters of
the Faith eagerly insists on a monetary con- the Faith of Bahi'u'116h. How delicate our
tribution for the promotion of the Faith, task, how pressing the responsibility that
such gifts sbo~ild be accepted and duly weighs upon us, who are called upon on
acknowledged hy the elected representatives one hand to preserve inviolate the integrity
of the believers will, the express understand- and the identity of the regenerating Faith
ing that they would he utilized by them only of Bahi'u'llih, and to vindicate on the
to reinforce that section of the Bahi'i Fund other its broad, its humanitarian, its all-
exclusively devoted to philanthropic or char- embracing principles!
itable purposes. For, as the Fairh of Bah6- True, we cannot fail to realize at the pres-
'u'llih extends in scope and in influence, ent stage of our work the extremely limited
and the resources of Bahb'i com~nunities number of contributors qualified to lend
correspondingly multiply, it will beconle in- financial support to such a vast, such an
creasingly desirable to differentiate between elaborate and costly enterprise. We are fully
such departments of the Bahi'i treasury as aware of the many issues and varied Bahi'i
minister to the needs of the world at large, activities that are unavoidably held in abey-
and those that are specifically designed to ance pending the successful conclusion of
promote the direct interests of the Faith it- the Plan of Unified Action. We are only
self. From this apparent divorce between too conscious of the pressiug need of some
Bahi'i and humanitarian activities it must sort of befitting and concrete embodiment
not, however, be inferred that the animat- of the spirit animating the Cause that would
ing purpose of the Faith of Bahi'u'llhh stand in the heart of the American Conti-
stands at variance with the aims and objects nent both as a witness and as a rallying cen-
of the humanitarian and philanthropic in- ter to the manifold activities of a fast grow-
stitutions of the day. Nay, it should be ing Faith. But spurred by those reflections
realized by every judicious promoter of the may we not bestir ourselves and resolve as
Faith that a t such an early stage in the evo- we have never resolved before to hasten by
lution and crystallization of the Cause such every means in our power the consumma-
discriminating and precautionary measures tion of this all-absorbing yet so meritorious
are inevitable and even necessary if the a task? I beseech you, dear friends, not t o
nascent institutions of the Faith are to allow considerations of number, or the con-
emerge triumphant and unimpaired from sciousness of the limitatio~~of our resources,
the present welter of confused and often or even the experience of inevitable setbacks
'f WORLD

which every ulighty undertaking is Lou~ld Edifice itself will be converted into a con-
to encounter, to blur your vision, t o dim glomeration of religious services conducted
your hopes, or to paralyze your efforts in along lines associated with the traditional
the prosecution of your divinely appointed procedure obtaining in churches, mosques,
task. Neither, do I entreat you, to suffer synagogues, and other temples of worship.
the least deviation into the paths of ex- Its various avenues of approach, all con-
pediency and compro~niseto obstruct those verging towards the central Hall beneath
channels of vivifying grace that can alone its dome, will not serve as admittance to
provide the inspiration and strength vital those sectarian adherents of rigid fnrmulx
not only to the successful conduct of its and man-made creeds, each bent, according
material construction, hut to the fulfill- to his way, t o observe his rites, recite his
ment of its high destiny. prayers, perform his ablutions, and display
And while we bend our efforts and strain the particular symbols of his faith within
our nerves in a feverish pursuit t o provide separately defined sections of Bah6'u'llAh's
the necessary means for the speedy construc- Universal House of Worship. Far from rhe
tion of the Mahriqu'l-A&liir, may we not Mahriqu'l-A&kir offering such a spectacle
pause for a moment to examine those state- of incoherent and confused sectarian ob-
ments which set forth the purpose as well servances and rites, a condition wholly in-
as the functions of this symbolical yet so compatible with the provisions of the Aqdas
spiritually potent Edifice? I t will be readily and irreconcilable with the spirit it incul-
admitted that at a time when the tenets cates, the central House of Bahi'i worship,
of a Faith, not yet fully emerged from enshrined within the Mas_hriqu31-A@ir,
the fires of repression, are as yet improp- will gather within its chastened walls, in a
erly defined and imperfectly understood, serenely spiritual atmosphere, only those
the utmost caution should be exercised in who, discarding forever the trapping? of
revealing the true nature of those institu- elaborate and ostentatious ceremony, are
tions which are indissolubly associated with willing worshippers of the one true God,
its name. as manifested in this age in the Person of
Without attempting an exhaustive survey Bab6'u'IIih. T o them will the Mabriqu'l-
of the distinguishing features and purpose A&kir symbolize the f~mdamental verity
of the Mas_hriqu'lLAd&k6r, I should feel con- underlying the Bahi'i Faith, that religious
tent at the present time to draw your atten- truth is not absolute but relative, that Di-
tion to what I regard as certain misleading vine Revelation is not final but progressive.
statements that have found currency in va- Theirs will be the conviction that an all-
rious quarters, and which may lead grad- loving and ever-watchful Father Who, in
ually t o a grave misapprehension of the true the past, and at various stages in the evo-
purpose and essential character of the Mas& lution of mankind, has sent forth His
riqu'l-A@<&-. Prophets as the Bearers of His Message and
I t should be borne in mind that the cen- the Manifestations of His Light t o man-
tral Edifice of the Ma&riqu3l-A&klr, kind, cannot at this critical period of their
round which in the fulness of time shall civilization withhold from His children
cluster such institutions of social service as the Guidance which they sorely need amid
shall afford relief t o the suficring, sustenance the darkncss which has bcsct them, and
t o the poor, shelter t o the wayfarer, solace which neither the light of science nor
t o the bereaved, and education to the igno- that of human intellect and wisdom can
rant, should be regarded apart from these succeed in dissipating. And thus having rec-
Dependencies, as a House solely designed and ognized in BahYu'116h the source whence
entirely dedicated to the worship of God this celestial light proceeds, they will irre-
in accordance with the few yet definitely sistibly feel attracted t o seek the shelter of
prescribed principles established by BahB- His House, and congregate therein, unham-
'u'116h in the Kirhb-i-Aqdas. I t should not pered by ceremonials and unfettered by
be inferred, however, from this general creed, t o render homage to the one true
statement that the interior of the central God, the Essence and Orb of eternal Truth,
and to cxalt and magnify thc namc of His into closc and daily communion with those
Messengers and Prophets Who, from time spiritual agencies centering in and radiating
immemorial even unto our day, have, under from the central Shrine of the Mahriqu'l-
divers circun~stances and in varying meas- A&kir. Nothing short of direct and con-
ure, mirrored forth t o a dark and wayward stant interaction between the spiritual forces
world the light of heavenly Guidance. emanating from this House of Worship cen-
But however inspiring the couception of tering in the heart of the Mahriqu'l-
Bahi'i worship, as witnessed in the central A&klr, and the energies consciously dis-
Edifice of this exalted Temple, it cannot be played by those who administer its affairs
regarded as the sole, nor even the essential, in their service to humanity can possibly
factor in the part which the Ma&riqu'l- provide the necessary agency capable of
A&klr, as designed by Bahi'u'llih, is des- removing the ills that have so long and so
tined to play in the organic life of the Bahl'i grievously afflicted humanity. For it is as-
community. Divorced from the social, hu- suredly upon the consciousness of the effi-
manitarian, educational and scientific pur- cacy of the Revelation of Bahi'u'llih, rein-
suits centering around the Dependencies of forced on one hand by spiritual communion
the Mahriqu'l-Aakir, Bahh'i worship, with His Spirit, and on the other by the
however exalted in its conception, however intelligent application and the faithful exe-
passionate in fewor, can never hope to cution of the principles and laws He re-
achieve beyond the meager and often transi- vealed, that the salvation of a world in
tory results produced by the contemplations travail must ultimately depend. And of
of the ascetic or the communion of the all the institutions that stand associated with
passive worshipper. I t cannot afford lasting His Holy Name, surely none save the insti-
' satisfaction and benefit to the worshipper tution of the Mahriqu'l-Ad_hlrlr can most
himself, much less to humanity in general, adequately provide the essentials of Bahl'i
unless and until translated and transfused worship and service, both so vital to the
into that dynamic and disinterested service regenelation of the world. Therein lies the
to the cause of humanity which it is the secret of the loftiness, of the potency, of the
supreme privilege of the Dependencies of unique position of the Ma&riqn31-A&klr
the Mahriqu'l-A&kir to facilitate and pro- as one of the outstanding institutions con-
mote. Nor will the exertions, no matter ceived by Bah6'u'llih.
how disinterested and strenuous, of those Dearly-beloved friends! May we not as
who within the precincts of the Ma&riqu'l- the trustees of so priceless 3. heritage, arise
A&lrlr will be engaged in administering the to fulfill our high destiny?
affairs of the futnre Bahi'i Commonwealth, Haifa, Palestine,
fructify and prosper unless they are brought October 21, 1929.

THE BAHA'i TEMPLE
Why Built Near Chicago?
BY SHAHN
T H E Columhian Exposition or World's who beheld it a never-to-be-forgotten joy
Fair, held in Chicago in 1893, stands peer- and inspiration.
less and unique in the realm of world ex- When approached by water on Lake
positions. Its location unexcelled for Michigan, especially when lighted at night,
beauty, built in a spacious park with over- the electric lights outlining the buildings
shading trees and wide green lawns, and and silhouetting them against the sky
on the shore of Lake Michigan, each build- seemed like n heavenly vision-like the vi-
ing of white stucco, an architectural gem, sion of St. John's of the "Holy City beside
it stood in all its majestic beauty, to all the tideless sea."
Exterior Ornamentation of the Ma&riqu21-A&kir at Wilmette, Ill., U. S. A.
INSTITUTION OF THE MAERIQU'L-AEKAR 399

Throughout thc grounds flowed entranc- ary of Tripoli, Syria in 18 56. Wan removed
ing lagoons which were fed from Lake to Beirut in 1860. Author of 'The Moham-
Michigan, the water passing under a great medan Missionary Problems.')"
peristyle which rose high above the water The subject of Dr. Jessup's paper, which
and formed the entrance to the Fair from was read by Reverend George A. Ford of
the Lake, facing the East. Entering the Syria, was as given above and the following
Fairgrounds at this point in a launch, one excerpts are taken from it: "The four ele-
rode under this great colonnade and entered ments which make up the power for good
the "Court of Honor" of the Exposition. in the English Speaking Race, and fit it to
At the top of this arched gateway was a be the divine instrument for blessing the
laree
" " - -
zrouv of fizures.. of chariots and horse-
men, at the base of which was in letters of
world are:
1-The Historic Planting and Training.
gold: "Ye shall know the Truth and the
2-The Geographic Position.
Truth shall set you free." These words
3-The Physical, Social and Political
were readable from the inside of the "Court
traits of the English spealri~~gpeople.
of Honor"; the fact that it faced the West
was most significant in that one must face 4-The Moral and Religious character
and training of those nations."
the East when reading it, and one saw the
(Each was discussed at some length.)
promise of the corninn of the Truth from
the East.
I n the midst of all this beauty and per- The paper ended thus: "This then is our
fection of art and the gathering together mission; that we who are made in the image
of all the races and nations of the earth, of God, should remember that all men are
was held the first "World's Parliament of made in God's image. T o this divine knowl-
Religions" ever held in America. For the edge we owe all we are, all we hope for.
first time the different races and religions We are rising gradually toward that Image
met on a common footing and each listened and we owe it to our brother men to aid
with a respect and open-mindedness to his them in returning to it in the Glory of
brother's presentation of his religious Faith. God, and the Beauty of Holiness. I t is a
The scene of a Catholic Cardinal (Cardinal celestial privilege and with it comes a high
Gibbons) and a Hindu Swami (Swami responsibility, from which there is no es-
Vivelrananda) walking arm in arm into the cape.
hall where the Parliament was held, fore- "In the palace of Bahji, or Delight, just
shadowed the coming of the "Great Day outside the Fortress of 'Alrkl, on the Syr-
of God" when the "Knowledge of the Glory ian coast, there died a few months since a
of God shall cover the earth as the waters famous Persian Sage, the Blbi Saint named
cover the sea," foretold by Prophets of old, Bahi'u'lllh, the 'Glory of God,' the head
when unity and love shall reign upon this of that vast reform party of Persian Mos-
earth. lems, who accept the New Testament as
The following excerpt taken from the the Word of God and Christ as the Deliv-
official record of the "Proceedings of the erer of men, who regard all nations as one,
World Parliament of Religion," held in and all men as brothers. Three years ago
Chicago, 1893, Vol. 11, page 1124, is of he was visited by a Cambridge scholar, and
vital interest to all Bahh'is. I t reads: gave utterance to sentiments so noble, so
"On the thirteenth day of this Parlia- Christ-like, that we repeat them in our
ment, the afternoon session September 23rd, closing words:
a paper on the 'Religious Mission of the "'That all nations should become one in
English Speaking People' by Reverend H. Faith and all men as brothers; that the bond
Jessup, D.D. of Beirut, Syria was read; Rev- of affection and unity between the sons of
erend L. C . Mercer (Swedenborgian) in the men should be strengthened; that diversity
chair. (Foot note--Henry Harris Jessup, of religion should cease and differences of
born 1832. Director of Presbyterian Mis- race be annulled; what harm is there in
sionary operations in North Syria; Mission- this? Yet, so it shall be. These fruitless
T H E BAHA 'f WORLD
strifes, these ruinous wars shall pass away, ment, having purified and sa~lc~iilrclthe
and the "Most Great Peace" shall come. Do heart from every thought, they are occu-
not you in Europe need this also? Let not pied with the promulgation of the Teach-
a man glory in this that he loves his coun- ings of God. Hence the Call of praise is
try; let him rather glory in this that he uninterruptedly raised from the Supreme
loves his kind.' " Concourse.
At this session of the Parliament, on Sep- "Third-During the American journey
tember 23, 1893, the name of Bahh'u'llih, 'Abdu'l-Bah6 several times passed through
the Glory of God, was first heard in the Chicago and associated with the friends of
Western world, and to those who today God. For some time He sojourned in that
realize the Station of Bahi'u'llih, this fact is city. Day and night He was occupied with
surrounded with spiritual significance. I t the mention of the True One and sum-
would seem that the whole Fair had been moned the people to the Kingdom of God.
prepared by God to be a Throne upon which "Fosrth-Up to the present time every
the "Glory of God" descended, and the movement initiated in Chicago, its effect
golden letters on the face of the peristyle was spread to all parts and to all directions;
held a divine and prophetic meaning: "Ye just as everything that appears in and mani-
shall know the Truth and the Truth shall fests from the heart influences all the organs
set you free." For the Spirit of Truth and structures of the body.
which should lead mankind "into all "Fiffh-The first Ma&riqu'l-A&klr in
Truth," manifested through Bahi'u'llih had America was instituted in Chicago, and this
upon that day been proclaimed. Thus Chi- honor and distinction is infinite in value.
cago was the chosen city to he crowned Undoubtedly out of this Mas_hriqu'l-A&kir
with this great honor. thousands of Mahriqu'l-A&kirs will be
Of Chicago, in a Tablet to the believers born."
of the Central States of America, 'Abdu'l- Also 'Abdu'l-Bah6 has said: "All the in-
Bahk wrote, in part: habitants of the world are in these days en-
"God specializes for His Mercy wbom- gaged in warfare and strife, but the friends
soever He Willeth." "0 ye old believers of God are striving with heart and soul to
and intimate friends! lay the basis of the Palace of the Kingdom;
"These twelve States are like the heart of so that the call of prayers and supplications
America, and the heart is connected with may ascend to the heights of heaven. The
all the organs and parts of man. If the flowers of material and divine civilization
heart is strengthened all the organs of the shall grow in the Ma&riqu31-A&k6r per-
body are reinforced, and if the heart is fuming the nostrils with the Fragrances of
weak all the physical structures are suh- Truth. Its doors will be opened before the
jected to feebleness. face of all nations, religions and sects. Who-
"Now praise be to God that Chicago and soever enters therein is welcomed. Bahl-
its environs, from the beginning of the dif- 'u'116h is the Universal Shepherd. All man-
fusion of the Fragrances of God, have been kind are His sheep, and the adherents of all
a strong heart. Therefore, through Divine religions are welcomed in the Mahriqu'l-
Bounty and Providence it has become con- Ad&kir, to worship the Father of all hu-
firmed in certain matters. manity with perfect freedom, reverence and
"Pirst-The Call of the Kingdom was obedience."
in the very beginning raised in Chicago. Another interesting fact which seems to
This is indeed a great privilege, for in the be correlated with the Bahh'i Temple of
future centuries and cycles, it will be an the Ma&riqu'L-Ad&k6r spiritually, and
axis around which the honor of Chicago showing why it should be built in the en-
will revolve. virons of Chicago, is found in a book
"Second-A number of souls with the entitled "Reminiscences of Early Chicago"
utmost firmness and steadfastness, arose in by E. 0. Gale, in which we find this quota-
that blessed spot in the promotion of the tion from a letter written by the grave and
Word of God, and even to the present mo- distinguished Explorer, Robert Cavalier de
INSTITUTION OF THE
La Salle, to a friend in Francc in 1682 which roads and ~~avigation
lines; to all the world
reads: "After many toils I came to the head she exports material foods, and is fast be-
of the great Lake and rested for some days coining a center of sciences, arts and educa-
on a bank of a river of feeble current, now tional institutions. A Spiritual Reality is
flowing into the Lake, but which occupies back of this material reflection, and thus
the course that formerly these great Lakes the Temple with its accessories will mani-
took as they flowed southward to the Mis- fest these truths Spiritually. I t will "act
sissippi River. This is the lowest point in all around," with its nine avenues of ap-
the great divide between two great valleys proach to its sacred heart, or hub. Within
of the St. Lawrence and the Mississippi. this Temple all peoples will be welcomed re-
The boundless regions of the West must gardless of color, race or creed, and there
send their products to the coast through they may commune with God, coming away
this point. This will he the 'Gate of the reinforced and putting forth the fruits of
Empire,' this the seat of Commerce. Every- that holy communion in Deeds. For one
thing invites to action. The typical man of the fundamental principles of the Teach-
who will grow up here must be enterpris- ings of Bahh'u'llhh is that "Work is wor-
ing. Each day as he ariqes he will exclaim ship," and "Man is judged by his deeds and
"I act, I move, I push" and there will be not his words."
spread before him a boundless horizon, an The accessories or surrounding buildings
illimitable field of activity. A lin~itless connected with the Temple, and which as
expanse of plain is here. T o the East is a whole constitute the Ma&riqu'l-A&kk6r,
water and at all other points land. If I will be an outward expression of this truth;
were to give the coming city a name I would here the "fruits of the Spirit" in material
derive it from the nature of the place and expression will be manifest. From these
the naturc of the man who will occupy accessories will be given forth knowledge,
this place; A g e 1 Act, and Circum-al! comfort, healing and enlightenment along
around, Circago." all lines, free to all. Not only spiritual food
This prophecy of La Salle's given in 1 6 8 2 , will be given forth from the Temple, but
when "wilderness was king" has, as all material help to those in distress, regardless
who have seen or read about Chicago know, of race or religion.
been literally fulfilled and the spiritual sig- The Temple will stand high above all
nificances of his words ever grow greater the other buildings which surround it and
as one considers them. Truly no city in when completed can be seen by all out-
the world could so materially express all going and incoming mariners. Ac this
that the Baha'i Temple stands for as does point is the drainage canal's entrance
Chicago, or the name given to it by the through which the pure waters of Lake
French Explorer: "Circago,-I Act all Michigan flow to purify the c i t y a n o t h e r
Around." symbol of the Spiritual Reality of the Water
One point he emphasizes means much, of Life, or Word of God, which will flow
"To the East is water and at all other points forth from this Sacred Edifice to give new
land." What a deep spiritual truth is here Life to the world.
symbolized. Water, the symbol of Spirit; As Chicago is the "melting pot" of all
and the East, the Rising Point of the Sun nations, so will the Temple be the great
of Truth. All other points are but material "Spiritual Melting Pot" of Divine Love.
ones and are refreshed and enlightened from Consuming all racial and religions differ-
the One Point. ences and intolerances, all prejudices and
Again he states that, "It is the lowest bigotry, and melting the hearts into one
point in the great divide." The lowest substance and remolding them into spirit-
point in a circle of existence is next to the ual realities which recognize only the per-
first point of ascent, and from the manger fect brotherhood of man, the oneness of
comes forth the Christ-Child Consciousness. the world of humanity, wherein all are
Chicago stands like a great hub in a children of the One Everlasting Father
wheel; from every side are incoming rail- whose Name is Love.
402 THE BAHA'f WORLD

Interior Decoration of Center of Dome of the Mahriqu'l-Ad_hlrir
at Wilmette, Ill., U. S. A.

Ncver do the eyes of the writer rest upon spheres seems to have been drawn into con-
the model of the Temple designed by the crete expression, to bless the lives of men.
inspired architect, Louis Bourgeois, that she Its beauty is so ethereal, yet so majestic and
does not how her head as before a sacred sublime, that one stands before it in silence,
shrine in profound and dccp reverence. The for words fail to describe its spiritual per-
emanation of the "Holy Presence" is so fection, its divine loveliness. I t carries one
truly felt, the Reality of the Manifestation to realms which "rise above world and let-
so apparent, that it is like a great chord of ters and transcend the murmur of syllables
heavenly music, the "Lost Chord" found and sounds."
again, which lifts the soul t o higher realms On first beholding a picture of the model
above all that is petty and sordid, discord- it impressed me as being formed like a great
ant and unreal, into the very "Court of the Bell, and upon writing to Mr. Bourgeois
Almighty," and attunes the heart with the of this fact he replied: "I am glad you
Infinite. Its perfection of form is, in itself, caught this vision of the Temple. A bell
a glorious symphony; the very music of the is the most wonderful of all musical instru-
INSTITUTION OF THE M A-
SHRIQU'L-AD
-
HKAR 403

mcnts; it rings throughout man's life from fingers of the Will of thy Lord, the IHigh,
the cradle to the grave. I t rings at a chris- the Supreme, ring I t in the world of
tening, it calls a child to its meals, to school Eternal Power, through His Most Splendid
-to church later in life. It rings in time Name."
of danger, for fire and to warn the sailors at The invisible Bell of the Temple is the
sea. It rings for a wedding and it tolls for Voice of Bahh'u'llih, calling t o the hearts
a funeral. I t rings from the town clock of men to unite the world over, and mani-
marking off the hours of each day and fest the Love of God, calling man to that
night. I t calls one to his front door, to his "Reality of Unity" of which our beloved
telephone and to numerous other activities. 'Abdu'l-Bahi so often spoke.
I t rang for the Declaration of Indepen- There are so many deep emotions which
dence-the Great Liberty Bell-and I too this marvelous creation calls forth from
feel that the Temple is a great Bell one's innermost being, that new symbolisms
calling humanity to unity and reconcili- are daily being revealed which lead the soul
ation, to brotherhood and ideal common- into the very "Holy of Holies" and into
wealth. Proclaiming the liberation of hu- the Court of which Bahi'u'116h has written:
manity from the bondage of superstition "The pen cannot step into this Court and
and ignorance, and announcing his spiritual the ink gives no result hut blackness."
freedom." Truly this Temple is the one foreseen by
This brought to the writer's mind the the Prophets of old; the one promised in
words of Bahh'u'llhh addressed to Napoleon this "Great Day of God"---the Temple
111-"0 King of Paris! Tell the priests not B e a u t i f u k h e vision of the Holy Ones of
to ring the bells. By God the True One! all religions, "come true." Blessed are they
The Most Glorious Bell hath appeared in the who arise to obey Its Call, and assist in Its
Temple of the Most Glorious Name, 311d the erection.

T H E FIVE BILLION C A R A T GEM BAHA'I
TEMPLE AT WILMETTE, ILLINOIS

Published ifz T ~Mineralogist,
P Jamuary, 1936

I N the January, 1934 issue of The Mi?%- and beneath the quartz tracery the dome is
eralogist, attention was called to the Bahi'i encased in glass. Two varieties of quartz
Temple, located at Wilmette, Illinois, both are being used in the construction, one a
to the mineralogical interest and architec- clear crystal and crystalline and the other
tural beauty of this noted structure. This of darker opalescent type. The crystalline
beautiful edifice is rapidly nearing comple- quartz is reduced to sizes equivalent to
tion as shown in the accompanying photo- about eight carat gem stones, while the
graphs. I t might be justly referred to as opaque quartz is ground much finer. These
the world's mogt gorgeous and largest "gem two materials are then mixed t o make
stone" as the entire structure is being faced Earley's concrete, a inaterial lighter than
with quartz crystal. Some 743 tons of stone, stronger than concrete and impervi-
quartz will be required to face the dome of ous to the elements. The nature of the
the Temple and an additional amount used material and construction will in the future
to face the remainder of the lower portions. not require the periodical cleaning as is the
The Temple is equivalent in height to a case with many similar edifices.
fifteen story building, the dome being one The crystalline quartz facing of the
of the five largest in the world. structure givea a beautiful sparkling rffrcr
The Temple architect, Louis Bourgeois, either in direct sunlight or under artificial
designed the structure as a Temple of Light light, making the Temple visible for many
The Dome of the Mdriqu'l-Ad_hkir a t 'Ishqibid,
Turltistin.

The Dome of the Mahriqu'l-Ad_hkir at Wilmette, Ill., U. S. A.
INSTITUTION OF T H E

miles. The cry<tal and crystalline quartz of light, a shelter of cobweb interposed be-
was obtained at King's Creek, Spartanburg, tween earth and sky. I t is necessary then
South Carolina, and the opalescent material for your advisory board to place themselves
from Moneta, Virginia. at once in an attitude of respect for this
The decorative design of the completed beautiful idea and applying the fruits of
Temple embodies the curved lines described experience, bend the practical to the esthetic,
by the planets moving through their orbits with sympathetic understanding, in the en-
and a far-seeing feature of construction deavor to assist to the utmost the realization
given consideration by the architect is the of the creator's dream."
appearance of the Temple when viewed I t is not at all beyond conception to
from aircraft. The Temple appears as a assume that this beautiful Temple marks
huge scintillating star and will act as a bea- a new era in architectural beauty, which
con for airplanes stopping at Chicago. will eventually be used universally and that
I n the geometric forms of the ornamenta- it is creating national attention is indicated
tion are represented religious symbols used by the thousands of visitors who have
by all peoples of the world, including the signed the Temple register.
Swastika cross, the Circle, the Triangle and A new and inspiring approach to the so-
the double Triangle or Six-Pointed Star lution of Universal Peace is made possible
(Solomon's Seal-the magic symbol of through the teachings of Bahi'u'llih so it is
necromancers of old). But more than this, said, and the Temple is being erected to
the noble symbol of the spiritual orb, or send forth the message of love and peace to
sun behind the Savior of mankind; the five- all mankind. With a war ridden world
pointed Star, representing the man Savior- struggling to recuperate from the many
Christ or Buddha or Muhammad; the Greek past conflicts and nations again ready to
Cross, the Roman or Christian Cross, and spring at the throats of their neighbors, the
supreme above all is the nine-pointed Star, Bahi'i Temple stands as a monument of
figured in the structure of the Temple it- hope to all mankind. May the light of this
self, and appearing again and again in its brilliant architectural gem, radiate to the
ornamentation as significant of the spiritual darkest corners of the earth and instill an
glory of the world today. understanding in the hearts of all men,
Mr. H. Van Buren Magonigle, past presi- both rich and poor, that War does nor
dent of the American Federation of Arts, pay.
writes of the Temple as follows: "It har "We desire but the good of the world and
been necessary for me as the architectural the happiness of the Nations; that all
member of your advisory board, to ndjust Nations shall become one in faith and all
myself to an unusual point of view. Mr. men as brothers in the bonds of affection;
Bourgeois has conceived a Temple of light and unity between the sons of men shall be
in which structure as usually understood is strengthened; that diversity of religion shall
to be concealed, visible support eliminated cease and differences of race be annulled.
as far as possible, and the whole fabric to So it shall be, these fruitless strifes, these
take on the airy substance of a dream; it is ruinous wars shall pass away, and the Most
a lacy envelope enshrining an idea, the idea Great Peace shall come."-Babd'z~'1ldh.
406 THE BAHA'i WORLD

TEMPLE ECHOES FROM THE WORLD'S FAIR
BY DR. ZIA BAGDADI
The Bahd'i Temple: "A befitting and concrete embodiment of the spirit anhnating the
Canse standing in the heart of the American continent both as a witness and as a rally-
ing center to the manifold actiwties of a fast growing Faith."--SHQGHI EFFENDI.

W H E N the Century of Progress Expo- science to human endeavors only, unaware
sition was opened in Chicago a year ago, the of the Source of all inspiration. In their
Bah6'is used this opportunity t o acquaint exhibit, accordingly, the Bahh'is had only
the people with the significance of the one aim,-to convey a heavenly message
Bahi'i Faith, first, by giving occasional lec- which brings true happiness, real prosperity,
tures at the Hall of Religions, and later by and permanent security to all mankind.
placing an exhibit in a prominent place in This heavenly message was embodied in a
the heart of the Hall of Religions. As the small model of the beautiful Bah6'i Temple,
writer was one of the many volunteers who made by Mr. Louis Voelz of Kenosha, Wis-
had the privilege of assisting in this service consin. The chaste beauty of this minia-
he wishes to set forth a few of the features ture temple held the attention of many and
which distinguished the Bahb'i exhibit from a Baha'i was always at hand to explain how
the others; to repeat some of the questions the principles of world unity and hrother-
often asked by thousands of visitors and to hood for which the Temple wands, are,
give brief answers to them; and to report through the power of BahB'u'lllh, the rem-
some incidents observed and remarks re- edy for the sick world.
peatedly heard, all of which indicate public
reaction toward the Bahi'i Movement and "What is the purpose of the Bahi'i Tem-
its Temple. In this way the readers of the ple?" was one of the first questions asked by
Bahl'i Magazine may get a comprehensive those who paused to examine the Temple
idea of the fulfillment of 'Abdu'l-Bahl's model. To this we answer in Abdu'l-Bahh's
promises, especially in regard to the influ- own words:
ence of the Temple on mankind during t h e "Temples are the symbols of the reality
days of the greatest exposition ever known and divinity of God-the Collective Center
to man. of mankind. Consider how within a temple
every race and people is seen and repre-
To the Bahd'is the World's Fair means a sented; all in the presence of the Lord, cove-
century of spiritual progress as well as ma- nanting together in a covenant of love and
terial progress; to others it means material fellowship; all offering the same melody,
progress only. Bahi'is demo~~strated the prayer and supplication to God. Therefore
instruments of universal peaceremedies it is evident that the church is a collective
for all human ailments and problems, the center of mankind. For this reason thcrc
means for the establishment of Divine Civ- have been churches and temples in all the
ilization. Others demoi~strated the newest divine religions."
machines and most modern devices of in- At one time 'Abdu'l-Bahi impressed upon
dustry, agriculture and transportation. me the importance of building the Temple.
BahB'is attributed this century's miraculous I t was in the year 1920, in the city of
progress and achievements to no other rea- 'Akkl in the Holy Land, as we were passing
son than the coming of the Promised One in front of a very old church. He stopped
of all nations-the Glory of God, Bahi- suddcnly and pointing to it called my atren-
'u'116h. Others attributed success, discov- tion to the fact that were it not for that
eries, inventions and the advancement of little church not one of the followers of the
INSTITUTION OF THE
Christian Faith could be found or seen in essential spiritual elements of all religions
the city. No other power on earth than and all philosophies." Explaining further
this humble church could protect and unite he says: "Into this new design, then, of the
such a small community of Christians for Temple, is woven, in symbolic form, the
more than thirteen hundred years in a Mu- great BahCi teaching of unity-the unity
hammadan land under fanatic and despotic of all religions and of all mankind."
rulers. The BahCi Temple, so exquisite and per-
Another question con~monly asked was: fect in all the details of its conception and
"Why build such a costly building when the execution, so perfectly symbolic of unity,
huge sum of money now being spent on ~ t s is a most powerful influence in bringing the
ornamentation could be used for material people into a consciousness of the need of
benefits to mankind?" To this we reply world unity and of the vitalizing power of
that it is for the benefit of all mankind and the teachings of Bahi'u'llih. Shoghi Effendi
for nothing else that the Temple has been helps us to understand this when he says,
built in the utmost beauty. BahCu'llih has "it is assuredly upon the consciousness of
said: "0 Concourse of Creation! 0 Peo- the efficacy of the Revelation of Bahl'u'llhh,
ple! Construct homes (or Houses of Wor- reinforced on the one hand by spiritual
ship) in the most beautiful manner possible communion with His spirit, and on the
in every city, in every land, in the name of other by the intelligent application and the
the Lord of Religions. Then commemorate faithful execution of the laws He revealed,
thy Lord, the Merciful. . . . Verily by this that the salvation of a world in travail must
commemoration, the breasts shall be dilated, ultimately depend."
the eyes illuminated, the hearts gladdened."
Few people yet realize that the remedy "How is the building of the Temple
for this sick world must have a spiritual financed?" Many of the Fair visitors who
foundation. In speaking of the erection of went to Wilmette to see the BahCi Temple
this Temple 'Abdu'l-Bahi has said: "Its and attended the meetings, found to their
building is the most important of all things. amazement that there was no such thing
This is the spiritual foundation; for that as a money collection, returned to us with
reason it is the most important of all foun- this question, "Who pays for the building
dations; from that spiritual foundation will of the Temple and from where does the
come forth all manner of advancement and money come to run the affairs of the
progress in the world of humanity." Movement?"
Our answer is simply this: That the
This leads us to another question often BahCis throughout the world have the rep-
asked: "In what way does the Bahi'i Tem- utation of being a self-sacrificing people.
ple differ from other temples and churches, They do not ask material rewards for their
and bow can one expect more benefit from services rendered for the sake of God and
this one temple than from others?" Those humanity. They have no priesthood and
who give only a passing glance at the Tem- clergy to support. Therefore joyously and
ple may carelessly speak of the design as generously they are ready at all times to
oriental, but those who inspect it even contribute according to their best ability to
briefly see that the design is new and unique. carry on their transactions and support the
Indeed, according to the master minds of administration of the Cause.
world famed architects and engineers the "Truly I say," 'Ahdu'l-Bahi once wrote,
Bahl'i Temple is "the first new idea in "the friends of God (that is, the Bahh'is)
architecture since the thirteenth century." display wonderful generosity in regard to
The idea behind it and for which it stands the contributions for the Ma&riqu'l-A&kir
is equally new-the idea of the unity of (the Temple)." This spirit of sacrifice has
mankind and of the essential oneness of all been especially noteworthy among the
religions. In the words of the architect of friends in the Orient. I n regard to this
the Temple, the late Mr. Louis Bourgeois, 'Abdu'l-Bahh said, "Until this day an event
"the Bahi'i Movement is the fusing of the of this character has never transpired, that
408 THE B A H A ' ~WORLD

The Masbriqu'l-A&kir at 'Is_hqlbbd, Turkistin

from the East and Asia contributions were Soon after I saw the light through the dome
forwarded t o the West for the building of a of the Bahi'i 'Temple. Then I knew where
temple. Verily this is a cause of astonish- I was."
ment for the people of perception." One Sunday afterno00 a family of three
came from some distance to attend the
"Do the Bahi'is believe in Christ?" was Service in the Foundation Hall of the Tem-
another question asked many times. To ple. They had heard about the Temple and
those who are familiar with the Bahi'i wished to know for what it stood. After
Teachings this query seems strange indeed. the service they expressed their extreme
We assure all that the Bahi'is believe in happiness over what they had heard and
Christ and in all the divine Messengers of wished to come again as they had missed
God. "Bahb'u'llbh established Christ in the part of the talk. One of the group added
East," said 'Abdu'l-Bahl. "He has praised that he had been a seeker all his life and his
Christ, honored Christ, exalted Him, called soul was hungry for just such a message as
Him 'the Word of God,' 'the Spirit of God,' he had heard. The next Sunday they were
raised the name of Christ to supreme sum- present again and this same man publicly
mits of glorification. Throughout the Ori- announced, with sincere devotion and great
ent Bahi'is have illumined the lamp of happiness, his faith in the BahB'i Cause.
Christ and spread His mention." Since then the members of this family of
three have been rendering important serv-
Besides these and other questions which ices to the Cause.
were asked many interesting incidents oc- During the past sulnnler a gentleman
curred. One of the most striking was as from a distant city heard that "sun wor-
follows: One day a handsome young man shippers are building a temple at Wihette,
stopped and after gazing at the model his near Chicago!" When he &ally went to
face flushed, his eyes sparkled and with a Chicago, just for curiosity's sake, he went
voice itltense with emotion he said, "Do you to see the Temple. He was so impressed by
know that this Temple has saved my life! the Temple and the Bah6'i teachings that
You see I am a flier, and once while return- after further investigation he declared
ing to Chicago during a severely stormy himself a believer in the BahPi Revela-
night I was lost because nothing below was tion.
visible. I became desperate and prayed. In short, many are those who through
The Ma&riqu'l-A&kir a t Wilmette, Ill., U. S. A.
410 T H E BAHA'I WORLD

their visit to the Telnple are now studying commotion, what a spiritual attraction,
the Bahl'i teachings, wherein they have what a heavenly inspiration, what eternal
found their hopes and all their heart's de- bestowals are emanating from this sacred
sires. With the World's Fair in full sway sanctuary, this House of Worship, this
the rush of visitors and tourists may be Bahi'i Temple! Blessed are those who
compared t o the waves of the sea. What a know.

THE B A H A ' I TEMPLE-AN APPRECIATION
NEWCOMB
BY DR. REXFORD
Dealt of College of Fine and Applied Arts, University of Illinois
ARCHITECTURE is, and always has of human experience nine great doorways
been, an index to the life and thought of an which beckon men and women of every race
age or a race. Throughout history the aims, and clime, of every faith and conviction, of
the ambitions, the ideals of mankind have every condition of freedom or servitude to
been built into those structures which enter here into a recognirion of that kinship
man in his strength has reared to sym- and brotherhood without which the mod-
bolize his relationship to his fellow man ern world will be able to make little further
or his relationship t o what he considered progress.
God. Entering these portals, one comes pres-
Man is, and always has been, incurably ently into a great lofty central space, the
religious and prodigiously inventive. His aspiring structural lines of which, reaching
earliest monuments were shelters to shield from the lower planes of human relation-
his body from the elements, but almost as ship, as symbolized by the outlying wings
early came some sort of a sanctuary in the of the temple, gracefully, yet with assur-
sacred precincts of which he attempted ance, contrive to define the triumphantly
through certain rites of propitiation to make beautiful dome that crowns the struc
whatever contact he might with those un- tnre.
seen forces which he felt ruled and guided The dome, pointed in form, aiming as
his destinies. Thus the early house sym- assuredly as did the aspiring lines of the
bolized the brotherhood of man, the temple medieval cathedrals toward higher and bet-
the sonship of man t o whatever God may ter things, achieves not only through its
he. symbolism but also through its structural
I n the design of the Bah6'i Temple on the propriety and sheer loveliness of form, a
shores of Lake Michigan1 the late Louis beauty not matched by any domical struc-
Bourgeois, beloved of man generally and of ture since the construction of Michel-
artists and architects in particular, has con- angelo's dome on the Basilica of Saint Peter
ceived a temple which at once symbolizes in Rome.
the brotherhood of man and his kinship t o Thus this building points out through its
God. Framed of steel, the cot~structivema- symbolism that out of the yearnings, the
terial of modern architecture, but clothed hopes, the aspirations of man there comes
with a protective covering of concrete to the recognition of the essential oneness of
withstand the ravages of the elements, this mankind, the oneness of Godhead, and the
essential continuity and unity of all human
-
"Temple of Light" opens upon the terrain
W,Imette
1 near Chicago, 111. expcrience.
A TEMPLE OF UNIVERSAL RELIGION
BY D. M. NORTHCROFT
In The Inquirer, LIondon, Jan. 19, 1935
A L T H O U G H very little notice has been When the Temple is completed a series
taken of the event by the Press of this of buildings will be erected in the surround-
country, a significant epoch in the trend ing park, a hospital, an orphan asylum, a
towards Universalism in Religion took place hospice or house of hospitelity, a University,
in America early in 1930. etc., demonstrating that "religion is an atti-
This was the opening of the first Bahi'i tude towards God reflecred in life2'--only
Temple of Worship for all Religions, in the worship can be voiced in the Temple itself;
western world, the foundation of which but the results of such worship are t o be
was laid a few years ago by 'Abdu'l-Bahi, evidenced in the surrounding buildings
the interpreter and expounder of the Bahi'i where all activities of the community will
teachings t o the western race. meet in comradeship inspired by mutual
The Temple is situated in the city of counsel.
Wilmette, on the beautiful shores of Lake Entering one of the nine doors, the visitor
Michigan, a short distance from Chicago. I t passes through a hall-way into the central
is a noble edifice and original in form. . . . dome-shaped auditorium, capable of seating
The Temple ctands 1 8 6 feet high, and is about 700 people. Looking upward towards
composed of a steel, reinforced concrete and the dome, two galleries, one above the other,
glass framework, over which is a lacelike are visible. Above the second (or singers')
design, sculptured from quartz stone, mixed gallery is a nineteen foot clerestory, from
from a medium of white cement. The re- which springs the dome.
sult is a surface harder and more enduring O u t of the main hall open radially (sepa-
than rock, and at the same time carrying an rated by the hall-ways) nine smaller rooms,
intricate design as delicate as lace. comparable to chapels in a cathedral, and
The glass roof ond sides protect the in- able to hold about 100 people in each.
terior from the wearher, and the light enters I n the geometric forms with which the
through the open design of the ornamenta- interior of the Temple is decorated, all the
tion. When flood-lit and viewed from an religious symbols of the world are repre-
aeroplane at night the Temple appears as a sented-the five-pointed star embodying the
gigantic nine-pointed star. Man Saviour (Christ, Buddha, Muhammad),
Nine is the number of perfection and the Greek and Roman crosses, the swastika
the basic principle of Unity, the keynote of cross, the circle, the triangle, and the double
the Bahi'i teachings, consequently the Tem- triangle or six-pointed star, and supreme
ple is a nine-sided building standing in nine over all and constantly recurring through
acres of parlr land, planted with trees and the schelne of decoration, the great nine-
flowers. Each of the nine sides of the Tem- pointed star, emblem of the unification of
ple is in the form of a circular arc, with a all religions.
large doorway in the centre, the whole edi- This beautiful and impressive building is
fice giving the appearance of extending wel- a universal house of worship built by the
coming arms t o worshippers of all nations Bahl'is of the United States of Canada,
approaching from every direction. with the help of Bahh'is from practically
Surely the nine entrances symbolize the every race and nation in the world. The
various pathways by which man travels in Temple will be open t o people of all reli-
his search after Truth, but which can all gions, sects and races, and is dedicated t o
converge in the Universal Focal Point. the Oneness of God and the oneness of man-
Interior Ornamentation of the Mas_hriqu'l-A@lr at 'Ishqibid, Turkisthn.

Exterior Ornamentation of the Mas_hriqu'l-A&kBr at Wilmette, Ill., U. S. A

INSTITUTION OF T H E M A E R I Q U ' L - A D H K A R 413

kind, the union of science and religion, to per entering the Temple will hear only the
universal education and the fundamental words of Bahi'u'llih chanted or read. There
unlty of religions. will be no sermons and no ritual.
Its essential purpose is to provide a A wonderful prophecy concerning the
community meeting-place for all who are future of Religion was made by the son of
seeking to worship God, and achieves this Bahi'u'llih, 'Abdu'l-Bah6, when he laid the
purpose by interposing no man-made veils foundation stone of this Temple: "The ages
between the worshipper and the Supreme. of darkness have passed away and the Cen-
Thus, the central hall is freely open to peo- tury of Light has arrived. The differences
ple of all Faiths on equal terms, expressing which exist among the nations and the peo-
in this the universality of Bah6'u'116h, the ples are soon to pass away, and the funda-
Founder of the BahCi faith, who affirmed mentals of the divine religions, which are
the fundamental oneness of all the prophets. no other than the solidarity and the oneness
Since there are to be no priests the worship- of the human race, are to be established."

"CONCRETE FULFILLS A PROMISE"
BY JOHN J. EARLEY,ARCHITECTURAL
SCULPTOR

Published in a 1934 issue of "Architectural Concrete"
A T the same time that the building for When concrete is rationally and skillfully
the Department of Justice was being done used, there can he no doubt of its economy.
in our Washington studio, the great dome Economy is of the nature of concrete. I t
of the Baha'i Temple at Wilmette, Ill., was is a plastic material and the principle is gen-
being done in our Rosslyn plant. This tem- erally recognized that it takes less force, less
ple, designed by Louis Bourgeois, was in- work, less money or whatever term you
tended by him to be the symbol of a new will, to form a plastic than to form a solid
religion founded in Persia some seventy years material.
ago. Mr. Bourgeois wished to design a tem- A plastic material requires a mold to give
ple as new in form and treatment as the it form. This mold or form is the great
religion that it symbolized. He did not test of ingenuity of the craftsman in the
wish it to be reminiscent of other styles of use of concrete. About a business genera-
architecture associated with other and older tion ago, a few engineers designed struc-
faiths. tural elements which could be duplicated in
He designed a nine-sided temple with a the same form. This permitted one set of
perforated dome, as intricate in design and forms to be used for several stories of con-
as delicate in execution as a piece of lace. struction, and it effected an economy that
In doing this, he called for the skill of gave a real impetus to the use of concrete
the best craftsmen and for a material of in industrial buildings. Now we are in an-
marvelous flexibility. This dome is now other period, and again the practice of a
completed; why concrete was used and few shows the -way t o methods that will
how it was used is a story in itself. Suffict in turn become general practice. Further
it to say here that the dome was executed economy in forming has been effected by
beautifully and faithfully with architec- using plastic materials for the forms them-
tural concrete and with economy pos- selves and by the still more radical departure
sible only through the use of a plastic of omitting the forms. Let me emphasize
material. the fact that such methods of forming are
414 THE BAHA'i WORLD
not just something to be discussed, nor of this structure were made of plaster of
something to be desired, nor something to paris, or calcined gypsum, a plastic material
be expected in the future; on the contrary, which by proper technique could be made
they are an accomplished fact. to meet all the requirements of such a
In the Department of Justice building complicated design. They were made with
the concrete finish rompvised the forms in economy, with a minimum of labor, and
zuhdch the structural beams and slabs of the were maintained in such good working con-
ceiling were placed. I n this way the finish dition that all necessary duplication for the
for the structure was the form for the construction of the dome was made in one
structure and was thereby integrally incor- set of forms.
porated in it. Remember, this is not theory, In closing, permit me to state that in
but practice. presenting this thesis I have been uncon-
For the dome of the Bahi'i Temple, the scious of any effort to appeal to emotion.
problem was to build an intricate, lace-like I have, on the contrary, endeavored to pre-
design in concrete. The forming of such a sent simple facts and examples to show that
structure with wood or similar materials concrete is beautiful, that beautiful con-
would have placed on concrete a handicap crete is economical and that it is an archi-
of cost such as in all probability it would tectural material. Finally, I have stated
never have been able to carry. The molds that such an architectural material should

Airplane View of Ma&riqu'l-A&kir at Wimette, Ill., U. S. A.
416 THE BAHb'f WORLD

be in the hands of all architects because Bahd'i Temple, symbol of n new religion,
with concrete they may bring into reality is crowned w i t h a concrete dome as intricate
ideas and dreams that have wanted only the in design, as beautiful as fine lace. Louis
proper medium in which to execute them. Jean Bourgeois, Architect.
BAHAI CALENDAR AND
FESTIVALS
FOREWORD

From Bahri'u'lldh and the New Era
A M O N G different peoples and at differ- t o adjust the calendar to the solar year. The
ent times many different methods have been Bib named the months after the attributes
adopted for the measurement of time and of God. The Bahi'i New Year, like the
fixing of dates, and several different calen- ancient Persian New Year, is astronomically
dars are still in daily use, e.g., the Gregorian fixed, commencing a t the March equinox
in Western Europe, the Julian in many (March 21st), and the Bahh'i era com-
countries of Eastern Europe, the Hebrew mences with the year of the Bib's declara-
among the Jews, and the Muhammadan in tion (i. e., 1844 A.D., 1260 A.H.).
Muslim countries. I n the not far distant future it will be
The Bib signalized the importance of necessary that all peoples in the world agree
the dispensation which H e came to herald, on a common calendar.
by inaugurating a new calendar. I n this, I t seems, therefore, fitting that the new
as in the Gregorian Calendar, the lunar age of unity should have a new calendar
month is abandoned and the solar year is free from the objections and associations
adopted. which make each of the older calendars un-
The Bahh'i year consists of 19 months of acceptable t o large sections of the world's
19 days each (i.e., 361 days), with the ad- population, and it is diacult to see how any
dition of certain "intercalary daysm (four in other arrangement could exceed in simplic-
ordinary and five in leap years) between the ity and convenience that proposed by the
eighteenth and nineteenth months in order Bib.

BAHA'I FEASTS, ANNIVERSARIES
A N D DAYS O F FASTING
Feast of Ridvin (Declaration of Bahh'u'llih), April 21-May 2, 1863.
Feast of Naw-Ruz (New Year), March 21.
Declaration of the Bib, May 23, 1844.
The Day of the Covenant, November 26.
Birth of Bahi'u'llih, November 12, 18 17.
Birth of the Bib, October 20, 1819.
Birth of 'Ahdu'l-Bah6, May 23, 1844.
Ascension of Bahi'u'llih, May 29, 1892.
Martyrdom of the Bib, July 9, 1810.
Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Bahb, November 28, 1921.
Pasting season lasts 19 days beginiling with the first day of the month of 'A16,
March 2-the feast of Naw-Rliz follows immediately after.
BAHA'I HOLY DAYS ON W H I C H WORK
S H O U L D BE S U S P E N D E D
The first day of Ridvhn,
The ninth day of Ridvin,
The twelfth day of Ridvin,
The anniversary of the declaration of the Bib,
The anniversary of the birth of Bahi'u'llih,
The anniversary of the birth of the Bib,
The anniversary of the ascension of Bahi'u'llih,
The anniversary of the martyrdom of the Bib,
The Feast of Naw-R6z.
NOTE: Xbdu'l-Bahi, in one of His Tablets addressed t o a believer of Nayriz, frin, has
written the following: "Nine days in the year have been appointed on which
work is forbidden. Some of these days have been specifically mentioned in the
Book. The rest follows as corollaries to the Text. ... Work on the Day of
the Covenant (F&te Day of 'Abdu'l-Bahi), however, is not prohibited. Cele-
bration of that day is left to the discretion of the friends. Its observation is
not obligatory. The days pertaining to the Abhi Beauty (Bahi'u'llih) and
the Primal Point (the Bib), that is t o say these nine days, are the only ones
on which work connected with trade, commerce, industry and agriculture is
not allowed. I n like manner, work connected with any form of employment,
whether governmental or otherwise, should bc suspended."

As a corollary of this Tablet it follows that the anniversaries of the birth and
ascension of 'Abdu'l-Bahi are not to be regarded as days on which work is
prohibited. The celebration of these two days, however, is obligatory.

Bahi'is in East and West, holding admiuistrative positions, whether or
private, should exert the utmost effort t o obtain special leave from their
superiors to enable them to observe these nine holy days.

A D D I T I O N A L M A T E R I A L G L E A N E D FROM
NABiL'S NARRATIVE (VOL. 11), REGARD-
I N G T H E B A H A ' ~C A L E N D A R
T H E Bad? Calendar (Bahi'i Calendar) the Bib took place on the evening preceding
has been taken by me from the "Kitdb-i- the fifth day of Jamidiyu'l-Avval, of the
ArmP," one of the works written by the year 1260 A.H. I t has been ordained that
Bib. As I have observed in these days that the solar calendar be followed, and that the
certain believers are inclined to regzrd the vernal Equinox, the day of Naw-Rliz, be
year in which Bahi'u'llih departed from regarded as the New Year's Day of the
B a a d h d to Constantinople as marking the Badi' Calendar. The year sixty, in which
beginning of the Badi' Calendar, I have re- the fifth day of Jamidiyu'l-Avval coin-
quested Mirzi A q i Jin, the amanuensis of cided with the sixty-fifth day after Naw-
Bahi'u'llih, to ascertain His will and desire Ruz, has accordingly been regarded as the
concerning this matter. Bahi'u'llhh an- first year of the Badi' Calendar. As in that
swered and said: 'The year sixty A.H. year, the day of Naw-Rhz, the vernal Equi-
(1844 A.D.), the year o i the Declaration of uox, preceded by sixty-six days the date of
the Bib, must he regarded as the beginning the Declaration of the Bib, I have therefore,
of the Badi' Calendar.' The Declaration of throughout my history, regarded the Naw-
420 THE B A H A ' ~WORLD

R r i ~01 the year sky-one A.H. (the Naw- of Malik, in that city, IIe comn~andedme
Rbz immediately following the Declaration to transcribe the text of the Badi' Calendar
of the Bib) as the first Naw-Ruz of the and to instruct the believers in its details.
Badi' Calendar. I have accordingly consid- O n the very day in which I received His
ered the Naw-Rbz of this present year, the command, I composed, in verse and prose,
year 1306 A.H., which is the 47th solar year an exposition of the main features of that
after the Declaration of the Bib, as the Calendar and presented it to Him. The
46th Naw-R6z of the Badi' Calendar. versified copy, being now unavailable, I am
Soon after Baha'u'll6h had left the fort- herein transcribing the version in prose.
ress of 'Akki and was dwelling in the house The days of the week are named as follows:

Days Arabic Name English Name Translation
1st Jalkl Saturday Glory
2nd Jamil Sunday Beauty
3 rd Kan161 Monday Perfection
4th Fid61 Tuesday Grace
rth 'Id61 Wednesday Justice
6th Istijlil Thursday Majesty
7th Istiqlil Friday Independence

The names of the months, which are the same as the days of each month, are as
follows:
Month Ambit Nnnze Translatioiz First Days
1st Bahi Splendor March 21st
2nd Jalil Glory April 9th
3rd Jamil Beauty April 28 t h
4th 'A~amat Grandeur May 17th
5th N6r Light June 5th
6th Rahmat Mercy June 24th
7th Kalimit Words July 13th
sth Kamil Perfection August 1st
9th Asmi' Names August 20th
10th 'Irzat Might September 8th
11th Ma&iyyat Will September 27th
12th 'Ilm Knowledge October 16th
13th Qudrat Power November 4th
14th Qawl Speech November 23rd
15th Masi'il Questions December 12th
16th Saraf Honor December 3 1st
17th Sulfin Sovereignty January 19th
18th Mulk Dominion February 7th
19th 'A16' Loftiness March 2nd

Ayyim-i-Hi (Intercalary Days) February 26th to March 1st inclusive-
four in ordinary and five in leap years.
The first day of each month is thus the days. He has named the New Year's Day,
day of Bahi, and the last day of each month which is the Day of Naw-Rbz, the day of
the day of 'Ali'. Bah6, of the month of Bah6. He has or-
The Bib has regarded the solar year, of dained the month of 'Alh' to be the month
365 days, 5 hours, and fifty odd minutes, of fasting, and has decreed that the day of
as consisting of 19 months of 19 days each, Naw-R6z should mark the termination of
with the addition of certain intercalarp that period. As the Bib did not specifically
R A N D FESTIVALS

dcfi~trl l ~ r lor ~ l r clour days ancl the 1. AliI A.
fraction of a day in the Badi' Calendar, the 2. B6' B.
people of the Baydlz were at a loss as t o how 3. Ab Father.
they should regard them. The revelation 4. D61 D.
of the Kitdb-i-Aqda.7 in the city of 'Akk6 I . Bib Gate.
resolved this problem and settled the issue. 6. V6v V.
Bahfi'llbh designated those days as the 7. Abad Eternity.
"Ayyim-i-Hi" and ordained that they 8 . J6d Generosity.
should immediately precede the non nth of 9 . Bah6 Splendor.
'Ali', which is the month of fasting. H e 1 0 . Hubb Love.
enjoined upon His followers to devote these 1 1 . Bahhij Delightful.
days to feasting, rejoicing, and charity. 12. Javib Answer.
Immediately upon the termination of these 13. Al?ad Single.
intercalary days, Bahi'u'116h ordained the 14. Vahh6h Bountiful.
month of fasting to begin. I have heard it 1 5. Vidid Affection.
stated that some of the people of the Baydn, 16. Badi Beginning.
the followers of Mirzi Yahyi, have re- 17. Bahi Luminous.
garded these intercalary days as coming im- 18. Ahhd Most Luminous,
mediately after the month of 'Alk', thus 19. Vbhid Unity.
terminating their fast five days before the
day of Naw-RGz. This, notwithstanding Each cycle of nineteen years is called
the explicit text of the Bajidtz which states Vihid. Nineteen cycles constitute a period
that the day of Naw-Ruz must needs be the called Kull-i-say'. The numerical value
first day of the mouth of Babi, and must of the word "Vihid" is nineteen, that of
follow immediately after the last day of the "Kull-i-&ay"' is 361. "Vlhid" signifies
month of 'A16'. Others, aware of this con- unity, and is symbolic of the unity of God.
tradiction, have started their fasting on the The B i b has, moreover, stated that this
fifth day of the month of 'All', and in- system of His is dependent upon the ac-
cluded the iotercalary days within the pe- ceptance and good-pleasure of "Him Whom
riod of fasting. God shall make manifest." One word
Every fourth year the number of the from Him would suffice either to establish
intercalary days is raised from four to five. it for all time, or t o annul i t forever.
The day of Naw-RGz falls on the 21st of For instance, the date of the 21st of
March only if the vernal Equinox precedes April, 1930, which is the first day of
the setting of the sun on that day. Should Ridvin, and which according to the Kitdb-
the vernal Equinox take place after sunset, i-Aqdas must coincide with the "thirteenth
Naw-RGz will have t o be celebrated on the day of the second Bahl'i month," and
following day. which fell this year ( 1 9 3 0 ) o n Monday,
The Bib has, moreover, in His writings, would, according to the system of the
revealed in the Arabic tongue, divided the Badi' Calendar, he described as follows:
years following the date of His Revelation, "The day of Kam61, the day of Qudrat,
into cycles of nineteen years each. The of the month of Jalbl, of the year Bahhij,
names of the years in each cycle al-e as of the fifth Vnhid, of the first Kull-i-
follows: &ay'."
HISTORICAL DATA GLEANED FROM NABiL'S
NARRATIVE (VOL. 11) REGARDING
BAHA'U'LLAI-~
Works Revealed Houses Occupied
During This During This
Period Period
arrival latter part JamIdiyu'&- Qullu't-Ta'im House of H i j i 'Ali-
n 6 n i , 1269 A.H. Madad
March 12-April 10, 1813 A.D. (in old B a d d i d )

departure for Sulayminiyyih on House of Sulaymin-i-
Wednesday, April 10, 1854 A.D.- G_hannIm
Rajab 12, 1270 A.H.

,
B. SULAYMAN~YYIH Prayers
Before reaching zulaymlniyyih, H e
lived for a time on the Sar-Gal6
mountain.
During His absence from Ba&dld, Saqiyas-Ehayb-i-
His family transferred their resi- Bqi
dence from House of H i j i 'Ali-
Madad to that of Sulaymin-i-
Ghannim.
Nabil arrived at B a d d i d 6 months
after Bahl'u'lllh's departure for
Solaymlniyyih.
Tafsir-i-Hur6f 6t-i-
C . BACSD~D Muqa~ta'ih
arrived from SulaymIniyyih on Sal?ifiy-i-Sattiyyih
Wednesday, March 19, 1816 A.D.- Haft-V6di
Rajab 12, 1272 A.H. (Seven Valleys)
Tafsir-i-H&
Lawh-i-Huriyyih
Kitib-i-fqin
Kalimit-i-Maknhih
(Hidden Words)
departure from Mazra'iy-i-Va&- Subhina-Rabbiya'l-
&6&: Thursday, March 26, 1863 A'16
A.D.-S_havvII 1, 1279 A.H. S_hikkar-Sikan-
Tablet of the Holy Mariner revealed Savand
while in the Mazra'iy-i-Vash&6s_h. HSr-i-'Uj6b
Halih-Halih-Yi
Bi&lrat
G_hulimu'l-chuld
Az-Bid-i-Ilihi

departure from B a d d i d for Con- Bizivu-Bidih-Jlmi
stantinople, Wednesday afternoon
(first day of Ridvln), April 22,
1863 A.D.-D_hYI-Qa'dih 3 , 1279
A.H. 1
BAHA'I CALENDAR A N D FESTIVALS 423

Works Revealed Houses Occupied
C . BAGHDAD-continued During This During This.
Period Period
S6riy-i-Sabr revealed on first day of Mallihu'l-Quds
Ridvin. (Holy Mariner)
arrival at Garden of Najibiyyih
(Garden of Ridvin), April 22,
1863 A.D.-Rhi'l-Qa'dih 3 , 1279
A.H.
arrival of Bahi'u'll6h's Family at
Garden of Ridvin on eighth day
after first of Ridvin.
departure from Garden of Ridvin
for Constantinople last day of
Ridvin, at noon on Sunday, May
3, 1 8 6 3 A.D.-D&il-Qa'dih 14,
1279 A.H.
length of overland journey from
Garden of Ridvin t o Samsun on
Black Sea: 110 days.

Firayjit, (arrival early afternoon- Mirdin,
stayed seven days) arrived on Sun- Diyir-Bakr,
day, May 3 , 1 8 6 3 A.D.-xhi'l- Ma'dan-Mis,
Qa'dih 14, 1279 A.13. (Firayjit Khirput, (stayed 2 or 3 days)
is about 3 miles distant from Ma'dan-Nuqrih,
Baddid) Dilik-T&&,
Jidaydih, Sivis,
Dili-'ALhis, Thqit,
Qarih-Tapih, Amasia, (stayed 2 days)
Salihiyyih, (stayed two nights) 116hiyyih, (while approaching S6m-
DGst-Lhhunnitri, sun, "Lawh-i-Hawdaj" was re-
Tdwuq, vealed), (last day of overland
Karkhk, (stayed two days) journey)
Irbil, Simsun, (stayed 7 days) Black Sea
Z6b River, port. Sailed in a Turkish steamer
Bartallih, about sunset for Constantinople
Mosul, (stayed 3 days) Sinope, (arrived next day about
Zikhil, noon) Black Sea port. Stayed few
Jazirih, hours
Nisibin, Anyibuli, (arrived next day).
Hasan-bql,
424 T H E BAHA'I WORLD

Works Revealed Dur- Houses Occupied Dur-
D. CONSTANTINOPLE ing This Period ing This Period Duration
arrival at noon on Subhhnika-Y6-HG House of S_hamsi Big 1 month
Sunday, August 16, Lawh-i-'Ahdu'l-'Aziz (2-story, near Khir-
1863 A.D. Va-Vukali gih Sarif Mosque)
Rabi'u'l-Avval 1,
1280 A.H.
Lenith of sea voyage House of Visi Pl&6 3 months
from SImsirn to (3-story, near Sul-
Constantinople 3 fln M u h a m m a d
days. Mosque)
Length of journey
from Constintinople
to Adrianople 12
days.
--
I. Kir&ik-C_hakma&il~ (3 hours from Constantinople-spent one night)
2. BuyGk-C_hakma&ih (arrived about noon)
3 . Salvari 4. Birkbs ?. Bbbi-iski

Works Revealed Dur- Houses Occupied Dur-
E. ADRIANOPLE ing This Period ing This Period Duration
arrival on Saturday, SGriy-i-AshLb 1 . Gin-i-'Arlb 3 nights
December 12, 1863 (caravanserai, two-
A.D.-Rajab 1 , 1280 story, near house
A.H. Lawh-i-Hajj I of 'Izzat-Aga)
Length of stay: 4
years, 8 months, 2 2
<< <t c<
days. I1
Length of overland Kitlb-i-Badi' 2. House in Muidiyyih 1 week
journey from Con- Sbriy-i-Muluk quarter, near Tak-
stantinople to Adri- (Tablet of the yiy-i-Mawlavi
anople: 12 days. Kings)
Departure from Adri- 3. House in Murldiyyih 6 months
anople on Wednes- SGriy-i-Amr quarter, near house
day, August 12, SGriy-i-Damm 2
1868 A.D.-Rahi- Alvbh-i-Laylatu'l- 4. Khlniy-i-Amru'llbh
' ~ ' 6T -h i n i 22, Quds (several stories,
1 2 8 1 A.H. Munbjithly Siylm near Sultan-Salim
(Prayers for Fast- Mosque)

Lawb-I-Sayyih I. House of Rid6 Big 1 year
L a ~ h - i - N 6 ~ u l ~ G In 6 . House of Amru'llhh 3 months?
(First Tablet to (3 -story. North
Napoleon 111) -
of Sultan Salim
Mosque)
Lawh-i-Sulyln 7. House of 'Izzat- 11 months
(Tablet to the &6h Aqd
of Persia)
Lawh-i-Nuqtih
1. Uzlin-Kupri
2. Kahinih, (arrived about noon. Lawh-i-Ra'is (Tablet of Ra'is) was revealed
in this place)
(length of journey from Adrianople to Gallipoli about 4 days)
3. Gallipoli
(after a few days' stay sailed before noon in Austrian steamer for
Alexandria, Egypt)
4. Madelli, (arrived about sunset-left at night)
I. Smyrna, (stayed 2 days, left a t night)
6 . Alexandria, (arrived in the morning, transshipped and left at night for Haifa)
7. Port Said, (arrived morning, left the same day at night)
8. Jaffa, (left at midnight)
9. Haifa (arrived in the morning, landed and after a few hours left on a sailing
vessel for 'Aliki)

arrival on Monday,
Kit6b-i-Aqdas
Works Revealed Dur- Houses Occupied Dur-
ing This Period
I
ing This Period
1. Barracks
Duration
2 years, 2
August 31, A.D. Lawh-i-Nhpulyfin I1 months,
1868-Jamhdiyu'l- (Second Tablet a 5 days
Avval 12, 1281 Napoleon 111)
A.H. Lawh-i-Malilrib 2. House of Malik 3 months
(Tablet to Queen 3. House of Rbbi'ih
Victoria)
Purest Branch dicd on Lawh-i-Malik-i - RG! 4. House of Mansur 2 or 3
Thursday, June 23, ( T a b 1 e t to the months
1870 A.D.-RabiC- Czar)
u'l-Avval 23, 1287 Suriy-i-Haykal I . House of 'Abbud
A.H. Lawh-i-Burhin (where Kitlh-i-
Lawh-i-Ru'yi Aqdas was re-
Lawh-i-I&-i-D_h?h vealed)
(Epistle to Son of 6 . Mazra'ih
the Wolf)
Passed away May 29, Lawh-i-Pip 7. Qasr
1892 A.D. ( T a b l e t to the (Mansion, where
Pope) He passed away)
YOUTH ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT
T H E BAHA'I WORLD
B A H ~ Y' O~ U T H
AIZEstimate and Survey of Ii~ternationalEve~zts
1934 t o 1936

BY MARIONHOLLEY
T O D A Y it is no longer necessary to de- stale, a sterile period; yet may it not be the
fine the world's condition. The pressure of propitious moment for deliverance-for the
years, now almost seven, of steady social challenge of this extreme futility by a
disintegration accompanying and feeding sound and vital program?
upon our economic chaos, has weighed upon Three years ago in the summer of 1933,
the native optimism of us all, until in the National Spiritual Assembly of the
honest dismay we have come to admit a Bahi'is of the United States and Canada
predicament. The privileges which seemed appointed a Youth Committee which, in an
o u r f n r the taking have vanished; neither advisory capacity, was t o aid in the spread
desire nor urgent need seem likely to re- and consolidation of the Bahi'i Faith among
store them. The universe, once so friendly, young people. The scope of its work as
evinces a marked disinterest in our affairs, later defined by Shoghi Effendi, Guardian
ignores our suggestions, proceeds calmly to of the Cause, was extended to the inter-
its own destiny while we writhe in oars. national field, for he wrote: "You should
Clearly, human society has an existence not confine your activities to the national
of its own, a power of choice apart from sphere but should strive to create under the
the necessity of nature which, underesti- supervision of 'your National Spiritual
mated and abused, has attained sudden Assembly an international body of active
prominence by leading us into our present young Bah6'i men and women who, con-
unhappy state. I n an environment poten- scious of their manifold and sacred responsi-
tially adequate, with unique equipment of bilities, will unanimously arise t o spread the
intellect and energy, we of the human race Holy Word." (August, 1 9 3 3 )
are nevertheless free t o starve, kill, and mis- This Committee, in its first general letter,
use our fellows and ourselves. I t is a named the dynamic which has motivated
situation we should brand as improbable each subsequent act, that stirring ideal of
except that it surrounds us. world change which Bahi'u'llib, the Mani-
In this confusion of 1936, all are victims festation of the power and authority of
alike, for the disruption and perversion of God, released to reshape and renew our
social institutions proceeds as virulently in troubled society. "The world's equilib-
Europe as in America, in Asia, Africa, and rium," BahPu'llhh affirmed, "hath been
in most of the countries of the world. upset through the vibrating influence of
Scarcely a single constructive idea stands this most great, this new World Order.
out against the prevailing drift. Young Mankind's ordered life hath been revolu-
people, who are not historically patient, tionized through the agency of this unique,
seem at as great a loss as their elders for an this wondrous System-the like of which
impulse toward the proper action. I t is a mortal eyes have never witnessed."
Y O U T H ACTIVITIES T H R O U G H O U T T H E BAHA'I WORLD 427
Tu thr buyport o l this s t a r ~ l i r challerlge
l~ in particular stand out as measures of youth
,-for Bahi'u'llih's enunciation constitutes work, and in these past two years every
a mighty claim-the Youth Committee effort has been thwarted or confirmed ac-
called its contemporaries. "We have grown cording t o its conformity with them.
firmly convinced that our destiny is indeed The first standard imposed by Bah6'u'llah
t o live in the construction of a new world was that of character. "Whoso ariseth
order, an order which must rise from and among yon to teach the Cause of his Lord,
displace this helpless and decadent civiliza- let him, before all else, teach his own self,
tion. . . . Surely none of us would now that his speech may attract the hearts of
deny that i t is the task of this generation, them that hear him." The transformation
of this BahCi generation, to build the of one's own life and the expression in deeds
framework for that wonderful conception." of that faith which is verbally professed is
(Bahl'i News, November, 1933 .) the primary obligation of every Bahi'i. I n
The record of the response from Baha'i 1934, Shoghi Effendi addressed the youth
youth will form the substance of this conference at Louhelen in these words: "A
survey. Because of the shortness of time tremendous responsibility has been laid upon
since 1933, and the barriers of language and you, and nothing short of a pure, a virtu-
space which still intervene between Ameri- oui, an active and truly exemplary life can
can youth and international groups, the enable you t o fulfill your high destiny."
record is incomplete. O n the other hand, This goal, so difficult of attainment, so
the diverse activities of young Bahi'is alien to the prevailing customs and habits
throughout the world cannot be attributed of society, was at first neglected by Bahi'i
t o the efforts of one committee. The an- youth. Perhaps it is fairer t o say that i t
nouncement, be it remembered, was Bahi- was overloolced, in their eagerness to win
'u'lldh's and it has roused not only His the attention and cnmradeship of other
immediate followers, but all those who are young people. Some felt even a certain
contributing in any way to the unfoldment shyness at the thought of creating a sense
of this destined plan. of difference.
Today, however, that hesitance has passed
BAHA'f STANDARDS AFFECTING and in its place is a growing sentiment in
YOUTH favor of frank, unqualified faithfulness t o
The process of growth in the Bahi'i com- the ideals of BahCi conduct. Bah6'u'lIih
munity presents an interesting study, for it forbade the use of intoxicants and 'Abdu'l-
assumes characteristic patterns and develops Bah6 recommended the renouncing of
through phases of vitality which are orig- tobacco. More important, the virtues of
inal, demanding, but absolutely necessary. honesty, courtesy, justice, dignity, toler-
There are periods in the process which, to ance, and kindliness were enjoined. I n a
o~ltwardseeming, are unproductive; yet in tablet t o an American believer, 'Abdu'l-
these times certain ideals are implanted Bahi emphasized the importance of chastity,
which nourish the whole action that is to "because in the ocean of divine knowledge
follow. There are insistent patterns which one particle of chastity is greater than ten
appear to limit and constrict growth; yet thousand years of adoration." And always
ultimately these form a solid base from hc spokc of that greatest characteristic, love,
which the community rises t o unforeseen the crown of human perfection. "The
achievement. first bounty from the True One is love,
That Bah6'i youth are subject to the unity and harmony," he said, "and without
same conditions which govern the Bahi'i these all the deeds pass in vain and give no
community was one of the first discoveries result."
of local youth committees. I t was soon A g r a d u ~ lawakening to the profound im-
found that neither efficient nor ingenious port of these instructions of the Manifesta-
plans for organization and teaching can tion is the most significant present trend
ensure group success, apart from adherence among young BahCis. I n articles for the
t o the will of Bah6'u'Ilih. Two standards bulletin Bahd'i Youth, in letters, in discus-
428 T H E BAHA'I WORLD

sion groups and on the public platform, a r u d y i ~ l ~hem and no inlitation can assist
these ideals are being stressed and this fact in a solution. Rather what is demanded of
will surely hasten the day when "the Bahl'i young Bahl'is is a fresh imagination, a pro-
youth of America,'' in fulfillment of the found and mature originality, that they
National Assembly's urgent hope, "can be may conceive a new relationship for youth
a source of inspiration to the numberless and age, and create, by identifying their
young people who are groping for a light aims with the larger ideals of the com-
in the darkness of the present chaos, and munity, a new integration. Thus their
seeking a sure foundation upon which to work will advance, not retard, the develop-
build their lives." (Letter to the Youth ment of an original society-Bahi'u'llhh's
Committee, November 5, 193 5 . ) conception of an organic, all-embracing,
The second standard set forth by Bah6- world community.
'u'llah was unity. "In this wondrous Revel- Local groups have approached this prob-
ation, this glorious century, the foundation lem in various ways, sometimes failing al-
of the Faith of God and the distinguishing together, their expansion undoubtedly de-
feature of His Law is the consciousness of layed; yet one cannot study their efforts
the Oneness of Mankind." This principle without gaining confidence that finer rela-
extends into every aspect of society, uniting tions are being continuously established as
in a common destiny every class, race, reli- each group strives toward a fuller consulta-
gion, nation and temperament. I t is the tion and more steadfast individual service
basis for the new institutional life of man under the leadership of its local Spiritual
and it determines the form into which all Assemblv.
institutions must develop. Yet at the time
of the appointment of the Youth Commit- A N ASSEMBLY OF YOUNG PEOPLE
tee, no one suspected its chief p~oblerns The spirit of the Bahi'i Faith has,
would be contributed by the operations of throughout its history, exerted a special at-
this standard. 'Abdu'l-Bah6 had written traction over young people. In Nabil's
that "universality is of God and all limita- great narrative of the early days of the
tions earthly." No one associated this movement, The Dawn-Breakers, although
divine principle with the mechanics of a no emphasis is laid upon youth, it is evi-
youth movement. dent upon every page that the first follow-
I n a sense the establishment of youth ers of the Bib, most of whom sealed their
groups in the midst of Bahi'i community sincerity with martyrdom, were men under
life is incongruous. The rivalry of youth thirty. The B6b Himself, described as a
with age has enjoyed a long history and a "Youth of radiant countenance," was but
peculiarly sterile one; it was not the intent twenty-five when He announced His mis-
of the National Assembly to perpetuate it. sion. Nor is i t unusual that His Cause
~ d m eemphasis of teaching work among should have found its chief champions among
young people was required, however, to- younger people, for the message of the Bab
gether with a more consistent effort to shattered traditions, evoked a deep idealism,
initiate Bah6'i youth into community re- and required daring for its spread.
sponsibility. So the Youth Committee was Each of the Founders of the Faith was
created, but its energies for several months supported by 2 group of persons whose lives,
were diverted by an attempt first to define activities, and ambitions were centered in
and later to abolish a conception of age the Prophet's will. The Bib, in six brief
limit. Although that struggle is now past, years, created His heralds and sent them
the necessity for constant interpretation of forth to rouse frln. By 1 8 5 2 , they had ac-
function and adjustment remains. complished their destiny and joined their
For the problem which confronts Bahl'i Master. (He was martyred in 1 8 5 0 . ) The
youth is one unknown t o other youth or- generation of believers in the Manifestation
ganizations. The methods which bring suc- of Bahb'u'lllh formed another group who,
cess to these groups betray our deepest pur- for half a century, labored to establish His
poses. No pidance can be obtained by Cause. When in 1892, Bah6'u'llih passed
YOUTH ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT T H E BAHA'I: WORLD 429

on, His work was cantinucd by 'Abdu'l- lievers to eighteen. God is good, and
Bahl; it was the latter's special privilege to BahL'n'116h lives, today and always!"
extend the influence of the Bah6'i Faith into In Flint the exhilaration which is felt in
the western world. In France, Germany, those words has been translated into thrill-
England, and in America the news of this ing motion. A dozen plans of teaching are
personage spread, exciting a great enthusi- used; there are afternoon and evening study
asm in the hearts of innumerable men and classes; each week at least one open discus-
women. These, too, were often young; to- sion is scheduled "where anyone is welcome
day they continue to breathe into the local to give his viewpoint in exchange for ours";
Assemblies a sense of the greatness of the On Saturday night the community joins in
Cause, teaching by their example that de- recreation; nationally known teachers are
votion and reverence, that patient service invited to assist, and for them "we arrange
which 'Abdu'l-Bahl Himself so patiently public meetings, group meetings, and pri-
taught to them. vate consultations, ahead of time so that
But today is another day and a new there is a definite program to fill in every
epoch in the advance of the Cause. I t is hour of their stay." This wide scope of
the time which belongs, in history, to Shoghi activity bespeaks a vitality and singleness
Effendi, first Guardian and grandson of of purpose which will teach the Cause
'Abdu'l-Bah6. It is the period of consoli- around the world.
dation, of the establishment of that Ad-
ministrative Order which "will, as its THE NEW HOUR IN TEACHING
component parts, its organic institutions, There are, perhaps, few local Assemblies
begin to function with efficiency and vigor, where a group of young Bahi'is, by its
assert its claim and demonstrate its capacity own unaided efforts, has obtained the suc-
t o be regarded not ouly as the liucleus but cess of the Flint Assembly. There are,
the very pattern of the New World Order however, innumerable local communities in
destined to embrace in the fulness of time which youth groups exist and prosper. I n
the whole of manlcind." And Shoghi Ef- a survey made in the fall of 1935, twenty-
fendi, like his predecessors, is the center for eight organized groups were discovered in
the ardent hopes, the devoted services of a America. In addition, in a total of sixty-
generation. Youth! Today's youth, like one localities there were young Bahi'is from
the generations which have gone before, sixteen to twenty-five years of age. In
has found its destined field of ~ction-the most cases, these young pcople carry, aside
building of a world community. from their youth activities, a responsible
I t is, therefore, worthy of note that in share in the general life of the community.
Flint, Michigan, an Assembly has been or- They serve on committees, lead classes, take
ganized which is composed solely of young eager part in Feast consultations, are rap-
people. "We have not felt a need for a idly qualifying as public speakers, and as-
special Youth Committee as our Flint Ba- sist in the organization of inter-Assembly
h6'i Assembly is made up entirely of yonng and teaching conferences.
people, except for one member who has But their chief opportunity lies in that
just been elected to the Assembly to fill a special phase of teaching which is planned
vacancy. . . . Being n small community, we for youth. No other part of the Baha'i
have set no age limits, because the rhree community is so fitted to undertake this
young people who exceed the age of twenty- work, for no one else understands quite so
five years, by two or rhree years, are quite intimately the problems and modes of
naturally a part of the youth group. There thinking of yonng people.
are nine BahCis who are between the ages In this field the BahCi youth of London
of twenty-one and twenty-five." This was seem to have achieved an outstanding suc-
in September, 1931. In November of the cess. The N e w s Letter from the Bahd'is
Fame year a letter was received: "Recently, of the British Isles makes frequent mention
we added six new believers to our commu- of their programs which, during 1934 and
nity, which brings the total resident be- 1931, included a monthly series of discus-
430 T H E BAHA'I W O R L D
sion groups, a monthly series of public talks, gave a finc talk of six or seven m i n u t e on
and frequent social meetings. There are 'The Three Great Figures of the Bahi'i
now twenty-five active Bahi'is and their Faith'; Mardiyyih Carpenter finished with
numbers will no doubt increase as they de- general remarks and led a very interesting
vise fresh attractions. I n April, 1934, one discussion. There are many advantages t o
hundred and fifty guests were entertained this type of teaching work. I n the first
with a play and a brief exposition of the place, the guests and sincere inquirers are
Faith. In August, a Summer School for not bored with a talk of half an hour or
youth was held. This group has also tried longer on the part of one speaker; also there
methods of publicity, the latest being a cir- are presented several different points of
cular letter t o a number of youth which view." Other teams speak with enthusiasm
included these sentences: "We believe that of the unity which is developed among the
everyone looks today for a better order of members, a unity which lends courage to
things. Many hopes and aspirations have each and is, for the listeners, convincing.
.
sadly come t o no result. . . Our organi- I n America the use of the inter-group
zation is young, but it is born and bred on conference has imparted great stimulation to
solid principles given to us more than sixty the activities of individual Bahb'is and youth
years ago. A t a time when no one thought groups. Perhaps the most outstanding meet-
of International Cooperation, Bahb'u'llih ing of this type, one which has become al-
arose in iran, as the Promised One of all most an institution, is the youth dinner held
the Faiths, speaking of a world state and during each National Convention. I n 1934,
federation of mankind. H e proclaimed the the participants, numbering seventy-three,
basic oneness of all religions, and ordained held a lively round-table discussion of teach-
equality of sexes, equal opportunity for all, ing methods for young people, the report
universal education, and a fair solution of of which, carried in the international Bul-
economic di6culties. We are following in letin, reached Bahgi youth throughout the
His footsteps. . . . You will find us a group world.
of people who know what they want, and Several localities are especially suited to
with faith in their work for making this these inter-group meetings. New York,
earth a saner and more congenial place to with outlying suburbs, neighboring com-
live." munities, and Assemblies not too far away,
I t has been the privilege of local youth scheduled a regional teaching conference in
groups, ill the few years of their existence, October, 1935, on the occasion of Ruhi
to inaugurate a number of original teaching Effendi's visit t o America. This proved so
methods. One which was initiated during valuable that another conference was
1731, with real success was the teaching planned for the Christmas holidays, and
team. Today there are three such teams, invitations were sent t o twenty-five Assem-
the first begun in Los Angeles, followed by blies. Both San Francisco and Los Angeles,
teams in San Francisco and New York. The on the west coast, on several occasions
method has been vividly described by Mr. sponsored this same type of discussion with
Joseph Bray of San Francisco: "We call i t Bahl'i youth from neighboring cities. But
the miniature symposium and it is working no region is so adapted t o the inter-Assembly
beautifully. The way it works is this: meeting as the central states and on the
some friend, a non-Bahi'i, asks friends in North Shore of Lake Michigan a number of
to hear of the New World Order. Usually conferences have occurred. The participat-
four of us arrive and after everyone is ing groups include Chicago, Kenosha, Ra-
settled, I start off with a talk of six o r cine, Winnetka, Wilmette, Evanston, Ur-
seven minutes on, say 'The Signs and Need bana, Peoria, Flint, and Milwaukee; in
of a New World Order.' Of course that's 1931, they met a t the Louhelen Summer
an easy subject because all one needs do is School, in Winnetka in September, and in
to read yesterday's or today's newspaper Peoria. Situated as these youth groups a r e
for material. A t our last symposium Sylvia in the near vicinity of the Mahriqu'l-
Ioas took up where I finished; Joyce Lyon A&kir, their increasing strength is of
YOUTH ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT THE BAHA't WORLD 431

great promise, bearing, it would seen?, testi- slavia, who is teaching a class of six Rus-
mony to the Guardian's cabled message that sian students, and of Miss Alexander who,
the "forces which progressive revelation of in Tokyo, is gradually reaching young peo-
this mighty symbol of our Faith is fast re- ple through the medium of an English con-
leasing in heart of a sorely-tried continent versation class.
no one of this generation can correctly ap- I t is manifestly impossible to comment
praise." (October, 193 1.) upon the activities of Bab6'i youth in every
From Assemblies throughout the world Bahi'i community throughout the world.
reports come of other youth groups, each But surely, in this scant survey, one may
with its specialized program and each con- glimpse the power and energy of the Faith
tributing life to this far-flung Cause. Al- of Bahb'n'llbh, may perhaps be convinced
ready the units of the New World Order that, as the Guardian has said, "the new
are assuming tangible form in these Assem- hour has struck in (the) history of our
blies; their youth are a guarantee of their beloved Cause."
perpetuation.
In Paris a group of irbnian students holds, THE SUMMER SCHOOLS
according to one observer, "brilliant meet- With the increased interest in youth
ings." In December, 1934, this union work, partly as a result of the appointment
sponsored its fifth annual conference where of a National Youth Committee, and the
the following subjects were considered: ( 1 ) wide expansion of functioning groups, it
The Bah6'i Faith and World Politics, ( 2 ) has become necessary to divide the United
The BahVi Faith in Present-Day i r h , States and Canada into three large regions,
( 3 ) Discipline, the Basis of Liberty, and thus better to understand and assist local
(4) Patriotisn~and World Cooperation. action. This division, made by the National
The B a d d i d Youth Committee has Committee to expedite its own business,
"weekly study classes where the Kitdb-i- grew naturally out of the fact that Bahi'is
Aqdas and the iqdn are discussed, and talks have already concentrated their attention
on important subjects are given.'' upon three centers: the Summer Schools at
I n 1934, a new group was organized in Green Acre, Louhelen and Geyserville.
Sydney, Australia, by a former member of Just as the Bah6'i communities have drawn
the Montreal Youth Group, Mrs. Poppoea fresh vigor each year from these institu-
Rickman. tions, so now Bahi'i youth are taking more
On the island of Maui, in the Hawaiian part and receiving as a consequence more
group, a study class of thirty young people training and inspiration.
meets, and a large proportion of these youth In 1934, for the first time, a special
are Japanese. Hawaii, even more than the youth conference was planned at Central
United States, is by virtue of its diverse States Summer School. Twenty-six young
races a unique laboratory for the proving Bahi'is sponsored the move and the sessions
of Bahi'u'lllh's teachings on the oneness of were attended by almost fifty. This group,
mankind. before its dispersion, elected a Youth Coun-
Although frinian youth activities form cil which, with the Summer School Com-
the subject of a later section of this paper, mittee, was made responsible for the follow-
the news from Massoud Rassikh, a Bahi'i ing year's meeting. In reply to an
student in the American University of Bei- announcement of these facts, Shoghi Ef-
rut, is appropriate here. In the summer of fendi sent instn~ctionsin words which are
1934, Mr. Rassikh and several friends of significance not only to the youth of
formed in Qazvin a club of young people, Louhelen, but to all Bahi'i young people
Bahi'is and others, for physical recreation. who are making efforts in the path of
A tennis court was built in the garden of Bahi'u'llBh. "The work in which you are
the Ha~irat'l-Quds, thus making this Ba- engaged is dear and near to my heart and
hi'! center a point of general attraction. constitutes one of the most vital aspects
Mention should be made, too, of the ef- of the manifold activities of our beloved
forts of Mrs. Gregory in Belgrade, Jugo- Faith. The highest standards of purity, of
432 THE BAHA ' f WORLD

integrity, of detachment and sacrifice must dearest hopes. Rrst ~ssured,and persevere.
be maintained by the members of your however great the obstacles which yon may
group in order to enable you to play a de- have t o face in the future or the disappoint-
cisive part in the spread and consolida- ments which you must necessarily experi-
tion of the Faith. A tremendous responsi- ence. Your work will assuredly triumph."
bility has been laid upon you, and nothing The Summer Schools of Green Acre and
short of a pure, a virtuous, an active and Geyserville have not as yet adopted the pro-
truly exemplary life can enable you to cedure of a separate conference for youth.
fulfil your high destiny. I will pray that However, each of them has arranged cer-
you may be guided and strengthened to tain specialized sessions and in each, young
render the most effective service to the BahPis have made notable contributions to
Cause and by your example lend a fresh the program. I t is still a question, at least
impetus to the onward march of its new- in Geyserville, as to whether a Youth Con-
born institutions." ference is desired; a feeling strong with
The Youth Conference of 1931, four many is that in some way, new and so far
days in length and attended by sixty young untried, youth may win an important place
people, carried forward the spirit set the in the program, discover especial functions,
preceding summer. We quote from the and enrich both themselves and the main
letter sent by the Youth Council to Shoghi body of the school by creating this higher
Effendi: "It is with great joy that we re- integration.
port the completion of a most successful At any rate, Geyserville holds a great
and happy Youth Conference. . . . The challenge, for in 193 1, a large group of
spirit of joy and cooperation among us has children and youth were in attendance.
been continually present, with a deepening There were, between the ages of fifteen and
sense of responsibility and devotion to our twenty-five, some fifteen young people,
beloved Faith. seventeen who were from ten to fourteen
"The mornings have been devoted to years, and thirteen from seven to nine years.
classes. We opened with a devotional, in These children represent a potential reservior
which various people were given an oppor- which, in the next few years, may be de-
tunity to serve; Mrs. Bishop Brown led the veloped to the honor of the Faith. At
class on the 'Bahl'i Approach to World present, plans are already on foot to issue
Problems'; Mrs. Dorothy Baker spoke in- a small bulletin of Geyserville news for
spiringly on 'The Bahb'i Life.' The two circulation among the Bahb'i youth in west-
classes which were held during the last ern Assemblies. Such a paper will intensify
period in the morning dealt with the Guard- interest, and may lead to the type of pro-
ian's letters, for those who were well ac- gram so deeply desired.
quainted with the Bah6'i teachings, and At Green Acre a weekend was devoted
'What is the BahPi Movement?' for those during the Summer School of 1934, t o
who were less familiar with them. The youth meetings. Three sessions were held
afternoons and evenings were mostly spent for the discussion of world problems, as
in recreation and informal gathering-an solved by Bahi'u'llhh. A costume ball and
excellent opportunity to become better ac- beach picnic were also arranged, and on
quainted and to speak more intimately in Sunday morning the regular meeting was
regard to those Bahi'i problems which lie conducted by young Bahi'is. A t this school
closest t o our hearts." three of the adult courses were taught by
Under date of August 3, 1931, the Bahi'i youth: Mary Maxwell on "The
Guardian replied: "I am overjoyed to learn Dawn-Breakevs," Bahiyyih Lindstrom on
of the splendid work you have achieved, and "The Iqa'n," and David Hofman with a
particularly of the determination with discussion on "Proposed Solutions of the
which you have arisen to promote the best Economic Problem."
interests of our beloved Faith. I will, from In 1 9 3 f , although 1 second youth confer-
the depths of my heart, pray for the early ence was planned, it was not carried
and complete realization of your highest and through, due to the small numbers who
YOUTH ACTIVITIES THROUGHOUT THE BAHA'f WORLD 433

were able to attend. Green Acre is more SOME OTHER ACTIVITIES
expensive than the other two schools and
more remote. However, thirteen of the A major problem confronting any inter-
young people held an impromptu meeting national movement is that of communica-
for consultation, adopting a firm resolution tion and the young Bahi'is have doubtless
to sponsor a program in 1936. been impeded in their program by it. How-
America is not the only country to have ever, various means are now in existence
established Bahi'i Summer Schools. Pre- which, except for the language barriers,
vious mention has been made of the Sum- show good promise. Bertram Dewing has
mer School arranged by the London Youth for three years edited a Youth Section in
Group. An account has also been received the Herald of tbe Soetb. If Assemblies
of the "Summer-Week in Esslingen, Ger- subscribed more widely to this magazine
many, from which the following extracts it could become a most valuable medium.
are taken. It must be remembered, how- The Bahd'i News has published frequent
ever, that as Helen Bishop has written, "In articles and news of the Youth Committee,
Gern~anythe law prohibits or does not per- and during 1934-31, no issue passed with-
mit any youth organizations because they out some mention of youth activity.
have an elaborate political . . . organization The National Youth Committee has it-
in which youth is practically cornpelled to self issued an occasional bulletin, and in its
participate." third issue has adopted a new format and
Dr. Hermann Grossmann prepared this name. Henceforth it is hoped that Bahd'i
report, which has been translated from his Yozcth, An International Bulletin, will ap-
German. "There is no youth work of the pear quarterly, carrying to youth in all
Bah6'is in Germany and Austria at this parts of the world news and help from their
time. The young Bahi'is attend the com- contemporaries.
mon Bahi'i meetings. The yearly Bahi'i Finally, with the help of Victoria Be-
Summer School in Esslingen (on the Neckar diluan, a world-wide interchange of cor-
River) takes place in the Esslingen Bahi'i respondence has begun.
Home. This summer school has been cre- One project yet remains to be noted
ated by the young generation to represent which carries more significance than almost
a center of systematic study of the Teach- any other; its success will ensure the con-
ings and for social contact. . . . tinuity of our whole program. In July,
"The first summer-school week in Ess- 1934, the National Spiritual Assembly of
lingen took place from August 13 to Aug- the United States and Canada asked all
ust 21, 1932. . . . The fourth Bahi'i local Assemblies to encourage young people
Summer-week held from August 24 to Sep- from sixteen to twenty-one years of age
tember 1, 1935, dealt with these themes: to declare "their interest in the Cause and
'Mankind in the New Era' and 'Bah6- their intention to become voting members.
'u'llih's Message.' . . . . . ." To these youth was accorded the
"All the meetings mentioned are in the privilege of attending Nineteen Day Feasts.
form of social worlr-gatherings. A con- The Youth Committee studied this mat-
stantly growing number of attendants of ter and in its second Bulletin suggested a
all ages is registered. The young Bahi'is study outline by the use of which young
also attend these meetings with sincere in- people might acquire a sufficient knowledge
terest. The age mostly represented in of the Faith to determine their own inter-
speakers and participants, as well as that est. Undoubtedly a campaign must be
of most of the volunteers in kitchen-work, entered upon to enroll the children of Ba-
is the age between twenty-five and forty hl'is and all those who manifest a sincere
years. conviction. Each youth group, by its very
"Concluding the summer school session nature, has a special obligation in this re-
there was a Fall meeting in Esslingen on gard and a special opportunity to prepare
October 6 , 1934. This meeting was espe- its younger members for this prime, essen-
cially devoted to the Bahl'i youth." tial step.
434 T H E BAHb'f WORLD
FOR T H E FUTURE of a movement which today has won secur-
ity on a solid basis of philosophy and accom-
Bahi'i youth, three years ago, stood at
plishment,
the threshold of service t o their Faith. There Today the promise is all ahead, ~~d~~
were individuals among them who had par- the New World Order exists in the minds
ticipated fully in the community tasks; youth, not dimly, ,lot as a fantastic hope,
sporadic attempts a t organization had oc- but in a real form which is vivid, sure, and
curred; but no unity of consciousness, no ours to be demonstrated. n a t mankind
group dedication of will, no "international will demonstrate it upon the field of civi-
body of active youllg BahP'i Inell and lization none of us doubts. That young
women" had been envisioned or achieved. ' i ~ lead the way is our utmost
~ ~ h 6 shall
In the light of these facts, the story of desire. Bur only the grace of Bahi'u'llih
progress since 1933 is no slight one; it can bestow such a priceless favor, and only
represents the initial steps, maneuvered at our lives, when surrendered t o the pur-
the bidding of the Guardian, with the steady pose of the Guardian, will render us worthy
support of the National Spiritual Assembly, of His trust.

BAHA'I YOUTH I N i R A N
BY MARD~YYIH
CARPENTER
U N T I L the summer of 1935, when the hours' notice they can transform an audi-
Government ordered women of fran to un- torium into a palace hung with rugs, bright
veil and appear in public, the term "youth with candelabra, and serve several hundred
group" as applied t o Baha'i activities in guests a perfectly appointed banquet-their
fr6n referred t o separate groups composed ability in this adequately emphasizing that
of young men and women respectively. For cardinal frinian principle of hospitality.
centuries the veil has made of f r i n virtually Regarding teaching activities carried on
two separate nations; hampered by its re- by these young people, a number of factors
strictions, women of f r i n were unable fully illustrative of the difficulties they meet and
to cooperate with the men in directing overcome along this line are worthy of
Bahi'i activities; at present it is obvious note. Present-day Muslims have as a rule
that after gradual adjustment t o the new been brought up t o disregard the Bahi'is,
way of living, young Bahi'i women will in for adverse propaganda has been so strong
cooperation with the men play a still more that it has effectively throttled any effort
significant rble in establishing a new Bahi'i a Muslim might make toward impartial in-
civilization throughout frbn. vestigation of this Cause. A Muslim hear-
A n investigation of the Tihrin Youth ing of some achievement on the part of a
Group will serve t o illustrate the activities Bahh'i is apt to say, "How can such a man
of young Bah6'is of frbn as a whole. This be e Bahi'i"; which is similar t o the Ameri-
group has an enrollment of several hundred can's commenting on a Negro's achieve-
members, who among other duties direct a ment, "But he has white blood!" or t o the
library and maintain a number of classes European's saying of an American achieve-
in public speaking, Bahi'i history and prin- ment, "But his ancestors were European!"
ciples; they engage in athletics, their teams Those who remember the hate engendered
competing with others throughout the city. by propagandists in the last war, a hate
They write and produce enthusiastically which made impartial thinking criminal,
attended plays illustrative of Bah6'i prin- will understand this phase of the present
ciples. Visitors t o f r i n long remember the situation in frln. The average modern
work of the two Service Committees, com- Muslim is incidentally not interested in re-
posed largely of young men and women ligion; from Europe he has imported cyni-
whose function it is t o prepare general meet- cism, along with champagne and the rhumba;
ings, receptions, feasts and the like; at a few of religion he retains only the dregs of
YOUTH ACTIVITIES THROUtZHOUT THE B A H A ~WORLD 431

faith: fanaticism. Other difficulties be- Cause throughout the W e a ~haa nut yet
setting the young Bah6'i teacher are the been introduced into frhn, partly no doubt
fact that the Cause is revealed parlly in for transportational and climatic reasons.
Arabic, virtually a foreign language to A day's excursion into the country or a
frinians; that many fr6nians are ill'~terate; short trip to welcome or bid good-by to
that the Government has forbidden the some visitor, in the course of which meet-
entry of Bahh'i books into frhn, so that ings may be held, are prhaps the nearest
such facilities as a p b l i c reading room with parallel to the summer schools of the West.
a wealth of available literature, are un- I t is probable that with the increasing mo-
achievable; that transportational difficulties torization of f r l n the s ~ ~ m m eschool
r will
widen the distances, and living conditions be established here.
curtail leisure; that so recently as the winter I t would seem, incidentally, that the
of 1934, Bahl'is were compelled by the youth of frhn are not especially "youth-
authorities to pledge that they would hold conscious." Age in the East has always
no meetings. Obviously teaching the Cause been confused with wisdom, and a suc-
in fr6n is not so simple as in such a coun- cessful youth is one who gives an impression
try as the United States, where one has of age. ("Pir-shi"-"May you become old"
only to reach for an Esslemont, place it in is a phrase sometimes used in expressing
the inquirer's hands and send him away, thanks.) Moreover, there is perhaps no
happy in the knowledge that he will now Youth Group in irhn similar to that in the
make a Bah6'i of himself. West, where a college career prolongs ado-
With reference to educational facilities lescence; for example, frhn has as yet no
for Bahh'i youth of irhn, as it is known the university for women, and for them as a
Government closed all Bahh'i schools in the rule marriage and the csres of family life
country during the winter of 1934-31. The immediately follow the secondary educa-
curriculum in these was uniformly that tion. On the other hand, the young men
laid down by the Ministry of Education; it are very frequently educated abroad, and
is probably accurate that French ~nfluence, the years of separation from their elders
stressing theory rather than practice, pre- tend to obliterate any feeling of differentia-
dominated in the system adopted; subjects tion based on age.
were secular, and a large percentage of the Regarding the Guardian's injunction to
students were often non-Bah6'i. The offi- build up an "international body of active
cially recognized superiority of these schools young BahDi men and women," it would
consisted in their discipline and idealism, as seem that a first step in accomplishing this
well as in their academic equipment. Sup- with reference to frhn would be to estab-
plementary to the secular education re- lish regular correspondence with various
ceived in the schools, Bahi'i youth attend members of the youth group of irhn. I t
weekly classes in character training-the might not be amiss to exchange question-
well-known "Dars-i-Aallq" course of naires (always bearing in mind that the
study composed of teachings of the various Eastern method of collecting information
Manifestations-and later take up the in- is to "by indirections find directions out").
tensive study of such works as the fqdn Obviously, in future a considerable amount
and Some Answered Questions. These of traveling will he necessary to enable Ba-
classes meet at the homes of parents at dif- h6'is in different countries to meet face to
ferent points throughout the city and are face and discuss their work around con-
frequently visited by members of the Spir- ference tables; to lay the foundations of
itual Assembly and others; opportunities are such meetings and to dispatch their pre-
given the students ro speak in general meet- liminaries by means of regular correspond-
ings and yearly examinations are "publicly" ence would seem advisable at present. The
held at which prizes are distributed. Com- personal contact established through letters
mittees composed of young men and women is indispensable in chis connection; mere
respectively, direct instruction in all these text-book information on the countries to
classes. The summer school which is prov- be represented at such conferences would
ing so effective a means of teaching the prove insufficient.
PLAYS AND PAGEANTS
STORY OF T H E P A G E A N T ,
"THE G A T E OF D A W N "
(Arranged by Mrs. Harold Bowditch with suggestions by Mr. Kenneth
Christian and presented with the assistance of a large committee in
Green Acre, Maine, in the summer of 1934.)

BY NANCYBOWDITCH
T H E summer of 1934 marked the be- versa1 principles of World Unity and human
ginning of a new activity ainong the Ba- fellowship which the Faith of Bahau'llbh
hi'is of the United States and Canada. A reveals, so after the reading of prayer and
new group called "The Green Acre Com- of the sacred writings of Bahi'u'llbh and
rnittee for Plays and Pageants" was formed 'Abdu'l-Bah6 they embarked upon this im-
whose purpose was to develop a ineans of portant enterprise. Great credit is due to
presenting the Bahi'i Teachings through the membership of the Committee as well
some form of dramatics, particularly in as t o Mr. Randolph Bolles, Mr. Sutherland
representing scenes from the early history Maxwell, Dr. Ambrose of Washington,
of the Faith. This undertalring was the D. C., Mrs. E. N. Jones (who though not a
outcome of the eilthusiasrn raised in the declared Bah6'i made a special trip from
hearts of some of the devoted believers in Washington in order t o assist), and t o Mr.
the Revelation who were assisted by a nurn- Max Miller who trdned the choruses and
ber of generous and interested friends who, who wrote a special song called "The Val-
though in some cases not listed among the ley of Search" especially for the occasion.
ranks of the believers, lent most valuable An interesting lecture given at Green
assistance. After consultation it was de- Acre by Ali-Kuli Khan on the significance
cided that t o present a series of tableaux of colors in the art of ir6n proved the in-
would be the most practical, as well as the spiration upon which the costumes for the
most dignified way to hegin the work, and "Attributes" and others were designed.
the Green Acre Summer School in Eliot, This first effort resulted in the presenta-
Maine, was selected as the best place. tion of tableaux froin "The Dawn-Break-
Through the generosity of the National ers" with prologue and epilogue of pageantry
Spiritual Assembly, the studio of Mrs. and music and reading of the Holy Words.
Mary Lucas was secured for the work. Mrs. The following is a brief description of
Lucas was one of the first women pilgrims the way in which the tableaux were pre-
to visit 'Abdu'l-Bahi in the "Mast Great sented. A small stage was erected at the
Prison" in 'Akki, Palestine, and thus her end of the auditorium in the Inn. Across
home was converted into a busy workshop the proscenium arch were stretched two
where members of the Summer School as layers of gauze netting which were at-
well as the Committee worked together in tached t o a square framework. This frame
arranging for the pageant and tableaux, was lighted at the top, bottom and sides
I n the beginning the Committee felt great and created the illusion of a large painting.
responsibility in undertaking a work that Color filters were made by stretching col-
presented such possibilities, but they dedi- ored paper over a light framework of wood.
cated their services with love for the uni- These were in sets of different colors, so
Plan of Bahb'u'llbh's IHouse in B a d d i d , 'Irlq.
43 8 T H E B A H A 'i WORLD

that the general lighting of the stag? could "0 my God, strengthen my hands to take
represent early morning or noon or sunset Thy Book with such steadfastness that the
as required, and were changed for each hosts of the world shall not prevent them.
scene. Then protect them, 0 my Lord, from dis-
I n front of the center of the stage a posing of anything not owned by them.
small dais was placed which was "top- Verily, Thou art the ~ o w e r f u l ,the Mighty!"
lighted" by a "spot" suspended in the beams Then the Angel speaks:
of the room. After the audience was as- "The Sun of T r u t h is the Word of God
sembled all the lights in the hall were ex- upon which depends the training of the
tinguished with the exception of this "spot- people of the country o i ihought. I t is
light," then the soft strains of violin and the Spirit of Reality and the Water of Life.
piano were heard. A t this point there All things owe their existence t o It. Its
came slowly from the back of the audi- manifestation is ever according t o the ca-
torium two angels, one a small girl with pacity and coloring of the mirror through
white wings, dressed in soft pink draperies which it may reflect. For example, Its
and carrying in her hand a three-branched Light, when cast on the mirrors of the wise,
lighted candle. Behind her came the angel gives expression t o wisdom; when reflected
Gabriel clad entirely in white with wings, from the minds of artists I t produces mani-
holding in his hands a large illuminated festations of new and beautiful arts; when
book. A few paces behind the angel came I t shines through the minds of students I t
a poet of f r l n . When they reached the reveals knowledge and unfolds mysteries.
dais the angel stepped upon it, having the . . . All the good names and lofty qualities
poet on one hand and the small angel on are of the Word. . . . This is the Water
the other. which giveth life t o all things. . . ."
Leaning forward the Angel Gabriel held The poet answers:
out the book to the poet (the music muted "We beg of God that we may partake of
SO that the speaking voices became clearly this Life-Giving Water of Heaven, and
audible), a t the same time repeating these quaff from the spiritual chalice of rest, and
verses from the "Hidden Words" of Bahb- thus be free from all that tends to withhold
'u'116h: us from approaching His Love.
"This is that which hath descended from "Glory be upon the people of Glory!"
the realm of glory, uttered by the tongue Now the music becomes louder, the two
of power and might, and revealed unto the angels continue slowly through the hall and
Prophets of old. We have talren the inner exit. The poet withdraws to one side of the
essence thereof and clothed it in the gar- stage and places his book on the reading
ment of brevity as a token of grace unto stand. Meantime a procession of some of the
the righteous, that they may stand faithful "Attributes" of God-Sovereignty, Lofti-
unto the Covenant of God, may fulfil in ness, Love, Glory, Death and Life-form at
their lives His trust, and in the realm of the back of the hall and move slowly for-
spirit obtain the gem of Divine Virtue." ward, each very far apart, so that only one
The poet, raising his face to Gabriel, held at a time is in view of the audience.
out his hands for the book saying: Love enters garbed in long robes of pink
"0 God! my God! Thy call has at- and rose colors, carrying in her arms a spray
tracted me and the Voice of T h y Pen of of roses. She mounts the dais and, turning
Glory has awakened me; the stream of Thy toward the audience repeats from the "Hid-
Holy U t t e r a ~ ~ c ehas
s enraptured me, and den Words"-
the Wine of 'Thy Inspiration entranced me." "0 Friend! I n the garden of the heart
"Thou srest me, 0 Lord, detached from plant naught but the rose of love, and from
all things but Thee, clinging t o the cord the nightingale of affection and desire
of T h y Bounty and craving the wonders of loosen not thy hold. Treasure the compan-
T h y Grace. . . ." ionship of the righteous and eschew all fel-
Then taking the boo% from the Angel lowship of the ungodly."
Gabriel he repeats: "0 Son of Love! Thou art but one step
PLAYS A N D PAGEANTS 439

away from rhe glorious heights above and tentively receiving his instructions. The
from the celestrial tree of love. Take thou curtains are lowered and then drawn aside
one pace, and with the next advance into again, t o show the picture twice. When
the immortal realm and enter the pavilion the curtains are lowered the last time the
of eternity. Give ear then t o that which poet begins t o read from the book the rert
hath been revealed by the Pen of Glory!" of the story which is here given briefly-
After Love has left the room, each of the H e tells how the fire of Belief and Faith
others in turn, on reaching the dais, step spread rapidly throughout the dark land of
up, and facing the audience, recite further f r i n and how a New Dawn is spreading its
from the "Hidden Words." light over all the country. One day when
When the "Attributes" have made their Siyyid Kaqim was teaching his pupils be-
exit, the poet opens his book and begins neath the shade of a palm tree there ap-
t o read: peared to him a shepherd who came t o tell
"0 my friends! I shall your ears delight of a dream that he had had. He dreamed
with the wondrous tale of the Day wherein that he saw the Prophet Muhammad who
you live. History, in destiny's wind again told him that he would find the Siyyid in
is stirred, once more the clarion of dawn the vicinity of the mosque in the shade of
comes t o rejoice the hearts of men; two this tree, and that he was to give him the
stars first caught its Light;-an aged man, following message:
a S_hayk_h of 'Arabi, arose and called men to "Rejoice, for the hour of your depart-
prepare for the advent of that Promised ure is at hand. When you shall have per-
One Whose Name for a thousand years they formed your visits in Kdzimayn and shall
had invoked. King and peasant of frdn did havc returned to Karbili, there, three days
he stir and at length, nearing his journey's after your return, on the day of 'Arafih,
end, he passed on the leader's torch t o Siyyid you will wing your flight t o Me. Soon
Kiqim. I n these words be bade him carry after shell He, Who is the Truth, be made
on: manifest. Then shall the world be illu-
"You have no time to lose. Every fleet- minated by the light of His Face." (Na-
ing hour should be fully and wisely utilized. bil's Narrative, page 44.)
You should gird up the loins of endeavor Again the curtains are drawn aside and
and strive day and night to rend asunder, a scene of the shepherd kneeling before Siy-
by the Grace of God, and by the hand of yid Kizim is shown.
wisdom and loving-kindness, those veils of The poet reads on. H e reads of the death
heedlessness that have blinded the eyes of of Siyyid K6zim and how one remained of
men. For verily I say, the Hour is draw- his disciples, a youth, one Mu116 Husayn,
ing nigh, the Hour I have besought God t o who was mindful of his teacher's words. H e
spare me from witnessing, for the earth- had told him to detach himself from earthly
quake of the Last Hour will be tremendous! things and t o seek with determination and
"You should pray to God to be spared prayer his true Guide and Master.
the overpowering trials of that Day, for Mu116 Husayn traveled from city t o
neither of us is capable of withstanding its city until finally, on the outskirts of the
sweeping force! Others of greater endur- city of s i r 6 2 he met a radiant Youth Who
ance and power have been destined to bear took him home and entertained him. There
this stupendous weight; men whose hearts he sat all night enraptured by the words of
are sanctified from all earthly things, and his Host, in a room filled with fragrant
whose strength is reenforced by the potency blossoms, whilst fruits and delicious drink
of His Power!" (Nabil's Narrative, page were served to him by an Ethiopian servant.
16.) H e was made so happy that he put his feel-
A t the closing of this reading of the poet ings into these words:
the curtains of the stage are parted dis- "Methinks I was i n , a place of which it
closing a living picture of S_hoyk_hAhmid- can be truly said-'Therein no toil shall
i-Alxi'i seated cross-legged on the floor reach us, and therein no weariness shall
with his pupil, Siyyid Kizim near him, at- touch us; no vain discourse shall they hear
440 T H E B A H A 'f WORLD

therein, nor any falsehood, but o ~ ~ lthe y were called for t o ascend and give the call
cry,-"Peace! Peace!" ' Then his Host to prayer. The first youth who ascended
addressed him saying: to the roof had no sooner proclaimed the
" '0 thou who art first t o believe in Me! opening "God is the Most Great" when a
Verily, I say, I am the B i L t h e Gate of ballet from the enemy shot him down. Im-
God, and thou art the Bib'u'l-Bib, the Gate mediately a second youth ascended, taking
of the Gate. Eighteen souls must, in the up the prayer where the first left off, only
beginning, spontaneously and of their own t o be stricken down as his predecessor. I n
accord, accept Me and recognize the Truth this way the prayer was continued until
of My Revelation. Unwarned and unin- the end, each youth cheerfully offering
vited, each of these must seek independently himself in the place of the one gone be-
to find Me.' " fore. When the curtain is lifted upon this
From this state of ecstasy Mu116 Husayn scene the third youth is revealed continu-
was awakened by the voice of the priest ing the prayer with the first two lying dead
calling the people to early morning prayer. at his feet.
( A t this point appears a tableau of These six scenes will serve to show how
Mulli Husayn showing the fruit being of- the tableaux were presented. A brief ont-
fered t o him by the servant. A pink light line of the rest follows:
is diffused over the scene and vases of Scene seven represents the little Sifter of
flowers are set on the floor in different Wheat, who, hurrying away from the mar-
places.) ket-place with his sieve in his hand, an-
The next scene is the public punishment swered those who called after him inquiring
of Quddus and Mull6 Sidiq, the two first where he was going so hurriedly, "I have
victims of the enemies of the New Revela- arisen t o join the glorious company of the
tion. Mulli Sidiq say7 of this punishment: Defenders of the S_hay!ih-Tabarsi." O u t of
"The first seven strokes were severely that great city of I ~ f i h i nonly one person
painful, t o the rest I seemed t o have grown went forth t o find the Light of the New
indifferent. I was wondering whether the Day-a humble sifter of wheat!
strolres that followed were being actually Scene eight represents the farewell of
applied t o my own body. A feeling of joy- Qudd6s and Mulli Husayn. This event oc-
ous exaltation had invaded my soul. I was curred just before one of the great defenses
trying t o repress my feelings and to restrain of Fort Tabarsi when they had been holding
my laughter. I can now realize how the the army of the & i h at bay for eleven
Almighty Deliverer is able, in the twinkling months.
of an eye, t o turn pain into ease and sor- Scene nine shows Mirzi Qurbin-'Ali
row into gladness. . . ." (Nabil's Narra- bending over, pleading with the executioner,
tive, page 148.) while his arms are about the body of the
The next picture is that of Tibirih, that first glorious martyr who was the uncle of
great woman disciple, casting off her veil the Bib. His words were: "Approach and
in the presence of Quddhs, the famed Bibi, strike your blow, for my faithful compan-
defender of the Faith. This took place at ion is unwilling t o release himself from my
the conference of Badaht. These were her embrace and calls me to hasten together
words in part: with him to the court of the Well-
"This is the Day of festivity and univer- Beloved!"
sal rejoicing, the Day on which the fetters Scene ten shows the valiant girl soldier,
of the past are burst asunder! Let those Zaynab, who, not being able to witness the
who have shared in this great achievement sufferings of her companions in the fortress
arise and embrace each other!" of Zanjin, begged t o be allowed to have a
The next picture represents that scene sword and dress in men's clothing. This
in the Caravanserai where three hundred brave "Jeanne $Arc" is shown mounting
youths had banded together in defenbr: of the battlements sword in hand.
their Faith, led by Mull* Husayn. When it Scene eleven s l ~ o a ~the
s bride and groom
became time for evening prayer volunteers who were married during one of the great
Facsimile of Autograph Letter addressed by Prof. E. G . Browne to 'Abdu'l-Bahi,
dated Sept. 11, 1890

442 T H E B A H A ' ~WORLD
sicgcs of Fort Tabarsi. They are being bearers of the Name of God in this Day!
torn from each other's arms as the cry of You have been chose11 as the repositories of
"Yi Shihu'z-Zamln" ( 0 Lord of the His mystery. I t behooves each one of you
Ages!) summons the bridegroom t o the de- to manifest the attributes of God and t o
fense of the Faith. While a soldier is lead- exemplify by your deeds and words the
ing the bridegroom away a friend of the signs of His righteousness, His power and
bride is trying to console her. glory. The very members of yonr body
Scene twelve shows Tihirih, arrayed in must bear witness t o the loftiness of yonr
purest white, handing a green kerchief t o purpose, the integrity of your life, the re-
the boy who has escorted her, in order that ality of your faith, and the exalted charac-
he may hand it t o the executio~lerwho is ter of your devotion. . . ." (Nabil's Nar-
to strangle her. rative, page 92.)
The last scene shows the "Attributes of With these closing words the Attributes
God" re-entering the hall and forming of God begin softly to chant the Greatest
themselves in two groups, one on each side Name.' Then, as they form in procession
of the stage. The curtains part disclosing the chant becomes gradually louder as the
an anRel with great white wings who recites entire cast joins in and passing through the
the farewell message of the Glorious Bib t o room in single file the whole audience rises
His disciples which begins: and intones the chant in glorious crescendo.
-
"0 my beloved friends! You are the IArranged t o m u s ~ cby Saffa Kilmey.

THE DRAMA OF THE KINGDOM
A M O N G the all-too-rare dramatic adap- inspiring. The music becomes soft, while
tations of the episodes and teachings con- the Herald proclaims the coming of the
tained in the early history of the Bahi'i Kingdom. He holds a trumpet t o his
Faith there appears from the pen of "Par- mouth.
vine" (Mrs. Basil Hall of London) an ex- "The curtain rises. The sedge is crowded
quisite and faithful dramatization under the with men and women. All are asleep. A t
title of "The Drama of the Kingdom" the sound of the trumpet they begin to
which took form in consequence of a Talk awake.
given in the home of her mother, Lady "Sudde~~lythe music breaks forth. The
Blomfield, by 'Abdu'l-Baha. Mrs. Hall relates people hear and wonder. They rise and
the history of the occurrence in the follow- question one another, saying, 'What is this?
ing nlanner and uses the story as a Foreword Whence comes this music?' Some return t o
to the Drama itself. She says: their occupations, unheeding. First a few
I t was during 'Abdu'l-Bahi's visit to talk together, then one ceases his work, and
London in 1913, that he said to one whom proceeds t o make inquiries. A merchant,
he called "Hamsayeh" (Neighbor) : "I will leaving his stall, comes t o ask the meaning
give you a play. I t shall be called "The of the eager group. A soldier, who is prac-
Drama of the Kingdom." tising arms, withdraws from his comrades
The circle of friends, who were pthered and joins those who are wondering.
round him that evening, held a tense silence, "Here, a banker is seen counting his
while, in his deep, sonorous voice, 'Abdu'l- money; his attention is attracted. H e pauses
Bahi unfolded the pageant of his sublime in his calculation, and asks, 'What is the
imagination thus: news?'
' "The Herald of the Kingdom stands be- "There are seen dancers and others hold-
fore the people. Wonderful music swells ing revelry. Some of them come forth and
from an unseen orchestra, movinn and soul- ask the news,. questioninr the Herald.
A

"Now those who come t o ask are more
'The above are the words of 'Ahdu'l-Bahl 'Abbis,
down by Or less divided into the groups.
by an inrerprerer
Parvine as they were spoken. First those who, having heard of the Com-
PLAYS A N D PAGEANTS 443

ing of the Promised One, frown and shrug were mystical. The prophecies concerning
their shoulders, returning t o their work, the Second Coming are also mystical. The
scoffing and disbelieving. The second type earthquakes and unrest, the darkening of
are those who hear the music, strain their the sun and moon, the falling of the stars-
ears t o catch the meaning of the Message. all these foretell the humiliation of those
and their eyes t o discern the Mystery. whom the world considers great. Theolo-
"The blind receive their sight, the deaf gians wrapped in blind traditions, the bigots
their hearing, and those who were dead arise and the hypocrites: such will fall.
and wallc, still wrapped in the garments of "Now these sayings will be divided be-
death. tween different people, altogether forming
"Then there are those who will not be- a conversation, questions, answers, excla-
lieve until they have had signs revealed t o mations of wonder, and so forth.
them, who crave for proof, saying: 'But "Now a procession passes. The Pageant
we want to see the eartlxqualre. If the of the World. Grand nobles and kings,
Promised One is indeed come, the sun should high priests and dignitaries of the Churches,
not give his light, the moon should be dark- jewelled and gorgeously dressed. They look
ened, and the stars should fall. We await with scorn on those who believe, saying,
our Promised One till these signs be ful- 'Why should we leave oui ancient religions?'
filled. We expect to see him descend from They look like devils of malice and oppres-
heaven in clouds of great glory.' sion. Yet each is miserable. One falls, the
"Those who believe shout, 'The Promised others pass on. One is dying, the others
One has come!' take no heed. Another breathes his last.
"Those who doubt cry, 'What proof is They do not stop by the way.
there? Show us a proof!' "The poor who have believed look on
"They who understand explain: 'Whence sadly.
did Christ come? H e came from heaven, "The scene changes. A banquet hall.
though they who scoffed at Him said, "We The table is spread with all delicious foods.
know this man, he comes from Nazareth." The orchestra is playing heavenly music.
This is the real meaning: His spirit came The lights become gradurlly more brilliant,
from heaven, while His body was born of until the whole hall is shining. Round the
an earthly mother. As it was then, so is table sit the very poor in torn garments.
it with the Second Coming.' An Oracle arises and cries: 'The Kingdom
"'But we await the signs,' say the doubt- of God is 11ke a feast! Reinember what
ing ones. 'How, otherwise, shall we know? Christ said! Here we see the Kingdom!
The earth must shake, the mountains be The greatest and the worldly wise are not'
rent asunder. The Promised One shall con- here, but the poor are here!'
quer the East and the West.' "Each sings from the joy of his heart, and
"One arises and tells the people that there is great rejoicing. Some dance, one
these signs did not come outwardly, nor plays the flute, everyone is radiantly happy.
will they again. Those who look with the Someone addresses the people. While this
eyes of Truth shall see that these portents man is speaking they say: 'Hear him! Hear
are of the Spirit. his eloquence! We know him. H e was
"The Eternal Sovereignty descends from poor and ignorant, and now he is wise!'
heaven, the body is of the earth. The And so they wonder and question one an-
mountains are men of high renown, whose other. A woman rises and speaks, laugh-
famous names sink into insignificance, when ing and happy. The people are surprised,
the dawn of the Manifestation fills the saying: 'But what has happened? Yester-
world with light. The pomp of Annas and day this woman was sad, and angry. Her
Caiaphas is outshone by the simple glory heart was full of sorrow and disappoint-
of the Christ. The earthquake is the wave of ment. Why is she so joyous?'
spiritual life, thot moves through all living "A man enters with a sack of gold and
things and makes creation quiver. begins to offer it t o the people, but they
"The prophecies of the Coming of Christ refuse, one saying, 'I am rich, I do not need
444 T H E BAHA'I WORLD

your gold.' 'Nor I,' 'Nor I.' The m a n everlasting glory! The illun~i~ration of the
with the gold is surprised and says, 'We Spirit is yours. God hath chosen you for
know you are poor and starving. Why do His service!' They take their crowns and
you not accept my gold?' kiss them, and again place them on their
"Then a teacher comes and speaks on a heads.
high plane of philosophy and science. All "Then they hegin to pray and supplicate:
those who listen wonder, for he had been "'0 God! 0 Almighty!
ignorant and accounted of no importance. " 'We give Thee thanks for these proofs
H o w is he now so learned? of T h y bounty! Thou hast given us
"Another comes with shining eyes, gaz- Life! Make us faithful, so that the fire
ing with joy on the beautiful surroundings. of T h y Love may fill our hearts, that
The people wonder and say, 'How is this? T h y Light may illumine our faces! Suf-
Yesterday he was blind.' fer us to be firm unto Christ, Who gave
"Another hears beautiful music and he up His life for us!'
tells the people that a few hours ago he "The curtain falls.
was deaf to all sound. "In the last scene one of those who be-
" 'A miracle! A miracle! Here is one lieve is taken by the persecutors. 'We mean
who was dead, and now he is walking be- to kill you,' they say. 'I am ready. I am
fore us!' happy," he answers. With hands raised t o
"One arises and says: 'You know the Heaven, he cries, '0 God, 'make me ready!'
cause of these miracles? I t is the Heavenly Then he gives himself up to death. An-
food! Everlasting life is for him who par- other is taken, and dies praising God and
takes of it.' His mercy t o mankind.
"When the people hear this they shout "The third is a beautiful girl in a white
with one will, 'Glad tidings! Glad tidings! garment, wearing a heavenly crown upon
Glad tidings!' her head. Everyone gazes at her in wonder.
"Each one is supremely happy. They sulg She is seated, apart. A messenger comes
an Alleluia. from the king with an offer of great riches
u '0 God, we were poor, Thou hast if she will but give up the Cause which she
made us rich! has embraced. She answers: 'I have not
we were hungry, ~h~~ hast made us accepted this Cause blindly through tradi-
satisfied! tion. I have seen Reality with mine own
eyes. The Truth is in my heart. How
Athirst were we, and Thou hast
given us the Water of Life! should I renounce my faith thus lightly?'
Our eyes were blinded, ~h~~ hast "Her father comes and entreats her t o
given us sight! give up her faith. She answers: 'Can you
we were dead, ~h~~ has given unto Say there is no sun, when you have seen
us Life Eternal! the light? I have seen the sun. You are
We were of the earth, Thou hast blind.
. . .. Awake! The sun is shining!
*\uake!'
made us the children of Heaven!
We were outcasts, Thou hast made Another messenger comes. This time
us beloved! from a great prince who wishes to wed her
We were helpless, Thou hast made on condition that she gives up her Faith.
us powerful! We praise Thee, 0 " 'I know no prince save God. I will not
Lord!' close mine eyes t o the glory of the King
of Kings!'
"After this song, glorious diadems de- "They bring her jewels and an earthly
scend from Heaven and rest on each head. crown. 'Take these!' they say.
They shine with the radiance of Heavenly " 'They to me are so many pebbles. The
jewels. All wonder and ask questions. One jewels I treasure are the jewels of the
arises and says: 'These are the crowns of the Knowledge of God. Those earrhly stones
Kingdom! Ye are all Heavenly rulers! Ye may be broken or lost. Behold my crown!
shall have eternal dominion! Ye shall have These are eternal gems! For those earthly
PLAYS AND PAGEANTS 445

stones that ace doonled to ~erish,shall I shrouds, and after a grcat silence, people
give up this everlasting diadem?' enter and lift the coverings in awe and
"They say, 'We shall imprison you.' reverence. They stand wondering, as lights
" 'I am ready.' appear and shine upwards from the pros-
" 'We shall beat yon.' trate forms. Some question as to the mean-
" 'I am ready.' ing of this. 'These are the spirits of those
" 'You shall be killed.' martyred ones, freed from their bodies.
" 'Is that true? Do you mean it? Good Now they enjoy eternal liberty. See, they
news! Good news! For then I shall be ascend to the Kingdom!'
free. My soul will escape like a bird at "Realizing this, the people are wonder-
liberty from this earthly cage of my body. struck and amazed. They cry: 'What
Then shall I he free. Now am I in chains. bounty God has bestowed on them! They
These bonds shall be broken. Kill me! Kill are so free and joyful! Now can they wing
me!' their way to the Sun of Reality! Their
"They slay her. One after another is souls return to the Sun from which they
martyred. Their bodies are covered with came!"

P A G E A N T R Y AS A F A C T O R I N E D U C A T I O N
BY CLARA WEIR
T H E idea of the pageant, which I here a vehicle for the education of the youth of
describe, gradually evolved during my trav- his time. "The modern pageant is the direcc
els through Egypt, Palestine, and Syria outgrowth of the mystery of the later
when I had exceptional opportunities to middle ages," writes Linwood Taft in his
make interesting contacts, and later, book on pageantry. "The mystery play
when I joined the International Students concerned itself with those rare moments
Union while I was associated with the of human experience when existence was
Bahh'i Bureau in Geneva, Switzerland. I transformed and glorified through contact
was so deeply impressed by my experiences with the divine. The sort of event that
that I decided upon my return to the makes suitable and convincing pageant ma-
schoolmom to convey to my pupils my deep terial, is the unusual event, the kind of
conviction of the essential oneness of hu- thing that happens only in exalted moments
manity. I t was then that I chose the when men are inspired by lofty and un-
pageant as a means of giving a message. selfish motives." l
An educator said to me after hearing of We called our presentation "A Pageant
this pageant, "A pageant to be of value of Nations." A spectator might have de-
must grow out of the heart of the author, scribed it as follows: A prologue consisting
and the need of the times." I had a mes- of a dialogue between an old sea-captain and
sage to give and I felt that the need for it his grandson prepared the audience for the
had arisen. It was begun as a simple pro- pageant that followed. The Captain relates
gram presented in observance of Interna- his experiences in foreign lands, dwelling
tional Goodwill Day, before a Junior High upon the similarities of people as a factor
School audience, but has since been given for unification, and upon their differences
for adults to whom it appealed as much as as a means of enhancement; the need of
to the youth, which proves that the realm acquiring better understanding so that
of the heart is "ever-young." prejudice may not enter and, also, of culti-
The history of pageantry is an interesting vating not only the international mind hut
one. I t sprang from pantomime, the first the international heart as well.
means of communication, and became the The notes of a flute furnish the signal f o r
mother of drama. Primitive man probably
'The Technique of Pageantry (1921), Introduc-
found in pageantry, crude as it might be, ,ion, plgos I 6.
446 T H E BAHA 'f WORLD

be opening of the pagcant, the sea-captoin to delnonrtr~tethar if fl.iendqhip is possible
and boy remaining at the left of the stage among these closely associated and rebated
as spectators. The opening of the curtain nations, then friendship is also possible
reveals the Spirit of Progress with out- among all nations. It was a brief, yet color-
stretched arms before the altar of civiliza- ful and convincing scene.
tion. The altar is placed before a stone wall The Spirit of Progress then introduced
above which appear the dome and minarets Part IS, before the curtain. A mu'adhhin's
of a mosque, the tower of a Christian call is heard in the distance. Upon the
church, and the top of a synagogue, with opening of the curtain, he gives the call
shrubbery and ~ a l mtrees, the scene typical again, and then the Muhammadans are seen
of an eastern Mediterranean port. The or- passing t o the mosque. A t the ringing of
chestra is la ping an oriental melody, "In a the church bells a priest and his flock are
Persian Market." The Spirit of Progress shown on their way to mass; later, a rabbi
turns and talces her lace "down right." and his followers pass t o worship-this to
There she tells the story of civilization as show that there is a place for every religion
each nation, race, or religion places its con- in the scheme of things. A typical oriental
tribution upon the altar. street scene is then enacted. Arabs, Jews,
Part I contains nineteen episodes, begin- Hindus, frdnians, American and English
ning with the col>tributions of the Egyp- tourists, Chinese, and American sailors, pre-
tians and Babylonians t o science, and of sent a colorful panorama. Native women
the Hebrews t o religious literature. Since carrying water jugs and baskets, boys bear-
the main thread of continuity is furnished ing huge trays of bread on their heads, and
by the theme of the "oneness of humanity" a man leading a white donkey suggest con-
the episodes are strung upon this theme, sistently the picturesqueness of such a scene.
with equality as the unifying idea. The I n the meantime the sea-captain has again
Spirit of Progress shows that many great resumed the dialogue with the boy, explain-
religious leaders have arisen from time to ing some of the customs in Eastern cities.
time, presenting as the highlight of Part I The pageant proper was then resumed
the contribution of Palestine with its gift with the contribution of the Arabs. Part I1
of the Prince of Peace,-this scene presented (in eleven episodes) has a number of very
by a $1 who recites some of the Beatitudes, dramatic moments such as the unveiling of
using as a climax, "Blessed are the peace- Thhirih, the noted woman martyr of frin,
makers for they shall be called the children emancipator of women of fr6n; the gift of
of God,"-followed by the contribution of Spain in the discovery of America, the
Rome in the spread of Christianity; of the Spirit of Progress reading these lines of
Crusades as a factor in the greater unifica- Joaquin Miller:
tion of mankind; of the gifted and heroic H e gained a world;
Joan of Arc; and of Lafayette, who ce- He gave that world its grandest lesson:
mented the friendship between France and "On and on."
America; of Scotland and Robert Burns, the
poet of brotherhood, who enters t o the tune And then to the tune of "Columbia, the
of "Auld Lang Syne," and reads the lines, Gem of the Ocean," occurs the dramatic
entrance of the framers of the Constitution;
For a' that and a' that
It's comin' yet for a' that, and while the music continues faintly, a
colored boy struggles "center stage" with
That man to man, the world o'er
his hands tied. After several futile attempts
Shall brothers be for a' that.
t o free himself, the tall, familiar figure of
And the curtain closes upon Part I with the Abraham Lincoln enters and seeing the
joyous dancing of an Irish jig. slave's anguish releases the bonds. The con-
Then followed a short interlude called tributions of the negro race then follow.
"A Pledge of Friendship" in which Colum- One of these is the spirit of reverence as it
bia, as hostess, welcomes Canada, Mexico reveals itself in his beautiful spirituals, sung
and the South American Republics. This is by a negro quartet. This scene is followed
PLAYS A N D PAGEANTS 447

by the contribution of the American Indian, charm t o t h e garden. If all were of the
climaxed by the entrance of an Indian chief same color the effect would be monotonous
who lays his pipe of peace upon the altar as and depressing. The world of humanity
a symbol of brotherhood. Part I1 ends with is like a garden, and the various races are
the gift of Switzerland: the city of Geneva, the flowers which constitute its adorn-
the home of the League of Nations. ment."' Here the orchestra plays a beaa-
The Spirit of Progress then resumes her tifnl strain and the Spirit of Peace enters
recital. She says, in brief, that the nlost dancing joyously from one nation to an-
important contributions have been made to other, joining the hand of each with the
civiliz~iion during the past eighty years, hand of ~ t sneighbor. Then the Spirit of
improvements in the means of transporta- Progress pronounces the following words:
tion and communication drawing the ends "Me thinlrs in the stillness of the ecstasy of
of the world together. When Morse flashed this hour I hear wafted t o earth, upon the
those dramatic words through space in breath of peace, this message: 'Ye are all the
1844, a new era was begun, and that, Leaves of one tree, the drops of one ocean,
"America has been the leader in furnishing and the children of one God!' " "
the means for the unification of mankind, A pageant of this kind, planned as a
but that it is self-evident that unity and means to an end-a phase in the education
conciliation of the human world cannot be of youth-proved a most interesting experi-
accomplished through material means alone. ment. When we realize that upon the
To establish these principles a propelling youth of today rests the responsibility of
power is needed which will bring about a rescuing the world from chaos, of active
change in the hearts of all men. Unity is participation in the reconstruction of to-
possible among individuals; it is also possible morrow, and the establishment of a new
among nations." "When God created the world order, then no effort is wasted, for
earth there were no restricted boundaries. the soil is fertile, and results are cer-
H e did not apportion a certain area to Ger- tain.
many, o r t o France, or to England, but He The combined effect of the words of the
apportioned the whole earth to humanity. Spirit of Progress, the music by an orchestra
Then let us strive again to bring about such of forty pieces, which supported the theme
a condition so that when one is asked, 'To and added to the emotional appeal, and the
which nationality do you belong?' the an- colorful costumes, made a lasting impres-
swer will be, 'To the nationality of human- sion on the youthful audience; and those in
ity.' I n other words, we shall be one family, the pageant expressed a joyousness that was
one country, one world of humanity; and refreshing. Each one felt that he had lost
these wars, hatreds and strifes will pass his identity in that of a nation, a race, a
away." religion, or a quality. Joan of Arc was the
The last scene shows the uniting of the personification of the spirit of Joan of Arc;
nations. All participants are gathered on Abraham Lincoln spoke but one line, "The
the stage at the rise of the curtain. In the white race should be just and kind t o the
center stands a sleuder white pole sur- colored race," but that line was imbued
mounted by a white dove, with wings out- with the spirit of Lincoln. The girl who
spread, and bearing in its bill an olive represented the lady of frdn said t o me:
branch. Colored streamers suspended from "I feel that I am TQhirih and that the words
the pole are held by some of the representa- she speaks are my words," and of this one
tives of the nations and races who form two could have no doubt. So virjid was her
circles about the pole. A t the right stands pantomime that when she unveiled her face
Tihirih, the lady of i r l n , who is saying to and wallred off the stage with beclroning
them: "In a flower garden, the very fact gesture, one could almost supply these
that there is difference and variety lends a words: "0 women of the world, follow in
my footsteps-work for the advallcement
'Abdu'l-Bahi, Promulgation of Universal Peace -
(192!), I, 9, Ibid., I, 42.
{bid., I, 114. 51bid., 11, 316.
THE BAHA'f WORLD

of human kind, m d lift the veils of preju- lishing unity and understanding. Associat-
dice." ing itself with sound, color, action, and
A t a time of social, economic, and polit- music, with all the realm of art, history,
ical unrest, the pageant furnishes a very and literature at its command, pageantry
effective, if not an ideal means for estab- holds an indisputable place in education.
REFERENCES TO T H E
BAHA'I FAITH
Alphabetical List of Authors
Archduchess Anton of Austria Angela Morgan
Charles Baudouin A. L. M. Nicholas
President Eduard BeneS Prof. Yone Noguchi
Prof. Norman Bentwich, Hebrew Univer- Rev. Frederick W. Oakes
sity, Jerusalem H.R.H. Princess Olga of Yugoslavia
Princess Marie Antoinette de Broglie Sir Flinders Petrie, Archeologist
Aussenac Prof. R. F. Piper
Prof. E. G. Browne, M.A., M.B., Cambridge Prof. B. Popovitch
University Charles H. Prisk
Luther Burbank Dr. Edmund Privat, University of Geneva
Dr. J. Estlin Carpenter, D.Litt., Ma?zchester Herbert Putnam, Congressional Library,
College, Oxford Washington, D. C.
General Renato Piola Caselli Eugen Relgis
Rev. T. K. Cheyne, D.Litt., D.D., Oxford Ernest Renal?
University, Fellow of British Academy Prof. Dr. J. Rypka
Sir Valentine Chirol Rt. Hon. Sir Herbert Samuel, G.C.B., M.P.
Rev. K. T. Chung Emile Schreiber, Publicist
Right Hon. The Earl Curzon of ICedleston Prof. Hari Prasad Shastri, D.Litt.
Prof. James Darmesteter, Bcole des Hautes Rev. Griffith J. Sparham
etudes, Paris Ex-Governor William Sulzer
Rev. J. Tyssul Davis, B. A. Shri Purohit Swami
Dr. Auguste Forel, University of Zurich Leo Tolstoy
Dr. Herbert Adams Gibbons Prof. Arminius Vambiry, Hungarian Acad-
Arthur Henderson emy of Pesth
Dr. Henry H. Jessup, D.D. Sir Francis Younghusband, K.C.S.I., K.C.I.E.
President David Starr Jordan
Prof. Jowett, Oxford University
Psof. Dimitry Kazarov, University of Sofia
Miss Helen Keller
Prof. Dr. V. Lesnv
Harry Charles Lukach
Dowager Queen Marie of Rumania A WOMAN brought me the other day
a Book. I spell it with a capital letter because
Alfred W. Martin, Society for Efhical Cul-
ture, New YorR it is a glorious Book of love and goodness,
President Masaryk of Czechoslovakia strength and beauty.
Dr. Rokuichiro Masujima, Doyen of Juris- She gave it to me because she had learned
prudence of Japan I was in grief and sadness and wanted to
Mr. Renwick J. G. Millar help. . . . She put it into my hands saying:
Prof. Herbert A. Miller, Bryn Mawr College "You seem to live up to His teachings."
The Hon. Lilian Helen Montagu, J.P., And when I opened the Book I saw it was
D.H.L. the word of 'Abdu'l-Bah6, prophet of love
Arthur Moore Miss Martha L. Root.-Editor
REFERENCES T O T H E BAHA'I FAITH 451

2nd kindness, and of his father the great 2nd death with a shrug and 2 "rhat ends it
teacher of international good-will and un- all; nothing comes after."
derstanding--of a religion which linlis all But how difficult ~t 1s so t o dismiss the
creeds. universe, our world, the animal and vege-
Their writings are a great cry toward table world, and man. How clearly one sees
peace, reaching beyond all limits of fron- a plan in everything. How unthinkable it
tiers, above all dissension about rites and is that the miraculous development that has
dogmas. I t is a religion based upon the inner brought man's body, brain and spirit t o
spirit of God, upon the great, not-to-be- whar it IS, should cease. Why should it
overcome verity that God is love, meaning cease? Why is it not logical that it goes
just that. I t teaches that all hatreds, in- on? Not the body, which is only an instru-
trigues, suspicions, evil words, all aggressive ment, but the invisible spark or fire within
patriotism even, are outside the one essen- the body which malies man one with the
tial law of God, and that special beliefs are wider plan of creation.
but surface things whereas the heart that My .words are lame, and why should I
beats with divine love knows no tribe nor grope for meanings when I can quote from
race. one who has said it so much more plainly,
I t is a wondrous Message that Baha'u'llih 'Abdu'l-Bahi, whom I know would sanction
and his son 'Abdu'lLBah6 have given us. the use of his words:
They have not set it up aggressively, know-
ing that the germ of eternal truth which "The whole physical creation is perish-
lies at its core cannot but take root and able. Material bodies are composed of atoms.
spread. When these atoms begin to separate, decom-
There is only one great verity in it: Love, position sets in. Then comes what we call
the mainspring of every energy, tolerance death.
toward each other, desire of utlderstanding "This composition of atoms which con-
each other, knowing each other, helping stitutes the body or mortal element of any
each other, forgiving each other. created being, is temporary. When the power
It is Christ's Message taken up anew, in of attraction which holds these atoms to-
the same words almost, but adapted to the gether is withdrawn, the body as such ceases
thousand years and more difference that lies to exist.
between the year one and today. No man "With the soul it is different. The soul is
could fail to be better because of this Book. not a combination of elements, is not com-
I commend it to you all. If ever the posed of many atoms, is of one indivisible
name of Bahi'u'llih or 'Abdu'l-Bah6 comes substance and therefore eternal.
to your attention, do not put their writings "It is entirely out of the order of physi-
from you. Search out their Boolis, and let cal creation; it is immortal! The soul, being
their glorious, peace-bringing, love-creating an invisible, indivisible substance, can suf-
words and lessons sink into your hearts as fer neither disintegration nor destruction.
they have into mine. Therefore there is no reason for its coming
One's busy day may seem too full for t o an end.
religion. O r one may have a religion that "Consider the aim of creation: Is it pos-
satisfies. But the teachings of these gentle, sible that all is created t o evolve and de-
wise and kindly men are compatible with velop through countless ages with merely
all religion, and with no religion. this small goal in view-a few years of
Seek them, and be the happier. man's life on earth? Is it not unthinlcable
(From the Toronto Daily Star, May 4, that this should be the final aim of ex-
1926.)
- istence? Does a man cease t o exist when he
leaves his body? If his life comes to an end,
then all previous evolution is useless. All has
2. been for nothing. All those eons of evolu-
Of course, if you take the stand that tion for nothing! Can we imagine that
creation has no aim, it is easy to dismiss life creation had no greater aim than this?
452 T H E B A H A 'f WORLD

"The very existence of mzn's intelligence bring God t o him, to sharpen the realization
proves his immortality. His intelligence is of the existence of the true God. Those
the intermediary between his body and his voices sent to us had to become flesh, so
spirit. When man allows his spirit, through that with our earthly ears we should be able
his soul, t o enlighten his understanding, t o hear and understand.
then does he contain all creation; because Those who read their Bible with "peeled
man being the culmination of all that went eyes" will find in almost every line some
before, and thus superior t o all previous revelation. But it takes long life, suffering
evolutions, contains all the lower already- or some sudden event t o tear all at once
evolved world within himself. Illumined the veil from our eyes, so that we can truly
by the spirit through the instrumentality of see. . . .
the soul, man's radiant intelligence makes Sorrow and suffering are the surest and
him the crowning-point of creation!" also the most common instructors, the
Thus does 'Abdu'lLBah6 explain to us the straightest channel t o God-that is t o say,
soul-the most convincing elucidation I to that inner something wlthin each of us
know. which is God.
(From the Torogzto Daily Star, September Happiness beyond all understanding comes
2 8 , 1926.) with this revelation that God is within us.
if we will but listen t o His voice. We need
not seek Him in the clouds. H e is the All-
Father whence we came and t o whom we
shall return when, having done with this
A t first we all conceive of God as some- earthly body, we pass onward.
thing or somebody apart from ourselves. If I have repeated myself, forgive me.
We think H e is something or somebody There are so many ways of saying things,
definite, outside of us, whose quality, mean- but what is important is the truth which
ing and so-to-say "personality" we can grasp lies in all the many ways of expressing it.
with our human, finite minds, and express (From the Philadelphia " E v e n k g Bulletin,"
in mere words. Monday, September 27, 1926.)
This is not so. We cannot, with our
earthly faculties entirely grasp His meaning
-no more than we can really understand
the meaning of Eternity. "Lately a great hope has come t o me
God is certainly not the old Fatherly gen-
from one, 'Abdu'l-Bah6. I have found in
tleman with the long beard that in our His and His Father, Bahi'u'llBh's Message of
childhood we saw pictured sitting amongst
Faith all my yearning for real religion satis-
clouds on the throne of judgment, holding
fied. If you ever hear of Bahl'is or of the
the lightning of vengeance in His hand.
Bahl'i Movement which is known in Amer-
God is something simpler, happier, and
ica, you will ltnow what that is. What I
yet infinitely more tremendous. God is All,
mean: these Books have strengthened me
Everything. H e is the power behind all
beyond belief and I am now ready to die
beginnings. H e is the inexhaustible source
any day full of hope. But I pray God not
of supply, of love, of good, of progress, of
t o take me away yet for I still have a lot
achievement. God is therefore Happiness.
of worlr t o do."
His is the voice within us that shows us -
good and evil.
But mostly we ignore or misunderstand
this voice. Therefore did H e choose his Elect
t o come down amongst us upon earth to "The Bah6'i teaching brings peace and
make clear His word, His real meaning. understanding.
Therefore the Prophets; therefore Christ, "It is like a wide embrace gathering to-
Muhammad, Bahi'u'll6h, for man needs gether all those who have long searched
from time to time a voice upon earth to for words of hope.
REFERENCES T O T H E BAHA.1 FAITH 413

"It accepts all great prophets gone before, Bibiism can reckon then1 by thousands?"
it destroys no other creeds and leaves all The answer, to my mind, is plain as the sun
doors open. at midday. Western Christianity, save in the
"Saddened by the continual strifc amongst rarest cases, is more Western than Christian,
believers of many confessions and wearied more racial than religious; and by dallying
of their intolerance towards each other, I with doctrines plainly incompatible with
discovered in the Bahi'i teaching the real the obvious meaning of its Founder's words,
spirit of Christ so often denied and mis- such as the theories of "racial supremacy,"
understood: "imperial destiny," "survival of the fittest,"
"Unity instead of strife, hope instead of and the like, grows steadily more rather
condemnation, love instead of hate, and a than less material. Did Christ belong to a
great reassurance for all men." "dominant race," or even to a European or
"white race"? . . . I am not arguing that
the Christian religion is true, but merely
that it is in manifest conflict with several
other theories of life which practically regu-
"The Bah6'i teaching brings peace to the late the conduct of all States and most
soul and hope to the heart. individuals in the Western world, a world
"To those in search of assurance the which, on the whole, judges all things, in-
words of the Father are as a fountain in the cluding religions, ~nainlyby material, or to
desert after long wandering." use the more popular term, "practical,"
1934. .
standards. . . There is, of course, another
factor in the success of the B6hi propagan-
dist, as compared with the Christian mis-
sionary, in the conversioll of Muhammadans
to his faith: namely, that the former admits,
"More than ever today when the world
while the latter rejects, the Divine in-
is facing such a crisis of bewilderment and
spiration of the Qur'in and the prophetic
unrest, must we stand firm in Faith seeking
function of Muhammad. The Christian
that which binds together instead of tearing missionary must begin by attacking, ex-
asunder."
plicitly or by implication, both these beliefs;
"To those searching for light, the Bahi'i too often forgetting that if (as happens but
Teachings offer a star which will lead them rarely) he succeeds in destroying them, he
to deeper understanding to assurance, peace
destroys with them that recognition of
and good will with all men." former prophetic dispensations (including
1936.
the Jewish and the Christian) which Mu-
hammad and the Qur'in proclaim, and
converts his Muslim antagonist not t o
Christianity, but to Skepticism or Atheism.
What, indeed, could be more illogical on
the part of Christian missionaries t o Mu-
Introduction to Myron H. Phelps' 'Abbis hammadan lands than to devote much time
Effendi,pages xv-xx; 1703 rev. 1912- and labor to the composition of controver-
I have often heard wonder expressed by sial works which endeavor to prove, in one
Christian ministers at the extraordinary suc- and the same breath, first, that the Qur'Qn
cess of Blbi missionaries, as contrasted with is a lying imposture, and, secondly, that it
the almost complete failure of their own. bears witness t o the truth of Christ's mis-
"How is it," they say, "that the Christian sion, as though any value attached t o the
doctrine, the highest and the noblest which testimony of one proved a liar! The B6bi
the world has ever known, though sup- (or Bahi'i) propagandist, on the other
ported by 111 the resources of Western civil- hand, admits that Muhammad was the
ization, can only count its converts in Mu- prophet of God and that the Qur'ln is the
hammadan lands by twos and threes, while Word of God, denies nothing but their
454 T H E BAHA'I W O R L D
finality, 2nd does not discredit his own 3.
witness when he draws from that source
A Traveller's Naruative, page 309-
arguments t o prove his faith. T o the West-
ern observer, however, it is the complete The appearance of such a woman as
sincerity of the Blbis, their fearless disre- Qurratu'l-'Ayn is in any country and any
gard of death and torture undergone for the age a rare phenomenon, but in such a coun-
sake of their religion, their certain convic- try as Persia i t is a prodigy-nay, almost
tion as to the truth of their faith, their a miracle. Alilie in virtue of her lnarvelous
admirable conduct towards man- beauty, her rare intellectual gifts, her fervid
kind and especially towards their fellow- eloquence, her fearless devotion and her
believers, which constitutes their strongest glorious martyrdom, she stands forth in-
claim on his attention. comparable and immortal amidst her coun-
trywomen. Had the Bibi religion no other
claim to greatness, this were sufficient-that
it produced a heroine like Qurratu'l-'Ayn.

Introduction t o Myron H. Phelps' 'Abbds
Efenlli, pages xii-xiv-
I t was under the influence of this en-
Introduction to A Traveller's Narrative,
thusiasm that I penned the introduction to
pages ix, x-
my translation of the Traveller's Narrative.
. . . This enthusiasm, condoned, if not Though I dimly suspected whither I was
shared, by many kindly critics and review- going and whom I was to behold (for no
ers, exposed me to a somewhat savage attack distinct intimation had been given to me),
in the O x f o r d Magazine, an attack conclud- a second or two elapsed ere, with a throb
ing with the assertion that my Introduction of wonder and awe, I became definitely con-
displayed "a personal attitude almost incon- scious that the room was not untenanted.
ceivable in a rational European, and a style I n the corner where the divan met the
unpardonable in a university teacher." (The wall sat a wondrous and venerable figure,
review in question appeared in the Oxford crowned with a felt head-dress of the kind
Magnzine of May 2 5 , 1892, page 394, . . . called t l j by dervishes (but of unusual
"the prominence given t o the Bib in this height and make), round the base of which
book is an absurd violation of historical was wound a small white turban. The face
perspective; and the translations of the of him on whom I gazed I can never forget,
Tmveller's Narratzve a waste of the powers though I cannot describe it. Those piercing
and opportunities of a Persian Scholar.") eyes seemed to read one's very soul; power
Increasing age and experience (more's the and authority sat on that ample brow; while
pity!) are apt enough, even without the as- the deep lines on the forehead and face im-
sistance of the Oxford Magazine, t o modify plied an age which the jet-black hair and
our enthusiasm; but in this case, at least, beard flowing down in indistinguishable
time has so far vindicated my judgment luxuriance almost t o the waist seemed to
against that of my Oxfovd reviewer that he belie. N o need to ask in whose presence I
could scarcely now maintain, as he formerly stood, as I bowed myself before one who is
asserred, that the Blhi religion "had affected the object of a devotion and love which
the least important part of the Muslim kings might envy and emperors sigh for in
World, and that not deeply." Every one vain.
who is in the slightest degree conversant A mild, dignified voice bade me be seated,
with the actual state of things (September and then continued: "Praise be t o God, that
27, 1903), in Persia now recognizes that .
t h o u hast attained! . . T h o a hast come
the number and influence of the Bibis in t o see a prisoner and a n exile. . . . We
that country is immensely greater than it desire b u t the good of the world and the
was fifteen years ago. happiness of the nations; yet t h e y deem zrr
REFERENCES T O T H E BAHA'f FAITH 411

a s t j i ~ e ~ - zof~ pstrife and sedrtzon wovthy of trotion, more intimately acquainted with
bondage and banishnzent. . . . That all na- the sacred boolis of the Jews, the Christians
tions should become one il* faith and all men and the Muhammadans, could, I should
as brothers; that the bonds of affection and think, be scarcely found even amongst the
unity between the sons of men shoz~ld be eloquent, ready and subtle race to which he
strengthened; that diversity of religion belongs. These qualities, combined with a
should cease, and differences of race be an- bearing at once majestic and genial, made
n u l l e d l u h a t harm is there in this? . . . me cease t o wonder at the influence and
Yet so it shall be; these fruitless strifes, esteem which he enjoyed even beyond the
these ruinous wars shall pass away, and the circle of his father's followers. About the
'Most Great Peace' shall co~ne.. . . Do not greatness of this man and his power no one
you in Eurote need this also? Is not this who had seen him could entertain a doubt.
that iuhich Christ fol,etold? . .. Yet do
iue see ljoza h i n ~ sand rulers lavishinfi their
treasures more freely on means for the de-
Excerpts from Comkarative Religions, pages
struction of the hnn*an race than on that
70, 71-
zuhich would conduce to the ha$piness of
.
mankind. . . These strifes and this blood- From that subtle race issues the most
shed and discord mzut cease, and all .inen be remarkable movement which modern Mu-
as one kindred and one fa?nily. . . . Let hamn~adanismhas produced. . . . Disciples
not a nzan plory in this that he loves his gathered round him, and the movement was
country; let him rather glory in this; that not checked by his arrest, his imprisonment
he loves his kind. . . ." for nearly six years and his final execution
Such, so far as I can recall them, were in 1810. . . . It, too, claims to be a uni-
the words which, besides many others. I versal teaching; it has already its noble
heard from Bahi. Let those who read them army of martyrs and its holy books; has
consider well with themselves whether such Persia, in the midst of her miseries, given
doctrines merit death and bonds, and birth to a religion which will go round the
whether the world is more likely to gain world?
or lose by their diffusion.
BY THE REV. T. K. CHEYNE,
D.LITT., D.D.
Excerpts from The Reconciliation of Races
and Relipions.. (1914)-
. ,
Introduction t o A Traveller'r Narrative,
There was living quite lately a human
pages xxxv, xxxvi-
being of such consummate excellence that
Seldom have I seen one whose appearance many think it is both permissible and in-
impressed me more. A tall, strongly built evitable even t o identify him mystically
man holding himself straight as an arrow, with the invisible Godhead. . . . HisZcom-
with white turban and raiment, long black bination of mildness and power is so rare
locks reaching almost t o the shoulder, broad that we have t o place him in a line with
powerful forehead, indicating a strong in- .
super-normal men. . . We learn that, at
tellect, combined with all unswerving will, great points in his career after he had been
eyes keen as a hawk's, and strongly marked in an ecstasy, such radiance of inight and
but pleasing features-such was my first majesty streamed from his countenance that
impression of 'Abbis Effendi, "The Master" none could bear t o look upoil the effulgence
('A&i) as he par excellence is called by of his glory and beauty. Nor was it an
the Bibis. Subsequent conversation with uncommon occurrence for unbelievers in-
him served only to heighten the respect with voluntarily t o bow down in lowly obeisance
which his appearance had from the first a n beholding His Holiness.
inspired me. One more eloquent of speech,
Bahi'ull.411.
more ready of argument, more apt of illus- 2 Bib.
T H E B A H A 'f WORLD

The gentle spirit of the Bib is surely high
up in the cycles of eternity. Who can fail,
Testimonial to the Religion of 'Abdu'l-Bahi.
as Professor Browne says, t o be attracted
(Published in Egyptian Gazette, Sept. 2 4 ,
by him? "His sorrowful and persecuted life;
1913, by Mrs. J. Stannard.)-
his purity of conduct and youth; his cour-
age and uncomplaining patience under mis- I forward this humble petition t o the
fortune; his complete self-negation; the dim sanctified and holy presence of 'Abdu'l-Bahb
ideal of a better state of things which can 'Abbis, who is the center of knowledge,
be discerned through the obscure mystic famous throughout the world, and loved by
utterances of the Bayin; but most of all, his all mankind. 0 thou noble friend who art
tragic death, all serve t o enlist our sympa- conferring guidance upon humanity-May
thies on behalf of the young prophet of my life be a ransom to thee!
Sirlz." The loving epistle which you have con-
"I1 sentait le besoin d'une reforme pro- descended t o write t o this servant, and the
fond H introduire dans les moeurs publiques. rug which you have forwarded, came safely
. . . I1 s'est sacrifi6 pour I'humanit6; pour to hand. The time of the meeting with
elle il a donne son corps et son Bme, pour your Excellency, and the memory of the
elle il a suhi les privations, les affronts, les benediction of your presence, recurred to
injures, la torture et le martyre." (Mons. the memory of this servant, and I am long-
Nicolas.) ing for the time when I shall meet you
If there has been any prophet in recent again. Although I have traveled through
times, it is t o Bahi'u'llbh that we must go. many countries and cities of Isllm, yet have
Character is the final judge. Bahi'u'llih I never met so lofty a character and so
was a man of the highest class-that of exalted a personage as your Excellency, and
prophets. But he was free from the last I can bear witness that it is not possible t o
infirmity of noble minds, and would cer- find such another. O n this account, I am
tainly not have separated himself from hoping that the ideals and accomplish-
others. H e would have understood the ments of your Excellency may he crowned
saying: "Would God all the Lord's people with success and yield results under all
were prophets!" What he does say, how- conditions; because behind these ideals
ever, is just as fine: "I do .lot desire lordship and deeds I easily discern the eternal wel-
over others; I desire all men t o be even as fare and prosperity of the world of hu-
I am." manity.
The day is not far 08 when the This servant, in order to gain first-hand
details of 'Abdu'l-Bahi's missionary jour- inforniation and experience, entered into the
neys will be admitted t o be of histori- ranks of various religions, that is, out-
cal importance. How gentle and wise he wardly, I became a Jew, Christian, Muham-
was, hundreds could testify from per- madan and Zoroastrian. I discovered that
sonal knowledge, and I, too, could perhaps the devotees of these various religions do
say something. . . . I will only, however, nothing else but hate and anathematize each
give here the outward framework of 'Ab- other, that all their religions have become
du'l-Bahi's life, and of his apostolic the instruments of tyranny and oppression
journeys, with the help of my friend in the hands of rulers and governors, and
Lutfullih. . . . that they are the causes of the destruction
During his stay in London he visited Ox- of the world of humanity.
ford (where he and his party--of Persians Considering those evil results, every per-
mainly-were the guests of Professor and son is forced by necessity t o enlist himself
Mrs. Cheyne), Edinburgh, Clifton and on the side of your Excellency, and accept
Woliing. I t is fitting to notice here that with joy the prospect of a fundamental
the audience at Oxford, though highly aca- basis for a universal religion of God, being
demic, si-emcd t o he deeply interes~ed,and laid through your efforts.
that Dr. Carpenter made an admirable I have seen the father of your Excellency
speech. . . . from afar. I have realized the self-sacrifice
and noble courage of hib son, and I am lost Persia is no longer subject to such violent
in admiration. perturbations. A t least, as far as we are
For the principles and aims of your Ex- concerned, the appearances of peace prevail,
cellency, 1 express the utmost respect and and few of us care or have occasion t o look
devotion, and if God, the Most H ~ g h ,con- beyond the appearances. But for the Persians
fers long life, I will he able to serve you themselves, have the conditions very much
under all conditions. I pray and supplicate changed? Do they not witness one day the
this from the depths of my heart. sudden rise of this or that favorite of for-
Your servant, tune and the next day his sudden fall?
(Mamhenyn.) Have they not seen the Atibak-i-A'zam
V A M B ~ K Y . twice hold sway as the &6h's all-powerful
Vazir, and twice hurled down from that
pinnacle by a bolt from the blue? How
many other ministers and governors have sat
Quotation iron1 T h e Frhzge of t h e East
for a time on the seats of the mighty and
(Macmillai~& Co., London, 19 13 .) -
been swept away by some intrigue as sordid
Bah6'ism is now estimated to count more as that t o which they owed their own exal-
than two million adherents, mostly com- tation? And how many in humbler stations
posed of Persian and Indian a i ' i h s , but in- have been in the meantime the recipients of
cluding also Inany Sunnis from the Turkish their unworthy favors or the victims of
Empire and North Africa, and not a few their arbitrary oppression? A village which
Brahmans, Buddists, Taoists, Shintoists and but yesterday was fairly prosperous is beg-
Jews. I t possesses even European converts, gared today by some neighboring landlord
and has made some headway in the United higher up the valley, who, having duly pro-
States. Of all the religions which have been pitiated those in authority, diverts for the
encountered in the course of this journey- benefit of his own estates the whole of its
the stagnant pools of Oriental Christianity, slender supply of water. The progress of a
the strange survivals of sun-worship, and governor o r royal prince, with all his cus-
idolatry tinged with Mubainmadanism, the tomary retinue of ravenous hangers-on, eats
immutable relic of the Suinerians-it is the out the countryside through which i t passes
only one which is alive, which is aggressive, more effectually than a flight of locusts.
which is extending its frontiers, instead of The visitation is as ruinous and as unac-
secluding itself within its ancient haunts. countable. I s it not the absence of all
I t is a thing which may revivify Islim, and visible moral correlation of cause and effect
make great changes on the face of thc Asi- in t h e ~ ephenomena of daily life that has
atic world. gone far to produce the stolid fatalism of
the masses, the scofing skepticism of the
more educated classes, and from time t o
time the revolt of some nobler minds? Of
Quotations from T h e Middle Eastern Qzrcs-
such the most recent and perhaps the no-
ti08 or Some Political Problents of Ifzdian
blest of all became the founder of Bibiism.
Defense, chapter X I , page 116 (The Re-
Chapter XI, page 120-
vival of B6biism.)-
The Bib was dead, but not Bibiism. H e
When one has been like Sa'di, a great per- was not the first, and still less the last, of a
sonage, and then a common soldier, and long line of martyrs who have testified that
then a prisoner of a Christian feudal chief; even in a country gangrened with corrup-
when one has worked as a navvy on the tion and atrophied with indifferentism like
fortifications of the Count of Ancioch, and Persia, the soul of a nation survives, inar-
wandered back afoot t o S_hir6z after infinite ticulate, perhaps, and in a way helpless, hut
pain and labor, he may well be disposed to still capable of sudden spasms of vitality.
thinlr that nothing that exists is real, or, at Chapter XI, page 124-
least, has any substantial reality worth Socially one of the most interesting fea-
clinging to. Today the public peace of tures of Blbiism is the raising of woman to
'i WORLD
a much higher plane than she ia usually ad- roll of martyrs fop the cause for which it
mitted to in the East. The Bbh himself had stands, twenty thousand in Persia alone,
no more devoted a disciple than the beauti- proving it t o be a movement worth dying
ful and gifted lady, known as Qurratu'l- for as well as worth living by.
'Ayn, the "Consolation of the Eyes," who, From its iuception i t has been identified
having shared all the dangers of the first with Bahi'u'llbh, who paid the price of pro-
apostolic missions in the north, challenged longed exile, imprisonment, bodily suffering,
and suffered death with virile fortitude, as and mental anguish for the faith he cher-
one of the Seven Martyrs of Tihrin. No ished-a man of imposing personality as
memory is more deeply venerated or kindles revealed in his writings, characterized by
greater enthusiasm than hers, and the influ- intense moral earnestness and profound spir-
ence which she yielded in her lifetime still ituality, gifted with the selfsa~nepower so
inures to her sex. conspicuous in the character of Jesus, the
power to appreciate people ideally, that is,
BY ~ R o m s s o nJOWETT of Oxford to see them at the level of their best and to
make even the lowest types thinli well of
Quotation from Heroic Lives, pages 30Y-
themselves because of potentialities within
Prof. Jowett of Oxford, Master of Balliol, them t o which he pointed, but of which
the translator of Plato, studied the move- they were wholly unaware; a prophet whose
ment and was so impressed thereby that he greatest contribution was not any specific
said: "The Bibite [Bahb'i] movement may doctrine he proclaimed, but an informing
not impossibly turn out t o have the promise spiritual power breathed into the world
of the future." Dr. J. Estlin Carpenter through the example of his life and thereby
quotes Prof. Edward Caird, Prof. Jowett's quickening souls into new spiritual activ-
successor as Master of Ralliol, as saying, "He ity. Surely a movement of which all this
thought Bibiism (as the Bahi'i movement can be said deserves-nay, compels-our
was then called) might prove the most im- respectful recognition and sincere apprecia-
portant religious movement since the foun- tion.
dation of Christianity." Prof. Carpenter . . . Taking precedence over all else in
himself gives a sketch of the Bahi'i move- its gospel is the message of unity in reli-
ment in his recent book on Comjarative gion. . . . I t is the crowning glory of the
Religions and asks, "Has Persia, in the midst Bahi'i movement that, while deprecating
of her miseries, given birth t o a religion that sectarianism in it? preaching, it has faith-
will go around the world?" fully practised what it preached by re-
fraining from becoming itself a sect. . . .
Its representatives do not attempt to im-
pose any beliefs upon others, whether by
Excerpts from Comparative Religiotz and
argument or bribery; rather do they seek
the Rclrgjon of the Future, pages 81-91-
to put beliefs that have illumined their own
Inasmuch as a fellowship of faiths is at lives within the reach of those who feel
once the dearest hope and ultimate goal of they need illumination. No, not a sect, not
the Bahi'i movement, it behooves us to take a part of humanity cut off froin all the rest,
cognizance of it and its mission. . . . To- living for itself and aiming to convert all
day this religious movement has a million the rest into material for its own growth;
and more adherents, including people from no, not that, but a leaven, causing spiritual
all parts of the globe and representing a fermentation in all religions, quicliening
remarkable variety of race, color, class and them with the spirit of catholicity and
creed. I t has been given literary expression fraternalism.
in a veritable library of Asiatic, European, . . . Who shall say but that just as the
and American works t o which additions are little company of the Mayflower, landing
annually made as the movement grows and on Plymouth Roclr, proved to be the small
grapples with the great problems that grow beginning of a mighty nation, the ideal
out of its cardinal teachings. I t has a loug germ of a denlocracy which, if true t o its
REFERENCES T O T H E BAHA'I FAITH 419

principles, shall yet overspread the habitable IIIJ~L and in elevating him exalts woman
globe, so the little company of Bahi'is up to his level. Bibiisni, which dieused
exiled from their Persian home may yet itself in less than five years from one end
prove to be the small beginning of the of Persia to another, which was bathed in
world-wide movement, the ideal germ of 1852 in the blood of its martyrs, has been
democracy in religion, the Universal Church silently progressing and propagating itself.
of Mankind? If Persia is t o be at all regenerate it will be
through this new faith.

Excerpt from Art in "Persia: A Historical
and Literary Sketch" (translated by Excerpts from Contrmpaunry Studies, Part
G. K. Nariman), and incorporated in 111, page 1J 1. (Allan & Unwin, Lon-
Persia and Pmsis, Part I, edited by G. K. don, 1924.1-
Nariman. Published under patronage of
We Westerners are too apt t o imagine
the ir6n League, Bombay, 1921. (The
that the huge continent of Asia is sleeping
Marker Literary Series for Persia, No.
as soundly as a mummy. W e smile a t the
2.)-
vanity of the ancient Hebrews, who be-
The political reprieve brought about by lieved themselves to be the chosen people.
the S6fis did not result in the regeneration We are amazed at the intolerance of the
of thought. But the last cenrury which Greeks and the Romans, who looked upon
marks the end of Persia has had its revival the members of all races as barbarians.
and twofold revival, literary and religious. Nevertheless, we ourselves are like the
The funeral ceremonies by which Persia Hebrews, the Greeks and the Romans. As
celebrates every year for centuries-the Europeans we believe Europe to be the only
fatal day of the l o t h of Muharram, when world that matters, though from time to
the son of 'Ali breathed his last at Karbili time we may turn a paternal eye towards
-have developed a popular theater and America, regarding our offspring in the
produced a sincere poetry, dramatic and New World with mingled feelings of con-
human, which is worth all the rhetoric of descension and pride.
the poets. During the same times an Nevertheless, the great cataclysm of 1914
attempt at religious renovation was made, is leading some of us to undertake a critical
the religion of Bhbiism. Demoralized for examination of the inviolable dogma that
centuries by ten foreign conquests, by the the European nations are the elect. Has
yoke of a composite religion in which she there not been of late years a demonstration
believed just enough t o persecute, by the of the nullity of modern civilization-the
enervating influence of a nlystical phi- nullity which had already been proclaimed
losophy which disabled men for action and by Rousseau, Carlyle, Ruslrin, Tolstoy, and
divested life of all aim and objects, Persia Nietzsche? We are now inclined t o listen
has been maliing unexpected efforts for the more attentively t o whispers from the East.
last fifty-five years t o re-make for herself Our self-complacency has been disturbed
a virile ideal. B6biism has little of orig- by such utterances as that of Rabindranath
inality in its dogmas and mythology. Its Tagore, who, lecturing at the Imperial Uni-
mystic doctrine takes its rise from Slifism versity of Tokio on June 18, 1916, fore-
and the old sects of the Aliides formed told a great future for Asia. The political
around the dogma of divine incarnation. civilization of Europe was "carnivorous and
But the morality it inculcates is a revolu- cannibalistic in its tendencies." The East
tion. I t has the ethics of the West. I t was patient, and could afford t o wait rill
suppresses lawful impurities which are a the West, "hurry after the expedient," had
great barrier dividing Isllm from Christen- t o halt for want of breath. "Europe, while
dom. I t denounces polygamy, the fruitful busily speeding t o her engagements, disdain-
source of Oriental degeneration. I t seeks fully casts her glance from her carriage
t o reconstitute the family and it elevates window at the reaper reaping his harvest in
460 THE B A H A 'i WORLD

the field, and in her inroxic.~tion u l speed, 'Ilih is ~ n ~ u c s t i o n a b l yone of the most
cannot but think him as slow and ever re- comprehensive of these, one of the most ex-
ceding backwards. But the speed comes to alted, one of the most satisfactory t o the
its end, the engagement loses its meaning, modern mind. . . .
and the hungry heart clamors for food, till That is why Bahi'u'116h is a severe critic
a t last she comes t o the lonely reaper reap- of the patriotism which plays so large a
ing his harvest in the sun. For if the office part in the national life of our day. Love
cannor wait, or the buying and selling, or of our native land is legitimate, but this
the craving for excitement-love raits, and love lnust not be exclusive. A man should
beauty, and the wisdom of suffering and love his country more than he loves his
the fruits of patient devotion and reverent house (this is the dogma held by every
meelrness of simple faith. And thus shall patriot) ; but Bahi'u'llih adds that he
wait the East till her time comes." should love the divine world more than he
Being thus led t o turn our eyes towards loves his country. Erom this standpoint,
Asia, we are astouished to find bow much patriotism is seen to be an intermediate
we have misunderstood it; and we blush stage on the road of renunciation, an in-
when we realize our previous ignorance of complete and hybrid religion, something we
the fact that, towards the middle of the have to get beyond. Throughout his life
nineteenth century, Asia gave birth to a Bahi'u'llih regarded the ideal universal
great religious movement-a movement peace as one of the most important of his
signalized for its spiritual purity, one which aims. . . .
has had thousands of martyrs, one which . . . Bahi'u'llih is in this respect enunci-
Tolstoy has described. H. Dreyfus, the ating a novel and fruitful idea. There is a
French historian of this movement, says better way of dealing with social evils than
that it is not " 2 new religion," hut "re- by trying to cure them after they have
ligion renewed," and that it povides "thc come to pass. We should try to prevent
only possible basis for a mutual understand- them by removing their causes, which act
ing between religion and free thought." on the individual, and especially on the
Above all, we are impressed by the fact child. Nothing can be more plastic than
that, in our own time, such a manifestation the nature of the child. 'The government's
can occur, and that the new faith should first duty must be to provide for the care-
have undergone a development far more ful and efficient education of children,
extensive than that undergone in rhe same remembering that education is something
space of time nearly two thousand years more than instruction. This will be an
ago, by budding Christianity. enormous step towards the solution of the
.. . A t the present time, the majority social problem, and t o take such a step will
of the inhabitants of Persia have, to a vary- be the first task of the Baytu'l-'Ad'l (House
ing extent, accepted the Bibiist faith. In of Justice). "It is ordained upon every
the great towns of Europe, America, and father to rear his son or his daughter by
Asia, there are active centers for the propa- means of the sciences, the arts, and all the
ganda of the liberal ideas and the doctrine commandments; and if any one should neg-
of human community, which form the lect to do so, then the members of the
fou~ldationsof Bah6'ist teaching. council, should the offender be a wealthy
We shall not grasp the full significance man, must levy from him the sum neces-
of this tendency until we pass from the sary for the education of his child. When
description of BahB'ism as a theory t o that the neglectful parent is poor, the cost of
of Bahi'ism as a practice, for the core of the necessary education must be borne by
religion is not metaphysics, but morality. the council, which will provide a refuge
The Bahi'ist ethical code is dominated by for the unfortunate."
the law of love taught by Jesus and by all The Baytu'l-'Ad'l, likewise, must prepare
the prophets. In the thousand and one de- the way for the establishment of universal
tails of practical life, this law is subject t o peace, doing this by organizing courts of
manifold interpretations. That of Bahi'u- arbitration and by influencing the govern-
462 T H E BAHA'f WORLD

mmrs. Long beforc the Esperantists had he rethought hy minds schooled in the
begun their campaign, and more than Western mode of thought. But, in its
twenty years before Nicholas I1 had sum- existing form, Bahb'ist teaching may serve,
moned the first Hague congress, Bahi'u- amid our present chaos, to open for us a
'116h was insisting on the need for a uni- road leading t o solace and to comfort; may
versal language and courts of arbitration. restore our confidence in the spiritual des-
He returns to these matters again and tiny of man. I t reveals t o us how the
again: "Let all the nations become one in human mind is in travail; i t gives us an
faith, and let all men be brothers, in order inkling of the fact that the greatest hap-
that the honds of affection and unity be- penings of the day are not the ones we were
tween the sons of men may be strengthened. inclined to regard as the most momentous,
. . . What harm can there he in that? . . . not the ones which are making the loudest
I t is going t o happen. There will be an end noise.
t o sterile conflicts, t o ruinous wars; and the
Great Peace will come!" Such were the DR. HENRY
H . JESSUP, D.D.
words of Bahb'u'lliih in 1890, two years be-
From the World's Pailianzent of Religion;
fore his death.
\Tolume 11, 13th Day, under Criticism
While adopting and developing the Chris-
and Discussion of Missionary Methods,
tian law of love, Bahi'u'llih rejected the
page 1122. A t the Columbian Expo-
Christian principle of asceticism. H e
sition of 1893, a t Chicago. Edited by
discountenanced the macerations which
the Rev. John Henry Barrows, D.D.
were a nightmare of the Middle Ages, and
(The Parliament Publishing Company,
whose evil effects persist even in our own
days. ... Chicago, 189 3 . ) -
Bahh'ism, then, is an ethical system, a This, then, is our mission: that we who
system of social morality. But i t would be are made in the image of God should re-
a mistake t o regard Bahi'ist teaching as a member that all men are made in God's
collection of abstract rules imposed from image. T o this divine knowledge we owe
without. Bahh'ism is permeated with a sane all we are, all we hope for. We are rising
and noble mysticism; nothing could be gadually toward that image, and we owe
more firmly rooted in the inner life, more t o our fellowmen to aid them in returning
benignly spiritual; nothing could speak to it in the Glory of God and the Beauty
more intimately to the soul, in low tones, of Holiness. I t is a celestial privilege and
and as if from within. . . . with it comes a high responsibility, from
Such is the new voice that sounds t o us which there is no escape.
from Asia; such is the new dawn in the I n the Palace of Bahji, or Delight, just
East. We should give them our close atten- outside the Fortress of 'Akki, on the Syrian
tion; we shonld atandon our customary coast, there died a few months since, a
mood of disdainful superiority. Doubtless, famous Persian sage, the Bdbi Saint, named
Bahi'n'llhh's teaching is not definitive. Bahh'u'llih-the "Glory of God"-the
The Persian prophet does not offer it to us head of that vast reform party of Persian
as such. Nor can we Europeans assimilate Muslims, who accept the New Testament
all of it; for rnodern science leads us t o as the Word of God and Christ as the De-
make certain claims in matters of thought liverer of men, who regard all nations as
-claims are cannot relinquish, claims we one, and all men as brothers. Three years
should not try t o forego. But even ago he was visited by a Cambridge scholar
though Bahi'u'll6h's precepts (like those of and gave utterance t o sentiments so noble,
the Gospels) may not fully satisfy a11 these so Christlike, that we repeat them as our
intellectual demands, they are rarely in con- closing words:
flict with our scientific outlooks. If they "That all nations should become one in
arc to become our own spiritual food, they faith and all men as brothers; that the
must be supplemented, they must be re- bonds of affection and unity between the
lived by the religious spirits of Europe, must sons of men should he strengthened; that
REFERENCES TO T H E BAH6'1 F A I T H 463

diversity of religions should ccase and in the cemetery have beco~neplaces d pil-
differences of race be annulled. What harm grimage where many a tear is shed over
is there in this? Yet so it shall be. These the fate of the "Martyrs of Isf6hbn." . . .
fruitless strifes, these ruinous wars shall I t is these little incidents, protruding from
pass away, and the 'Most Great Peace' shall time to time their ugly features, that prove
come. Do not you in Europe need this Persia to be not as yet quite redeemed, and
also? Let not a man glory in this, that he that somewhat staggers the tall-talkers
loves his country; let him rather glory in about frinian civilization. If one conclu-
this, that he loves his Irind." sion more than another bas been forced
upon our notice by the retrospect in which
I have indulged, it is that a sublilne and
murmuring [ ? ] devotion has been incul-
Excerpts from Persia, Vol. I, pages 496-504.
cated by this new faith, whatever it be.
(Written in 1892.)-
There is, I believe, but one instance of a
Beauty and the female sex also lent their Bibi having recanted under pressure of
consecration t o the new creed and the hero- menace of suffei-ing, and he reverted to the
ism of the lovely but ill-fated poetess of faith and was executed within two years.
Qazuin, Zarrill-T&j (Crown of Gold) or Tales of magnificent heroism illumine the
Qurrat~t'l-'Ayn (Solace of the Eyes), who, bloodstained pages of Bibi history. Igno-
throwing off the veil, carried the ~nissionnry rant and unlettered as many of its votaries
torch far and wide, is one of the most are, and have been, they are yet prepared
affecting episodes in modern history. ... t o die for their religion, and fires of Smith-
The lowest estimate places the present num- field did not kindle a nobler courage than
ber of Bibis in Persia a t half a million. 1 has met and defied the more refined torture-
am disposed to think, from conversations mongers of Tihrin. Of no small account,
with persons well qualified to judge, that then, must be the tenets of a creed that can
the total is nearer one million. They are to awaken in its followers so rare and beautiful
be found in every walk of life, from the a spirit of self-sacrifice. From the facts
ministers and nobles of the Court to the that Bibiism in its earliest years found
scavenger or the groom, not the least arena itself in conflict with the civil powers and
of their activity being the Mussulman that an attempt was made by Bibis upon
priesthood itself. I t will have been noticed the life of the &ah, it has been wrongly
that the movement was initiated by Siyyids, inferred that the movement was political in
H i j i s and Mullis, i.e., persons who, either origin and Nihilist in character. It does
by descent, from pious inclination, or by not appear from a study of the writings
profession, were intimately concerned with either of the B i b or his successors, that
the M&ammadan creed; and it is among there is any foundation for such a suspicion.
even the professed votaries of the faith that . . . The charge of immorality seems to
.
they continue t o make their converts. . . have arisen partly from the malignant in-
Quite recently the Bibis have had great ventions of opponents, partly from the
success in the camp of another enemy, much greater freedom claimed for women
having secured many proselytes among the by the Bib, which in the oriental mind is
Jewish populations of the Persian towns. scarcely dissociable from profligacy of con-
I hear that during the past year (1891) duct. .. . If Bibiism continues t o grow
they are reported t o have made 1 5 0 Jewish at its present rate of progression, a time
converts in Tihrin, 100 in Hamadin, 50 may conceivably come when it will oust
in Kbhbn, and 75 per cent of the Jews at Muhammadanism from the field in Persia.
.
Gulpiyigin. . . The two victims, whose . . . Since its recruits are won from the
names were H l j i M i r z i Hasan and H i j i best soldiers of the garrison whom it is
Mirzi Husayn, have been renamed by the attacking, there is greater reason t o believe
Bibis: Sulfinu'sl-Suhadl', or King of that it may ultimltely pevail. . . . The
Martyrs, and MahbSbu'&-Suhadi', or Be- pure and suffering life of the Bib, his igno-
loved of Martyrs-and their naked graves minious death, the heroism and martyrdom
464 T H E BAHA 'f WORLD

of Ilia followers, will appeal to many others God-man. Of the sincerity of his convic-
who can find no similar phenomena in the tion that he was God-appointed, the man-
contemporaneous records of Isl61n. . . . ner of his death is the amplest possible
proof. I n the belief that he would thereby
save others from the error of their present
beliefs he willingly sacrificed his life. And
Excerpts from The Glcaii~. (1923.)- of his power of attaching men to him, the
passionate devotion of hundreds and even
thousands of men who gave their lives in
The story of the Bab, as Mirza 'Ali Mu- .
his cause is convincing testimony. . .
hammad called himself, was the story of H e himself was but "a letter out of that
spiritual heroism unsurpassed in Svabhava's most mighty book, a dewdrop from that
experience; and his own adventurous soul limitless ocean." The One to come would
was fired by it. That a youth of no social reveal all mysteries and all riddles. This
influence and no education should, by the was the humility of true insight. And it
simple power of insight, be able t o pierce has had its effect. His movement has
into the heart of things and see the real grown and expanded, and it has yet a great
truth, and then hold on to it with such future before it.
firmness of conviction and present it with During his six years of ministry, four of
such suasion that he was able t o convince which were spent in captivity, he had per-
men that he was the Messiah and get them meated all Persia with his ideas. And since
to follow him to death itself, was one of his death the movement has spread t o
those splendid facts in human history that Turltcy, Egypt, India and even into Europe
Svabhava loved to meditate on. This was and America. His adherents are now num-
a true hero whom he would wish to emu- bered by millions. The spirit which per-
late and whose experiences he would profit vades them, says Professor Browne, "is
by. The Bib's passionate sincerity could such that it cannot fail to affect most
not be doubted, for he had given his life for powerfully all subject t o its influence."
his faith. And that there must be some-
thing in his message that appealed t o men
and satisfied their souls, was witnessed to
b y the fact that thousands gave their lives
in his cause and millions now follow him. For many years I have been interested in
If a young man could, in only six years the rise and progress of the Baha'i Move-
of ministry, by the sincerity of his purpose ment. Its roots go deep down into the past
and the attraction of his personality, so and yet i t loolis far forward into the
inspire rich and poor, cultured and illiterate, future. I t realizes and preaches the one-
alike, with belief in himself and his doc- ness of mankind. And I have noticed how
trines that they would remain staunch, ardently its followers work for the further-
though hunted down and without trial sen- ance of peace and for the general welfare
tenced t o death, sawn asunder, strangled, of mankind. God must be with them and
shot, blown from guns; and if men of high their success therefore assured.
position and culture in Persia. Turkey and
Egypt in numbers to this day adhere to his
doctrines, his life must be one of those
Excerpt from Modern Mysfics. (1935, p.
events in the last hundred years which is
142.)
really worth study. And that study for-
3.
tunately has been made by the Frenchman
Gobineau and by Professor E. G. Browne, This martyrdom of the B6b took place
so that we are able t o have a faithful rep- on July 9, 1810, thirty-one years from the
resentation of its main features. . . . date of his birth.
Thus, in only his thirtieth year, in the His body was dead. His spirit lived on.
year 18 10, ended the heroic career of a true Husayn had been slain in battle. Quddlis
hsd heen don? to death in rzptivity. But (meaning door or gate, through which men
BahA'u'llih lived. The One who shall be could arrive at the knowledge or truth of
made manifest was alive. And in him and God), and who commenced teaching in
in others had been engendered such love for Persia in the year 1844. The purity of his
the Bib and what he stood for as, in the character, the nobility of his words, aroused
words of the chronicler, no eye had ever great enthusiasm. H e was, however, sub-
beheld nor mortal heart conceived: if jected to great hostility by the authorities,
branches of every tree were turned into who secured his arrest and imprisonment,
pens, and all the seas into inlc, and Earth and he was finally executed in 1810. But
and Heaven rolled into one parchment, the the movement went on, and the writ~ngsof
immensity of that love would still remain the Bib, which had been copious, were
untold. This love for the Cause still widely read. The movement has been
survived. And it was sufficient. Bahi- brought into India, Europe, and the United
' d l l i h was, indeed, despoiled of his pos- States. I t does not seek to create a new
sessions, deserted by his friends, driven sect, but to inspire all sects with a deep
into exile from his native land and, even fundamental love. The late Dr. Jowett
in exile, confined to his house. But once said to him that he had been so deeply
in him the Cause was still alive-and impressed with the teachings and character
more than alive, purified and ennobled by of the B i b that he thought Bibiism, as the
the fiery trials through which i t had present movement was then known, might
passed. become the greatest religious movement
Under the wise control, and direction of since the birth of Christ.
Bahi'u'llih from his prison-house, first at
B a d d i d and then at 'Akki in Syria, there BY REV. J. T y s s u ~DAVIS,B.A.
grew what is now linown as the Bahi'i
Quotation from A L e n g t ~ e of Religions.
Movement which, silently propagating it-
Excerpts from Chapter X: NBahi,ism-
self, has now spread to Europe and America
The Religion of Reconciliation.,, (The
as well as t o India and Egypt, while the
Lindsey Press, London, England.)-
bodily remains of the BBb, long secretly
guarded, now find a resting-place on Mount The Bahi'i religion has made its way
c a m e l in a Tomb.shrine, which is a place . . . because it meets the needs of its day.
of to visitors from all over the I t fits the larger outlook of our time better
world. than the rigid exclusive older faiths. A
- characteristic is its unexpected liberality
and toleration. I t accepts all the great re-
ligions as true, and their scriptures as
Excerpt from The Chrisfian Common-
wealth, January 22, 1 9 1 3 : ,Abdu,,- inspired. The Bahi'ists bid the followers
of these faiths disentangle from the wind-
Bahl at Oxford"-
.,
ines of racial.. uarticularist.. local ureiudices..
'Ahdu'l-Bahi addressed a large and deeply the vital, immortal thread, the pure gospel
interested audience at Manchester College, of eternal worth, and to apply this essential
Oxford, on December 3 1. The Persian element to life. Instances are quoted of
leader spolce in hie native tongue, Mir7i people being recommended to work within
Ahmad SohraL interpreting. Principal the older faiths, to remain, vitalizing them
Estlin Carpenter presided, and introduced upon the principles of the new faith. They
the speaker by saying that they owed the cannot fear new facts, new truths as the
honor and pleasure of meeting 'Abdu'l- Creed-defenders must. They believe in a
Bahi to their revered friend, Dr. Cheyne, progressive revelation. They admit the
who was deeply interested in the Bah6'i cogency of moderu criticism and allow that
teaching. The movement sprung up dur- God is in His nature incomprehensible, but
ing the middle of the last century in Persia, is to be known through His rnanifesta-
with the advent of a young Muhammadan tions. Their ethical ideal is very high and
who took to himself the title of the Bib is of the type we Westerners have learnt
466 T H E BAHA '1 WORLD
to designate "Christlike." "What doen ~ ~ t estimngeqt claim on h i s
r o ~ ~ ~ r i rtheir
he do to his enemies that he makes them attention."
his friends?" was aslced concerning the late "By their fruits shall ye lcnow them!"
leader. What astonishes the student is not We cannot but address to this youthful re-
anything in the ethics or philosophy of this ligion an All Hail! of welcon~e. We cannot
movement, but the extraordinary response fail to see in its activity another proof of
its ideal has awakened in such numbers of the living witness in our own day of the
people, the ~ o w e r f u linfluence this standard working of the sleepless spirit of God in the
actually exerts on conduct. I t is due to hearts of men, for He cannot rest, by the
four things: (1) I t makes a call on the necessity of His nature, until He hath made
Heroic Element i n man. I t offers no bribe. in conscious reality, as in power, the whole
I t bids men endure, give up, carry the cross. world His own.
I t calls them to sacrifice, to bear torture,
to suffer martyrdom, to brave death. ( 2 ) BY HERBERT PUTNAM
I t oflers liberty of thought. Even upon Librarian of Congress
such a vital question as immortality it will The dominant impression that survives in
not bind opinion. Its atmosphere is one of my memory of 'Abdu'lLBahi is that of all
trust and hope, not of dogmatic chill. ( 3 ) extraordilzary nobility: physically, in the
Ir is a religion of love. "Notwithstanding
head so massive yet so finely poised, and
the interminable catalogue of extreme and
the modeling of the features; but spir-
almost incredible sufferings and privations
itually, in the serenity of expression, and
which this heroic band of men and women
the suggestion of grave and responsible
have endured-more terrible than many
meditation in the deeper lines of the face.
martyrdoms-there is not a trace of resent-
But there was also, in his complexion, car-
ment or bitterness t o be observed among
riagc, and expression, an assurance of the
them. One would suppose that they were
con~plete health which is a requisite of a
the most fortunate of the people among
sane judgment. And when, as in a lighter
whom they live, as indeed they do certainly
mood, his features relaxed into the playful,
consider themselves, in that they have been
the assurance was added of a sense of humor
permitted to live near their beloved Lord,
without which there is no true sense of pro-
beside which they connt their sufferings as
portion. I have never met any one
nothing" (Phelps). Love for the Master,
concerned with the philosaphies of life
love for the brethren, love for the neigh-
whose judgment might seem so reliable in
bors, love for the alien, love for all human-
matters of practical conduct.
ity, love for all life, love for God-the old,
My regret is that my meetings with hirn
well-tried way trod once before in Syria,
were so few and that I could not benefit by
trodden again. (4) I t is a religion in har-
a lengthier contact with a personality com-
mony with science. I t has here the
bining a dignity so impressive with human
advantage of being thirteen centuries later
traits so engaging.
than Islim. This new dispensation has been
I wish that he could he multiplied!
tried in the furnace, and has not been found
wanting. I t has been proved valid by the
lives of those who have endured all things
on its behalf. Here is something more Translated from a letter to Mme. Isabel
appealing than its logic and rational philos- Grinevskaya, Oct. 22, 1903
ophy. "To the Western observer'' (writes
Prof. Browne), "it is the complete sincerity I am very glad that Mr. V. V. Stassov
of the Bibis, their fearless disregard of has told you of the good impression which
death and torture undergone for the sake of your book has made on me, and I thank you
their religion, their certain conviction as to for sending it.
the truth of their faith, their generally I have ki~ownabout the Bhbis for a long
admirable conduct toward mankind, espe- time, and have always been interested in
cially toward their fellow-believers, which their teachings. I t seems t o me that these
REFERENCES TO T HE B A H 6 ' f FAITH 467

teachings, as well as all the rationalistic in which somc thoughts upon the nature of
social religious teachings that have arisen God are included. In my opinion if we
lately out of the origillal teachings of Brah- were to free ourselves from all false con-
manism, Buddhism, Judaism, Christianity ception of God we should, whether as
and lslhm distorted by the priests, have a Christians or Muhammadans free ourselves
great future for this very reason that these entirely from picturing God as a personality.
teachings, discarding all these distorting in- The conceptioll whlch then seems to me to
crustations that cause division, aspire to be the best for meeting the requirements
unite into oue common religion of all man- of reason and heart is found in 4th chap.
kind. St. John, 7-12-lf that means God is Love.
Therefore, the teachings of the Bibis, I t therefore follows that God lives in us
inasmuch as they have rejected the old according t o the measure or capacity of
Muhammadan superstitions and have not each soul to express His nature. This
established new superstitions which would thought is implicit more or less clearly in
divide them from other new superstitions all religions, and therefore in Muham-
(unfortunately something of the kind is madanism.
noticed in the exposition of the Teachings Concerning your second question upon
of the Bhh), and inasn~uchas they keep to what awaits us after death I can oldy reply
the principal fundamental ideas of brother- that on dying we return to God from whose
hood, equality and love, have a great future Life we came. God, however, being Love
before them. we can on going over expect God only.
I n the Muhammadan religion there has Concerning your third question, I answer
been lately going on an intensive spiritual that so far as I understand Islhm, like all
movement. I know that one such move- other religions, Brahmanism, Buddhism,
ment is centered in the French colonies in Confucianism, etc., it contain? great basic
Africa, and has its name ( I do not remem- truths but that these have become cor-
ber i t ) , and its prophet. Another move- rupted by superstition, and coarse interpre-
ment exists in India, Lahore, and also has tations and filled with unnecessary legendic
its prophet and publishes its paper "Review descriptions. I have had much help in my
of Religions." researches t o get clear upon Mul?ammadan-
Both these religious teachings contain ism by a splendid little hoolr "The sayings
nothing new, neither do they have for their of Muhammad."
principal object a changing of the outlook of The teachings of the BBbis which come
the people and thus do not change the re- to us out of Islhm have through Bahi'u-
lationship between the people, as is the case 'Ilhh's teachings been gradually developed
with BAbiism, though not so much in its and now present us with the highest and
theory (Teachings of the Bhb) as in the purest form of religious teaching.
practice of life as far as I know it. I there-
fore sympathize with Bibiism with all my BY DR. EDMUNDPRIYAT
heart inasmuch as it teaches people brother- The practical and spiritual understand-
hood and equality and sacrifice of material ing between nations, the realization of the
life for service t o God. unity of mankind above all barriers of
language m d religion, the feeling of re-
Translated from a letter to Frid ul Khan sponsibility towards all who suffer from
Wadelbekow grief or injustice, are only different
branches of the same central teaching which
(This communication is dated 1908 and is
gives the Bahi'i Movement such a faithful
found among epistles written to Cauca-
and active family of workers in so many
sian Mul?an~madans.)
countries.
. . . I n answer t o your ietter which
questions how one should understand the BY DR. AUGUSTEFOREL
term God. I send you a collection of ". . . J'avais Bcrit les lignes qui prBc&-
writings from my literary and reading club, dent en 1912. Que dois-je ajouter aujour-
REFERENCES T O T H E B A H A ' ~ FAITH 469

prmpernos Scot belonging to Wigtonshire, universal religion, universal brotherhood,
who is in the building trade. H e is an universal education, and the union of
ex-president of the St. Andrew's 'Society. science and religion. Meantime the Chi-
Mr. Falconer and other Scots friends were cagoans are seemingly indifferent to all its
present, and they were all exceedingly kind spiritual significance; but some day they
and comnplimmtary. I could not, in short, will wake up t o a realisation of the fact
have been treated with more distinction if that its symbolism will mark the city as
I had been a prominent Minister of State one of destiny in the world.
instead of a humble Scottish journalist out
on a mission of fraternity and good wlll.
O n the same day I met by appointment
Editor, Pasadelza Star News
Mr. Albert R. Windust with whom I went
out to see the Bahi'i Temple which is in Humanity is the better, the nobler, for
course of being erected at Wilmette, a the Bahi'i Faith. I t is a Faith that en-
suburb of Chicago on the shore of Lake riches the soul; that t a b s from life its
Michigan. I t is about an hour's ride out on dross.
the elevated railway. Only the founda- I am prompted thus t o express myself
tion and basement have so far been con- because of what I have seen, what I have
structed, and the work was meanwhile heard, what I have read of the results of
stopped but, we understand, is now shortly the Movement founded by the Reverend
to be resumed. I have no hesitation in say- Bahb'u'llih. Embodied within that Move-
ing that when completed this Temple will ment is the spirit of world brotherhood;
be one of the most beautiful pieces of archi- that brotherhood that makes for unity of
tecture in the world. I had the privilege thought and action.
of an introduction t o the architect, a Though not a member of the BahVi
Frenchman, M. Bourgeois, who speaks Faith, I sense its tremendous potency for
English fluently. We spent a considerable good. Ever is it helping t o usher in the
time with him in his beautiful studio over- dawn of the day of "Peace on Earth Good
looking the Lalce, and he did me the honour Will to Men." By the spread of its teach-
of showing me the plans of the Temple, ings, the Bahi'i cause is slowly, yet steadily,
drawings which cost him years of toil, and making the Golden Rule a practical reality.
they are far beyond anything I could have With the high idealism of Bahi'u'116h as
imagined in beauty and spiritual signifi- its guide, the Bahb'i Faith is as thc shining
cance. M. Bourgeois, who is well advanced light that shineth more and more unto the
in years, is a genius and mystic-a gentle- perfect day. Countless are its good works.
man of charming personality. In all that For example, t o the pressing economic prob-
I had the pleasure of seeing in his studio I lems it gives a new interpretation, a new
had a privilege that is given t o few. My solution. But above all else it is causing
signature is in his personal book, which peoples everywhere to realize they ace as one,
contains the names of some of the great by heart and spirit divinely nnited.
ones of the earth! Mr. Windust, who is a And so I find joy in paying this little
leading Bahi'i in the city, is a quiet and tribute to a cause that is adding to the
humble man, but full of fine ideas and sweetness, the happiness, the cleanness o l
ideals. H e treated me with the utmost life.
brotherly courtesy. How is it, I kept ask-
ing myself, that it should be mine to have
all this privilege and honour? There was
no reason save that they told me I had My contact with the Bahi'i Movement
touched the chords of truth and sincerity and my acquaintance with its teachings,
in referring t o and reviewing the Bahi'i given by Hadrat-i-Bahi'u'llih, have filled
writing? and principles in n few short me with real joy, as I see that this Move-
articles in this Jozbmal. The Temple is ment, so cosmopolitan in its appeal, and so
designed t o represent these principles- spiritual in its advocacy of Truth, is sure
'i WORLD

to bring peacc and joy to the hcarts of BY TIIE RT. HON.SIR HERBERT SAMUEL,
millions. G.C.B., M.P.
Free from metaphysical subtleties, prac- In John O'London's Weekly,
tical in its outlook, a b ~ v eall sectarianisnl, March 25th, 1933.
and based on God, the substratum of the "It is possible indeed to pick out points
human soul and the ~henomenalworld, the of fundamental agreement among all creeds.
Bahi'i Movement carries peace and illu- That is the essential purpose of the Bahi'i
mination with it. Religion, the foundation and growth of
As long as it is kept free from orthodoxy which is one of the most striking move-
and church-spirit, and above personalities, it ments that have proceeded from the East in
will continue to be a blessing to its fol- recent generations."
lowers.

"Last summer upon my return from a
I am in entire sympathy with all of the visit to Japan, I had the pleasure of meeting
~rinciplesthat the Bahi'i Movement stands Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler on the boat. I t
for; there is nothing which is contrary to was learnt that this lady is a teacher of the
what I am preaching. I think at this stage Bahi'i Cause, so we conversed upon various
of the world such teachings are needed inore subjects of human life very thoroughly. I t
than anything else. I find the keynote of was soon found that what the lady imparted
the Teachings is the spiritual regeneration to me came from the source of Truth as I
of the world. The world is getting more have felt inwardly all along, so I at once
and more spiritually bankrupt every day, realized that the Bah6'i Faith can offer
and if it requires anything it requires spir- numerous and profound benefits to man-
itual life. The Bahi'i Movement stands kind.
above all caste, creed and color and is based "My senior, Mr. Y, S. Tsao, is a well-read
on pure spiritual unity. man. His mental capacity and deep experi-
ence are far above the average man. He
often said that during this period of our
country when old beliefs have lost their
In World Unity Magazine
hold upon the people, it is absolutely neces-
The central drive of the Bahi'i Move- sary to seek a religion of all-embracing
ment is for human unity. I t would secure Trnth which may exert its powerful influ-
this through unprejudiced search for truth, ence in saving the situation. For the last
making religion conform to scientific dis- ten years, he has investigated indefatigably
covery and insisting that fundamentally all into the teachings of the Bahi'i Cause.
religions are alike. For the coming of uni- Recently, be has completed his translations
versal peace, there is great foresight and of the book on the New Era and showed me
wisdom as to details. Among other things a copy of the proof. After carefully read-
there should be a universal language; so the ing it, I came to the full realization that
Bahi'is take a great interest in Esperanto the Trnth as imparted to me by Mrs.
though they do not insist on it a7 the nlti- Ransom-Kehler is veritable and unshakeable.
mate language. No other religious move- This Truth of great value t o mankind has
ment has put so much emphasis on the been eminently translated by Mr. Tsao and
emancipation and education of women. now the Chinese people have the oppor-
Everyone should work whether rich or poor tunity of reading it, and I cannot but
and poverty should be abolished. . . . express my profound appreciation for the
What will be the course of the Bahh'i .
same. . . Should the Truth of the Bahi'i
Movement no one can prophesy, but I think Faith be widely disseminated among the
it is no exaggeration to claim that the pro- Chinese people, it will naturally lead to the
gram is the finest fruit of the religious con- coming of the Kingdom of Heaven. Should
tribution of Asia. everybody again exert his efforts towards
REFERENCES T O THE BAHA'I FAITH 471

the extension of this beneficent influence rPaliser une union roujours grandissant
throughout the world, it will then bring parmi les hommes.
about world peace and the general welfare Le Bahi'isme est un des enseignements
of humanity." qui cherche a 6veiller chez nous-n'importe
(From Rev. K. T. Chung's Preface to the i quelle religion nous appartenons-juste-
Chinese version of Dr. Esslemont's ment cette conscience de notre nature spiri-
Book.) tuelle.
I1 y a plus de 20 ans un groupe d'hommes
et femmes de differentes nationalites et
religions, animks par le desir de travailler
University, Sofia, Bulgaria
pour l'union des peuples, ont commence i
Une des causes principales de la situation publier un journal en esperanto sous le titre
actuelle du monde c'est que l'humaniti est "Universals Unigo." Le premier article du
trop en arriere encore dans son developpe- premier Nnmero de ce journal ttait consacre
ment spirituel. Voila pourquoi tout en- au Bahi'isme et h son fondateur. I1 me
seignement qui a pour hut i Pveiller et semble que ce fait est une preuve Ccla-
fortifier la conscience morale et religieuse tante de ce que C j viens de dire sur le
des lomtnes est d'we importance capitale Behi'isme.
pour I'avenir de notre race. Le Bah6'isme
est un de ces enseignements. I1 a ce mCrite
qu'en portant des principes qui sont com-
muns de toutes 1es grands religions (et Highgate Hill Unitarian Christian Church,
sptcialement du christianisme) cherche B London, England
les adapter a u conditions de la vie actuelle In his book "A League of Religions," the
et i la psychologie de l'homme moderne. Rev. J. Tyssul Davis, formerly minister of
En outre il travail pour l'union des hommes the Theistic Church in London, and at
de toute nationalit6 et race dans une con- present minister of a Unitarian Church in
science morale et religieuse commune. I1 Bristol, England, the writer sets out to
n'a pas la prCtention d'itre autant une demonstrate that each great religious move-
religion nouvelle qu'un trait d'union entre ment in the world has contributed some-
les grandes religions existants: ce sur quoi il thing of peculiar importance to the spiritual
insiste surtout ce n'est pas d'ahandoner la life of man. Thus, he says, the great con-
religion h laquelle nous appartennons dCji tribution of Zoroastrianism has been the
pour en chercher une autre, mais i faire une thought of Purity; of Brahmanism that of
effort pour trouver dans cette mCme religion Justice; of Muhammadanism that of Sub-
l', ,
element qui nous uuit aux autres et d'en mission; of Christianity that of Service;
faire la force dkterminante de notre con- and so on. I n each instance he lays his
duite route entiere. Cet Clement (commun finger on the one thing par excellence for
B toutes les grandes religions) c'est la con- which the particular religious culture
science que nous sommes avant tout des seemed to him to stand, and tries to catch
ltres spirituels, nnis dans une meme entite its special contribution in an epigrammatic
spirituelle dont nous ne sommes que des phrase. Corning, in this way, to Bahh'ism,
parties-unies entre elles par l'attribut fonda- he names it "the Religion of Recancilia-
mental de cette entiti spirituelle-h savoir tion." I n his chapter on Bahb'ism he
l'anzour. Manifester, realiser, dCvrlopper says:
chez nous et chez les autres (surtout chez "The Bahi'i religion has made its way
les enfants) cette conscience de notre because it meets the need of the day. I t fits
nature spirituelle et I'amour comme son the larger outlook of our time, better than
attribut fondamental c'est la chose prin- the rigid older faiths. A characteristic is
cipale que nous devons poursuivre avant its unexpected liberality and tolerance. I t
tout et par toutes les manifesntions de notre accepts all the great religions as trus and
activith. C'est en meme temps le seule their scriptures as inspired."
moyen par lequel nous pouvons esperer de This, then, as he sees Bahi'ism, is its
472 THE B A H A 'f WORLD

essential features: liberality, toleration, the BY ERNESTRENAN
spirit of reconciliation; and that, not in the
Passage tire! de Renan "Les ApBtrcs, P."
sense, as Mr. H. G. Wells has it in his "Soul
Edition Levy, Paris, 1 8 6 6
of a Bishop," of making a "collection" of
approved portions of the world's varied and Notre siecle a vu des mouvemeuts re-
differing creeds, but in the sense, as he also ligieux tout anssi extraordinaires que ceux
puts it in the same booli, of achieving a d'aatrefois, mouvements qui ont provoque
great "simplification." autant d'entbousiasme, qui ont eu dijii, pro-
"Bahi'ists," says Dr. Davis, "bid the fol- portion gardee, plus de martyrs, et dont
lowers of these (that is, the world's) faiths l'avenir est encore incerrain.
disentangle from the windings of racial, Je ne park pas des Mormons, secte ii
particularist, local prejudices, the vital, im- quelques Cgards si sotte et si abjecte que Yon
mortal thread of the pure gospel of eternal hesite B la prendre au serieux.
worth, and to apply this essential element I1 est instructif, cependant, de voir en
t o life." plein 196me siecle des milliers d'hommes de
That is Dr. Davis's interpretation of the notre race vivant dans le miracle, croyant
genius of Bahrism, and that it is a true one, avec une foi aveugle des merveilles qu'ils
no one who has studied Bahh'ism, even disent avoir vues et touchies. I1 y a d i j i
superficia'lly, can question, least of all the toute une littirature pour montrer l'accord
outsider. Indeed one may go further and du mormonisme et de la science; ce qui vaut
assert that no one who has studied mieux, cette religion, fondee sur de niaises
Bahi'ism, whether superficially or other- impostures, a su accomplir des prodiges de
wise, would wish to question it; particularly patience et d'abnigation; dans cinq cents
if he approaches the subject from a liberal ans des docteurs prouveront sa divinitC par
and unprejudiced point of view. I n the last les merveilles de son itablissement.
act of his "Wandering Jew," Mr. Temple Le Bdbisme, en Perse, a i t 4 un phinomPne
Thurston puts into the mouth of Matteos, autrement considirable. U n homme doux
the Wandering Jew, himself, the splendid et sans aucune pretention, une sorte de
line, "All men are Christians-all are Jews." Spinoza modeste et pienx, s'est vu, presque
H e might equally well have written, "All malgr6 lui, Clevi au rang de thaumaturge
men are Christians-all are Bahi'is." For, #incarnation divine, et est devenu le chef
if the sense of the Unity of Truth is a pre- d'nne secte nombreuse, ardente et fanatique,
dominant characteristic of liberally-minded qui a failli amener une rivolntion com-
people, whatever may be their religious parable h celle de 1'Islim. Des milliers de
tradition, it is predominantly a character- martyrs sont accourus pour lui avec l'allC-
istic of Bah6'ism; since here is a religious gresse au-devant de la mort. U n jour sans
system based, fundamentally, on the one, pareil peut-2tre dans l'historie du monde
simple, profound, comprehensive doctrine f u t celui de la grande boucherie qui se fit
of the unity of God, which carries with it, des Bibis, 3. TihCran. "On vit ce jour-li
as its necessary corollary and consequence, dans 1es rues et les bazars de Teheran, dit
the parallel doctrine of the unity of un narrateur qui a tout su $original, u n
Man. spectacle que la population semble devoir
Tnis, at all events, is the conviction of n'oublier jamais. Quand la conversation
the present writer; and it is why, as a Uni- encore aujourd'hui se met sur cette matikre,
tarian, building his own faith on the same on peut juger ]'admiration melee d'horreur
basic principles of divine and human unity, que la foule Cprouve et que les annies n'out
he has long felt sympathy with and good pas dirninuee. O n vit s'avancer entre les
will toward a religious culture which stands bourreaux des enfants et des femmes les
on a foundation identical with that of the chairs ouvertes sur tout le corps, avec des
faith he holds. And a religion that aftirms meches allumies, flambantes, fichCes dans les
the unity of things must of necessity be a blessures. O n tratnait les victimes par des
religion of reconciliation; the truth of which cordes et on les faisait marcher ii coups de
in the case of Bah6'ism is clear. fouet. Enfants et femmes s'avancaient en
REFERENCES T O THE BAHA'f FAITH 473

chantant un verset qui dit: En vkviri nous Un disciple qui fut le campagnon de
venons de Dieu et nous retournons a Lui. supplice du Bib, suspendu i wti de lui aux
Leurs voix s'ilevaient, iclatantes, nu-dessus remparts de Tabriz et attendant la mort,
du silence profond de la foule. Quand un n'avait qu'un mot i la bouche "Es-tu con-
des supplici4s tombait et qu'on le faisait tent de mnoi, maitre?"
relever 1 coups de fouet on de baiounette,
your peu que la perte de son sang qui ruis- BY HON. LUIAN HELEN MONTAGUE,
selait sur tous ses membres Iui laissit encore J.P., D.H.L.
un peu de force, il se mettait a danser et
criait avec un surcroit d'enthousiasme: As a Jcwess I am interested in the BahP'i
"En vPriti nous sommes B Dieu et nous Community. The teaching lays particular
retournous i lui." Quelques-uns des en- stress on the Unity of God and the Unity
fants expirerent pendant le trajet; les of Man, and incorporates the doctrine of
bourreaux jererent leurs corps sous les pieds the Hebrew Prophets that the Unity of God
de leurs pPres et de leurs soeurs, qui marcher- is revealed in the Unity of men. Also, we
ent fiPremnent dessus et ne leur donnerent pas seem to share the conception of God's mes-
sengers as being those people who in their
denx regards. Quand on arriva au lieu
deep reverence for the attributes of God,
d'exbcution, on proposa encore aux victimes
la vie pour leur abjuration. Un bourrean His beauty, His truth, His righteousness
imagina de dire 21 un pere que, s'il ne cedait and His justice, seek t o imitate Him in their
imperfect human way. The light of God is
pas, il couperait la gorge B ses deux fils sur
reflected in the soul of him who seeks to
sa poitrine. C'ktaient deux petits garEons
be receptive. Like the members of the
dont Pain4 avait 14 ans et qui, rouges de
Bahi'i community, we Jews are scattered
leur sang, les chairs calcinies, Ccoutaient
all over the world, but united in a spiritual
froidement le dialogue; le pPre repondit, en
brotherhood. The Peace ideal enumerated
se couchant par terre, qu'il 6tait prCt et
by the Hebrew Prophets is founded on faith
I'aln6 des enfants, rkclamant avec emporte-
in the ultimate triumph of God's justice
lnent son droit d'alnesse, de~nanda B dtre
and righteousness.
igorgi le pre1nier.l Enfin tout f u t
ached. La nuit tomba sur un amas de
chairs informes; les tCtes Ptaient attachies
en paquets au poteau justicier et les chiens "Palestine may indeed be now regarded
des faubourgs se dirigeaient par troupes de as the land not of three h u ~
of four faiths,
ce cbt6. because the BahCi creed, which has its cen-
Cela se passait en 1 8 5 2 . La secte de ter of faith and pilgrimage in Acre and
Mozdak sous Chosroks Nousch f u t ttouffhe Haifa, is attaining to the character of a
dans un pareil bain de sang. Le divoue- world-religion. So far as its influence goes
ment absola est pour les nations nai'ves la in the land, it is a factor making for in-
plus exquise des jouissances et une sorte de ternational and interreligious understand-
besoin. Dans I'affaire des Bibis, on vit des ing."
gens qui Ctaient i peine de la secte, venir (From "Palestine," by Norman Bentwich,
se dCnoncer eux-m@mesafin qu'on les ad- p. 231.)
joignit aux patients. I1 est si doux A
l'homme de souifrir pour quelque chose, que
dans hien des cas l'appit du martyre suffit
pour faire croire.
- Trois prophetes
Un nutre dCtail que je tiens de source premiere
Queiques sectaircs, au'on ~ 0 u l a i tamcner
c s t celui-ci: AlorS que Ie marxislne sovietique pro-
B r&tractation, furent ztrachCs i la gueule de canons
amarc~s daune ,,,Ache langue er brfillne lentunent. clame le matdrialisme historique, que
On leur propasait de couper la m i h e , s'ilr reniaienr les jeunes ghn&rations sionistes sont &gale-
le Bib. Eux, les bras rendus vers l e feu, le sup- merit de en plus indiffbrentes ault
pliaient dc sc h3ter at de venir bien vitc consomrncr
leur bonheur. croyances Ctablies, une nouvelle religion est
REFERENCES T O TH E B A H A ' ~ F A I T H 475

nbe en Orient, et sa doctrinc prcnd, dans diqur: unr prcaiience ttunnante des ivtne-
les circonstances actuelles, un int6ri.t d'au- ments qui se sont dkroulCs depuis: la guerre
tant plus grand que, $&cartant dn domaine d'ahord, la crise ensuite. I1 mourut peu
purement philosophique, elle pricooise en apres la guerre, ayant vu la realisation de la
economie politiqne des solutions qui coi'n- premiere partie de ses propheties.
cident cnrieusement avec les preoccupations L'originalitC du Bahi'isme est de chercher
de notre Cpoque. h faire passer dans le domaine pratique, et
Cette religion, de plus, est par essence plus particuliPrement dans le domaine social,
antiraciste. Elle est nee en Perse, vers 1840, les principes essentiels du juda'isme, du ca-
et les trois prophltes successifs qui I'ont tholicisme et de l'islamisme, en les combi-
prechke sont des Persans, c'est-h-dire des nant et en les adaptant aux hesoins de notre
musulmaus de naissance. Ppoque.
Le premier, le crkateur, s'appelait le Bbb. Le Bahi'isme proclame que les rapports
I1 precha vers 1850, et priconisa, outre la sociaux deviement fatalement impossibles
riconciliation des diffCrents cultes qui divi- dans une socittC oh l'idealisme individuel ne
sent l'humanitb, la libbration de la femme, donne pas une base certaine aux engagements
rkduite aujourd'hui encore a un quasi escla- qui lient les hommes entre enx.
vage dans tout l'Islam. L'individu se sent de plus en plus isole
Une Persane d'une race beaut&, et qui, au milieu d'une jungle sociale qui menace, i
chose rare chez les musulmanes, etait douee beaucoup d'kgards, sou bien-stre et sa sC-
d'un grand talent oratoire, repondant an curit&. La bonne volontC et l'honfittete, ne
nom difficile B prononcer de Qourratou-'I- produisant plus dans sa vie et dans son tra-
' f i n , l'accompagna dans ses reunions, n'hesi- vail le rksultat qu'il attend, tendent h perdre
tant pas, en donnant elle-m8me I'exemple, i pour lui toute valeur pratique. De 1h nais-
priconiser la suppression du voile pour les sent, selon les caracteres, I'indiffkrence et le
femmes. dkcouragement, ou l'audace, le manque de
Le B6b et elle rtussirent 4 convaincre, B scruples qui tendent B se procurer par tous
l'dpoque, des dizaines de milliers de Persans les moyens, mCme les plus rCprthensibles,
et le shah de Perse les emprisonna l'un et les bknkfices materiels necessaires B l'exist-
l'autre, ainsi que la plupart de leurs partisans. ence.
Le Bbb fut pendu. Sa belle collaboratrice fut La socikte, n'etant plus soumise i aucum
ktranglCe dans sa prison. Leurs disciples contr&le, ni politique ni moral, devient un
furent exiles & Saint-Jean-$Acre, devcnue, vaisseau sans gouvernail oh personne ne peut
temple du "Bahhlsme." C'est ainsi que plus rien prevoir et qui est sujet h des crises
j'ai visit4 la maison du successeur du Bib, de plus en plus frkquentes et de plus en plus
Bahyu'llih, transformhe anjonrd'hni en violeutes. L'dpoque actnelle, dCclarent les
temple du "Bahai'sme." C'est ainsi que prophPtes persans, marque la fin d'une civili-
s'intitule cette religion, qui est plutht une sation qui ne sert plus les intkrSts de l'hu-
doctrine ph~losoph'i~ue, car elle ne comporte maniti.
ni culte dkfini, ni surtout de clergi. Les Elle aboutit h la faillite complbte des in-
prttres, disent les Bahiistes, sont tent& de stitutions morales et materielles destinkes Q
fausser, dans un but de lucre, l'idkalisme assurer le bien-Stre et la ~ecuritedes hommes,
dksintbressk des crCateurs de religions. c'est-&-dire l'fitar, l'hglise, le Comtnerce et
Bahi'u'llih, le principal des trois proph- 1'Indnstrie. Le principe fondamental d'oh
etes, ripandit sa doctrine non seukn~enten peut venir le salut de la civilisation engag&e
Orient, mais dans beaucoup de pays #Europe, dans des voies qui conduisent 21 sa destruction
et surtout aux Etats-Unis oh son influence est la solidarite des nations et des races. Car
f u t telle que le nombre des Bahii'stes attient l'interpinktration des penples est devalue
aujourd'hui plusieurs millions. I1 fut perse- telle qu'il leur est impossible de trouver isolC-
cut4 par les Perses et mourut en exil. ment la voie de la prospkrit8.
Son fils, 'Abdu'l-Bahi, lui succCda et for- Ces prophities, qui pouvaient paraltre
mula, d'aprhs les principes de son pbre, la excessives et quelque peu pessimistes &
doctrine konomique du Bah6i'sme; elle in- l'Cpoque oh elles ont Ctd faites, vers 1890,
476 THE BAH6'f WORLD
ne sont pas, les Bvenements l'ont prouve, de dont l'influrnce et les e~lsei~ne~nents rcnou-
simples jkremiades. I1 reste iexaminer com- vellent la vie intirieure de l'homme et font
ment, partant de ces donnies, qui ne sont deferler h travers le monde une nouvelle
que trop exactes, le Bahiisme, concu dans vague de progrks.
la Perse lointaine et si arrieree i l'epoque, "Chaque nouveau cycle ditruit les croy-
aboutit aux mCmes conclusions que la plu- ances et les institutions uskes du cycle price-
part des economistes modernes qui, dans les dent et fonde sur d'autres croyances, en
diffirents pays de civilisation occidentale, Ctroite conformiti, celles-li, avec les besoins
proclament qu'en dehors d'une collaboration actuels de I'humanite, une civilisation nou-
internationale il n'y a pas d'issue possible 1 velle.
la crise actuelle entrainant tous le peuples "L'influence de chaque prophbte s'est, dans
h une misere toujours plus grande. le passe, limitic i une race ou iune religion,
(From LES ~ C H O S , Paris, France, Septem- en raison de I'isolement g6ographique des
ber 27, 1933.) regions et des races, mais le siecle dans lequel
nous entrons necessite la creation d'un ordre
i. organique s'Ctendant au monde entier. Si le
vieiI esprit de tribu persiste, la science dPt-
Uue religion "~couomigue"
ruira le monde, ses forces destrnctrices nc
Les principes du BahGsme, formulis par pouvant itre contrBlies que par une hu-
son principal propht.te, Bahl'u'llih, peuvent manit6 unie travaillant pour la pl-osperiri et
paraitre sirieasement compromis en un temps le bien commun.
oh la frenisie nationaliste, ricemment ag- "La loi de la lutte pour la vie n'existe plus
gravee de racisme, semhle en eloigner de pour l'homme dbs qu'il devient conscient de
plus en plus l'application. ses pouvoirs spirituels et moraux. Elle est
Toute la question est de savoir si ceux alors remplac&e par la loi plus haute de la
qui sont en faveur aujourd'bui, dans rant coop&ration. Sous cette loi, l'individu jouira
de pays, sont susceptibles de rbsoudre le pro- d'un statut beaucoup plus large que celui
bkme non pas de la prosperiti, mais simple- qui est accord6 aux citoyens passifs du corps
ment du logement et de la Saim, dans les politique actuel. L'administration publique
differentes nations qui nient par leurs thio- passera des mains de partisans politiques qui
ries et tous leurs acres la solidariti des communiste plus ou moins th60rique, mals
peuples et des races. d'hommes capables de considerer une charge
Une nouvelle guerre mondiale sera sans publique comme une mission sacrec.
doute nCcessaire pour que l'humanite, qui "La stabilite economique ne depend pas
n'a pas encore compris la l e ~ o nde 1914, se de l'application de tel plan socialiste ou
rende enfm compte que les solutions de vio- communiste plus ou moi'ns thkorique, mais
lence et de conqutte ne peuvent engendrer du sentiment de la solidarite morale qui unit
que la mine g&ndrale,sans profit pour aucun tous les hommes et de cette conception que
des belligerants. les richesses ne sont pas la fin de la vie, mais
Quoi qu'il en soit, les principales pensies seulement un moyen de vivre.
economiques de Bahi'u'llih, telles qu'elles "L'important n'est pas en une aveugle
ont kt&formulees il y a un demisibcle, prou- soumission genkrale B tel systbme politique,
vent que la sagesse et le simple bon sells ont A tel ri.glement, qui ont pour effet de sup-
cela de commun avec les icrevisses, c'est primer chez l'individu tout sentiment de
qu'il leur arrive frkquemment de marcher 2 responsibilitO morale, mais en un esprit
reculons. d'entr'aide et de cooperation. Ni le principe
Voici les principaux prdceptes de ce dt4mocratique, ni le principe aristocratique
moderne Marc-Aurele: ne peuvent fournir separement i la societe
"L'ivolution huinaine se divise en cycles une base solide. La democratie est impuis-
organiques, correspondant h la dude d'une sante contre les querelles intestines et l'aris-
religion, laquelle est d'environ un millier tocratie ne subsistc que par la guerre. Une
d'annies. Un cycle social nouveau com- combinaison des deux principes est donc
mence toutes les fois qu'apparait un prophbte n6cessaire.
REFERENCES TO T H E BAHA'i FAITH 477

"En cette period? de transition entre le
vieil Bge de la concurrence et I'ire nouvelle
Malgri les tristesses de notrc dpoque et
de la coop&ration, la vie m&ne de I'hums-
peut-&tre mCme a cause d'elles, je reste
nit4 est en peril. Les amhirions nationalistes,
convaincue que les idtes h la fois divines et
la lutte des classes, la peur et les convoitises
humaines qui sont l'essence du BahB'isme
Cconomiques sont autant de forces qui
finiront par triomyher, pourvu que chacun
ponssent i une nouvelle guerre intemation-
de ceux qui en comprennent l'immense
ale. Tous les Gouvernements du monde
interst continue quoi qu'il advienne h les
doivent soutenir et organiser une assemblke
d4fendrc e t Q les plopager.
dont les membres soient ~111spar i'tlite des
(Excerpt from a letter dated October 29,
nations. Ceux-ci devront niettre au point,
1934.)
au-dessus des igoismes particuliers, le nou-
veau statut economique du monde en
dehors duquel tons les pays, mais surtout
I'Europe, seront conduits aux pires catas- "The Japanese race is of rational mind.
trophes." No superstition can play with it. Japan is
Ahdu'l-Bahf, son successeur, reprenant la the only country in the world where re-
doctrine de son yere, coucluait dans un dis- ligious tolerance has always existed. The
cours prouonc& i New-Yorlc en 19 12: Japanese Emperor is the patron of all re-
"La civilisation matirielle a atteint, en ligious teachings. The Bah6'i publications
Occident, le plus haut degri de son develop- now form part of His Majesty's Library as
pement. Mais c'est en Orient qu'a a pris accepted by the Imperial House. . . .
naissance et que s'est diveloppee la civilisa- "The search for truth and universal edu-
tion spirituelle. Un lien s'etablira entre ces cation inculcated by the Bahl'i Teachings,
deux forces, et leur union est la condi- if soundly conducted, cannot fail to interest
tion de I'immense progris qui doit @treac- the Japanese mind. Bahf'ism is bound to
compli. permeate the Japanese race in a short time."
"Hors de 18, la securitd et la confiance
feront de plus en plus defaut, les luttes et
les dissensions s'accroitront de jour en jour
et les divergences entre nations s'accentue- The philosophy of Bahf'u'l16h deserves the
ront davantage. Les pays augmenteront best thought we can give it. I am return-
constammeot lenrs armements; la guerre, ing the boolr so that other blind people who
puis la certitude d'une autre guerre mondiale have more leisure than myself may be
angoisseront de plus en plus les esprits. "shown a ray of Divinity" and their hearts
L'unitB du genre humain est le premier be "bathed in an inundation of eternal
fondement de toutes les vertus." love."
Ainsi parla 'Abdu'l-Bah6 en 1912, et tout I take this opportunity to thank you for
se passa cornme il l'avait pr4dit. your % i d thought of me, and for the in-
Mais ces paroles n'ont pas vieilli; elles spiration which even the most cursory read-
pourraient, sans le moindre changement, ing of Bahi'u'llih's life cannot fail to im-
dtre rCpCtCes en 1933. Aujourd'hui, comme part. What nobler theme than the "good
il y a vingr a m , la menace de la guerre esr of the world and the h~ppinessof the na-
de nouveau suspendue au-dessus de nos tetes tions" can occupy our lives? The message
et les causes de haines et de conflits s'accumu- of universal peace will surely prevail. I t is
lent tel point que, s'il existe vraiment un useless to combine or conspire against an
flux et un reflux des idCes, on peut presque idea which has in it potency to create a
conclure, avec une certaine dose d'opti- new earth and a new heaven and to quicken
misme, que nous n'avons jamais 4t6 si pris human beings with a holy passion of service,
de venir aux idCes de cooperation qui, seules, (In a personal letter written to an American
peuvent nous sauver. Bah6'i after having read homething from
(From LES ~ C H O S ,Paris, France, Septem- the Braille edition of "BahPu'llfh and
ber 28, 1933.) the New Era.")
478 T H E BAHA 'i WORLD

(Exccrpt from prsonal letter dated May
18, 1 9 3 4 . )
The Bahi'i Movement of Persia should be
a welcome adjunct to true Christianity; we BY H . R . H. PRINCESS
OLGAOF JUGOSLAVIA
must always remember how artificial the H. R. H. Princess Olga, wife of H. R. H.
growth of Latin Christian ideas has been as Prince Regent Paul of Jugoslavia, daughter
compared with the wide and less defined of H. R. H . Prince Nicholas of Greece and
beliefs native t o early Christian faith. cousin of His Majesty King George I1 of
(In a letter to the "Daily Sketch," London, Greece, is deeply interested in religion and
England, December 16, 1932.) in education, and her wonderful kindnesses
to every one have been commented upon
beautifully in several English boolrs and
magazines as well as b y the Balkan press.
Continue t o do what you are doing, "I like the Bahh'i Teachings for universal
spread these principles of humanity and do education and universal peace," said this
not wait for the diplomats. Diplolnats alone gracious Princess in her charming villa on
cannot bring the peace, but it is a great the Hill of Topcidor, Belgrade, on Janu-
thing that officlal people begin t o speak ary sixteenth, 1936; "1 like the Bah6'i
about these universal peace principles. Take Movement and the Young Men's Christian
these principles to the diplomats, to the uni- Association, for both are programs to unite
versities and colleges and other schools, and religions. Without unity no man can live
also write about them. I t is the people who in happiness." Princess though she is, she
will bring the universal peace. stressed the important truth that every man
(In an audience with an American Bahb'i ?must do his job! "We are all sent into this
journalist in Praha, in 1928.) world for a purpose and people are too apt
to forget the Presence of God and true
religion. I wish the Bahi'i Movement every
Archduchess Anton of Austria, who be- success in the accomplishn~znt of its high
fore her marriage was Her Royal Highness ideals."
Princess Ileana of Rumania, in an audience
with Martha L. Root, June 19, 1934, in
Vienna, gave the following statement for Excerpt from Cor?no?~zktapolis, 193 1,
The Bahd'i World, Vol. V: "I like the pp. 108-109
Bahb'i Movement because i t reconciles all Nous avons trace dans ces pages seule-
Faiths, and teaches that science is from God ment la signification du Bahiisme, sans
as well as religion, and its ideal is peace." examiner tous ses principes et son pro-
gramme pratique dans lequel sont harmoni-
BY DR. HERBERTADAMSGIBBONS sees avec I'idkal religicux "les aspirations et
American Historian les objectifs de la science sociale." Mais
I have had on my desk, and have read on doit attirer l'attention de tous les esprits
several times, the three extracts from 'Ab- libres sur ce mouvement, dont les promo-
du'l-Bah6's Message of Social Regeneration. teurs ont le merite d'avoir contribue a la
Taken together, they form an unanswerable clarification de I'ancienne controverse entre
argument and plea for the only way that la religion et la science-et d'avoir donnP
the world can be made over. I t we could a maint homme un peu de lear tolerance et
put into effect this program, we should in- de leur optimisme: "L'humanite etait
deed have a new world order. jusqu'ici restee dans le stade de I'enfance;
"The morals of humanity must undergo elle approche maintenant de la maturiti"
change. New remedy and solution for hu- ('Abdu'l-Bahi, Washington, 19 1 2 ) .
man problems must be adopted. Human Qui osera repeter aujourd'hui, dans la
intellects themselves must change and be mOl4e des haines nationales et socialzs, cette
subject to the universal reformation." In sentence de progres? C'est un Oriental qui
these three sentences we really have it all. nous a dit cela, a nous, orgueilleux ou scep-
REFERENCES T O THE BAHA'I FAITH 479

Bahb'i Friends gathered in Convention, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia, 1934.

ticlues Occidentaux. Nous voudrions voir stroyed the barriers between nations, that
aujourd'hui, dans P~lremagnehitlkriste, dans the world needs a uuiting force, a kind of
les pays terroris& par le fascismne, paralysis super-religion. I think Bahi'ism could de-
par la dictature politique,-un spectacle velop to such a kind of religion. I am
dicrit par le suisse Auguste Forel d'aprbs quite convinced of it, so far as I know the
I'anglais Spragne qui a vue en Birmanie et Teachings of Bahb'u'llih. . . . There are
en Inde, des bouddhistes, des inahomCtans, modern saviors and Bahi'u'llbh is a Savior
des chretiens et des juifs, qui allaient bras- of the twentieth century. Everything must
dessus bras-dessous, comme des frkres, "au be done on a democratic basis, there must
grand 6tonnement de la population qui n'a be international brorherhood. We must
jamais vu une chose pareille!" learn to have confidence in ourselves and
then in others. One way to learn this is
BY ARTHURHENDERSON through inner spiritual education, and a
Excerpt fmm a letter dated way to attain such an education may be
January 2 6 , 193Y through Bahi'ism.
I have read the pamphlet on the "New 2.
World Order" by Shoghi Effendi. It ic an I srill of the opinion that I had four
eloquent expression of the doctrines which years ago the ~ ~ h i M~~~~~~~
'i call
I have always associated with the Bahgi form the best basis for international good.
Movement and I would like to express my will, ~ ~ h i ' ~ q~1 6i ~ ~ is ~the ~ l f
great sympathy with the aspirations towards Creator of an eternal bond between the
world unity which underlie his teaching. ~~~t and the west. . . , ~h~ ~ ~ h ireach,
' i
BY PROP.DR. V. LESNY ing is a living religion, a living philoso-
1.
.
phy. . .
I do not blame Christianity, it has done
The conditions are so changed now, since a good work for culture in Europe, hue
the technique of the present time has de- there are too many dogmas in Christianity
480 THE B A H A. ' f WORLD

at the present rime. . .
. Buddhism was
very good for India from the sixth century The Bahi'i Teaching carries in its Mes-
B.C. and the Teachings of Christ have been sage a fine optimism-we must always in
good for the whole world; but as there is spite of everythmg be optimists; we must
a progress of mind there must be no stop- he optimists even when events seem to prove
ping and in the Bahi'i Faith one sees the the contrary! And Bah6'is can be hopeful,
continued progress of religion. for there is a power in these Teachings to
bring to humanity tranquillity, peace and a
higher spirituality.
A cette Cpoqne oh I'humanitC semble
sortie d'un long sommeil pour revivre a
While sectarians squabble over creeds, the
I'Esprit, conscietninent ou inconsciemment,
Bahi'i Movement goes on apace. I t is grow-
l'homme cherche et s'blance B la poursuite
ing by leaps and bounds. I t is hope and
de l'invisihle et* de sciences qni nous y
progress. I t is a world movement-and it
conduisent.
is destined t o spread its effulgent rays of
L'angoisse religieuse aussi n'a jamais it4
enlightenment throughout the earth until
plus intense.
every mind is free and every fear is ban-
Par sa grande &volutiou l'homme actuel
ished. The friends of the Bahb'i Cause be-
est prCt B recevoir le grand message de Ba-
lieve they see the dawn of the new day-
h6'u'Ilbh dans son mouvement synthetique
the better day-the day of Truth, of Jus-
qui nous fait passer de l'ancienne compre-
tice, of Liberty, of Magnanimity, of Uni-
hension des divisions i la comprChension
versal Peace, and of International Brother-
moderne oh nous cherchons i suivre les
hood, the day when one shall work for
ondes qui se propagent traversant t o u e
all, and all shall work for one.
limitation humaine et de la creation.
(Excerpt from the Rogc~.ofiMagazine)
Chaque combat que nous livrons i nos
penchants nous degage des voiles qui sepa- BY LUTHERBURBANK
rent le monde visible du monde invisible et
augmente en nous cette capaciti de percep- I am heartily in accord with the Bah6'i
tion et de s'accorder aux longeurs d'ondes Movement, in which I have been interested
les plus varikes, de vihrer au contact des for several years. The religion of peace is
rythmes les plus divers de la creation. the religion we need and always have needed,
Tout ce qni nous vient directement de la and in this Bahi'i is more truly the religion
nature est toujours harmonie ahsolue. Le of peace than any other.
tout est de capter l'iquilibre de route chose
BY PROF.YONENOGUCHI
et lui donner la voix au moyen d'nn instru-
ment capable d'dmettre les mOmes harmo- I have heard so much about 'Abdu'l-Bah6,
nies que notre %me, ce qui nous fait vibrer whom people call an idealist, but I should
et devenir le lien entre le passe et l'avenir like to call Him a realist, because no ideai-
en attaignant une nouvelle &tape corre- ism, when it is strong and true, exists with-
spondant 2 l'4volution du monde. out the endorsement of realisn~. There is
En religion, la Cause dc Bahi'u'llih, qui nothing more real than His words on truth.
est la grande r4vCIation de notre ipoque, His words are as simple as the sunlight;
est la mdme que celle du Christ, son temple again like the sunlight, they are universal.
et son fondement les memes mis en har- . , . No Teacher, I think, is more important

monie avec le degre de maturite moderne. today than 'Abdu'l-Bahh.

BY DAVIDSTARRJORDAN BY PROFESSOR FRANKPIPER
RAYMOND
Late President of Stanford University These writings (Bahi'i) are a stirring fu-
'Abdn'l-Bahl will surely unite the East sion of poetic beauty and religious insight.
and the West: for He treads the mystic way I, like another, have been "struck by their
with practical feet. comprehensiveness." I find they have ex-
REFERENCES T O 1' H E B A H P ; ' ~ F A I T H 481

traordkrary power t o pull aside the veils ritice. Faithfully they fulfill their oflice
that darken my mind and to open new vi- and professional duties. Long ago they
sions of verity and life. already solved the problem of the Eastern
woman; their children are carefully edu-
BY ANGELAMORGAN cated. They are sometimes reproached for
One reason I hail with thanlc~givin~ the their lack of patriotism. Certainly, as spe-
interpretation of religion known as the cifically frinian as the S_hi'ih Faith, the
BahCi Faith and feel so deep a kinship with Bahi'i Faith can never become; but the
its followers is that I recognize in its Revel- BahCi Religion like Christianity does not
ation an outreach of the Divine to stum- preclude the love of one's fatherland. . . .
bling humanity; a veritable thrust from the Are the Europeans not sufficiently patriotic!
radiant Center of Life. According to my experiences, the Bahi'is
Every follower of this faith that I have in that respect, are very unjustly criticized
ever met impressed me as a living witness by their Muhammadan brothers. During
to the glory at the heart of this universe. the centuries the S i ' i h Religion has de-
Each one seemed filled with a splendor of veloped a deep national tradition; with this
spirit so great that it overflowed all bnunda- the universal Babi'i Faith will have a hard
ries and poured itself out upon the world battle. Nevertheless, the lack of so great
here in this moment of time, by some con- numbers is richly recompensed by the fer-
centrated act of love toward another hu- vor and the inner spirit of the ir6nian Ba-
man being. h6'i Community. The Bahl'i world com-
munity will educate characters which will
BY ARTHURMOORE appear well worthy of emulation by people
The lovely peace of Carmel, which still of other Faiths, yes, even by the world of
attracts mystics of different faiths, domi- those now enemies of the Bahi'i Cause.
nates Haifa. On its summit are the Druses The experience acquired in the West, for
in their two villages; at its feet the German me was fully verified also in the frdnian
Templars, whose avenue leads up to the Orient. The Bah6'i Faith is undoubtedly
now large and beautiful terraced property an immense cultural value. Could all those
of the Persian Bahi'is on the mountainside. men whose high morality I admired and still
Here the tombs of the Bib and of 'Abdu'l- admire have reached the same heights only
Bah6, set in a fair garden, are a place of in an another way, without it? No, never!
international pilgrimage. On Sundays and Is it based only on the novelty of the
holidays the citizens of Haifa of all faiths Teachings, and in the freshness of its closest
come ior rest and recreation where lie the followers?
bones of that young prophet of S_hiriz who
nearly a hundred years ago preached that BY A. L. M. NICOLAS
all men are one and all the great religions Je ne sais comment vous remercier ni
true, and foretold the coming equality of comment vous exprimer la joie qui inonde
men and women and the birth of the first man coeur. Ainsi donc, il faut non seule-
League of Nations. ment admettre mais aimer et admirer le
Bib. Pauvre grand Proph6te nk au fin fond
BY PROF. DR. JAN RYPKA de la Perse sans aucun moyen #instruction
The Bahi'is of i r l n are resolutely firm in et qui seul au monde, entour4 d'ennemis,
their religion. Their firmness does not arrive par la force de son genie a creer une
have its roots in ignorance. The irinian religion universelle et sage. Que Bahi-
inborn character causes them to see things 'u'116h lui ait, par la suite, succ6d4, soit, mais
somewhat too great, slightly exaggerated, je veux qu'on admire la sublimitk du Bhh,
and their dissensions with the ruling Isldm qui a d'ailleurs pay6 de sa vie, de son sang la
make them a little bitter towards it. Every- rkforme qu'il a prtchke. Citez-moi un au-
thing else in their characters is accounted tre example, semhlahle. Enfin, je puis
for as due to their Teachings; they are mourir tranquille. Gloire i Shoghi Effendi
wonderfully ready to help and happy to sac- qui a calm6 mon tourment et mes inqui6-
482 THE B A H A ' ~WORLD

tudes, gloire B lui qui reconnais la valeur London ro the Firsc Races Congress in
de Siyyid 'Ali-Muhammad dit le Bib. July, 1911, when I heard for the first time
Je snis si content que je baise vos mains of the Bahi'i Movement and its summary
qni ant tracC mon adresse sur I'enveloppe of the principles for peace. I followed it
qni m'apporte le message de Shoghi. Merci, during the war and after the war. The
Mademoiselle. Merci du fond du coeur. Bahi'i Teaching is one of the spiritual
forces now absolutely necessary to put the
spirit first in this battle against material
forces.... The Bahi'i Teaching is one of
I have followed it (the Bahi'i Cause) the great instruments for the final victory
with deep interest every since my trip to of the spirit and of humanity.
IN MEMORIAM
A B A H ~ P' I~O N E E R O F E A S T A N D W E S T -
DOCTOR SUSAN I. MOODY (THE HAND-
MAID OF T H E MOST HIGH)
Amatu'l- A'li
BY JESSIE E. REVELL
" I N reality," says 'Abdu'l-Bahh, "faith whose teaching Dr. Moody was always ex-
embodies three degrees: to confess with the ceedingly grateful.
tongue; to believe in the heart; to give evi- The first BahVi Sunday School in Chicago
dence in our actions." In writing a brief was conducted by Dr. Moody and later
account of the life of Dr. Susan I. Moody she was one of the group of Bahl'i sisters
the real faith, as quoted here, is outstanding. who traveled up and down the outskirts of
She was born November 20, 1851 in Chicago's north side in search of the best
Amsterdam, New Yorlr, of Scotch-Cove- location for the now famous BahVi Temple
nanter parents. Here she received the usual in Wilmette, Illinois.
schooling and orthodox religious training of About 1908 a party of American Bahl'is
the "best" families of the day. After traveled to frhn to visit the Bahh'is in that
graduating from Amsterdam Academy, she land, and while there some friniau doctors
taught school, later entered the Women's asked if it would be possible to induce an
Medical College in New York City. After American woman doctor to come to Tihrhn,
her parents passed away, she made her home frhn, to live, for the purpose of caring for
with her brother in Chicago where she the women of frin who at that time were
studied music. Still later, Dr. Moody so deprived of skilled medical care. Stop-
studied painting and sculpture at the Art ping in 'Akki, Palestine, on their return,
Institute of Chicago, then for three years the Americans communicated this wish to
in the Academy of Fine Arts in Philadel- 'Abdu'l-Bahh who asked them if they knew
phia, then under the great painter Chase, in of such a doctor. The name of Dr. Moody
New Yorlc and finally, in the art schools was presented, and she received word with-
and studios of Paris, but she was not, how- out delay from 'Ahdu'l-Bahi telling her
ever, to make art her life work for instead she had been chosen for this great medical
of following the professional art career, for work in frln. "I knew then," Dr. Moody
which she was well qualified, she finally often remarked, "why I had felt the urge
yielded to the conscantly increasing urge so strongly to study medicine; I was obliged
which she felt and concluded her study of to study medicine in order to come to frin."
medicine, graduating from a Chicago medi- When the call came from 'Abdu'l-Bahl,
cal college. she proceeded immediately on her journey.
During those early days of her life in Enroute to frln, Dr. Moody stopped in
Chicago, she met friends who were attend- the Holy Land to see 'Abdu'l-Bahl and re-
ing the first classes formed for the study of ceive from Him the necessary instructions
the Bahi'i Revelation, which classes she and encouragement for the work ahead of
joined but did not become a confirmed be- her. At the time of parting He said, "You
liever until 1903, after making an inten- will need patience." He also further stated
sive study of the teachings with Mrs. Isa- that He was sending her t o frhn and
bella D. Brittingham, for the privilege of whether living or dead He would always
THE BAHA'i WORLD

Dr. Susan I. Moody, 18F1-1934.

he with her. During that visit with 'Ab- determination to accomplish what 'Ahdu'l-
du'ldahl, Dr. Moody made a vow which Bahd wished her to do.
was, "All that I am and have, and all that Often she prayed for the supreme pa-
I hope to be and have, I dedicate to Thee, tience which 'Abdu'l-Bahl had prescribed.
0 God." She also said that those three She soon became fluent in the irinian lan-
days in the Holy Land with the Master, guage. Frequent were her letters to Amer-
'Abdu'l-Bahl, were all her life. ica, explaining her work, enclosing photo-
Dr. Moody arrived in Tihrin November graphs and telling of the lack of freedom
26, 1909. 'Ahdu'l-Bahd mentioned to some and education of the irdnian women, of the
pilgrims the great love with which the custom of wearing the veil, etc., of the
Bahi'i of f r l n had greeted Dr. Moody when Bahi'i work of establishing a hospital, a
she arrived in frhn, saying that between girl's school and a Ma'riqu'l-A@ir there.
Enzeli, on the Caspian Sea, and Tihrln there In a Tihrin newspaper in 1910 appeared
were nineteen relay stations and at sixteen the following:
of these there were Bahi'is gathered to "DOCTOR MOODY-AMERICAN LADY-
greet the western Bahi'i. Soon after her not only does she know medicine, but also
arrival a reception was given to her and gynecology, obstetrics and women's dis-
Dr. Moody then knew she had an eter- eases. Her good qualities and kind attri-
nal home in the hearts of these dear butes, her love for her Persian orientaI
friends. sisters, are all equal. Every day from morn-
During her fifteen years of service to ing till noon shc is in her office, No. 10 Ave-
the Cause in irln, many were her difficulties nue Aladauleh, receiving her patients for
and hardships but she had an inflexible consultation, examination and treatment, ex-
cepting Friday and Sunday afternoons, when and self-sacrificing life was the fact that it
she goes t o the Hospital Sebat (Hospital of was built on the solid foundation of the
Health), where she meets the patients of Word of God. She had a keen spiritual
the higher and wealthier class. perception, a pure and undefiled conception
"We give the utmost thanks and grati- of the Bahi'i teachings, and a desire to
tude to such a noble woman, to such a re- render instant obedieiice. She was humble,
spected person, whose presence here is a selfless, and her sense of justice was out-
great privilege to the country of Persia. standing.
O n account of the great care of this blessed After fifteen years of unique service in
person, the sick of all nationaliries, Moslem, i r i n , Dr. Moody returned to America until
et al., become well. We beg of God to conditions in Tihrin would improve and
keep this blessed and respected person with enable her t o resume her work. Accom-
US.)' panied by Miss Elizabeth H . Stewart she
Aside from her ~nedicalwork, there was inade a visit in Haifa and there the writer
ever present in her mind the most impor- joined them. Dr. Moody was the first of
tant question of the education of girls. the four American Bahl'i women t o go t o
Often she would say, "My heart aches for fran and survived the longest.
the neglected ones." She found that many Dr. Moody, Miss Stewart and the writer
of the Bahl'i men were in full sympathy arrived in New Yorli City in January,
with her views and through Bahl'i co- 1921, where the Bahi'is had arranged a
operation and consultation a girl's school reception at the Hotel Waldorf Astoria.
was started with an attendance of thirty Calmly, yet with the dramatic emphasis
pupils. It has now an enrollment of sev- which always surrounds one who has actu-
eral hundred and is known as the Tarbiyat ally participated in stirring events, Dr.
School for Girls. Someone has declared it Moody related her experiences in Tihrhn.
to he "the greatest among all the schools After this reception she remarked t o the
in Tihrhn." One of the activities most dear writer, "To return to America and receive
t o the heart of Dr. Moody was the raising such love from the friends, is worth more
of funds for an additional building. She than any sacrifice one could make."
wished this fund to be known as the "Kap- That the remarkable work of Dr. Susan
pes Memorial Fund" in memory of Miss I. Moody in Tihrhn had made her a public
Lillian Kappes, the first American Bahb'i figure in this country was well illustrated
teacher who died in frill after giving nine by extensive articles which appeared in the
years of untiring service t o the School. Dr. press. While in Oakland, California, she
Moody not only started the Tarbiyat School took a short trip in an aeroplane and the
for the secular education of girls, she also press published her picture with her pilot
founded the Baha'i study classes for girls and an article in part as follows: "Accord-
and herself visired these classes every Fri- ing to Dr. Moody, who contrasts her entry
day. These study classes were managed by into Tihrin, the capitol of frill, in a coach
trained teachers and in these classes many and four where she went t o spread the
who started years ago in the first course gospel of hygiene t o the Muhammadan
are now teaching others. women, and her exodus in a "flivver" of
Dr. Moody was loved and honored by doubtful vintage twenty years later, she
thousands of people in her life time, among sees no reason why aerial transportation
them being Major Robert W. Imhrie, who should hold any fears for the women of
offered protection to the Bahl'is and who today."
suffered martyrdoin b y fanatical Muham- During her stay in America from Jann-
madans. During the epidemic of influenza, ary, 192!, t o November, 1928, Dr. Moody
the famine and a variety of dreadful con- was interesting friends t o help with the
ditions, Dr. Moody wrote to America, "Oh, work she, together with the Tihrhn friends,
what a mercy that we are alive and awalr- expected to continue an her return to f r i n ,
ened and trying to serve in the Kingdom of the Kappes Memorial School. She was a
Abhl." The secret of Dr. Moody's noble member of the Revell household in Phila-
486 T H E BAHA'i WORLD
delphia for ahout 2 year and during that instructing Persia rear monument perpetu-
time although she was then past 75 years ating memory (of) her noble mission. (1)
of age, yet young in spirit and progressive am gladly defraying whatever expense in-
and active, she studied Esperanto with a curred as token (of) my admiration for
class. community (i.e., America) to which she
In 1928, Shoghi Effendi, the Guardian of originally helonged and on which her sacred
the Bahh'i Cause, sent the following in- life shed imperishable lustre. Advise hold-
structions t o Dr. Moody: "I pray that you ing befitting Memorial gathering (in)
may soon in the company of a capable and Temple Foundation Hall."
devoted American co-worker, resume your Her funeral was attended by hundreds of
historic labors for our beloved Cause in BahPi friends. Scores of school girls, with
Tihrin." Following this suggestion on No- flowers in hand walked in procession
vember 17, 1928, Dr. Moody, then 77 years through the city' for at least one mile to
of age, left for irin, accompanied by Miss Gulastin-i-Javid (Perennial Garden), the
Adelaide Sharp of San Francisco, California, burying ground of the Bahh'is.
who volunteered her services at the Tarbi- BahPu'116h in one of His Tablets says:
yat School in Tihrin. To Dr. Moody's bis- "The soul that hath remained faithful to
toric career in Tihrln was now to be added the Cause of God and stood unwaveringly
the final chapter of complete consecration firm in His path shall, after his ascension,
t o Bahh'i service. They conferred with be possessed of such power that all the
Shoghi Effendi in Haifa en route to fran. worlds which the Almighty hath created
Dr. Moody, named by 'Abdu'lLBahh can benefit through him."
"Amatu'l-PIC' which means the handmaid
of the Most High, wrote of the welcome in
Tihr6n in part as follows: "The friends
came singly, in groups, committees, assem-
blies, more than seven hundred the first With the passing of our dearly beloved
week, and still we are greeting many new BahPi brother, Hooper Harris, from this
and old friends, both women and men. phenomenal world to the invisible eternal
Words fail t o express the joy of our 'home- realm, the world-wide Bahh'i Community
coming.' I wish you might have seen how sustained the loss of one more of those faith-
that love overflowed in gifts, potted vines, ful and devoted souls who gave the best
plants, flowers, silver vases, confectionery, years of their lives to the promotion and
sweets of all kinds. Do you wonder why establishnent of the F a ~ t hof Bahi'u'lltih
the two Americans were overwhelmed?" in the West and in the East.
After her return to Tihrin, due to age, her William Hooper Harris was horn in
health gradually weakened but she con- New York City, December 14, 1866. All
tinually worked for the Kappes Memorial his early years, however, were spent in
School, and the friends called on her con- Nashville, Tenn. After finishing High
stantly. At the end of her life when asked School, financial difficulties at home pre-
for some statement from her regarding her cluded his intended study of law at Col-
service to keep for posterity, Dr. Moody lege. He therefore worked by day, studied
said, "Let it go, let it pass into the Infinite." law at night and was admitted to the bar
Shoghi Effendi cabled to America as fol- in Birmingham, Alabama, in 1893. In
lows: "Passing dearly beloved Susan Moody 1887, he married Sarah Gertrude Rawls of
deprives BahCi world (of the) far-famed Birmingham and in 1894, they came to
pioneer who, through her indomitable spirit, New York City to live, where he became
ceaseless services, earned unique distinction. an expert court reporter, doing work of
(She) forged first link in (the) chain unusually high quality till the very day of
uniting (the) spiritual destinies (of the) his death.
cradle of our faith (i.e., Persia) and (the) In New Yorli City, in 1899, his wife,
community (of its) stalwart defenders in ever persistent in her desire and search for
(the) great American Republic. (I am) Truth, was told, by Mrs. Archie Fisk, of the
I N MEMORIAM

Hooper Harris, 1866-1934.

Bahi'i Faith and Mrs. Harris soon realized request for specific instructions as to how
it to be the object of her search. Hooper to teach in India, 'Abdu'l-Bahh's only reply
Harris accompanied her to hear the Bahh'i was, "Face the people with a smile on your
Message and ere long he, too, realized the face and the love of God in your heart and
Light and Bounty of the Revelation of rely wholly upon the Holy Spirit." 'Abdu'l-
Bahi'u'llih. Bahi sent with Mr. Harris and Mr. Ober,
Thereupon he became a faithful and de- as companions and teachers, two frinian
voted student of the BahB'i Revelation and teachers neither of whom could speak Eng-
of all the previous Revelations of Truth to lish. One was Janabi Ibn Abhar, an
mankind, especially those parts of the vari- elderly frinian who had suffered for years
ous Books which prophesied this Great Day in prison and in chains for his Faith, the
of Light. His continuous study and un- other Mirzi Mahmfid, a young man whom
tiring efforts to know the Truth spiritually we knew later when he came to America
as well as mentally proved to be a timely with 'Abdu'l-BahP in 1912.
preparation which enabled him to answer From the time of the first address given
the call of 'Ahdu'l-Bah6 in 1906 for an aboard the ship by request of the Captain,
American to go to India to teach the Cause. just before reaching Naples, Mr. Harris
On November 10, 1906, Mr. Harris, ac- was engaged continuously, day by day, for
companied by Harlan Ober of Beverly, a period of seven months, in promulgating
Mass., left New York City for 'Akki to the Faith. The letters which he sent from
receive the blessing and instructions from the East t o the friends in America form
'Abdu'l-Bahi. In answer to Mr. Harris' a large volume and give most vivid descrip-
'f WORLD

tions of his activities in Bombay, Poona, thr Cause can be rncasurcd only by the All-
Lahore, Calcutta, Rangoon and Mandalay. Seeing Eye of God Himself. We see and
He was privileged to address large audi- know but a few of the traces of his spirit;
ences of the Brama Somaj and Arya Somaj Balli'u'llAh knows the full record.
movements, Theosophical Societies, The Na- Our prayer is that ~ a h P u ' l l i hmay eter-
tional Association of Indian Women, and a nally shower His love and bounty upon our
Conference of Religions held at Lahore. He beloved brother in the Faith, Hooper Harris.
was interviewed by many interested seek- From a letter received by Mrs. Harris
ers individually. He wrote a series of six from Shoghi Effendi, dated September 20,
articles upon the Faith for the Zoroastrian 1934, the following excerpt is quoted: "His
daily newspaper and other articles for the passing in these early days of the formative
"Bombay New Thought Magazine" and the period of our Faith is, indeed, a severe loss
"Times of India." not only to his friends and relatives but also
His work in India was well done and and mainly to ail the American followers
time alone will reveal the harvest from the of the Movement who had found in his
seeds planted so carefully and prayerfully person not only a real and sincere fellow-
in the fertile soil of India. believer hut also an active and capable ex-
Mr. Harris returned to New York in ponent of the teachings and principles of
1907 and continued ceaselessly to set forth the Cause." From the same letter, the post-
the teachings, stressing the logical fulfill- script written by the Guardian: "The irre-
ment of the successive Covenants of God parable loss of your very dear husband has
and bearing witness to the inspiration, removed a distinguished figure from the
glory, and responsibilities of living in this community of the American believers and
Day of fulfillment. inflicted a severe blow to its best interests.
His constant and efficient work in teach- The share he has had in lending fresh impe-
ing caused him to be appointed by the tus to the teaching activities of its members,
National Spiritual Assembly as Chairman of the contributions he has made to the ad-
the National Teaching Committee of the vancement of its institutions, the example
Northeastern States, and the Conventions he has set by his single-mindedness, his elo-
and Conferences arranged by him proved quent presentation of the essentials of God's
a great benefit to those privileged to attend. Faith and his exemplary devotion to its
He served as a faithful, conscientious and cause will long be remembered after hi.
active member of thr New York Spiritual He w a s indeed one of the leading apostles
Assembly for all but a few scattered years of Bah6'u'llih."
from 1901 till his death on July 27, 1934,
and the present Spiritual Assembly feels
deeply the loss of his sincere and disinter;
ested counsel.
A t one time, in the early years of the The friends of the New York Assembly
Cause in America, the Harris home served as were deeply grieved to read the following
headquarters for the "Board of Counsel"; in despatch from London to "The New York
fact, his home was open at all times to the Times" of the passing of Harry Houston
friends. Many of the teachers of f r i n sent Romer on April 1 3 , 193 5 .
to America by 'Abdu'l-Baha were his guests. "On April 13, 1935, Harry Houston
Mr. and Mrs. Harris were rejoiced to have Romer, member of the Associated Press,
'Abdu'l-Bahi Himself spend an afternoon domestic and foreign staffs, died today of
and night in their home in 1912. heart disease, aged 64 years. A native of
The many Tablets which Hooper Harris Westchester County, N. Y., Mr. Rorner was
received from 'Abdu'l-Bahi-now preserved a member of an old American family. Dur-
in the National Archives in Chicago-were ing the war he held important posts in the
a constant stimulant toward ever greater news organization. He became Chief For-
effort to serve. eign News Editor and later was placed in
Hooper Harris' life of loving devotion to charge of the Berlin Bureau. Subsequently
IN MEMORIAM

Harry H. Ronler, 1870-1931.

he was a member of the London Staff where ings and lectures at the New York Center,
his experience and background in United at "The Bahi'i Congress," and at the Ethical
States and international affairs aided him ~n Culture Society, etc. The program for this
handling the swiftly moving events of the work at the Center was essentially planned
post-war era. Mr. Romer carried on his for the purpose of presenting to the people a
duties through the present European crisis coniprehensive outline of Bahh'u'llbh's great
until physicians ordered him to bed two principles laid down for the New World
weeks ago. Surviving him are his widow Order and to study the most efficient propa-
and a son, Professor Alfred S. Romer, of ganda for this worlc.
Harvard University." First Mr. Romer conceived the idea of
I t was in 1922 that Mr. Romer became a publishing each week (Saturday) in the
member of thc New York Community. On Leading newspapers unique and attractive
April 21, 1924, Mr. Romer was elected to advertisements which included quotations
the Spiritual Assembly and after February from the words of Bahi'u'llih and 'Abdu'l-
19, 1921, was its chairman. On April 21, Bahh. This was the first time such a thing
1921, he was again elected to the Spiritual ever had been done and it was found to
Assembly and made chairman. O n June 11, be a most effective way to publish the
1921, he was a delegate to the Convention "Word of God." See page 490 for an
at Greenacre. example.
I t was the writer's happy privilege to be The plan resulted in capacity audien?es
closely associated with Mr. Romer during throughout the entire series. For two years
the period of establishing the public meer- Mr. Romer took the responsibility of adver-
490 THE B A H A ' I WORLD
the sense of the i r ~ i ~ o r t a ~of~ c the
e thcn
THE FORCE BEHIND
THE NEW CIVILIZATION little-known BahPi Movement. I t was
The Moving Power of the Present Marvelous largely through his efforts that much of the
World Dweloprnent Revealed by the
Baha'i Message publicity was obtained at the time of 'Ab-
Next iu the Senes of Free Ledules o n
the Basic BahB'i Princ~pler, at the du'l-Bahb's passing. He heralded the news
BAHA'i LIBRARY
250 W e t 57th Street, to the press, and leading newspapers pub-
Sunday, Nav. 16, 4 P. M . , by lished reports which in some cases gave his-
MARY HANFORD FORD
Subject:
torical data of the Cause and an outline of
'"HE TEMPLE OF MAN" 'Abdu'l-Bahi's visit to the United States.
"In this dav he who seeks t h e lizht of the We consider that Mr. Romer rendered
Sun
~b';,.f,;hes~.\;g,";p;J 2; :;:
Truth must free his lnlnd f r o m t h c
&
&
d
:;h signal service to the Cause in his association
of virtue Then shall he arrive at the with the New York Assembly during a pe-
ocean of 0ncnesr."-Behb'u'ilph.
All Cordially Invrted. riod when it was emerging into a new phase
Library open daily, 10 A. M. t o 4 P . M. of Bahd'i activities after the passing of
'Abdu'l-Bahi.
tising and printing for this work, including ~ i , qualities were his
Bahi'i meetings on other platforms. straightforwardness, uncompromising loy-
Mr. Romer's devoted and inspiring service alty to truth, keen perception, clear vision,
never flagged; always his thought enter- simplicity and humility. w i t h him -word
tained the broad, universal scope of Bahi- and deed alike one color bore," H~ lived
'u'llih's teachings and was the basic view- and dwelt in the steadfastness of his shining
point from which all activities emanated. faith, very kind in life, naturaland
His very presence of radiant cheer was a simple, with an unerring instinct for the
pervading influence at' all gatherings-a finest and best, especially in and lit-
presence which banished all fears-strength- erature, he attracted all him by =
ened our hope and faith in the power of benevolent equity and tenderness of soul.
BahB'u'll6h to overcome all difficulties which
might arise. I t was a thrilling experience in I t was in 1926, that Mr, and Mrs. Romer
that we were privileged to witness the "Sun arrived in London, and at once became
of Truth" dispersing all clouds. known to the friends. The presence of these
No thought of self or personal advantage two sincere and earnest Bahb'is has had an
ever dimmed the light of his clear vision. influence on the Cause that cannot be esti-
Like all illumined aouls he exhaled the frag- mated till the secrets of all hearts are dis-
rance of humility. He had but one all- closed. Mr. Romer was prevented by his
embracing desire-the advancement of the professional obligations from taking the
Cause and the promulgation of its Teach- active part in the work of the Movement,
ings. Nothing could depress his buoyant which his wife undertook so faithfully; but
spirit or lessen the fervor of his vital efforts his influence was deeply felt. His sincerity
in this work. He had indeed caught a and selflessness gave great value to his coun-
glimpse of the Glorious Splendor and it grew sel, and his simple faith was an inspiration
upon him as he witnessed the result of ear- to all who knew him. He was beloved for
nest effort evolving steadily and increasingly his kindIy generous nature, and when he
as the months passed. We fel-c it to be a entered a gathering an added warmth and
great appreciation when our dear departed light seemed perceptible. He was always
brother, Mr. Hooper Harris, said, "You've reluctant to speak in public, or to take a
established a great work and it will go on prominent part in meetings; but when he
forever." could be prevailed on to do so, his words
Mr. Romer was the only professionaI carried great weight, for they were backed
newspaper man in the Bahi'i community by a life lived on the purest Bahi'i ideals.
and he spread the knowledge of the Bah6'i A young friuian was once heard to remark
Movement throughout the News Association that they looked on him as the exemplar of
with which he was connected, thus estab- what a Bahi'i should be. I n 1929 great
lishing in the minds of many foreign editors efforts were made to give the Movement a
I N MEMORIAM 49 1
better setting in London. It was felt that HOWARD LUXMORECARPENTER
a Center for work and meetings should be \--
( 1 9 0- 6- - ---',
193%)
acquired; and a room at Walmar House,
Dr. Howard Carpenter became a BahPi
Upper Regent Street, was rented. Mr. Romer
through conversations with Howard Mac-
did good work on the Committee formed to
Nutt when the latter was lecturing in
bring this into operation. Later, in 1933-34
California, and shortly afterward he matric-
he served on the London Spiritual Assembly,
and Finance committee; but the exactions of ulated at Stanford University, graduating
his profession gave him very httle strength from the Stanford Medical School in 1932.
or leisure for other thmgs, and it was his During his uliveraity years he attended
strong sense of BahPi obligations that led Bahl'i meetings at Stanford and in San
him often to tax his strength unduly. Francisco, and served on the San Francisco
Though averse to public speaking, Mr. Assembly in various capacities including
Romer was never backward in speakine of that of Chairman. He was present at the
- u

the faith that was in hinl, and in his daily ~essiousof the Geyserville Summer School,
life he found cou~tless opportunities to and was the first to build a cabin on land
speak of the Cause. offered to Bah6'is by John Bosch for that
In matters of policy he always deprecated purpose. A t Stanford he exemplified the
any t e l ~ d e n c to
~ rigidity or sectarianism; Bah6'i principle of race oneness-inciden-
and his clear, direct vision always led him to tally startling his university contemporaries
a clear and logical conclusion. There was no by rooming with Yoshio Okumoto, a Jap-
compromise with truth as he saw it. anese fellow-student.
I t was with great gief that the friends He married Mardiyyih Nabil in 1929, and
heard of his sudden illness a l ~ dthat the doc- in 1932 he and his wife left San Francisco
tors had ordered him to have complete rest. for Vielma, where he toolc a medical course,
His brave cheerfulness had concealed from 2nd afterward at the Guardian's direction
most of them how heavily the weight of traveled through Central Europe and the
business cares had pressed on him, undermin- Balkans. With Martha Root in Vienna,
ing his health. No one was prepared, how- Budapest and Belgrade, he then spent five
ever, for the sudden call, "Friend, go up weeks in Sofia, Bulgaria, assisting Miss
higher." Marion Jack, after which he stopped briefly
His outward presence was quietly with. in Saloniki and went on to Tirana, Albania,
drawn, without stress or undue sufiering, to visit Refo Chapar~. He then left for
but he was coi~sciousto the last. Haifa, where he stayed three weeks on his
His earthly form rests in the beautiful way to TihrAn.
cemetery at Hainpstead close to his last In frln, notwithstanding the efforts of
home. the Assembly, he was prevented for more
A Bahb'i Service was held in the Chapel than one year from obtaining a medical
there; and as the friends gathered round the license. His health failed, and he was bed-
grave, passages from the Hidden Words were ridden for many months. At last his ~ h ~ s -
recited. " 0 Son of Spirit, with the joyful ical condition improved, he resumed activi-
tidings of light I hail thee. Rejoice! To ties as a member of the Unity of the East
the Court of holiness I summon thee, =bide and West Committee, and the authorities
therein that thou Inayest live in peace for granted him a license to practise medicine.
evermore," seemed to fill the hearers with At this time he was stricken with paralysis.
solemn joy, for truly they felt that his spirit He lay seven months in a hospital, after
was with his Lord. His lovable, kindly which Mr. and Mrs. Rahmat 'Alh'i invited
nature, his sensitive artistic soul, and above him to their home, surrounding him with
all his uncompromising straightness remain the same loving care which they had given
with a fragrant memory and inspiration, Keith Ransom-Kehler the year before. His
while we believe that hc is called to worli in doctors advised a return to the United
a higher station in the presence of Bah6- States as his only hope for recovery; he
'u'116h. braved the long journey across the desert
THE BAHA'I WORLD

Dr. Howard Luxmoore Carpenter, 1906-193:

by motor, the presence of the 'Ali'is, who brilliance, his almost surgical frankness, his
escorted him to Haifa, helping him to sur- hatred of sentimentalism, his intellectual ap-
vive it. proach to the Cause of Bahl'u'llih, his utter
After nine days in Haifa, during which devotion t o the furtherance of Bahl'i insti-
the Guardian visited him daily, he tooli a tutions, were a light and guide to those who
ship for New York where he was greeted accompanied him through his brief life. O n
by the National Spiritual Assembly, and the occasion of his passing, the following
then left by way of the Panama Canal for cable was sent his family by the Guardian:
San Francisco. Here he had recourse t o the "Griefstricken sudden loss beloved precious
best medical authorities, but was pronounced soul. Meinory his interrupted historic serv-
incurable. He passed away November 24, ices in Persia imperishable. Assure . . .
1 9 3 1. He is buried at Sunset Memorial Park relatives profound sympathy ardent prayers
in Berkeley. The Bal~l'i service held for Holy Shrines-Shoghi."
him was conducted by Leroy Ioas of San
Francisco; Bahl'is of Berkeley, Oakland, As it was the privilege of Howard Car-
Geyserville, San Francisco and Santa Paula penter to achieve his greatest tribulation in
were present, and the words of Bahi'u'116h the land of BahA'u'lUh, one is reminded in
on immortality radiated such power as to this connection of the words addressed by
efface all thought of death. Bahi'u'llih to Tihrin: "0 Land of T i !
Those who remember Howard Carpenter Thou art still, through the grace of God,
are especially grateful for certain of his a center around which His beloved ones have
qualities of mind, qualities which served to gathered. Happy are they; happy every
enrich the lives of those near to him. His refugee that seeketh thy shelter, in his suf-
I N MEMORIAM 493

Dr. Edward C. Getsinger, 1866-1935.

ferings in the path of God, the Lord of this -"Gleanings From The Writings of Bahi-
wondrous Day!" 'u'llhh," translated by SHOGHI EFFENDI.
"Thou hast, moreover, asked Me concern-
ing the nature of the celestial spheres. T o
comprehend their nature it would be neces-
"Give ear, 0 My servant, unto that which sary to inquire into the meaning of the allu-
is being sent down unto thee from the sions that have been made in the Boolis of
Throne of thy Lord, the Inaccessible, the old to the celestial spheres and the heavens,
Most Great. There is none other God but and to discover the character of their rela-
Him. He hath called into being His crea- tionship to the physical world, and rhe influ-
tures, that they may know Him, Who is ence which they exert upon it. Every heart
the Compassionate, the All-Merciful. . . ." is filled with wonder at so bewildering a
494 THE BAHA 'f WORLD

theme, and every mind is perplcxed by its interest. His interpretation of the science
mystery. God, alone, can fathom its im- of celestial mechanics was to remain to him
.
port. . ."-]bid. a fascinating branch of the great scientific
tree of astronomy.
"These holy ones have, moreover, an- In the year 1893, Dr. Getsinger is found
nounced that when He Who is the Day at Chicago, as he writes: "Was appointed
Spring of the manifold grace of God mani- one of the state's (Michigan) delegates to
festeth Himself, all the Prophets and Mes- World's Congress of Scientists, Chicago
sengers, including the QB'im, will gather World's Fair." And it was at this Fair, in
together beneath the shadow of the sacred another World's Congress, rhe "World's
Standard which the Promised One will raise. Congress of Religions," that the Baha'i
That hour is now come."-Ibid. Faith, the greatest of all the interests that
was later to gain and hold the attention of
Within the above quotations, one can per- Dr. Getsinger, was first mentioned in
ceive the heavenly skies that hounded the America.
life history of Dr. Edward C. Getsinger. T o As its distinguished Guardian Shoghi
his many friends, who recall the spirit of Effendi has written: "Of pomp and circum-
Dr. Getsinger's interests and Faith, both stance, of any manifestations of public re-
the problems that attracted his attention joicing, or of popular applause, there was
and the final success of his life are therein none to greet this first intimation t o Amer-
clear and evident. ica's citizens of the existence and purpose
Dr. Getsinger was born at midnight, Jan- of the Revelation proclaimed by Bah6'u'IlBh.
uary 7-8, 1866, in the town of Franken- Nor did he who was its chosen instrument
muth, Saginaw County, Michigan. He died profess himself a believer in the indwelling
in Hollywood, California, March 12, 1935. potency of the tidings he conveyed, or sus-
The name of his parents is given as Goet- pect the magnitude of the forces which so
singer or Goetzinger, but he, himself, always cursory a mention was destined to release."
wrote his name as Getsinger. Whether, or not, "the magnitude of the
At the early age of seven, the child, forces" released by the mention "of the
Edward, had left the home of his parents Revelation proclaimed by Bahi'u'llkh" at
and disappeared into a neighboring town. this great World's Fair in Chicago in 1893
Five years were to elapse before he was again had, in some way not as yet understood, an
seen by his parents; for in this town he had effect upon Dr. Getsinger, certain it is that
been talcen into the home of a former pro- Thornton Chase, confirmed by the Center
fessor of Heidelberg University and there of its Covenant, 'Abdu'l-Bah6, as "the first
he contentedly remained. At this early age BahS'i in America," heard of the BahCi
he is fascinated by the mystery of the lumi- Faith within a year (June 1, 1894), and
nous bodies in stellar spaces, and often Dr. Getsinger is listed as certifying t o his
climbs to the roof to gaze at the illimitable wish to be counted a believer in the Bah6'i
heavens. Cause on October 27, 1897. (At this time
A t a later date he feels himself a disciple the early believers considered the giving of
of Hahnemann, who passed away in 1843, the Greatest Name as the symbol of ac-
and takes to reading medicine with such ceptance.)
success that, at 2 2 , he is admitted to prac- I n his own chronology of events, Dr. Get-
tice in the state of Michigan, having served singer is d e n t as to the years after the Fair
the required year in a hospital, and is classed in 1893, until the year 1896. Dr. Getsinger
as a homeopath. writes: "It (the Bah6'i Faith) was first
But with Dr. Getsinger, the practice of brought to my attention in Chicago in 1896,
medicine as the object of his life, beautiful and after hearing the Message as delivered to
and important as this profession is, when me by a Syrian, I returned to my home in
united with the Love of God, soon gave way Detroit, Michigan, and there studied the
to the more preponderant appeal which the matter for months in absolute fairness to
stars in their orbits exerted in attracting his truth." By 1897, he had accepted the Reve-
ORIAM 495
lation of Bahi'u'llih. And, also, in 1897, and all to the principles for which He stands
he married Lua A. Moore. in the world."
Again quoting Dr. Getsinger: "Mrs. According to his own account, before
(Phoebe) Hearst read of me in the news- becoming assured of the existence of God
papers in 1897, and called me to her Haci- because of the clear logic in the Bahb'i Faith,
enda. She was regent of the University of Dr. Getsinger had been an atheist. This
. .
California . gave her the Message." (Of statement he makes in a lecture written by
the Bahb'i Faith.) In response to this call him and from which he read in 1902, and
Dr. and Lua Getsinger went to California he goes on to ask his audience, reading from
together, and not many months elapsed be- the same lecture, "What power or glory of
fore Mrs. Hearst expressed the wish to visit any belief can bring atheists back when once
'Abdu'l-Bahb in His home in 'Akkb, the they turn from hope? Only the sensible
Prison City of Palestine. She invited Lua truth, rational religion, scientific exposition,
and Dr. Getsinger to be her guests on that clear interpretation of' symbolic prophecy as
trip. Late in the year 1898, they all de- given by the Bahi'is can accomplish this."
parted for the Holy Land, via Paris, France. An old friend of Dr. Getsinger writes
To quote from the letter of an early be- of him: "His early writings show him to
liever: "She (Mrs. Hearst) took them .. . have been a student. . . . And even then
to 'Abki and they were the very first he warred upon worldliness, a~nb'itiou,pride
pilgrims to the Prison City, from Amer- and strife. . . . He was ,. . . not an egoist,
ica." for he did not regard self-development and
"Mrs. Hearst and her guests went first t o self-satisfaction as the supreme end of ex-
her home in Paris, France; she took her col- istence."
ored butler from there ... to 'Akki, and As one sympathetically reviews Dr. Get-
the Master, as you probably know, was very singer's life, its two strong foundations are
loving and kind to Robert." his zealous attention to research along scien-
From the account of still another early tific lines, and his, but for a short interval,
believer, it is ascertained that Mrs. Hearst continuous, unfailing service to the Faith of
remained for a time in Paris, France, sending Bahl'u'llbh. Dr. Getsinger's aim, and his-
Dr. and Lua Getsinger ahead of her to torians of the Faith will probably record
'Akkb, where she joined thein later. these matters in detail, was the search for
In Lua's written account of this first additional truths that seemed unquestionably
pilgrimage of Americans t o the "Most Great related to the central truth of all truths to
Prison" city of 'Akki, Palestine, the state- him, the great Revelation of Bahi'u'llih.
ment is made that she and Dr. Getsinger Those in position to know state that he
arrived in Haifa, Palestine, Thursday, De- left volu~nesof manuscripts completed only
cember 8, 1898, about 10:30 P.M. The day three or four days before his death, of re-
after the next day, of December lo, 1898, search into the ancient truths of the Old
in the morning, they left Haifa, and in a Testament and in relation to his theories of
short time they had arrived at 'Akkh, passed celestial mechanics. At one time he had
through its gate and had gone directly t o toured the universities and had been invited
the home of 'Abdn'l-Bah6. They then met to Carnegie Institute in relation to these
'Abdu'l-Bahi. subjects.
Dr. Getsinger writes: "When I first saw Of his early services to the Bahl'i Cause
'Abbis Effendi ('Abdu'l-Bahi) the Servant there is much of historic importance. In
of Bahb, at 'Akki, in spite of my former cn-operation with Mrs. Fannie G. Lesch,
belief I still had enough spiritual perception who had collected the material, and with the
witb(in) my living Tomb to see at once, a financial assistance of Mrs. Phoebe Hearst,
holy man, a divine character, a most humble as reported by Mrs. Lesch, he published the
yet profound spirit and intellect, a heart as first book of the Tablets of Holy BahP'i
great as human weakness, a mercy as wide as Writings ever to be printed in America.
justice, s soul that I could not comprehend Likewise, Mrs. Lesch states, he published the
and at that moment I consecrated my life first volume of "Hidden Words" translated
496 T H E B A H A. ' f WORLD
in this country. With the approval of lishment; the child was wit-hdrawn from
'Abdu'l-Bahb, he published, as he told this religious instruction at the request of her
writer, the Album of beautifully colored Nonconformist parents. This experience of
photographs of Bahi'i Holy Places in Pales- withdrawal was a sore trial to the sensitive
tine-these photographs had been taken by child, but its effect was t o make her search
a Greek photographer. The beautiful Tab- for causes and think for herself. This gave
let, the first which 'Abdu'l-Bahi chanted rise in her immature mind to what later
into a phonograph to he retained in record developed into a wholehearted and unfet-
form, was chanted after continued solicita- tered search for Truth. I t was during her
tion by Dr. Getsinger that He grant such a school days that Sarah Andrews heard fainr
request, and the record was brought to echoes of the terrible religious persecutions
America by Dr. Getsinger in 1899. in irin, which later she identified with the
I n that pamphlet of glorious promise and Blbis. She remembered vividly wondering
encouragement to American Bahi'is writtell why such deeds should be perpetrated be-
by Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Faith, cause of religion. She was an intelligent
in the year 1933, and called "America and student and before leaving school at the age
The Msst Great Peace," the Bahh'i Faith is of eighteen she was among the first group
divided into four decades to include the of young ladies permitted to enter for a
forty years, from 1893 to 1933, of its devel- Cambridge University Examination-a sign
opment in America. I n each of these decades in those days of the colning advancement of
Dr. Getsinger had lived as a Bahb'i accord- women.
ing to his ever growing understanding and In her early thirties Mrs. Blundell received
development. He was an old and tried a definite spiritual awakening. Such an ex-
believer. A friend has written of him: "My perience can never be adequately described
memorier of him are very precious of a by words. When speaking of it t o the
firm, faithful believer who gave all that he writer, she said, "I thought I was in Heaven.
had of Bah6'i treasures, his knowledge and Texts of scripture poured into my mind
anything he could do to serve the glorious with new meaning." In the light of this
Cause of Bahl'u'llih." awakening she received such deep spiritual
joy and strength that the material troubles
Note-The author wishes to acknowledge she was at that time encountering became as
assistance, in furnishing data upon which nothing. So having received "oil for her
this article is based in part, from Mrs. Fannie lamp" she continued her journey in the
G. Lesch, Miss Leone Basnitz, and W. F. "Valley of Search" with unwavering faith
Lucus. 2nd hope. Some years later in a state of per-
plexity, she took her problem to God in
prayer. She heard a voice which said, "Can
One of the pioneers of the Bahi'i Cause you go through poverty?" Her trustful re-
in New Zealand-Mrs. Sarah Blundell- ply was, "Through anything or anywhere
passed away at her home in Auckland on with Thee, Lord."
December 20, 1934, at the advanced age of In 1887, when Mrs. Blundell with her
eighty-four years. She was born at Burwell, husband and family of seven children ar-
Cambridgeshire, England in 18 10-the year rived in New Zealand, her faith was put to
sacred in Bah6'i history as that of the Bib's the test. Here she experienced for a time,
martyrdom. not only lack of material wealth, and the
Mrs. Blundell received her early religious comforts of life to which she was accus-
training from her father, Mr. Henry tomed, bur also lack of friends, for she came
A n d r e w k a Nonconformist of strong con- as a stranger to a strange country. She
victions and high principles. passed through these years of trial and test-
Before the age of seven she had acquired ing with cheerful courage, firm in her belief
a knowledge of Bible history and a desire in God's help and guidance.
"to be good." A t this time little Sarah was In her search for Truth she passed through
sent to boarding school-an orthodox estab- many fields of thought, emerging through
I N MEMORIAM

Sarah Blundell, 1850-1934.

the mists of dead creeds and dogmas, always Whilst in London, she said to the late
following the light, and helping doubtful Mrs. Claudia Coles, "For me, the search is
and troubled souls to set their feet on the over."
path of spiritual endeavour. From her acceptance of the Bahh'i reveIa-
From the "Christian Commonwealth" tion till the end of her life she experienced
Mrs. Blundell first heard of 'Abdn'l-Bahh's complete spiritual joy and contentment.
visit to London in 1911. There she read of The words of 'Abdu'l-BahB were fully ex-
His life and teachings, and was at once at- emplified in her life: "Sacrifice all thy tal-
tracted. She sent for literature which she ents at the feet of that heart-enkindling
read with an open mind and prepared heart, Beloved and characterize thyself with such
so when in 1922, Mr. and Mrs. Hyde Dunn deeds and words that thou mayest become
came to Auckland to spread the Bahk'i mes- the cause of the guidance of others." She
sage, Mrs. Blundell invited them to her worked unsparingly for the Cause of Bahl-
home and there the first BahPi meeting was 'u'llih in New Zealand until her failing
held. physical powers could no longer reflect her
In 1925, Mrs. Blundell was one of the first loving spirit and her body was laid aside as
party of Pilgrims from Australia and New a wornout tool. She passed away peacefully
Zealand who were privileged to visit Haifa in the presence of members of her family,
-The Holy Family-The Shrines of the who ,received comfort and strength through
Bib, Bahh'u'llih and 'Abdu'l-Bah6, and t o the spirit of triumphant joy which filled the
come into personal contact with many con- room and which took away the sting of
firmed Bahi'i-a "crowning gift" to one death. Truly for her death was as "glad
whose spiritual path had been traveled alone. tidings." I n the hearts of New Zealand
-196 THE BAHA'I WORLD

Khalil Qamar.

Bahl'is she will ever be a shining example of for those who gathered at her home for that
a beautiful and consecrated life. event. (The day the accompanying photo-
Mrs. Blundell's fathcr, Mr. Henry graphwas taken.)
Andrews, in the days of his early manhood
was one of a group of young men who met Slyym ~ A L I LEL-QAMAR OF 'AVASEQ
each day at midday for prayer and Bible
study in a room at the business house of Siyyid Lhahalil El-Qamar was born in
Messrs. Hitchcock & Williams, St. Paul's 1867 A.D. at 'Avl&iq, a village situated
Church Yard, London. Mr. Williams, one sixty-five miles from B a d d i d . After a
of the heads of the firm, on hearing of this long period of insistent and continuous re-
meeting was greatly impressed, and the idea sistance he was attracted to the Cause and
was born of forming the organization which wholeheartedly embraced the Faith and has
is known all over the world as the Young been f o r twenty-five years a famous and ac-
Men's Christian Association. tive Bahi'i.
-. During the whole period of his new Bahl'i
Mrs. Blundell's gift as a pianist was above life he was well known by his activities in
the average. Her music master in Germany the Cause not only at his birth-place bur
wished her to enter the profession, but this also at B a d d i d and in most parts of 'Irlq.
her parents did not agree to. All her life Although he was a villager by birth, illit-
she used her talent, giving pleasure to many. erate and very far from schoIastic life, an
Her soul qualities spoke through her fingers, agriculturist and landlord by calling, yet
uplifting her hearers with the spirit in the through the sublime spiritual influence of
music. O n her eightieth birthday she played the Cause he could eloquently present proofs
IN MEMORIAM

Hiji Mhammad Yazdi.
of the Cause confirmed by Verses from the elected a member of it, which post he held
Qnr'6n and H a d i h to all classes of people, until the end of his life.
in such convincing manner that they became He was privileged twice during his life to
surprised by his inspired and effective speech. be honored by visiting our belove& Guard-
He was one of the few old believers who ian and was a recipient of his loving kindness
attended the court as a witness while the and appreciations, which increased consider-
case of the houses of Bah6'u'llih was under ably his activities and self-sacrifice.
trial. Amidst the infuriated populace he His tragic death occurred on January 9,
pushed his way to the court and very cour- 1936, in consequence of a falling down of a
ageously and boldly declared his faith and section of the Haziratu'l-Quds of Ba&did
gave the necessary testimony and paid no where he was sleeping with his eldest son
heed t o the menaces aqd intimidations, Isma'il and both of them died immediately.
though his life was exposed to inevitable This sad news was communicated to the
death under such critical circumstances. Guardian, who immediately sent a telegram
He was the real mover of the Friends of of deep sy~npathyand hearty condolences to
'AvQ&iq and the one to whom they came the Friends of 'Avi&iq whicl~was followed
for help, guidance and counsel. He was an by a letter in appreciation of his brilliant
important factor in erecting the Haziratu'l- services, the translation of an extract of
Quds of his locality, which was the first of which, written by his secretary, is as fol-
its kind in 'Irlq. lows:-
He was secretary to che Spiritual Assem- "That zealous servant of God has ren-
bly, and on formation of the National Spir- dered excellent and sublime services t o the
itual Assembly of 'Iriq in 1931, he was tl~resholdof his merciful God. That digni-
I00 T H E BAHh'f WORLD

Led m a l ~was the sign of firmncss and the or returning they would be the gnests of the
essence of steadfastness and rectitude, hold- Alexandria friends.
ing fast t o the teachings of God and cling- Meanwhile, in addition to the Alexandria
ing unto His brilliant and sacred command- interests, Muhammad Yazdi opened a store
ments. He never let any opportunity pass in 'Akki with his close friend the late Siyyid
without manifesting his self-sacrifice and 'Ali Yazdi and the two carried on business
sincerity and let no chance slip away with- there. In 1882, as a consequence of the
out showing his gallantry and solemnity. So rebellion of 'Arribi Pi&&, the occupation
it is no wonder if this sudden and unex- of Alexandria by Great Britain, the great
pected incident caused a deep grief and fire and the general confusion, he left for
intense sorrow to the Guardian who enter- the Holy Land, returning some seven
tained so great an attachment to him, was months later.
utterly satisfied with him, and had complete When in 1872, the life of every Bahi'i
confidence in him." was darkened by the ascension of Bahi-
'u'llhh, he, suffering bitterly from separation
from his Beloved, in accord with the Will
and Testament of BahB'u'llih turned toward
The late y a j i Muhammad Yazdi, the son the Center of the Covenant, and, fully
of 'Abdu'l-Rahim-i-Yazdi, was born about obedient to 'Abdu'l-Bahh, remained firm in
1810 in Yazd, and at the same time as his the Cause. At that period he was instru-
elder brother, the late &ay&-'Ali, he mental in establishing a Spiritual Assembly
achieved in early youth the privilege of be- which achieved renown. He later made of
coming a Baha'i. He then became the re- his residence in Ramlih (Alexandria) a gath-
cipient of blessed Tablets from Bahi'u'llih ering place for the believers, it being his
and was singled out for especial grace. To custom to hold regular Sunday meetings
such a degree was he set aflame that he spent lasting from afternoon till nearly midnight,
most of his time either in teaching the Cause at which occasions the believers would come
to his friends and kindred, in holding Bahi'i together, partake of refreshments and chant
feasts and gatherings in his home or in the holy prayers and Tablets. Whenever the
chanting the Tablets and prayers. At last, Master and members of the Household
however, he could no longer eudure his long- would visit that city, he exerted every effort
ing for the presence of Bahi'n'llhh; he set in carrying out the Master's behests. Previ-
out with the late H i j i Amin on his first ous to this he married Jamilih Khhnurn,
journey to the Holy Land, and there, in daughter of the late 'Ali Man&6diy-i-
'Akki, he attained to meeting with the Yazdi, and believers from various parts of
Blessed Beauty. Egypa, from Port Said and Alexandria came
Afterward, with the permission of Bahi'u- to Ramlih for the wedding.
'llih, Muhammad Yazdi went to Alexandria During the World War, from 1914 to
in Egypt and settled there. I n Alexandria 1717, Muhammad Yazdi carried on business
around the year 1870, he and the late Hiji in Beirut and Damascus, and also in Haifa
Siyyid Javid-i-Yazdi undertook the postal with my brother, Aqb Mirzi Husayn.
despatch of tablets from Bahi'u'llih t o the When the ascension of the beloved Master
Bah6'is of frhn and of letters from the had plunged the believers into sorrow, he
latter to the Holy Land. Within a few turned, obedient to the Master's Testament,
years some of the Baha'is who had come to the Guardian of the Cause, remaining
together in Alexandria established a trading staunch and steadfast. Around 1925, he
company, and conducting their affairs with went back to Port Said, engaging in business
great and spiritual harmony, they prospered. in the store of his brother, Ahmad Yazdi,
A t that period all the 'Akkl pilgrims trav- and almost yearly he would journey t o visit
eled by way of Alexandria; from the frinian the Guardian and pray at the Holy Shrines.
Gulf, from India, from the Caucasus and I n his eighty-fourth year, M4ammad Yazdi
Turkey, frinian and other believers would was struck by a motor cycle and passed
come t o the Holy Land, and whether going away September 1, 1933. He is survived
I N MEMORIAM SO1

by his widow, four sons and one daqhter Oil Company in fran; Rawhin, attending
as follows: say@-'Ali, now a resident of the School of Medicine at Lyons, France;
Berkeley, California; 'Abdu'l-Rahim, Port Fitirnih-Sultin, now living with her mother
Said; 'Aziz, employed by the Anglo-idnian in Port Said.

E X T R A C T S FROM BAHA'f NEWS
I N MEMORIAM Christ Jensen, Racine, Wisconsin.
Owen Mead Snyder, Seattle, Washington.
Dmth proffereth m t o every confident Mrs. Bertha Bruss, Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
believer the cup that is life indeed. I t Mrs. Sophie Wagner, Milwaukee, Wiscon-
bestoweth joy, and is the bearer of gladness. sin.
I t conferreth the gift of everlasting life. Mrs. Mada Longmeyer, Chicago, 111.
As to those thrzt huzie tasted the fruit of Mr. W. M. Cline, Sr., Verdugo City,
man's earthly existence, which is the recog- Calif.
nition of the one true God, exalted be His Mr. A. I. Truesdell, Santa Monica, Calif.
glory, their life heyeafter is such as We are Dr. Howard Carpenter, Berkeley, Calif.
unable to describe. The knowledge thereof Mr. John Stoeffel, Baltimore.
is with God, alone, the Lord of all wo~1ds.- Mrs. Iva Johnson, Urbana, Ohio.
Bah6'u'lIih. Mrs. Annie E. McKinney, Providence,
Mrs. Lily Wiggins, Phoenix. R. I., and Eliot, Maine.
Frederick Diehl, Pasadena. Mr. Weaver vor~Kirtley, Glendale, Calif.
Mrs. Pauline Ayres, Trenton, N. J. Mrs. Clara Hillhouse, New Haven, Conn.
Mrs. George Busey, Urbana. Mrs. Frances A. Moore, Lima, Ohio.
Mrs. Angela Lynch, San Francisco. Mrs. Rose Hilty, Topeka, Kansas.
J. T. Reddin, Marstock, N. S. Dr. Edward C. Getsinger, Los Angeles,
Mrs. W. H . Repogle, Bakersfield, Calif. Calif.
Lorene Neville, Glendale, Calif. Mrs. Mathea Larsen, Racine, Wis.
Henry Blankenbecker, Mrlwauliee, Wis. Miss Mary Hudd, Washington, D. C.
Mrs. C. B. Anderson, New York City. Mrs. Lillian A. Kendall, Phoenix, Ariz.
Mrs. C. L. Lincoln, Brooklyn. Mrs. Nellie A. Rahn, Detroit, Mich.
Mrs. Frank Moxey, Newark. Mr. George Russell Monroe, Vancouver.
Mrs. Mary Isabel Marshall, Washington, Mrs. C. E. Cuddeback, San Francisco.
D. C. Mrs. Helen M. Babo, Chicago.
Charles F. Coles, Washington, D. C. Miss Rhoda Nichols, Troy, N. Y.
Otto Weiss, Teaneck, N. J. Mr. Leslie Calhoon, Racine, Wisc.
Hooper Harris, New York City. Dr. Clement Woolson, St. Paul, Minn.
Mrs. Julia McCormick, Everitt, Wash. Mrs. Dora Smith, Seattle.
Mrs. Sarah J. Swift-Hardy, Richmond Charles Belyea, Milwaukee.
Province, Quebec, Canada. Mrs. Caroline Brown, Chicago.
Otto Weiss, Closter, N. J. H. De Vogh Wright, Orange Springs,
Mrs. Harriet Schwartz Lebman, Colum- N. Y.
bus, Ohio. Mrs. Hulda Mecher, Muskegon.
Dr. Susan I. Moody, Tihrhn, i r k . Marshall Humphrey, Phoenix.
Samuel Angus Roberts, Kelvin, Arizona. George Monroe, Vancouver.
Fay Swain, Portland, Oregon. Miss Ella J. Abeel, Pasadena.
Mme. Frieda Stjerna, Portland, Oregon. Mrs. Eleanor Terry, Atlantic City.
Mrs. Mabel F. Geary, Seattle, Washington. Mrs. Fred Hale, New York.
Mrs. Evora Ella Jones, Worcester, Massa- Mr. E. B. Rabb, San Francisco.
chusetts. Col. Henry S. Culver, Eliot.
Mrs. Emma Hanson, Racine, Wisconsin. Mrs. Ellen M. Glines, Washington, D. C.
102 T H E BAHA'i WORLD
Mrs. Gertrude Mattcrn, Washington, Mme. Marie Beck, February 10, 1915,
D. C . Lausanne, Switzerland.
George E. Witte, Willcox, Arizona. Miss Elsie Lea, Whit-Monday, June 1 0 ,
Mrs. Thursa Morwood-Clark, Vancouver. 193 5, London, England.
William B. Remey, Bremerton, Wash- Mrs. Edith Burr, June, 1935, Florence,
ington. Italy.
Mrs. Maverette Fisher, Three Rivers, Mr. Kustner, June 1935, Stuttgart, Ger-
Massachusetts. many.
George Steiner, in April 1934, Gyar, Jinib-i-F6dil-i-&irhzi.
Hungary. MirzI T6&i W i n Bahin-Ayin.
PART THREE
B A H A I DIRECTORY, 1 y j l - 1 y j 6
9 2 OF THE B A H A ' I ERA

BAHK'f NATIONAL S P I R I T U A L
ASSEMBLIES
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Australia and New Zealand,
Care of Miss Hilda Brooks, Box 447 D, Adelaide, SOUTHAUSTRALIA.

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Caucasus,
Care of Mr. Diyl'u'lllh Asdarzidih,
4 Victoria Avenue, Bishopsgate, London, E. C. 2, ENGLAND.

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Egypt,
1'. 0. Box 1 3 , Daher, Cairo, EGYPT.
Telegraphic Address: Bahabureau, Cairo.

National Spiritual Assembly of the Babi'is of Germany and Austria,
Care of Dr. Eugen Schmidt, Reinsburgstrasse 198, Stuttgart, GERMANY.

National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of Great Britain and Ireland,
Bahb'i Center, 86 Lancaster Gate, London, W. 2.
Telegraphic Address: National, As&arzidih, London.
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of India and Burma,
Care of Mr. 'Abbis-'Ali Butt, 86/1, the Mall (Middle Flat), Simla, INDIA

National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is of 'Iriq,
P. 0. Box 5, Baddid, 'IRAQ.

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of frln,
Care of Dr. Y. Afrb&tih, Avenue Barg, Tihrln, IRAN.
Telegraphic Adhess: Rawhini, Pirsiyin, Tihrin.

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Turkistin,
Care of Mr. I?iyh'u'llbh As&are6dih,
4 Victoria Avenue, Bishopsgate, London, E. C. 2, ENGLAND.

National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of the United States and Canada,
Secretariat, 130 Evergreen Place, West Englewood, N. J., U. S. A.
Telegraphic Address: BahS'i, New York.

International Bahl'i Bureau,
Case 181 Stand, Geneva, SWITZERLAND.
Telegraphic Address: Bahh'i, Geneva.
Facsimile of Letter addressed by N&iri3d-Din S_hih t o 'Abbis-Quli sin-i-Lirijini
(dated 1280 A.H.) rewarding him for his share in the persecution inflicted upon he
B6bis. (See "The Dawn-Breakers,'' Chapters IX and XX.)
BAHA'I DIRECTORY, 1935-1956

B A H A ' i LOCAL S P I R I T U A L ASSEMBLIES
AND GROUPS
This list has been compiled by the International Bahd'i Bureau of Gaeva, Switzer-
land. Omissions, errors and changes should be reported imnsediately to the Bureuu,
address Case I S 1 Stand, Geneva.

Denotes Local Spiritual Assembly.

ABYSSINIA- Plovdiv: Mr. Luca Konstantinof. (Plovdiv
Addis-Ababa: Sabri Elias, P. 0. Box 193. Gare.)
:>Sofia: C/O Miss M. Jack, Union Palace
ALBANIA-
Gjinokaster: Mr. Refo Chapari, State 130s-
Stara Zagora: Mme. Lesseva.
pital.
Turnova: Mrs. Dora Bour~noff.
AUSTRALIA- Varna: Mr. Nicholas Avramof, 30 Polk,
"Adelaide: Box 447 D. G. P. 0. Svychtara.
Brisbane: Mr. John B. Bedgood, Isaac St.,
BURMA(see India and Burma)-
Paddington.
Goldsborough: Miss E. Baker, c/o Mrs. M. CANADA(see United States and Canada)-
Baker, Victoria. P. 0. Goldsborough.
Hobart: Miss Greta Lamprill, "Newlands," CAUCASUS-
Tooralr Ave., Newton, Tasmania. 'Bikil.
Melbourne: Miss M. Stephens, Box L, 1237, 'B616-KJ~bni.
Elizabeth St. P. O., Victoria. BitGm.
Nelson, N. 2.: Mrs. E. Watkin, Stoke. "Burdi.
Perth: Mrs. Annie 0. Miller, 71 Berwick St., Ghini.
Victoria Park. Darband.
'Sydney: Mr. Guy M. Tnrnan, Kembla Bldg., Erivan.
Margaret St. '>Ganjih.
Khilli.
AUSTRIA- iGgc_hiy.
"Vienna: Mr. Franz Pollinger, Josefstadter- Naft616n.
str. 37, VIII. Petrovki.
Graz: Herr Adolf Fontana, Kirchengasse, 14. 'Si1iy6n.
Deutsch-Wagram: Herr L. Pundl. Shakki.
iijami!&i.
BELGILTM-
S_hiravin.
Antwerp: Mme. Steinmann, 13 Ave. Van
*Tinis.
Peet.
CHINA-
BRAZIL- Canton: Mr. C. S. Liu, Bureau for the Im-
Bahia: Miss Leonora Holsapple, Rua Alfonso provement of Sericulture, Department of
Celso 16. Reconstruction, Honglok.
Hong Kong: Mr. Pei Tswi, Manager, Bank
BULGARIA-
of China.
Bourgas: Mr. Nichola Vassileff, UI. Strurna
Shanghai: Mirzi H. A. Ouskonli, Box 5 5 1 .
3 1.
Brenitza-BeloslatinsIra: Mr. Bentcho Chris- CZECHOSLOVAKIA-
toff. Bmno: Mr. Mahm6d Lhamsy, u. Dr. TuFka.
Dubnitza: Mr. Alexander Lyaptchev. 17.
508 T H E BAHA 'f WORLD

Praha: Mr. Vnk Echtner, c/o Bruckner, u. Frankfurt 2.M.: Friulein Edith Horn, Bur-
Pujcovny 2. nitzstr. 8.
Fiirth i.B.: Herr u, Frau Adolf Lorey, Krie-
DENMARK- gerheimstr. 16.
Copenhagen: Miss Johanne Sorensen, Bran- Geislingen/Steige: Herr Hans Kraiss, Geis-
nersvej 17 Charlottenlund hei Copen- lingen/Altenstadt/Steige, Oelweg 22.
hagen. Goppingen: Frau Anna Schoch, Ulrichstr.
24.
EGYPT- Graal: Herr Karl Klitzing, Friedrich-
*Alexandria: P. 0. Box 1865.
Franzhaus.
Assiut: Mr. Muhammad 'Abdu'llih, E. S.
*Hamburg: Friulein Anna Bostelmann,
Railways.
Hamburg 24, Uhlandstrasse 43.
Beni-Suef: Mr. Fathi Kamil.
Heidelberg Friulein Fried1 Bleck, Mozart-
'*Cairo: P. 0. Box 13. Daher.
str. 9a.
Fayom: Mr. Muhammad Anis.
Heilbronn: Frau Marie Ott, Rabeweg.
'Isma'iliyyih: Mr. KhaIil 'Ay6d, Suez Canal
Heppenheim: Herr Hans G. Schmidt, Post-
Co.
schliessfach 41.
Kantara: Mr. Muhammad 'Avaydb, Customs
')Karlsruhe-Riippur-Gartenstadt: Frau Marca
Dept.
Brauns, Resedenweg 70.
Kawmu's-$aCiyidih: Mr. Hasan Mulmmmad
Leipzig C 1: Frau Lina Benke, Antonstr. 21.
Basan.
Mannheim: Herr Fritz Winter, N 3, 12.
Nagh Hamadeh: 'Abdu'l-Jalil Bey Sa'ad.
Neckarsulm: Herr F. Hiibner, i. Hagelich.
'*Port Said: P. 0. Box 213.
Rostock: Frau Margaretbe Walcker, Schil-
Rashid: Migd'il Ydsuf, E. S. Railways.
lerstr. 23.
Risi'l-Lhalij: Mr. Fu'id Yazdi.
Schwerin/M.: Frau Frieda Reuter, Sand-
Sibini'l-Kawm: Mr. Ibribim Stefanos.
str. 1.
Suez: Mr. Alexander Hanna, Customs Dept.
'iStuttgart-Zuffenhausen: Frau Anna Marie
Tanta: Mr. Ibrhhim, 'Abdu'l-Masih Tele-
Schweizer, Karlstr. 26.
graph Office.
Ulm: Herr Karl Nagel, Gartenstr. 21.
FRANCE- 'iWarnemiinde: Herr Emil Jorn, Reuter-
Lyon: Mme. Marie Borel, 1 Quai C. Bernard. str. 31.
Marseille: Mme. Marie Soghomonian, 17 Ch. Wurzburg: Herr Walther Kreutzfeldt,
St. Trone, Ste. Marguerite. Enzelinstr. 20.
Nanterre (Seine) : Mr. H. Saffa, 66 Ave. G.
Clemencean. GREATBRITAINAND IRELAND--
:'Paris: Mr. C. N. Kennedy, 104, Ave. de Altrincham, Cheshire: Mr. C. Craven, 15
' Versailles. Norman Road.
Vance: A. M.: Mine. Adele Routszteiu, Villa Ashhurton, Devon: Mrs. Violet McKinley,
Simone, Ste. elizabeth. Riselands.
Bath: Miss Isabel Carey, "Newlands,"
GERMANV- Bloomfield Road.
Bamberg: Herr u. Frau Carl Wiirtenberger, Birmingham 8: Mr. Marshall, 67 Nansen
Kunigundendamm 46. Road, Alum Rock.
*Berlin: Herr Theo Lehne, Dallgow- Blackburn Nr.: Mrs. Harold Cooper, Fenis-
Diiberitz, Parkstr. 24. cowles, Old Hall, Pleasington.
Bremen: Herr u. Frau Max Greeven, Unter :tBournemouth: Miss Grace Challis, "Riz-
den Eichen 2. wan," Broadstone, Dorset.
Dresden A: Herr Paul Kohler, Feldschlos- Bradford: Mr. Arthur Norton, Marithur,
schenstr. 22/2. Cranbourne Road, Chellow Dene.
':-Esslingen: Frau Liesel Rommel, Oberess- Bramhall: Mr. and Mrs. Busby, 2 Norwood
lingen, Kepplerstr. 10. Avenue, Cheshire.
Fellbach/Stuttgart: Herr S. Hafner, Bahn- Bristol: Mrs. Dora Weeks, 4 Filton Grove,
hofstr. 69. Horfield.
B A H A ' ~DIRECTORY, 1935-1936 109

Bruckless, Ireland: Mrs. Fforde, Brucltless Chapra (Saran): Mr. Ahmad-'Ali, v. Raw-
House, Co. Galway. dih.
Farnham, Surrey: Mrs. Leitch, Fairfield Chitragong: Aniiru'l-Islirn, Divin-Bizir.
Lodge. "Daidanaw-Kalazoo: KO B i Sein, P. 0.
Framfield, Sussex: Miss Cheape, Great Kugyangon (Hanthawiddy) .
Street. "Delhi: Mr. M. A. Samadini, c/o The
Hounslow: Mr. Charles Cole, Sutton Villa, Bahi'i Magazine, S h ~ d i p u r i .
Sutton Road. Hlpur (Meerut) : Siyyid Irtid6 Husayn, 42,
Ilford, Essex: Mrs. Helen A. Long, 93 Em- Nai Abadi.
press Ave. Hyderabad (Deccan) : Mr. 'Abdu'l-'Aziz,
"London: 86 Lancaster Gate, W. 2, B.A., B.T., Vice-Principal, N6mpally,
"Manchester: Mr. J. Lee, 392 Northenden Shihkimosh.
Road, Sale Moor, Sale, Cheshire. Jamser (Bikanir State): Mr. Sami'ul Ha-
Newcastle-on-Tyne: Mr. and Mrs. Busby, san Zaydi, Station Master, Bikanir State
21 Rothhury Tee, Heaton. Railway.
Northumberland: Mr. Buzby, Y South +Karachi: BahB'i Hall, Pires St., New
Croft, Forest Hall. Bunder Road.
Okehampton, Devon: Mrs. Scarramucci, Kawlin (Upper Burma): Mr. Lhuda-
Oker Junet, South Zeal. Ba!&sh.
Orpington, Kent: Miss A. Evelyn Baxter, Khinpur (Bahawalpur State): Muhammad
"Timherscombe," Station Hill. Ishbq, B.Sc., Atnin-Manzil.
Sonthampton: Miss Plact, St. Rournons, Bit- Lahore: Prof. Pritam Sin&, M.A., 39
terne. Temple Road.
Totnes: Mr. Mark Tobey, Dartington Hall Lucknow: Siyyid AkJtar Jihin, 84 Dr. Mo-
(Devonshire) . tilal Bose Road.
York: Mrs. Eliza P. Keoworthy, 24 Second Madras: Mr. Ishiq Pahlavln, Triplicane
Ave., Heworth. Chowk.
"Mandalay: Miss Hla Hla, 9/34th St.,
HAWAIIANISLANDS(see United States and Koyandin,
Canada) - '"oona: P. 0. Box 8.
HOLLAND- ':Rangoon: P. 0. Box 299.
Berlicum, N. B.: W. E. M. Grosfeld. Simla: Mr. 'Ahbas-'Ali Butt, 86/1, The
Brummen, Gclderland: IIerr and Frau Middle 'la').
Epple, Zutphenscheweg 74. Sirsi (Hissar) : Dr. 'Abdu'l S&akGr, Sabzi
Enschede: Herr G. J. Bertelinck, Hoog-
stratt 3 . Snrat: Mr. N. R. Vakil, Khapitla,
Haarlem: Frl. KBthe Braun, Spruit en Chakli'
Boschstr. 1Y. Tawnggyi (Burma) : Siyyid 'Abdu'l-Ra-
&id, Yawama Road.
HUNGA~Y- Toungoo (Burma): Mr. M. A. 'Aziz, No.
Budapest: Mr. Polgar, Trombitas u. 2. 261, Burma Railways.
Gyor: Mrs. George Steiner, Apitur u. 8.
f~dN-
INDIAAND BURMA- frln (see sub-section "Bahi'i Administra-
Agra: Mr. 'Uthmin C h a d , Telegraph tive Divisions in frin").
Master, Sadar Blzir.
Aligarh: Dr. M. S. Burney, &&hphphrb. 'Id-
Allahabad: Mr. ' U a m i n G_hani, Dy. Supdt. :>Ad_hybbih: Mr. 'Ali Faraj, c/o 'Abbbs
Telegraphs. Ganji Gahrabin.
Amritsar: Mr. G_hullm Muhammad Slni, "'Av&&iq: c/o 'Abbis Ganji, $ahrabin.
113/154 Parji St. Hlthi Darw6zi. B a a d i d : P. 0. Box 5.
"Bombay: P. 0. Box 470. Basrih: c/o Zakariyy6 Doccat, Port Direc-
"Calcutta: P. 0. Box 8940. torate, Ashar.
Lhiniqin: POLAND-
-
Karbili: Mr. Adib R. Bazhdidi, Sec- Warsaw: Miss L. Zamenhof, Krblewska 41.
ondary School.
*Mosul: Mr. Jamil Hanna, c/o Mull:
Ahmad H, St, Bucarest: Comitetul Bahi'i stn. Dr. Istrate
10.
ISLANDS-
Society Islands: Papeete, Tahiti, Mr. and
Leningrad: Isabel Grinevskaya, Prospect Na-
Mrs. Georg Spitze.
himson, No. 10, log. 32.
ITALY-
Florence: Signora Campani, Viale Duca di
Cape Town: Mr. and Mrs. Wm. Fraetas,
Genova, 24.
Livorno: R. Mouzun, Allievo Ufficiale, R. O' Box I2O5'
Academia Navale. Heidelberg: Prof. C. Y. Spruyt, Lower
Rome: General Piola-Caselli, Grottafer~.at~. Market St'
R ~ M ~~ ~l~~~~~~
~ ~. : pallenberg, v i a N ~ - Johannesburg: Mrs. A. Kemp, 30 Welling-
mentana 3 1 1 . ton Road, Parktown.
Pretoria: Mrs. F. A. Carey, 220 Tohann St.
JAPAN- Southern Rhodesia: Mr. Jack Dee, Salisbury.
Kobe: Mr. Daiun Inouye, Sairinji, 42 Nishi- Roudebaseh, C. P.: Mr. and Mrs. Walter
miyauchi cho, Hyogo. Hinton, 9 Edingight, Duke Rd.
Kyoto: Mr. Tokujiro Torii, c/o Kyoto
School for the Blind. S~DAN-
Tolcyo: Miss Agnes B. Alexander, 16-6, D6rf6r: Mr. Gabra 'Abdu'lllh, Senior Trans-
Nichome, Kudan. lator, Dirfur Province, Sudin Govern-
Yokohama: Prof. K. D. Koyama, c/o Yoko- ment.
hama City College of Commerce. SWEDEN-
JUGOSLAWA-
Rammen: Mrs. Rudd-Palmgren, Villa Bster-
Belgrade: Miss Draga Ilic', Kneginje Ljubice vik.
26. Stockholm: Miss A. Zetterlund, Kocksgatan
Petrinja: Mr. Phi. P. O~atchitch(Carpag). 3 1 B.
Uddevalla: Mr. W. J. Kielmann.
NEWZEALAND-
"Auckland: Miss Margaret Stevenson, 3 SWITZERLAND--
Altstetten b/ Ziirich: Prof. Volkart, Stamp-
Cowie Road, Parnell.
fenbrunnen Str. 2 1.
Nelson: Mrs. E. Watkin, Stolre.
Gebr. Paul and Otto Eichernberger (as
Wellington: Mrs. Jessie McQuarrie, "Ulva"
above).
Oban St. Highland Park.
Geneve: International Bahi'i Bureau, 20 bis,
Yaninee: Mr. and Mrs. Hawthorne.
rue General Dufour, or Case 1 8 1 Stand.
NORWAY- Kilchberg, b/ Zurich: Mrs. Vautier, Monch-
Fjosanger: Mr. L. Anjkr, Case 96. hofstr. 32.
Oslo: Miss Johanna Schubarth, Stromsveien Monte S/Mendrisio, Ticino: E. Mundwyler.
20, Apart. 42. Obersommeri, b/ Amriswil: Mr. Fritz Semle,
Kinderheim Holdergarten.
PALESTINEAND TRANSJORDANIA- Pully (Lausanne) : Mme. Liberrnann, Villa
"'Adasiyyih: P. 0. Box 1 1 , SamaG. Carina Dent d'oche.
'+'Akk6: Mr. Fawzi Jarrih. Tarasp: Mr. J. Wihchli, Rainstrasse 2, Zii-
Beersheba: R. A. Halabi. rich.
Gaza: Mr. Misbhh Murhd. Ziirich: Brunaustr. 61: Mr. Leo Bernhard.
*Haifa: P. 0. Box 23.
Jaffa: Mr. Mans6r Nahhhs frlni. SYRIA-
Salt, Transjordania: Mr. Hasan H. Rbhi, '*Aleppo: Post Box 445.
Salt Secondary School. 'iBeirut: P. 0. Box 774.
BAHA'I DIRECTORY, 193r-1936
"Damascus: s a y @ 'Abdu'r-R&min Hindi. 'bBul&irh.
Mahqara (Lebanon) : Mr. Zaynu'l-'Abidin Ghirju.
BaAdddi. *Gul-Tapih.
Mersine: Mr. IsmnCil fr6ni. "'Idlqibid.
TUNISIA- Khawqand.
Tunis: Rue Hoche 39, Mr. A. A. Hayylini. Kislavodski.
Marqilin.
TURHEY- *Marv.
Adana: 'Abdu'l-Vahhib NBji frbni. *Qahqahii.
Antep: Mr. Jamll 'Ali, c/o Mr. Najjir Su-
laymdn Aqi, Najjir Bizir.
Biridjik: Mr. 'Abdu'l-Qbdir Lizib.
.,
'>Samarqand.
:i '
ajan.
Talk&-i-Bdzir.
Istanbul: Dr. S, Tomassian, Yeni Dogan, 'iTls_hkand.
Bey Oglu, Feri-Koy Hama~ni89. Y ultln.
Izmir: Mr. David Norlin, P. K. 388.
UNITEDSTATESAND CANADA(see sub-sec-
tion 4)-
WEST INDIES,BRITISH-
Barbados: Miss Ella Robarts, c/o Mrs. Hy-
man, Woodside Bay Street, Bridgetown.

OFFICERS A N D COMMITTEES OF T H E
N A T I O N A L S P I R I T U A L ASSEMBLY O F THE
BAHA'IS OF T H E U N I T E D STATES
AND CANADA
Mr. Mountfort Mills, Chaiv~nan Mr. Leroy C. Ioas
Mr. Carl Scheffler, Vice-Chuirman Mrs. Nellie S. French
Mr. Roy C. Wilhelm, Treasurer Mr. George Orr Latimer
Mr. Horace Holley, Secvctary Mr. Alired E. Lunt
Mr. Allen B. McDaniel

Address: 1 3 0 EVERGREEN
PLACE,Weest Englewood, New Jersey
COMMITTEES
OF THE NATIONAL ASSEMBLY
SPIRITUAL
ARCHNES- Mrs. Anna Kunz.
Mrs. Edwin W. Mattoon, Chai~maiz Mrs. Mabel Paine.
Mrs. Carl Schefiler, Secvctavy J. V. Matteson.
1821 Lincoln St., Evanston, Ill. Mrs. Joel Stebbins.
Mr. Wilfred Barton
BAHk'i WORLD,VOLUMEVI, EDITORIAL-
ANNUAL SOUVENIR OF 'ABDU'L-BAHA. HOlley, ChniT?nan,
(1936). Willialn de Forge, Chairman, Cur- M ~ S.~ W.
. prench, s ~ ~
Belle- ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
tis Kelsey, Dr. Wilbur, Miss 0. B. Crum, fontaine st,, pasadena, california,
Mrs. Grace Krug, Mrs. Carrie Kinney, Miss ~~~h~~B ~ ~ ~ ~ .
Bertha Herklotz. Mrs. Ruth Brandt.
B A H INDEX-
~ ~ Mrs. Elsa Russell Blalxeley.
Mrs. H . A. Hatding. Chairman. Miss Marion Holley.
Mrs. Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick, Secretary, Mrs. Victoria Bedikian, Assistant Photo-
815 E. Ann St., Ann Arbor, Mich. g a p h Editor.
BAHA'I: DIRECTORY, 1935-1936 513
BRAILLETRANSCRWTIONS- Mrs. Clara R. Wood, Secretary, P.O. Box
Mrs. S. W. French, Chairman, 501 Belle- 348, Grand Central Annex, New York,
fontaine St., Pasadena, California. N. Y.
Mrs. Samuel Rodman. Roy C. Wilhelm.
Miss Ella C. Ouant. Mrs. Marie B. Moore.
CONTACTS- Miss Bertha Herklotz.
Miss Sophie Loeding, Chairman, 43 18 Green- Siegfried Schopflocher.
view Avenue, Chicago, Illinois, for Cen- Miss Martha Woodsum, Library Division.
tral States. Mrs. Wesley Bastedo, Editorial Division.
Miss Ethel Revell, for Eastern States. RACEAMITY-
Mrs. Emmeric Sala, for Canada. Mrs. E. R. Mathews, Chairman, Pine Val-
Mrs. Sylvia Parmelee, for Southern States. ley, Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Miss Lucy Marshall, for Western States. Mrs. Thurston Vaughn.
Mrs. M. B. Trotman.
EDITINGTABLETS O F 'ABDu'L-BAH~-
Mrs. Corinne True, Chairman, 418 Forest REVIEWING-
Avenue, Wilmette, Illinois. Dr. Genevieve L. Coy, Chairman.
Dr. Zia Bagdadi. Mrs. Horace Holley, Secretary, 119 Wa-
Mrs. Edward D. Struven. verly Place, New York, N. Y.
Miss Edna True. Mrs. Marie B. Moore.
Albert Windust. STUDYOUTLINES-
FREELITERATURE- Mrs. Rex Collison, Chairmas, 681 Castle
George 0. Latimer, Cbair?na7z, 1927 N.E. Street, Geneva, New York.
40th Ave., Portland, Oregon. Mrs. M. Firouzi.
Mrs. Louise Caswell. Mrs. Willard McKay.
TEACHING-
HISTORYOF THE BAH.~'~ CAUSEIN
Leroy C. Ioas, Chairman.
AMERICA-
Miss Charlotte Linfoot, Secretary, 376 60th
Bishop Brown, Chairvaan, P.O. Box 9, ln-
Street, Oakland, California.
gomar, Pa. Prof. N. Forsythe Ward.
Mrs. Sutherland Maxwell.
George 0. Latimer.
Mrs. Mariam Haney.
Mrs. Ella G. Cooper. REGIONAL TEACHINGREPRESENTATIVEJ-
Charles Mason Remey. Mrs. F. Morton, 5 Wheeler Avenue, Wor-
cester, Mass. For Northeastern States.
LEGAL- R. C . Collison, 681 Castle Street, Geneva,
Alfred E. Lunt, Chairnzan, 89 State Street, New York. For Upper New York State.
Boston, Mass. Philip Sprague, c/o Bahi'i Library, 119
Mountfort Mills.
West 57th Street, New York City. For
George 0. Latimer. Lower New York State. New " Tersev, and
P~BLI~I~Y- Eastern Pennsylvania.
Mrs. Ruth Randall-Brown, Chair,nan, P.O. Prof. Stanwood Cobb, 17 Grafton Street,
Box 9, Ingomar, Pa. Chevy Chasc, Md. For Maryland, Dela-
Miss Alice N. Parker, Secretary. ware, Virginia and West Virginia.
Mrs. Nina Matthisen. Dr. E. Lenore Morris, Route 2, Box 141,
Dr. A. Lawrence Morris. McCord Road, Toledo, Ohio. For Michi-
Mrs. S. W. French. gan and Indiana.
Mrs. Soraya Chamberlain. Dale S. Cole, 9124 La Salle Boulevard, De-
Louis G. Gregory. troit, Michigan. For Ohio and Western
Mrs. Helen Inderlied. Pennsylvania.
Mrs. Harry E. Walrath, 4639 Beacon Street,
PUBLISHING- Chicago, Illinois. For Wisconsin, Minne-
Horace Holley, Chairman. sota, Illinois, Iowa and Kansas.
114 T H E BAHA'I WORLD
Mrs. E. R. Mathews, Pine Valley, Colorado WORLDORDERMAGAZINE-
Springs, Colorado and EditoreStanwood Cobb.
Mr. Leslie Hawthorne, Winterhaven, Texas. Horace Holley, 119 Waverly Place, New
For Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, York, N. Y.
Utah, Texas, Nebraska and Oklahoma. Business Manager-C. R. Wood, 13 I East
Mrs. Georgie Wiles, R.D. 1, West Nash- 10th Street, New York, N. Y.
ville, Tennessee. For Kentucky, Tennes-
see and North Caralina. YOUTH-
Dr. Walter B. Guy, $2 Central Avenue, St. Kenneth Christian, Chairnzan.
Augustine, Florida. For Florida, Georgia, Miss Marlon Holley, Secretary, 675 WesL
South Carolina, Alabama. Arden Avenue, Glendale, California.
Mrs. Marion Little, Covington, Louisiana. Paul Haney.
For Louisiana, Missouri and Arkansas. Miss Mary Maxwell.
Mrs. Emmeric Sala, 194 Riverside Drive, St. Miss Gertrude Gewertz.
Lambert, P. Q., Canada. For Eastern Douglas Strnven.
Canada. Mrs. Emmeric Sala.
Mrs. Thomas H. Collins, 14954 Corona Mrs. Sylvia Parmelee.
del Mar, Pacific Palisades, California. For David R. Hofman.
Arizona, Nevada and California.
SUMMERSCHOOLPROGRAM FOR 193 f
Mrs. Louise Caswell, 2379 N.W. Overton
Street, Portland, Oregon. For Oregon SEASON-
Green Acre-Eliot, Maine, Dr. Genevieve
and Washington.
Rowland Estall, 1 5 34 Harwood Avenue,
I. Coy, Chairman.
Vancouver, B. C. For Western Canada. Glenn A. Shook.
Mrs. Samuel Baldwin, 36 Bates Street, Hono- Mrs. Mary Coristine.
Central States-Louhelen Ranch, Davison,
lulu, Hawaii. For Territory of Hawaii.
Michigan.
TEACHING AND TRAINING CHILDREN- L. W. Eggleston, Chairman.
Miss Charlotte M. Linfoot, Chairman. Mrs. Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick, Secretary.
Mrs. Leroy C. Ioas, Secretary, 640 46th Mrs. Frank Baker.
Avenue, San Francisco, California. Bishop Brown.
Mrs. 'Ali M. Yazdi. Dale S. Cole.
Miss Ella M. Bailey. Pacific State+Geyersville, California.
Mrs. Viola Tuttle. John D. Bosch, Chairmaa.
Miss Elizabeth Hackley. Leroy C. Ioas, Secretary.
TEMPLE LIBRARIANAND PHOIOGRAPHS- Mrs. Thomas H . Collins.
IHarry E. Walrath, 4639 Beacon St., Chi- George 0. Latimer.
cago, Illinois. Mrs. Ella G. Cooper.
TEMPLEPROGRAM-
GREENACREARTSAND CRAFTS-
Carl Scheffler, Chairman.
Miss Agnes O'Neil, Chai~man.
Mrs. Clarence Ullrich, Secretary, 904 North
Mrs. Harold B. Bowditch.
Hays Avenue, Oak Park, Illinois.
Mrs. Harold Bowman.
Mrs. Enos M. Barton.
Mrs. Ivy Edwards.
Mrs. Corinne True.
Mrs. Harry Walrath. GREEN ACRE PLAYSAND PAGEANTS-
Monroe Ioas. Mrs. Harold B. Bowditch, Chairnzan.
Dr. Robert D. Pettet. Raphael Pumpelly.
Mrs. Anne Bartholomew. Mrs. Magda Polivanov.
Mrs. Edris Carson. Max Miller.
UNIVERSAL LANGUAGE- Dr. Amhrose.
James F. Morton, Chairman, Paterson Mu- Philip Sprague.
seum, Paterson, New Jersey. Miss Peggy Crandall.
Mrs. Patrick Quinlan. Lionel Loveday.
BAHA'I DIRECTORY, 1931.1936

L O C A L B A H A ' ~S P I R I T U A L A S S E M B L I E S ,
GROUPS A N D ISOLATED BELIEVERS
I N THE U N I T E D STATES A N D
CANADA
Phoenix, Arizona, Mrs. Ruth Humphrey, Evanston, Illinois, Mrs. Inez B. Ford, 2645
Box 2174. Girard Avenue.
Berkeley, California, Mrs. Laura Kelsey Al- Park Ridge, Illinois, Miss Elizabeth Collum,
len, F37 Santa Barbara Road. 116 N. Prospect Avenue.
Geyersville, California, Mrs. Edith Whit- Peoria, Illinois, Mrs. Evelyn D. Siefert, 112
ton. Ravine Avenue.
Glendale, California, Mrs. Dorothy M. Springfield, Illinois, Mrs. Rieke Jurgens, 201
Porter, Apt. 201, 1123 E. Acacia Street. W. Calhoun Avenue.
Los Angeles, California, Mrs. Oni A. Finks, Urbana, Illinois, Mr. H. J. Snider, 106 W.
413 E. Avenue 28. Pennsylvania Avenue.
Oakland, California, Miss Gladyce Linfoot, Wilmette, Illinois, Mrs. Anne W. Barrholo-
376 60th Street. mew, 1627 Forest Avenue.
Pasadena, California, Mrs. Nellie S. French, Winnetka, Illinois, Mrs. Enos M. Barton.
501 Bellefontaine Street. 978 Euclid Avenue, Hubbard Woods.
San Francisco, California, Miss Nadeen G. Indianapolis, Indiana, Mrs. Lorraine Barlet,
Cooper, 291 Broderick Street, Apt. 4. 3 127 Evergreen Avenue.
Santa Barbara, California, Mrs. Marie Low- South Bend, Indiana, Miss Nayan F. Hart-
ell, 1825 Grand Avenue. field, 222 North Scott Street.
Montreal, P. Q., Canada, Miss Anne Savage, Topeka, Kansas, Mrs. Mae Minor, 1125
99 Guilbault Street. Tyler Street.
Vancouver, B. C., Canada, Mrs. S. B. Kemp, Eliot, Maine, Miss Louise Thompson.
1261 Beach Avenue. Baltimore, Maryland, Mrs. F. W. Hipsley,
Colorado Springs, Colorado, Mrs. E. R. 2803 Allendale Road.
Roberts, 1326 No. Wahsatch Street. Cabin J o h ~ ,Maryland, Mr. Paul Hanen.
Denver, Colorado, Mrs. G. N. Clark, 6307 Boston, Mass., Mrs. Helen L. Archambanlt,
W. 38th Avenue, Wheat Ridge, Colo. 38 Mansfield Street, Everett, Mass.
New Haven, Conn., Mrs. Jeanne Bolles, Worcester, Mass., Miss Fanny M. Holmes
Washington, Conn. 103 Webster Street.
Washington, D. C., Mr. Joseph F. Harley, Detroit, Michigan, Mrs. L. W. Eggleston,
111, 13 10 Massachusetts Avenue, N.W. 2 0 1 East Kirby Avenne.
Jacksonville, Florida, Miss Kathryn L. Ver- Flint, Michigan, Mr. Charles Dunkel, 727
non, 707 Post Street. Liberty Street.
Miami, Florida, Miss Alice Halverson, 11 Lansing, Michigan, Miss Viola Evans, Route
S.E. Sixth Street. 4, Box 8.
St. Augustine, Florida, Mrs. F. W. Shaw, Muskegon, Michigan, Mrs. Iva Smack, 132
39 Central Avenue. Allen Avenue.
Augusta, Georgia, Mrs. Esther S. Sego, 132 1 Minneapolis, Minnesota, Mrs. Helen W.
Baker Avenue. Frink, 12 16 Nicollet Avenue.
Maui, T. H., Mrs. Mary T. Fancom, ' St. Paul, Minnesota, Mrs. Gayle Woolson,
Sprecklesville. 1$13 Portland Avenue.
Honolulu, Hawaii, Mrs. Elma Adolpbson, Kansas City, Missouri, Miss Opal Howell,
712 17th Avenue. 1 3 01 Brush Creek Blvd.
Chicago, Illinois, Miss Julia Sobel, 4034 N. Montclair, N. J., Miss A. E. Van Blarcum,
Keystone Avenue. 19 Walnut Crescent.
516 T H E B A H A ' ~W O R L D
Newark, New Jersey, Mr. G . Ithiel Volz, Rochester, New York, Miss ~Lizabeth
48 Salter Place, Maplewood, N. J. Brooks, 49 Rowley Street.
Teaneck, N. J., Mrs. Louise Lux, 7 Oak Yonkers, New York, Mrs. Lillian Stoddard,
Street, Ridgefield Park, N. J. ' 1 0 0 Saratoga Avenue.
Binghamton, New York, Mrs. P. A. Fern- Akron, Ohio, Mrs. Roy E. Browne, 792 W.
ald, 641 Chenango Street. Market Street, Apt. 5.

Site of the First Mahriqu'l-A&khr of fr6n recently purchased by the National Spiritual
Assembly of the Bah6'is of frin.

Buflalo, New York, idr. E. C. McCurdy, Cincinnati, Ohio, Miss Hilda Stauss, 3648
144 Cottage Street. Epworth Avenue, Westwood.
Geneva, New York, Miss May Williams, Cleveland, Ohio, Mrs. Dale S. Cole, 3174
185 Lewis Street. Corydon Road.
New York City, N. Y., Miss Bertha L. Herk- Columbus, Ohio, Mrs. Margaret H. Acebo,
lotz, Room 611, 119 W. 57th Street. Route 1, Reynoldsburg, Ohio.
BAHA'I DIRECTORY, 1935 -193 6 117

Lima, Ohio, Mrs. E. J. Miessler, 319 West- Mollrue, Washington, Mrs. Rosamond Bays.
wood Drive. Seattle, Washington, Miss Doris Foye, 4721
Toledo, Ohio, Mrs. Cecile Hill, 312 Ol~io Fifth Avenue, N.E.
Street. Spokane, Washington, Mrs. Isabelle M.
Portland, Oregon, Mr. J. E. Latimer, 1927 Campbell, 1427 So. Madison Street.
N.E. 40th Avenue. Kenosha, Wisconsin, Mr. Louis J. Voelz,
Philadelphia, Pa., Miss Jessie E. Revell, 253 1 6108 Sheridan Road.
North 19th Street. Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Mrs. Jean Clark,
Pittsburgh, Pa., Mrs. Ruth Randall Brown, 1814 N. Cambridge Avenue.
Box 9 , I~xgomar,Pa. Racine, Wisconsin, Mr. Harold R. Olson,
Nashville, Tennessee, Mrs. Elva H. Peebles, 1332 Russet Street.
2144 Oakland Avenue.

CALIFORNIA- MINNESOTA-
Burlingame, Mrs. Geo. Kuhlman, 8 1 1 Al- Duluth, Mr. E. Bauers, 624 Arlin~tonAve.
pine Aye.
Clearlake Highlands, Mrs. Flora M. Clark.
NEw HAMpsHIRE-
Sacramento, Miss Elizabeth L. Duffy, 1416 Portsmouth, Mr. Louis G. Gregory, 47
11th st. South St.
Santa Monica, Mrs. Anna Isles, 91 1 Idaho NEW JERSEY-
St. Ashury Park, Miss Jane Durand, 1 3 0 1 Com-
Southgate, Mrs. Josephine F. Clark, 81 18 stock St.
San Juan Ave. Jersey City, Mr. Fred G. Hale, 218 Wood-
Verdugo Hills, Mrs. J. A. Erickson, Box lawn Ave.
184, Verdugo City.
NEW YORK-
CONNECTICUT- Capital District, Miss Zeah Holden, 48 Ter-
Hartford, Miss Gladys J. Palmer, 148 Grove race Ave., Albany.
St., Rockville, Conn. Ithaca, Miss H. B. Townley, 241 Cayuga
FLORIDA- St.
Orlando, Mrs. D. Tornstrom, Pine Castle, Jarnestown, Mrs. Doris McKey, 833 Pren-
Fla. dergast Ave.
Syracuse, Dr. Mildred Blackmer, 501 Uni-
M~ss~c~ussrrs- versity Place.
Provincetown, Mrs. Ralph Harlow, Box 301.
Springfield, Mrs. R. A - ~ a t e s ,99 Princeton OHIO-
St. Dayton, Mr. Josef McCoy, 24 Lexington
Three Rivers, Mrs. Wendell E. Bacon. Ave.
MICHIGAN- WISCONSIN-
Ann Arbor, Mrs. Wm. M. Parker, 1601 Madison, Mrs. Joel Stebbins, Observatory
Pontiac St. Hill.

REGISTERED
ISOLATEDBELIEVERS
ARIZONA- Willcox, Mr. George E. Witte, Box 448;
Buckeye, Mrs. Edith Edgar. Mrs. Alletta B. Martin.
Florence, Richard N. Burrows, Box B.
Kelvin, Mr. and Mrs. Roberts, Cochran CALIFORNIA-
Mail. Alma, Miss Julia Culver, Chemeketa Park.
Payson, Mrs. H. B. Davis. Arroyo Grande, Dr. B. C. Smith, c/o E. R,
Tombstone, Mrs. Jonathan Gordon. Rhyne, Star Route.
118 T H E BAHhi 'f WORLD

Aptos, Miss Lillie Kendall, Box 101.
Carmel, Mrs. John O'Shea, Box 166, A~B~RT~-Vermilion,Mrs. J. M. Pine.
R.R. 1.
Escondido, Mrs. Carl Steinhauser, R.R. 1, NEW BRUNSWICK-Rothesay, Miss Mabel
Box 14. G. Thomson and Miss M. Louise Culver.
Exeter, Miss Myriam F. Partridge, 219
ON~RIO-Farron Point, Dr. Anna D.
Clarence St.
Sheets.
Glen Ellen, Mrs. 0. M. Small, Box 17.
West Gravenhurst, Mrs. Caroline Leh-
Healdsbur~,Mrs. W. M. and Miss Madeline
pann.
Stout, 427 Matheson St.
Toronto, Miss Helen Grand, 46 Oriole
Hinkley, Dr. Doris Goodrick, Route 1.
Gardena; C. G. Norris, 2174 Queen
Knightsen, Mr. Arthur Somerhalder and
East; Mrs. Muriel Rucker, 1471 A
Mr. Irvin Somerhalder. '
Yonge St.; Mrs. Violet Rumney, 13
Laguna Beach, Mrs. Grace Vollmer, P.O.
Winchester St.; Mrs. Laura R. Davis,
Box 12.
13 Winchester St.; Mr. Gerrard Sleeter.
La Jolla, Miss Mary Fenn, General Deliv-
27 Wheeler St., Room 23.
ery.
Lakeport, Mrs. Clark Rood. PRINCZ EDWARDISLAND -Charlottetown,
Lindsay, Mrs. Mary Carr, R.F.D. 1, BOX Chas. N. Murray, 140 Water St.
109.
Manhattan Beach, Miss Sarah M. Smoot, S A ~ K A T C H E W A N - C ~Mr.
~ ~ ~Edward
C~~~~,
Box 191, Hermosa Beach; Mrs. Lyda D. Harris.
Conover, 321 5th St. BRITISHC O L U M B I A - A I ~ S ~Mrs.
~O~ F.~E.
,
Mariposa, Mrs. Frances Carre, General De- Collins; Mrs. G. E. Joyce.
livery; Mr. and Mrs. J. L. Gibson, Gen-
eral Delivery; Mrs. Inglis J. Carre, Gen- COLORADO-
eral Delivery. Cripple Creek, Mr. and Mrs. Lewis W.
Minnelnsa, Mr. and Mrs. C. N. Wells, Min- Frink, Box 163; Mrs. Gladys Fnnk; Dr.
nelusa P.O., Big Bear Lake. John H. Austin, 309 E. Bennett.
Oakley, Mr. Max F. Schober, Route 1, BOX CONNECTICUT-
129. Danbury, Donald Kinney, R.F.D. No. 4.
Pacific Beach, Miss Esther Davis, Box 29B.
Paradise, Mr. Robert L. Gulick. CUBA-
Reprisa, Mrs. Barnet H u e . Isle of Pines, Santa Fe, -
San Diego, Mrs. Catherine E. Hall, 4471 F r o n m ~ -
Thorn St. Fernandina, Mr. J. Stone, P.O. Box 423;
Santa Maria, Mrs. S. D. Montgomery, 612 Mr. Gordon Hall, 3 11 Calhoun St.
S. Lincoln St. Lakeland, Mr. and Mrs. Byron S. Lane, 708
Santa Paula, Mrs. C. E. Carpenter, 411 N. Iowa.
North 6th St. Miami Beach, Mrs. Carolyn Harlin, 7120
Santa Rosa, Mrs. Hazel Tomlinson, 1011 Harding Ave.
Royal St. Ruskin, Mrs. Cora L. Jones, P.O. Box 27.
St. Helena, Mrs. Emma H. Harmon. O'Brien, Mrs. Elva H. Peebles, Rte. 1, Box
Turlock, Mrs. Maude Fisher, 332 North 104.
Center St. GEORGIA-
Whittier, Miss Jane Coulter and Mrs. Ann
Atlanta, Dr. J. C. Oakshette, Nassau Hotel,
Burch, 102 W. Broadway.
162 Luckie St.
Visalia, Mrs. Daisy G. Frye, 240 N.E. 4th
Savannah, Mrs. L. C. Haskell, 211 E. Vic-
Aye. tory Drive.
Yuba City, Mrs. Cordie C. Cline, 778 Olive
St.; Miss Ads L. Chandon, 778 Olive U I AHO-
St. Coeur d'Alene, Mr. J. F. Behrens, 21 1 1
Woodlake, Mrs. Estelle Wacaser. Sherman Ave., R. 4.
BAHA'I DIRECTORY, 1931-1936 519

Koorkia, Mr. George W. Stewart, R. 1, Box Gardiner, Rev. Willis A. Moore, 43 Lincoln
22. Ave.; Fred L. Kelly.
Wallace, Mrs. Edwin J. P. Dwelly, P.O. Portland, Mrs. Melissa J. Toms, 170 West-
Box 251. brook St.
ILLINOIS- MARYLAND-
Alton, Ida L. Dixon, 1229 Alby. Salisbury, Mr. and Mrs. L. Hammond, Care
Elmburst, Miss Mary Fischer, 300 North Mr. 0. S. Winfree.
York. MASSACHUSETT~--
Freeport, Miss Ella Bokhof, 118 W. Galena
Hampdon, MISS Mary Isham, R.F.D. No.
Ave.; Miss Lillian Bokhof, 518 W . Galena
2.
Ave.; Mr. David H . Bokhof, 118 W.
Salem, Mr. and Mrs. J. F. Crowley, 18 Mt.
Galena Ave.; Mrs. H. S. Brandt, 430
Vcrnon; Mrs. Annie B. Walker, 18 ML.
Nursery Ave. Vernon.
Magnolia, Mrs. Lucy B. Swindler, R.F.D.
Mattoon, Miss Bertha B. Newby, 1618 MICHIGAN-
Charleston. Edmore, Earl H . Kaley, R.F.D. No. 3.
Naperville, Mrs. R. W. Patrick, R. 3, Box Grand Rapids, Mrs. Gladys Keith, 449
90. James Street, S.E.
Robinson, Miss Emma Borchardt, Care Greenville, Miss Alma Albertson, R.F.D.
0. T. Bierson, Woodworth Block. No. 2.
Quincy, Miss Helen Greenman, 1100 Pay- Lawrence, Mrs. John F. Hay, Route 2 .
son Ave. Kalamazoo, Miss Elizabeth Dickerman,
Rockford, Dr. Edward L. Fernald, Room 2026 S. Burdick; Mrs. Mary Dickerman,
607, Stewart Building. 2026 5. Burdick.
Marysville, Mrs. Oscar Kitels.
INDIANA- Olivet, Mrs. J. E. Kirkpatrick.
Fowler, Mrs. Dana Wells, 2nd St. Van Dyke, Mrs. Esther Neall, Firebush,
IOWA- Box 274.
Burlington, Mrs. Edytha H. Bloom, 621 N . MINNESOTA-
3rd St. Preston, Miss Frances Moore, 220% 1st
Centerville, Mr. Frank Bibby, 808 Haynes Ave., S.W.
Ave.
Correctionville. Mrs. Sophie L. Haynes, 1Mrsslssrp~l-
Box 8 3 . Greenwood, Mrs. H. W. Bivins, 1000 Park-
Davenport, Mr. and Mrs. S. W. Bolton, Box way.
56, P. S. C.; Mr. and Mrs. Kenneth Piney Woods, Miss Olga Finke, Piney
Smith, Columbia Hotel. Woods School.

KENTUCKY- MISSOURI-
Cave City, Mr. Edward White. Jefferson, Bruce Beck, R. No. 1, Box 178.
Hopkinsville, Mrs. Nettie J. La Prade, 193 0 Joplin, Miss Beulah Magruder, R.F.D. No.
Oak St. (May be registered with Nash- 1, Box 190.
ville, Tennessee Group.) St. Louis, Louis M. Hudson, 2831 Park
Louisville, Mrs. Elizabeth J. Wheeler, 2014 Ave.; Wm. C. Hudson, 2013 DeKalb
Grinsted Drive; Mrs. Gertrude Christine. St.; Mary Wall, 4647 Margaretta St.;
Frank Zykan, 15 1 7 Picker
~ St.

Covington, Mrs. Marion M. Little, Box 61.
Norwood, Mr. and Mrs. N. S. Eden. Butte, Miss Edith Kingold Rowand, 1110
W. Porphyry St.; Mrs. Betty Nelson, 315
MAINE- W. Granite; Mr. and Mrs. Matthew H.
Auburn, Miss Georgia Barker, General De- Caldwell, Box 1018.
livery. Haugan, Dr. Grover Burnett.
Helena, Mr. and Mrs. Chas. Q. Adams, OHIO-
33 1j/, State St.; Mrs. Chas. M. Bryan, Bethesda, Mrs. Cora M. Jenkins, P.O. BOX
$07 6th St. 240.
Winifred, John H. Wilcott. Bexley, Miss Charlotte Lindenberg, 2112
Bryden Road; Mrs. Florence M. Reeb
NEBRASKA- 2112 Bryden Road.
Waterbury, Mrs. Henry Luehr, R. 1, Box Bryan, Alice A. Motter, 603 S. Beech St.
43. Bncyrus, Mr. and Mrs. C. H. Pettit, 412
NEWHAMPSHIRE- River St.
Ashuelot, Mr. and Mrs. Hiram 0. Bolton, Circleville, Mrs. Maye Ruth Graham, 310
Box 11. E. Mound St.
Hisdale, Mr. and Mrs. Fred Kendrick, Eaton, Miss Alice M. Button, Vine and
Northfield St. Israel St.
New Ipswich, Mr. Paul Chandler, Gibson Elba, Mrs. Nate D. Gill.
Corners. Fremont, Dr. and Mrs. W. B. Cooper, 1013
Groghan St.
NEWJERSEY- Loveland, Mr. Rudolph Stauss, R.R. NO. 3.
.. Mrs. Eva Allen Batey. 21
Atlantic Citv.
N. Ohio Ave. OREGON-
Morristown, Mrs. Wm. H . Hoar, 26 Maple McMiville, Mrs. Dora Dunbar Maule,
Ave.; Miss Dorothy Hoar, 26 Maple Ave. 741 13th St.
Jersey City, Mrs. L. F. Grant, 2140 Boule- Rogue River, Mrs. C. A. Jensen, Route 1.
vsra.
,
Trenton, Mr. J. Newell Ayres, 403 Em- PENNSYLVANIA-
meline Ave., R.F.D. No. 1. Erie, Mr. and Mrs. Hilbert E. Dahl, 2108
Chestnut.
NEWIIIExIco-
Las Vegas, Mr. and Mrs. D. A. Bressett, RHODEISLAND-
Montezuma Route. Providence, Mrs. A. E. McKinney, 199
NEWYORK- Friendship St.
Batavia, Mrs. C. M. Rodman, 24 Ross St. TENNESSEE-
Dunkirk, Miss C. H. Philipphaar, 727 Memphis, Mrs. Thos. H. Watkins, 733 N.
Washington Ave. Bellevue; Mrs. Mary Ann Blackwell, 237
Herkimer, Mr. and Mrs. Edvard Lind- N. Bellevue.
strom, 404 W. German St.
Jamestown, Mr. and Mrs. Willard McKay, TEXAS-
8 3 3 Pendergast Ave.; Mrs. Lucy M. Wil- Austin, Miss Anna Reinke, 4410 Avenue
son, 8 Beverly Place. C; Miss M. B. Herrick, 1513 N. Locust
Larchmont, Mrs. J. E. Mills, 5 Highwood St.
Way. Winter Haven, Mr. and Mrs. Leslie R. Haw-
Lima, Mr. and Mrs. Vincent Tollis, Lake thorn.
Ave.
Malone, Kenneth Christian, 17 Jane St. VERMONT-
Oriskany, Miss A. R. Phipps, Care 0. E. S. Burlington, Mrs. Olga K. Mills, 83 Sun%-
Home. mit St.
Patterson, Mr. Howard Kinney, R.F.D. VIRGINIA-
Potsdam, Miss Gretchen Westervelt, 16 cartersville, M ~ A.
~ .D. ~~i~~ R.D. N ~ .
Garden St. 2, BOX3 9 .
Stratford, Mrs. Emily Gustin. Darlington Heights, Mrs. A. T. Johns.
Utica, Mrs. A. E. Stewam, 1641 Kemhle ~ , M~~~~ ~ ~ hR.~ 1,l ~ ,
M ~ John
St. Box 49.
NOR^ CAROLINA- Petersburg, Mrs. E. A. Fields, 2 0 8 ~
Halifax
Canton, Milton W. Zim. St.
B A H A ' ~DIRECTORY, 1937 -193 6 121
WASHINGTON- Steilconm, Mr. and Mrs. Claude Layman,
Bellingham, Mrs. Elizabeth Rudisilo, Route Box 210.
3, Box 674.
Chelan, Mrs. Charlotte C. Gillen; Mrs. WISCONSIN-
June Harris, BOX 3 3 3 . Appleton, Mrs. E. W. Turley, 114 W. 5th
Ferndale, Mr. and Mrs. F. C. Swope. St.
Olympia, Mr. Arthur M. Jones, 2422 Co- Delevan, Mrs. Dallas Strellen, 119 So. Sth.
lumbia St. Greenbush, Mrs. James Parker Hall.
Omak, Mr. J. D. Hilts. Mantiowac, Miss Elcore Gmrgensen, 929
Richmond Beach, Miss Blanche E. Hillmsn. N. 14th.
-
BAHA'I ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS
I N IRAN
I. DISTRICT;T 1 ~ x . i ~ 26. Qal'ih-SaC6datiyyih. 27. Kalik, 28.
1. TIHRAN, 2. Hasanibid, 3. Garm-Darh, 29. Ridbibid, 3 0 . Qal'ih-
mih-%&hi, 4. Ja'faribhd, I. 'Aliyibbd, Hasan-&in, 31. Jawqin, 32. Fahandak,
6. Ismi'ilib&d, 7. Sarifhbhd, 8. 'Abdu'l- 3 3 . Sahrak, 34. Awrizin, 35. Safja-
lih-ibid, 9. Maqshdhbid, 10. Jalbliyyih, &6naj, 36. Justin, 37. KarkabSd, 38.
11. Kamiliyyib, 12. Qal'ih-Nay, 13. Gatihdih, 39. Sahr-i-Qum.

Front View of the Haziratu'l-Quds of Tihrin, frin.

Hadrar-i-'Abdu'l-aim, 14. G i n i y i - 11. DISTRICT:A B ~ I H
bid, 11. Kabiribid, 16. 1)iyi'ibid. 17. 1. ABAD~H, 2. Isfmd6b&d, 3. rqfid, 4.
'Adlibid, 18. Mu~affariyyih, 19. ShlGr, Idrisibid, I. Bahman, 6. Bav6nbt, 7.
20. Chihir-Tiqi, 21. Varbmin, 22. Tajin Ghinir, 8. @mami, 9. D u d , 10.
(?), 23. Pala&, 24. Qulhak, 25. Tajri&, Dir&&, 11. S u b i d , 12. 'Aliyibid-i-
'f WORLD

Sufli, 13. Firighih, 14. Kuhkak, 15. 39. sabastar, 40. Saysin, 41. Mafanaq,
Najafibhd-i-S~di, 16. Himmatibhd, 17. 42. Diznib, 43. Bibikandi, 44. Miyinaj,
Vaziribid, 18. 'Abbisibid-i-Bahman, 45. Sarlb, 46. Qidijhn, 47. Ardabil, 48.
19. 'Abbisibid-i-Hij-'Ali-mn, 20. Hirawibid-i-K_haI!&il, 49. KJGjin, 50.
Sivinj-i-Bavinit, 21. Bazm-i-Bavinit, Al-i-Hihim, 51. Ahar, 52. Haddidin,
22. Munj-i-Bavinit, 23. Maziyjiu-i- 13. Girdhlqin, 54. @inbighi, IS.
Bavinit, 24. Suryin-i-Bavinit, 25. Sur- Qiv&Sq, 56. Qarah-sirin.
maq, 26. Cbir-i-Bavinit, 27. Sarvistin- VII. DISTRICT:YAZD
i-BaviinAr, 28. FirGzi.
1. YAZD, 2. Ardakin, 3. Amiribid, 4.
111. DISTRICT:K ~ s _ N ~ N Husaynibid, 5. 'Izzibid, 6. 'Aliyibid.
1. KASBAN, 2. ~ m i r i n ,3. NG&ibid, 7. S&arafbbid, 8. Mihdiybbhd-i-Rustiq,
4. Yazdil, 1. Mashkin, 6. Vidiqin, 7. Na- 9 . 'Asribid, 10. Mariyamibid, 11.
riq, 8. Jisb, 9. Jaw&iqin, 10. Qamsar; Kithihbayk, 12. @urram&ih, 13.
11. Mizgin, 12. Barzuk, 13. Kbiyinih, Mihdiyibid-i-HGmah, 14. Taft, I I .
14. Qaziin, 15. Rabit-i-Turlc, 16. Arin, Nirsiyibid, 16. Nasribid-i-Pihkith, 17.
17. Girlgin-i- Jisb, 18. Mirq. Khudibid-i-Pihkuh, 18. Manhad, 19.
Hurmuzak, 2 0 . Marvast, 21. Dahaj, 22.
IV. DISTRICT:K I R M ~ N Qisimibid, 23. Mayhud, 24. Hasanibid-
1. KIRMAN, 2. Rafsinjin, 3. Bandar- i-Qutbibid, 21. Ahmadibid-i-Ardakin,
'Abbis, 4. Sirjin, 5. ban^, 6. Anir, 7. 2 6 . Sadribid, 27. Ilbhibid, 28. Nusrad-
Rivar, 8 . Gurramibid, 9. Zarand, 10. bid, 29. MahmGdibid, 30. Abrandibid,
chatrhd, 11. Bi&ayn, 12. Rhbur, 13. 31. Kasnaviyyih, 32. Na'imibid, 33.
Hiitak, 14. Jibi1-i-Biriz, 11. Jiruft, 16. R&mathbid, 34. Mhammadibid-i-
NGq, 17. Piriz, 18. DivarLu, 19. Qanit- e i h a k , 3 I. Hasanibid-i-HGmah, 36.
i-Chasshn, 20. Qaryatu'l-'Arab. 21. &ha- Khahavidak, 37. Fahraj, 38. Saqrazd, 3 9 .
braqti, 22. Bandar-i-Langah, 23. KGhan- Mihriz, 40. Havazm, 41. Givaf&id, 42.
bin, 24. Langar, 25. Hasanhbid, 26. Hanzl', 43. Hidish, 44. Banidak-i-Sidbt,
Hurmuzdbbid, 27. Jupir, 28. TGq, 29. 41. G a y r i b i d , 46. Mazra'ih-Sayd-
Pirin. Mirzi, 47. Biyibinik, 48. Anlrak, 49.
Sahr-i-Bibak, 50. Hirit, 51. Hiribar-
V. D r s r ~ l c r :QAZV~N
AND Z A N J ~ N
jin, 52. Ahristin, 53, Mubirakah, 14.
1. QAZVfN, 2. Qadimibid, 3. Aminh- Far@&, J1. S_hamsi, 16. Sanhivid, 57.
bid, 4. Nusratibid, I. Muhammadibid, S_hGruk, 18. C_hbvur&iy-i-&ahr-i-Bi-
6. S_hahristin, 7. Gulkin, 8. 'Ali-Ridi- bak, F9. Qanit-i-Nbh-i-aahr-i-Blbak,
ibid, 9. Kulah-Darrih, 10. I&tihird, 11. 60. Givar-i-Man&id, 61. Yaadin-i-
Sirhs, 12. Ritdbir, 13. Sarkhin, 14. BulGk, 62. Bafr6.
Zanjin.
VIII. DISTRICT:I S F ~ H ~ N
VI. DISTRICT:A B I R B ~ Y J ~ N 1. ISFAHAN, 2. Najafibid, 3. Ardistin,
1. TABRfZ, 2. Milin, 3. UskG, 4. 4. Zavirih, S . Burhjin, 6. Qahfirukh, 7.
Bivayl-i-'Ulyi I. Bivayl-i-Sufli, 6. Dastjird-i-Imimzidih, 8. Simin, 9.
fl!&i&i, 7. Mamaqin, 8. Givgin, 9. Dihiqin, 10. Jaz, 11. Dizaj, 12. LhGIin-
Dihghrqin, 10. &i&avln, 11. 'Ajab- jin, 13. Isgandazi, 14. Afls, 15. Tirin,
&etr, 12. Mihribid, 13. Hirawibid, 14. 16. M~&ammadiyyih,17. Ki&ib, 18. Rus-
Ruvuht, 15. Munib, 16. Maridih, 17. tam, 19. Mbsiyibid, 20. Mihdiyabid,
'Alaviyin, 18. Lhurmizad, 19. Aqjah- 21. Kati, 22. Dihaq, 23. Kurd-i-Sufli,
dizaj, 20. Malik-Kandi, 21. Qijill, 22. 24. Dfirgah, 21. K_hurzdq, 26. Laftuvin,
Miylnduib, 23. Qurah-C_hhbl, 24. Naw- 27. s a y d i n , 28. Qal'ih-&&h, 29. &ah-
rbz16, 21. SivujbuUgh, 26. RidCiyyih, rak, 30. Til&Gn&ih, 31. Damanu ( ? ) ,
27. QahraminlG, 2 8 . S_hibpAr, 29. QGy, 32. Varnimkhi?, 33. Sidih-Linjin, 34.
30. V i g a q , 31. Pirkandi, 32. ivivuqli, Bi&bahldurin, 3 5. Ch6dig6n, 3 6. Ad-
33. Julfi, 34. Marand, 3 F. ZunGz, 36. jbn, 37. QSdanak-Faridan, 38. Ghay-
Kundulaj, 37. Yagln, 38. KJirnnah, gin, 39. &ahrid&, 40. NPin, 41. cham-
BAHA'i DIRECTORY, 1931-1936 123

gawdin, 42. Riz, 43. Hamgin, 44. Siyahkal, 10. Sangar, 11. Rhdhhr, 12.
&ahr-i-Kurd, 45. Misinan, 46. Tirin-i- Minjil.
Gardan, 47. Mh&&arin, 48. S a d i n , 49.
Kamiram, 50. Tu&iz, 5 I. FarAdminih, [IV. DISTRICT: ~ ~ Z I S T ~ N
12. Jarquviyyih, 13. Sanidgin, 54. 1. AHVAZ, 2. &li&tar, 3. Dizful, 4.
Dumanih, 11. Adirjin, 16. Surinjin, 17. Ahidin, I . K&rram&ahr, 6. Qusvih
Qadark&bn, 18. Vis_higbn, 19. Marasin, (?), 7. Manyithi, 8. Silil?ihid, 9. Masjid-
60. N i k i n . i-zulaymhn, 10. Haftgil, 11. TGf-
IX. DISTRICT:FAns C_hi&mih, 12. Bahbahan, 13. Rimhur-
1. S s f R A Z , 2. Nayriz, 3. Sarvistin, 4. muz, 14. Cham-&half-'fsi, 11. Safiiy-
Diriyin, I. Sa'di, 6. Q u l i t , 7. Zilhirz, yih, 16. Fayliyyih, 17. Chamtang, 18.
CJihil-Masni, 19. Jabribid, 20. Hindi-
8. Zarqin, 9. Kinirih-Marvda&t, 10.
'Imidibid-i-MarvdaGt, 11. Kksak-i- jin, 21. Kurrihpi, 22. Chamtangu, 23.
@am&a'bln.
Marvdasht, - 12. Firuq, 13. ShamshbAd-i-
Burzit, 14. ath hi bid; 15. Shamsibid-i-
T a G t , 16. Jahrum, 17. Bitbihr, 18. XV' KIRMLFZLH
D i r i b , 19. Kiziritn, 20. Fassi ( ? ) , 21. 1. KIR-NSAH, 2. K_rramibid, 3.
Baydi, 22. Qasr-i-Marvdadt, 23. I&ayri- BurGjird, 4. Sanandaj, 5. Sunqur, 6.
bid-i-Baydi, 24. Ibrihimibid-l-Baydi, Karand, 7. &ihibid, 8. Qag, 9. Dinvar.
25. Qal'ih-Naw-i-BaydA, 26. Qisnnibhd-
i-Baydb, 27. Milylin. XVI. DISTRICT:KSGSAN
X. DISTRICT:HAMADAN 1. MASHHAD, 2. S&arifbh6d, 3.
SaraGs, 4. Kalht, 5. Bulin, 6. Chah-
1. HAMADAN, 2. Maliyir, 3. Jfirib, 4.
'aha, 7. Nasribid-i-Jim, 8. TurLat-i-
Avarzaman, 1. Tuysargin, 6. Nahivand,
Jbm, 9. Tayyibit, 10. B i a a r z , 11.
7. Amzijird, 8. Bahir, 9. Lblijin, 10.
Husaynibld, 12. Q6&in, 13. Bijgirhn,
Husayuib6d, 11. Uqc_hulit, 12. a u -
14. a i r v i n , 1 I. Mubammadibid-i-Dari-
puqlir, 13. Qurvah-Kurdistin, 14. Slri-
gaz, 16. L u ~ f i b i d , 17. B u j n k d , 18.
Qami&, 15. Mirzakandi, 16. bc_htappih,
Jijar~n, 19. Ruvin, 20. Isfari'in, 21.
17. Jam&idibhd, 18. Uqbuliq, 19.
Qariyiy-i-Amand-Turkaman-Sabri, 22.
Latgi, 20. Qiziljahkand, 21. Qarabbuliq,
Sahr-i-Mirhvih, 23. N i d b b 6 r (Rid-
22. I L h l n b i d i , 23. Kajah-Gunbad, 24.
v6n), 24. Ma'mGri, 21. Farrukh, 26.
issibuliq, 25. SirihAbid. 26. Nadirblh,
Dastgird, 27. Ishaqibid, 28. RGhbbld,
27. Akinlit, 28. Pirtij.
29. Sarvalhyat, 30. Ma'dan, 31. Sabzavir,
XI. DISTRICT:Q ~ I N ~ T 32. Sitdaar, 33. ICithk-Bigh, 34. Rabhf-
1. BfRJAND, 2. Kundur, 3. Isqarir, 4. i-Gaz, 35. Zarqin, 36. Safiyibld, 37.
Bidiiag, 5. Nawfirist, 6. Sarhhh, 7. Ja'faribid, 38. Juvin, 39. Kithmid, 40.
Asiyibln, 8. Durn&&, 9 . Dastjird, 10. Dhvarzan, 41. Turbat-i-Haydariyyih, 42.
Samulibid, 11. Shd, 12. Nawl~and, 13. Pitraw, 43. Zivih, 44. Mar&zir, 45.
Kh&sf, 14. Tufib, 11. a u v a n y a k , 16. Dawlathbid, 46. Gulbu, 47. Ra&t!&k,
Sikin, 17. Qal'ih-KGh, 18. Zirlr, 19. 48. Khurq, 49. Murtadaviyyih, 10.
Nitk, 20. Nawzid, 21. Khin. Dit&ibAd ( F u r h a ) , 5 I . Hasanbbid,
12. Mihnah, 13. K_hayrhbid, 14. Miyhn-
XII. DISTRICT:'IRAQ dihi, 51. &amsibid, 16. 'Ali, 17. Zahiri-
1. 'IRAQ, 2. Snlqbnibid, 3. KJalajhbhd, bid, 18. 'Abdu'libAd, 19. A z d a n d , 60.
4. Gulplygin, I. &hhibbd, 6. Madhad, Furdah, 61. Nhy, 62. Yitnis, 63. Hisir,
7. Husaynhbid, 8. Varqi, 9. Amirih. 64. Nkmaq, 61. Katahtal&, 66. Qari-
&ah, 67. K a h a r , 68. M a b i n , 69.
XIII. DISTRICT: G i ~ h K_halilibid, 70. &aficibid, 71. Jliymind,
1. RASBT, 2. Bandar-i-Pahlavi, 3. 72. K6@, 73. Sahr-Gunihid, 74.
G_hhziyin, 4. Lihijin, 5. Langarud, 6. Raws_hsnivand, 75. Firdaws, 76. Bl&is-
Rlidsar, 7. S a h v h r , 8. Diyi'bar, 9. t i n , 77. Busfiq, 78. SihqaFih, 79. Burhn,
124 T H E BAH6'f WORLD
80. Gazin, 81. SarQyin, 82. Sarand, 8 3 . Kulhh, 7. iimirih, 8. Rawhankilh, 9.
Bijistin, 84. Bus_hruviyyih, 81. a a y r u ' l - fval, 10. Ahraf-KGhhhn.
Quri, 86. Tabas, 87. Bi&dihak, 88.
BANDAR-l-GAZ
Zihidiu, 8 9 . Zbbul, 90. Mirjivah, 91.
Khh&, 92. Sarivin, 93. irins_hahr. 1. BANDAR-I-GAZ, 2. Bandar-i-&6h,
3 . Gurgin, 4. Gunbad-Qiblis, I. Gum-
XVII. DISTRICT:SANGSAR ih-Tappih, 6. Da&-i-Gurgin.
I. SANGSAR, 2. &ahmirzid, 3. S h h -
XX' D1sTRICT:BdrBUL
rGd, 4. Aftar, I . Simnhn, 6. D i m d i n .
1. BABUL, 2. 'Arabgayl, 3 . Bahnamir,
XVIII. DISTRICT:S k i 4. Dayrkali, I. Bandar-i-Mahhadsar, 6.
1 . SARf, 2. Mahfurczak, 3. Arafi, 4. Bandar-i-Firayd5n-Kink, 7. N6r, 8.
ghilih-Zamin, I. &&hi, 6 . Kafs_hgar- Tikur, 9. Amul, 10. Kip6rcJi.l.

6.
ADDRESSES OF C E N T E R S O F B A H A ' I
ADMINISTRATIVE DIVISIONS
IN IRAN, 1935-7936
A B ~ D I H&lil: Thihit, care Muhammad- K~RM~S Na:h r i y i r Aryhni, Sady-i-Valril.
Hasan Hamidi & Co. Telegraphic ad- Telegraphic address: Rawhini, care
dress: Rawhini, care Dr. Badi'u'llhh Ary6ni, Vakil, Kirmin.
Aghh, Abidih. KIRMANS&H: Dr. Habib Mu'ayyad. Tele-
AHVAZ: Mihrabin Paymhniyin, care graphic address: Rawhhni, care Mu'ay-
Bistini Co. Telegraphic address: Raw- yad, Kirman&ih.
hini, care Bistini, Ahvhz. MA*H.~D: R~i!p~'llih BurhBni, Customs
B~BUL:Dr. Furfig& Ba~shri. Telegraphic Dept. Telegraphic address: Rawhini,
address: Rawhhni, care Dr. Bas&, care Burhini Customs, Mahhad.
Bibul. QAZV~N: Muhammad Taslimi. Telegraphic
BANDAR-I-JAZ:Muhammad-Rid6 I'timid- address: Rawhini, care Taslimi, Qazvin.
Zidih. Telegraphic addreas: Rawhhni, RASHT: Ardihir Hiziri, Sariy-i-Muhta-
care Muhammad-Ridi I'timhd-Zhdih, &am. Telegraphic address: RawhPni,
Bandar-i-Jaz. care Ardi&ir, Muhta&am, Rayht.
B~RJAND: Tarizu'llih Ridvini, care H6ji SANGSAR:'Ali-Akbar Ra!lminiy6n, care
Muhammad-'Ali fzadi. Telegraphic ad- Mirzi Al16h-Vardi Paymini. Telegraphic
dress: Rawhhni, care fzadi, Bir- address: Rawhini, care Paymini, Sang-
jand. sar.
HAMAD~N: M6si Ihsbni, Sariy-i-Hhji S k i : Muhammad-Hasan Hagigi, care
$afar. Telegraphic address: Rawl>ini, Hasan-Agi Hagigi, Maliyyih.
care Ihshni, Safar, Hamadin. S H ~ R ~ Amir
+
Z: Ag6 Hidmi, care Paymin
'IRAQ: Salmin Targar-Zidih, care F. Co. Telegraphic address: Rawhini, care
Daraehin, Sariy-i-Gulhan. Tele- H i d m i Inhisir, S_hirhz.
graphic address: Rawhini, care D a r a a - TABR~Z: Ihrihim Mignif, care Salimi &
&in, Sariy-i-Guls_han, 'frbq. Co. Telegraphic address: Rawhhni, care
1 s ~ b H . i ~ :Muhammad-'Ali Faydi, care Migniy, Tabriz.
Paymin Co. Telegraphic address: Raw- T I H ~ N&mad
: Yazdhni, Avenue Pahlavi,
hani, care Faydi, Paymin, I g f h i n . Firdaws Street 9. Telegraphic address:
K ~ S S ~ N : 'Abdu'r-Rid6 FurG&i, care Rawhini, care Ahmad Yazdini, Tihrin.
Fur&& & Co., Sarhy-i-Chihir-G6&. YAZD:Isfandiyhr Majz6b. Telegraphic ad-
Telegraphic address: Rawhhni, care dress: Rawhini, care MajzGh Paymhn,
F u r u d i , Ki&in. Yazd.
BAHA'I IIIRECTORY, 1931-1936 125

7.
ALPHABETICAL LIST OF BAHA'U'LLAH'S
BEST-KNOWN WRITINGS
Alvih-i-Laylatu'l-Quds. Lawh-i-Ibn-i-Khi'b (Epistle to the Son of
Asl-i-Qullu'l-K_hayr. the Wolf).
Az-Bid-i-flihi. Lawh-i-Ittihid,
Biz-Av-u-Bidih- Jimi. Lawh-i- Jambl.
B i h i r i t (Glad-Tidings) . Lawh-i-Karim.
G i h i r - V i d i (Four Valleys). Lawh-i-Karmil.
~hulimu'l-@uld. Lawb-i-Kullu'f-Ta'im.
Haft-Vbdi (Seven Valleys). Lawh-i-Malikih (Tablet to Queen Victoria).
Halih-Halih-Yi-Bi&irat. Lawh-i-Malik-i-Rhs (Tablet to the Czar of
Hhr-i-'Ujkb. Russia).
Hurhfit-i-'Allin. Lawh-i-Mallihu'l-Quds (Tablet of the
I&riqit (Effulgences) . Holy Mariner).
Kalimit-i-Firdawsiyyih (Words of Paradise). Lawh-i-Manikai-Sihib.
Kalimht-i-Malm6nih (Hidden Words). Lawh-i-Maqs5d.
Kitib-i-'Ahd (Book of Covenant). Lawh-i-Maryam.
Kitib-i-Aqdas (Most Holy Book). Lawh-i-Mawl6d.
Kitih-i-Badi'. Lawh-i-Muhihilih.
Kitib-i-Iqdn (Book of Certitude). Lawh-i-Nisir.
Kitib-i-Sulrin (Tablet t o the &i11 of Lawh-i-Nasir.
.
Persia) Lawh-i-N6puly6n I (First Tablet to Napo-
Lawh-i-'Abdu'l-'Aziz-Va-Vuka16. leon 111).
Lawh-i-'Ahdu'l-Vahhib. Lawh-i-Nipulyhn I1 (Second Tablet to Na-
Lawh-i-'Abudu'r-Razz6q. poleon 111).
Lawh-i-Ahbib. Lawh-i-Nuqfih.
Lawh-i-Ahmad (Tablet of Ahmad), Lawh-i-Pip (Tablet to the Pope).
Lawh-i-Amvij. Lawh-i-Pisar-'Amm.
Lawh-i-Anta'l-Kifi. Lawh-i-Qinl'.
Lawh-i-Aqdas. Lawh-i-Quds.
Lawh-i-Ahraf. Lawh-i-Rafi'.
Lawh-i-'A&iq-va-Mac&Gq, Lawh-i-Ra'is (Tablet to Ra'is) .
Lawh-i-Ayiy-i-Nhr. Lawh-i-Raq&B'.
Lawh-i-Bahi. Lawh-i-Rashl.
Lawh-i-Baqk. Lawh-iLR5h.
Lawh-i-Basifatu'l-Haqiqih. Lawh-i-Ru'yi.
Lawh-i-Bismilih. Lawh-i-Sahib.
Lawh-i-Bulbulu'l-Firiq. Lawh-i-Salm6n I.
Lawh-i-Burhin. Lawh-i-Salmin 11.
Lawh-i-Dunyi (Tablet of the World). Lawh-i-Sbmsiin.
Lawh-i-Fitnih. Lawh-i-Sayyih.
Lawh-i-G_hulimu'l-Lhuld. Lawh-i-&ayk&-Fini.
Lawh-i-Vabib. Lawh-i-Tawhid.
Lawh-i-Haft-Pursih. Lawh-i-Tibb.
Lawh-i-Haqq. Lawh-i-Tuql.
Lawh-i-Hawdaj. Lawh-i-Yhsuf.
Lawh-i-vikmat (Tablet of Wisdom). Lawh-i-Zaynu'l-Muqarrahin.
Lawh-i-Hirtik. Lawh-i-Ziylrih.
Lawh-i-Hhriyyib. Madinatu'r-Ridl.
Lawh-i-Husayn. Madinatu't-Tawhid.
126 T H E BAHA'I WORLD
Mahnavi. Siuiy-i-I;Iif f.
Munijithiy-i-Siy6m. SGriy-i-Hijr.
Qad-Ihtaraqa'l-Muk&li$n. SGriy-i-'Ibid.
Qasidiy-i-Varqi'iyyih. SGriy-i-Ism.
Rashh-i-'Aml. shriy-i-~smuna'l-Mursil.
Ridvinu'l-'Adl. S6riy-i-Javid.
Ridvinu'l-Iqrir. SGriy-i-&hirib.
Sahifiy-i-&at~iyyih. SGriy-i-Ma'ini.
Salif-i-Mayyit (Prayer for the Dead). SGriy-i-Man'.
Siqi-Az-Ehayb-i-Baqb. Shriy-i-Muluk.
Shikkar-&&an-savand. Suriy-i-Nidh.
Subhina-Rabbiya'l-A%. S6riy-i-Nqh.
Subhanaka-Yi-Hfi. SGriy-i-Qadir.
Sdratu-'llih. SGriy-i-Qahir.
Sdriy-i-Krib. SGriy-i-Qalam.
Shriy-i-Ahzin. SGriy-i-Qamiy.
Sririy-i-Amin. Shiy-i-Sabr.
SGriy-i-Amr. Shriy-i-Sultin.
SGriy-i-Azhib. SGriy-i-Vaf i.
Shriy-i-Asmi. Shriy-i-Ziyhrih.
SGriy-i-Baybn. Suriy-i-Zubur.
SGriy-i-Burhbn. Sdriy-i-Zhhiu.
SGriy-i-Damm. Tafsir-i-HG.
Shiy-i-Dhabih. Tafsir-i-Ijimif it-i-Muqaffa'ih.
Suriy-i-Bibh. Tafsir-i-SGriy-i-Va'&-shams.
SGriy-i-DJhikr. Tajalliyit (Revelations).
Shriy-i-Fadl. Tarizit (Ornaments).
S~iriy-i-Fath. Ziyirat-Nimih (The Visiting Tablet).
SGriy-i-Fu'id. ~i~irat-Nimi~-i-AwliyP.
Si-riy-i-@qn (Tablet of the Branch). Ziy6rat-Nimiy-i-Bibu31-Bib va Q u d d ~ s .
SGriy-i-Hajj I. Ziyirat-NBmiy-i-Bayt.
S6riy-i-IfIajj 11. Ziy6rat-N6miy-i-Maryam.
SGriy-i-Haykal. Ziyirat-Niimiy-i-SiyyiduU&-Shuhadi.

8.
LIST OF THE BAB'S BEST-KNOWN WORKS
1. The irinian Bayin. 1 r. Risiliy-i-Fiqhiyyih.
2. The Arabic Bayhn. 16. RisAliy-i-Xhahabiyyih.
3. The QayyGmu'l-Asmi'. 17. Gthbu'r-RGh.
4. The Sal?ifatu'l-Haramayn. 18. SGriy-i-Tawhid.
I . The Dal6'il-i-Sab'ih. 19. Lawh-i-HurGfit.
6. Commentary on the SGrib of Kaw&ar. 20. ~afsir-i-Nubuwat-i-&izs;h.
7. Commentary on the SGrib of Va'l-'Asr. 21. Risa'liy-i-Furs-i-'Adliyyih.
8. The Kitib-i-Asml'. 22. Lhasi'ly-i-Sab'ih.
9. Sahifiy-i-Ma@d_hfimiyyih. 23. Epistles to Muhammad $ih and H i j i
10. Sahifiy-i-Ja'fariyyih. Mirzb Aqisi.
11. Z'iybrat-i-&bh-'Abdu'l-Wim.
12. Kirib-i-Panj-Sa'n. N. B.-The B6b Himself states in one
13. Sahifiy-i-Radav'yyih. passage of the frhnian Bayhn that His writ-
14. Rishliy-i-'Adliyyih. ings comprise no less than S00,OOO verses.
BAHAI BIBLIOGRAPHY
1 . Bahi'i Publications of America. 20. Bahl'i Literature in Spanish.
(a) Books About the Bahi'i Faith. 21. Bahi'i Literature in Norwegian.
(b) Writings of the Bib. 22. Bahl'i Literature in Croatian.
(c) Writings of Bahi'n'lldh. 23. Bahb'i Literature in Oriental Languages.
(d) Writings of 'Ahdu31-Bahzi. (a) irinian.
(e) Writings of Shoghi Effendi. (b) Urdu.
(f) Prayers. (c) Arabic.
(g) Bahi'i Literature in Pamphlet (d) Turkish.
Fnnn. (e) Burmese.
(h) Compilations. ( f ) Chinese.
(i) Outlines and Guides for Bahl'i (g) Hebrew.
Study Classes. (h) Tatar.
2. Bahi'i Publications of England. (i) Gnjrati.
3. Bahi'i Literature in French. (j) Japanese.
4. Bahi'i L~teraturein Italian. (k) Armenian.
5 . Bahi'i Literature in Dutch. (1) Tamil.
6 . Bahh'i Literature in Danish. (m) Kurdish.
7. BahPi Literature in Swedish. (n) Sindhi.
8 . Bahb'i Literature in Portuguese. (0) Bengali.
9. Bahi'i Literature in Albanian. (p) Hindi.
l o . Bahl'i Literature in Esperanto. (q) Abyssinian.
11. Bahi'i Literature in Russian. 24. Bahi'i Literature in Braille (for the
12. Bahl'i Literature in German. Blind).
1 3 . Bahi'i Literature in Bulgarian. 25. Bahi'i Periodicals.
14. Bahi'i Literature in Rumanian. 26. References to the Bahi'i Faith in Books
11. Bahl'i Literature in Czech. and Pamphlets by Non-Bahi'i Authors.
16. Bahl'i Literature in Serbian. 27. References to the Bahi'i Faith in Maga-
17. Bahi'i Literature in Hungarian. zines by Non-Rahi'i Writers.
1 8 . Bahi'i Literature in Greek. 28. References to the Bahi'i Faith by Ba-
1 9 . Bahl'i Literature in Maori. hl'is in Non-Bah6'i Publications.

1.
The book.! and Ilumphlets in this section have been published under Bahi'i azspices or
approved by a recognized Bahk'i body.

BAHA'I PUBLICATIONS OF AMERICA
Published and Distributed b y the Publishing Committee of the
National Spiritaal Assembly
P. 0. Box 348,Grand Central Annex, New York, N. Y.,
with the exception of the older publications (marked by an asterisk ')),
which are now out of print.

(a) BOOKS ABOUT THE BAHb'l FAITH this great Oriental scholar, philosopher
Bahi'j Pvoofs, The, by Mirz6 'Abu'l-Fadl and disciple of Bahl'u'llzih translated into
of Gulpbyigin. The best-known book of English. I t presents the truth of the Ba-
528 T H E B A H A ' ~WORLD
hA'i Revelation from manifold points of nial series of Bahi'i records continuing
view, and also contains a biographical recent historical developments of the
outline of the lives of the Bib, Bah6'u'- Cause throughout the world. Besides the
116h and 'Abdu'l-Bah6. 288 pp. Crown many excellent illustrations, this volume
avo., 4% x 6 5 4 . Bound in blue cloth. contains a reproduction of a hand illumi-
Bahd'i Revelation, The, by Thornton Chase. nated Tablet of Bahi'u'll6h in 'Abdu'l-
This book contains a most excellent com- Bah6's handwriting. 378 pp., 7 x 10.
pilation of the teachings of Babl'u'llhh, Bound in red cloth.
pthered from various translations and BahBi World, The (April 1930-April
arranged so as to be consecutive as to sub- 1932). In addition to a conlprehensive
jects. A clear account of the evolution report of Bahl'i activities during this
of spiritual conscionsness showing the two-year period, the fourth volume in
oneness of purpose of all the great reli- this series of publications devotes gener-
gions of the world, and culminating today ous space to the presentation of the
in the fulfillment of all the religions of World Order of Bahl'u'llih through the

Exhibit of Baha'i Literature in Public Library, Racine, Wis.

the past. 182 pp. Crown ~ v o . , I % present-day Administration of the BahCi
x 8. Bound m green cloth. Faith. The frontispiece is a facsimile of
Bahd'i: Spirit of the Age, The, by Horace appreciation of the teachings written by
Holley. Presenting the Bahi'i Movement the Dowager Queen Marie of Rumania.
and teachings as the synthesis of all mod- 548 pp., 7 x 10. Bound in blue cloth.
ern movemenrs. 212 pp. Crown avo., Bahd'i World, The (April 1932-April
6 x 8. Bound in blue cloth. 1934). This volume presents the further
Bahd'i World, The (April 1926-April spread of the Bah6'i Faith and estab-
1 9 2 8 ) . A biennial record giving a com- lishment of the World Order of Bahl-
prehensive account of the activities of the 'u'llih. The frontispiece, a photograph of
Baha'i Cause throughout the world. Con- Bahiyyih Lhinum, and the loving tributes
tains many interesting illustrations show- to her memory form a special feature of
ing the universal growth of this move- this volume. 712 pp., 7 x 10. Bound in
ment. 304 pp. 7 x 10. Bound in blue brown cloth.
cloth. Bahd'i Yeav Book (April 19ZT-April 1926).
BahBi World, The (April 1928-April Volume I, a record of current activities
1930). The third volume in the bien- with articles on various Baha'i institu-
BAHA'f BIBLIOGRAPHY 129

tions, newly translated tenchings, photo- " N e w Day, The, by Charles Mason Remey.
graphs, etc. Bound in green cloth. 174 BahCi Publishing Society. Chicago, 1919.
pp., 7 x 10. For Volume 11, see The .'New Revelation: Its Mnivelous Message,
Bahd'i World. The, by Nathan Ward Fitzgerald. Ta-
"BahBism-the Modevn Social Religion, by coma, 1901.
Horace Holley. Mitchell Kennerly, New "Oriental Rose, The, by Mary Hanford
York, 1913. Ford. A vivid presentation of historical
Bah2a~'lldhand the New Era, by J. E. Essle- aspects of the Bahb'i Movement. 214
mont. An authoritative and comprehen- pp. Post Uvo., f % x 7%. Bound in
sive survey of Bahi'i history and the blue cloth.
teachings as related to present religious, 'Peace of the World, The, by Charles Ma-
scientific and social conditions in Europe son Remey. Bahi'i Publishing Society,
and America, with many quotations from Chicago, 1919.
the writings. New edition. 308 pp. Promise of All Ages, The, by Christophil.
Post avo., 7 x 7. Bound in green cloth. An important contribution to the litera-
In paper. ture expounding the significance of the
Coming of the Glory, by Florence E. Bahi'i Faith. The author traces the true
Pinchon. An interesting narrative giving spiritual content of religion through the
the spirit and the principles of the Bahi'i Dispensations of the past, to culminate
Movement. 144 pp., Post avo., 455 x in che World Order revealed by Bahl'u-
6%. Bound in blue cloth. '116h. Originally published in London,
Dawn-Breakers, The. Nabil's Narrative of England. American edition, 254 pp.
the Early Days of the Baha'i Revelation Bound in cloth.
translated and edited by Shoghi Effendi. Religions of the Ernpire. Edited by W. Lof-
736 pp., 6 % x 9%. 200 pp. of illustra- tus Hare. (Published by Duckworth,
tions. Reproductions of twenty tablets London.) The addresses delivered by
written by the Bib. Standard edition representatives of the several religions in-
bound in green leather. Limited edition vited to participate in the conference on
bound in morocco. Some Living Religions within the British
Do'a: The Call to Prayer, by Ruth Ellis Empire held at the Imperial Institute,
Moffett. A study of the mystical science London, England, from September 22 to
of prayer and meditation, with a compila- October 3, 1924. Includes the two papers
tion of prayers chosen froin a number of read on the Bahl'i Cause. Bound in red
' religions. 126 pp. Bound in paper. cloth. S19 pp. Royal Svo., 6 % x 9%.
"Lessons on the Bahli'i Rez~elation,by W. Secret of Life, The, by Mary Hanford
Hooper Harris. Ford. San Francisco, 1933.
"Life and Teachings of 'Abbh Efendi, The, Security for a Failing World, by Stanwood
by Myron H . Phelps. Puiblished by Put- Cobb. A careful and scholarly diagnosis
nam & Sons. of the social problems of modern civiliza-
My Pilgrimage to the Land of Desire, by tion, with an exposition of the spirirual
Marie A. Watson. The story of Mrs. Wat- education afforded by the Bah6'i Faith
son's visit to Haifa in 1921, with an and its culmination in a World Order by
interesting account of her healing by which alone universal peace can be se-
'Abdu'l-Bahi. 24 pp., 6 x 9%. Paper cured. 202 pp. Bound in cloth.
cover. *Social Principle, The, by Horace Holley.
Mysticism and the Bahi'i Revelation, by Laurence J. Gomme, New York, 191x.
Rtihi Afn6n. An essay which analyzes Traveller's Nawative, A, translated into
in the light of the teaching of Bahl'u- English by Edward G. Browne, M.A.,
'116h the mystical tradition of the soul's M.B. Written to illustrate the Episode of
union with God: demonstrating that the B6b. 448 pp. New edition from
the Prophet or Manifestation is the original plates in the possession of Cam-
intermediary between God and man. bridge University Press. Bound in blue
80 PP. cloth.
130 THE BAHA'f WORLD
"Truth of It, The, by Arthur Pillsbury he Prophets. 51 pp., 16 mo., 14% x
Dodge. Mutual Publishing Company, 16%. Three editions: black leather, blue
New York, 1901. cloth, and paper cover.
'*Unity Triumphant, by Elizabeth Herrick. Works of Bahd'u'llih, ed. A. H. Tumansky,
The Revelation of Bahi'u'llbh as the ful- St. Petersburg, 1892.
filment of Christianity, with extensive Kitib-i-Aqdas, ed. A. 13. Tu~nansky,Mi-
quotations and bibliography. 226 pp. moires de l'hcademie Impiriale de St.
Royal Svo., 6% x 9. Bound in red cloth. Petersburg 1899 Vm serie vol. 111, No. 6 .
Uniuwsal Religion, The, by Hippolyte ')Seven Valleys. Translated by 'Ali-Quli-
Dreyfus. An introductory work on the Khln. Bahl'i Publishing Society, Chi-
Bahb'i Cause by a French Orieutalist, cago.
who has translated many of the writings 'iSource of Spiritual Qualities, The. Four
of Bahi'u'lllh. 176 pp. Crown avo., page leaflet. Bahb'i Publishing Commit-
1 % x 8. Bound in black cloth. tee, 1924.
Whenre Comes the Light? by Loulie A. *Sliratu'l-Haykal. Translated from the
Mathews. The author gives a clear under- Arabic by Antun Haddhd. Bahb'i Pub-
standing in this brief outline of the a p - lishing Society, Chicago, 1900.
proach to the Bahi'i Cause and the noble Tablets of Bahd'u'llrih (Tarizlt, The Tab-
grandeur of its founders. The quotations let of the World, Kalimht, Tajalliyit,
from Bahh'i writings throw light upon Bi$hrit, I$rBq6t), social and spiritual
every phase of life. 84 pp., I x 6 . principles of the new age. 138 pp., 6% x
Bound in paper. 10. Bound in b h e cloth.
Tablets of Bahd'u'lldh and 'Abdu'l-Bahd to
i.b ,) WRITINGS OF THE BAB the Greatest H o l ~Leaf.
(See Bahb'i Literature in French.) Three Tablets o j ~aihd'u'lidh (Tablet of the
Branch, Kitib-i-'Ahd, Law1~-i-Aqdas) ,
(c) WRITINGS OF BAHA'U'LLAH the appointment of 'Abdu'l-Bahb as the
Bahd'i Scriptures. Compiled by Horace Hol- interpreter of the teachings of Bahl'u-
ley, Brentano's, New York, 1923. Bahi'i 'llhh, the Testament of Bahi'u'116h, and
Publishing Committee, New York, 1929. His message to the Christians. 168 pp.
Book of Certitude, The (Kit6b-i-fqin), re- Post avo., 1 '/4 x 7 % . Bound in paper.
vealed by Bahb'u'llbh. Translated by
Shoghi Effendi. BahFi Publishing Com- (a) WRITINGS OF 'ABDU'L-BAG
mittee, 1931. This work reveals the one- 'Abdzl'l-Baha' on Divine Philosophji (com-
ness of all the Prophets and their signifi- piled by Isabel F. Chamberlain). Tudor
cance as the expression of the Will of Press, Boston, 1916.
God. Ir/B x 8%. Bound in blue cloth. 'Abda'l-Bahd in London, edited by Eric
Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, translated Hammond. A record of public and pri-
by Julie Chanler. A work written by vate addresses delivered in 1911. 134 pp.
Bahi'u'11611 in His last years, addressed to Post 8vo., I x 7%. Paper binding.
the son of a prominent Persian who had 'Abdz6'l-Bahd in New Yovk. Bahi'i Assem-
been a savage enemy of the Cause. This bly, New York, 1922. A new edition
Tablet recapitulates many teachings Ba- containing selected addresses delivered
hl'u'llbh had revealed in earlier works. at Columbia University and various
140 p p Royal Svo., 6 % x 9%. Bound churches and at public meetings by
in blue cloth and white parchment. 'Abdu'l-Bah6 while in New York. Also
Gleanings from the Writings of Bai56'u'lldhih, Tablets written to the New York Spir-
translated by Shoghi Effendi. This work, itual Assembly by 'Abdu'l-Bahi. Bound
consists of selections from Tablets. 354 in sapphire blue paper 4 % x 6%.
pp. Bound in dark blue fabrikoid; also in BahPi Peace Program, The. A compilation
dark blue cloth. containing a letter from 'Abdu'l-Bahi
Hidden Words, translated by Shoghi Ef- pertaining to a plan of peace and a letter
fendi. The essence of the teachings of all to Dr. Forel entitled "God and His Uni-
BAHb'i BIBLIOGRAPHY 131
verse," a scienrific statement of the laws is the cunsummation of the ideals of all
governing the world and showing the religionists, scientists and humanitarians.
necessity of absolute harmony in the re- 232 pp. Imperial avo., 6 % x 934. Bound
lations of all mankind united under one in black cloth in two volumes.
spiritual law. Bound in blue leather with Reality of Man, The. A compilation from
gold stamping. Also bound in green paper the words of 'Abdu'l-Bah6 explaining the
with dark green ?tamping. relations of mind, soul and spirit. Com-
Bahi'i Scriptures. Compiled by Horace piled by Horace Holley. Bound in dark
Holley, Brentano's, New Yorlr, 1923. red paper. Size 4 % x 6%.
Bahb'i Publishing Committee, New York, "Reality of Religion -Tablet of 'Abdu'l-
1929. Bahd, The. Four-page leaflet. Bah6'i Pub-
"Definition of Love, by 'Abdu'l-Bahd. Re- lishing Committee, 1924.
ceived at New York, December 7, 1902. Some Answered Qrestions, edited by Laura
Divine Secret for Human Civilization, by Clifford Barney. An expression of funda-
Josephine D. Storey. A charmingly mental spiritual and philosophic prob-
bound book, compiled from the words of lems. 370 pp. Royal avo., 6 % x 9%.
'Abdu'l-Bahi showing the relation of the Bound in black cloth.
Twelve Basic Principles of the Bahi'i 'tTablet on Universal Peace, a letter written
Cause to the foundation ol the new world by 'Abdu'l-Bahl in 1919 to the Central
order of the future. 96 pp., 16 mo., 4 % Organization for a Durable Peace.
x 6. Bound in white parchment stamped "Tablet to the Beloved of God in Anzerica.
in gold. Also bound in paper. Translated by 'Ali-Quli-Gin. Cam-
Foundations of World Unity, The. Selected bridge, Mass., January 3 , 1906.
addresses delivered by 'Abdu'l-Bahb at "Tablet to the Beloved of God of the Occi-
Universities, Churches, Synagogues, Peace dent. Translated by Ahnlad I ~ f b h i n i
Societies and similar public meetings dur- (Alunad Suhrhb), Washington, D. C.,
ing His journey through America in September 8, 1906.
1912. 112 pp. Royal Evo., 6 x 9. Paper Tablets by 'Abdu'l-Bahd 'Abbds to the
covers. House of Justice of Chicago, to the
"Letter fronz S t . Jean D'Acre, A, The Unity Ladies' Assembly o f Teaching, and others.
Press, 1906. Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahk compiled by Al-
""Letta of Love" fifonz 'Abdu'l-Babd 'Ab- bert R. Windust. Intimate letters writ-
66s t o the Beloved in America. Bahb'i ten in reply to quesrions addressed by
Publishing Society, 1902. individuals and groups. Three volumes.
"Letter and Tablet to the Central Organi- Volume one and three (new edition)
zation for a Durable Peace: The Hague. bound in blue cloth. Volume two bound
Bahi'i Publishing Society, Chicago, 1920. in black cloth.
"Letters to the Friends in Persia. Babl'i 'Tablets to the East and West. Translated
Publishing Society, Chicago, January 21, by Ahmad Isflhlni (Ahmad Suhrlb).
1906. The Baha'i Assembly of Washington,
Mysteriws Forces of Civilizntion. A work D. C., 1908.
addressed to the people o f Persia nearly "Tablets Containing Instructions. Trans-
forty years ago to show the way to true lated by M. A. E. Washington, D. C.,
progress. 132 pp. Royal avo., 6% x August 29, 1906.
9%. Bound in black cloth. 'iTablets Containing Geneva1 Instructions.
':.Prayersand Tablets. 1906. Translated by Ah~nadI~f6h6ni ( A h a d
Promulgation of Universal Peace, edited by Suhrlb). The Baha'i Association of
Howard MacNutt. Public addresses de- Washington, D. C., 1907.
livered throughout the United States and 'iTablets to Japsn. Compiled by Agnes
Canada in 1912. This work contains Alexander. New York, 1928.
'Abdu'l-Bahl's spiritual message to the "Tablets to Some American Believers in the
American people, whom he summoned to Year 1900. The Board of Council, New
establish the "Most Great Peace" which York. 1901.
'f WORLD
"Tablets from 'Abdzb'l-Baha 'Abbds to E. E. ing out the provisions of the Will and
Wrestling Brezustev. Bahi'i Publishing Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahi concerning
Society, 1902. the organic development of the Bah6'i
The Garden of the Heart. A compilation of community. This volume constitutes the
passages on nature from Bahi'i Sacred authoritative interpretation of that Will
Writings and from the Bible, selected by and of Bahi'u'lliih's teachings on the sub-
Frances Esty. Bound in colored linen. ject of the principles determining the
'+Unveiling of the Divine Plan. Translated character of the Faith as an evolving re-
by Ahmad Subrih. Tudor Press. Boston, ligious society. These letters, which de-
1919. fine the institutions of local, national and
"Utterances to Two Yonng Mcn. Board of international Bahi'i administrative bodies
Council, New York, 1901. forming the nucleus of the new world
'*Visiting Tablets for Martyrs Who Suf- order of Bahh'u'llbh, include communi-
fered i n Perria. Translated by 'Ali-Quli cations explaining the new world order
Lhan. Bahi'i Board of Council, New and clarifying the problems of the post-
York, 1901. war years. The volume also contains
"Will and Testurrtent of rAbd~'l-Bahd, The. excerpts from 'Abdu'l-Bahi's Will, and
National Spiritual Assembly, 1925. an Appendix consisting of the Declara-
Wisdom of 'Abdu'l-Bahd. Edited by Lady tion of Trust and By-Laws of the Na-
Blomfield. Previously published under the tional Spiritual Assembly, and By-Laws
title of Paris Talks, a brief but compre- for local Spiritual Assemblies. 286 pp.
hensive presentation of His Message. 172 Bound in cloth.
pp. Post avo., f x 7% paper covers. "Letters from Shoghi Effendi, selections
Bound in green cloth. from letters written by the grandson of
"Wisdom Talks of 'Abdu'l-Bahd. Chicago. 'Ahdu'l-Bahi, appointed Guardian of the
Bahi'i News Service. Cause by Him, regarding details of ad-
"Woman's Great Station. An address given ministering the affairs of the Movement.
in New York in 1912. (The complete letters are included in
Bahd'i Administuafion.) Bahi'i Pnblish-
(e) WRITINGS OF SHOGHI EFFENDI ine Committee. New York., March. - .
'>Bahd'i Administratios. A work compiled 1929.
by the National Spiritual Assembly to World Order of Bahd'u'llih, The. A sup-
present the original sources of instruction plement t o the volume Bahd'i Adnzinis-
on the duties and responsibilities of be- tration. Bahi'i Publishing Committee.
lievers, in their relations to the local, New York, March, 1929.
national and international bodies of the World Order of Bahl'u'lldh, The: Further
Cause. Part One, Excerpts from the Considerations. A supplement to the
Will and Testament of ' Abdu'l-Bahi; volume BahBi Administration. Bahi'i
Part Two, Letters from Shoghi Effendi Publishing Committee. New York,
to the American National Spiritual As- 1930.
sembly and the body of American believ- The Goal of a New World Order. In this
ers from January 21, 1922 to October communication (dated November 28,
18, 1927; Part Three, Declaration of 1931) the Guardian anslyzes the existing
Trnst by the National Spiritual Assem- international political, economic and so-
bly; Index. I f f pp. Royal avo., 6 x cial problems, points to the signs of im-
954. Bound in blue cloth. Bahi'i Pub- pending chaos, and emphasizes the guid-
lishing Committee, New York, 1928. ing principles o f world order established
BahBi Administrafion. The letters writ- by Bahi'u'llbh. The goal of world feder-
ten by Shoghi Effendi to the American ation is upheld, and 'Abdu'l-Bahi's proph-
Bahi'i community, from January, 1922, ecy of the failure of the present civiliza-
to July, 1932, in his capacity of Guard- tion is called to the attention of Bahh'is.
ian of the Bahi'i Cause, to encourage, (Reprinted from Bahl'i Administration.)
guide and instruct the believers in carry- 3 2 pp. Paper covers.
BAHK'f BIBLIOGRAPHY 133
The Golden Age of the Canxe of Bahd'n'lldh. hPu'llih, the BBb, 'Abdu'l-Bahi, and the
The Guardian's letter (Dated March 21, nature of the World Order which Bah6-
1932) referring to the spiritual impor- 'u'llbh established. In this statement, pre-
tance of America in the new world order, pared by the one authorized in 'Abdu'l-
the progressive character of divine Revel- Bahl's Will and Testament t o be the sole
ation, the station of the Bib, the release interpreter of Bahh'i writings, students
of spiritual forces for human regenera- of the Cause possess the first complete
tion, and the non-political character of and authentic outline and summary of
the Bah6'i Faith. (Reprinted from Ba- the Bahl'i Faith in its development from
hl'i Administration.) 24 pp. Paper the Announcement of the Bib in 1844
covers. to the Administrative Order defined by

Youth Conference, Louhelen Ranch, 193 Y.

America and the Most Great Peace. A let- 'Abdu'l-Bahi for the era following His
ter addressed to American Bahi'is, dated departure from this world in 1921. 66
April 21, 1933 (not included in the pres- pp. Bound in cloth and also bound in
ent edition of Bahi'i Administration.) blue paper.
This communication summarizes the The World Religion. A brief oueline of the
forty years of American Bahi'i Hisrory aims, teachings and history of the Bahi'i
(1893-1933), and develops in greater de- Faith.
tail than in the preceding letter, the re-
sponsibility laid upon America in the
( f ) PRAYERS
divine plan for the establishment of uni- "Bahd'i Prayrs. The Bib, Bahl'u'llih and
versal peace. 28 pp. Paper covers. 'Abdu'l-Bahi. A large collection of
The Dispensation of Bahri'u'llih. A letter prayers, newly compiled, t o meet the
addressed to the Bahl'is of the West, needs of the spiritual life of today. 210
dated February 7, 1934 (not included in pp. 1 6 mo., 3% x 6 . Bound in blue
the present edition of Bahi7'i Administra- cloth and also bound in blue paper.
tion.) I n this letter the Guardian of the 'Bahd'i Prayers by Bahd'u'llih and 'Abdu'l-
Bahi'i Faith clarifies, with numerous Baha'. 16 pp., 3 % x 5. Gray paper cover.
quotations from Bahl'i sacred writings, ')Prayers, Tablets, Instructions, etc., gath-
the spiritual station and mission of Ba- ered by American visitors in 'Akki, 1900.
THE BAHA'i WORLD
'$Prayers Revealed by Bahd'z~'l1dh. Contain- *BahBi Indexes, by Charles Mason Remey.
ing also prayers revealed by 'Abdu'l-Bahi. Newport, R. I., 1923.
108 pp., 3 x 5 1/2. Black paper cover. 'iBahd'i Manuscripts, by Charles Mason Re-
BahBi Prayers. Prayers revealed by Bah6'- mey, Newport, R. I., 1923.
u'llhh and 'Abdu'l-Bahh. 34 pp. Paper 'iBaha''i Martyrdoms in Persia in the Year
covers. 1903 A. D., by Haji Mirz6 Haydar-'Ali.
Translated by Y6nis Khhn. Bah6'i Pub-
( g ) BAHAI LITERATURE IN lishing Society, Chicago, 1907.
PAMPHLET FORM '*Bahri'i Movement, The. Articles originally
published in Vedic Magazine of Lahore.
cAbdu'l-Bahd's First Days in America, inti- J. L. Zuahlen, Vesey, 1916.
mate and beautiful glimpses of the Mas- *Bahd'i Movement, The: Its Spirit~lalDy-
ter, from the diary of Juliet Thompson. namic, by Albert Vail, reprint of a maga-
40 pp. Printed by The Roycrofters. Pa- zine article.
per cover. Bahd'i Movement, The. A pamphlet outlin-
'>Addresses, by Jindb-i-Fadil. Booklets, 5 ing the history and aims of the Cause,
Nos. Translated by Ahmad Suhrib. with a statement on BahPi Administra-
Seattle, 1921. tion and many quotations from the Writ-
'iAddresses delivered before tbe New York ings.
and Chicago Assemblies, by 'Abdu'l- '"ahd'i Movement in Its Social Econonzic
Karim Effendi. Translated by Ahmad Aspect, The, by Helen Campbell. BahPi
Suhrhb. Persian-American Publishing Co., Publishing Society, Chicago, 191 5 .
Los Angeles, 1924. *Bahd'i Movement, The, by Charles Mason
*'Akkd Lights, by Mr. and Mrs. Joseph H . Remey. Washington, D. C., 1912.
Hanneu. '*BahBi Per.secutioias in Persia, reprint of
BahPi Benediction, The. Music and words letter written to the S h h of Persia, Rid6
by Louise R. Waite. &6h Pahlavi, July, 1926, by the Nationai
':.Baha"i Calendar for 1932. Consisting of Spiritual Assembly of the BahPis of the
twelve sheets of colored cardboard stock, United States and Canada.
one for each month, with BahPi dates, +Bahd'i Religion, The, a reprint of the two
feasts, anniversaries and quotations in ad- Bah6'i papers presented at the Confer-
dition to the monthly calendar. Com- ence on Some Living Religions within the
piled and arranged by Doris Holley. 9 x British Empire. Paper, 24 pp.
12. BahPi Revelation, The, by Thornton Chase.
*BahPi Census. U. S. Government pam- Bahi'i Publishing Society, Chicago, 1909.
phlet showing the registration of the : i ~ ~ h L >Revelation
i and Reconstrziction,
Bahi'is as an organized religious body. The, by Charles Mason Remey. Bahi'i
"Bahd'i Faith, The, by a Methodist Lay- Publishing Society, Chicago, 19 19.
man, questions and answers suggested by '?Bahd'i Teachings, by Charles Mason Re-
personal experience. mey. (Seven bound pamphlets.) Wash-
BahPi Faith, The, by Horace Holley. An ington, D. C., 1917.
explanation of the nature of the world- "Bahd'u'lldh and His Message, by J. E. Essle-
wide BahPi community. monr, briefly outlining the spiritual mes-
The Bahd'i Howe of Worship. A brief de- sage of the New Day.
scription of the Bahi'i Temple at Wil- ')Before Abraham Was I Am, by Thornton
mette, Illinois, quoting words of 'Abdu'l- Chase, an explanation of the Station of
Bahi on the spiritual significance of the Prophet.
Bahh'i Houses of Worship, with an out- "Bird's Eye View of the World in the Yea7
line of Bah6'i history and 'Abdu'l-BahPs 2000, a reprint of article by Orrol Har-
summary of Bah6'i teachings. Illustrated. per in The Bahi'i Magazine.
8 PP. ')Brief Account of My Visit to ?Akkd, A,
+Bahd'i Hymnal, words and music by Louise by Mary L. Lucas. BahPi Publishing So-
R. Waite. Paper. ciety, Chicago, 1905.
B A H A ' ~ BIBL I O G R A P H Y 535
':Brilliant Proof, T ~ P by , Mirz6 'Abu'l Mrs. J. W. Gifc) , an outline for the study
Fad1 of Gulpiyigin, a refutation of an of such Bahh'i topics as the need of a
attack on the Cause by a Protestant mis- Manifestation, the signs of His appear-
sionary. Contains both English and irk- ance, His influence upon civilization, the
nian text. proofs of His cause, etc. Paper covers.
"Call o f God, The, by George Latinrer, the "Green Acre, a reprint of article published
significance of the return of the Mes- in the Bahb'i Magazine.
senger. "Heavenly Feast, A, by Charles and Mariam
';-Chapteron Strikes, a supplement to "Some Haney.
Answered Questions." "Heavenly Vista, A, by Louis G. Gregory.
':-Comfilation, No. 9, available in: English, Homoculta~re,by Stanwood Cobb.
Esperanto, French, German, Italian, Span- Index for Bahd'i News.
ish, Chinese, Hungarian, Yiddish. "In Spirit and in Truth, by A. S. Agnew.
"Constrnctive Principles of the Bahd'i *Knock and I t Shrzll Be Opened Unto Y o 4
Movement, by Charles Mason Remey. by Roy and M. J. M.
BahPi Publishing Society, Chicago, 1917. " I n Memoriam (Miss Lillian F . Kappers and
"Daily Lessons Received at 'Akkri--1908, Dr. Sarah Clock), by Dr. Susan I.
by Helen S. Goodall and Ella G. Cooper. Moody, Union Press, Camp Karachi.
Bahl'i Publishing Society, Chicago, 1908. ' I n Galilee, by Thornton Chase. An inter-
Principles o f the Bahd'i Faith. The new edi- esting account of a visit to Haifa in 1907.
tion of the little blue "No. 9" Compila- "Knowing God T h ~ o w g hLove, by 'Abu'l-
tion. Fadl. Farewell address. Bahl'i Assembly,
"Dawn of Knowledge and the Most Great Washington.
Peace, by Paul Kingston Dealy. The Ba- "Lectures b y Jinkb-i-Fkdii, a series of lec-
hh'i Cause and ancient prophecy. tures by a Persian scholar appointed by
Declaration of Trust, and By-Laws of the 'Ahdu'l-Bah6 to teach the principles of
National Spiritual Assembly of fhe Ba- the Bahi'i Cause in America. Vols. 2, 3,
h i l s of the United States aed Canada, 4, and I only.
with amendments adopted to April 1, Lessons i n Religion, by %ay& Muhammad-
1933. The legal instrument defining the 'Ali Qi'ini, prepared especially for chil-
nature and functions of the institutions dren. Translated by Edith Ruhiyyih
existing in the American Bahi'i commu- Sanderson.
nity, with the By-Laws approved for use *Letter from Honolalu, by Charles Mason
by Local Spiritual Assemblies. (Re- Remey. Privately printed. February 17,
printed from Bahl'i Administration.) 1917.
24 pp., 6 x 9 . Paper covers. "Letter written on behalf of the "Friends"
"Divine Revelation, the Bast of Civiliza- o f Isfdhkn, Pe~sia, t o the American Be-
tion, by Anfun Haddld. Board of Coun- lievers, by Mirzi 'Abdu'l-Husayn.
cil, New York, 1902. "Light of the World, by a Group of Pil-
'+EarlyPilgrimage, A n , 18 9 8, by May Max- grims. The Tudor Press, Boston, 1920.
well. Bahl'i Publishing Society, Chicago, "Martinists' Report, by M. Gabriel Sasi. An
1917. address concerning the Bahb'i Religion
'iEpisodes i n M y Life, by Munirih Khinun,. delivered at the Paris Exposition of
Translated by Ahmad Suhrlb. Persian- 1900.
American Publishing Co., Los Ang&, "Martyrdoms ilz Persia i n 1903, by Hiji
1924. Mirzi Haydar-'Ali, relating the circum-
First Obligation, The, by Lady Blomfield. stances in which seventy Persian Bahgis
"Plowers Culled from the Rose Garden of were martyred.
'Akkd by Three Pilgrims i n 1908. " M a p Showing Travels of the B i b and Ba-
"From the World's Greatest Prisoner t o His hi'u'llih. Drawn by J. F. Clevenger,
Priron Friends, by Israel Fraser-Chamber- 1927, 11% x 14%.
lain. Tudor Press, Boston, 1916. "Maxims of Bahd'ism, by Antun waddid.
'God and His Manifestations (compiled by Board of Council, New York.
536 T H E BAHA'I: W O R L D
"Message of the kingdom of God, The, by Bahi'i classes and rneerings, compiled by
James F. Brittingham. 1907. Louis G . Gregory. Mimeographed.
"Message from 'Akhd, Antun Haddid. '"aces of Men-Many or One, The, com-
Most Great Peace, The, by Marion Holley. ~iledby Louis G. Gregory. 40 pp., paper
')Notes Taken at 'Ahkd, by Corinne True. covers.
Bahl'i Publishing Society, Chicago, 1907. '$Rays from the Sun of Truth, Ida Fmch.
'iObservations of a Bahd'i Traveler, by "Revelation of Bahd'u"zl'llih,The, Isabella D.
Charles Mason Remey. Washington, Brittingham. Bahb'i Publishing Society,
D. C., 1914. Chicago, 1902.
Oneness of Mankind, The, selections from ')Spirit of World Unity, The, selections from
words of Bahi'u'llih and 'Abdu'l-Bah6 words of 'Abdu'l-Bahi in America on re-
on interracial amity, compiled by Louis ligious, racial and scientific subjects. 24
G. Gregory and Mariam Haney. 64 pp., pp. Paper covers.
paper covers. "Spiritual Opportunities of the Bahd'is of
Outlines of Study of Christ, compiled by the United States and Canada, selections
the Outline Bureau of the National Ba- from words of 'Abdu'l-Bahh. The Na-
hi'i Teaching Committee. Mimeo- tional Spiritual Assembly.
graphed. "Star of the West, November, 1921, Peace
Bahd'i Study Course, an aid for individual Number.
students of the teachings and for Bahi'i *Statiolz of Manifestation, by AnCun Had-
Communities who desire to follow a defi- did.
nite course of study. (Reference books " S h d y of Owtlines of Science, compiled by
needed with this course: Bahi'u'llrih and the Outline Bureau of the National
the New Era, W'isdom of 'Abdzb'j-Bahd Babi'i Teaching Committee. Mimeo-
and Foundations of World Unity.) Mi- graphed.
meographed. 'iTable Talks. Regarding Reincarnation
Study Outlke for Kitdb-i-fqd* (Book of and other subjects.
Certitude). Mimeographed. '>Table Talks at 'Ahkd, by 'Abdu'l-Bah6
Study Guide for The Dawn-Breakers. Mim- 'Abbhs, by Arthur S. Agnew. Bahi'i
eographed. Publishing Society, Chicago, 1907.
Bahi'i Lesson Outlines for Children, a series "Table Talks with 'Abddl-Baha', by Mr.
of 36 lessons in four sections. Mimeo- and Mrs. George Winterburn. Bahi'i
graphed. Publishing Society, Chicago, 1908.
Twenty Lessons in the Bahd'i Revelation, a 'Tablet on Universal Peace, a letter written
supplen~ent to the Bahd'i Study Cowrse. by 'Abdn'l-Bahi in 1919 to the Central
Mimeographed. Organization for a Durable Peace.
Material and Divine Civilization, compiled "Tablets to Japan, a collection of letters
by the Outline Bureau of the National written by 'Abdu'l-Bahb t o Japanese and
Teaching Committee, 1930. Mimeo- to Americuls serving the Cause in Japan.
graphed. Foreword by Agnes Alexander.
Bahd'i Teachings Concerning Christ, com- *Through Warring Countries to the Mow-
piled by the Outline Bureau of the Na- tain of God, by Charles Mason Remey.
tional Teaching Committee, 1928-1929. Private printing.
Mimeographed. "True Gardener, The (from notes by L.H.
"02ctlines for Study of Scriptuv~s,compiled C.B.). Rangoon Standard Press, 1930.
by the Outline Bureau of the National "Ten Days in the Light of 'Akkd, by Julia
Bahh'i classes and meetings, compiled by M. Grundy. Bahi'i Publishing Society,
Louis G. Gregory. Mimeographed. Chicago, 1907.
'iPassi~gof 'Abdu'l-Bahd, The, by Lady "Twelve avticles introductory to the study
Blomfield and Shoghi Effendi. of the Bahd'i teachings, by Chades Mason
Princi&s of the Bahri'i Faith, Small com- Remey.
pilation. "Unity Through Love, by Howard Mac-
"Questions and Topics for Discussion in Nutt.
138 T H E B A H A ' ~WORLD
'$UniversalPrinciples of the Bahd'i Move- individual research of advanced Bahh'i
ment-Social, Economic, Governmmtal, students.
Persian-American Bulletin, 1912. Study Outline for Kitdb-i-fqdn. (Book of
"Views of Haifa, 'Akkd, Mt. Carmel ard Certitude.)
Other Places. Bahl'i Publishing Society, St& Guide for The Dawn-Breakers. An
Chicago. aid for classes and individuals in making
a careful study of this historical work.
(;) OUn~~ES AN^ FOR Material aud Divine Civilization. Com-
BAHd'f STUDY CLASSES piled by the Outline Bureau of the Na-
tional Teaching Committee, 1930 .
BahBi Study Course. An invaluable aid BahB'i Teachings on Economics. A com-
for individual students o f the Teachings, pilation prepared by the National Teach-
and for Bahh'i Communities and Groups ing Committee. 16 pp.
who desire t o follow a definite course of BahPi Teachings Concerning Chist. Com-
study. The Course may be obtained with piled by the Outline Bureau of the Na-
or without the three books needed for tional Teaching Committee, 1928-1929.
reference. Study Course with Bahd'u- Bahl'i Lesson Oz~tlines for Children. A
'llih and the New Era, Wisdom of 'Ab- series of thirty-six lessons in four sec-
du'l-Bahd and Foundations of World tions, for teachers holding Bahl'i study
Unity. and discussion classes for children. The
Tzuenty Lessons in the Bahd'i Revela- course has been pla~lned for weekly
tion. A valuable supplement to the classes over a ~eriod of nine months.
Bahh'i Study Course and for the Complete series (four sections).

2.
BAHA'I PUBLICATIONS OF ENGLAND
'AGddl-Bahd in London. Addresses deliv- Life and Teachings of 'Abbris Effendi, The,
ered by 'Abdu'l-Bah6 during His visit in by Myron H. Phelys. Published by Put-
London, with description of His life and nam & Sons.
activities. Meditations of a BahBi Chuistian, by E. T.
Bahd'i Fajth, The, by G. Palgrave Simpsou. Hall. C. E. Bennett & Co., Manchester,
BaM'i: Sjirit of the Age, Tbe, by Horace 1912.
Holley. (See list one.) Published by Modern Social Religion, The, by Horace
Kegan, Paul. Holley. Published by Sidgwick & Jack-
Bahl'u'lldh and The New Era, by J . E. son. 1912.
Esslemont. (See list one.) Published by Mysterious Porces of Civilization, The.
George Allen & Unwin, Ltd. (See list one.)
Brief Account of the BaMi Movement, by Paris Talks. (See list one, "The Wisdom of
Ethel J. Rosenberg. Published by Bum- 'Abdu'l-Bahi.") Published by G. Bell &
side, Ltd. Son.
Coming of "The Glory,"' The, by Florence Passing of 'Abdu'l-Bahd, The. (See list
E. Pichon. Published by Simpkin, Mar- one.)
shall, Hamilton, Kent & Co., Ltd., Lon- Promise of All Ages, The, by "Christophil."
don. Published by Simpkin, Marshal, Ltd.,
Drama of the Kingdom, The, by Mrs. Basil 1934.
Hall, London, 1933. Universal Religion, The, by Hippolyte
God's Heroes, by Laura Clifford Barney. Dreyfus, an introductory work on the
(See list one.) Bah6'i Cause by a Frepch orienralist who
Hidden Words of BahBu'lldh. (See list has translated many of the writings of
one.) Bahl'u'll5h.
BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY 139

Uniq~ersal Religion, The, by E. T. I-Iall. tober 3, 1924. Includes two papers read
National Spiritual Assembly of the Ba- on the Bahl'i Cause, 519 pp. Cloth
hCis of the British Isles, 1927. cover.
Unity Triumphant, by Elizabeth Herrick. Some Answered Qzcestions. (See list one.)
The Revelation of Bahi'u'llih as the ful- Published by Kegan, Paul.
fillnent of Christianity, with extensive Traz~eller's Narrative, A. The Episode of
quotations and bibliography. Published the Bib translated by Prof. E. G. Browne,
by Kegan, Paul. M.A., F.B.A., M.R.A.S. Cambridge Uni-
Reconciliation of Races and Religiofzs, The, versity Press.
by Thomas Kelly Cheyne, Dr. Lit., D. D. What Is a Bahd'f? by J. E. Esslemont, a re-
Religions of the Empire, edited by W. Lo£- print of chapter three of his larger work.
tus Hare. Published by Duckworth Published by Burnside, Ltd.
(London). Addresses delivered by repre- Wise Mnn from The East, A, by Felicia R.
sentatives of the several religions invited Scatchard. The Unity Press. London,
to participate in the Conference o a Some 1912.
Living Religions Within the British Em- Year with the Bahd'is in lndia and Burma,
pire, held at the Imperial Institute, Lon- A, by Sidney Spmgue. Thc Priory Press,
don, England, from September 22 to Oc- London, 1908.

3.
BAHA'I LITERATURE I N FRENCH
Bahd'u'llib et L'Bre nmivelle. Gcnive, 1932. Les Lecons de Saint-Jea?z d'Acrc (Somr An-
Du Rdgne de Diee et de l'Agneau, par Ga- swered Questions). Recueillies par
briel Sacy. 12 Juin, 1902 (brochure). Laura Clifford Barney. Traduction frau-
Essai sur le Bdhd'is?ne, son Histoire, sa Por- ~aisepar Hippolyte Dreyfus.
tie sociale, par Hippolyte Dreyfus. Prdceptes dn Bahiisme, traduit par
26me 6dition. Librairie Ernest Leroux, Et Dreyfus et H. Ghirazi. 1906.
Paris, 1934. Le vrai Bahd'i. Le c i n q z ~ i h eChapitre de
Le Baydn Arabe, traduit par A. L. M. Nico- Bnhd'z~'l1dh and The New Era. Traduc-
las. Librairie Ernest Leroux, Paris. tion par Edward Roscoe Mathews (bro-
Le Bayin Persan, traduit par A. L. M. Nico- chure) .
las. Librairie Geuthner, Paris. 4 vol- L'Oenvre de BahBn'lldh, traduction fran-
umes: 1911 i 1914. ~aisepar Hippolyte Dreyfus: Tome I:
Le But d'un Nouvel Ovdre Mondial, lettre La t&s sainte Tab1ette.-Les Paroles
de Shoghi EBendi. Traduction de Leon cach6es.-Les Sept ValMes du Voyage
Karalreya. Librairie Ernest Leroux, Paris, vers Dieu.-La Lettre sur le Bayin. Tome
193 6 (brochure). 11: Le Temple de Dieu.-Les Lettres aux
L'Bconomie Mondiale de Bahri'u'lldh, par Souverains. Tome 111: Le Livre de la
Horace Holley. Traduction de Gabriel Certitude (Kitabou'l Iqan) . Librairie
des Hons. 2ime bdition. Paris, 1936 Ernest Leroux, Paris.
(brochure). *Paroles Cachies, 190 S .
Le Machreqou'l-Askar, d'lchqabad, par Tabktte de Bnhd'bllih, icrite i Andrinople
A. L. M. Nicolas. Paris, 1902. pour un des Croyants de Qazoin (bro-
Le Machreqodl-Azkar, d'Achqabad, par chure).
Hippolyte Dreyfus. Librairie Ernest Le- Trois Lettres d des Persans, par 'Abdu'l-
roux, Paris, 1909 (brochure). Bahi, Juin- Juillet, 1907 (brochure).
L'fipitre au Fils dn Lonp, par Bahi- Vers I'ApogPe de la Race Humaine, lettre
'u'llih. Traduction fran~aisepar Hippo- de Shoghi Effendi traduite de I'anglais.
lyte Dreyfus. Librairie Ernest Leroux, Librairie Ernest Leroux, Paris, 1936
Paris. (brochure).
BAHA'I LITERATURE I N ITALIAN
Bahl'u'lldh e la N u o v a Era. Translation of Bahl'i Principles as given by 'Abdu'l-
J. E. Esslemont's book. Bahh at various times, taken from Paris
"Che Cosa e il M o v i m m t o Bahd'i?" (Leaf- Talks and other sources. 1921. Florence.
let.) Parole Velate (Hidden Words). Florence,
Discorsi di 'Abdu'l-Bahd (Paris Talks). 1926.
I Principii Bahd'i. Booklet translation o f the Some A~csweredQuestdons (in prepar~tion).

BAHA'I LITERATURE I N DUTCH
Alegmeene Beginselen der Bahd'i Beweging. De Verborgen Woorden (Hidden Words),
Amsterdam, 1914. Rotterdam, 193 5 .
"Bah2u'lldh aand the New Era." Rotter- Pamphlets and Leaflets in Dutch Taal pub-
dam, 1933. lished in Pretoria, S. A.

BAHA'I LITERATURE I N DANISH
Bahd's'lldh ag bans Budskab (Bahh'u'llih H v a d er Bahi'i Bevagelsen (What is the
and His Message), by J. E. Esslemont. Bahl'i Movement?), by J. E. Esslcmont.
Translated into Danish by Johanne Sbr- Translated into Danish by Johanne Sbren-
ensen. Copenhagen. December, 1926. sen. Copenhagen. April, 1926.
"Bahd'u'lldb and the N e w Era." Nyt
Nordisk Forlag. Copenhagen, 193 2.

7.
BAHA'I LITERATURE I N SWEDISH
Bahd'u'lldh and the N e w Era, 1932. Kitdb-i-fqdn (in manuscript).

B A H A ' ~L I T E R A T U R E I N P O R T U G U E S E
BahBu'lldh E La Nova Era, por Dr. J . E. A Maior Paz. Santos, 1922.
Esslemont. Officinas Graphicas de Fonseca Paris Talks. Para, Brazil, 1923.
Filbo & Co., Rna Cruzeiro de S. Fran- Q u e P o Movimento BahBi (pamphlet).
cisco No. 16, Bahia, Brazil. Principles of Bahd'i Faith (pamphlet 9 ) .

B A H A ' I L I T E R A T U R E I N ALBAN1,AN
FjalB TZ Fshelrura (Hidden Words), New Detyrat e Domosdoshe Besnikvet Bahd'i,
York. 1932. Libri i Beses, TiranE, 1932.
Bahl'u'lldh and t h e N e w Era, Tirane, 193 3.
Kit&-i-fqdn, Tirane, 1932.
BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY 541

10.
BAHA'i LITERATURE IN ESPERANTO
Bahi'u'llih: Kaiitaj vortoj, el la perso lingvo Miihlschlegel, Adelbert: Parolado en la dz~a
tradukis Lutfu'llhh S. Hakim, John E. Bahaa kunveno du7n la XVIIIa Univer-
Esslemont, London, Brita Esperantista sala Kongreso de Eskevanto en Genevo,
Asocio, jaro ne indikata, U O , 39 pp. Stuttgart, 1921, g o , 4 pp.
Kafitaj vortoj, el la angla liugvo tradukis Root, Martha: Bahnaj sciencaj jruvoj d e
Vasily J. Eroseldco, Japanujo, loko kaj vrvo post morto. Praha, 1927, U O , 7 pp.
jar0 ne indikataj, So, 23 pp. Bahaaj p n v o j de vivo post morto, Wands-
'Abdu'l-Bah6: Bahaj (Bahaaj!) instruoj, bek, Germany, Bahaa Esperanto-Eldonejo,
loko kaj jar0 ne indikataj, U O , 16 pp. 1928, U O , 8 pp.
Kompilaio, vortoj de Baha'u'llah kaj 'Ab- S.S.: La Historio de 1'Bahaj'a (Bahaa!) Mo-
du'l-Bah6, Wandsbek, Germany, Bahaa vado, Universala Fido, esperantigita de
Esperanto-Eldonejo, jar0 ne indikata, 8', William W. Mann, London, the Priory
16 PP. Press, 1907, XO, 24 pp.
Esslemont, Dr. J. E.: Bahd'n'lldh kaj la nova Lidja Zamenhof: Homo, Dio, Profeto, Wein-
epoko, el la angla orlginalo traduklta de heim, Bahaa Esperanto-Eldonejo, 193 1,
Lidja Zamenhof, Weinheim (Germany), g o , 8 pp.
Bah6'i Esperanto-Eldonejo, 1930, go, 191 Kio estas la Bahna movado? Genf, 192 1, go,
PP. 8 PI'.
Religio b j Scienco lad la luqno de la Ba- Kio esdas la Bahaa movado? Wandsbek, jar0
haja (bahaa!) rivelajo, London, Brita Es- ne indikata, go, 4 pp.
perantista Asocio, 1919, U O , 28 yp. La Nova Tago. La internucia bahaa esper-
BahBu'llih kaj Lia Misio, Hamburg, Es- anto-gazeto. Weinheim (Germany), Ba-
peranto Komitato de la Bahaa Movado. haa Esperanto-Eldonejo. Quarterly since
1926, So, 22 pp. 1921.
Grossmann, Dr. Hermann: La esaco de Paris Talks of 'Abdn'l-Baha'. Weinheim,
PBahaismo, Wandshek, Bahaa Esperanto- Baden, 1932.
Eldonejo, 1929, 8 " , 8 pp.
Historio, inslrsoj kaj valoro de la Bnha'i- For information on German and Esperanto
movado. Hamburg, Esperanto Komitato Bahh'i literature 3nd magazines please ad-
de la Bahaa-movado, 1925, XO,8 pp. dress Dr. Herinann Grossmann, Weinheim
Kliemke, Dr. Ernst: Bahaismo kaj politirko, (Bergstrasse) , Friedrich-V~~lerstrasse, 4,
la stata idealo laB la instruoj de Bah6'u- Germany.
'116h, Wandsbek, Germany, Bahaa Esper-
anto-Eldonejo, 1929, 8", 8 pp.

11.
BAHA'I LITERATURE IN RUSSIAN
BahBu'lldh and fhe New Era. Printed in KZtib-i-iqdn. Riga, Pds iela 14, 1933.
Latvia, 1930. Tablet fron; 'Abdu'l-Baha'. Bik6, 1909.
Lessons in Religion, by g a y & Mubarnmad- Talk about Babi'i Faith. Blk6.
'Ali Ql'ini. 'Ishq6b6d, 1912. Talk of 'Abdu'l-Baha' in New York. 'Is_hq6-
Bahd'u'lla'h, by Isabel Grinevskaya. Lenin- bid, 1922.
grad, 1912. T6blet t o the Hague, by 'Abdn'l-Bahl.
Bah'iyyat, by M. Blanovsky. Moscow, 1914. London, 1922.
Hidden Words of BahBu"1dh. Riga, 1934. No. 9. (Compilation.) New Yock, N. Y.
THE BAHA'I WORLD

B A H A ' ~L I T E R A T U R E I N G E R M A N
Baha'u'llih: Tablett von Is_hrciqdt, Tablett in Ba&dbd. Aus dem Englischen von
von Tardzdt, Worte des Paradieses, Tab- W. Herrigel. Stuttgart, Selbstverlag der
left von Tajalliybt, Frohe Botschaften. Baha'i-Vereinigung, 1911, X O , 8 p.
Aus dem Englischen von A. Braun und E. Bahi'u'llih: Das Tablett vonz Zweig. Aus
Ruoff. Stuttgart, Selbstverlag der Bahi'i- den Englischen von Fr. Schweizer. He-
Vereinigung. 1912, go, 73 p. rausgegeben von den Bahi'is in Zuffen-
Bahi'u'llih: Frohe Botscbaften, Worte des hausen. Ohne Jahr, go, 8 p.
Paradieses, Tablett Tardzat, Tablett Ta- 'Abdu'l-Bahi: Evangelium der Liebe nnd des
jalliydt, Tablett I&rdqdt. Nach der eng- Friedens fiir unsere Zeit (Ansprachen in
glischen Uebersetzung von 'Ali-Quli Paris). Aus dem Englischen van W.

A Baha'i Youth Group of GI:rmany with their Teachers.

ILhan, deutsch t.on W. Herrigel. Stutt- Herrigel. Stuttgart, Selbstverlag der
gart, Verlag des Dentschen Bahl'i- Bahi'i-Vereinigung. 1914, go, 172 p.
Bundes, 1921, So, 123 p. 'Abdu'l-Bah6: Ansprachen, gehalten irn
Bahi'u'llih: Verborgene Worte, Worte der Herbst 19 11 im Paris. Aus dem Engli-
Weisheit und Gebele. Aus dem Engli- schen von W. Herrigel. Stuttgart, Verlag
schen von A. Braun und E. Ruoff. Stutt- des Deutschen Bahi'i-Bundes, 1921, X O ,
gart, Verlag der Bahi'i-Vereinigung, 196 p.
1916, So, 104 p. 'Abdu'l-Bah6: Beantwortete Eragen. Nach
Baha'u'llih: Verborgene Worte, Worte der der englischen Ausgabe von L. Clifford
Weisheit und Gebete. Nach der engli- Barney, deutsch von W. Herrigel. Stutt-
schen Uebersetzung von Shoghi Effendi, gart, Verlag des Deutschen BahL'i-
deutsch von Alice Schwarz und W. Bundes G.m.b.H. 1929, g o , VIII und
Herrigel. Stuttgart, Verlag des Deutschen 392 p.
BahS'i-Bundes, 1924, go, 109 p. 'Abdu'l-Bahi: Eine Botschaft an die Juden.
Baha'u'llih: Das heilige Tablett, geoffenbart Aus dem Englischen von W. Herrigel.
BAHA'f BIBL I O G R A P H Y 143

Stuttgart, im Selbstvcrlag der Bahi'i- Hemgel. Stuttgart, Verlag des Deutschen
areinigung. 1913, 8 O , 1T p. Bahb'i-Bundes, 1920, 8', 40 p.
'Abdu'l-Bah6: Tabelle (Tablets) allgemeiner Dreyfus, Dr. Hippolyre: Bdbismz~s und
Belehrung. Deutsch von Fanny Knobloch. Bah6'ismus. Deutsch yon Margarete
1906, ohne Angabe des Ortes, so, 12 p. Platte. Franlcfurt a.M. Neuer Frank-
'Abd~il-Bahl:Tabelle (Tablets) an die Ge- furter Verlag G.m.b.H., 1909, 8', 6 1 p.
Iiebten Gottes des Abendlandes. Deutsch Esslemont, Dr. John E.: Babi'z~'l1dh und das
von Fanny A. Knobloch. 1906, ohne Neue Zeitalter. Deutsch von H . K. und
Angabe des Ortes, S o , 8 p. W. H. Stuttgart, Verlag des Deutschen
Bahd'iperlen (Worte von Bahb'u'llih und BahL'i-Bundes, 1927, So, VIII + 431 p.
'Abdu'l-Bahi) . Stuttgart, Verlag des Esslenlont, Dr. John E.: W a s iit ein Ba-
Deutschen Bahb'i-Bundes, 1921, g o , 16 p. hd'i? Aus dem Englischen iibersetzt und
'Abdu'l-Bah6: Relixion und Philosophie, herausgegeben van der Bahh'i-Arheitsgr-
1911, Paris. meinscbaft Esslingeu. Ohne Jahr. (ver-
Shoghi Effendi: Die Weltorduung von Ba- vielf5ltigt), 4 O , 20 p.
hi'u'lldh. Aus dem Englischen. Heraus- Esslemont, Dr. John E.: Der W e g z u m
gegeben vorn Deutschen Iiahi'i-National- Fricder. Sonderdruclr des Kapitels X aus
rat, Stuttgarc, Marz 1930, 8', 15 p. "Bahb'u'llih und das Neue Zeitalter."
Shoghi Effendi: An die Gelirbten des Werrn Herausgegeben vou der Bahl'i-Arheitsge-
und an die Dienerinnen dm Barmherzigen meinscaft Esslingen. Ohne Jahr, S o , 8 p.
in der ganzen Welt. Aus dem Englischen. Fadl, Mirzii Abu'l: Geschirhte uud Wahr-
Herausgegeben vom deutschen Bahb'i- heitsbcweise der Bahi'i-Religion. Nach
Nationalrat, Stuttgart, April 1930 (ver- der englischen Uebersetzung von 'Ali-
vielfaltigt) , Folio, 17 p. Quli-K_hin, deucsch von W. H. Stuttgart,
Bahiyyih B i n u r n : Brief an die Frez~nde Verlag des Deutschen Balii'i-Bundes G.m.
Gottes und an die Dienerinnen des Barm- b.H. 1919, S o , XXIV + 291 p.
herzigen i m Abendland. Aus dem En- Fadl, Mirzi Abu'l: Gllnzender Bewek
glischen von A. Schwarz. Ohne Angabe (Burhine Lame). Aus dem Englischen
des Ortes und des Jahres. so, 4 p. von Fr. Schweizer. Herausgegeben von
Blomfield, Sitirih und Shoghi Effendi: Das der Bahl'i-Vereinignng Zuffenhausen,
Hinscheirden 'Abdu'l-BuhBs. Ohne An- ohne Jahr, So, 4 1 p.
gabe des Ortes und des Jahres, 8O, 32 p. Grossmann, Dr. Hermann: Die sozialo Frage
Brittingham, Isabella D.: Die Oflenburung and ihre Losung i m Sinne der BahBi-
von Bnhd'u'lldh. Aus dern Englischen von Lehve. Stuttgarr, Verlag des Deutschen
W. Herrigel. Stuttgart, Selhstverlag der Bahi'i-Bundes, 1923, So, 12 p.
Bahh'i-Vereinigung, 1910, So, 47 p. Grossmann, Dr. Hermann: Die Bahd'i-Be-
Carpenter, Marion: M ~ j n z i n und Layld. wegung, ihvc Geschichte, Lehren und Be-
Nach Bahi'u'llih's Erzahlung in den deutung. Herausgegeben von der Baltl'i-
"Sieben Tilern." Deutsch Ton E. M. Gr. Bewegung. Hamburg, 1926, 8', 8 p.
und Dr. H . Gr. Wandsbek, Weltgemein- Grossmann, Dr. Hemann: Das Wesen der
schaft 1926, 8', 8 p. BahBi-Lehre. Ohne Angabe des Ortes
Chase, Thornton: Die Bahd'ioffenbarung. und des Jahres. 8", 8 p.
Aus dem Englischen von W. Herrigel. Grossmann, Dr. Hermann: Bahi'i-Erzie-
Stuttgart, Verlag des Deutschen Bahi'i- hung. Waudsbek, Weltgemeinschaf t,
Bundes, 1925, So, X V 1 4 168 p. Deutscher Zweig, 1924, So, 8 p.
Chase, Thornton: Ehe Abraba7n war, war Grossmann, Dr. Hermann: Rosengdrtlein-
Ich. Aus dem Englischen von W. Lehrstunden. Lehrproben zur Bahl'i-Er-
Herrigel. Stnttgart, Verlag der Bahi'i- ziehung. Herausgegeben von der Weltge-
Vereinigung. Ohne Jahr, S o , 8 p. meinschaft, Wandsbek, ohne Jahr, g o ,
Dreyfus, Dr. Hippolyte: Einheits-Religion. 12 p.
Ihre Wirkung auf Staat, Erziehung, So- Grossmann, Dr. Hermann: Chanan. Eine
zialpolitik, Frauenrechte und auf die ein- Enahlung aus unserer Zeit. Wandsbek,
zelne Persiinlichkeit. Deutsch von W. 1927, So, 8 p.
144 THE B A H A 'f WORLD

Grossmann, Dr. Hermann: ATIZ Morgen dem E ~ ~ l i s c h cvon
n Fr. Schweizr. Stutt-
einer nesen D i f , Verlag Streclrer und gart, Selbstverlag der Bah6'i-Vereinigung,
Schroder. Stuttgart, 1932. 1908, So, 8 p.
W. H.: Universaler Friede, Universale Re- S. S.: Ein jahr unter den Bahd'i in I d i e n
ligion. Die Bahh'i-Bewegung, ihr Zweck und Birnut. Aus dem Englischen von
und Ziel. Stuttgart, Selbstverlag der Ba- W. H. Stuttgart, Selbstverlag der BahPi-
hh'i-Vereinigung. 1911, go, 30 p. Vereinigung, ohne Jahr, 8', 46 p.
Hartmann, Pauline: Bah2i-Weltanschauung. S. S.: Die Geschichte der Bahd'i-Bewegang.
Verlag des Geistigen Nationalrats der Aus dem Englischen von W. H . Stutt-
deutscheu Bahi'i. E. V., go, 24 p. gart, Selbstverlag der Bahi'i-Verein~gung,
W . H.: Die Bahd'i-Bewegung i m Allge- 1913, Zweite auflage, 1913, S o , 22 p.
meinen und ihre grossen Wirkungen in A. Dritte auflage, 1919, So, 22 p.
Indien. Stuttgart, Verlag des Deutschen Schwarz, Alice: Die universale Weltreligion.
Bahi'i-Bundes, 2922, EO, 56 p. Stuttgart, Verlag des Deutschen Bah6'i-
W. H.: Die Zeichen unserer Zeit i m Lichte Bundes, 1919, go, 31 p.
der Bibel zmd deu Bah2i-Lehre. Stuttgart, Wright, A. H.: Bdb snd seine Secte in Per-
Verlag der Baha'i-Vereinigung. 1916, So, sien, Leipzic.
I6 p. Religiose Lichblicke. E i i g e Erlauterungen
Holley, Horace: Die Wellwivtschaft van zur Bahh'i-Bewegung. Aus dem Franzii-
Bahi'u'lldh. Aus dem Englischen. 30 p. sischen von Albert Renftle. Stuttgart,
Geneva, 1934. Verlag der BahA'i-Vereinigung, 1916, 8 ',
Kliemke, Dr. Ernst (Heinrich Nienlcamnp) : 16 p.
Babd'i-Lehre und PolitiR. Das Staatsideal Edweiterte Auflage, Stuttgart, 1928, Ver-
nach den Lehren Bah6'u'llib's. Ohne lag des Deutschen Bah6'i-Bundes, go,
Angabe des Ortes und des Jahres. aO, 8 y . 24 p.
Maxwell, May: Jos, dev Scbaferknabe, ' A b - Die Geschichte vom Kleinen Vogel und an-
du'l-Bahri nacherzihlt. Aus dem Engli- dere Erzahlungen az~sdem Leben 'Abdzl'l-
schen von Dr. H. Gr. Wandsbek, Welt- Bahd's. Wandsbek, Weltgemeinschaft,
gemeinschaft, Deutscher Zweig, 1924, go, Deutscher Zweig, 1921, go, 8 p.
8 P. Aus Leben und Lehre des BahBismus. Ham-
Miihlschlegel, Adelbert: Melodram zwm burg, Bahh'i-Verlag, 1918, a', 42 y.
dritten Deutschen Bahd'i-Kongress 8 0 . Die BabBi-Bewegz~ng. Flugblatt. Stutt-
Ohne Angabe des Ortes, September 1924, gart, Vedag des Deutschen Bah6'i-Bundes,
go, 8 p. ohne Jahr, so, 4 p.
Muhlschlegel, Adelbert: Ridva'n 8 I , Pest- Was ist die Bahd'i-Bmuegung. Flugblatt.
spiel. Stuttgart, Baha'i-Bund, Deutscher Ohne Angabe des Ortes und des Jabres.
Zweig, 1925, go, 8 p. (2 Ausgaben: Hamburg und Wien), 8',
Najmajer, Marie von: Qzarratu'l-'Ayn. Ein 8 bezw. 10 p.
Bild aus Persiens Neuzeit. Wien, 1894. Die Bahd'i Lehre, 1933, Schmal go, 4 p.
Phelps, Myron H.: 'Abdzc'l-Bahi 'Abbas, A n d m Schwelle eines neues Zeitalterr.
Leben und Lehren. Aus den1 Englischeu Flugblatt. Stuttgart, W . H. Ohne Jahr.
von W. H. Stuttgart, Verlag des Deut- aO, 10 p,
schen Bahi'i-Bundes, 1922, S o , 248 p. Bericht v o m ersten Deutschen Bahd'i-Kolt-
Remey, Charles Mason: Das n e w Zeitalter. gress 192Z. Herausgegebeu von der Ba-
Die Bahh'i-Offenbarung. Deutsch von h6'i-Arbeitsgemeinschaft Esslingen (ver-
W. H., Verlag des Deutschen Bahb'i- vielfiltigt) 4', 54 p.
Bundes, Stuttgart, 1923, go, 32 p. Weihnachtsbeilage fiir Kinder. Dezember
Remey, Charles Mason: Einheit. Die Of- 1921. Beilage zur Sonne der Wahrheit,
fenbarung des Baha'u'llih. Deutsch yon go, 8 p.
Fanny A. Knobloch. Ohne Angabe des Treuhand~chaftserklirun~ und Satzung des
Ortes und des Jahres. 8P, 8 p. Nationalen Geistigen Rates der Bahl'i in
Rosenberg, Ethel J.: Die BahPi-Lehre, Deutschland und Oesterreich nebst Satz-
dereu ethische und soziale Begrife. Aus ung des Geistigen Rates der BahB'i in
Stuttgart. Heraqegeben vom Nationalen und Oesterreich e. V., Stuttgart, 1935 ,
Geistigen Rat der Bah6'i in Deutschland So, 32 p.

13.
BAHA'I LITERATURE I N BU1,GARIAN
Bahd'n'lldh and the N e w Era, Sofia, 1932. Words of Wisdom (in manuscript).
Hidden Words (in manuscript). Seven Valleys (in manuscript).

14.
B A H A ' ~L I T E R A T U R E I N R U M A N I A N
BahPn'lldh and the N e w Era, Bucharest, Ce Este Miscarea BahPi, Bucharest, 1934.
1934.

11.
BAHA'I LITERATURE I N CZECH
Bahd'n'lldh and the N e w Era, Prague, 1932. Pamphlets, 1934.

16.
B A H A ' ~L I T E R A T U R E I N S E R B I A N
Bahd'u'lldJJ and the N e w Era, Belgrade, Hidden Words, Belgrade, 1936.
1933. Book of Prayers, Belgrade, 1936.

Bahd'u'lldh and the New Era, Budapest,
1933.

18.
BAHA'f L I T E R A T U R E I N GREEK
Bahl'n'lldh and the N e w Era, Athens, 1934.

19.
BAHA'I LITERATURE I N MAORI
T e Whakatikenga Pahai, Pamphlet by G. G .
Paul, Auckland, New Zealand, 1933.
BAHb'i BIBLIOGRAPHY

20.
BAHA'i LITERATURE I N SPANISH
Bahd's'lldh and the New Era, Bahia, 1934. Qnt Salisteis A Ver? Dr. Carlos A. Stoppel's
The Kitdb-i-fqdn (in preparation). translation of What Went Y e Out for to
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Qzid es el Movimiento Bahd'i. Booklet.

21.
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Bahd'u'lldh and the New Era, Oslo, 193 1.

22.
BAHA'I LITERATURE I N CROATIAN
Pamphlet.
Some Answcved Questions (in manuscript).

23.
BAHA'I LITERATURE I N ORIENTAL
LANGUAGES
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1911 and 1912. The Dawn-Breakers. Nabil's Narrative ( i n
Magdliy-i-Bahd'i. Delhi, 1911. manuscript).
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and Bombay. Translation anonymous. Cairo.
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U~zil-i-Tadris. Tibrln. Esslemont. Cairo, 1930.
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BahBi Pearls, by Mirz6 Abu'lLFadl. Cairo, Indcx to Some Answered Qz~esfions. Shang-
1900. hai, 1933.
Bahd' Proofs, by Mirzi Abu'l-Fadl. Cairo, Some Answered Questions (in preparation).
1921.
Tablct to the Hague. HEBREW
Risa'liy-i-Amriyyih, by M u ~ t a f i . Cairo.
Bahi's'lldh and the New Era. Haifa, 1931.
Kitrib-i-fqdn. Cairo, 1934.
TARTAR
TURKISH
Vahdat, by 'Abdu'l-Bah6. TiGkand, 1918.
Bahd'u'lldh and 'Ahdu'l-Babd. Biku, 191 5.
Talk About the Bahd'i Faith. B6ku. GUJRATI
Talk in New York. B6116, 1922, 'ishqibid,
1916. Pardmin-Bahi, by Mirzi Abu'l-Fadl. Bom-
Bahd'i Hareketi. Istanbul, 1930. bay, 1921.
Bahd'u'lldh and the New Era. Istanbul, Bahd'dlldh and thr New Era. Bombay,
1932. 1932.
BURMESE
JAPANESE
Some Answered Questions. Mandalay, 1915.
What Is Bahd'isnz, by Dr. G. J. Augur.
Revelation of Bahd'z~'1ldh. Mandalay, 1907.
1916.
Nujjatu'lla'hu'l-Bdli&ih. Rangoon, 1927.
A Letter to the Women of Inpan, by Agnes
What Is the Bahd'i Movement. Rangoon.
B. Alexander. 1916.
Durzis-i-Ak_hldqiyyih. Mandalay, 1930.
Religion of Love. 1917.
~uqziqu'l-insdniyyih. Mandalay, 1928.
The Most Great Peace, translated by Dr.
Mizdnu'l-Fzhrga'n. Mandalay, 1908.
Inouye. 1917.
Dunisu'd-Diyanih. Mandalay, 1922.
Mas_hriqu'l-Agkdr, translated by Dr.
Tablet of Love. Mandalay, 1922. Inouye. 1918.
Bahd'i Pvinciples. Mandalay, 1919.
The Bahd'i Revelation, translated by Dr.
To Live the Life. Mandalay.
Inouye. 1920.
@ajaratu'l-Adydn. Rangoon, 1909.
The Call, translated by T. Torii. 1920.
Su'al va Javdb.
What Is the Bahd'i Movement, translated
'Aqd'id-i-Bahd'iydn.
by T. Inouye. 1929.
The Bahd'i Short Thesis. Mandalay, 1913. New Civilization, by K . Torikai. 1917.
Ni~dm-Ndmih: 1907. Bahl'u'lldh and the New Era. Tokyo, 1932.
Short History of the Chuse, A. 1913.
Divine Laws. ARMENIAN
Bahd'u'lldh and the New Era. Mandalay,
1933. Hidden Words (in manuscript).
CHINESE What Is the Bahd'i Movement? 1933,
Prag.
Bahd'dlldh and the New Era. Shanghai, Pamphlet. 1920, Cairo.
1931. Pamphlet. 1928, Iatanbul.
The Most Great Peace. Shanghai, 1931. Bahd'u'llrih and the New Era. 1933,
Light of the Age. Shanghai, 1926. Aleppo.
The Valuable Contributio7z of the Bahd'i Some Answered Questions (in manuscript) .
Cause ( I , 11) . Shanghai, 1932. Kitdb-i-fqdn (in preparation).
The Bahd'i Cause in China. Shanghai. Book-
let No. 9. TAMIL
Paris Talks. Shanghai, 193 1.
Kitdb-i-fqdn. Shanghai. The Revelation of Bahd'r'lldh, by I. Brit-
The Goal of a Nezu World Order. Sbagghai, tingham, translated by V. M. Swami.
1931. Rangoon, 1906.
550 T H E BAH6'i W O R L D
KURDISH HINDI
Bahd'u'lldh and the N e w Era. B a a d i d , l d hthe N~
~ ~ h d j ~ ysand E~~ (in press).
1934.
SINDHI
ABYSSINIAN ( A M H A R I C )
Bahd'u'lldh and the N e w Era ( i n press).
Baha"u'l1dh and the New Era. Addis Ababa,
BENGALI -....
1 9 1 ~

Bahd'n'lldh and the N e w Era ( i n press). Pamphlet.

24.
BAHA'I LITERATURE IN BRAILLE
( F O R T H E BLIND) The Hidden Words, b y Bahi'u'llhh.
Words of Wisdom. Book of Prayers.
A Letter t o the Blind W o m e n i n Japan, b y Seven Valleys, b y Bahh'u'llih.
Agnes B. Alexander. Tokyo, 1917. The Kitdb-i-fqdn, b y Bah6'u'llhh.
Seek and i t shall be given you, b y Tokijira Is_hrdqdt, b y Bahi'u'llih.
Torii. Tokyo, 19 17. Sziratu'l-Haykal, b y BahPu'll&h.
W h a t Is the Bahd'i Movement? b y T . Some Answered Questions, b y 'Abdu'l-Bah6
Inouye. 1929. ( i n part).
La Bahaa Rwelacio. 1929. Bahd'u'lldh and the N e w Era. California.
Goal of a N e w World Order. Golden Age of the Cause of BahBu'lldb.
Divine Philosophy. BahBi Economics.

25.
BAHA'I PERIODICALS
Bahd'i Magazine, Star of the West, The. Kawkab-?-Hind: a monthly Indian Urdz~
Official magazine o f the Bahi'is of the Magazine. Edited and published i n Delbi,
United States and Canada, from its be- India, b y Jinih-i-"Mawlavi-FidiI" Siyyid
ginning i n Chicago i n 1910 until its Mahf6zu'l-Haqq 'Ilmi under the auspices
merger with World Unity, April, 1935. o f the National Spiritual Assembly of the
For official Bahi'i magazine see World Bahl'is o f India and Burma. Address:
Order. Karol Bagh, Delhi, India.
Bahd'i News. T h e bulletin of the National La Nova Tago (The N e w Day). T h e In-
Spiritual Assembly o f the Bahi'is o f the ternational Bahi'i-Esperanto Magazine,
United States and Canada. published four times a year b y the Esper-
Bahd'i News Letter. T h e Bulletin o f the anto Committee o f the National Spiritual
National Spiritual Assembly of the Assembly o f the Bahh'is o f Germany.
Baha'is o f Egypt. Address: Gliringstr. 37, Neckargemund,
Bahd'i News Letter. T h e bulletin o f the Germany.
National Spiritual Assembly o f the News Letter from Bahi'is of the British
Bahh'is o f India and Burma. Isles. 19 Grosvenor Place, London,
Bulletin, International Bahk'i. Bureau, Case S.W. 1.
181 Stand, Geneva, Switzerland. Sonne der Wabrheit, Organ des Deutschen
Herald of the South, The. T h e Bahi'i Bahi'is. Stuttgart, Verlag des Deutschen
magazine for N e w Zealand and Australia. Bahh'i-Bundes, monthly since March,
Address: P.O. Box 447D, Adelaide, Aus- 1921. 3. Alexanderstr., Stuttgart, Ger-
tralia. many.
Ruins of the Bath visited by the Bib in Ur6miyyih, irin.

Relatives of the Bib. (Seated in the center is H i j i Mirzi Vakilu'd-Dawlih, the Bib's
cousin and chief builder of the MasJtiqu'l-Ad&k6r at 'I&qibhd.)
152 THE BAHA'I W O R L D
UnUy of the Eart and the West Comwzittee. Published monthly in New York. Edi-
c/o Dr. Y . A f r d a t i h , Avenue Bar&, tors, Stanwood Cobb and Horace Holley.
Tihrln, frln. Editorial oilice, 119 Waverly Place, New
World Order. Official magazine of the York, N . Y .
Bahl'is of the United States and Canada.

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Atherton, Gertrude: Julia Prance and Her By the Author, Boston, 1911.
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Barrows, Rev. John Henry: The World's Collier &Son, New York, 1902.
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Baudouin, Charles: Contemporary Stabdies. Hoover, W . I. T.: Religionisms and Chris-
Fr. trans., E. and C. Paul. E. P. Dutton, tianity. The Stratford Co., Boston, 1924.
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Bell, Archie: The Spell of the Holy Land. Jewett, Mary: Retniniscences o f My Life il:
The Page Co., Boston, 1911. Pmsia. Torch Press, Cedar Rapids, 1909.
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Goldziher, Ignaz, in: Die Religionen des Meyer, Superintendent a.D.: D a Bn'birmas
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herausgegeben von Paul Hinneberg, Teil home m d abroad, Vol. 14.)
I, Abt. 111, 1, I, p. 138-141. Leipzig, Muralt, Dr. Alex v., in: August Forel.
B. G. Teubner, 1923 (zweite Auflage, Schweizerkopfe Heft 4/5, p. 52. Zurich
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Leipzig, Neuer Geist-Vedag 1924. durch Recht." G.m.b.H., 1921.
Grossmann, Dr. Hermann: Artikel "Die Rnemer, Dr. Hermann: Die Bdbi-BabB'i.
Bahi'i-Bewegung" in Allfstrebende Kul- Potsdam. Verlag der Deutschen Orient-
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I, p. 383-389. Dr. Joh. Breslauer, Halle in: "Reich Christi" (Dr. Leppius-Pots-
a.d. Saale, 1908. dam). 19 11, Bericht der Kornmission IV,
Richter, J., in: Mission und Evangelisation "Islam," p. l l f .
inz Orient. P. 214-219. Giitersloh, 1908. Wright, A. H. in: Zeitschrift der Deutschen
Relgis, Eugen, in: Wege z74m Frieden, eine morgenlandischen Gesellschaft 18 11.
internationale Rundfrage. Heide i. Hoist., Artikel: "Bib und seine Sekte in Persien."
Verlag Paul Riechert, 1932. p. 384f.
Ritter, Prof. Dr. H., in: Der Islam, Jahr- IRANIAN
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Pp. 44-14, Volksverband der Bucher-
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Berlin, 1922.
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Romer, Hermann, in: Evangelischcs Mis~rons
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Salcius Matas: "SveEiuose Pas 40 Tautw"
Petersburg, Akadernie, 1908, Vol. I.
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von Herm. Gunkel, Leop. Zscharnach. Poporului B, dul Academici 2, Bucharest,
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Chvistl' (Dr. Lepsius-Potsdam) . 1908. Benedictsen, Aage Meyer: Vore Dages
Artikel: "Der Islam in Persien," p. 17Sf. Persien, Copenhagen, 190 3 .
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86, 91-99, 120, 123, 262, 264, 261. Christensen, Arthur: Det Gamle ag det nye
Zurich und Leipzig, Rotapfel-Verlag, PersQn, Copenhagen, 1930.
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558 T H E BAHA'i WORLD

REFERENCES T O T H E BAHA'I FAITH IN
MAGAZINES BY NON-BAHA'I WRITERS
AMERICAN MAGAZINES Littel's Living Age, August, 1869.
Literary Digest, May, 1912.
American Journal of Theology, January, Literary Digest, August, 1920.
1902. Literary Digest, December, 1921.
Architectural Record, The, June, 1920. Mentor, The, November, 1920.
Art World, March, 1917. Missionary Review, October, 1902.
Asia, May, 1924. Missionary Review, February, 1904.
Atlantic Monthly, September, 1926. Missionary Review, March, 1904.
Bibliotheca Sacra, January, 19 15. Missionary Review, May, 1906.
Book Buyer, June, 1901. Missionary Review, October, 1911.
Chambers' Journal. Missionary Review, October, 1914.
Crisis, The, May, 1912. Missionary Review, August, 19 19.
Crisis, The, June, 19 12. Missionary Review, October, 1921.
Chicagoan, September, 1931. Moslem World, October, 1931.
Construction Methods, August, 193 1. Nation (N. Y.), June 21, 1866.
Construction Methods, July, 1933. National, December, 1908.
Contemporary Review, August, 1869. National, May, 1922.
Contemporary Review, October, 1869. Nineteenth Century, February, 1915.
Contemporary Review, March, 1912. New York Times, February, 1913.
Contemporary Review Advertiser, Decem- New York Times Book Review, August 1 ,
ber, 1885. 1920.
Current History, December, 192 1. North American, April, 1901.
Current Literature, July, 1901. North American, June, 1912.
Current Literature, September, 1911. Open Court, June, 1904.
Current Literature, June, 1912. Open Court, August, 1915.
Eclectic Magazine, February, 1886. Open Court, October, 19 11.
Eclectic Magazine, September, 1896. Open Court, November, 191 1.
Engineering News-Record, January 8, 1931. Open Court. August, 1916.
Esoteric Christianity, February, 1915. Open Court, October, 1916.
Everybody's, December, 1911. Open Court, November, 1916.
Everywoman, December, 1915. Open Court, March, 193 1.
Everywoman, December, 1916. Outlook, June, 1901.
Fortnightly Review, June, 1911. Ontlook, June, 1912.
Fortnightly Review, April, 1912. Outlook, December, 1920.
Fortnightly Review, June, 1913 . Outlook, December, 192 1.
Forum, July, 1925. Psychology Magazine, May, 1930.
Friends' Intelligencer, September, 1925. Review of Reviews, February, 1901.
Harper's Weekly, July, 1912. Review of Reviews, January, 1909.
Hearst's Magazine, July, 1912. Review of Reviews, June, 1912.
Independent, April, 1912. Review of Reviews, February, 1922.
Independent, July, 1912. Spokesman, Tbe (Negro), September, 1925.
Independent, September, 1912. Scientific American, August, 1920.
Independent, December, 1921. Survey, April, 1912.
Journal of the American Concrete Institute, Time, July 20, 193 1.
March-April, 1934, and July, 1933. De- Unity, February, 1918.
troit, Mich. Unity, December, 1921.
Journal of Air Law, January, 1934. Chi- Unity, April, 1929.
cago. Vedic Magazine (Lahore), Vol. 8, No. 9.
BAHA'I BIBLIOGRAPHY 519

Wflmette Life, September 14, 1933, Wil- Bslletin MPlasges Asiatiques, Vol. IV.
mette, Ill. Bulletin de I'Acadtmie Impiriale de St.
World's Work, July, 1912. Petersburg, Vols. VIII, IX.
World's Work, July, 1922. Revue dn Monde Musulnzan, IX, 339-341.
World Unity, December, 1930. Le ~ e v e i l Normand, January, 1936, Le
A . .. 19 33.
World Unitv, Februarv, Havre.
Le Libre Bchange, January, 1936, Paris.
ENGLISH MAGAZINES
L'en dehors, December, 1936, Orleans.
Academy, The, March, 1891.
All the Yeur Around, July, 1869. SWISS MAGAZINES
Arena, The, November, 1904. Szifi Quarterly, March, 1928 (published in
Asiatic Quarterly Review, April, 191 3. English).
Christian Commonwealth, January 1, 191 3.
Christian Commonwealth, Janudry 22, NETHERLAND MAGAZINES
1913. Wereld Kronick, April 7, 1934, Rotterdam.
Christian Commonwealth, January 29,
1913. RUSSIAN
Christian Commonwealth, February 12, Zapiski, by Baron Rosen, 18 89.
1913.
Clifton Chronical and Directory, January, GERMAN
1913. Deutsche Rzmdschau, Vol. XVIII, 1879.
Edinburgh Evening News, January, 19 13. Journal of the German Oviental Society,
Illustrated Weekly of India, March 24, Vol. V, 1811.
1931. Oriental Literaturzeitwzg, 1909.
Ifzdian Review (Madras), August, 1914. Zeitschrift fur Assyriologie, Vol. XXII, 337.
The Inquirer, May 16, 193 1, London.
Inquirer and Christian Life, May 10, 1930. BELGIAN
International Psychic Gazette, Nos. 6 and 7. Lumidre et Libertt, November, 193 J , Brus-
Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society, Vol. sels.
XXI, 1889-1892. Le Rouge et le Noir, November 27, 1931,
London Budget, January, 19 13. Brussels.
Saturday Review, January, 1894. PORTUGUESE
Scots Pictorial, January, 191 3 .
Scottish Review, April, 1892. Correio do Brasil, Novembcr 1 1 , 1931, Rio
Sbectator, The. April, 1892. de Janeiro, Brazil, S. A.
funday Herald, waking, London, January RUMANIAN
24. 1913.
Santier, 1934, Bucharest.
T o w n and Country News, November 24,
Cuvantd Liber, October 26, 193 J, Bucba-
1933, London.
rest.
FRENCH MAGAZINES SPANISH
L'Annte Philosophique, Vol. 111, 1869. La Prensa, December 15, 193 1, Buenos Aires,
Revue de PHistoire des Religions, Vol. Argentina, S. A.
XVIII. Tiempox Nuevos, January, 1936, Barcelona,
Revue Critique d'Histoire et de Littiuatzae, Spain.
April 18, 1887. Pau, January 15, 1936, Buenos-Aires,
L'lllustration, September 30, 193 3. Argentina, S. A.
Journal Asiatique, Vol. 11.
Journal Asiatique, Vols. VII, VIII, 1866. DANISH
Journal Asiatique, Vol. X . Dansk Fidsskrift, August, 1903.
Revue M o d m e , 186J-1866. Nordisk Tidsskrift, Fifth issue, 191 1.
5 60 T H E BAHA'f WORLD

2 8.
REFERENCES TO T H E BAHA'I FAITH BY
BAHA'iS IN NON-BAHA'f PUBLICATIONS
Time and Tide, April 14, 1934, London. Oregon Mine~alo~ist, January, 1934. Port-
Kaisar-i-Hind, December 3 1, 193 3. Born- land, Oregon.
bay. Unity, February 19, 1934. Chicago.
Religious Education, September, 1932. Chi- Sanj Vartamalz, September, 1933. Bombay.
cago. The Qvarterly Journal of Speech, March-
T h e New Hz~ma~zist,January-February, April, 1934. Ann Arbor, Michigan.
1933. Chicago. The China Critic, May 25, 1933. Shanghai.
Forum, May, 1916. New York. World Unity, April, 193 2. New York.
Fornm, August, 1917. New York. World Unity, November, 1933 (and succes-
Literary Digest, November 20, 1931. New sive issues). New York.
York. T h e G i f t and A1.t Shop, August, 1932.
N e w O r i e ~ t January,
, 1926. New York. New York.
Open Court, July, 193 1. Chicago. Women, March, Apr11, 19 3 6 . Chicago.
T h e Religious Highway, April, 193 3.
Tokyo.
TRANSLITERATION OF
ORIENTAL W O R D S
F R E Q U E N T L Y USED I N B A H A ' ~
LITERATURE
'Abi Bib Fath-'Ali Ism6'iliyyih
Abidih B6bn'l-B6b Firdaws Istaribid
'Abbis Ba&did Firdawsi 'Izzat
'Abdu'l-Bahi Bahi
'Abdu'l-1;iamid Sahi'i Ganjih
Gilhn
'Abdu'l-Husayn Baha'u'llih
Gul Jamil
'hbdu'llih Bahiyyih
Bahji Gulastin JamBl-i-Mubirak
Abu'l-Fadl
Bali1&ist6n Gurgin Jarnil-i-Qidam
'Adasiyyih
A&in Bandar-'Abbis f;Iabib Jisb
Pl&irbiyjin Biqir Hadik Jubbih
Af a i n Baqiyyatu'llih Wadrat
A&& Birfurhh Heji Ka'bih
'Ahd Basrib H i j i Mirzz Aqisi Kad-@ud&
Ahmad Bl~um HBjj Kalantar
Ahsi'i Bayin Hamadin Kalim
Ahviz Bayt Hasan Kalimit
Akbar Big Hnydar-'Ali Kami1
'Aliki Birjand Haykal Karand
<A12 Bi&irbt Haziratu'l-Quds Karbili
'Ali Bismi'llih ~irnmat-Abbd Ki&in
'Ali-Muhammad Bulhhrh wujjat Ka&k61
AllPh-u-Abhi BurGjird vusayn Ka~mu's-Sa'6~idih
Alvhl? BGs_hihr Huvaydar I<awr&ar
Alvbh-i-Salitin BuhrGyih ICizim
Amin Bu&r&'i Ibrhhim Kh?imayn
Amir il %in
Amir-Nizim 'Ilm I(halk_hil
Amru'llih Dali'il-i-Sab'ih Imim Iainiqayn
~ m u l Dirudih imbm- Jum'ih Lhayli-Eh6b
Anzali Dawlat-Abid fmim-Z6dih &urisin
Aqb Ehabih fqin K_~UY
Aqdas Duzdib irin Kirmin
'Arabistin 'Irlq Kirmin&ih
Asmb' Farb'id 'Irbq-i-'Ajam Kit-ib-i-'Ahd
'Avi&iq FBrbn Isfihhn I<itib-i-Aqdas
Ayidi Farmin 'I&qbhld Kitib-i-Asmi'
Azal FarriG-Bahi I&riqit Kit6b-i-iq6n
'Apmat FBrs Is_htihkd Kulhh
'Aziz Farsaa Islim Kurdistin
162 THE BAHA'f WORLD
Lihijbn Munirih Rafsinjin Sul~in
L6r Musta&ith Rahim Sultin-Abid
Lawh Muzaffari'd-Din Rab6n Sulthnu'&-Guhadi'
Luristin Rabat Sunni
Nabil Ramadin Shratu'l-Haykal
Madrisih Naj af Ra&t S6rih
MahbSbu's_h-Suhad.6' ~ ~ j ~ f - & & d
Mahd-i-'Uly6 Niqidin Rawhhni
Ridvlu Tabriz
Mih-KS Nisiri'd-Din ~~hu'llih Tihirih
Mabhd Navvib Tajalliyit
Maliyir Naw-RSz Sabzivir Tikur
Man-Yu~hiruhu'llih ~~~d~ Sadratu'l-Muntahi Taqi
Maqhm Ni&ibhr Sihibu'z-Zamin Tarizit
Mar&&& Nuq~ih Mifatu'l-Haramayn Tarbiyat
Marhabi Nhr Sa'id Tihkand
Marv Samarqand Tawhid
Mash'il Pahlavi Sangsar -
Thurayyl
Mas_hhad SlrI T~hrin
Ma&iyyat QAdi Sha'bln TSmin
Ma&riqu'l-A&kir Qidiyin &ih Turkistin
Masjid Qahqahi &ahid
Maydin Q6'im gahmirzid 'Ulami
Mizindarln Qalyin aihrhd Urhmiyyih
Mibdi Qam~ar Sara£ 'U&mln
Mihrib Qasr-i-sirin &ay@
Milln Qawl &ayl&-Tabarsi
Mi'rij Q ~ Y Y ~ &ay@u'l-fslim
Vali-'Ahd
Mirzi Qayyiunu'l-Asml' ai'ih
Mihkin-Qalam Qazvin &irlz Varqi
Mu'adhain Qiblih &&tar Vazir
Mufti Qh&in Simnin Yi-Bahl'u'l-Abhi
Mdammad Quddhs Sisin Yahyi
MSammarih Qudrat Sistlu Yazd
Muharram Qum Siylh-Chi1
Mujtahid Qur'in Siyyid ZanjAn
Mulk Qurbln Shf i Zarand
Mulll Qurratu'l-'Ayu _Sulaymin Zaynn'l-Muqarrabin
TRANSLITERATION OF ORIENTAL WORDS 563

GUIDE T O ''RANSLITERATION AND
PRONUNCIATION OF THE
PERSIAN ALPHABET

a . . . . . a s in i . . as (e) in u . as (0) in aw . . . . . a s i n
account best short mown
h . . . .as in i .as (ee) in 6 as (00) in
arm meet moon

The "i" added to the name of a town signifies "belonging to." Thus, S_hirlzi
means native of S_hir6z.
564 THE BAHA'I WORLD

NOTES O N THE PRONUNCIA'I'ION
OF iRANIAN
The emphasis in irinian words is more The following consonants may be pro-
or iess evenly distributed, each syllable be- nounced like z : &, z, ?, d.
ing equally stressed as in French. For ex- The following consonants may be pro-
ample, do nor. say Tabriz or Taba~si;stay nounced like ss: &, s, s.
as long on one syllable as on the next: Tab- is pronounced like the "s" in pleasure.
riz; Ta-bar-si. (While there are inany ex- K_h is pronounced like "ch" in Scotch loch
ceptions t o this rule, it is the most generally or German nachi. Do not pronounce it as
correct method of treating the question of "B." Westerners are as a rule incapable of
stress.) pronouncing & and "q"; a guttural French
A frequent mistake is the failure to dis- "r" will serve here; otherwise use hard "g"
tinguish between broad and flat "a's." This as in good.
ditferentiation makes the language especially and h, approximately like the English
musical and should be obsesved: in the word aspirate "h," should never be dropped.
Afnin, for example, pronounce the first "a" Ti'ihrin is Tell-ron; madrisih is mad-res-seh;
as in mar, and the second syllable to rhyme Mi$r6b is Mela-rob.
with on. America~~s are apt to pronounce In the else of double letters pronounce
short "a" plus "I" like the verb for111 are; each separately: 'Ah-bis.
this is a mistake; "ar" should be pro- The character transiiterated (') repre-
nounced as in the name of Harry-cf. sents a pause; it is not unlike the initial
Farbiyat. sound made in pronouncing such a word as
The same differentiation should be ob- every. The word Bahl'i is phonetically as
served in the case of long and short "i" and follows: "a" as in account; "6" as in father;
long and short "a," As the guide to the ('), pause; "i" as ee in meet.
transliteration indicates, short "i" is like "e" The character transliterated (') may also
in best, and long "i" like "ee" in meet; for be treated as a pause.
example, Ibr6him is pronounced EL-r6-heein; N.B. As frlnian often indicates no
Islim is Ess-lahm. Short "u" being like vowel sounds and as its pronunciation differs
"0" in short, and long "u" like "00" in in different localities throughout fr6n and
moon, the following would be pronounced: the Near East as well as among individuals
Qudd6s-Qod-dooss; BQrfurdsh-B6r-fo- in any given locality, a uniform system of
roosh. transliteration such as the above, which is
Pronounce "aw" to rhyme with oh, or in use by Bahi'i communities all over the
mown; Naw-Rliz is No-Rooz. world, is indispensable to the student.
DEFINITIONS OF
O R I E N T A L T E R M S USED I N
BAHA'I L I T E R A T U R E
'Ab6: Cloak or mantle. Bihirlt: literally "Glad-tidings." Title of
'Abdu'l-Bahb: servant of Bahi. one of the Tablets of Bahi'u'116h.
A&in: Muslim call to prayer. Caravansarai: An inn for caravans.
Adib: literally "the learned."
Aghsin: literally "branches." Denotes sons D i r ~ i b i h :"High constable."
and descendants of Bahl'u'llih. Dawlih: "State," "government."
Afnhn: literally "twigs." Denotes the rela-
"Endowed with constancy": a title given to
tions of the Bib. Prophets who revealed a book and insci-
A.H.: "After Hijirah." Date of Muham-
tuted religious laws.
mad's migration from Mecca to Medina,
and basis of MuI>ammadan chronology. Farmin: "Order," "command," "royal de-
Akbar: "Greater." cree."
'Aml': literally "light cloud," symbolizes F a r r i h : "Footman," "lictor," "attendant."
the "First Invisible Substance." Farrbsl-Bihi: The head-farrik.
Amin: literally "the trusted." Fama&: Unit of measurement. Its length
Amir: "Lord," "prince," "commander," differs in different parts of the country
"governor." according to the nature of the ground,
Aqi: "Master.', Title given by Bahb'u'llih the local interpretation of the term being
to 'Abdu'l-Bahi. the distance which a laden mule will walk
A'zam: "The nreatest." in the hour. which varies from three to
four miles. Arabicised from the old Per-
Bib: "Gate." Title assumed by Mirzi 'Ali- sian "parsang," and is supposed to be de-
Muhammad, after the declaration of His rived from pieces of stone (sang) placed
Mission in s i r 6 2 in May, 1844 A.D. on the roadside.
Bbbi: Follower of the Bib. "Fourth Heaven": One of the stages of the
Badi': literally "the wonderful."
Bahi: "Glory," "splendor," "light," Title
by which ~ ~ h l ' ~ ~ ' 1 1 6 h H ~ "Guarded
~ ~Tablet":~ Denotes
~ the- Knowledge
'Ali) is desienated. of God and of His Manifestation.
Bahh'i: Follower of Bahh'u'11611. Hiji: A Muhammadan who has performed
Bahji: literally "delight." Denotes that part the pilgrimage to Mecca.
of the Plain of 'Akki where the Shrine Ha~iratu'l-Quds: Bahh'i Headqnarters.
and the Mansion of Bahh'u'llih are situ- Hijirah: literally "migration." The basis of
ated. Muhammadan chronology. The Jate of
Bani-Hlhi~n:The family from which Mu- Mhammad's migration from Mecca t o
hammad descended. Medina.
Baqiyyatu'llih: "Remnant of G o d ; title Howdah: A litter carried by a camel, mule,
applied both to the Bib and to Bahi- horse or elephant for traveling purposes.
'u'llih,
Bayin: "Utterance," "explanation." Title fl: "Clan."
given by the Bib to His Revelation, par- Imim: Title of the twelve a i ' a h successors
titularly to His Books. of Muhammad. Also applied t o Muslim
Big: Honorary title, lower title than K_h;n. religious leaders.
5 65
f66 T H E BAHA'I: WORLD

Facsimile of Document Ordering Arrest of Bibis in
Mizindarin, dated 1268 A.H. ( 1 8 5 2 A.D.).

Imim-Jum'ih: The leading imim in a town Beauty." Applied by certain Bah6'is to
or city; chief of the mullis. Baha'u'llih.
Irnim-Zidih: Descendant of an imim or his Jubbih: An outer coat.
shrine. Ka'bih: Ancient shrine at Mecca. Now rec-
fqin: literally "Certitude." The title of ognized as the most holy shrine of 1 ~ 1 6 ~ .
Bahi'u'lllh's epistle to the uncle of the Kabir: literally
Bib. Kad-KhudP: Chief of a ward or ~ a r i s hin a
I&riqit: literally "eff~l~ences." Title of town; head-man of a village.
one of the Tablets of Bah6'u'llih. Kalantar: "Mayor."
Isrlfil: The Angel whose function is t o ~ ~ l who ~discourses,,~
~ :
sound the trumpet On the Judg- Ka]im&t: literally "words." Title of one of
ment. the Tablets of Bahh'u'llhh.
Jhhiiiyyih: The dark age of ignorance Karbilb'i: A M&ammadan who has per-
among the Arabs before the appearance of formed the pilgrimage t o Karbilb.
Muhammad. Kaw&ar: A river in Paradise, whence all the
Jamil-i-Mubhrak: literally "the Blessed other rivers derive their source.
Beauty," applied by certain Bahi'is to "Prince," "lord," "nobleman," "chief-
Bahi'u'llih. tain."
Jamll-i-Qidam: literally "the ancient Kitib-i-Aqdas: literally "The Most Holy
DEFINITIONS OF O R I E N T A L TERMS 167

Rook." Title of Bahi'u'llih's Book of Qh'im: "He Who shall arise." Title desig-
Laws. nating the promised One of Islim.
Kulih: The frhnian lambskin hat worn by Qalyin: A pipe for smoking through water.
government employees and civilians. Qiblih: The direction to which people turn
in prayer; especially Mecca, the Qiblih of
Madrisih: Religious college. all M&ammadans.
Man-Yn?hiruhu'llih: "He Whom God will Qurbin: "Sacrifice."
make manifest." The title given by the
Bib to the promised One. Ridvin: The name of the custodian of Para-
Mahhhadi: A Muhammadan who has per- dise. Bahh'n'llil~uses it to denote Paradise
formed the pilgrimage to Mabhad.
- -
-.
Mashriau'l-Adhkir: literallv "the dawning
place of thepraise of ~ o b . " Title desig;
itself.

Sadratu'l-Muntahi: the name of a tree
nating Bahi'i House of Worship. planted by the Arabs in ancient times at
Masjid: Mosque, temple, place of worship. the end of a road, to serve as a guide.
Maydin: A subdivision of a f a r s a a . A a symbol it denotes the Manifestation of
square or open place. God in His Day.
Mihdi: Title of the Manifestation expected Sihibu of the one of
by Islim.
..
the titles of the promised Qh'im.
Miilrib: The principal place in a mosque Salsabil: A fountain in Paradise,
where the imim prays with his face turned Samandar: literally phoenix:
towards Mecca. ~arlrir-i-Aqi: literally the "Honorable Mas-
Mi'rij: "Ascent," used with reference to ter," applied by certain Bahh'is to cAb-
Muhammad's ascension to heaven. A'I-nahi
Mirzi: A contraction of Amir-ZBdih, mean- M S ~ b ; ~ ~ P r o p h e tone s ~ :of the titles of
ing son of Amir. When affixed to a name
it signifies prince; when prefixed simply -seventh s,,here>,: highest stage of the
Mr. invisible Realm. Denotes also the Mani-
Mihliin-Qalam: literally "the musk-scented festation of Bahh'u'llih.
pen." &ahid: "Martyr." Plural of martyr is &u-
Mu3adh&in: The one who sounds the hadi.
A&in, the Muhammadan call to prayer. &ayl&n'l-Islhm: Head of religious court,
Mujtahid: Mul?ammadan doctor-of-law. appointed to every large city by the &ih.
Most of the mujtahids of Persia have re- Sirit: literally "bridge" or "path," denotes
ceived their diplomas from the most emi- the religion of God.
nent jurists of KarbilQ and Najaf. Siyyid: Descendant of the Prophet Muham-
Mu116: Muhammadan priest. mad.
Mustaghi&: "He Who is invoked." The Sbrih: Name of the chapters of the Qur'in.
numerical value of which has been assigned
by the Bib as the limit of the time fixed Tajalliyit: literally "splendors." Title of
for the advent of the promised Manifesta- one of the Tablets of Bahl'u'll6h.
tion. Tarhzit: literally "ornaments." Title of
Nabil: "Learned," "noble." one of the Tablets of Bahh'u'llih.
Naw-R6z: "New-Day." Name applied t o T6inin: A sum of money equivalent to a
the Bahh'i New Year's Day; according to dollar.
the frhnian Calendar the day on which the
sun enters Aries. 'Urvatu'l-Vuhqi: literally "the strongest
Nuqcih: "Point." handle," symbolic of the Faith of God.
Pahlavin: "Athlete," "champion"; term ap- Vali-'Ahd: "Heir to the throne."
plied to brave and muscular men. Varaqiy-i-'Ulyh: literally "the most exalted
Qidi: Judge: civil, criminal, and ecclesias- Leaf," applied to Bahiyyih Lhinum, sister
tical. of 'Abdu'l-Bahh.
568 THE B A H A ' I WORLD
Varqh: literally "the dove." ZAdii: "Son."
Viliyat: guardianship. Zaynu'l-Muqarrabin: literally "the Orna-
ment Of the favored."
"White Path": Symbolizes the Religion of
God.
PART FOUR
R E L I G I O N AND W O R L D ORDER

1. gives official sanction for cruel indifference;

IT was only a few generations ago when
the people ceased thinking that man, with
when a science calling itself "politics" finds
imperatives for armed frontiers, this lack of
agreement between these social sciences and
the animals and ~ l a n t s ,inhabited a world the sanctions of the separate department of
composed of "dead" matter. Life was con- human life called "religion" does not mean
ceived to be that which could think, feel, that men live in three separate worlds, obey-
move or at least which could grow and ing three mutually exclusive "laws"-it
reproduce. means simply that a general failure in the
As the notion of "life" has become ex- realm of motive and understanding has pro-
tended until it includes all matter, all sub- jected itself outward into society, and this
stance, and every ingredient and constituent failure men try to conceal from themselves
of substance, so has the notion of religion and each other by labeling the anti-religious
developed until it applies to the whole of actions one or another "science."
man. No longer is religion confined, like But just as these evasions and attempts at
a small island in a great sea, to that little concealment in personal life sooner or later
area of belief and practice specialized under come to a balance of accounts with every
the influence of a formal creed. I t is the other element of the personality, so the elab-
entire human life, its conscious and uncon- orate myth called "civilization" has now
scious elements, its personal and social rela- become rent t o fragments as the social
tionships, its affirmations and denials, its tri- "sciences" and the formal creeds alike even-
umphs and defeats, its hidden as well as its tuate in a society which as a whole does not
revealed awareness and action, its unrealized know how to survive. I t matters not which
possibility along with its recognized, ad- element of the whole result is made the
mitted frustration and impotence. scapegoat-whether formal "religion" or
The real aim of the physical sciences is "economics" or "yolitics"-the truth is that
fulfilled in knowledge of man. The phys- man himself has failed in his social relation-
ical and chemical principles discovered in the
ships, and this failure in turn rests upon
world have meaning only as they are prin- failure in his relationship to himself. The
ciples of human life. Man himself is the fictitious separation of life into formal de-
universe in miniature. Physical science thus partments, each with an exclusive label, has
becomes part of a larger science of biology,
been unco~~scious evasion of reality the final
and biological science in turn becomes a
result of which was inevitable from the
chapter in the greater volume of the human beginning.
science, psychology.
On no other basis can we erect a spiritual
A man's whole life, and nnt merely his knowledge preserving the responsibility on
conscious creedal practice, is his religion. which integrity depends.
His highest love is conditioned by his pro-
foundest hate; his supreme sacrifice is lim-
ited by his unconscious selfishness; his ideals
and his daily life are a single reality, one and At some definite point of experience, the
inseparable. conscious person comes to realize the oneness
The social sciences likewise are dependent of the universe and the wholeness of human
for their validity on human psychology. personality. His formal religious beliefs un-
When a science calling itself "economics" dergo profound adjustment as he perceives
57 1
172 THE BAHA'f WORLD

their artificial separateness from the rest of present, which necessaliily divides the future
his existence. Able no longer to isolate from the past. Life tends to become dy-
"Sunday" from the remaining days of the namic and assert new directions, while the
week, his new sense of cause and effect com- past exists in the present as inertia.
pels h i to fit his religious values into ex-
perience as a whole. This adjustment in
sorne cases enhances the whole of life with
new spiritual possibility; in other cases what Religious history is meaningless when con-
had been a mere artificial belief or practise ceived merely as a time sequence without
is destroyed, and life as a whole becomes reference to the fundamental law of cycles.
secular and without spiritual content. We take for granted the existence of this
The philosophic projection of this aware- law whenever dealing with natural phenom-
ness is pantheism or atheism-both are based ena: the cycle of life operating for the tree
upon an effort to realize the universe as from seed to fruit, for the human being
homogeneous, as one. The only difference from birth to death, even for the stars of
between pantheism and atheism is that the immensest magnitude. But societies and
former raises everything t o the "high" level social institutions seldom or never admit
of God, or Spirit, or Providence while the that for their own existence there is also an
latter reduces everything to the "low" level allotted period, the beginning of which is
of matter and natural law. their birth, the end of which is their de-
The similarity between pantheism and struction, during the course of which they
atheism is more vital than the difference. rise to a climax of maturity and power,
Both philosophies establish one single level; receding thereafter until eventually they are
both maintain a view of the universe which no more.
interprets experience in terms of cause and Tracing this development in Judaism we
effect operating on one plane. There is come to the civilization of Solomon, a glory
little real distinction between realizing all that could not be retained. In Christianity
substance as "God" and realizing all experi- we have the feudal age, when religion could
ence as subject to natural law; for both he co~npletely identified with civilization,
views deprive one of the necessity oi making after which the Reformation destroyed the
any truly vital choice. unity not only of the church but of the
The realization of oneness, in fact, is but civilization as well. Here stands the origin
a starting point in the search for religion. of "modern" times, which actually have
Religion is distincti~~eness as well as univer- been the autumn and winter of faith. On
sality. one side has existed an alliance between na-
Historically, religion has a definite point tional state, natural science, industry and
of origin. No religion has come into ex- militarism; 011 the other side the tradition
istence without a Founder, a Prophet or of feudal aristocracy, the memory of a liv-
Messiah. ing unifying faith, the organization of the
Whether one considers Christianity, Juda- church.
ism, Muhammadanism or any other organic Both phases in reality proceeded from the
religion historically, what appears is the phe- same prior condition. One can not be
nomenoll of religion ~s an experience sud- termed "Christian" and the other "pagan"
denly interposed into the current stream of or "non-Christian" with the slightest his-
human life. This interposition compels the torical accuracy. For modern militarism,
most vital choice or decision which life can justified as the necessary virtue of the na-
offer. I t creates a new standard of reality tional state, derives immediately from the
rising like a mountain from the plain of Crusades, justified as the necessary virtue of
daily intercourse. Its influence sets the indi- the church. The profit motive, justified as
vidual against his own past, and historically the necessary virtue of industry, derives im-
has always made a definite cleavage in the ~nediatelyfrom the practice of the sale of
course of civilization. The prophet becomes indulgences, justified as the necessary virtue
identified with a higher possibility in the of the church. If modern science is con-
RELIGION AND WORLD ORDER 173

de~nr~ed as "pagan," a vasL power delivered Such is the llaturr of the present crisis.
over to the secular realm, it must be re- The old order was based historically upon
called that the first faint beginnings of Christianity in the West, upon Muham-
natural science were so resisted by the manadism and other Faiths in the East.
church that the scientists were compelled to Each Faith had, in accordance with the
develop their knowledge outside the religious principle underlying human society, devel-
community. oped a characteristic civilization represent-
The Reformation, then, merely marks the ing a balance between legal, cultural,
point at which the historical religion has economic and social factors. All these re-
reaped its harvest, produced its richest fruit; gional civilizations had arrived at that stage
and consequently could no longer maintain in the cyclic process marked by the weaken-
its internal unity nor its balance between ing of the original religious impulse, which
religion and civilization. bound the civilization together in one organ-
The law of cycles operates in the case of ism, and by the assertion of the superiority
religions and nations no less imperatively of the constituent parts over the whole.
than in the case of trees, animals, planets As in Christianity a few centuries ago, so
and human beings. This law may for a time in Muhammadanism today, law, govern-
appear inoperative where the larger social ment, education and industry have thrown
bodies are concerned, but this is merely for off the control of the religious tradition and
the reason that Inan has yet attained no undergone separate development, each seek-
adequate sense of historical process, and also ing a fulfilment in terms of its own inde-
because even after a great social institution pendent need and without reference to the
has died spiritually it can still survive phys- general need of the community in its spir-
ically for a relatively long period. But when itual as well as material integrity. This
a religion ceases to be the motive and in- development is more complete in the West,
spiration of civilization, its date of death is but the history of Europe since the Refor-
recorded in the annals of destiny. And once mation has been paralleled in all essentials
this spiritual death has taken place, the reli- by the more recent experience of Turkey,
gion can never be artificially revived. Egypt and irln.
The "modern" world, striving to trans- The crucial point in this development is
form nationalism into world order, over- the transfer of social authority from a reli-
come the antagonism of economic classes gious organization, by which it has been
and reconcile peoples and creeds, is nothing fatally abused, to u secular organba~ionex-
else than a larger example of ancient Rome plicitly claiming to be unmoral. At the
striving to maintain order, justice and law stage of religious decay where this transfer
after its original impulse had ebbed and the of authority takes place, the secular gov-
creative power had passed from the inl- ernment cannot control the entire area
perial governlnent to the weak, despised and previously controlled by the religious influ-
minority body of Christians, reborn by the ence. The transfer is characterized by the
mystery of superhuman faith. Our social rise of several independent secular govern-
institutions are more powerful to destroy ments which divide the body of believers
than to create; no matter how conscienti- into separate, and potentially competitive
oualy administered, without transformation nations. Western nationality arose from the
they are vessels not built to outride this spiritual death of Christendom, and the na-
time of worldwide storm. tions of Isllm are similarly independent and
exclusive.
4. The next step in the process, which in
When the creative power of spirit is reality is disintegration and not "progress"
withdrawn from the community as a whole, except in a local and temporary degree, con-
and the parts of the community engage in sists in the reinforcement of the secular
mutual strkggle for predominance or sur- (unmoral) authority by such laws and in-
vival, the life cycle of that social order has struments as it deems necessary to protect
run its course. itself in the rapidly augmenting struggle for
174 THE B A H h 'i WORLD

national existmce. Religion is replaced by linrh fixed by our prior history. For prugrras
patriotism of an exclusive nature, and the is the law of the cycle, but transformation
social duty of man becomes defense of his is the sign that a cycle has run its term
national state. Militarism inevitably de- and a new age has dawned.
velops. Compulsory military duty, found I t is evolutionary progress when a form
necessary as economic rivalry follows the of life becomes larger, or fleeter by adapta-
original territorial competition of the states, tion to its environment. This type of
sets mankind upon the path of death. progress marks the biological world, where
I n the modern world this complete di- the natural environment is fundamentally
vorce between spiritual and material values, constant. Likewise, when the social environ-
enmeshing human life in a fatal net as eco- ment remains fundamentally constant, an
nomic and social existence come to depend institution progresses by growth in ways
upon struggle and competition rather than determined by its original character and aim.
upon unity and cooperation, establishes a Unlike nature, the social environment is
point of crisis imperilling the race. Anthor- subject to profound alteration. The devel-
ity, power and initiative throughout society opment of machine production was more
are identified with unmoral institutions than progress from a small tool to a larger
whose fiat controls a system of destruction tool; it brought about an entirely different
well-nigh universal in capacity. On the kind of society. Action and re-action in
other hand, the spiritual tradition of each an industrialized society are not simply en-
race has become sterile, for ecclesiasticism is largement of the action and re-action of
the negation of faith. an agricultural, hand-craft society-they
Such a jungle of competitive nationalism respond in quality to a different law. The
seems to reproduce, in terms of social organ- plane has been raised from physical effort to
ixations, the era of the re-historic monsters intelligence.
marking an early stage in the biological evo- As long as the simple law of progress
lution of the world of nature. Forms of applies to human society, the evil will be
life organized almost entirely for offense and multiplied along with the p o d , the destruc-
defense had little available energy for the tion will augment by the same ratio as the
kind of response required in a changing construction.
world. Evolution left them behind. Their The symbol of transformation in the
towering strength was their fatal weakness, natural world is the organism like the but-
and in their enormous aggressiveness they terfly, which at one stage is an egg, at the
had no capacity to survive. next stage is a caterpillar, becomes then a
In the same way, the present stage of chrysalis in its cocoon, thence emerging as
armed, competitive nationalism is essentially imago, the perfect insect with beautifully
transitory and fugitive. The more aggres- colored wings. Applying the law of simple
sive it becomes, the less its capacity to meet progress to this organism at any preliminary
social problems the only solution of which stage, we would have merely a larger egg,
is non-aggresion-cooperation. The states or a greater caterpillar or a larger and
have waxed powerful upon the poverty of stronger cocoon. Metamorphosis is the sci-
the people; their might is an illusion. They entific equivalent of that organic change
can dcstroy themselves by one final outburst which takes lace in human society at those
of general war; or a series of revolutions, critical stages marked by the cycles of
each perhaps small and almost unnoted, will religion.
evolve from them a type of government I t is by no means necessary to contem-
intelligent enough to deal with social rela- plate a simple extension into the future of
tionships and moral enough t o summon the the social agencies dominating this tran-
highest and not the lowest impulses of an sitional era. The progress of national gov-
evolving race. ernment into empire is strictly limited by
The key to future social evolution lies in inter-state competition, and the progress of
the capacity for transformation rather than religion into the condition of world empire
in mere progress and extension along the by any one creed is no less impossible.
RELIGION A N D WORLD ORDER 175

S. site foundation in revealed truth for the
wholeness of life was not spiritually estab-
The impermanence of the several civiliza-
lisbed.
tions now existing becomes clear when we Unlike a scientific formula, religious
give attention to the non-social character truth does not continue indefinitely and
of the religions from which they separately independent of the way it is applied. While
sprang. a chemical action can be employed for good
I n the saying, "Give unto Caesar" we are or evil ends with equal efficiency, a spiritual
compelled to note that the Founder of truth, to possess validity, must include the
Christianity l i i t e d His spiritual teaching vital element represented by the believer's
to persons, t o individuals, and refrained quality of response. When the quality of
from extending that teaching to establish a response has fallen below the level of the aim
principle for society. The character and implied in the truth, the truth becomes void
scope of the Christian teaching, at its source, of influence. The living impulse sent forth
clearly contemplated an era during which from its Source has been expended; what
individuals were to cultivate a spiritual life, remains is a form of words, a lifeless symbol,
purifying their inner motives and assinning a ceremony possessing psychic but not spir-
responsibility for their deeds, in contrast to itual effect.
and complete disregard of their social insti- Civilization is the outworking of spiritual
tutions. They were to seek a Kingdom in faith. That faith inspires fresh courage,
the realm of the awakened and conscious removes the harriers of personality and
soul, but the world was Caesar's and the groups, stimulates the mind to solve neces-
successors of Caesar. sary problems from the point of view of
Moreover, that doctrine, at its source, the society as a whole, establishes a founda-
does not fail to include a social principle tion of humall reality raised above the
alone: it is in essence a doctrine of the bestial struggle for existence, and enables
"heart" and makes no provision for the life nlanliind to take one more forward step in
of the mind. I t justifies no particular social its progress upon the eternal path.
form, creates a basis for no particular type There is, however, no historical perma-
of social institution, and in nowise explains nence for any civilization equivalent to the
those aspects of life and the universe which universality of revelation upon the plane of
constitute the ends of psychology and phi- soul. Until mankind is united within one
losophy. I t renewed man's inner life, it true faith and within one order of justice
revealed more fully than ever before the and knowledge, the need of the renewal and
nature of God and the spiritual capacity of enlargement of spiritual truth is manifest
human beings; it released a quality of per- to all.
sonal relationships on the hinh - plane
- re- 6.
quired to maintain the new vision of the
sanctity of life; but Christianity, at its The external surface of human life, as
source and in its reality, supports no polit- recorded by sympathetic observers in every
ical principle, sustains no economic theory, country, has become marked by appalling
outlines no cosmogony, throws no light personal misery. Its innumerable details con-
upon man's relation to the physical universe, stitute a catalog which oppresses the heart
and sanctions no conception of the function like a Book of Doom. By war, by influenza,
of mind. by poverty and by revolution a vast nulnber
These organic limitatio~~s, imposed not by of people have been reduced to a narrow
absence of power at the Source hut by lack margin of existence we thought had been
of capacity in the environment and age, left behind with the memories of the stone
mark a cycle whose term was set at its be- age before history began.
ginning. It signalizes one necessary stage But this external surface does not reflect
in the evolution of religion, or rather in the the entire content of modern life. The
upward march of conscious human life, but observer who concentrates all his attention
finality is entirely absent, because the requi- upon the evidences of misfortune and suf-
176 THE B A H A 'i W O R L D
fering must be balanced by those who look to the test of life. Socialism, communism,
with equal clarity beneath physical evidence capitalism fundamentalist or reformed-all
t o the inner surface and the foundations these systems alike-are unmistakably in-
upon which human life is established. The capable of reconciling and blending the
world of the mind is rich with infinite possi- worlds of body and mind, the truths of
bilities, in tragic contrast t o the poverty of science and society. The more that arbi-
the world of the body. trary power is applied t o compel their ac-
From the world of truth, as from an ceptance as programs, the more explosive
inexhaustible mine, we have derived truly becomes the reaction of the human nature
miraculous reinforcement for the feeble coerced in the name of efficiency and truth.
body in its eternal struggle agalnst the Ours is not the first civilization t o be
environment of nature. No longer need brought t o an end by mental capacity de-
human aspiration and will he limited in void of spiritual truth.
fulfillment by the inadequate tool of hand The unescapahle historic fact is that the
and arm, directed by the inaccurate and mediator between universe and humanity,
incomplete guidance of the five physical the link between the world of truth and the
senses. Mechanisms ns sensitive as thought world of social cxpcrience, has never been
itself, as powerful as human ambition re- the speculative mind but the Prophet. The
quires, stand as servants ready t o carry out mind discovers only that which it seeks; its
any material command. However far imag- voyages of exploration bring back only that
ination may fly ahead, it can reach no reality which can be confined in the small
ultimate limit beyond which the creative cage of material reason. The universe is
thought of the race dare not go. not such captive truth, such mastered
But these two worlds, the world of body lmowledge. The universe is the Will above
and the world of mind, though man lives and beyond man's physical will; that Will
native in both, appear t o co-exist inde- by which man must become and not merely
pendently, in a relationship which is a sep- possess, by which man must serve and not
aration no less than it is a contact. The merely enslave t o himself. The life and
scientist's achievement in the form of truth words of a Moses, a Jesus, a Muhammad,
has no human equivalent in the form of by the spirit inspiring them are truth.
social security. The inventor's technic has Within that truth, since it contains man
complicated existence but multiplied pov- and is not merely man's exploitation of what
erty. The world of truth is the modern he contains, the life of the race is secure
Tantalus cup, offering what life cannot re- and progressive. Outside that truth, human
ceive, even while it is likened t o the slave existence moves ever toward destruction;
of the lamp, fulfilling every command. for the Prophet is truth in that form in
Social systems and programs devised dur- which it applies t o the life of mankind.
ing the last hundred years have one and all By each Prophet is established a new civil-
been efforts t o confirm the contact and ization, because each Prophet establishes a
overcome the separation between the world spirtual world for the soul not less real than
of truth and the world of human experience. the nature which is the world of the body.
They have sought to mediate between the The modern age, in all its social relation-
possibility of mind and the actuality of ships, lies outside the spiritual world. Hence
social need. What thought has accom- its agony, its frustration and men-
plished in efficiency of mechanism it has tal, the degradation of an unrepentant Prod-
endeavored t o duplicate in efficiency of igal Son.
human relations. But every system and
7.
program combining the possibility of scien-
tific truth with the social ingredient of Never has there been such a time of sin-
human nature has produced not order hut cere, whole-hearted searching for a founda-
an increase of conflict. What appears per- tion grounded not upon secondary, tem-
fectly fused in the crucible of abstract porary historical events and developments
speculation reasserts its duality when put but upon the nature of the universe itself.
RELIGION A N D WORLD ORDER 577

This age, in its spirit, feels nearer t o thc than upon human will must be testecl by
ancient Prophets than has any generation conformity to the conditions its own Prophet
since the first generation of believers laid laid down. When the churches voluntarily
down their lives that the divine Cause might disband, and people of all denominations
prevail. N o t in Christendom alone, but in and sects seek the Prophet upon absolutely
the other existing civilizations, the appeal equal terms, then, and then alone, will this
t o the pure manifestation of love and wis- psychological crusade reach the Holy Land.
dom, the racial Prophet, has become for As long as certain individual believers alone
many the last refuge o i hope that human fulfil this test, the movement will not affect
life call endure, can be meaningful and the vital problems of civilization but remain
blessed up011 this troubled earth. in the limited realm of personal experience.
Between themselves and that radiant I t may produce a beautiful literature; it will
Source of hope they feel the long centuries not carry civilization outside its captivity
of strife and ignorance fading t o the un- to the lords of war.
reality of a frantic dream. Let mankind, There is also, it n~ould appear, another
they cry from the depths of their souls, let essential condition t o be met in this poig-
mankind malw a new beginning; let life rest nant appeal from the world to God: the
upon the sure foundation of the Divine will; recognition that other races likewise had
let us become transfo~med, renewed with a their Prophets, their revelations of the Di-
new spirit, and ill that spirit proceed to vine will. For without such recognition, the
transforin all things which are in denial of crusade goes hostile and armed, a cl~al-
or in conflict with that eternal will. The lenge t o battle and not a conquest of uni-
nations hurry t o destruction, they lament, versal peace. These two conditions-at root
when vision perishes. From this undyiilg one condition seen in two different aspects-
flame let our hearts and minds he kindled may fairly be said to be so difficult of real-
with the fire of love. ization as t o be highly improbable, if not
As the crisis persists, this call, feeble at impossible, a t least without one single prece-
first, becomes louder and more assured. First dent in human history. Rivers flow down-
a personal attitude, then a social movement, hill; and the water once descended from its
gathering force and momentum, the going spring does not return.
back t o the Prophet now represents a
mighty psychological crusade paralleling the 8.
physical crusades of medieval times. A contemporary historian remarlis that
T o what degree can this movemellt be the old world has died, but a new world
fulfilled? has not yet been born. This view is no
The Prophet himself made a iulldamental doubt the expression of an attitude which
condition, that those who sought t o follow has come t o prevail among lnany thoughtful
him sl~ould abandon their goods, their people over a wide social area. I t perceives
wealth, and walk in his path. This was said that the foundation of the civilization exist-
to a rich man's son, but does it not apply ing prior to the European War cannot be
likewise t o those who have inherited goods rebuilt; i t realizes to the' full the present
and wealth in the realm of mind? Does it instability of conditions and the lack of
not mean that those who seek t o return agreement among aims and programs; i t
today must abandon their acquired culture, frankly admits that the future, both in
their traditional philosophy, their ecclesi- general trend and in outline, is concealed
astical institutions, their rites and cere- from the rational mind. Its clarity of analysis
monies, their pomp of church and churchly of the past is matched by its incapacity for
power? Either it means this, or it means synthesis directed toward the future.
nothing a t all, for the Prophet was not What emerges from co~lsiderationof this
slain by the materially rich of his day, he frank and sincere assertiou is awareness of
was slain by order of the established church. the ar~ificiallimitation assumed by the ra-
For Christendom, surely, the sincerity of tional intelligence in dealing with the proc-
all effort t o establish life upon Divine rather ess of human history. By the phrase "old
'f WORLD
world" and "new world" it means civiliza- the present age. We have had races but not
tion as formal institutions and established mankind, cultures but not spiritual knowl-
habits, and thereby overlooks the significant edge, nations but not civilization, and reli-
fact that civilization is an effect and not gions but not a brotherhood embracing the
primarily a cause. earth. We therefore approach the vital
For civilization, long before it emerges in problem of world peace without experience
formal institutions, exists as an aspiration of what world peace really is. World order
of the heart, as an ideal to be pursued and -the goal of human evolution-can not
fulfilled by every faculty of mind and soul. rightly be conceived as a mere truce or
I t is only when human aspiration and ideal, treaty between groups or institutions each
shared by a considerable group or com- born of past strife and discord, each cher-
munity, has gathered force and thrust ishing a secret or avowed superiority and
through to the plane of social action, that each committed to an ideal of sovereignty
civilization actually begins. Without this incompatible with the needs of permanent
preliminary period of spiritual action, no peace. Nor can world order be effectively
civilization has ever become manifest. That upheld on terms of "non-cooperation" with
period is to the later formal institutions and existing agencies responsible for the little
habits and doctrines as the root to the visible public order which now remains. Peace does
tree. Though the entire tree is potentially not consist in abhorrence of war but in
present in the seed, the great trunk and the maintaining a steadfast conviction that the
widespread branches are contingent upon a end of faith is human unity and the fulfil-
period of prior and invisible growth within ment of intelligence is a new social form,
the soil. worldwide in scope and superior to the local
T o complete the thoughtful statement forms which can no longer protect mankind
uttered by the historian, it is necessary to and serve its highest interests.
seek for the future "world" not in different I n addition to a political world order, the
programs and expedients adopted by the attainment of universal peace involves:
institutions of the dead "world" but in evi- 1. The harmony and cooperation of races.
dences of a spiritual life intense enough, 2. The unity of religions in a world
universal enough, to establish within hu- faith.
manity that inner power required to raise 3. An economic world order in which
the trunk and spread forth the branches of capital and labor are conjoined in a rela-
a tree whose fruit shall be universal peace. tionship of partners and not competitors.
World order, it is clear, represents a goal 4. Compulsory education throughout the
which includes the reconciliation of two world, and an education grounded in uni-
values or ideals: the spiritual value of human versal ethics and adapted so as to prepare
brotherhood, and the social value of a every child for a useful trade, art or pro-
united, an organic civilization. fession.
Without a firm and enduring basis in Y. A universal secondary language.
moral unity, the institutions of society, no Compared t o these organic aims, the peace
matter how far extended, cannot alone pro- etforts aimed at occasional details such as
duce peace but will remain as centers of reduction of armaments or the signing of
disunity and strife. On the other hand, new treaties arc insignificant. The charac-
those instinctive anarchists who path a ter of this age is wholly new. I t is charged
"brotherhood" conceived as absence of gov- with a spirit of transformation superficially
ernmental institutions are na'ive and imma- violent but in reality constructive. The
ture. Society without institutions would be whole problem of world order consists in
a body without vital organs capable of ex- attaining an attitude of reverence and hu-
pressing its various capacities and maintain- mility to that creative spirit.
ing its existence. The principles briefly stated here were
These two values-humanity and civiliza- promulgated more than twenty years ago by
tion-have never been reconciled and united 'Ahdu'l-Bahb, in whom the spirit of the age
within the brief historic period known to found its most faithful interpreter and its
,,;ascad ieaa3 -e~!dsu! 30 au!od 1e.riuaa e spaau ppom aqL
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xof uo!lepunof a Llddns 01 'mamala au!A!p 'dlpniem fo p o p d s q uodn Bupaiua SF lily
e 'daois!q f o sJomeI3 aqi anoqe pas!ea uo!~ -ueurnq wyl pa~epapaH .aeldmaxa isalqou
QUEEN MARIE OF KUMANIA
BY MARTHAL. ROOT
"Hozo great the blessedness that that same year show how deep was her con-
nwaits the king who will arise t o aid firmation. Here is one written to her loved
My Cause in My Kingdom, who will friend Loie Fuller, an American then resid-
detach hinsself frons all else but Me! ing in Paris, which after these ten years can
Such a king is nnmbeved with the com- be published for the first time:
)anions of the Crimson Auk-the Ark "Lately great hope has come t o me from
which God has prepared for the )cojle one, 'Abdu'l-Bahi, a personal follower of
of Bahd. All must glorify his name, Christ. Reading, I have found in His and
must reve7,ence his station, and aid him His Father Bahi'u'llih's Message of Faith
t o unlock the cities with the keys of all my yearnings for real religion satisfied.
My Name, the omn,ipotent Protector of If you ever hear of Bahi'is or of the Bahb'i
all that inhabit the visible and invisible Movement which is linown in America you
kingdoms. Such a king is the very eye will know what that is! What I mean,
of mankind, the luminous ornament on these books have strengthened me beyond
the brozu of creation, the fonntain--head belief and I am now ready t o die any day
of blessings unto the zuhole world. full of hope; but I pray God not to take
Offer u), 0 people of Bahd, your ssb- me away yet, for I still have a lot of work
stance, nay, yoz~v very lives, for his to do."
assista~zcc." Other letters record that first of all she
was teaching her young daughter Ileana
%XI2 first Queen of the world t o study about these beautiful truths. For ten years
and t o promote Bahi'u'l16h's great Teach- Her Majesty and her daughter, H.R.H.
ings has been IHer Majesty Queen Marie of Princess Ileana (now Archduchess Anton),
Rumania, one of the queens of this twen- have read with interest each new book about
tieth century who stands highest in intel- the Bahi'i Movement as soon as i t came
lect, in vision, in clear understanding of the from the press.
new universal epoch now opening. Her As we know she wrote three marvelous
Majesty received the book "Bahb'n'11611 and articles about these Bahb'i peace Teachings
the New Era" by Dr. J. E. Essle~uont and in 1926, and as they were syndicated each
a note from the writer of this article who article appeared in nearly two hundred
first visited Bucharest, Rumania, in January, newspapers in the United States and Canada.
1926. The Rumanian Queen, grand-daugh- Many millions of people were thrilled t o
ter of the renowned Queen Victoria of the read that a Queen had arisen t o promote
British Empire and of Czar Alexander I1 Bahi'u'llhh's plan for universal peace.
of Russia, both of whom received Tablets Quickly these articles were translated and
from Bahi'u'llhh in their day, read this vol- published in Europe, China, Japan, Aus-
ume until three o'clock in the morning and tralasia and in the Islands of the seas.
two days later, on January 30, 1926, re- Received in audience by Her Majesty in
ceived me in audience in Controceni Palace, Pelisor Palace, Sinaia, in 1927, after the
in Bucharest. Her first words after the passing of His Majesty King Ferdinand, her
greeting were, "I believe these Teachings are husband, she graciously gave me an inter-
the solution for the world's problems to- view, speaking of the Bahi'i Teachings
day!" The account of that historic morning about immortality. She had on her table
appeared in "The Bah6'i Magazine" in and on the divan a number of Bah6'i books,
Washington, in June, 1926, but very illu- for she had just been reading in each of
minating letters written by IIer Majesty them the Teachings about Life after death.
- She asked the writer t o give her greeting
lGleaningi fvom the W ~ i f i n ~ of
r B~hd'rr'ildh,
p. 212. t o Shoghi Effendi, t o the friends in fr6n
RELIGION A N D WORLD ORDER 181

and to the many American Bahi'is who she mighty spirit; a most unusual Queen is she,
said had been so remarkably kind to her a consummate artist, a lover of beauty and
during her trip through the United States wherever she is there is glory. Perhaps too,
the year before. Also, she graciously gave a Queen is a symbol, people like to have
the writer an appreciation of these Bahl'i their Queen beautiful and certainly Queen
Teachings in her own hand-writing, for Marie of Rumania is one of the most lovely
Volume IV. of the "Bahi'i World." in this world today. Her clothes, designed
Meeting the Queen again on January 19, by herself, are always a "tout ensemble"
1928, in the Royal Palace in Belgrade, where creation so harmonious in colors they seem
she and H.R.H. Princess Ileaua were guests t o dress her soul. She received me in her
of the Queen of Jugoslavia-and they had private library where a cheerful fire glowed
brought some of their Bahi'i hooks with in the quaint, built-in fireplace; tea was
them-the words I shall remember longest served on a low table, the gold service set
of all that Her dear Majesty said were these: being wrought in flowers. There were flow-
"The ultimate dream which we shall realize ers everywhere, aud when she invited me
is that the Bah6'i channel of thought has into her bedroom where she went to get the
such strength, i t will serve little by little photograph which I like so much, as I saw
t o become a light t o all those searching for the noble, majestic proportions of this great
the real expression of Truth." chamber with its arched ceiling in Gothic
Another happy audience was in Her design, I exclaimed in joy, "Your room is
Majesty's lovely summer palace "Tehna- truly a temple, a Ma&riqa'l-A&lcir!"
Yuva," at Balcit, on the Black Sea, in Oc- There were low mounds of hyacinths, flow-
tober, 1929. Again in the home of Arch- ers which Bahi'u'llih loved and mentioned
duchess Anton at Madling near Vienna she often in His Writings; there was a bowl of
and her mother received me on August 8, yellow tulips upon a silken tapestry in yel-
1932, and in February, 1933, and Her Maj- low gold, a tall deep urn of fragrant white
esty made this great statement which was lilacs, and an immense bowl of red roses.
used as the frontispiece t o "Bahi'i World," Controceni Palace is the most beautiful pal-
Volume IV.: "The Bahl'i Teaching brings ace I have seen in any country in the
peace and understanding. It is like a wide blending of its colors and in its artistic
embrace gathering together all those who arrangements.
have long searched for words of hope. I t Her Majesty is a writer as well as an
accepts all great prophets gone before, it artist, and Her Memoirs entitled "The Story
destroys no other creeds and leaves all doors of My Life" were just then being published
open. Saddened by the continual strife in "The Saturday Evening Post." She told
amongst believers of many confessions and me she writes two hours every morning
wearied of their intolerance towards each unless her time is invaded by queenly duties,
other, I discovered in the Bahl'i Teaching charity duties, family duties. She was
the real spirit of Christ so often denied and pleased with the sincere letters that were
misunderstood. Unity instead of strife, pouring in from all continents giving ap-
Hope instead of condemnation, Love instead preciations of her story. She told me the
of hate, and a great reassurance for all American people are so open-hearted and
men." that from the United States children, pro-
Then in the audience in Controceni Palace fessors, farmers' wives and the smart people
on February 16, 1934, when Her Majesty had written t o her, the tone in all their
was told that the Rumanian translation of letters revealing Her Majesty's entire sin-
"Bahi'u'llih and the New Era" had just cerity and the deep humanity of her char-
been published in Bucharest, she said she acter. One reacher wrote H e r - ~ a j e s t ythat
was so happy that her people were t o have in her childhood each one lived through his
the blessing of reading this precious Teach- own childhood: another said, "All who read
ing. your story have their own lives stirrcd!"
H o w beautiful she looked that afternoon The Queen remarked, "And this is a very
-as always-for her loving eyes mirror her satisfactory criticism for an author."
182 T H E B A H A 'f WORLD

A most pleasing letter had just arrived 'u'llih had sent to her Grandmother Queen
from Japan from a girl there who thanked Victoria in London. She asked the writer
God Who had allowed her to live in a period about the progress of the Bahi'i Movement
in which such a wonderful book had been especially in the Balkan countries.
written! "This," said the Queen, "is one of "Since we met two years ago," said Her
the nicest appreciations I have ever heard." Majesty, "so many sad events have hap-
Then the conversation turned again to the pened! I loolx on with a great deal of sorrow
Bahi'i Teachings and she gave a greeting a t the way the different peoples seem t o mis-
to be sent t o Shoghi Effendi in Haifa. Later understand one another; especially now that
she mentioned an incident in Hamburg I have become vely lonely in my home, I
when she was en route t o Iceland in the have all the more time to think over these
summer of 1933. As she passed through the problems, and I'm sometimes very sad that
street, a charming girl tossed a little note to 1 can do so little. However, I know that
her into the motor car. It was: "I am so the right spirit and the right thoughts go
happy t o see you in Hamburg, because you a long way towards that unity of hearts
are a Bahi'i." Her Majesty remarlxed that which I haven't given up the hope to see
they recognized a Bahi'i and this shows a before I pass on."
spirit of unity in the Bahi'i Movement. She spoke, too, of several Bahl'i books,
Her Majesty said to me, "In my heart I the depths of "iqin" and especially of
am entirely Bahi'i," and she sent me this "Gleanings from the Writings of Bahi-
wonderful appreciation: "The Bahi'i Teach- 'u'llbh" which she said was a wonderful
ing brings peace t o the soul and hope t o book! T o quote her own words: "Even
the heart. T o those in search of assurance doubters would find a powerful strength in
the Words of the Father are as a fountain it, if they would read it alone and would
in the desert after long wandering." give their souls time to expand."
And now today, February 4, 1936, I have Her Majesty kindly promised to write
just had another audience with Her Majesty for "Bahi'i World:' Volume, VI, a special
in Controceni Palace, in Bucharest. As I appreciation and to send i t after four days.
was starting t o walk up the wide ivory I asked her if I could perhaps speak of
toned stairs carpeted with blue frdnian rugs the broach which historically is precious t o
t o the third floor suites, at that very mo- Bahi'is, and she replied, "Yes, you may."
ment over a radio came the rich strains of Once, and it was in 1928, Her dear Majesty
the Wedding March from "Lohengrin." had given the writer a gift, a lovely and
played by an orchestra. I t seemed a symbol: rare brooch which had been a gift to the
the union of spiritual forces of the East and Queen from Her Royal Relatives in Russia
Europe! Again Queen Marie of Rumania some years ago. I t was two little wings of
received me cordially in her softly lighted wrought gold and silver, set with tiny dia-
library, for the hour was six o'clock. She mond chips and joined together with one
was gowned in black velvet and wore her large pearl. "Always you are giving gifts
great strands of marvelous pearls. The fire t o others, and I am going to give you a
in the grate beamed a welcome with its gift from me," said the Queen smiling, and
yellow-glowing fragrant pine boughs and she herself clasped i t onto my dress. The
large bowls of yellow tulips adorned the wings and the pearl made it seem "Light-
apartment. bearing," Bahh'i! I t was sent the same week
What a memorable visit it was! She told to Chicago as a gift t o the Bahi'i Temple,
me she has a friend in 'Alslii, Palestine, the Ma&riqu'l-A&kir, and at the National
who knows Shoghi Effendi and this friend Bahi'i Convention which was in session that
recently has sent her pictures of 'Akk6 and spring, a demur was made--should a gift
Haifa; the two were playfellows when they from the Queen he sold? Should it not be
were children and met in Malta. She also kept as a souvenir of the first Queen who
told me that when she was in London she arose t o promote the Faith of Bahi'u'll&h?
had met a Bahi'i, Lady Blomfield, who had -However, it was sold immediately and the
shown her the original Message that Bah6- money given to the Temple, for all Baha'is
RELIGION AND WORLD ORDER 583

wcrc giving to the utmost to forward this Inadequate as is d ~ one
~ yd r ~ i ~LO
l r porLrdy
mighty structure, the first of its bind in Her Majesty Queen Marie of Rumania's
the United States. Mr. Willard Hatch, a splendid spiritual attitude, still these few
Ba116.i of LOS Augeks, California, who glimpses do show that she stands strong for
bought the exquisite brooch, took it to the highest Truth, and as an historical rec-
Haifa, Palestine, in 193 1 and placed it in ord they will present a little of what the
the archives on Mt. Carmel where down the first Queen did for the Faith of Bahl-
ages it will rest with the Bahl'i treasures. 'u3l1&h.
THE EPIC OF H U M A N I T Y
From "The Promise of All Ages"
BY CHRISTOPHIL
B A H A ' W ~ A Hrevealed a sublime vision This scheme is carried out by the power
of human history as an epic written by the of God's will and it has its origin in his
finger of God and proceeding along an desire for the well-being of his creatures.
ordered course to a climax, the nature of Its aim is the training of the peoples of the
which was exactly defined before the story world to live and to work together in har-
opened and the appearance of which at the mony, and to establish by God's articular
date ordained by the Author no human mis- assistance a universal civilisation in which
understanding nor opposition could prevent all the human faculties shall find at last
or postpone. adequate and complete expression. The at-
He taught that human history through- tainment of this goal is in the Divine
out its entire length was an intelligible and Author's eyes the opening of the main
connected wholc, centring round a single movement of human history. All previous
theme and developing a common purpose. 2nd earlier events are in the nature of an
From the beginning of the cycle to the introduction. They are steps up a long
present day and beyond the present to the ascent, causes of a desired result. However
cycle's distant end, one master-scheme is by important they be, their meaning liec not
set degrees disclosed. The stage upon which wholly in themselves, but in the fact that
the action moves forward is the entire globe, they look and lead forward to a transcen-
with all its colitinents and all its seas; and dent issue save for which they themselves
there is no race nor nation nor tribe nor would never have been called into existence.
even individual who has not a designated Secular schools of thought cannot be said
place in the unfolding of the Grand Design to have applied nor adopted any such broad
of God. conception of the integral unity of all
This doctrine of the unity of world-his- human history. In past times, truths so
tory held in the revelation of Bah6'u'll~h a large did not find easy entrance into the
position of cardinal importance. He was far minds of men. So long as accurate Imowl-
from being the first among the Messengers edge of distant peoples was as hard to gain
of God to reveal it. Those "prophets which as accurate knowledge of past events, such
have been since the beginning of the world" doctrines would remain for scholars disem-
and lesser seers as well as they have given bodied and unsubstantiated ideas. Today,
glimpses of it to mankind, or have referred histories of mankind on a comprehe~~sive
to it in symbol and in parable. I t is indeed scale have become numerous; yet those of
involved in all the historic faiths of the them which present the complete story as
human race, and there is no world-religion having an organic plot like a well-con-
extant which can be fully understood with- structed epic, are probably few indeed.
out a k~lowledgeof its truth. But Bahi- I n the sphere of religion, however, the
'u'116h was the first to lay on it so great an case is different. The idea that the course
emphasis and to expound it at large and in of human events is directed by a stronger
plain terms. On it depends the significance will and a clearer eye than man's to a pre-
of his own advent and the timeliness of his determined end is found in more revelations
humanitarian reforms; and on it turns his than one. I t is said to have been mentioned
teaching as to the aims ~ n dmethods of by thc founders of all the world-religions.
Providence in its dealings with mankind. Though it has not been in any past age of
Y86 THE BAHli'f WORLD

such critical in~erestas it is today and bas "It sl~allcumr to pass in the laat days t h a ~
not before been treated so fully as now by the Mountain of the Lord's House shall be
BaL6'u'llih, yet it has never been kept established in the top of the mountains ...
wholly concealed from man. There are ref- and all nations shall flow t o it. They shall
erences to it in scripture or tradition which beat their swords into ploughshares and their
are clear enough to show that this truth is spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not
part of the common religious knowledge of lift up sword against nation, neither shall
mankind while slight enough to prove that they learn war any more" (I. 2, 4).
it did not hold in any High Prophet's teach-
ing the same importance as in that of Bah6- Or Zechariah:
'u'116h.
The general fact that God ordains human
"The Day of the Lord cometh. ...And
the Lord shall be king over all the earth; in
events long ages before they take shape on
that day shall there be one Lord and His
this earth (somewhat as a dramatist will
name one" (Zech. xiv. 1, 9 ) .
complete his play Lefore it is embodied in
action on the stage), was alluded to by Jesus
Or again Joel:
when He said of the righteous in the Last
Day, "Enter into the joy prepared for you "The Day of the Lord cometh . . . there
by the Father before the beginning of the hath not been ever the like, neither shall
world"; and again on many occasions by there be any more after it even to the years
the Apostle Paul, as, "He chose us in him of many generations. .. . Ye shall eat in
before the foundation of the world" (Eph. plenty and be satisfied and praise the name
i. 4 ) , and by Peter who speaks in a similar of the Lord that hat11 dealt wondrously with
connection of "the foreknowledge of God you .. . ! I will pour out my spirit and
the Father" (I Peter i. 2 ) . your sons and your daughters shall prophesy
Muhammad bore the same witness when . . . your old men shall dream dreams ...
he revealed that the first thing which God your young men shall see visions. And also
created was a pen and that he said to it, upon the servants and the handmaids in
"Write." I t said to hi, "What shall I those days will I pour out my spirit. And
write?" and God said, "Write down the I will show wonders in the heaven and on
quantity of every separate thing to be the earth. The sun shall be turned into
created." And it wrote all that was and all darkness and the moon into blood before the
that will bc to ctcrnity. great and the terrible Day of the Lord come.
More specifically, Zarathustra taught the And whosoever shall call on the name of the
gradual perfecting of mankind under divine Lord shall be saved" (Joel ch. 2 ) .
law and the God-guided progress of history
towards a distant but certain culmination. Confucius, more than five centuries be-
At some unknown date the Hebrew alle- fore Christ, outlined in his book, Spring and
gory of the creation of the world in seven Autumn, the ordained Plan of History in
days made a cryptic allusion to the proces- brief but plain terms.
sion of world-religions and to the final con- He divided history into three stages. In
summation of God's full purpose in the the first, which he called the Stage of Dis-
Seventh Day, the day o i maturity, comple- order, the social nlind was very crude; there
tion and rest. The seers of the Hebrew was a sharp distinction between one's own
people, lifted by inspiration into the eternal country and other countries, and hence
realm, would descry some sign or feature of attention was paid more to conditions at
the far-off Day of God, the foreordained home than abroad. I n the second stage, the
climacteric of world-history, and in a mood Advancement of Peace, there was a distinc-
of exaltation would give utterance to their tion between civilized countries on the one
predictive vision without fully comprehend- side and those uncivilized on the other; the
ing what they saw or measuring the interval range of civilization extended and friend-
which separated them from its fulfilment. ship between nations became closer. The
Isaiah cries: smaller people could make their voices
T H E E P I C OF H U M A N I T Y 187

heard. In the third and final stage, the order of existence and fit themselves to
Supreme Peace, there was no distinction at these higher conditions.
all among the nations of the world. All The nature of those charges which in the
became civilized and met upon the level. Day of God are to be laid upon mankind
Righteousness prevailed and the world was can be gathered from a sympathetic reading
unified. of the prophets of Israel. Those seers wrote
Jesus spoke much of the Last Day (the -as a great poet might write-with their
Kingdom of God as He usually called it) minds turned towards God and their hearts
and of its near approach. "The Kingdom lighted and warmed by ardent faith. They
of Heaven is at hand." He did not stress, could not control the vision that was vouch-
as Confucius had done, the historical aspect safed them: they could not complete it
of the coming climacteric, but taking up the nor set it in its own environment and per-
warnings of the Hebrew prophets He spoke spective, nor plumb its meanings nor yet
of the unexpectedness of its advent and of count the years which should elapse before
the terrible jeopardy into which it would it descended from the realm in which they
bring mankind. Even in an age so late in say it to the realm of actuality. When the
history as His, a full account of the devel- prophets are read in this spirit as Jesus and
opment and destiny of the race would have the evangelists read them, there rises into
been premature. He kept the fullness of view a clear and boldly sketched outline of
this truth among those things which He had those world-developments which from the
to say to His disciples, but which at that creation have been laid up to await the
stage they could not yet bear. present hour.
But now a new occasion has arisen. New The picture is one which has puzzled,
opportunities, new problems, new perils, fascinated and awed the Christian mind.
confront mankind; and with these new con- The impression made by the vision upon the
ditions has come the need of a new knowl- seer-prophets was profound. They write or
edge. He who, before the human race chant in a strain of exaltation which finds
began, fixed the date at which that yet its answer across the years in the rapturous
untreated race would reach the apex of its faith of the Apocalypse and the controlled
course and attain the maturity of its but not less deep emotion of the Christ
powers, has now declared that the Date has telling of his second Advent. The strange
come. He who, in dim and distant ages scenes and deeds and wonders that appear
long past, solemnly ratified with His people in the picture are hardly more startling than
a Covenant and made to them a faithful the violent contrast of the colors in which
promise that He would bring them all to they are painted. Here Hell seems to reach
His Kingdom in His own good time, has out t o the gates of Paradise; delusion and
now in this epoch kept His ancient promise enlightenment, despair and victory, the un-
and fulfilled the Covenant in its com- lighted Pit and the sunshine of God's own
pleteness. presence seem all to have a place here, and
This present time is God's Good time. through some purgation of Phlegethonian
This present time is the Era of which since misery man hardly comes alive to inherit the
the beginning of the world prophets have promise of all ages.
chanted and seers have sung. Suddenly- The Event which the Hebrew prophets
unexpectedly-unawares-without observa- foresaw was not t o be an isolated occur-
tion (exactly as Jesus said) the fullness of rence; it was one of a series of events; it
the Glory of God has irradiated the globe was the Last Day of many days. But it so
from the east to the farthest west. The transcended all before it as to be outstanding
Day of the Lord has dawned. Keeping his and paramount. Its splendour outshone all
pledge, God has thrown open to men a new previous splendours, and its blessings were
domain of life and activity, has conferred so far above all previous experience and
on them new powers, laid on them new re- precedent that men would live in a new
sponsibilities; and he demands that they world and would not even remember the
enter as quickly as may he into this new former things that had passed so utterly
188 THE B A H A ' ~ WORLD
away. So full will be the Revelation vouch- a precision not used before, the brotherhood
safed by God in the Last Day, so glorious of mankind and the unity of their develop-
the effulgence of this supreme Theophany ment from the infancy of the race to the
that darkness and error will not be able to present time.
withstand the impact of its might. They History, he taught, is in its,length and
will flee and perish. The radiance will breadth one and single. I t is one in its
sweep across the entire globe from the east structure. I t is one in its movement. From
to the west. I t will settle and abide in the beginning of time the whole human
every land. Mankind will become one, and race has been subject to one law of de-
will be organised round a single central velopment; and it has advanced age after
authority which it will recognise as divinely age in accordance with one and the same
appointed. One law will run throughout principle and by the application of one and
the whole earth. National distinctions will the same method. Its whole movement has
not be obliterated; the various nations will one source and one cause, and is directed
meet upon a common level but will retain towards one goal. The unification of the
their separate identity. All peoples and races world, instead of being an afterthought, or
will share a common relation to one another. of needing an improvised miracle for its
A Universal religion will unite rhe hearts of completion, is the normal conclusion of a
all. Mankind will form a single congrega- process that has been going on since the
tion, their God being recognised everywhere race began. Each of the world-religions
as one and the same God endowed with the has its own set place within this vast econ-
same attributes and known by the same omy. Each is mediated through a Master
Name. The Glory of the Most High in its Prophet from God by one and the same
depth and in its height will be ~ o u r e dforth principle and bears witness to some phase of
over the earth; and spiritual gifts, once the one indivisible Truth. No religion bas been
privilege of a gifted few, will be possessed exhaustive or final. Every one admits of
by the many. War will be abandoned. development and invites it. If all were
The skill of those who made weapons of under God thus developed, each along the
destruction will be turned to beneficent line of its own implicit truth, they would
uses. All the world over, men will be able not move farther and farther apart, but on
to enjoy their homes and their prosperity in the contrary would approach one another
security and peace. till at last they merged and became one.
(See, for instance, Isaiah ii. 2-4; xv. 17- The ultimate ideal of them all, whiie not
21; Zech. ix. l o ; xiv. 9; viii, 20 ff.; Zeph. the same as any one of those from which it
iii. 9; Micah iv. 1-r, etc.) grew, will yet be consistent with the
Such is the prophets' picture of the world essence of each of them. I t is the universal
conditions of the Last Day; such-believe religion: the fruit and the perfection of all
the Bahi'i-are the changes which man in that preceded it. He who accepts it on its
this hour is called upon to make. appearance will not deny the ancient Faith
Prescient of the crisis and the difficulties of his forefathers; he will reassert it, and at
that lay ahead, Bah6'u'116h, half a century the same time will accept all the other re-
ago, with timely forethought, offered to vealed faiths of manlrind.
mankind the knowledge that would enable When all men know the certainty of their
them t o shoulder the new responsibility common history and their organic unity,
about to be imposed upon them. He not then, said Balii'u'llih, on that linowledge
only outlined a large plan of reform, but he will be built the temple of peace and the
explained, with an emphasis, a fullness, and fabric of future civilisation.
P m s 1 D E N - r DR. EDUARD BENEB of and its summary of the principles for peace.
Czechoslovakia, who in December, 1Y3 j, I followed it during the war and after the
succeeded President T. G. Masaryk, incor- war. The Bahi'i Teachimg is one of the
porates the spirit of the young Republic in spiritual forces now absolutely necessary to
its concentration on liberty, democracy and put the spirit first in this battle against
culture in the new world order. I had the material forces."
honor and the privilege to have an audience He has studied carefully a number of the
with him at Hradc'any Castle in Prague, on Works of Bahi'u'llih and 'Abdu'l-Bahi.
April 22, 1936. Passing through those great He said concerning peace: "Peace is in
reception halls in that centuries-old famous danger today because the spirit is lacking;
castle where kings have held sway I ob- in these chaotic times since the Great War,
served everything minutely, but when I the fight is terrifically keen between the spir-
came into the presence of this young Presi- itual and the material forces. Many people
dent in his audience room, I saw only him. are convinced that the material forces are
He is the living embodiment of a man with dominating and will dominate, but I have
a mission, and that mission is peace. He always believed that the spirit will finally
may be building greater than he Imows! win. I t is always so. Jesus said, 'Fear not
Certainly it was thrilling, when one remem- those who can kill the body but those who
bers how Bahi'u'llih more than fifty years can kill both the soul and the body.'
ago urged the rulers of the world to study "The Bahh'i Teaching," the President
His spiritual plan for the good of the world again affirmed, "is one of the great instru-
and the happiness of the nations, to find ments for the final victory of the spirit and
today in Czechoslovalcia a second Ruler of of humanity." I t is a great impulse for-
this Republic who has the insight to see the ward when true rulers like President Beneg,
significance of the Bahi'i Peace Plan. President Masaryk and others begin to turn
Also of extreme significance to readers to the Bahi'i Teachings to safeguard the in-
is the historical fact that the Messages terests and promote the well-being of the
addressed by Bahi'u'llih from His prison in whole human race.
'Akkl to the kings and rulers of Europe- The President spoke next of his own
one of whom was the monarch whose realm country and its aims for peace. One felt
included this same Czechoslovakia-in 1869 that Czechoslovakia is solid and sound
and 1870, not only declared that Universal physically and morally. He said: "We
Peace was the first obligation of govern- have no upheavals in our country, we have
ments in this new age, but predicted the tranquillity, progress without any revoln-
overthrow of every government resisting tionary rights or lefts. We do not ask
this ideal-a prediction that has been lit- anything of anybody, we are not a provoca-
erally fulfilled. tion to any one, and we attack no one. We
"President BeneS, what do you think of entrust our affairs to the League of Nations
the Bahi'i peace Teaching?" I asked him in Geneva and to the World Court at the
that morning, and he replied: "As you Hague. Our conscience is clear, we do not
know, I have followed it with deep interest fear international judgment. If we are
ever since my trip to London to the First right, it is well; if we are wrong, we shall
Races Congress in July, 1911, when I heard make the corrections; that is the spirit of
for the first time of the Bahi'i Movemellt this country and its government."
5119
PRESIDENT EDUARD BENES 591

He spoke fervently about universal peace. visitor feel he has time to speali. The nine
His own words were: "Peace is the worlc men who came out from his audience
of men, exactly as war is the work of men. chamber just before I entered it, looked very
I am of the opinion that governing ~eople happy and in their eyes glowed the fire of
are always responsible for the wars. The the spirit.
responsible people in certain numbers can He is the wisely-chosen President of an
make the wars, or they can establish the energetic nation that dwells, in its geograph-
peace." ical position, at the very crossroads of
Such is the President of this little nation northern, southern, western and eastern
in the midmost hear1 of Europe, the coun- Europe. Through the Baha'i Teachings this
try which is the balance, the counterpoise t o Republic of Czechoslovaliia can become a
the entire European equilibrium. He is an center of the cultural currents which a new
optimist; he told me: "I do my best, I divine civilization is creating. The nations
have a good conscience. I do all I can, in that arise to the peace ideals of this new
such a case one cannot be a pessimist." He universal cycle are those that will go for-
is a constructive pacifist, some even call him ward to the highest evolution. A half-
a militant pacifist in his march of ideas and century ago, Bahi'u'llbh wrote that the
tremendous efforts to establish good-will present-day order would be rolled up and
among the nations. To me he seemed a new one spread in its stead; he said the
neither proud, nor humble, but unconscious most Great Peace will come. Those who
of his personal self he devotes his very being have vision to see beyond the present dark-
t o his a i m - a n d that aim is to help make a ness can be optimistic, for they perceive
world of peace. He is most appreciative. a new world order-viewing the world
He is most courteous; though he is such a as an organism-slowly but surely appear-
busy man, he does not hurry, he makes each ing!
SPIRITUAL PERSPECTIVES

O N rare and precious occasions the truth- writings are a stirring fusion of poetic
seeker attains a summit of vision so corn- beauty and religious insight. I, like another,
manding that ~t guides and gladdens all his have been "struck by their comprehensive-
lesser ways of life. He sees far; he feels ness." I find they have extraordinary power
deeply; he comprehends much: he stands to pull aside the veils that darken my mind
on a peak of spacious philosophic orienta- and to open new visions of verity and life.
tion, and locates himself on the map of Spntial perspectives are familiar in draw-
existence. Certain axial lines of reality seem ing, architecture, and other arts. Before me
to converge in his clear and glowing con- stands a perfect example: an etching by
sciousness. And from this cosmic outloolr Blandlug Sloan, inscribed Two Infinztes,
emerges a philosophic poise akin to religious Open and Closed. From a star-set vortex
peace of mind. Both are ineffable and at the left center burst forth two systems
unshakable, steadying and satisfying, a peer- of seemingly endless lines. Running off into
less harmony. This elevated experience may the right distance an eight-way path, arched
be called a spiritual perspective. by other lines, converges tubelike at a van-
In the latter phrase I know that I am ishing point in deep space whence fancy
mixing metaphors and metaphysics because must carry on. Out of the vortex at the
I purpose to show their kinship, the yoked left originates a spiral of ever-widening light
consanguinity of poetry and philosophy. hands which leap outward toward an in-
These constitute a balanced pair of wings finite expansion. One's imagination revels
for ascending the ecstatic heights of cosmic in the suggestions of boundless space in
vision. every direction.
There is one distinctive kind of literature
where metaphors and metaphysics abound This brilliant creation is a concrete
and blend in beautiful perfection. That symbol of an infinite concept. The uni-
literature consists of the noblest utterances versal idea of spaciousness is metaphysical:
of the world's high prophets. Their words its picturesque embodiment is poetic: the
live on in men's hearts because they unite two factors fuse in inseparable unity. I t
truth and beauty. They exhibit an equi- matters little whether one says that the sense
librium and sense of security amid confusion form blossoms into the idea of endlessness
and persecution the secret of which I long or that the idea of endlessness becomes in-
to know. How could Buddha, Jesus, Bah6- carnate in the sense form. In such a unity
'u'116h, and others, remain calm and sweet is exemplified the essential meaning of a
while suffering dreadful insults and depriva- spiritual perspective. I t is the center of an
tions? For some reason they were un- interflow or discharge between the two
touched by the worldly troubles that dis- worlds of sense and of spirit. But whereas
turb lesser minds. But how can painful the limes of material perspective close to a
troubles seem unimportant save as they are point, spiritual insight opens toward the ever
much subordinated to some large per- expanding realms of human and divine life.
spective? And between the two infinites in Sloan's
What do spiritual perspectives mean in etching stands man, scratching his head,
the concrete? As illustrations I shall select uncertainly balanced, puzzled, half-comic.
some of the priceless vistas revealed in the Whenever I contemplate this comic figure,
writings of the Bahi'i founders. These I wonder how funny I look from God's
5'52
President Eduard Bener

7 94 T H E B A H A 'i W O R L D

viewpoi~~t?By way of analogy I recall a a kind of focal center where values and
pathetic ant lost on a sidewalk and a fly truth become real, significant, or illumi-
beating a window pane to escape. I am nating, just as a highly polished diamond
eager to seize upon some cosmic perspective becomes the point for the display of the
to redeem me from comic narrowness and inner nature and beauty of light. A spir-
futility. itual perspective produces a tremendous
Other kinds of perspectives exist. In intensification of individual awareness.
arithmetic I need not count far without (2) W i l e several observers cannot per-
discovering how I could go on forever. In- ceive the identical rainbow, yet comparable
deed rhe mathematician tells me that if I elements exist in all their viewpoints; for
can define the relation of one term to its instance, an arc of prismatic colors. We
two neighbors, I may possess the principle of can talk and think about these qualities, and
an infinite series. In an analogous way, if consolidate them into the concept of rain-
I can determine the essence of a few drops bow. Then this idea with its load of mean-
of ocean water, I may have the key to the ing may gradually pass from mind to mind.
chemical constitution of the seven seas. Even big ideas which sweep like grand vistas
Perhaps in social life certain basic relation- to the horizons of reality are capable of
ships between neighbors can be defined endless recreation in the consciousness of
which would be good for all men to prac- man.
tice. Such a universal ethical principle
would be another variety of spiritual per- Thus a common realm of truth is built up
spective. in which all intelligent men may share. I n
the world of space only one body can
Are there not then some patterns of con- occupy a given place; in the world of ideas
duct, generated perhaps by a genius, which many minds, without conflict or collision,
might radiate to all men, for their weal or mzy possess the same idea in the same in-
woe? It is evident, for example, that some stant. Because ideas, entirely unlike mate-
individual man had to be the first to smoke rial things, possess this interpenetrating
a pipe of tobacco else smoking could not spiritual nature, I believe they are the
have become a world-wide practice. Here greatest wonders of the world. Bahi'u'llih
is a practical perspective of spreading con- has written, "Therefore it has become
duct, of a custom which through imitation known that the first bestowal of the
has rippled to the rims of the continents. Almighty is the Word. The receiver and
Similarly I believe that the original example acceptor of it is the understanding. It is
of a truly great prophet may advance from the first instructor in the university of ex-
person to person until it reaches the ends istence, and is the primal emanation of God.
of the earth. All the names originate in His name, and
Two basic characteristics of spiritual per- the beginnings and endings of all affairs are
spectives emerge from the preceding con- in His hand."
siderations. (1) A perspective of any kind Now a perspective is ideal or spiritual in
can radiate only from the unique viewpoint essence. It is constituted of thought or
of a specific person. His viewpoint is con- spirit. A mere animal is incapable of spir-
stituted and colored--or discolored-by the itual perspective. He cannor locate himself
values he esteems and the character of his in any world beyond immediate sensation,
awareness. His personal values function as nor plan his future, nor appreciate values.
a kind of eyepiece for his soul. No one else All these require the fourth dimension of
can survey the world through his mental meaningful conception which he lacks.
eyepiece, and he can never stand behind the Thns spiritual perspectives are at once
window of another soul. No two observers unique in their personal existence and uni-
could possibly see at once the same rainbow versal in their range of meaning.
because of their different angles of vision. The rwo characteristics of spiritual per-
Spiritual perspectives do not exist outside of spectives just indicated form an intimate
personal consciousness. The latter serves as
-
Tablet ro the Zoroastrians.
SPIRITUAL PERSPECTIVES 19f

union. '1'0 describe this union adequately or living. Like the he possesses
taxes to the limit alike metaphysics and a secure poise born of a cosmic outlook; like
metaphors. Certain spatial figures may the poet he clothes his convictions in beauti-
symbolize the philosophical realities in- ful metaphors which inspire men. But he
volved. Lines focused in one point may yet adds his own distinctive genius: a deep and
radiate afar. Likewise ideas or ideals, arising driving urge to lead men by example to
in the burning focus of a finite experience, realize a richer life. Having himself dis-
may contain revelations of vast areas of life. covered the joys of a new and abundant
Such an ideal or perspective as I am try- way, he ardently yearns to communicate and
ing t o describe is at once personal and share with others his unifying and generative
universal, concrete and perhaps also cosmic vision.
in bearing. Its manifestations in experience I n short, the characteristic quality of the
are unique, but its meaning belongs to all religionist is a lciud of missionary zeal. He
comers. A concrete pulse of sensation is is a dreamer-actor, a critic-builder, a moral
meaningless without the setting of ideas; leader, a creator of ethical wealth. He pre-
and an idea may be vague abstraction with- sents patterns of conduct which he believes,
out the sampling of concrete reality. A with reason and sincerity, are good for all
spiritual perspective is an ideal incarnate in men.
self-consciousness. In converse phraseology, The greatest gift and opportunity of re-
it is the creative form in which flesh ligion is to inalce the patterns of abundant
awalcens into the boundless realm of the life attractive and effective to the masses of
spirit. men, so that these ideals may gradually
The kind of consciousness thus hinted at spread throughout the world.
is what philosophers have called the concrete During the remainder of this paper I
universal. I t is the lcind of expericncc both shall strive to describe some attitudes or
philosophers and poets eagerly seek after; patterns of life which seem worthy of uni-
namely, the richness of actual personal life versal practice. By suggesting 'forn~swhich
united with the breadth of ideal insight, the Babl'i prophets have recommended I
living content illuminated by far-reaching shall enjoy their confir~nationof my selec-
thought, finite experience set in a cosmic tion.
perspective. Only in this form does reality
exist for the intelligent mind. Poetic har- I t was indicated above that through the
mony and philosopl~ic insight- merely un- individual vicwpoints of men there may per-
pbasize different aspects of this intimate meate some common elements of thought;
synthesis of beauty and truth. for example, the color and arc of the rain-
bows. The common factor consists of that
The intelligent religionist, I believe, also mysterious marvel called the concept or idea.
seeks to realize this conscious fusion of the How is it possible for me11 thus to know
concrete and the universal. He is an expert common ideas or truths? Philosophic criti-
in viewing a particular act in a broad setting cism compels me to answer: it is the gift of
in which God is the focus. For example, in one Supreme Intelligence. I can find no
giving a cup of refreshing water to a weary other adequate source for the common body
traveler he is aware of doing it in the name of verity which men know than a Divine
of the Most High. Like some poets and Wisdom who in diverse orderly ways mani-
philosophers, the religionist is cosmic in fests himself to mankind. The realization
spirit and concrete in action. of this truth is the basic philosophic-
But the truly great religionist as prophet- religious insight: seeing through things to
reformer, while accepting both, goes beyond God. This awareness of the divine has been
both in a new and important emphasis: the happily called cosmic consciousness.
truth which the poet contemplates as an The Bahi'i scriptures abound in stirring
emotion-filled image, which the philosopher metaphors by which the prophet-poets en-
conceives as a universal principle, the deavor to suggest the character of this
prophet presents as a universal way of acting Supreme Being. Here are a few of their
THE B A H A 'f W O R L D
choicest figurcs: Cod is the Ruler uf cxist- This belief in the oneness of manlsind
ence, the Lord of all worlds, the one rests upon several solid reasons. The first
Foundation of Reality, the Shepherd of the is religious: the conviction that God is the
world, the Sun of Reality, the Ocean of one Father of all entails the recognition thar
Divine Presence, the Sea of Divine Gen- all men are brothers. BahZu'116h aftirms,
erosity, my Awakener, the Desire of the "The religion of God is for the sake of love
Universe. I n the invocations of these books and union." The second reason is epistemo-
a hundred or more stirring attributes are logical: universal intercourse through ideas
applied to Him. 'Abdu'l-Bahi has written, presupposes a deep kinship among human
"Norhing is completely worthy of our minds. I n other words, the existence of
heart's devotion save reality, for all else is creative intelligence and common truth
destined to perish. Therefore the heart is makes a inan realize his oneness with other
never at rest, and never finds real joy and members of the race.
happiness until it attaches itself to the The third reason is empirical and ethical.
Eternal. Man must attach kimself to an Biologically and psychologically human be-
infinite reality, so that his glory, his joy and ings have essentially similar characteristics.
his progress may be infinite. Only the spirit Since then I realize growth and joy through
is real; everything else is as shadow. There- friendiiess with my neighbors, it is fair to
Pore, let us yearn for the Kingdom of believe they would enjoy similar benefits.
God, so that our works may bear eternal I take it as axiomatic that all men desire a
fruit." more abundant life, and that the attitude of
The deepest and surest ground of mental sy~npatheticgood-will enlarges our natures.
poise is the conviction thar the framework I t follows as night the day that the practice
of our human life is a friendly cosmic in- of good-will--of valuing life and serving
telligence. This belief, once accepted whole- mankind-is the ultimate principle of
heartedly, influences and glorifies our atti- morality. In everyday life intelligellt kind-
tudes towards everything else. When we ness is basic; there is no demand beyond
awaken to the perspective of a universe this for the regulation of conduct.
ordered by the ever-active and wise God, an This ideal and spreading practice of good-
ineffable peace takes possession of our souls. will in social relations is another example
I t is like the &wning of the sun over a dark of spiritual perspective. I t is of universal
and indistinct earth: the derails of the land- application. I t is so simple and intelligible
scape fall into an ordered whole, and with thar even a young school boy could appre-
joy and confidence we set forth on the next ciate it. The central problem of civilization
stage of our pilgrimage. In this steadying is how to extend this spirit in intelligent
vista of existence the end-point is God and forms to ever-widening circles of human
the fore-point is my own soul, and I am beings. Love is a divine quality, and the
content. only hope of a harassed and disordered
world.
A second source of hope and peace of Now suppose that every person in the
mind is the belief in the oneness of man- world practised this attitude to every one he
kind. This conception and ideal is the met, and that his sympathies excluded no
most distinctive and i~nportant feature of one. A BahPi author declares, "As the
Bahh'i teaching. "The essence of the laws of human association replace through-
Bahh'i movement," declares Horace Holley, out society the laws of animal survival, men
"is spiritual democracy." I n exquisite will learn how to realize the harmony, the
poetry BahB'u'llih has said, "0 people of beauty, the abundance, the free fellowship
the world! Ye are all the fruits of one which the myths of every people have
tree, and the leaves of one branch, the attributed to the golden age." Immeas-
flowers of one garden, and the drops one urable joy and contentment would fill thr:
ocean. Conduct yourselves with perfect human world. I could feel at home every-
love, union, friendship, and understanding."
-
Divine Philosophy.
8Bal~6'i: Spiric of the Age, by Horace Halley,
p. 127.
SPIRITUAL PERSPECTIVES 197

where if I could exprLL evrlyone to be minority are carcfully provided for. Some-
kind. times a few, after free and full deliberation,
I can count upon people to prefer kind- may honestly regard the decision of the
ness t o ill-will and malice. I know I majority as unwise. But every member has
dislike intensely the conflicts and regrets understood in advance the expected course
that result from unkind words and deeds. of action in case he finds himself one of the
I can be sure that the psychic effects of minority: namely, to maintain the spirit of
benevolent action will be unifying and cooperation and the method of experimen-
satisfying. Here I come upon a second tation; that is, in assisting the majority to
fundamental source of philosophic poise. If gain the additional experience and facts
I can gain that inner resolution, integrity, necessary to test their hypothesis. If the
or strength of will by which I maintain a viewpoint of the minority should become
friendly attitude at all times in the face of verified, then the majority in their turn
annoyances, injustice, or misunderstanding, would support the minority in their plans.
then I shall have a sure refuge of peace. I In this way minorities are not embittered or
rely much upon the leaders and literatures excluded, but are e~lcoura~ed to cooperate.
of religion t o help me maintain this spirit. This consideration is of the utmost impor-
The power of religion to increase the de- tance, because it is usually from the
ficient supply of altruism in society is a minority that the most significant new ideas
sufficient justification for its support and arise.
development in contemporary life.
The reign of love in the world would To envisage the universal practice, in the
destroy the dullness and monotony due to different phases of social problems, of this
unsympathetic imagination, for love is in- art of conference as described above is a
genious and creative. The lover invents thrilling perspective and possibility. If this
new devices by which to make his love more technique became as widespread as the hand-
expressive and helpful. Several specific shake, the ill-will, bitterness and tragedy of
techniques for realizing good-will more unsettled social conflicts would be largely
effectively will now be indicated. These alleviated. T o realize this lofty ideal of
methods are uxcluded among the funda- social adjustment requires a philosophic ap-
mental Bah6'i teachings. proach, and a persistent and lofty order of
( a ) Let us consider first the art of con- self-sacrificing devotion to the brotherhood
ference, or the technique of consultation. of man.
This art of group discussion is of supreme ( b ) Let us turn our most lively imagina-
imponance in solving the problems of the tion to tracing the far-reaching conse-
on-coming century. I t assumes that a con- quences of another perspective concerning
ference may be creative in the sense of pro- the brotherhood of man. Suppose that every
ducing valuable insights and solutions which school boy and girl in the world should
would not be found apart from the group. learn, along with arithmetic, grammar, and
The procedure assumes the freedom, equal- other elementary studies, an international
ity, and utter tolerance of all members. I t auxiliary language of excellent quality?
presupposes also a willingness on the part of Experts tell us that this proposal is emi-
the individual to modify his pl-ejudiccs and nently practical, and that such a language
plans of action in the light of fresh facts can be learned in a surprisingly short time.
and ideas which may emerge in discussion. Then when the school boy grew up to be-
The will to maintain a spirit of unity in the come a traveler or salesman, a scientist or
group and the preservation of the method of missionary, he could interchange ideas with
sympathetic discussiou are of such basic im- people in any part of the world.
portance that they must be maintained at The result of this interchange would be
all costs, even with the failure of agreement the dissolution of countless misunderstand-
upon other plans of action. ings, an increase in the sense of oneness, a
I n the ideal conference, obstruction, re- mutual enrichment of cultures, and other
sentment, and secession on the part of a incalculable benefits. Through such a sec-
198 THE BAHA 'f WORLD
ondary language s o m e international body have a srrrall y l u ~uf earth where he could
like the League of Nations could make enjoy the care of growing things.
readily available to anyone every important
writing. It seems that only a relatively We have seen how a perspective is an ideal
small amount of intelligent planning and of living, seen in spirit, not yet realized in
cooperation is required to inaugurate this space. It is a spiritual principle capable of
grand enterprise. Its for the generating value in ever-widening ranges of
growth of peace and civilization are stag- human experience. And those who first see
gering. I t is another spiritual perspective and inaugurate these principles are called
worthy of realization. seers or prophets.
(c) I can think of other patterns of con- A prophet is a man who is wise enough
duct which are at once simple in conception for the first time to see and seize clearly
and universal in application. There is space a basic life value which future generations
to mention only a few. BahCu'llih de- will esteem. H e discerns and lives in the
clared that there is no more important present some pattern which in the course of
matter than universal peace. As soon as time many nations, perhaps all the world,
everyone in his heart really desires peace and will practise. He reads in advance the chap-
is unwilling to do violence to anyone else, ter headings in the history of the future.
then war would be impossible. Here is His contemporaries may call him mad,
another spiritual perspective of far-reaching traitorous, impious, or abnormal; he becomes
significance. To gain peace for the world the norm for people at a higher level of
let every individual sincerely love peace and spiritual evolution. The masses of men are
practise it. Then all hate would be turned really looking for the qualities of the great
into fellowship and love. World-wide peace normality, the complete life.
is as simple-and difficult-as that. A The peculiar function of the high
Greek proverb says in effect: to keep our prophets in all ages is to assist men in de-
city clean let every citizen sweep his own fining the patterns of abundant life, to
door front. awaken the divine potencies wh'lch lie dor-
(d) Another pattern of thought of tre- mant in them. Truth-seekers eagerly study
mendous power is the idea that evil is the words of these high for they
transition to good. If everybody actually are the creators of spiritual perspectives.
believed and acted upon that truth, then the In BahP'i metaphor the prophet is the
difficulties and pains of life would lose thcir dawning place of goodncss and spiritual
bitter sting and become stepping stones to truth in the world; as the sun brings light
higher spiritual levels. The Nile River in the natural world, the prophet brings
appears muddy and brown when viewed light in the spiritual world. His advent is
nearby; at a certain distance it becomes a like the coming of spring. He is the
sparlrling blue, reflecting the brilliant sky pattern-maker for on-coming generations.
overhead. I am convinced that in gen- He plants in civilization the seeds of destiny,
eral every evil to which we do not and once a seed is discovered all may grow
succumb can become our benefactor if we the flower. Markham has said, "Thou canst
will. see the whole world's winter in one leaf."
(e) Here arc a few other perspectives. In one act of unselfish love one can discern
Could not everyone in his youth learn the the key to universal peace and happiness.
technique of one of the fine arts? Then Thus the patterns of the prophets become
through the remainder of his days he could the goals of the race, and perhaps its cus-
enjoy richer self-expression and development toms also.
in his leisure time. (f) Why not learn in Because prophetic writings portray ways
youth the simple elements of a perfected of life which promise to abide, the reader
shorthand as a convenient tool for the rest enjoys there in the present some of the
of life? (g) As a lover of gardens I could landscapes of eternity. This sensing of the
propose such an organization of community eternal brings to the mind an exquisite
and land ownership that everyone could poise and serenity. The vision of the
SPIRITUAL P' E R S P E C T I V E S 599

aid us greatly in finding our con- Rut the true religionist is not, like the
crete setting in the thought l~nes of the philosopher, merely a passive spectator of all
ages. time and existence. He is a vivacious actor
Some of the profoundest joys of life in a definite sphere of life. He is a pilgrim
emanate from growing perspectives concern- in a country which is not his own because
ing its meaning. James H. Cousins says, in it is not yet made according to his ideals.
his Ode to Truth, "For they who catch the He lives expectantly and adventurously.
vision of the whole may greatly dare the He is a spiritual pioneer who dares to adopt
part;" and they who feel the power of love the prophetic pattern and act upon it, as
may live at home in all the world. Ethical Abraham who journeyed to a far and
and religions demands sometimes seem hard strange land to make a new home for his
in the present because they presuppose a family and a new religion for the world.
long-range view of a great good. The value The man of spiritual vision sees what ought
of any perspective, however, is measured by t o be and stakes his life on the faith that
the amount of reality it enables us to grasp, what ought to be is more real than what is
the range of future planning it provides for, for it is bound to come to pass.
and the altruistic power it generates. Professor William E. Hocking has writ-
ten, "Destiny in practice means the way
Now it may be that the Bah6'i concep- to my next step in growth." This next step
tion of the "new world order" is a spiritual may be either one of two fundamental
perspective sufficiently grand to include all kinds. (a) I may become newly seized by a
others. Supreme philosophic satisfaction spiritual perspective, by an ideal which sud-
comes from discovering such an all-compre- denly becomes transformed from a mere
hensive ideal. I recall how the Parthenon is word or abstract idea into a soul-gripping
unified by imaginary construction lines conviction. This step is a "moment of vital
which converge at a point far above the decision" when I claim as my own some
temple; so perhaps the great lines of basic prophetic ideal, when I become for the
prophetic perspective may sometime issue in first time the burning focus of a great
a spiritual commonwealth in which God is cosmic perspective.
the "Primal Point" and love the universal ( b ) The second kind of step in growth
cement among men. may consist in a concrete victory in which
The warm-hearted devotion to such an I actually put in practice a plan of action
exalted cause unifies one's whole life. I t which I have adopted as my own. And the
saves us from the prevalent "sin of dispro- conviction and ideal become clearer as I
portion," which magnifies trifles and dis- strive to realize them. The discovery and
regards fundamentals. I n this long view the realization of spiritual perspectives,
the annoying details of life become neg- then, are the two growing points of life:
ligible, and we maintain our tranquillity the seeing of a new path to a fuller life,
amid worries and disappointments. Tagore and the starting to walk along that path.
has written, "Life's errors cry for the Incomparable poise and peace blesses the self
merciful beauty that can modulate their whose conduct is thus oriented in cosmic
isolation into a harmony with the whole." perspective.
Scene of Bah6'i Martyrdom.

Bahi'is gathered around the Body of a Martyr.

SPLENDOR AT THE CORE
BY ANGELAMORGAN
I N the world of religion, what do the cry the dissenters. And they are right.
times disclose? An evcn more exciting and "We are tired of this eternal prating of sin
significant chapter than that describing the and sinners!" declare the great body of re-
amazing progress of science, could we only sentful youngsters-and oldsters, too-
interpret it aright! An identity of effort brimming with zeal for bold and flaming
so marked, that I am sure it is not blas- adventure. They know instinctively that
phemy t o declare that the scientist and the life itself is more important than any theory
mystic, if they but knew it, are aiming at about life, and they are on their way t o dis-
the same goal. Yes, and the iconoclast is cover the secret of happiness and achieve-
close cousin, if not brother, to boch uf ment. They dare the seus, ride the air, blast
them! mountains, rear skyscrapers, build bridges,
H o w else shall we interpret the cry, dig tunnels, and p e r f o m other amazing
which grows in strength with every year: feats of engineering. Rivers of molten
"We want life, not empty ceremonials! metal rush forth at their bidding; steel
Life itself is sacred, human beings in them- rails multiply and miracles of transportation
selves are important and their demands for unite peoples hitherto separated; excava-
justice must be heard! Give us a religion tions in ancient lands reveal treasures of
linked with life and the human cause. Take cities buried thousands of years ago. N u
God out of the church and let Hiill become wonder our modern age stands rubbing its
active in the affairs of men!" eyes in the presence of such wizardry! But
This healthy revolt of modern youth, there is no end t o the story of adventure.
seeiningly against religion, is at bottom not No sooner does man conquer the air than
revolt against religion but the trappings and he challenges the stratosphere. Then, in a
dogma that conceal the true God. If the supreme reach of divine enterprise, he plucks
inner substance of religion were to be pre- a beam from Arcturus t o light the Century
sented t o these same dissenters, I venture of Progress opening in Chicago!
t o predict we should find hearty agreement Hendrik Van Loon bas written a book
from all thoughtful people the world over. called: "Mon the Miracle Maker," in which
The terrible, yawning gap between re- the history of human achievement is fasci-
ligion and actual life is what all thinking natingly told, with the prediction of still
people resent. The emphasis placed upon greater triumphs 111 the future. The author
ritual and creed, leaving the vast declares that this volume is "really a con-
of life t o take care of themselves, creates fession of faith," and shows us "Man, not
lack of balance and breeds rebels everywhere. as a victim of fate, but as a creature en-
This agonizing divorce of the spiritual world dowed with practically unlimited powers for
from the actual everyday world has fostered the developme~ltof his brain .. . Man still
the modern spirit known as anti-Christ, and at the beginning of his career as a reasonable
until we have bridged the formidable being, but rapidly discovering by which road
divide which separates the two domains of be may eventually hope to escape from those
matter and spirit I fail to see how we can difficulties which make his present existence
convince the doubter. such a torture."
I t is revealing to note the author's use of
How can life be secular a t one pole and a capital M in the spelling of the word
divine at the other? "All life is sacred!" "man." I am glad of it. What a change
'f WORLD

from the old and damning concept of "man, reality ~ h z l l ~ppear? Life is impatient of
the worm," and how refre'shing thus to ex- non-essentials, and the more alive one is, the
pand one's faith in humankind! more vigorously does he insist upon reality
and fight its opposite. Oh, why don't we,
In a nutshell, men are so busy with their why can't we understand? No matter
own struggle against environment, so on what form it takes, whether scientific or
fire with the will to tame the heretofore religious, the urge is primarily the same.
ungovernable powers of nature, that they We are, all of us, fleeing from the surface
fiercely resent interference from whatever to the core, and only the core will satisfy.
source and fight off every seemingly inimical Out on the circumference-termed by cer-
influence. Religion, as they understand it, tain mystics "the remove," as indeed it is,
is alien to their cause. They are in love being "removed" incalculable degrees from
with life! Dead issues do not interest them, the inner reality-one confronts every con-
and religion as taught in their childhood ceivable form of division; wars, hatreds,
appears now an outmoded and useless super- prejudices, injustice, misunderstanding, dis-
stition. ease and death. Only at the center can we
Everywhere we hear their protest, every- ever find unity.
where we discover this revolt among human
beings so deeply concerned with matter One reason I hail with thanksgiving the
that the very word "spirit" offends them. interpretation of religion known as the
"What has God to do with it?" they cry. Bahb'i Faith and feel so deep a kinship with
"We are interested in this phenomenal its followers is that I recognize in its Reve-
world; in the things we can see, touch and lation an outreach of the Divine to stum-
handle. I t is all-sufficing." bling humanity; a veritable thrust from the
Dear innocents, little do they suspect radiant Center of Life.
that God has everything to do with it and Every follower of this faith that I have
that they, all unconsciously, are acting as ever met impressed me as a living witness
agents of the Creator in the very enterprises to the glory at the heart of this universe.
they so ardently espouse! Nor do they sus- Each one seemed filled with a splendor
pect that the forces with which they deal, of spirit so great that i t overflowed all
the mysterious elements they handle, are in boundaries and poured itself out upon the
themselves divine. To quote Sir Oliver world here in this moment of time, by some
Lodge, these challenging radioactive sub- concentrated act of love toward mother
stances we label with such assurance may human being.
some day prove to be "the very garment of
God." The prediction of physicists: "The wovld
Even when our most recent revered is on the threshold of a new power eua"
scientisteEddington, Jeans, Millikan and finds justification today in the realm of re-
their fellow physicist-come forward with ligion, which at last is placing the emphasis
the admission that there is something be- where it belongs, shedding the husk to make
yond; a mystery which science may not way for the blossom and the fruit. Just as
solve, the materialist remains unconvinced. our men of science are flinging themselves
But he cannot remain so forever; sooner or into this terrific "war against the atom" in
later he is bound to acknowledge the truth; order to strip matter of its surface and
because, whether he knows it or not, that is compel it to reveal its inner potency, so in
the direction in which he is going. the churches one finds everywhere the thrust
Why do we not see this passionate process of minds bent upon preserving the fiery
of growth for what it is-the terrific effort "core" of religion even at the expense of
of Life to throw off all impedimenta; to ritual and dogma. Discarding formula for
strip away the husk in order that the flaming truth, the letter for the spirit!
Bahl'is and Friends gathered at the Grave of Mr. Adam Benlre, German Bahl'i Pioneer
in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Bahh'i Pioneers and Martyrs of frin.
BAHAI-GLAUBE UND CHRISTENTUM
BY DR. EUGEN SCHMIDT
EmE vergleichende Betrachtnng ge- aber ihr geistiger, unwandelbarer Gehalt
schichtlich verschiedener Religionen setzt unterworien. Der Verfall oder die Erstar-
die grundsitzliche Klarstellung voraus, nach rung religioser Lebensformen (Dogmatis-
welchen Ge~ichts~unlrtender Vergleich mus, Orthodoxie, Ausschliesslichkeitsan-
vorgenommen werden soll. Wir p,ehen von spruch) haben, wie die Geschichte zeigt, eine
der Erlrenntnis aus, dass allen p,eschichtlichen Verschiittung und menschliche Entstellung
Religionen eine gemeiusame geistige Grund- der g~ttlichen Lehren zur Folge. Der
lage eigen ist. "Diese Grnndlage muss not- Schwerpunkt jeder Offenbarungsreligion
~vcndi~erweise die Wahrheit sein und lralln liegt uicht auf ihrcn geschichtlichen Daren,
nur eine Einheit, nicht eine Mehrheit Ereignissen und Formen, sondern einzig und
bilden." l Diese Einsicht soll gerade durch allein in ihrem inneren und unverlierbaren
die Untersuchnng des Verhijltnisses zwischen Wahrheitsgehalt. Diesen immer wieder von
der Senduxg Bahi'u'llih's und dem Chris- Neuem zu verkiinden und von wesensfrem-
tenrum erhirtet werden. Die deutliche den Einfliissen nnd menschlichen Zutaten
Hera~sstellun~ des Ausgangsyunktes unserer zu hefreien, also das ewig scPnopferische
vergleichenden Betrachtung dient dazu, hei Wort Gottes entsprechend der Fassungskraft
der Gegeniiber~tellun~ beider Religionen den und Entwiclrlungsstufe der Menschen wieder
Blick von Anfang an auf das Wese~~tlichezu veriiiinden, ist der gemeinsanle Auftrag
und nicht auf das dem geschichtlichen aller Manifestationen und Propheten.
Wandel Unterworfene im religiGsen Ge- In der Anfeinanderfolge der Manifesta-
schehen zu richten. tionen und Propheren erlreunt der tieier
Wir gehen namlich von dem zweifachen Schauende einen wunderbaren Erziehungs-
entscheidenden Gesichtspunkt aus, dass jeder plan Gottes fur die Menschheit, nach dem
Religion einerseits ein geistig zeitloser, sich die geistige Entwicklung der Menschheit
andererseits ein zeit- und entwicklungsge- stufenweise vollzieht. Jede gortliche Mani-
schichtlich hestimmter Gehalt zugrunde festation wird so zam Erzieher der
liegt-. Der erstere hesteht in dem in den Menschheit fur einen zeitlichen Erziehungs-
Heiligcn Schriften niedergelegten "Wort abschnitt, weshalb jeder Gottgesandte an die
Gottes," das seinem Wesen nach nicht ver- vorausgegangene Offenbamng ankniipft.
alten oder erstarren kann, der letztere urn- Auf den Zyklusgedanlren der fortschreit-
fasst- die Busseren Gesetze und Gebote, enden Offenharung des Wortes Gottes
welche immer den entwicklu~~gsgeschichtlich kann hier mangels Rauln nicht weiter einge-
gegehenen Erfordernissen in Bezug auf die gangen ~ e r d e n . ~
Lebensformen der Menscben nnd Vijlker Dass im vorgenannten Sinne die Sendung
rntsprechen und deshalb durch jede neue Bahi'u'll6h's die Lehre Christi bestZtigt,
Gottesoffenbarung eine Aenderunp,, Erwei- erfullt, erneuert und znr Herauffiihrung
terung, ErgZnzung und Fortfiihrung erfah- einer neuen gottgewollten Weltordnung
ren. Den Wachstums- und Verfallsbeding- fortfuhrt, sol1 nun der nachfolgende Ver-
ungen der geschichtlichen Religionen sind gleich zeigen.
deshalb nnr ihre Busseren Formen: niemals Zuerst eine Cl~arakterisierun~
des geistigen
- Gehalts beider Offenbar~~n~sreligionen.
Eiu Wort 'Abdu'l-Bah55, Bahi'i-Perlen, Siorr- -
g n r f 1922, S . 4. 3"Das Worr Gottes in seiner fortschreitenden
2Religionsitbung, "Gesetze," soziale Normen, Offenbnr~n~.""Sonne der Wahrheir," XIV, 10, S.
institutianelle Einrichrungen, u.s.w. 7 6 ff.
BAHA'f -GLAUBE UND CHRISTENTUM 601

Christus kam, um in, engeten Sinn die Seiner Wor~e: I I a c l ~ a ~Lebrr~sbcjahurn~
e aub
mosaische Gesetzesreligion aus ihrer starren dem Auftrag Seiner Sendung heraus. Sein
Umlrlammerung zu befreien und in eine Leiden und Sterben stellen einerseits die
Iebendige Gesinnungs-, Tat- und Liebes- unerbittlichste und erbabenste Konsequenz
religion uberzufiihren und um im weiteren Seines Gehorsams Gott gegenuher und
Sinn der ganzen Menschheit den Weg zu andererseits den Ausdruck Seiner unend-
Gott zuriick zu zeigen, der uber die Nich- lichen Mellschheitsliehe dar. So waren Seine
stenliehe fuhrt und die Einheit Gottes zum Worte und Sein Lehen eine unzertrennliche
Ausgangs- und Endpunkt hat. Seine Send- Einheit Seiner gottlichen Berufung, der
ung war ein urgewaltiger Ruf zur Selbst- Menschheit "Weg, Wahrheit und Leben" zu
uberwindung und volligen Einordnung werden.
des Menschen in den von Ihln verkundeten Fassen wir zusammen: Das Leben und
Willen Gottes. Er verlegte den Schwer- die Lehre Christi zeigen eindringlicb die
punkt religioser Leben~fiihrun~ nach innen ' untrennbare Verbindung von Gottes- und
und geisselte jeden nur formgerechten Schein Nachstenliebe, von Religion und tatfreu-
von FrBmmigkeit. Er brachte licin abge- diger Sittlichkeit, wobei die Selbstverleug-
rundetes Lehrgebaude, zerbrach erstarrte nung die Grundforderung zu sittlichem
Dogmen und verwarf iiherholte aussere Handeln und dein Befolgen der gottlichen
Gesetze. Die von Ihm verkiindete Wahr- Gesetze wird. Christus wies von neuem den
heit kleidete er in Gleichnisformen mit Weg, das Reich Gottes zu verwirklichen:
uberzeitlichem Charakter und allegorisch- "Selig sind, die Gottes Willen tun."
symbolischer Bedeutnng. Seine Worte verp- Wie stellt sich nun der Bahi'i-Glaube in
flichteten zu eigenem Denlcen und person- seinen geistigen Grundziigen demgegeniiber
licher Entscheidung. Die rnenschheitliche dar? Er ist keine neue Religion, sondern
Bedentung des Chrintentums liegt in der will alle geschichtlichen Offenbarungs-
Sendung Christi, durch welche die Gottes- religionen auf ihre gemeinsame geistige
und Nichstenliebe unloslich zu einem und Grundlage, das Wort Gottes, wie es durch
dem vornehrnsten Gebot auf dem Funda- die gottlichen Ma~iifestationenund Prophet-
ment der Einheit Gottes w ~ r d e n . ~Die en immer wieder verliiindigt und geleht
Bergpredigt Christi weist den Weg des wurde, zuruckfiihren.
Einzelnen zur Erfiillung dieses zweifachen BaI~B'u'llihsagt: "Die Sonne der Wahr-
Gebots. Sie hat die Selb~tiiberwindun~ und heit ist das Wort Gottes, von dem die
vollige Einordnung des Menschen in den Erziehung der Menschen im Reich der
Willen Gottes zum Inhalt, welche eine Gedanken abhangig ist. Es ist der Geist der
innere Wiedergeburt und zu Letztem be- Wirklichkeit und das Wasser des Lebens.
reites Heldentum aus innegewordener Ver- Ihm verdanken alle Dinge ihr Dasein. Es
bundenheit mit Gott, dem Vater und offenbart sich ilnmer nach der Fahigkeit
hochsten Gesetzgeber erheischt. Die Ver- und Farbe des Spiegels, durch den es wider-
wirklichung des von Ihm verheissenen gespiegelt wird. Wird zum Beispiel sein
Reiches Gottes bindet Christus an den Licht auf den Spiegel des Weisen geworfen,
Vollzug des Willens Gottes. Darin liegt dann bringt es Weisheit zum Ausdruck;
die fordernde Gewalt Seiner Sendung, welche wird es von dem Geist des Kiinstlers wider-
jedwede Glaubens- und Werligerechtigkeit gespiegelt, so schafft es neue und schane
ausschliesst. "Es werden nicht alle, die zu Kunste; leuchtet es durch den Geist des
Mir sagen: Herr, Herr! in das Himmelreich Gelehrten, dann offenbart es Wissen und
kommen, sondern die den Willen tun Meines enthiillt Geheimnisse.
Vaters im Himmel." Die sozialen Ausfol- Alle Dinge der Welt erheben sich durch
gerungen der Botschaft Christi ergeben sich den Menschen und kommen durch ihm zuln
vor allen aus der Bergpredigt. Vorschein. Durch ihn finden sie Leben uud
Das Leben Christi war ein einziger Beweis Entwicklung, und der Mensch ist beziiglich
- seines geistigen Daseins von der Sonne des
"Dm Himmelrcich irt inwendig in cuch." Wortes Gottes abhingig. Alle guten Namen
Vergl. Matth. 12, 29-31.
= Mxtth. 7, 21. und edlen Eigenschaften sind Resultate des
606 T H E BAHA'I WORLD
Wortes Gottes. Das Wort ist das Feuer, Durch dies rin~igeWort werden die ver-
das in den Herzen der Menschen gluht und schiedenen Religionen zu dern Licht der Ein-
alles verbrennt, was nicht von Gott ist. Der heit gelangen. Wahrlich, Er sagt die Wahr-
Geist der Liehenden ist immer von diesem heit und fuhrt znm rechten Weg." l o Wie
Feuer entflammt. Es ist das Wesen des 'Ahdu'l-Bah6 sagt, ist jeder Mench als ein
Wassers, das sich in der Form des Feuers Zeichen Gottes zu hetrachten.
offenbart. Aeusserlich ist es brennendes Die Lehr Bahb'n'lllh's ist nach den Worten
Feuer, innerlich dagegen ruhiges Licht. Shoghi Effendi's "in ihrem Ursprung gott-
Dies ist das Wasser, das allen Dingen Leben lich, in ihren Zielen allumfassend, in ihrem
gibt." ' Baha'n'llih ruft die Menschen von Ausblick weit, in ihrer Methode wissen-
neuem auf, die Gebote Gottes zn befolgen, schaftlich, in ihren Grundsatzen menschen-
weshalh Er das Wesen der Religion damit dienend und von kraftvollem Einfluss auf
hezeichnet, "das anzuerkennen, was der Herr die Herzen und Gemiiter der Menschen."
offenbarte und zu befolgen, was Er in Ihre besondere Bestimmung liegt darin, nicht
Seinem michtigen Buch verordnet hat." nur den unverfilschten und unwandelbaren
Auch er wendet sich gegen erstarrte Re- Sinn nnd Gehalt aller Religionen von neuem
ligionsformen und -Dogmen. "An diesem zu bestatigen, sondern dariiber hinaus die
Tag muss der, welcher das Licht der Sonne kommende Weltordnung auf Grund der
der Wahrheit sucht, seinen Geist von den geistigen Einheit der Menschheit heranfzn-
Ueberlieferungen der Vergangenheit frei fiihren. Gegenuber dern Christenturn ist
machen; er muss sein Haupt mit der Krone deshalb der Sendung Bahi'u'llih's die ziem-
der Trennung und seine11 Ternpel (Kopper) lich konkrete Losung sozialer und gesell-
mit dem Kleid der Tugend schmiicken, dann schaftlicher Fragen eigen, wie sie sich seit
wird er zu dem Ozean der Einheit und dern Auftreten Christi entwicklungsge-
Einzigkeit Gottes gelangen. Das Hem lnuss schicbtlich immer dringender stellte, vor
von dern Feuer des Aberglauhens frei allem dnrch den technischen, politischen nnd
werden, damit es das helle Licht der Gewiss- wirtschaftlichen Strnkturwandel der Welt
heit empfangen und die Herrlichkeit Gottes besonders seit dern 18. Jahrhundert. Die
begreifen lcann." Er fordert die sittliche Sendung Bahi'u'llih's stellt die Offenbarung
Tat als Beweis wahren Glauhens. "An des Wortes Gottes in einer zeitgeschichtlich
diesem Tag miissen die Menschen ihrem nenen und einzigartigen Synthese person-
Gott mit Reinheit und Tugenden dienen. licher und sozialer Lehensgestaltung dar,
Dic Wirkung des durch den Lehrer ge- die Liebe und Gerecbtigkeit zu den Grund-
sprochenen Worts ist abhangig von der satzen des menschlichen Gemeinschaftslebens
Reinheit seiner Absichten und seiner Tren- macht. Der Schlusselgedanke des Bahf'i-
nung vom Irdischen. Manche begniigen Glaubens ist deshalb Einheit und Entwick-
sich nur mit Worten, aber die Wahrheit der lung als organische Verbundenheit alles
Worte wird durch Taten bezeugt nnd hlngt Seins und als ewig neuschopferischer Lebens-
von der Lehensfuhrung ab. Taten offen- rhythmus. Die in den Lehren BahVn'llih's
baren die Stufe des Menschen. Die Worte zum Ausdruck kommende Welt- nnd Le-
miissen in Uebereinstimmung mit dem sein, hensanschauung steht mit dern Errungen-
was aus dern Munde des Willens Gottes schaften der Wissenschaft ausdriicklich in
hervorgeht und in den heiligen Schriften Einklang, weshalb auch eine selbstandige
berichtet ist." Bah6'u3116h erneuert und vorurteilsfreie Wahrheitserforschung mit
erweitert das ewige Gesetz der Liebe. Seine dern "Fackellicht" des Verstandes gefordert
Worte sind: "Das erhabenste Wort fur wird.
Harmonie und Liebe ist: Alle sind von Gott. Auch Bah6'u'Ilih widerfuhr das tragische
Dies erhahene Wort gleicht dem Wasser, Geschick des Gottgesandten, von Seinen
welches das in den Herzen verborgene Feuer Zeitgenossen verkannt und aufs heftigste
des Hasses nnd der Erbitterung loscht. bekampft zu werden, sodass Sein Leben bei
- Beginn der Erklarung seiner Berufung.
'Worte der Weisheit, S. 57-58.
8 Worre der Weisheir, S. 6 0 .
Seine Verfolguug, Verbannung und jahr-
-
9 Worte der Weirheir, S. 61-62. '"Die Bahl'i Otfenbarung, Stutrgart 1 9 2 5 , S. 144.
BAHA'f-GLAUBE UND CHRISTENTUM 607

z r h n ~ r l a n ~strrnge
e, Gefangenschaft im CC- che Hcilswcg, dic cinzigc ausscl~liessliche
folge hatte. Eine nachtragliche Verfal- Lichtquelle, durch die alle Wahrheit und
schung oder menschliche Umbiegung des Gnade Christi in die raum-zeitliche Welt
Wahrheitsgehalts Seiner Sendung hat Bah6- einstrijmt." '2 Dem Katholizisrnus ist eine
'u'116h durch die Bestimmung 'Abdu'l-Bahi's, sakramentale Werkgerechtiglteit eigen, wel-
Seines altesten Sohnes, als den allein he- clie als Massstab der Frommigkeic die Kultu-
rufenen Erklirer und Ausleger Seiner Worte streue wahlt und den "Glauben" zu einem
und als das volllrommene Lehensvorbild fur "fur wahr halten" macht.
den Mensclien in religionsgeschichtlicher Demgegeniiber lehnt der Protestantismus
Einzigkeit unterhunden. den AutoritZtsgedanlten ah und erkennt
Dass die Wahrheitssitze des Christentums wahren Glauben in dem Vertrauen zu Gott
und des Bahb'i-Glaubens sich luckenlos und Seinem Wort. "Das Wort Gottes ist
decken, braucht nach den1 Gesagten nicht das Heiligtnm uber alle Heiligtumer, ja, das
weiter betont zu werden. Wo liegen nun Einige, das wir Christen wissen und haben"
aber die Griinde fur die Erneuerungsbe- (Luther). Die Verlegung des Schwer-
durftiglteit des Christentums unserer Zeit? p n k t e s der Frommigkeit auf den Glauben
Nimmermehr in einem angeblicheu Ueher- als innerer Vorgang hatte aber im Protes-
holtsein seines inneren Gehalts, sondern in der tantismus die Zuriickdrangung des Tatge-
Tatsache, dass der Kern der Sendung Christi danltens, der Wandlungs- nnd Umbildungs-
im Lanfe der Jahrhunderte immer ~nehrver- kraft der Religiositit im diesseitigen Leben
schalt wurde. Schon in den ersten Jahr- zur Folge. Kennzeichnend dafur ist der
hunderten nach Cliristi Gehurt setzte die Glaubensmissige und tatarme Inhalt des
tragische Einzwangung der lehenswuchtigen Apostolischen Belre~mtnisses. Daraus ent-
und sittlich zwingenden Worte Christi in stand eiue Glaubensgerechtigkeit, welche
dogmatisclie und institutionelle Forrnen den Einzelnen immer weniger zwang, seine
ein.ll Die Verkiindigung des Christentums religiose Haltung in alle Lebensbereiclie tat-
wurde nach der Seite menschlich gefassten freudig hineinzutragen.ls
Glaubens hi11 verlagert, sodass der Abso- ". . . auch werden wir alle nach und
lutheitsanspruch, welclier in der Wahrheit nach ans einem Christentum des Wortes und
des Christentams als solchern begrundet Glaubens irnmer mehr zu einem Christen-
liegt, in der Form des Glaubens, in Dogmen turn der Gesinnung und Tat lt~rnmen."'~
und Bekenntnissztzen geltend gemacht Dieses Wort Goethes zeigt an, worauf es bei
wurde. Die Spaltungen innerhalb den der unumgiinglichen Erneuerung des
Christenturns gehen nicht auf die reine Christenturns ankommt. Ansitze zu dieser
Lehre Christi, sondern nachweislich auf die Erkenntnis sind zweifellos vorhanden.15
Schaffung nnd die Ausdeutung der Sakra- Eine entscheidende Urn- und Neubildung
mente, die Bibelauslegung nnd den Abso- des Christenturns als wieder lebendige, in das
Intheitsanspruch der katholischeu Kirche innere und aussere Geschehen der Volker
zuriick. Eine ausfiihrliche Kennzeichnung hiileinwirkende Religion erheischt aber einen
des Katholizismus und Protestantismus, den neuer und machtigen Durchbruch der gett-
Haupt auspragungen des geschichtlichen lichen Wirklichlreit.
Christenturns, miissen wir uns bier versagen. Lehre Christi leuchterc im Lichr der Wahr-
Im Mittelpunlrt des Katholizisinus stcht der here; ihre ~~h~~~~~ wur,jen ge~ebrr, =lie
Anspruch der Kirche als dern Reich Gottes Menschen als Briider zu liebcn, keine Furcht zu
ulld dem ~ ~ christi i b Init dem papst, der habe", auch nicht vor dem Tod. Sie wurden
gelehrt, ihren Nichsten zu Jjebeo, sich selbst und
die sichtbare Verltijrperullg der kirchlichen ihr Eigeninreresse dern allgerneinen Wohl ihrer
Einheit in der seit dem Vatikan-Konzil von Mitmenschen zu apfern. Das erhabene Ziel Jesu
1870 ansgesprochenen Unfehlbarlteit darstel-
len soll. Ohne die "allein selig machende"
Kirche gibt es kein Heil. "Sie ist in oh-
::~!'$~;r~e~G7h Richtung lag in dem
~nslisch-amerikanischenCalvinismus.
jektivein sachlichem Betracht der ordentli- '4Gcspriche mit Ecker~nann11. 1. 1812.
- 15 Vecgl. r . B. Alexander Graf Hayos, "Die Neuge-
11T'ergl. Christenturn in Geschichte und G ~ burr
~ ~der ~Menschheir,"
- der Leuchter 1921-22,
wart, Frankfurt 1933, S. 10-12. S. 9 9 A.
BAHAISMO K A J LA SOCIA
PROBLEM0

iama vicprezidanto de la Germana Esperanto-Asocio kaj Lingva Kornitato,
membro de la Esperanto-Akademio
B AHAISMO estas speco de religio, kiu
inter la religioj ludas saman rolon, kian
estas akirita per metio-aii alia profesio. Tatga
impostado devos zorgi, ke la ritajo de un-
Esperanto havas inter la lingvoj: gi estas uopulo ne fari* tro granda; kio kondukus
neatrala haj ne kontraiibatalas aliajn religi- a1 malbona stato de socio. Same devar entre-
ojn. prenisto aii fabrikestro partoprenigi siajn
Nu, lrio estas religio? La vorto mem el laboristojn en la profit0 de la entrepreno,
la latina linvo montras anliaii en la Es- per tio oni instigas a1 laboremo kaj evitas
peranta forlno tre bone la esencon de la ideo. strikojn."
Religio re-ligas homon a1 tiu potenco, lciui TaCga impost-leg0 lasus impost-libera
Zamenhof nomis en la fama kongresa prego malritulon, sed, pli multe 01 nun, pagigus
"la poteuca senkorpa mistero, la fonto de ritulon. La bahia instruo rekomendas na-
amo, de vivo, dc vero." Tiu vorto reli- turai-imposton, kiu estas liverata de kampo-
go ricevis duan i liaj farigis religio. Mi teritorioj a1 urhaj distriktoj. "Ekzemple:
tre Satas la sufikson "-io" por io tutaja: kampulo kulturas la grundon kaj produktas
la tutajo de l'falro por filozofo estas filozofio, nutrajojn, el ili la urbo ricevu dekonon. En
por astronomo gi estas astronomio, do religio la urbo estu konstruata komuna domo, en
estas la tutajo de tio, kio nin ligas a1 tiu kiun oni metu eiujn kampo-produktajojn.
senkorpa mistero, kiun mallonge ni nomas Se iu en la urbo estas senhelpa, oni a1 li
Dio. donu liajn tiutagajn bezonajojn. Kampulo,
Bahiismo cetcre ne esras nur ligu a1 Dio, kies enspezo nur sufi?os por propra nutrado
gi sin okupas-kiel ankaii aliaj religioj- kaj bezonajoj, devos esti impost-libera. Se
pri la individua kaj la socia vivoj. La socia aliflanke ritulo nur bezonas 50 kg da pro-
vivo estas portata de du kolonoj, nome: amo duktajoj kaj li posedas 10,000 kg, li post
kaj lahoro. Ni unue atentu la laboron, lciu pago de Siuj siaj kostoj estu impostata je
ja estas esenca faktoro en tiu vivo. Bahi- du dekonoj, kaj je la fino de 1' jam Sio, kio
'u'116h diris: "Plej profnnden falis tiuj restas, estu donata en la domon por generala
homoj, liiuj snr la Tero ne portas fruktojn, bezono."
ili fakte estas kvazaii mortintoj. La plej Pri la reguligo de la salajra problemo Ba-
bonaj en iu popolo estas ili, kiuj perlaboras hi'u'116h rekomendas, ke la oficistoj kaj
la por la vivo necesan kaj uzas la gajnitajon laboristoj ne nur ricevu salajron, sed ankaii
por si kaj por la kunuloj la6 amo a1 Dio." profitu el la gajuo: "Posedanto de kapitalo,
En la libro "git6b-i-AqdasN estas postulate, minejo kaj fahriko dividu siajn enspezojn
ke Sin lernu iun profesion kaj per 5 akiru kun siaj labor-prenantoj, t.e. li donu a1 ili
viv-rimedojn, kiujn li uzu por la propra lati-mezuran rentumon, tie1 ke ili ricevu
bono kaj por tiu de aliuloj. Oni rajtas havi krom sia salajro iom el la generala enspezo,
privatan posedajon kaj labore akiritan hava- por ke ilia animo kun plena intereso parto-
ion. Bah6'u'llih diris: "kiam homo farigis prenu en la entrepreno. Tiamaniere oni
memstara liaj matura, tiam li bezonas bon- estonte ankaii ne plu starigos trustojn. La
staton; estas laiidinde, kiam tiu bonstato trusta problemo perfekte malaperus. Fabri-
BAHAISM0 KAJ LA SOCIA PROBLEM0 611

kantoj, kiuj havas 10,000 partumojn, donos En tiu hahaa komunumo komitato kun
el ili du-mil a1 siaj laboristoj kaj skribe cer- almenal naii membroj havas la taskon, zorgi
tigos tion al ili. La resto apartenas al la pri la bono de la ko~nunumokaj de la unu-
kapitalistoj. Poste, je fino de l'monato aii opuloj. Tiu komitato estas nomata de Bah6-
jar0 post depreno de la sumo por salajroj 'u'116h "Domo de Justo." 6 i decidas pri
kaj bezonafoj oni dividu la profiton laii la malfacilajoj estigintaj inter membroj de
nombro de la partumoj." Tia reguligo alti- l'komunumo; tefa tasko estas la zorgo pri
gos la laboremon de unuopa oficisto kaj bona edukado. A1 kelkaj religioj oni janl
laboristo kaj savos la popol-ekonomion de la riprotis, ke ili estas kontraii klerigo de la
detruaj strikoj. "eiuj registaroj de l'mondo popolo, ?ar tie1 la paatraro povas pli facile
unuigu kaj organizu kunvenon kies membroj regi kaj gvidi sian gafaron. En Bah6ismo
estu elektataj de la parlamentoj kaj la noblu- kontrace, kie ja ne ekzistas pastraro, oni
loj de 1'8tatoj. Tiuj per plej granda sageco tre multe atentas klerigon kaj bonan edu-
kaj energio realigas la projekton tiel, ke nek kadon. Ju pli homo evoluigas sian inte-
la kapitalistoj havu malprofiton, nek la la- lektajn kapablojn, des pli li proksimigas a1
boristoj farigu malritaj kaj mizeraj . . ." Dio. Tial estas unu devo por gepatroj, doni
"c'luj. registaroj devas farigi protektantoj de al siaj infanoj edukadon kiel eble plej
la le legoj, tar strikoj tiam kaiizas detruon, bonan, kaj tiu devo validu a1 knaboj kaj
sed legoj estas kaiizo de vivo. Legoj devas knabinoj; estas e t dirite, ke, kiam la rimedoj
esti donataj, postuloj nur estu farataj inter- ne sufitus, oni pli klerigu la knabinojn, Car
konse~ltebun legoj kaj ne per striko, per- ili estos la edukantoj de la venonta genera-
forto kaj sen-indulge." cio. Se iuj gepatroj malzorgas tiun devon
La fundamentoj de tiuj sociaj statoj estas pri eduko, tiam la Domo de Justo intervenu,
spiritaj: ili devenas el koro kaj spirito. Tial kaj kiam la rimedoj de la gepatroj ne sufitas,
diris 'Abdu'l-Bah6: "La malsano, lciu tur- la Domo de Justo subtenu. Car, kiel estas
mentas la komunumon, estas manko de amo dirate en la Kit6b-i-Aqdas: "La Domo de
kaj foresto de altruismo. Sen amo kaj kon- Justo estu rifukejo por malrituloj kaj sen-
kordo neniam estos progreso aii prospero." hejmuloj." 'Abdu'l-Bah6 en siaj leteroj
Amo do estas la dua kolono, kiu portas tiam denove akcentis, kiom necesa estas la
la socian vivon. Ekzistas konata vorto bona instruado a1 la lmabinoj tar ili estonte
"pregu kaj laboru," mi opiuias, oni povus povos konsiderinde influi celadojn, necesajn
samsence ankaii diri; "amu kaj laboru," tar por la bono de la socio. La Domo de Justo
la plej bona interrilato kun Dio estas certe, devas aparte atenti malzorgitajn infmojn,
kiam oni helpas iel a1 liaj gefiloj sur la Tero. kiuj facile faribas krimuloj, gi devas zorgi
Staris iam du amikoj autal ruino de pri konvena familio aii instituto, en kiu ili
monaliejo, unu el ili diris: jen ruino, tar estu edukataj. Ankaii pri servistoj kaj
oni tie ne sekvis la principon: "pregu kaj servistinoj la Domo de Jnsto estas repondeca.
laboru," oni nur pregis kaj ne laboris; venos Unu el la diroj de Bahi'n'116h estas: "benata
la tempo, kiam nunaj fabrikoj ankaii estos estas la princo, kiu asistas malliberulon, la
ruinoj, tar en ili oni nur laboras kaj ne pre- ritulo, kiu helpas mizerulon, la justulo, kiu
gas. &u la nuna stato de kelkaj fabrikoj ne zorgas, Ire subpremito spertu juston, kaj tiu,
jam verigas tiun diron? Kompreneble mi kiu plenumas, lrio estas a1 li ordonita de la
per la j u s dirita ne volas diri, ke ne ekzistis Eternulo."
kaj ekzistas monaliejoj, kie oni kontentige Estis la ideo de Bahi'u'llih, ke estonte la
laboris kaj laboras, kiel ankaii ekzistas fabri- institucio de Domo de Justo estu aplikata
koj, kie oni pregas aO aplikas amon, kie ne por tuta urbo, por tuta popolo.
nur la profitemo de la entreprenanto regas, La Kitib-i-Aqdas ankaii instruas pri la
kie la dungitoj partoprenas la profiton laii enspezoj de Domo de Justo. En Eiu komu-
la konsilo donita de Bahi'u'llhh jam antaii numo estu deponejo, kiu ricevu la enspezojn.
multaj jardekoj. La unua enspezo estu dekono el la havaio
Ni revenu a1 la amo, efektivigota per de unuopuloj, dua venos el la brutoj, tria
Bahiismo. Tie oni zorgos kaj zorgas jam el la mineraloj: de tiu minejo unu triono
en bahlaj komunumoj por la malrituloj. iru al tiu deponejo, kvare: se iu mortas sen
612 THE B A H A ' i WORLD

heredantoj lac-legaj, lia postlasajo iros en bahia estas pli detala, oni povas diri: pli
la generalan deponejon, kvine: se io estas nuntempa, ili bezonos eventuale langojn,
trovita sen-mastra, gi estos metata en la kiam aliikas la cirkonstancoj en la socio.
deponejon. Tion akaG esprimis la fondintoj de la ba-
Se iu farmisto havas elspezojn same gran- h i a movado, dirante, ke tiu nova profeto
dajn, kiaj estas liaj enspezoj, li ne pagu im- kaj ulstruanto de la homaro instruas tion,
poston; alia farmisto eble havas elspezojn, bio estas taUga por la tempo, en kiu li agas,
ni diru mil dolarojn, kaj lia enspezo estas lraj por la homoj, kiujn eduki li estas sendita.
2,000 dolaroj, de tia homo dekono estos Facile oni demandos, t u la pli bona es-
postulata, tar li havas pluson. La orfoj, tonto, kiun revis la fondintoj de I'Bahiismo,
Irripluloj, malrituloj, tiuj estos prizorgataj iam realigos? Tamen, kiam ni konsideras,
el la deponejo. Pluso en la enspezoj iras a1 ke ekzemple en Persujo kiu estas la lulilo de
la uacia trezorejo. Bahiis~nokaj kie ties ideoj estas tre konataj,
Tiaj estas la instruoj de Bahiislno rilate tiuj ideoj multe influis la nunan pli bonan
a1 la socia vivo. Kiam ni pripensas ilin, ni staton en tiu lando, kvankam la bahianoj
trovos, ke ilia esenco estas enhavata en la sin detenis de t i u politika agado, tiam ni
instruo de la Irristana religio, ear ?ion en- povas esperi, Ire ankae en aliaj landoj pros-
havas la ordono: "amu vian proksimulon peru kaj venku tiu nobla celado. Ciu-kaze:
kiel vi mem," kaj: "lsion vi deziras, ke aliaj celado a1 bona idealo havas rekompencon en
faru a1 vi, sam-tion faru vi a1 ili." La ioma si mem, kaj por ni validas anka6 la Zamen-
diferenco inter la du instruoj estas, Ire la hofa devizo: "Ni lahoru kaj esperu!"
Mullh Muhammad-Taqi, Ibn-i-Abhar, Prominent Bah6'i Teacher.
BAHA'U'LLAH'S G R O U N D P L A N
O F W O R L D - F E L L O W S H I P AS
P R E S E N T E D BY ' A B D U ' L - B A H A
A sketch based on " 'Abdu'l-Bahi in London" and
"Talks by Abdu'l-Bahi in Paris"
BY GEORGETOWNSHEND
T H E Ground Plan oi World Fellowship is clearness of spiritual vision, the guidance
which is now submitted to your considera- of intuition. Only Faith can point or see
tion was composed out of the writings of the way in such an hour as this. Men ques-
Bahi2u'116h and presented by 'Abddl-Bahb tion the love of a God who could let loose
in London, and later in Paris, about a on them so dire a cataclysm and could
quarter of a century ago. I t proposes in choose out this generation for sufFering
the simplest possible form a practical scheme wholly unprecedented. Their doubt cuts
for mastering the urgent problem of world- them off from the source of light and help.
fellowship; and its originating idea, though There is no vision; and tlie people perish.
of outstanding magnitude, is such as to Only Faith sees clearly-in open view-
place the whole plan from its beginning that this darkness is cast by a great light,
throughout in complete accord with the that this passing defeat of the spirit of Fel-
purpose we have before us to-day-that of lowship is the prelude of its final victory.
promoting the spirit of fellowship through A loving God would not have set this
the inspiration of religion. generation problems without bestowing the
This Plan in every feature plainly implies ability to solve them, would not inflict dire
that nothing less than a concerted effort on penalties on those whom he regarded as
a world scale, with the spiritual energie3 of guiltless.
m~nkind informing its practical energies, We are daunted by the strange new
will now suffice to awaken the spirit of fel- troubles that close us in on every side; we
lowship and secure deliverance from danger. do not look within and observe that a new
No local or regional effort; no partial effort power of mastering these is being developed
of either religion alone or statecraft alone, in conscience and in spirit. Intellectual
will completely solve our problems. The vision never was so keen as in this genera-
sense of fellowship (to be adequate to this tion; but spiritual vision, was it ever more
unique emergency) must be broad, based on weak? We talk-we boast-of the New
the whole of our human nature (spiritual, Age; but we miss its greatest gift. We
moral and intellectual) and not limited by say the human race is a t last reaching ma-
any terrestrial boundaries. turity, but we do not realise the fuiness,
Such a thesis may still be ahead of the the completeness of this powth. We per-
public opinion of mankind. But it is not ceive it is intellectual; we do not perceive
so far ahead of that opinion as it was when it is, in like measure, moral and spiritual.
it was first proposed in this city in 1911. Man's conscience has become more sensitive,
To-day our emergency is rather more seri- his spirit more responsive to heavenly
ous than then; but it is of the same general promptings. As he is to-day endowed with
character. What then and up to the pres- a new degree of intellectual power, so is he
ent has been lacking in men's experiments endowed to-day with a new degree of re-
GROUND PLAN 615

ligious power. The evulutio~~aryprocess The urgc of evolution pressed us for-
with even hand bears onward the whole ward; we would not go. The spirit of fel-
being and nature of man; his heart as well lowship grew warm in our hearts; we would
as his brain. New ideals, new hopes, new not feed its flame. The gates of world-
dreams of further progress, a more general, brotherhood opened wide; we turned away.
more insistent desire to build a better world God poured His Spiritual bounties on spirit
than that one which we inherit-these bear and conscience in greater abundance than
witness to man's consciousness of growth. ever; we in our blindness rejected His gifts
I n all its faculties che human race is pass- and Him.
ing from childhood and ignorance towards But this failure is not final nor for long.
maturity, towards the tasks that befit full I t is not the failure of Faith, nor yet of
manhood. To-day mankind is like a youth Love. I t is the open, the confessed failure
leaving school for the sterner world of of human wisdom. Through its purgation
business and affairs. I t is called on to put men who have doubted will learn to turn
into practice the lessions of moral principle for fellowship and peace to the way they
and human fellowship in which it has been have not trodden; the way of religion. But
instructed for so long. For how many cen- all must tread this way together. Since the
turies have we-all of us-been under whole world as a unit is involved, the ideals
tutelage to those whom we revere as the which are to guide this movement must be
Founders of our Faiths? Is it strange a time given a definite shape. If there is to be
should come when we should be required concerted action towards a single goal, some
to put into concrete deeds the precepts of map of the common journey must be made.
brotherhood we all acknowledge and should Vague sentiments of goodwill, however
at last be threatened with condign pnnish- genuine, will not su6ce. Some explicit
ment if we disobey? agreement on principles will be required for
Much indeed has been done of late to any coordinated progress.
remedy old wrongs, to suppress tyranny, to I t was to this task that BahVu'llhh long
upMt the oppressed, to relieve the poor, to ago addressed himself, and worked out a
teach the ignorant. But how much remains Ground Plan on which the temple of human
undone! We have accomplished enough to fellowship might be reared. I t consisted
convict ourselves of being fitted for a better of a set of fundamental principles and
social order, of being ready to inaugurate represented the minimum of what the occa-
a system of widespread justice and fraternity sion required. No foundation less deeply
a n d of lacking the resolution to put our dug than this will hold the structure that
ideals into effect. There is enough of good is to be built upon it.
in our recent record to incriminate u s The burden of the whole scheme was laid
but not enough to deliver us. We stand ultimately upon the shoulders of each indi-
now before the judgment seat of heaven vidual man and woman. Everybody by vir-
condemned by the evidence of our own ture of his status as a human being had his
acts. share in the vast world enterprise. The
We had no Vision: Men turned from principle of individual responsibility was
saints, n~ystics,seers, and listened to secular thus to be the basis of all progress.
philosophers. Blind leaders of the blind, into But underneath this basic fact of human
what perdition have they led us! Our in- duty lay something deeper yet. The living
tellectual eminence by some fatality height- rock on which this foundation was to be
ened our troubles. Divorced from faith, it laid was something the strength of which
aggravated human pride, taught men to humanity hitherto has too little recognised.
forget their moral respo~lsibilityand to deny That rock is the Truth. This spirit of fel-
their servitude before the moral law. The lowship which we seek t o encourage is not
inevitable hour of retribution draws near. by Bahh'u'llhh conceived as some addition
Surely this is a Iove-tragedy vaster in its to being which the genius of man should
scale, more terrible in its poignancy than undertake to create. As a flower within the
any in the history of our race! bud, it lies waiting the hour of its appear-
.'i WORLD
ance. I t is a reality which our fragmentari- men's view their rsaential unity is the dif-
ness denies. And what this Assembly desires ference between the world-religions, which
to do is not to create something new but has been made the cause of estrangement-
to give expression to something which is of prejudice and even of ill-will and strife.
already in existence though unused. Man's But, insisted 'Abdu'l-Bah6, there is nothing
advancing power is due to his increasing in these differences which should produce
knowledge of truth; and the magnificence so sad a result. Indeed, there is an impor-
of this present age bears witness in the last tant aspect in which all religions are at
resort not to the personal greatness of this heart one; and he included the existence of
generation but rather to the greatness of a this unity as a principle in his scheme. He
continuously unfolding Truth. If this Age meant (70 it seems) that a religion does not
is to become the Age of Universal Brother- consist solely of a doctrine, and an institu-
hood, it must be the Age of K~iowled~etion, but is also in a real and vital sense a
(Knowledge of Truth). The Truth will spiritual atmosphere. It is, as he once de-
set us free. The Truth will make us one. scribed it, "an attitude of soul towards God,
As the first item of his programme, there- reflected in life." This the essence of true
fore, Bab6'u'llih claimed that every indi- religion; and to this extent, the whole world
vidual should have the right of seeking for o v e ~members of all the religions have an
himself the truth. Love of truth (which outlook, an experience, an obligation which
at the present time is growing apace among they share in common with one another in
mankind) is the sole real corrective of all spite of their special and distinctive loyal-
forms of error and illusion. The great en- ties, and which groups them all together
mities which in the past have divided man- apart from the sceptic.
kind, and which were due to misunderstand- The more intensely spiritual men are, the
ing and ignorance, have in recent times lost more vividly conscious are they of the re-
their vitality, and our estrangements are ality and sweetness of this communion, and
now due chiefly to prejudice. These preju- one of their is the experience of
dices have come down to us from the past- a deep sympathy, a common lowliness, a
racial, religious, n%tional-and the instinct common aspiration which they share with
of imitation. For them all Bahi'u'llih offers those of a different tradition from their
one radical cure-the search for truth. The own.
battle which mankind yet has to fight be- Not ouly in their atmosphere, their influ-
tween prejudice and truth he seems to re- ence, but even in their profaunder teachings
gard as the Armageddon of the human soul. the world-religions may show forth this
Through this search for truth mankind unity. Do not all our faiths affirm and
at last would become really and clearly con- magnify the love of God for His creatures?
scious of the essential unity of the human What truth could be more ancient, more
race. For this unity is and has ever been precious than this? What would bind those
a fact. "Ye are the leaves of one tree, and who espouse it with a closer tie of fellow-
the leaves of one branch. Deal ye with one ship?
another with the utmost love and harmony, This age of widening consciousness and
with friendliness and fellowship," wrote Ba- deepening love of truth has begun t o bring
hi'u'llih. From the full knowledge of this us, on a scalc quite unprecedented, some
unity, and from nothing less, there would accurate knowledge of the sacred treasures
be born in this age a spirit of world-fellow- and the sacred history of the human race.
ship adequate to the present emergency. On Scholars, divines, men of letters, poets have
this consciousness of unity, therefore, 'Ab- all contributed to this enlightenment. They
du'l-Bah6 laid the greatest stress. He gave show us each of the great religions as being
to it a central place in his programme, other like a majestic temple reared in some chosen
features supporting or amplifying it or giv- spot by the hand of a master architect, and
ing it application in the practical affairs of surrounded now by a multitude of lesser
mankind. buildings of various later dates. Each
One of the facts which has obscured from temple blends with its own environment but
GROUND PLAN 617
is in marked contrast with all the other seem rather to travel by converging paths
temples. No two are alike, and the annexes and to draw nearer and nearer together.
connected wit11 each are still more unlike. If one is t o accept the account of their
But if the enquiring traveler pursues his experience given by contemporaries or by
investigatious and malies his way within themselves, these mystics seem all the world
the sacred structures he discovers in their over to have gone upon thu: same spiritual
several interiors and even in the shrines adventure, t o be drawn onward by the same
themselves an unmistakable hiuship in experience of an outpoured heavenly love;
beauty. and they testify one and all that t o reach
Experts iu comparative religion have this knowledge of the love of God is to
spohen with emphasis of the points of agree- understand at last the mystery and the hid-
ment to be found between the world reli- den blessedness of life and t o possess an
gions. Professor Cheyne quotes Max MCIler everlasting treasure for which the sacri-
as "advising the Bralnnists t o call themselves fice of all earthly things is but a little
Christians" and himself zrgues that the re- price.
conciliation of religions mast precede that This fellowship among all mystics is com-
of races "which at present is so lamentxbly mon knowledge, of which evidence is within
incomplete." The evideuce of rnen of 1ear11- the reach of all. In a well-known English
ing is supported by that of another cloud of work, Miss Underhill writes of the mystics
witnesses, whose testimony none can gainsay, that-"we meet these persons in the east
and who speak with the voice not of intel- and the west; in the ancient, mediaeval,
lectual criticism but of spiritual knowledge. and modern worlds. Their one passion ap-
The highest exponents of a religion, those pears t o be the prosecution of a certain spir-
who understand most ihoroughly its mean- itual and intangible quest. .. . This, for
ing and interpret its spirit with the most them has constiruted the whole meaning of
compelling authority, are those men and life . . . and it is an indirect testimony
women of mystical geuins whose impas- to its objective actuality that whatever the
sioned devotion and obedience to their divine place or period in which they have arisen,
Master is the outstailding feature of their their aims, doctrines and methods have been
lives. If each of these religions were strictly substantially the same. Their experience
exclusive, the negation of all the others, therefore forms a body of evidence, curi-
bringing to men its own irreconcilable mes- ously self-consistent and often mutually ex-
sage, in that case those who follow these .
planatory. . ."'
religions t o the extreme, the mystics and the Every public library in this country will
saints, would assuredly move further and contain books supplying illustrations of this
further apart, and would come t o rest at the statement. The mystical outlook and per-
last point of divergence. The greater the spective both on the things of heaven and
saint the wider the gulf between him and the things of earth is in its essence eternally
the saints of alien allegiances. A t the same the same. But perhaps no instance of the
time the less aspiring and spiritually gifted fundamental unity that underlies all mysti-
multitudes, immersed in the daily human cal experience is more striking than that
concerns which all men share alike, would parallelis~nbetween Plotinos and St. Augus-
be found to be the least estranged f r o ~ none tine to which in his "Evolution of Thc-
another by their differing creeds. ology" Professor Edward Caird draws atten-
But in fact this is not so. Strangely, very tion. "Some of the finest expressions of this
strangely, religious history shows us some- (the mystical) attitude of soul," he writes,
thing quite different-exactly the opposite. "may be found in the Confessions of St.
The contrast between each world-religion Augustine. But when St. Augustine ex-
and all its sister-religions is as a rule felt presses his deepest religious feelings we find
most acutely and insisted on most vigorously that he repeats the thoughts and almost the
by the less mystically minded of its votaries. very words of Plotinos." Professor Caird
While the mystics of all the religions instead then shows how closely akin t o the thought
of moving further and ever further apart Introduction to Mysticism, Chapter 1.
T H E B A H 6. ' f WORLD
of Plotinos is "that great passage in which shall all men lrnow that ye are My disciples
Augustine gives an account of his last con- if ye have love one to another."
versation with his mother Monica about the In this Age we congratulate ourselves
life of the redeemed in heaven." And he tbat for centuries past religious enmity has
concludes "how deeply neo-Platonism must been continually growing more weak. Yet
have sunk into the spirit of St. Augustine our ideal remains negative. T o manifest no
when in describing the highest moment of ill-will towards those who differ in opinion
his religious experience he adopts almost ver- from us is not enough. Christ enjoined a
bally the language in which Plotu~ostries more positive attitude of soul; one of active
to depict the mystic ecstasy of the indi- goodwill despite all differences. When God
vidual soul as it enters into communion with thus commands a spirit of affection towards
the soul of the world." all, he gives the power to obey His com-
By what diverse paths have mystics who mand. Religion, in other words, is creative.
had nothing in common save whole-hearted Through its force the will of an earnest man
servitude before the one loving God, by is enabled to achieve an inward change tbat
what diverse paths have they all alike at- otherwise would be beyond his strength. If
tained the blessed Presence! And what man this were not so, what useful place would
in his pride of opinion will shut out from religion fill in this cosn~osof ours?
Paradise those whom God's own hand has If now the creative power of religion to
admitted? Thus do scholars and saints join effect this purpose were called upon and
to testify that the great religions have their put to vigorous use, how many vital prob-
aspect of unity as well as their aspect of lems which have proved insoluble on the
variety, and that without qualifying their intellectual plane (such as the reunion of
special allegiance worshippers in all religions Christendom or the combating of secular-
may find something in the fundamental ism) might prove much more tractable
nature of religion itself which promotes a when carried t o the spiritual plane!
sweet, precious and abiding sense of true Another effort at harmonization was
companionship. called for when Bahi'u'llfh included in this
The promotion of a boundless spirit of scheme an active partnership between re-
concord and good will Bahi'u'llih main- ligion and science.
tained to be agreeable to the genius of every Tolerance between the two is too little.
world-religion. Whatever misunderstand- I n their nature they are cotnplemenrary, as
ing may have arisen in bygone centuries, no two wings with which the soul soars towards
religion as originally taught was meant to knowledge of the truth. Science divorced
encourage animosity. Quite the contrar7. from religion gives a wholly distorted view
Religion is meant to heal discord. So im- of reality. Religion divorced from science
portant in an age of disintegration did this may become a mere superstition. Man is to
feature of religion seem that 'Abdu'l-Bahi use both as his servants and thus to bring
proposed to include in his Plan the precept the material aspect of life and the spiritual
that "the purpose of religion is to promote aspect at last into evident and complete
harmony and affection." accord.
One will not doubt this loving purpose T o these principles Bah6'u'llih added (as
n ~ a ybe discovered, or re-discovered, in every necessary for practical results) certain pro-
one of our world-faiths, and assuredly in visions of a more material nature. 'Abdu'l-
Christianity. If we look away from Chris- Bahi mentioned laws to prevent extremes of
tendom to Christ and to the pure teaching indigence and opulence; universal education,
of Christ, we find it evident throughout a common language, a central World-
the Gospels. Christ said that one's whole Tribunal.
duty was to love God and one's neighbor, To the use by all nations of a secondary
and he described neighbor as meaning any- or world language in addition to their
one you could help regardless of creed or mother tongue great importance was at-
kin. He made fellowship in love the evi: tached; without this device fellowship
dence of Christian membership "by this would never be assured. The religious his-
BAHA'U'LLAH'S GROUND PLAN 619

tory of mankind from the dsys of Babel to of Bahi'u'llih. To establish this Bahh'u-
the present bears oat this emphasis. When '116h underwent great difficulties and hard-
we remember, for example, the influence of ships. He was in constant confinement and
the general use of the Greek language he suffered great persecution. But .. .
throughout the Roman Empire at the be- from the darkness of his prison he sent out
ginning of our Era, when we consider how a great light into the world." ('Abdu'l-Bahi
in Islim the adoption of Arabic as a com- in London, p. 18.) 'Ahdu'l-Bahh claimed
mon language united peoples hitherto es- that these principles were consistent with
tranged, facilitated the interchange of the spirit of all the world religions and were
thought and aided the rapid extension of measured with exact and unlque fitness to
a single culture over vast regions; or when mankind's heightened capacity and its tre-
again we observe how the cause of ecclesi- mendous responsibilities at this time. He
astic unity was promoted by the use and had no doubt of their being at no very dis-
weakened by the disuse of the L a t ~ nlan- tant date adopted: fellowship along these
guage as a medium among the peoples of lines was the birthnght of our New Age.
western Europe centuries ago; we are driven But though they have percolated far
to conclude that in this age of radio and through the world and have cheered the
aviation a world-language would unify the hearts of many with renewed hope, yet the
peoples of mankind to a degree unpre- large collaboration between races and re-
cedented in the past and di6cult for us to ligions here so definitely butlined has in fact
calculate in anticipation. been postponed in favor of narrower views
The federal tribunal or Board of Arbitra- and materialistic reforms. Our civilization
tion which in a few words 'Abdu'l-Bahl is in desperate plight and has sunk into a
proposed differed in three notable points moral and spiritual abyss. Men realize the
from the League which afterwards was set urgent need of a reformation greater in
up. The provision of an adequate police range and in intensity than mankind has
force was an essential prerequisite: the draft ever yet achieved but know not how to
of any proposed constitution was to be re- meet it. I n such an emergency does not this
ferred not only to the governments but also bold original scheme of fellowship merit
to the peoples of the world: when finally serious consideration and even the test of
ratified and adopted, it was to enjoy the experiment. Does it deserve to he merely
full support of religion, of church as well ignored by the rulers and the teachers of
as of state, and its strict maintenance against the world?
any violation by any nation was to be held I n advocating peace to a western audience
by all mankind as a sacred obligation. 'Abdu'l-Bahl once said, "You have had
I n these and all other reforms man's war for thousands of years; why not try
greatest stay would be the Holy Spirit, peace for a change? If you do not like it,
without whose aid no peace or fellowship or you can always go back to war." One might
unification would ever be secured. in such an hour as this hazard the same sug-
This scheme of world-fellowship was pre- gestion about this ground plan of fellow-
sented twenty-five years ago in London by ship: we have exhausted a hundred other
'Abdu'l-Bahi out of teachings first promul- devices to no purpos+why not try this?
gated some forty years before. "This," he If we do not like it, we c a n always return
said "is a short summary of the teachings to our present-condition.
Professor Dr. Jan Rypka, Charles University, Praha, Czechoslovakia.
DIE BAHAIS U N D MEINE
ERFAHRUNGEN

NocH heute, nach mehr als vier Jahren, alles wusste, wie ich es anfinglich vermeint
kann ich mich meiner ersten Beruhrung mit hatte. Ich wiirde meine damaligen Mangel
dem militanten Bahi'ismus ganz genau erin- heute folgendermassen bestimmen: Hier trat
nern. Es hatte mir einer meiner Kollegen ~ n i rdas Leben entgegen, wohingegen all
auf mein Universitatskabinett telephoniert, meine Kenntnisse nur nach Papier rochen.
dass eine amerikanische Bahi'i-Sendbotin Der Professor wurde unbewusst und unwill-
mich zu sprechen wiinscht. Auf meine kiirlich zum Schiiler. Er sah nicht mehr das
Entgegnung hin, dass ich furwahr keine Phantastische, das sich in Buchstaben und
Lust in mir verspiire, mich mit phantasti- Ziffern ergeht, sondern eine erhabene reli-
schen Luftgebiuden, die mir iiberdies durch gi8se Lehre mit weitgreifenden soziolo-
meine Studien kein Geheimnis sind, abzu- gischen und wirtschaftlichen Auswirkungen.
geben, meinte er sehr ernst, die Ansichten, 'Miss Martha Root entging mein Interesse
die er soeben gehort habe, seien gar nicht so fur Iran und das Irinische nicht. Ebenso
grundlos; im Gegenteil, ein durchaus ver- nachte hinweder ich im Laufe unseres Ge-
nunftiges und anhorbares Credo, dem ich sprichs die mir unsiglich sympathische Ent-
doch hei dieser Gelegenheit etwas Aufmerli- deckunk, dass Miss Martha Root Persien, das
samkeit widmen sollte, zumal es in mein Land des Lowen mit der aufgehenden Sonne,
Forschungsgehiet einschlagt. aus Autopsie kennt. 1st es verwunderlich,
Als es ein zwei Tage darauf wirlclich zur dass unserer ersten Begegnung alsbald eine
Entrevue kam, leitete ich so gut wie mit zweite und weitere folgten, zu deren nun
dem Handedruck gleichzeitig das Gesprich auch meine Frau herangezogen wurde?
mit einer vielleicht etwas hochnasigen Be- Immer mehr erfuhren wir uber den gegen-
merkung ein, mir wire die Bah6'i-Doktrin wirtigen Stand des Bahcismus, seine Beweg-
aus der gelehrten Literatur genugend be- ung und Organisation. Nach allen Schil-
kannt. Und ich wurde mich bis zur Stunde derungen schien es nun, dass es kinderleicht
schimen, hltte icb damals es unterlassen, sein muss, 10.000 Meilen in Persien zu
zur Bekriftigung jener Bewillkommnu~g machen, sobald man einige Bahh'is zu seinen
sogleich verschiedene orientalistische Werke Freunden zihlt oder in Ermangelung dessen
zu zitieren. Miss yrtha-t schrieb mir hloss uber ein Empfehlungsschreiben ver-
meine Kenntnisse anftmut~gund unver- fiigt. Ms. Martha Root brachte es zuwege,
drossen zugute. Ihre unverwiisrliche Lie- das ich in lrurzem Mr. und Mrs. Howard
benswiirdigkeit liess sich dadurch weder Carpenter, die auf ihrer Reise nach Persien
krinken noch stiiren. Deswegen gab es kein fiir einige Zeit in Wien haltgemacht hatten,
Zeremoniell der sich zum ersten Male Be- begegnen konnte. (Dafur wie fur gar so
gegnenden. Vielmehr nahm unser Gesprich manches bin ich ihr noch heute iunigst
nach einer derartigen gegenseitigen Kennen- dankbar.) Dies war meine zweite Bahi'i-
lernung unverweilt das Gesicht einer lang- Bekannschaft. Ich kehrte nich enttiuscht
jihrigen besten Freundschaft. nach Prag zuruck. Ich lernte in Wien auch
Miss Martha Root entwickelte vor mir ihre andere Bah6'is kennen, um immer aufs neue
Ziele und Plane, sie zeigte mir verschieden- gute, ja beste Erfahrungen zu machen, frei-
sprachige Literatur des Bahi'ismus und ich lich aber auch mir immer wieder die Frage
begriff alsbald, dass ich denn doch nicht so nach dem Wesen des in all diesen Fallen
DIE BAHA'iS UND MEINE ERFAHRUNGEN 623

Dip Shia hat im 1.aufe der Jahrhuuderte eine Die im Abendlande gewonnene ErfahrunR
nationale Tradition entwickelt. Mit dieser wurde mix auch im persischen Morgenlande
wird der universalistische Bahi'ismus verge- vollends bestatigt. Der Bah6'ismus ist un-
blich ringen, damit er weitere Wurzeln zweifelhaft ein unschatzbarer Kulturwert.
schlage. Dieser Mange1 an Extensitat jedoch Oder wiirden auch ohne ihn alle jene Men-
wird durch die Intensit.jt und Verinnerlich- schen, deren hohe Sittlichkeit ich bewun-
ung der iranischen Bahb'i-Diasporen reich- derte und bewundere, dasselbe Niveau, nur
lich kompensiert. Die Bahi'i-Gemeinde wird in anderer Form erreicht haben? Oder
Charaktere ausbilden, die auch der anders- beruht es nur in der Neuheit der Lehre und
glaubigen, ja feiudlich gegeniiberstehenden in der Frische ihrer errten und nxchsten
Umwelt durchaus nachahmungswert er- Anknger?
scheinen diirften.
Photograph of Bahi'i Pioneers of fr6n taken about 1 8 9 1 in Tabriz. (Sitting third from
right [third row] is Mirzh 'Ali-Muhammad Varq6, distinguished Bahh'i Martyr.
Second from left [first row] is his son Rau'llhh, who was also martyred.
BY MRS. LOUISER. WAITE
TO describe 'Abdu'l-Bahi so that the He passed by me. He was dressed all in
reader may form any mental picture of Him white. His hair fell in soft waves about
that would in any way do Him justice, is His shoulders and His head was crowned
as impossible as to try to paint a sunbeam. with a white turban bound around with a
The artist may put the ray of yellow light white cloth. His step was firm and kingly.
in exactly the right place and with most When He reached His door He turned
beautiful effect; but no matter how great and again motioned me to pass on. I came
his skill, he cannot catch the real essence of toward Him and when I reached His door
the sunbeam-that golden luminosity, which I looked up into those marvelous eyes. I
is like an elixir of life, is uncatchable, un- knew that every act, every thought of my
paintable. So it is with the lilreness of life was known to Him. Yet, knowing this,
'Abdu'l-Bal16. His expression is ever chang- I could loolr fearlessly, unwaveringly at
ing; each thought and elnotion is mirrored Him, realizing all my sins and weaknesses,
forth and the face becomes so illumined that yet knowing He understood me as I could
words are but as the dull, lifeless paint never understand myself, and that He was
which cannot reproduce the sunbeams-yet, indeed "Infinite Love Incarnate." I could
some idea can be gathered from them. not pass until He turned and entered His
When I first saw 'ABDU'L-BAHA I was room; then almost overcome by the vibra-
alone and I came face to face with Him tions which thrilled me through and
all unexpectedly. He stood not even four through, I passed on: Later He came to
feet from me. I t was in the npper court, greet us and I was fully confirmed-this
with the blue sky overhead and the sunlight was truly 'ABDU'L-BAHA, but a very dif-
shining down brightly upon Him, the hour ferent one, I felt, from the one I had first
being but a little after "high noon." I seen. As He firmly grasped my hand with
might have thought Him any other member that welcoming pressure that comes deep
of His family, as His sons-in-law were often from the heart, a handshake that warms you
passing to and fro, but every atom of my througll and through, I saw the Divinely
being, my heart and soul cried out, "This human man, the personification of my high-
is He." The face of nly dreams of Him est ideal of an earthly father. I never again,
stood before me with that same heavenly while in 'Aklci, saw Him as I had in that
smile of welcome. The Light of Infinite first meeting. I t was then as if I had seen
Love was radiating from His countenance. the Reality of His being, with the shades of
Majestic, and yet sublimely tender, He was flesh all raised that the Light of Spirit might
looking right into my eyes. I gave a start stream forth.
as if I had suddenly plunged into a n ocean, 'ABDU'L-BAHA is of medium height,
then stood transfixed. I t seemed as if I had but He holds Himself so superbly, with such
come upon Him unawares and saw the commanding dignity, and carries His head
"Glory of the Lord" shining forth around so high and with such an air of majesty,
Him; and I know I must have felt as did that He ever gives the impression of great
Mary Magdalene when Christ revealed Him- height. His voice is full and vibrant, each
self to her in her vision after the crucifixion word uttered with marked distinctness and
-"The Risen Lord." He motioned me to with that tonal quality which leaves a faint
pass on. I could not. A sense of my great echo, as it were, or wave vibrations such as
unworthiness made me bow my head-then come from a beautifully toned bell. All
through the day it rings out, first in one 'Iis bed rested againsc the same wall that
place, and then in another; for with aston- mine did and I could hear His slightest
~shingrapidity 'ABDU'L-BAHA seems to be move. I could not sleep, and as I lay there
everywhere-now in the garden, now in the wide-awake, I heard Him pacing up and
room close beside the entrance, now in a down His room; then He wo~lldthrow Him-
guest's roonl--or you may hear Him calling self upon His bed; then arise and walk back
someone in the "family section" of the and forth again. Once, when He threw
"prison home." Always when I heard His Himself down upon His bed, He moaned.
voice, I felt its vibrations most deeply. Like Oh, that moan! I t came from the depths
His face, His voice expresses every emotion, of His soul and it pierced me through the
from tones that are stern and emphatic to .
heart. . . I felt that once again the Christ
those as tender and loving as the cooing of Spirit was daily, hourly, being crucified by
a dove. the lack of perfect love and unity among
His eyes defy description. I only know the believers; that once again I t was crying
that to me they seemed gray, with a circle out: "0 Jerusalem! Jerusalem! thou that
of white around the iris, which at times killest the prophets and stonesr them which
became luminous. Sometimes in the light, are sent unto thee! How often would I have
I caught a shade of blue, and again by gathered thy children together, even as a
lamplight they seemed almost brown,+ver- hen gathereth her brood under her wings,
changing were they and wonderful. Like and ye would not! Behold, your house is
His face and His voice, they, too, expressed left unto you desolate!"
every emotion felt by Him. How I longed to go to Him and declare
I was deeply impressed by His perfect my love and faith in Him! Then I realized
naturalness, His lack of conventionality and that it is not our love and faith in Him, but
set form, and His refreshing simplicity. our love for one another, that is His crown
Divinely simple is He. His hair, which is of glory and the balm for His soul; for He
gray and long, but rather thin, would at one had said to a pilgrim: "If yon love one
time be flowing softly around His head, and another, it is just the same as if you love
at another it would be tucked up beneath Me. The closer you draw to one another,
His turban in a careless, comfortable way. the closer you draw to Me. I will go away
All His physical senses seem intensified and from this world, but love always stays.
when eating anything which He particularly Therefore, you should love one another very
likes, He evidences the keenest enjoyment of much."
it. Likewise, the perfume of a flower will I felt that every inharmonious thought
seem to entrance H i . I thought of what and action was painfully registered on that
one pilgrim at 'Akkl had said: "When great heart; and with this thought came the
'ABDU'L-BAHA inhales the odor of flow- overwhelming sense of the personal responsi-
ers, it is wonderful t o see Him. I t seems bility falling upon each one of us. Having
that the perfume of the hyacinth is telling seen and heard 'ABDU'L-BAHA, I realized
Him something as He buries His face in the that He is indeed the Center of the Cove-
flowers. I t is like the effort of the ear- nant of God. And with this realization
a concentrated attention. How He under- came the deepest joy. No need of argu-
stands the mystery of 111 these things of ments and worry ovrr intricate problems of
which we know nothing!" This, indeed, is life and death, which have confounded the
true. greatest philosophers; no need to spend the
While there was a deep undercurrent of precious time in delving into the unknawn
exultancy in 'ABDU'L-BAHA, yet, during and unknowable-He has, or can, explain
my visit, which was but a few days, to my it all and His explanations are true.
consciousness there seemed a strain of sor- Once having accepted 'ABDU'L-BAHA's
row and sadness, as if the weight of the station, it is as useless to vex our minds with
world was upon His shoulders. Especially all rhese "whys and wherefores" as it would
did I realize this upon my first night in be for a way-worn traveler when a wagon
'Akkl. I occupied the room next t o His. comes along and the driver offers to carry
him to town and he gladly climbs in, t o con- town. God has indeed given us an "Ark of
tinue to carry his heavy burden on his back. Safety" in 'ABDU'L-BAHA.
At 'Akki, I not only climbed into the 'ABDU'L-BAHA, the Mystery of God!
wagon of Truth, but I also left my heavy Who can comprehend that Mystery?
bundle of self, opinions and perplexity of Surely not finite mind nor intellect. Only
ideas by the roadside, knowing that this tl~rough the heart can we catch a faint
Divine Driver would carry me safely to glimpse of His Station.
ZWEI HEILIGE GRABSTATTEN

M I T T E N in Jerusalem, der vielbesung- schmuclct mit dem Goldr menschlicher
enen Stadt der Christenheit, ragt die Heilige Zutaten, ruht das Lebendige, der Offen-
Grabkirche, ein uralter, ehrwiirdiger Bau. barungsort des Wortes, unter der Erde ver-
Trittst du in sie eio, so umfangt dich in Die Menschen streiten sich um den
hoher Kuppelwolbung ein weihrauchge- Zugang nu ihm. Und, weil sie sich streiten,
trinktes, ~nystischesDunkel, worin~ienGold entfernen sie sich der Wahrheit immer mehr,
und geweilite Lampen funlieln. In der Mitte brauchen sie Teilkirchen und Kirchenteile
dieser Halle siehst du einen steinernen Bau, fur ihre Teilwahrheiten. Die Religion, an-
unter welchem Christi Leih begraben sein statt ein lebendiger, ungetriibter Quell der
soll. Ein scbmaler Zugang fuhrt in das Kraft und Weisbeit fur den Staat in seinen
Innere an einen Stein, der das Ziel frolnmer Fragen und Noten zu sein, bedarf im Gegen-
Anbetung ist. Viele glaubige Christen teil der Hilie seines Armes, ja seiner Waffen-
zwangen sich zn ihm hinein, urn dort einige gewalt, um ihre Wiirde und Ordnung zu
Augenblicke in Andacht zu verweilen. behaupten. Das Ewige, Personlichste aber
Seitlich von der Mittelhalle aber zweigen wird in vermenschlichter Aufmachung als
einige kleinere Kirchenschiffe ab, fur jede k'ufliche Ware auf der Strasse verkitscht
christliche Konfession ein anderes. Sonntags und verscbachert.
halten sie oft gleichzeitig Gottesdienst. Da Wo ist da ein Lichtblick, wo ein Weg
kannst du dann horen, wie sich Worte und empor? Bedarf es da nicht, urn solche
Tijne vermengen uiid stijren, Worte, die eiu- Zustlnde auf der ganzen Welt zu heilen,
stens verlriindet wurden, urn die Menschen ei~iesMannes, der nicht nur irgendwo im
zu verbriidern, um ihnen den Frieden auf Endlichen den Hebel ansetzt, etwa an einer
Erden zu bringen. An der Tiire aber stehen alten Religion reformiert, oder von eincr
rnuha~nmedanischp Polizisten, urn dafiir zu Nation ansgeht, sondern der eine unbedingte
sorgen, dass Ordnung herrscht und dass sich und unbeschrankte gottlicl~e Vollmacht
die verschiedenen Konfessionen nicht streiten besitzt, kurz, der ein Gottgesandter ist? Der,
oder gar verpriigeln, wie es auch schon weil er ein Gottgesandter ist, und Gott nur
vorgekom~nen sein soll. Und wendest du Einer und die Wahrheit nur Eine sein
dann diesem alten Andachtsraurn den konnen, aoch den friihereii Gottgesandten
Riickeli und trittst du, geblendet von der und Wahrheitsverkiindern nicht wider-
grellen Sonne, hinaus in die lermende Stadt, spricht, sondern sie hestitigt und ediillt.
so geratst du zunichst in eine Schar yon Der aber eben deshalh klar das hirchliche
Hindlern, die dort vor der Kirche ihre Beiwerk, das die Menschen in Religionen,
Buden aufgcschlagen haben und der religiose Konfessionen und Sekten aufgespalteu hat
ArtikeI aufdrangen wollen. und darin erstarren liess, voii der ewigen,
Den gliubigen Christen miissen diese Ge- zeitlosen Wahrheit scheidet, und eine neue,
gensztze erschiitter~lund zu tieferem Nach- unverfalschte Offenbarung niederlegt, die
denken zwingen. 1st dies alles nicht wie ein zur ganzen Menschheit spricht und die
grosses Sinnbild der religjijsen Lage nicht nur ganze Menschheit einigt?
des Christentums, sondern al!er Religionen Wir Bahi'i wissen, dass ein solcher Gott-
auf der Welt? I n dern fester], ehrwurdigen gesandter unliugst schon iiber diese Erde ge-
Bau der alten Traditiunen begraben, in das gangen ist und diese welthistorische Sendung
Dunkel ratselvoller Mystik geliiillt, ge- vollbracht hat. Wir wissen auch, wo Bah6-
'u'llih Seine irdischc Bahn heschlossen hat wasser. So treten wir un den lichten, hoch-
und wo Seine irdische Hiille zur Ruhe gewiilbten Raum. Um duftende Blumen
gebettet ist: und Zierstriucher, die hier aus der Erde
Bahji-+in liostliches Stiiclr Erde. Fernab spriessen, sind kostbare Teppiche gelegt.
vom Geschrei und Gefeilsche der Scadt, Hinter der geweihten Schwelle ist der letzte
fernab von den Blicken der Neugierigen ragt heiligste ort, unter welchem der Korper
aus dem grunen Saum herrlicher Girten der Bahi'u'll&h's ruht.
edel Bau, einfach und doch achtnnggebiet- Der Geist, der diesen Raum durchdringt,
end wie ein Herrschersitz, festgefiigt und ist unbeschreiblich machtvoll. Rein Pilger
doch zierlich im Kranze seiner Saulenreihe, liann sich ihm verschliessen und seine su-
unsagbar mhig zwischen Himmel und Erde chende Seele kann sich an dieser StHtte zu
und doch erfiillt und durchpulst von einer einem Grade der Loslosung aufschwingen,
Kraft, die machtiger ist als Zeit und Raum. wie er sie anderswo nicht so Ieicht ureicht.
Wenn wir uns diesem Heiligtum nahern, Die Welt mit ihren Nichtigkeiten versinkt
erfasst von der Weihe der Stunde, die dort draussen weit vor der Tiire. Das
Sehnsucht nach geistiger Begegnung im Here in der Brust aber, "die Schatzkam-
Herzen und nicht abgelenkt durch die mer des Freundes," 6ffnet sich jubelnd, urn
duftenden Arme der erdentwachsenen den hier waltenden Geist in sich auf-
Zweige und Bluten des Gartens, gelangen zunehmen, mit dem die Seele, hier allein
wir ngchst dem Palaste zu dem Mausoleum. und frei, innerste erschiitternde Zwiesprache
Wir lassen unsere Schuhs vor dieser Stltte hilt.
und mit ihnen alles, was uns seither nit der Als ein Neuer trittst dn dann wieder in
Erde verband, was vom Staube noch an uns die Welt hinaus, gelcl'art, gestxrkt, nnd
haftet. Die Girtner reichen uns Rosen- tatenfroh.
Mr. and Mrs. Tokujiro Torii, Kyoto, Japan,
July 14. 1931.

Miss Agnes Alexander.
I N PRAISE O F WORDS
BY HELENBISHOP
G L E A N I N G S from the Writings of sowing the seeds of the world culture des-
Bahi'u'lUh." tined "unto this last."
To the waiting hand a Bahi'i gives "a
Book sent down in truth unto men of in- Logos
sight! I t biddeth the people t o observe jus- I t is not the romance of words which we
tice and to work righteousness . . ."' This nor do we hold a brief for those
Boolc is of the quintessence of the Holy philosophies which by lure of words have
Books revealed from age t o age, and may he seduced minds from the realities of common
weighed by ". . . the just Balance that ye sense. We do find i t timely t o call an in-
possess, the Balance of the testimony of the quest for theologies that have obscured the
Prophets and Messengers of God." meaning of words, terms, and figures, and
Although the pages of this Book of Life thereby withheld followers from the recog-
are charged with the meaning of our mute nition of God through His Prophets. This
experience and, hence, can ". . . dissipate is to the end that we may exalt above all
thy sorrows and dissolve thine anguish," ' others the Words of God enunciated by the
yet these same pages lie open to communi- Prophets, now again sent forth as entities
cate mysteries only ro those who can read .
charged with ". . such potency as can in-
"the testimony of God'" with detachrnm~ still new life into every human frame . . ." n
from traditional misconceptions. Instead of questioning Jesus for the mean-
Some of the Words were gathered by ing of the prophecies on the Messiah, Israel
patient labor of the Guardian, Shoghi accepted the priesthood's literal interpreta-
Effendi, and preserved as "Gleanings." For tion of the Promise, and was thereby de-
the first reapers were the martyrs of frPn, prived of the regeneration. The Christians,
who discovered in the Cause a field of hero- uninstructed Ly Israel's disinheritance, mis-
ism and yielded up to God a harvest of puri- interpreted the promise of the "Second
fied and consecrated lives.' Coming," and failed to acknowledge the
Let us say that the "Gleanings" are the Divine Unity through Muhammad. Thus
mountain of corn which Brother Giles in having deprived itself of insight, Christen-
homely speech compares to God. A bird dom entered the prison of the Dark Ages
may seize one grain from the high peak, and closed the door on its own spirit until
and another, then again; and while it may the waves of Isl6m ("The Renaissance")
not diminish the magnitude of that store- flooded Europe. The Muslims of ir6n sturn-
house, still each grain contains all the nutri- bled over the words "The Seal of the Proph-
ments for sustenance. Moreover, each grain ets" and put to death the Bib in the year
is the germ of life itself! And so we ought 18SO. To-day, Jews, Christians, Muslims,
not to grasp to ourselves these "Gleanings," besides the other religious communities all
as the all we have; we ought to stride the of which are expecting a Promised One,
field with a fearless and giving movement, cling to the literal interpretation of their
lTrans.by shoghi ~ g ~ Bahl'i~ d Pub.
~ ,Co., New prophetic Books and fail to recognize the
Yark, 1931. universal Manifestation of Bahi'u'llih. This
Zlbid., p. 306. -although His Book upholds the mission of
lbid., p. 281.
*Ibid., P. 133. their own respective Prophets as exponents
The Heroic Age of the Bahi'i Cycle ir reckoned of one divine Messagc"This is the chnnge-
1844-1921. The prerenr Formative Period will usher -
in The Golden Age. elbid., p. 141.
I N PRAISE OF WORDS 633

less Faith of God, eternal in the past, eternal Rah&perpetuated the Law of Succession in
in the future." His Will and Testament, wherein He estab-
Is not religion intended for unity? Where- lishes the Guardianship and appoints thereto
fore these separatenesses? In explanation we His eldest grandson, Shoghi Effendi, and his
venture at least two cardinal distinctions be- lineal descendants. Inasmuch as all Bahi'is
tween the Words of the Prophets and the turn to the Guardian and accept his inter-
words of men: the first, language as human pretation, no longer can the question of
discourse is logical material, and each propo- meaning be the centre of obscurantism and
sition has one, and only one function, so that the prolific source of divisions. A t last,
meanins is not multiple but singleness; religion becomes the basis of unity.
whereas, the pronouncements of God are of As to the second cardinal distinction:
manifold and inexhaustible meanings." knowledge instructs and cultivates the
This circumstance necessitates, on the part mind: whereas, the "gift of understanding''
of the Revelator Himself, the appointment realized through the Prophet shifts the field
of an Interpreter (and designated succes- of consciousness and is the rebirth of the
sors) assured of inspiring and unerring guid- mind itself. Outside of the Bah6'i Writings
ance. T o be sure, the Gospels record the we do not find elucidation of what happens
appointment of the Apostle Peter to a sta- when the Prophet thunders: "Thus saith the
tion of primacy; and tradition upholds Lord!"
Muhammad's choice of the Imniim 'Ali as The authors of a capital work on the
His successor. Nevertheless, as both of preliminary problen~sand uses of language
these appointments were unwritten and in- assail the early and well-nigh universal belief
conclusive, witnesses agreed upon fact but of the race in a special world of "words of
widely disagreed upon n,eaning. Rival claim- power." lo They quote from the German
ants arose in both of these communities; scholar preeminent in this field:
unanimity on great issues was never per- "Aristotle is dead because he was, more
fected so that time and events confronted than perhaps any other notable writer in the
a house already divided within itself. Legis- whole history of philosophy, superstitiously
lation accumulated down the centuries, but devoted to words . . . For full two thou-
it did not have the seal of divine inspiration sand years human thought has lain under
and wisdom upon it, neither did sacraments the influence of this man's catchwords, an
and ceremonials take the place of the spirit influence which has been wholly pernicious
and intent of the Founder. Theologies and in its results. There is no parallel instance
sects have dismembered Christianity and of the enduring potency of a system of
IslAm and destroyed their unity of faith; words." l1
but the organic weakness lay in the absence Aristotle, the father of the sciences and
of a divinely-invested Guardian universally the backbone of scholasticism, is now
recognized by all declared followers of the charged with getting the universities into a
Prophet. straitjacket, notwithstanding his liberal
I n this Dispensation, theologies and sects proposition: "All significant speech is so by
are obviated, for Bahi'u'llniih, in order to convention only3'-a convention as vague,
bind that Covenant of love and unity which or so it seems, as the Social Contract which
is the essential purpose of religion, wrote His Authority imposed upon the pople in the
Testament and legislated conclusively, treatise of Rousseau.
"Everything that 'Abdu'l-Bahh says is My As instances of the enduring potency of
meaning." The disaffected resisted this one- words, we cite the Ten Commandments; the
ness of belief and community, but their Lord's Prayer; the lnillions of boys still be-
agitation proved abortive because the Testa- ---
mellt is an integral part of the ~~~~l~~~~~ thelo Word-magic as prohibitions against pronouncing
secret and ineffable Name are documented by Sir
of Bahi'u'lllh itself. Furthermore, 'Abdu'l-
- jam.$ ~ r a z e rin .'The Golden ~ ~ r n ~ hMacmillan
Ca.. London, pp. 244-262.
," gr
'Ibid., p. 136. l l C i t i n g Maurhner, C. K. Ogden and I. A.
Refer to any good Handbook on Logic. Richards, "The Meaning of Meaning,'. Kegan Pzol,
" G l e a ~ i n ~ ~p., " 171. & Co., London, Ed. 1927, p. 3 1 .
634 T H E BAHA'I: WORLD

ing named after M~&a~x~rnad, or tbe nations gests, that ~ L leasuilera
S wrrc nLlc to rxplai~l
of Islhm that have recited the five daily away religion and everything else-but not
professions of faith for thirteen hundred to create anything.
years. Bahi'u'll6h points out that as man cannot
Surely, no one would wish to undo the attain complete knowledge of the reality
civilizing influence of the Law of the Penta- within himself, even less can he know the
teuch or of the Qur'Bn except one who had Divine Essence. "This confession of help-
not read history. Although there is nothing lessness which mature contemplation must
liberal in the dicta of Jesus: "Man shall not eventually impel every mind to make is in
live by hread alone, but by every word that itself the acme of human understanding, and
proceedeth out of the mouth of God," marlieth the culmination of man's develop-
"Heaven and earth shall pass away, but My ment." l4
words shall not pass away," nor anything At this point the will t o believe is opera-
vague about His Covenant: "He that loveth tive, for faith is also a d a t u m of conscious-
father or mother more than Me is not ness struggling to become full-bodied.
worthy of Me,"12 yet we are convinced that However, neglected and even stultified by
nobody would charge the Savior with verbal the modern temper, the capacity for faith
tyranny except a critic trapped in the is co-existent with the capacity for knowl-
appalling confusion between Logos and edge. Indeed, Reality enters culture through
Exegesis. the people of faith: they make up the leaven
Bahi'u'llhh estimates the influence of which animates the realm of being and
Jesus upon minds: germinates the arts and manners?' In ac-
"Know thou that when the Son of Man cordance with this, BahYu'llhh is revealed
yielded up His breath to God, the whole unto men ". . .
to lay bare those gems that
creation wept with a great weeping. By lie hidden within the mine of their true and
sacrificing Himself, however, a fresh capac- inmost selves."
ity was infused into all created things. Its Why doesn't a plane tree turn into a
evidences, as witnessed in all the peoples of camel? Because the a pyiori form of the
the earth, are now manifest before thee. The thing lies within the thing itself. And the
deepest wisdom which the sages have m- mature form of the mind lies within the
tered, the profoundest learning which any sphere of mind itself. The mind is destined
mind hath unfolded, the arts which the to both education and conversion but not
ablest hands have produced, thc influence to Theophany. Consequently, man is com-
exerted by the most potent of rulers, are pared to a mine which is worked for its
hut manifestations of the power gems; to a sheep that gets lost without the
released by His transcendent, His all-perva- Shepherd; t o a lamp supplied with both oil
sive, and resplendent Spirit." l3 and wick but incapable of self-ignition.
And the modern says? Our fine old Man, "the supreme Talisman," is a sign of
Professor held that the skepticism which is God and the apogee of His creation, stands
the pride of urbanity and enlightenment in absolute ueed of the Prophet.
ought not to lie in the effortless futility that
we don't know anything and can't know The Universal Cyck
anything, hut, rather in the consent to treat Through a word proceeding out of the
everything as a problem. Then why not mouth of God he [man] was called into
turn the mind on the mind itself? Whoever being; by one word more he was guided to
takes the wager will find himself, as Im- recognize the source of his education; by yet
manuel Kant did, up a blind alley, for there another word his station and destiny were
are definite limitations to man's finite mind. safeguarded?'
The Eighteenth Century couldn't see that -
l4 Ibid., 161-6
and pushed an unreasonable confidence in Ibid., pp. 157-61.
reason itself, with the result as Amiel sug-
- '"bid., p. 287; also 216-60; 336-66.
lrlbid., p. 260; also, "All men have been created
l2 Matchew iiv, 4; xxiv, 31; x, 37. to carry forward an ever-advancinp civili~arian:'
la "Gleanings," pp. 81-6. P. 215.
I N I'RAISE OF WORDS 63 1

The Words of Bahi'u'llih arc Logos 'and The Manifestation of the B6b precipitated
constitute a collective force of the first an epoch of unprecedented mental explora-
order, which, by power of Spirit consciously tion in which the concept of evolution was
and unconsciously subdnes the minds, in- taken into thought and verified by the emer-
forms and recreates them in Truth. This gence of new schools of knowledge or
world is the descent into existence; the sciences. Psychology came out of philosophy
Manifestation offers the ascent into being: as a new organism, accompanied by peda-
here we are born into time; the Manifesta- gogy or education; politics went ahead;
tion gives the rebirth into eternity. The economics and anthropology were horn.
Words of God draw the souls of men to Contemporaneously, the concept of evolu-
life eternal: men, seeking a foretaste of that tion was related to the earth, which records
immortality, strive to perpetuate themselves the proofs of its cycles in the geological
on earth as well by carving their names into strata; the evolution of the human race
history. became the theme of biology; the evolution
From Bahi'u'llih we learn that man's of classes dominated the trend of economics;
estate is two-fold: its subjective reality is while the evolution of the forms and organ-
consciousness; its objective reality is civil- ization of society was contributed by "the
ization. Culture or the totality of arts, science of man" himself.
sciences, laws, manners and institutions, is This new mental fecundity due to the
the visible embodiment or concrete form of Bib's outpouring of Spirit brought forth
consciousness itself. technics and inventions as well: time is
Before the New Cycle, consciousness in defied and space conquered. Physics justi-
the West had not gone beyond Naturalism fied its birth by discovering the relativity
and automatic necessity. Men bad forgotten of time and space, but its proofs for the
God and turned to nature a? teacher and uninitiated lie in changes that we now ac-
p a l quite unaware of man's dominion on cept as commonplace. Man lives in a three-
earth?' Voices were raised in protest, and dimension world: he possesses the earth,
a loneIy poet cried out: crosses the oceans, moves through the air.
Man subdues Nature and wrests from it the
"Ah, Lady, we receive but what we give,
materials for his civilization. Behold that
And in our life alone does nature live;"
material civilization! Is there to be no spir-
(Samuel Taylor Coleridge)
itual counterpart?
but these were words among many. Bahi'u'll611 the "Glory of God" was
I n the East-the Light, all light comes manifested in 1863. His Revelation sets
out of the East-the Bib (the 'Gate'') forth the principles, laws, and institutions of
appeared in 1844. His divine Manifestation World Order. Exiled from frin, confined
gave consciousness a new orientation based by the prison walls of 'Akk6, and subjected
upon the relativity and evolution of religion. for forty years to the Sulfinate and the
The primary aspect of Truth is changeless Caliphate, Bahi'u'llhh withheld not the out-
and absolute, the same throughout the time pouring of Spirit. By means of Letters He
cycles; but that secondary aspect of religion issued commands for the establishment of
which concerns social laws and institutions, the "Most Great Peace" to kings and rulers.
is valid only for thc cycle assigned to the T o all men He unveiled the pattern of con-
given Revelation. Therefore, the divine sciousness based upon the oneness of man-
Message for the Day in which we live kid: this is detachment from all prejudices
is the sole basis of culture and the and acceptance of that one life and spirit
energy behind creative evolution and which is the reality of man. This new nn-
achievement. derstanding is consummated in 'Abdu'l-
Bah6: His unique station combines the per-
In 1843 Thomas Carlyle wrote: "To speak in
the ancient dialect we 'have forgotten God'; in the fection of humanity with the Mystery of
most modern dialccr and very truth of the rnarrer, Divinity, and He is the Exemplar to the
we have taken up the Fact of this universe as it is nations.
rrot." "Past and Preseitt," Essay on Pb~noinena,Oa-
ford University Press, London. This hour is the challenge and test.
When we undertook the ncw matcrial civil- Bahi'u'llhh leads us into a Commonwealth
ization and began to live in space, we left of Nations, which is more than expansion
behind the flat surface dimension of the and association, for the Divine Polity takes
earth; so does the universal consciousness the nations into another dimension which
leave behind the flat surface dimension of searches the base and reaches the heights of
the mind with its expansive forms of self- unity. We are called to be citizens of
love, which become destructive as religious Heaven and of "Thy Kingdom come on
sectarianism, exploitation of classes, racial earth": world government lies within the
superiorities, militant nationalism. power of the creative Word.
.<.,,*
,.."Z ..-. ....-
.
- --.Ik l

~. 1
.. ...-..-.- . ..
-.-1 Va'---~.
7I
.~ .. ~
~ ~ ~

'I..,.
.q!$,
THE CONTINUITY RELIGION

RELIGIOUS 1.
bigotly and prejudice are
Creator as is the evolution of solar systems.
Were it not for the instructive, stimulative
due to religions being viewed as his- and inspirational power of religion upon the
heart and conscience Of humanity, men
toiical rather than as functional events.
The followers of every great world remain On a level with ani-

tend to look upon their Own revelation and In Other words they would be un-
institutions built around it as unique in moral, without the refined conscience which
the history of the planet and consequently man possesses. They would be
to deny the authenticity of other world creatures of impulse and of instinct, follow-
religions. ~ e n c ea bitter rivalry has arisen ing the law Of the herd but recognizing
between religions making such monopo~istic that as the only law outside themselves to be
claims. obeyed.
when, however, we take a scientific view Religion brings to man a new conscience,
of a religion as functional in the develop- instructing him in the higher laws of living
merit of humanity we are to look not which for and
only with tolerance but wirh sympathy prosperity both in an individual and a col-
other religions than our own, wherever a lective sense. Through religion man is
sincere spiritual force is effective in the lives to transcend to
of a people, we see a religion which nobler than his biologically inherent animal
we may respect. when, religious qualities would permit. Through religion
expression degenerates into institutionalism he is trained to sublimate all of these animal
either at home or abroad, we may linow that qualities-qualities perfectly legitimate in
religion is no longer its normal their own field but obstructive to the de-
function. velopment of a catholic and harmonious
The function of religion is:-first, to human society.
make humanity ~ ~ d second,. to ~ Through
~ ~religion~ man ~is made~ aware~ of ~ ~ ;
make humanity obedient to the ~ i will ~ his spiritual
j ~ potentiality.
~ He learns that his
implies today the of human- soul can aspire in the realm of spirit and
ity) ; and third, to bring to each human need not be dragged and weighted down by
being the understanding of how to make "I1 the burdens of carnality. Like
use of prayer and guidance and thus take a child learning to walk, he begins
advantage of the inestimable to realize powers which he can put into
offered man by the Divine Power in the way practice. In the use of faith, prayer and
of communion and help. spiritual guidance he becomes more and
more proficient, growing daily nearer to the
2. full stature of spiritual manhood for which
Religions do not come into being by acci- he is destined.
dent. No great historic epoch and no sec- Can any one deny that these are the pur-
tion of the world has been deprived by poses and these the effects of religion? Any
Destiny of the opportunity to acquire the unbiased scientific study of the history of
priceless treasures of true religion. The religion as a moral, social and spiritual force
spiritual evolution of the human race is as in the life of humanity will substantiate the
much a part of the majestic plan of the foregoing statements.
THE CONTINUITY OF RELIGION
collectively? Effects which last not for a
day, but for milleniums. Effects which no
But whence does religion spring? Here founders of schools of philosophies, not even
we come t o a much mooted question. We the greatest, have ever been able even in the
are told by the Founders of the world's great slightest degree to approximate.
religions that the truth which they teach is Secondly, we should have to assume that
revealed to them from the Divine Source in their claims of revelation the Founders
itself; that they are hut channds for the of the great world religions were either
Divine instruction and power to flow using deliberate falsehood or suffering under
through; and that their word is, indeed, the hallucinations. Both of these points of view
Word of God. have been taken. Previous to the religious
Such is the claim of all the great Reve- tolerance of the twentieth century it had
lators. But the attitude of science during been the custom for earnest adherents of
the last century has been to disparage such Christianity to accuse the founders of other
super-human claims. From the scientific world religions as being hypocrites, falsifiers
point of view there seems little chance of or emissaries of evil. The theological doc-
objectively proving the claims of revelation. trine of the uniqueness of Christianity in-
The scieutfic mind can investigate every- duced this attitude. But as scientific
thing in the phenomenal universe, but it liberalism made inroads into Christian the-
cannot investigate the Mind and Ways of ology and the history of religion came to be
God. Here is a field distinctly barred to studied without prejudice of sectarianism,
the scientific approach. There is only one it became apparent to scientific historical
standpoint from which the claims of reve- observation that such characters as Con-
lation might be investigated, appraised and fucius, Buddha, Zoroaster and Muhammad
corroborated. This standpoint is the field were not uttering deliberate falsehoods when
of actual religious achievement. they claimed to be channels of Divine com-
When we study the force which inheres munication to humanity. They were at
in every great world religion-a force defi- least sincere, there could be no question
nite and unique, a force which, while its about that. Ergo-assuming the impossi-
sources may be beyond our investigation, as bility of substantiating this claim of divine
regards its workings and effects lies clearly revelation-certain materialistically inclined
within the field of scientific investigation- scholars of comparative religion, abnormal
what do we see? History shows that every psychologists, and other secularists were led
great religion in the days of its purity-be- to the conclusion that these claimants to
fore institutionalism and human dogma divine revelation were suffering from hallu-
begin their taints---exerts a terrific force cinations.
upon human conduct and human character, IHas not science, in its materialistic scep-
a force unparalleled in the history of human ticism, brought itself here into a ridiculous
morals as regards its contagiousness, its dilemma? Those beings so pure and sinless
miraculous power to change character, and in character, so noble in their self-sacrificing
its quality of sustained application to the lives that no other humans can even he put
art of living on the part of the individual in the same category; those beings who have
adherent. This force of religion is indeed cxpresscd lofty truths which humanity has
mysterious-as mysterious as is the force of intuitively accepted as a perfect pattern for
electricity. human behavior; those beings the power of
Can we reasonably conceive that such a whose exemplary lives and exalted teachings
force can emanate from -a source no higher has influenced humanity more than any
than human mentality? Are these Founders other force,--can it be that these great souls
of religion simply spiritual geniuses who are were merely insane? That their conception
but a few degrees loftier in moral and spir- of the nature of their mission and the source
itual insight than their fellows? If so, how of their wisdom was not only fallacious but
could they produce these magical effects the expression of psychologically diseased
upon human nature, both individually and natures? Marching these Revealers of noble
640 THE BAHA'L WORLD
faith and living against opinions of modern- into the world already destined for such a
istic secularists, I cannot see how the verdict mission. Tlleir station is above that of
of thoughtful people can he cast in favor of ordinary mortals, as the station of the am-
the materialistic psychologist. bassador of a great emperor is peerless in
whatever country he may officially abide.
"They are the Treasuries of divine knowl-
Is the idea of revelation, then, so impos- edge, and the Repositories of celestial wis-
sible from the scientific point of view? The dom. Through them is transmitted a grace
painter, the poet, the composer feel that that can never fade."
their inspirations come from some source
-
greater than themselves. Plato., the ereatest
creative thinker and literary artist the world
These great messengers of God are an
has ever produced, had a definite theory as
essential part of the Divine plan for the
to where hi inspirations came from. The
evolution of humanity. Biological evolu-
artist, he states, is but a channel for images
tion bas gone as far as it is able to go when
and truths which come to him from the
it has produced "homo sapiens"-man with
World of the Ideal. The soul of the great the power of thought. The further evolu-
artist is able to contact this higher arche-
tion of man in the way of development of
typal world where perfection already exists,
his creative intelligence and his spiritual
and thus bring to earth artistic revelations,
progress depend upon forces from a higher
creative ideas, and discoveries in the realm
plane. Religion is this force absolutely
of truth. Since Plato was himself such a
essential to man's spiritu~levolution, to the
colossally creative thinker, we lnust ac-
awakening and training of potential quali-
knowledge at least some importance to this
ties which elsewise would never come into
theory of his regarding the nature of in- active expression.
spiration and creation.
Evolution now ceases to be a something
Many a great artist, thinker, and inventor
which operates on man apart from his own
since the day of Plato has felt this same
conscious effort. Progress beyond primitive
way about ebe nature of inspiration. Their
man he can make only by voluntary con-
greatest works have seemed to them not so
scious effort. I t is to awaken and aid this
much the manufacture of their own limited
effort toward higher spiritual self-develop-
mentality as a projection, through the
ment of humanity that these great Teachers
sensitivity of their being, of truth or beauty
come to earth. Without the inspiration of
from some world outside themselves.
their teachings and the dynamic stimulus to
In fact, so disparate from their creator are
spiritual progress which they give to man
the greatest achievements of the creative
by means of a tremendous outpouring of
soul that he must look with a feeling of that cosmic, spiritual, creative force which
awe upon these creations emanating through
has been called the Holy Spirit, man would
him and enjoy them in a purely impersonal
remain on the moral and mental level of the
relation, receiving from them an inspiration animal.
as from a force totally and miraculously
"Further evolution, if it takes place,"
outside of his own personality.
says P. D. Ouspensky in his "Tertium
Now if it is a possibility £or any creative
Organum," "cannot be an elemental and
person to receive all inspiration from some
unconscious affair, but will result solely
mysterious source outside himself, it is cer-
from conscioz~s efforts toward growth.
tainly possible for the prophetic soul of a
Man, not striving toward evolution, not
great world Saviour to become a channel
conscious of its possibility, not helping it,
for those Divine Forces which seek to guide
will not evolve. And the individual who
and stimulate this planet into higher is not evolving does not remain in a static
spiritual evolution. condition, but goes down, degenerates.
Not only do these Teachers of religion
This is the general law."
proclaim a truth greater than they them-
selves could originate, but they are born Tsblet of iqin.
Shrubim 'Ubayd, of Cairo, the First Bahl'i to
make a donation to the legally constituted National
Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of Egypt.
642 THE BAHA'I WORLD

6. spraka of a Return, and warns them to be
open and receptive to Trnth when it returns
An important point to consider here is
again, as return it must when the gradual
that the revelations of religion do not come
crystallization and degeneration of estab-
by chance. They are part of a continuous
lished religion takes place through institu-
plan for the spiritual evolution of humanity.
tionalism and the natural carnal proclivities
They are a special communication and dis-
of man.
pensation of that great creative and guiding
7.
Force of the universe which we call God,
and they are revealed through spiritualized Today it is apparent that all over the
beings who are special channels for the flow world religion is in great need of renewal.
of this creative force. The spiritual consciousness of humanity is
Humanity, like a battery which has to be suffering eclipse. This is true not only of
recharged, is under the necessity of fresh Christianity but also of every other great
spiritual impulse at stated intervals. For- world religion-Confucianism, Buddhism,
tunately for the spiritual evolution of Zoroastrianism, Judaism, and Muhammadan-
humanity, at every epoch when one religion ism. With the normal restraints of religion
has been outgrown a new religion has removed, with man's spiritual conscience
magically arisen-a religion full of vital obscured as his scientific intelligence is ac-
hope and promise and charged with the centuated, we see taking place a rapidly
power to remold and to remake the lives of growing chaos and a threatened disintegra-
its communicants. tion of world civilization.
"In their essence all these religions are Clearly the time is ripe for a renewal of
one. Spiritual Truth cannot, indeed, he man's spiritual consciousness, and that re-
different and conflicting. The aims of all newal is already offered the world in the
the great prophets were one: to bring human Revelation of Bahh'u'llih. Here we find
beings into the Divine Consciousness, to not only a renewal of all rhe spiritual beauty
advance their spiritual development, and to and dynamic force of previous revelations,
effect better conditions of organized living. but also pronouncements especially adapted
"Nor can the great Founders of religions to the advanced needs of this day. We have
be supposed to exist in any sort of rivalry not only general moral laws, but their defi-
one to the other. Their purpose is one. nite application to individual and collective
Their devotion to Divinity is one. Their living. We have a comprehensive set of
devotion to humanity is one. There can be principles upon which the establishment of
no possibility of rivalry between these great a great world order is predicated, and a great
Souls whose first requisite is abnegation of world civilization of a perfection such as the
self, whose words and deeds are guided by past has hardly ventured to dream of.
divine inspiration, and whose lives serve no
other purpose than to mirror Divinity to
man."
Of all the teachings of Bahi'n'lllh,
From this point of view it will be seen
perhaps none is so needed as the clear enun-
that no religion is final. As humanity de- ciation which He gives regarding the con-
velops, it acquires capacity for new and
tinuity of religion. As we have pointed
higher revelations. A t the same time that out at the beginning of this article, the lack
its capacity to comprehend is constantly
of such realization has been the cause of
increased, its ability to lead a spiritual life
the crystallization of religious thought and
periodically diminishes (as has already been
expression and its disintegration into re-
shown), thus necessitating a regular and
ligious rivalries and hostilities never intended
definite reoccurrence of spiritual revelation.
by the Divine Power from whose great
Each Founder of a great religion gives
Purpose for humanity all religions emanate.
warning of this to His followers. He
- Bahi'u'lllh makes clear not only that His
Revelation is a renewal of spiritual truth
Z"Security for a Failing Warid," by Stanwood
Cobb. and potency necessitated by the decline of
THE C O N T I N U I T Y OF R E L I G I O N 643

spiritual consciousness ~ 1 ~ 1 o u ~ h o uthe
t gered through the winter, become broken
world; but also that, just as other religions up by the actinic force of the sun and give
have faded and declined, so the religious way to marvelous new growths whose
expression built around His message is also nourishment they help to furnish by their
destined to decadence, in the course of time. own decay, so today ancient institutions are
Thus He definitely prepares His followers falling and every old form is ~ieIding
and safepards them against the dangers of ground to a marvelous newness, which, how-
bigotry, of religious smugness, and of blind- ever disconcerting it may be to unprepared
ness to the just and verifiable claims of a minds, is the breath of life and hope to those
new Revelator when His day arrives. who can see beyond the present moment.
How refreshing is this view of religion, "When the Holy Manifestation of God,
which is now seen as a part of the normal who is the sun of the world of His crea-
functioning of our planetary life, as neces- tion, shines upon the worlds of spirits, of
sarily recurrent as are the seasons. Indeed thoughts and of hearts, then the spiritual
each religion passes through its phases of spring and new life appear, the power of the
growth comparable to the seasons-its wonderful springtime becomes visible, and
springtime of blossoming and rejuva- marvelous benefits are apparent. And now,
nescence, its summer of growth, its autumn in this divine new age, see what development
of rich fruitage, and its winter of crystal- has been attained in the world of minds and
lization and decline. thoughts, and it is now only the beginning
And now again a spiritual springtime has of its dawn. Before long you will see that
appeared, and the Holy Spirit is pouring new bounties and divine teachings will illu-
down Its rays upon this planet with a minate this dark world, and will transform
potency that is stirring everything to rapid these sad regions into the paradise of
motion and renewed growth. And as in the Eden."
springtime old forms of vegetation, which in
their sear and withered stiffness have lin- 3 "Some Answered Questions," by 'Abdu'l-Bahb.
T H E "MOST G R E A T P E A C E "
BY MARIONHOLLEY
A N E W PHASE OF H U M A N THOUGHT

W A R is the most preventable acci- rcourge, more t o be feared than the Black
dent!" said 'Abdu'l-Bah6, the exemplar of Death.
the Bahi'i Faith. His words, which even This has not been true in every time.
twenty years ago seemed quite improbable, The benefits of war have often cancelled out
carry t o modern ears an inescapable and its evils, have actually advanced the course
terrible conviction. We recognize in them of human evolution. For example, other-
no less than a profound indictment of the wise isolated groups used t o meet upon the
nations of the world. battle-field; and long after physical combat
The history of these last years has been had ceased, the cultural ferment induced by
dominated by two tendencies intilllately such contact altered and enriched the cus-
affecting the future of war. First, there toms of the hostile peoples. With the
has come such an expansion in the possi- impact of Is16n1 upon Europe during the
bilities of human intercourse, such intesifi- Crusades, the structure of the Dark Ages
cation of economic dependence, together was shattered and the western world entered
with a wider sympathy for the habits and a new phase. By revealing unsuspected
ideals of alien groups, that for the first time horizons, war has undoubtedly speeded the
the sons of earth are drawn close enough progress of civilization.
to conceive and aspire after forms of re- Moreover, it has served to breed hardy
lationship other than violence. To this new- and vigorous men, inspiring in them the will
felt need-actually an opportunity to suh- to enterprise and action. Discipline, co-
stitute for the cruel and gross processes of operation, inventiveness-these, as well as
war a more civilized inter-action-has been death, sorrow, waste, have been by-products
added, secondly, a fatal necessity in the guise of an activity which the modern world must
of an "armament revolution." Until the now condemn. For the costs have finally
end of the 19th century the methods of war overtaken the profits. Today, "we see war
had "remained stagnant and unprogressive no longer as a tragic necessity in human
for hundreds of years."' But the conflict life, but as a horrible arrest in develop-
of 1914 brought t o perfection new de- ment." '
vices for mass murder-poison gas, air The figures of losses sustained by the
raids, tanks, heavy artillery-techniques so fighting nations in the Great War, appalling
efficient that in four years' time, more than as they are-ten n~illionwounded, a total
twice as many men were killed as in 123 money cost of $337,846,000,000-actually
years of warfare preceding 1914. The costs indicate but a small portion of the destruc-
of war are now so staggering that states- tion. The costs of war, indeed, cannot be
men like Mr. Baldwin are impelled t o ask: estimated, but their significance may be
"Who in Europe does not know that one glimpsed when i t is remembered that, as a
more war in the West and the civilization biologist has written, "The war question is
of the ages will fall with as great a shock essentially a problen~ in human ecology.
as that of Rome?" Modern war is not Just as the plants and animals in an
only a preventable accident; it is a dreadful aquarium, pond, or forest constitute a deli-
- cately balanced complex, so human society
1 Dalton, Hugh, "Toward the Peace of Nations," -
p. 2. 3 Wells, "World of William Clissold," quoted by
2 Quoted by Dalton, p. 1. Dalton, p. 276.
i45
646 T H E BAHA'f WORLD

is a complicated organism. War, therefore, blithe children thr nacions of the world seek
does not affect merely the armies engaged, arms for a tourney with Death, apparently
but the civil populations as well, not only of unconscious of the merciless intent of their
the belligerent uations but also of remote opponent.
neutrals." There are, to be sure, thousands of yer-
Thus the Great War distortcd every sons who, through the bitter years of the
phase of modern life. Six rnillion people Great War, acquired an aching thirst for
were wiped out by Spanish influenza. peace, and many of these have since devoted
"Nearly all Polish children under six are their lives to this ideal. Moreover, it is
said tu have died from starvation." The now the opinion of an imposing number of
fatalities among Armenians, Syrians, Jews, statesmen and leaders that war and human
Greeks, Rumanians, Austrians, Serbians, society have come to the parting of the
Russians, Belgians, due to starvacion and dis- ways. Diverse projects exist for the con-
ease, were enormous. Nations jeopardized summation of this process, sustained by as
even their future health to feed this terror many explanations of the causes and cures
which coveted only the fittest human speci- of war as there are fields of human activity.
mens. In the United States, "about 8 3 per After fifteen years of faithful applica-
cent of the drafted men who possessed tion, however, some people are ques-
defects of a probably more or less hereditary tioning whether success does not wait
cbracter were rejected," to return to their upon the co-ordination of these separate
homes and father a generation.= enterprises.

At the same time, the economic equi- Now no plan, it is safe to say, so unites
librium of the world collapsed. Factories every contributory rnovemenc, so richly
and industries, growing up to fulfill war harmonizes the impulses and efforts of men
needs, caused dislocation and overproduction towards the superb goal-world peace-as
after the war. Political instability inter- does the Bahi'i Faith. 'Abdu'l-Bah6 wrote,
fered with trade. High and oppressive "The scope of Universal Peace must be such
taxation cut down the purchasing power that all the communities and religions may
of the public and lowered the standard of find their highest wish realized in it."
living by ten per cent. I n the light of sub- Comprehensive in analysis, all-embracing in
sequent developments, it is interesting to scope, inviting the cooperation of every
read a post-war prophecy that "the very forward-looking individual and group, the
breakdown of modern economic society Bahi'i Faith not only conforms with fact,
might be the price exacted." ' but is enabled t o enlist and conserve every
Yet the physical consequences-biologic authentic interest in the quest for that
and econon~ic, together with the political "durable peace" which, as President Roose-
disturbances created by the Versailles Treaty velt has said, "is the only goal worthy of
-were overshadowed, if possible, by the our best efforts."
havoc worlwd upon the character of public Perhaps the primary and most stimulating
ethics and private morals. No appraisal contribution of Bahi'u'llih (Father of
could exaggerate these factors, which in 'Abdu'l-Bahb and Foimder of this Cause)
their totality form the damning evidence of was an affirmation in unequivocal terms that
"man's inhumanity to man," and predict in the case for peace would prosper. "Yet so
grim accents the terms upon which another it shall be; these fruitless strifes, these
war shall be fought. One of the strangest ruinous wars shall pass away, and the 'Most
attitudes of our day is the nonchalance with Great Peace' shall come." His words chal-
which the common man watches his govern- lenge at the outset the threadbare theory
ment prepare for suicidal conflict. Like that war is inevitable because human nature
does not change, a brand of illogic which
-
8 "Bahb'i Peace Program," p. 19.
a Quoted in Esslemont, "Bahi'tt'116b and the New
Era," p. 48.
THE "MOST G; R E A T P E A C E " 647

is both untenable and futile. Failing as i~ pupula~ion pressure and i t is said that
does to distinguish between the instincts of whereas "in 1800 there were probably
individuals and social institutions, it is 600,000,000 or 700,000,000 people in
undble to recognize that whereas human the world, today the number is perhaps
impulses may not change, their expression- 1,800,000,000." " Increasing complexity
forms can certainly be shaped and guided. of economic life together with a breakdown
Happily, the opinion of an eminel~tbody of the system of production and dis-
of psychologists h a s been recorded: "Wzr tribution, (both of them problems grossly
is not instinctive and ineradicable. By a complicated by the Great W a r ) , these
vote of 346 to 10 the members of the are the factors leading t o friction and
American Psychological Association have rivalries.
registered their opposition t o the doctrine But-and it is a consideration fraught
that war is a part of human nature and with importance and hope-economic causes
cannot be stopped." in themselves do not result in war. Conflict
War, actually more akin to politics than springs up only when political groups, in
to biology, might be defined as "a contest an effort "to support the economic interests
by force between political group-." " of their citizens," l5 clash and resort t o
Arising from the struggle for existence, it violence. With immigration laws, tariffs,
is not therefore a necessary conclusion, but harsh trade policies, raw material monopo-
rather the most obvious and brute-like solu- lies, and protection of foreign investments,
tion of this competition for life. Men- governments attempt to underwrite pros-
who are endowed with intellect-have often perity, ever guided by the unhappy notion
replaced natural processes with reasoned that one nation can prosper independently
ones, especially when their very existence of other nations, even at their expense. As
has been found to depend upon the latter. a matter of fact, the World Ecollomic
As one Bah6'i writer says, "Disillusion Conference of 1927 disposed of this creed:
would only be justified if human society "Any strictly nationalistic policy is harmful
could be successfully established on the war not only t o the nation which practices it,
principle."lz Those who are alert to his- but also t o the others and therefore defeats
toric necessities know that war is doomed; its own ends."16 This twentieth-century
at the same time they are prepared for a truth, still not universally known, stands as
sharp and long-drawn struggle to eradicate one of the basic premises of the World
the principle which so intimately penetrates Order of Bahl'u'llih.
the fabric of modern life. Economic irritants are not, however, the
sole instigators of a war spirit, and seldom
'Abdu'l-Bahi has said: "War is not if ever are they formally acknowledged.
limited to one cause. There are many kinds I t is far easier t o address popular fury in
of war and conflict going on: political war, terms of its emotional antipathies. In other
commercial war, patriotic war and racial words, human prejudices form the most
war. This is the very civilization of fertile ground for the seeds of war-preju-
war."13 Today economic causes seem the dices national, racial, religious, class and
most significant, with our world a seething cultural. How carefully through the ages
mass of economic stresses and strains. Un- these provincialisms have been fostered,
employment, "the cancer of the body despite the fact that "the most important
economic," was estimated in 1932 as affect- step from savagery to culture is the emanci-
ing some fifty millions of the world's pation of the individual man from complete
population, unquestionably a conservative or temporary segregation or isolation." l7
figure. Another critical question is that of How tenaciously group-egotisms have been
--

l0Science News Letter, August 6 , 1 9 3 2 . 1 4 Patterson, "Thc World's Economic Dilemma,"
'
1Davie, "The Evolurion of War," p. 4 6 . p. 23.
12 Halley, "The World Economy of Bah4'usll&h," lSLamb, "Economic Causes of War," p. 6.
p. 7. l6 Quoted in Lamb, p. 6 0 .
13''C~mpilation,3'etc., concerning the Most Great l7 Davie, p. 16, quoting Ratzcl, History of
Peace, p. 41. Madrind.
648 THE BAHA'f WORLD

transferred fronl the first prin~itive tribal sin~ilarinsurance treaties, and the Kellogg-
unit, exalting itself with the name "Men" Briand Pact. Actually, "every nation in the
as if other tribes were not men, to the suc- world has become signatory to some kind of
ceeding feudal, state and national organ- a solemn pledge that it will settle its future
izations. difficulties by pacific means."
Ethnocentrism, that loyalty which does Yet in 1935 we stand in more danger of
good service in stabilizing each newly- war than at any time since 1914. The
created society, always in the end projects League of Nations, once seen as the hope
the social body into armed conflict. Today, of the world, has in the last year paved
disguised as nationalism, it is arousing pas- itself ineffectual. Indeed, it is in no true
sions which inevitably must hurtle us into sense a League of Nations, since the United
another desperate struggle. Perhaps in no States, Germany and Japan-to name the
other school will men finally learn that: most important-do not belong. And the
"All prejudices whether of religion, race, League is powerless to stop them, it is
politics or nation, must be renounced, for powerless to interfere if Japan wishes to
these prejudices have caused the world's quarrel with China, it is wholly inadequate
sickness. I t is a grave malady which, nn- to prevent the next great conflict for which
less arrested, is capable of causing the de- all countries are preparing with ill-disguised
struction of the whole human race. Every haste. The armaments race has at last been
ruinous war with its terrible hloodshed and entered upon franlcly although six years ago
misery has been caused by one or another war was renounced "as an instrument of
of these prejudices." national policy." 20 I t is a fact that the
These and many others are tLe true causes world spends enough on armaments in one
of wars. But we must distinguish between year to support the total cost of the League
causes and that basic condition of world for more than sin centuries!
society which makes war actually possible. In a world so enslaved by selfishness, so
For war is itself nothing but one method bestial in many of its impulses, so intent
for settling disputes. I t has already been upon destroying the few world institutions
dispensed with in the relations of indi- which have been laboriously erected, what
viduals, families, states; only between remains to a lover of peace? In what con-
nations does it remain the honored arbiter. solation may his soul find patience and what
Only between nations are there no efiective assurance will sustain him through the com-
definitions of law and government, no rc- ing darkness? There is only one answer.
straints to violence, no alternative courts of Those who cling t o the bright vision
last appeal. of a New World Order, whose thoughts
continuously encircle it and whose actions
International relations, up to the Great faithfully contribute to its consummation
War, were in a state of complete anarchy. -they shall wrest sanity from the world's
Even today, after the efforts of the Ver- insanity and peace from its bloodthirsti-
sailles Treaty to establish a League of ness.
Nations, and in spite of subsequent pacts Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the Bahb'i
and agreements and the organized work of Faith, has written: "That the forces of a
millions of in~erestedpeoplr, international world catastrophe can alone precipitate such
relations are still too chaotic to prevent the a new phase of human thought is, alas, be-
catastrophe which tempts us like a lurid coming increasingly apparent. That nothing
shadow. Definitely, at least five institutions short of the fire of a severe ordeal, un-
and processes for the prevention of war paralleled in its intensity, can fuse and weld
have been established: the League of the discordant entities that constitute the
Nations, the International Labor Office, the elements of present-day civilization, into the
Permanent Court of International Justice integral components of the world com-
a t The Hague, the Locarno treaties and monwealth of the future, is a truth
-
ls'Abdu'l-Bahi, Thr Bobi'i Magazirie, February, Turtle, "Alternatives to War," p. 2.
1934. 20Kcllopg-Briand Pact, quoted in Turtle, p. l r 2 .
which future events will increasingly dem- May humanity emerge at last from its blind-
onstrate."'' ness into the profound conviction that no
The outlawry of war waits upon the less a foundation than that of undivided
awakening of man's intelligence and will. loyalty to a world society can ever support
- the structure of an enduring peace.
z1 " ~ o a lof a New World Order," p. 26.
K I N G H A A K O N O F NORWAY
AN AUDIENCE
BY MARTHAL. ROOT
M E E T His Majesty King Haakon of spiritual helpers; he too, thinks it may be
Norway, O reader, and you will be as these Northern countries that will save the
charmed as was the writer of this article. world. These srrong, Norwegian people,
Here is a King with a most delightful neutral, whose eyes are lifted up to high
manner. Why, he can laugh at hi~nself and mountains and who loolr down into deep
with everybody else! He speaks his valleys, are serious thinkers, and what they
thoughts so frankly, so sincerely, his sense believe, they live, they promote.
of humor is so sparkling, his sense of pro- His Majesty King Haakon, I observed,
portion so balanced, he is an artist in know- knows very well the religious movements of
ing how to live. Is he spiritual? Yes, very! the twentieth century and spoke of some
The fire of his predecessor on the throne, of them with fine appreciation. He men-
King Haakon the Good of Norway (who in tioned one which he says does much good
965 A.D. first brought Christianity to the and it does not ask to what church one
attention of this great land of the North) belongs; some of His Majesty's bishops
burns in his deep, dark eyes, but he is one favor it we lmow, but as Norway has a
of the smiling kings who give to humanity state religion, Lutheranism-and also as His
religion full of joy. I t was a merry audience Majesty's government is composed of many
full of fun and wisdom, but the man who parties, this wise King did not permit the
can caminand this radiant, vital spirituality audience to become an interview.
is a King of courage and evolved personality. If one could write what he says about
What impressed me most in this ever religion, about the economic solution, if one
melnorable conversation in the Royal Palace could give his scintillating psychological
in Oslo, May 9, 1935, was His Majesty's comments on the universal principles needed
profound belief that the security of the t o make a better world, it would be eagerly
world and universal peace depend upon read. He told me it would never do, for
religion. If we had one religion that peoples if one quotes a Icing, something he may say
could agree npon and live, it would bring with a smile, when one reads it without the
the tranquillity of the nations. Every point smile and doesn't hear the nuance, the
touched npon came back to this one soh- world, the political parties, the church may
tion, the spiritual foundation for enduring take issue! He laughingly said it is hard
peace. His most passionate desire is for to be a King; it is hard enough to be a
world peace. Even as one from America President, but that is only for a term of
wrote recently, "It is our conviction that it years, it is more difficult to be a King be-
is these nations of Northern Europe which cause he is chosen for life!
may be expected to take a leading part in However, there is another way of know-
all plans intended to make peace and bring ing this great King and that is through his
about an amelioration of the present very life. What one could never learn froin an
troubled and uncertain international condi- interview with him, I relate to you as com-
tion." Mr. Frank Buchman-inaugurator ing direct from the hearts of the Norwegian
of the fine Oxford Group Movement-had people and from me. I was ill in Norway
the divine guidance to come to Norway this immediately upon arrival, and after many
same year with a team of one hundred weeks when convalescing, I walked daily in
65 1
612 T H E BAHA'f WORLD

a beautiful park of silvcr birches whcrc is gcntlc, careful and has all thc human
many Norwegians came and went enjoying perfections in activity.
its loveliness. The first day I asked my An audience with His Majesty King
nurse: "What is that great splendid building Haalton may be more illumi~~ating and un-
on the summit of this people's park?" She forgetable than an interview. This spir-
replied in astonishment, "Do you not know itually lovable King of Norway who will
that is ihe Royal Palace and this is the never talk about himself, who in the whole
King's Park?" I saw the standard waving conversation did not use the words "me, I,
from the flagstaff and my inner eye saw his my or mine," made me happy. I t was so
warmly-human heart that he shares so gen- good t o laugh, so Gibraltar-reassuring to
erously. find His Majesty standing firm for religion
The Norwegian people said to me: "We -liberal, vitalizing religion to change hearts
love our King; he makes us feel he is one and bring the enduring peace.
of us even though he lives in the great Gloriously the sun streamed through the
palace and we in our houses. H e is so wise, palace windows of his room and fell full
so honest, so energetic. We call him our upon his pleasing, thoughtful countenance
'King Haakon the Good.' Every Sunday he as he said good-bye. The sun did not need
goes t o the Palace Chapel or t o one of the to say that morning, "I am shining," and the
regular church services. The Palace Chapel King did not need to give any interview,
is a place where every one may come." for his life spoke it!
This tall, slender, handsome King moves Long may His Majesty King Haakon of
among his people; he may be seen walking Norway live! And through his way of
in the streets of Oslo, he is often at the "living the life" teach all the world and
opera and very frequently at the social begin with us, the joyous adventure of fol-
functions arranged t o help the needy. One lowing God's Will, the f u n of fellowhip
could h a r d l y think of himPyet-as the and sharing and the enchantment of being
father of his country. He seems more the charming and spiritually ideal even to the
brother who understands, sympathizes; he humblest!
SOME MEMORIES OF THE
SOJOURN O F 'ABDU'L-BAHA I N
PARIS, O C T O B E R - D E C E M B E R , 1 9 1 1

(NOTE:I n Vol 1V of the BahBi World, 1930-1932, appeared "Some Memories of
'Abdu'l-Bahk's stay in London in 1911." Recently some of the Bahi'i friends
have desired to have some further Memories, those of the sojourn in Paris,
October-December, 1911. The author.)

Mum has been written of the journeys Who is this, with branch of roses in his
of 'Abdu'l-Bahi, 'Abbis EAendi. Having hand, coming down the steps? A pictur-
been released from the prison fortress of esque group of friends (some frknians
'Akkk, after forty years of captivity, he wearing the kola, and a few Europeans
set himself to obey the sacred charge laid following him, little children coming up t o
upon him by his Father, Bahi'u'llih. Ac- him. They hold on to his cloak, confiding
cordingly he undertook a three years' and fearless. He gives the roses to them,
mission into the Western World. He left caressingly lifting one after another into his
the Holy Land and came to Europe in 1911. arms, smiling the while that glorious smile
During that and the two following years, which wins all hearts.
he visited Switzerland, England, Scotland,
France, America, Germany and Hungary. Again, we saw a cabman stop his fiacre,
When the days of 'Abdu'l-BahVs first talre off his cap and hold it in his hands,
visit to London (in the autumn of 1911) gazing amazed, with an air of reverence,
were drawing to a close, his friends, Mon- whilst the majestic figure, courteously ac-
sieur and Madame Dreyfus-Barney, prepared knowledging his salutation, passed by with
an apartment for his residence whilst in the that walk which a friend had described as
French capital. I t was charmingly fnr- "that of a Iring or of a shepherd."
nished, sunny, spacious, situated in the
Avenue de Camoens (No. 4) whence a Another scene. A very poor quarter in
flight of steps led into the Trocadero Gar- Paris-Sunday morning-groups of men
dens. Here the Master often took solitary, and women inclined to be rowdy. Foremost
restful walks. Sheltered in this modern, amongst them a big man brandishing a long
comfortable Paris flat, he whom we revered, loaf of bread in his hand, shouting, gesticu-
with secretary servitors and a few close lating, dancing.
friends, sojourned for an unforgettable nine Into this throng walked 'Abdu'l-Bahi, on
weeks. his way from a Mission Hall where he had
I shall try to describe some of the events been addressing a very poor congregation at
which took place, hut these events owe their the invitation of their Pastor. The boister-
significance to the atmosphere of other- ous man with the loaf, suddenly seeing him,
worldliness which encompassed the Master stood still. He then proceeded to lay about
and his friends. him lustily with his staff of life, crying
We, at least some of us, had the impres- "Make way, make way! He is my Father,
sion that these happenings became, as it make way." The Master passed through
were, symbols of Sacred Truths. the midst of the crowd, now become silent
(154
SOJOURN OF ' A B D IS ' L - B A H A I N PARIS 615

and rcspcctfully saluting him. "Thank you, ters, Mary and Ellinor, our friend Miss
my dear friends, thank you," he said smiling Beatrice Platt, and I toolr notes of these
round upon them. The poor were always "Tallrs" from day to day. At the request
his especially beloved friends. I-le was never of the Master, these notes were arranged
happier than when surrounded by them, the and published in Eng1ish.l I t will be seen
lowly of heart! that in these pages are gathered together
the precepts of those Holy Souls who, being
Who is he? Individual Rays of the ONE were, in divers
Why do the people gather round him? times and countries, incarnated here on
Why is he here in P ~ r i s ? Earth to lead the sp~r~tual evolution of
human lcind.
Shortly before Bah&'u'lllh "returned to
the shelter of Heaven," He laid a sacred The words of 'Abdu'l-Bahi can be put
charge upon his eldest son, 'Abdn'l-Bah6 on to paper, hut how describe the smile,
(literally Servant of God, the Most Glori- the earnest pleading, the loving-kindness,
ous). This charge was that he should carry the radiant vitality, and at times the awe-
the renewed Gospel of Peace and Justice, inspiring authority of his spolten words?
Love and Truth, into all lands, with special The vibrations of his voice seemed to ellfold
insistence on the translating of all praise- the listeners in an atmosphere of the Spirit,
worthy ideals into action. What profit is and to penetrate to the very core of being.
there in agreeing that these ideals are good? We were experiencing the transforming
Unless they are put into practice, they are radiance of the Sun of Truth; henceforth,
useless. material aims and unworthy ambitions
shrank away into their trivial obscure re-
I hope to indicate, albeit too inadequately, treats.
something of that Messenger, the "Trusted
One," who came out of an Eastern prison 'Abdu'l-BahB would often answer our
to bring his Father's message to the bewil- questions before we asked them. Sometimes
dered nations of earth. During the Paris he would encourage us to put them into
visit, as it had been in London, daily hap- words.
penings took on the atmosphere of spiritual "And now your question?" he said.
events. Some of these episodes I will I answered, "I am wondering about the
endeavour to describe as well as I can re- next world, whether I shall aslt to be per-
member them. mitted to come back here to Earth to help?"
Every morning, according to his custom, "Why should you wish to return here?
the Master expounded the Principles of the In My Father's House are many mansions
Teaching of Bahl'u'llBh to those who -many, many worlds! Why would you
gathered round him, the learned and the un- desire to come back to this particular
learned, eager and respectful. They were of planet?"
all nationalities and creeds, from the East
and from the West, including Theosophists, The visit of one man made a profound
Agnostics, Materialists, Spiritualists, Chris- impression upon us: "0 'Abdu'l-Bahh, I
tian Scicntists, Social Reformers, Hindus, have come from the French Cnngo, where
Slifis, Muslims, Buddhists, Zoroastrians and I have been engaged in mitigating the hard-
many others. Often came workers in ships of some of the natives. For sixteen
various Humanitarian societies, who were years I have worked in that country."
striving to reduce the miseries of the poor. "It was a great co~nfort to me in the
These received special sympathy and bless- darkness of my prison to know the work
ing. which you were doing."
Explanations were not necessary when
'Abdu'l-Bahh spoke in fr6nian which was coming t o 'Abdu'lLBahh!
translated into French by Monsieur and ,"Talksin Paris," by tAbdu.l-Bahj, Blhi'i Assem.
Madame Dreyfus-Barney. My two daugh- bly, L,,,,~o~.
616 THE B A H A ' ~W O R L D

One day a widow in deepest mourning One afternoon, a party of the latter type
came. Weeping bitterly she was unable to arrived. They spoke wordi of bigotry, of
utter a word. intolerance, of sheer cruelty in their bitter
Knowing her heart's grief, "Do not condemnation of all who did not accept
weep," said 'Abdu'l-Bahh, wiping away the their own particular dogma, showing them-
tears from the piteous face. "Do not weep! selves obsessed by "the hate of man, dis-
Be happy! It will be well with the boy. guised as love of God"- thin disguise to
Bring him to see me in a few days." the penetrating eyes of the Master! Perhaps
O n her way out, this mother said, "0 my they were dreading the revealing light of
child! He is to go through a dangerous Truth which he sought to shed upon the
operation to-day. What can I do!" darkness of their outworn ecclesiasticism.
"The Master has told you what to do. The new revelation was too great for their
Remember his words: 'Do not weep, it will narrowed souls and fettered minds.
be well with the boy. Be happy, and in a The heart of 'Abdu'l-Bahh was saddened
few days bring him t o see me.' " by this interview, which had tired him ex-
I n a few days the mother brought her ceedingly. When he referred to this visit
boy t o the Master, perfectly well. there was a loolr in his eyes as if loving pity
were blended with profound disapproval, as
One evening at the home of Monsieur and
though he would cleanse the defiled temple
Madame Dreyfus-Barney, an artist was pre-
of Humanity from the suffocating diseases
sented t o 'Abdu'l-Bahi.
of the soul! Then he uttered these words
"Thou art very welcome. I am happy to
in a voice of awe-inspiring authority,
see thee. All true art is a gift of the Holy
"Jesus Christ is the Lord of Compassion,
Spirit."
and these men call themselves by His Name!
"What is the Holy Spirit?"
Jesus is ashamed of them!"
"It is the Sun of Truth, O Artist!"
He shivered as with cold, drawing his
"Where, 0 where, is the Sun of Truth?"
'ab6 closely about him, with a gesture as if
"The Sun of Truth is everywhere. I t is
sternly repudiating their misguided outlook.
shining on the whole world."
"What of the dark night, when the Sun
The Japanese Ambassador to a European
is not shining?"
capital (Viscount Arawaka-Madrid) was
"The darkness of night is past, the Sun
staying at the Hhtel d'JCna. This gentle-
has risen."
man and his wife had been told of 'Abdu'l-
"But, Master! how shall it be with the
Bahh's presence in Paris, and she was anxious
blinded eyes that cannot see the Sun's splen-
to have the privilege of meeting him.
dor? And what of the deaf ears that
"1 am very sad," said her Excellency.
cannot- hear those who praise its beauty?"
"I must not go out this evening as my cold
"I will pray that the blind eyes may be
is severe and I leave early in the morning
opened, that the deaf ears may he unstopped,
for Spain. If only there were a possibility
and that the hearts may have grace t o
of seeing him!"
understand."
This was told t o the Master, who had just
As 'Abdu'l-Bahh spoke, the troubled
returned after a long, tiring day.
mien of the Artist gave place to a look of
"Tell the lady and her husband that, as
relief, satisfied understanding, joyous emo-
she is unable to come to me, I will call upon
tion.
her."
Thus, interview followed interview. Accordingly, though the hour was late,
Church dignitaries of various branches of through the cold and the rain he came, with
the Christian Tree came. Some earnestly his smiling courtesy, bringing joy to us all
desirous of finding new aspects of the T m t h as we awaited him in the Tapest~yRoom.
-"the wisdom that buildeth up, rather than 'Abdu'l-Bahh talked with the Ambassador
the knowledge that puffetb up." Others and his wife of conditions in Japan, of the
there were who stopped their ears lest they great international importance of that
should hear and understand. country, of the vast service to mankind, of
SOJOURN OF 'ABDU'L-BAHA IN PARIS 617

the work for the abolition of war, nf thr "Be not troubled," said 'Abdu'l-Bahi.
need for improving conditions of life for the "These enemies have no power over my life,
worker, of the necessity of educating girls but that which is given them from on High.
and boys equally. If my Beloved God so willed that my life-
The religious ideal is the soul of all plans blood should be sacrificed in His path, it
for the good of mankind. Religion must would be a glorious day, devoutly wished for
never be used as a tool by party politicians. by me."
God's politics are mighty, man's politics are Therefore, the friends surrounding the
feeble. much-loved master were comforted and
Speaking of religion and science, the two their faith so strengthened, that when a
great wings with which the bird of human sinister-looking man came t o a group who
kind is able to soar, he said, "Scientific dis- were walking in the gardens and threaten-
coveries have greatly increased material ingly said, "Are you not yet sufficiently
civilization. There is in existence a stu- warned? Not only is there danger for
pendous force, as yet, happily, undiscovered 'Abdu'l-Bah6, but also for you who are with
by man. Let us supplicate God, the him," the friends were unperturbed, one of
Beloved, that this force be not discovered them replying calmly, "The Power that pro-
by science until Spiritual Civilization shall tects the Master protects also His other
dominate the human mind! I n the hands of servants. Therefore we have no fear."
men of lower material nature, this power The man departed, abashed, saying noth-
would be able to destroy the whole earth." ing more.
'Abdu'l-Bahl talked of these and of many
other supremely important matters for more Two days before the close of 'Abdu'l-
than an hour. The friends, wondering, Bahi's visit, a woman came hurriedly into
said, "How is it possible that having spent the gathering at the Avenue de Camoens:
all his life imprisoned in an eastern fortress, "Oh, how glad I am to be in time! I
he should so well understand world prob- must tell you the amazing reason of my
lems and possess the wisdom to solve them so hurried journey from America. One day,
simply?" my little girl astonished me by saying:
Truly we were beginning to understand 'Mummy, if dear Lord Jesus was in the
that the majesty of greatness, whether world now, what would you do?' 'Darling
mental or spiritual, is always simple. baby, I would feel like getting on t o the
first train and going to Him as fast as I
One day, I received a disquieting letter, could.' 'Well, Mummy, He is in the world.'
"It would be well to warn 'Abdu'l-Bah6 I felt a great awe come over me as my tiny
that it might be dangerous for him to visit one spoke. 'What do you mean, my
a certain country, for which I understand precious? How do you know?' I said. 'He
he proposes to set forth in the near future." told me Himself, so in course He is in the
Having regard to the sincere friendship world.' Full of wonder, I thought: Is this
of the writer, and knowing that sources of a sacred message which is being given to me
reliable information were available to him, out of the mouth of my babe? And I
this warning obviously could not be ignored. prayed that it might be made clear to me.
Therefore, a? requested, I laid the matter "The next day she said, insistently and
before the Master. as though she could not understand,
To my amazement, he smiled and said im- 'Mummy, darlin', why isn't you gone to see
pressively, "My daughter, have you not yet Lord Jesus? He's told me two times that
realized that never in my life have I been He is really here, in the world.' 'Tiny love,
for one day out of danger, and that I should mummy doesn't know where He is, how
rejoice to leave this world and go t o my could she find Him?' 'We see, Mummy,
Father?" we see.'
"Oh, Masterl We do not wish that you "I was naturally perturbed. The same
should go from us in that manner." I was afternoon, being out for a walk with my
overcome with sorrow and terror. child, she suddenly stood still and cried out,
658 T H E B A H P I. ' f WORLD

'There He is! There He is!' She was the "Wolf" (so namrd because of h ~ sruth-
trembling with excitement and pointing at less cruelty and geed) had borrowed large
the windows of a magazine store where was sums of money from the two noble and
a picture of 'Abdu'l-Bahb. I bought the generous brothers of ISfihbn. T o accuse
paper, found this address, caught a boat that them of being followers of Bahi'u'llih, t o
same night, and here I am." bring them before a tribunal which con-
The above was written down as i t was demned them to he executed, and to have
related t o me. I t is again the second in- the brothers p a t t o death, was their lot t o
stance of the pictured face of 'Abdu'l-Bahl avoid being reqzaired to repay t h e loans.
arresting the beholder with a colnpelling
force. The first incident was that of a man After the death of the "Wolf" some
in deadly despair, about to take his own life; doculnents were discovered, relating t o the
and now this innocent child! borrowed money. This, with the addition
I t was of great interest t o notice the of the interest which had accun~ulated,now
effect the presence of 'Abdu'l-Bahi had amounted t o a considerable sum. The
upon some children. One little girl whis- lawyer who was in charge of the affair wrote
pered, "Look, that is Jesus when H e was to the son of the martyr, asking into what
old." Perhaps their unstained nature sensed hank the moocys should be paid. The reply
the breath of holiness which was always sent, with the approval of 'Abdu'l-Bahi,
with H i m and caused them to liken him to was that he declined to accept repayment
the Most Holy One of whom they were of money which had been one reason for
conscious. the shedding of his father's blood.
'Aga M i r z i Jalil was now married t o a
One day a certain man of high degree daughter of 'Abdu'l-Bahi.
came t o 'Abdu'l-Bahi. "I have been exiled
from my country. I pray you intercede Whilst these episodes were taking place,
for me that I may be permitted to return." we who witnessed them seemed t o be in a
"You will be allowed t o return." higher dimension where there were natural
"Some of my land has been bought by indications of the presence of the Light
one of the Bah6'i friends. I desire to possess which in all Inen is latent and in 'Abdu'l-
that property once more." Bahi transcendent.
"It shall be given back t o you and with- The constant awareness of an exhilara-
out payment." tion, which carried us out of our every-
"Who is the young man standing behind day selves, and gave us the sense of being
you? May he be presented to me?" One with the Life-Pulse which beats
"He is 'Aga Mirzb Jalil, son of one of through the Universe, is an experience t o be
the martyred brothers of Ipfhh6n." treasured rather than an emotion t o be de-
"I had no part in that crime." scribed. The reader will understand that
"The part you took in that event, I it is impossible t o find fitting words for the
know. Moreover, your motive I know." thoughts and feelings which were with us in
This man, with his fellow conspirator, those Paris days.
RACIAL LIKENESSES A N D
DIFFERENCES: THE SCIENTIFIC
E V I D E N C E A N D T H E BAHA'I
TEACHINGS

1. under a tropical sun should be protected by
T H E Bahi'is of America in their efforts to a dark skin and woolly hair. On the other
establish peace anlong warring races, re- hand, some scientists are of the opinion that
ligions and nations, number among their a very fair skin is a faded or bleached one.
varied activities three Summer schools, one All shades are useful and beautiful. The
of which is famous Green Acre, at Eliot, early race was probably neither white nor
Maine. The location of this center on the black. The development of agriculture and
Piscataqua River and amid rural scenes of the use of iron have sometimes been the
beauty is conducive to exhilaration as well means of separating races.
as rest, and during the past forty years many Another period was given to the discus-
great characters of various races have sought sion of racial antipathies. Factors in this are
its stimulus and shelter. the survival of tribal clannishness; variance
This season's program, which extends of religion; this enables some to regard
through July and August, includes a course themselves as the chosen of God and others
in race relations featuring racial likenesses accursed and unclean; dislike for what ap-
and differences, conveying the scientific evi- pears to be "new," "strange," and "dif-
dences and the Bah6'i teachings. I t is con- ferent"; dissenting ideals of what constitutes
ducted by Genevieve L. Coy, Ph. D., for- physical beauty; tribal sense, that is, a belief
merly of Columbia University, now of the that holding together is necessary to sur-
Dalton School of New York. The work vival; trade and economic rivalries. Even
goes deeply into the study of the so-called the cut of the beard in the past has been
races, from the dawn of history until the the means of separating peoples. I t was
present. It includes such topics as, What brought out that physical differences which
constitutes a race? What racial character- have slight foundation and are always super-
istics prevailed in earliest history? What ficial have unhappily had great effect in
parts of the earth were occupied? What separating races. It cannot be denied by the
color had peoples? What culture? Inter- thoughtful that racial differences conflict
esting facts brought out were that knowl- with the fundamentals of true religion. Yet
edge of color din'erences in early tirnes is how persistent arc they!
vague; that most scientists now recognize The effort to measure the capacities of
but three races; that differences between different groups or races by intelligence
them are not well defined; that all races are tests is interesting but exceedingly difficult
more or less mixed; that skin color is due to in estimating results. The reason is that
environment; that national culture is often when backward races have the same cultural
mistaken for racial culture and that there advantages their median and average intelli-
is a tremendous racial admixture in the gence rises. This may be illustrated by the
United States and South America. I t is a higher rating of migrants from rhe Sourh
wise provision of nature that those living when given the advantage of better school
660 T H E BAHPi'i WORLD

systems in the North. When the Negro covering the number of outstanding indi-
lives on terms of equality with the whites, viduals; difference in temperament caused
suffering no economic, social or cultural by physical conditions, such as climate;
handicaps, it is quite reasonable to assume geographical differences, such as caused by
that he will measure up to the attainments mountain or valley, desert-dwelling or
of the whites in every particular. Environ- proximity to the sea; also nearness to and
ment and opportunity make all the differ- contact with other races. Also what effect
ence. has the possession of wealth, machinery and
The size of the brain is no gage of intelli- organization, all of which may be fortui-
gence among races. All races see and hear tous? Another interesting discussion cent-
equally well. All are equally sensitive to ered about the statement of Dr. Herbert

The Spiritual Assembly of t lIC Bahl'is of Karachi, India.

pain. All races show mechanical ingenuity Adolphus Miller that suppressed races tend
and inventive ability. In brief, there are no to be abnormally subjective, sensitive and
marked racial differences. Cultural differ- aggressive. They are inclined to take every-
ences and those due to climatic conditions thing upon the personal basis and to be
there are. Martinique is mentioned as one unduly suspicious. Representatives of
of the few places on earth where whites and minority groups present admitted this to be
blacks live together on a plane of social true. The statement is made by one who
equality. Here no difference in their respec- has been a life-long friend of minority
tive abilities is apparent. groups, Dr. Miller. I t is, of course, one of
Another very interesting period was that the obstacles to racial understanding. It is
devoted to study of the causes of cultural quite natural, however, in view of pressure
differences in races. This comprehended from without. The Trojans fear the Greeks
such matters as differences in variability, even when they come bearing gifts!
RACIAL LIKENESSES AND DIFFERENCES 661

The subject of racial intermarriage was Negro race should move forward into
unemotionally discussed. Scientists agree achievements of higher and finer standards
that it increases fertility in races and is in the fields of music, art, literature, as well
biologically sound. I n view of the pieju- as the liberal and industrial arts and
dices against it, however, those who contract sciences."
such alliances should have the zeal and Mrs. Mary Coristine, a New Englander
courage of pioneers. whose friendship for the colored race has
been accentuated by her study of the Bahi'i
teachings, presided at the second session.
The climax of the week was the annual She spoke briefly on the universal love,
race amity conference, always one of the which is on a higher plane than the mere
most fascinating features of the Green Acre personal love which is so subject to change.
season. The speaker at the opening session Louis G. Gregory spoke on the trend toward
was Dr. Genevieve L. Coy, who had brought world fellowship, as illustrated in the attrac-
to light so many very interesting views dur- tion, cooperation and blending of repre-
ing the week of study. She said in part: sentatives of various races and religions both
"The rate of progress of any group, at home and abroad. Outstanding thinkers
whether rehgious, national or raclal, IS, to are heginning to see that a divided world is
a considerable degree, determined by its most in danger of dissolution. People in all ranks
intelligent and inventive members. A care- of life are obtaining a vision of world fel-
ful study of the work of such distinguished lowship, sometimes articulate, sometimes
artists, writers and musicians of the Negro more effectively expressed in service. This
race shows achievements of such excellence applies to both individuals and groups. Al-
as to give a sound basis for the belief that though as yet these seers represent hut a
the colored race as a whole will develop a small minority of the people of the earth,
fine and true appreciation of artistic and they are imbued with a spirit that is all-
literary culture. We may also expect that pervasive. They are the signs and rising
the Negro race will, in proportion to their places of a new culture. I t is only a new
numbers contribute as much to the culture and universal revelation of religion that can
of America as any of our other racial so train and educate mankind that all race
groups. prejudices vanish and all discords cease.
"In the field of literary achievement we The Sunday morning session of the con-
call attention to the distinguished literary ference was devotional, and the chairman,
criticism of William Stanley Braithwaite; to Mrs. Alice McCausland, read prayers and
the colorful and forceful articles and books introduced Dr. Glenn A. Shook, professor
on racial problems of Dr. W. E. B. DuBois; at Wheaton College, as the speaker. The
to the novels of Jessie Fauset and Jean effort to unite various nations and peoples
Toomer; to the dramatic and lyrical quality in past centuries, he declared, had fired the
of the poetry of such writers as Claude aspiration of men of genius. But in each
McKay, Countee Cullen and Langston case it has failed t o bring permanent results.
Hughes. In musical composition and execu- At this dark hour in human history man is
tion, we must take into account the contri- especially in need of divine guidance. This
butions to American art of such men as divine outpouring is caused by a new Mani-
Nathaniel Dett, Carl Diton, Hall Johnson, festation. How different would the history
Paul Robeson and Roland Hayes. In the of the world have been had the established
field of painting and sculpture we note the religious of the past maintained unity.
work of William Harper, William Scott, Science has great value for man, huc cannot
May Howard Jackson and Henry 0. Tanner. alone accomplish such a task. Some schools
Of these the most distinguished is Tanner, of science even deny divine revelation.
who is recognized as one of the leading Their god is only a great cosmic force,
painters of the world. H e has been awarded working for weal or woe. I t is most re-
knighthood in the French Legion of Honor. freshing to turn to the Bahi'i teachings
With such distinguished leadership, the which satisfy every human need. The com-
662 THE B A H A 'f WORLD

plete education of m a n comes through the Mrs. Margaret Cartwright of Cambridge,
Prophets of God who create spiritual life. a representative of the Youth Group, there-
Bah6'i administration is a creation, a living upon asked a challenging question: How are
organism, not a synthesis of the past. We reactionary people to get the great message
may have all necessary parts of an organism, if those who know it do not teach, no
but we cannot put them together and cause matter what the sacrifice involved?
life, nor make them work. The world of Rabbi Clark testified to his own stand for
man is composite, but the divine Spirit is justice and the chairman, Prof. Cobb, replied
life. This new divine outpouring alone is that people are greatly controlled by their
able to bring us out of our present chaos. emotions. This force with most mortals is
Prof. Stanwood Cobb of Washington pre- more powerful than intellect. One emotion
sided at the next session, given to general can only be overpowered by a greater emo-
consultation and sociability. The unity of tion. The reality of religion, divine love,
the world, he stated, would not be brought is the Master emotion. This is the great
about through the effort to coordinate dif- security for a failing world. One vital flame
ferent organizations, but rather through a of spiritual consciousness is enough to bring
spiritual consciousness of the oneness of order and relief out of the great chaos that
mankind. The Golden Rule must be confronts mankind. Receptivity to the new
founded in minds and hearts. We must ideals brings success.
think of the happiness and needs of others. Mrs. Elizabeth Greenleaf said: "Speaking
An interesting incident related was the story of the great conflict between intellect and
told by Dr. Samuel C. Mitchell, distin- emotion, I am reminded of my early experi-
guished southern educator, of how his heart ence as a Bah6'i worker. In my joy over
was fired when he saw and heard 'Abdu'l- the truth I wanted every one to accept it
Bah6 at the Lake Mohonk Peace Conference and was much discouraged by rebuffs. But
in 1912 as the great message of human unity 'Abdn'l-Bah6 reassured me with three mes-
was proclaimed. sages extending over a number of years.
Rabbi Clark, visitor to Green Acre from First, he said, "Be patient!" Anon he said,
the deep South, gave eloquent testimony of "Be divinely patient!" Still later he said,
his admiration for the Bahl'i religion. He "Be magnificently patient!"
also paid a feeling tribute to the colored race By the chairman: "All who work in
and expressed the hope that this great nation movements of idealism are prone to pessi-
would see the advantage to itself in giving mism. They encounter so much crass selfish-
every man a man's chance. Spreading love ness in high and low places that unless they
from heart to heart is a colossal undertak- be securely poised there is failure. Politics
ing. We should not hold knowledge, but and all the lower orders of human nature
impart it. Give opportunities to all. My block the plans for advancement. But
conviction is, he said, that a very high per- idealism and realism must eventually be one.
centage of the influence that directs people Let us not give up but rather fortify our-
comes from their environment. Let us selves with the Spirit."
strive, therefore, to develop in all men their The final session of the conference was
God-given powers for the adornment of the held in the People's Baptist Church of Ports-
world, always seeking unity. I t is deplor- mouth, N. H., whose pastor, Rev. Henry
able that well-wishers of humanity cannot Benton Harris, is alive to progressive cur-
always be out spoken because of hostile and rents in religion and human welfare.
reactionary surroundings. A learned Rabbi Alfred E. Lunt, Esq., of Boston, the
was once asked to resign his pulpit because principal speaker, declared that those who
he upheld and applied in a sermon the engage in strife know not the real meaning
principle of justice to a very critical matter of life. They but pursue phantoms.
in race relations. Because members of his Divisions based upon race, creed and color
congregation had business interests in that uphold that which is inconsequential. Yet
community, they feared harm if their leader such counterfeits in the present world exert
took such a stand, though just. a power which may destroy humanity. We
RACIAL LIKENESSES AND DIFFERENCES 663

should seek to heal, nut LO wound. Infrac- gcther. The world must be one home.
tions of divine law inevitably bring down- Vital factors in the new world order are
fall. Those who obey will become a part of wisdom and brotherhood. There must also
the new world order. How can those who be the constant urge to translate words into
favor separation be true advocates of liberty? deeds. Faith in the Supreme overcomes
They array people against each other under those precedents not founded upon reality
false sanctions. They think by force to and it inspires the courage to apply the
make all human beings conform to a single remedy that heals. The Bahi'i teachings
type, an idea not contemplated by God. I t make a special appeal to the ~ o u t hof the
is most unfortunate to set prejudice in mo- world. They ennoble, with the joy of work-
tion, for one fatuity leads to another. Dis- ing for the highest ideals under the sanction
tinctions based upon artificial values have of religion. Ideals having a hwan origin
no standing in the sight of God. Distinc- often degenerate in their realization. But
tions not intended to create strife augment divine ideals are in perpetuity. They inspire
the beauty of creation. Healing for hu- the highest efficiency and involve no waste
manity is realized when there is an inner of life.
resolve to help, keep the divine covenant Dr. Genevieve Coy made brief references
and treat all men as brothers. When we live to the week's course at Green Acre and how
alone we are cut off from the divine reci- scientific evidence had been gathered to
procity and protection. The first Bahi'i refute prejudices. Those who insist upon
principle is the oneness of humanity. This separating humanity become far less dog-
ideal today is outstanding in a world of matic when they truly investigate like-
separation. Because it is the call of God it nesses. Merit and deeds must be the basis
must prevail. A being comes into existence of preferment among mortals, not super-
from every natural composition. But an ficial barriers that have no significance.
artificial composition produces no such re- The bibliography of the study class, in
sults. Let us strive to be component parts addition to the Bahi'i literature, included
of something that is real. The oppressed the works of the most standard authors,
peoples of earth, whether at home or abroad, authorities both foreign and domestic? white
can find unity and freedom by working and colored. The list included:
under the banner of Bahi'u'llBh. His spirit Boas, F.-Anthropology and M o d e r ~Life.
and teachings fulfill the expectations of all Embree, E. R.-Brown America.
the agcs. They bestow such vision as to Embrec, E. R.-Every Tenth Pupil.
enable men to see with the Eye of God. Gift, M. H., and Cox, A. S.-Foundations
This enables the whites to uphold the stand- of Racial Amity.
ard of justice in such a way as to be kind Johnson, Charles-The Negro in American
to the colored, and the latter 011 their part Civilization.
to be appreciative of and grateful to the Klineberg, Otto-Negro Intelligence and
former. Embracing such an opportunity of Selective Migration.
service everyone can become the means of Langdon-Davies, John-The New Age of
quickening and harmonizing humanity. Faith.
Maxwell Miller, also of Boston, argued Locke, Alain-The New Negro.
that race prejudice is indefensible. On thc Moton, Robert-What the Negro Thinks.
other hand, the force of cooperation is Rogers, J. A,-From Supernzan to Man.
needed to upbuild community and world School Money in Black and White.
life. Cooperation and prejudice cannot Wells, H. G.--02ltline of History.
meet for they express different and irrecon- Woodson, Carter G.-The Negro in ouu
cilable planes. The law of evolution which History.
has applied in the growth of our country
from a small group of colonies to forty- The most helpful of the above works, by
eight states, will have its next application the testimony of Dr. Coy, is the litclc
when it sees the greater values of the inter- volume of Mr. Rogers called From Super-
national spirit which binds all nations to- man to Man. Its array of facts, scientific
664 THE B A H 6 ' f WORLD
and logical arguments and citation of world some foreign landa. As the purpose of
famous authorities carry conviction, leaving Green Acre is the study of reality, those who
no room for any trace of doubt. This, of have watched its progress during the years
course, is not meant to underrate the other are more than ever pleased with the com-
authorities mentioned all of whom have both bined uses of science and religion to
value and charm. brighten minds, solace hearts and to dem-
This conference attracted to Green Acre onstrate, as in a laboratory, the right meth-
a varied and interesting company of friends ods of solving the vexing problems of
representing many cities of America and humanity.
DENMARK'S ORIENTAL SCHOLAR
BY MARTHAL. ROOT
D E N M A R K , one of the oldest countries I t was pleasant, too, to see 'Abdu'l-Bahi's
in Europe, with its beautiful capital, Copen- picture on the walI of his great library.
hagen, the gateway from Western Europe to When asked about the manuscript, this
the great Northlands of the midnight sun, genial Professor said he had bought it from
Scandinavia, is making unique contribution a Muslim book dealer in Tihrin, that it has
to the scholarly investigation of the Bahi'i 110 titles (frinian manuscripts do not have
Faith. I t is significant that this ever un- titles), and contains some Writings of
conquered nation of three and one-half Bahi'u'llih. One is the Tablet addressed to
millions of people with no illiterates and Sulc6n 'Abdu'l-'Aziz, Sultin of Turkey, the
where almost every farmer has his own very Tablet that Professor E. G. Browne in
library and is an indefatigable reader, in the the "Journal of the Asiatic Society," 1889,
midst of this cultured, well-balanced race, said he was not able to procure in frin.
the Bahl'i Teaching from fr6n has been Professor Christensen is not himself a
written about historically by one of Den- Bahi'i because as he said: "From a religious
mark's most outstanding scholars, the first point of view, in general all deeply religious
Danish savant to go to irin. feelings are alien to me, but there is in the
Professor Arthur Christencen, Doctor of Bahi'i Movement something with which I
Letters, Professor of irinian Philology in the am in sympathy; it appeals to me because
University of Copenhagen, member of the it is international and because there must be
Royal Academy of Sciences and Letters of something in it which evokes good moral
Denmark, has made three trips t o irh-in sentiments. I saw that all the Bahl'is in
1914, 1929, 1934, this last time as first vice- f r i n with whom I had anything to do
president of the International Firdawsi possessed high morals and noble human
Congress 111 Tihrin to celebrate the mille- qualities. No doubt it is a cultural move-
nary anniversary of the great poet of I r k . ment."
His purpose was to study frinian dialects Continuing, he said: "Often I have dis-
and civilization also, but just as in the case cussed the main Teachings, especially with
of the distinguished English scholar, Profes- well known Bahi'is in frin, but I have had
sor Edward Granville Browne of Cambridge di&culty in sharing with them their bright
University, England, he found an interesting outlook on the future which seemed to me
subject opened for him by the literature of indicates an undervaluation of the slowness
the Bib and Bahi'u'llih. in development due to the kuottiness of all
Visiting the Royal Library in Copen- human conditions and of the enormous
hagen in June, 1931, I found in its excellent weighing down of the inferior element in
colhction of Buhh'i books an extraordinary humanity. However, if one has a use for
frinian manuscript containing Tablets of divine Manifestations and prophethood and
Bahi'u'llih. The catalogue notes revealed such things, it seems to me that the Bah6'i
that it had been bought in Tihrin in 1914, Movement in somewhat higher degree than
by Professor Arthur Christensen for this other so-called divine Revelations is purified
library. I t contains one hundred and eighty- from absurdities of thought such as made
one short Tablets. one of the ancient church fathers use the
The same afternoon the writer visited expression: 'I believe because it is incredible!'
Professor Christensen in his home, set in and which in our days causes so many
the centre of a charming Danish garden. religiously inclined people to feel homeless
in the e x i s ~ i nbyatems
~ of thousand-year-old natural cordiality; they lived for their ideal,
religions. You will not lack warmth of an ideal in which there was just as much of
faith in the enthusiastic, prophetical Words sound and practical morality as of religious
of Bahi'u'llih or in the intensive, persuasive tenets.''
speech of 'Ahdu'l-Bahi which bear witness Professor Christensen has written among
to His wide grasp of humanity. Here is a his many books two in which the Bahi'i
religion which does not need theology be- Cause is explained; one, "Hinsides det
cause its principles, that is to say, its back- Kaspiske Hav" ("Beyond the Caspian Sea"),
ground of civilization and individual and published in 1918, Gyldendalske Boghandel,
social psychology, are those of our times." Copenhagen, in which Chapter Ten is en-

Professor Arthur Christensen of Copen-
hagen, Denmark.

"If a religion," said the Danish Professor, titled "Together with Bahi'is." This is an
"is to be judged by its intluence on men, account of the Movement in its evolution to
one should not forget that the Baha'i com- a World Religion; it also gives Professor
munity in the corrupt, sectarian, suppressed Christensen's meetings with leading BahPis
fr6n of the Qij6r dynasty was the germ in Tihrin and their discussions about the
from which grew a renaissance! Adherence new Faith. I t contains an excellent repro-
to the Bahi'i Faith could at that time in duction of the ~ a h 6 ' iTemple, M+iqu'l-
ir6n and probably still can he taken in frin A a k l r , in IdqPbld, Turkistln, from a
as a guarantee for personal honesty and un- photograph talcen in 1914. Another one of
seffish helpfulness to a reasonable degree." his volumes, "Det Gamle og det Nye Per-
When I spoke of his high tribute to the sien" (The Old and the New Persia"),
Bahi'is of frin in his book published in 1930, I Kommission hos G. E. Gad, Copen-
1918, he replied: "Yes, I can endorse what hagen, in two places mentions the BLbi
I said then, for personally I have only good Movement which developed into the Bahi'i
memories of the Bahi'is I met in frln. Cause.
They were trustworthy, courageous, helpful The magazine, "Nordisk Tidskrift"
people. They always met me with radiant, ("The Magazine of the North"), in 191 1
DENMARK'S ORIENTAL SCHOLAR 667

had an article by Professor Christensen 011 also several Danish newspaper articles about
"A Modern Oriental Religion" which he the Bahi'i Teachings have appeared under
wrote before his Arst trip to frbn; it is an his signature. "Berliigske Aften," Copen-
historical sketch of the Bib and early Bahi'i hagen, November seventh, 1932, contains a
events. This magazine for science, art and special feature article by this celebrated Pro-
industry of Sweden, Norway, Denmark and fessor under the headlines "En Moderne
Finland contains articles by representative Verdensreligion" and in it he also reviews
writers of these four northern countries. the Danish translation of Dr. J. E. Essle-
Professor Christensen said that the account mont's book, "Bah6'u'llhh and the New
of the Bbbi-Bahgi Movement which he pre- Era," which had just been published by Nyt
sented in his book, "Beyond the Caspian Nordisk Forlag, Arnold Busck, Copenhagen.
Sea" contains the main points that are in No other Scandinavian scholar until now
this article. has written so fully about the Bahi'i Move-
Professor Christensen also has written ment as has Professor Arthur Christensen of
about the Movement for some Danish en- Copenhagen, whose works are well known
cyclopaedias, the Salrnonsens Konversations- among Oriental scholars of the Eastern as
lexikon, last edition, and for the new Illus- well as the Western world. His influence
treret Dansk Konversationslcxilron, 1933; will continue to bear fruit.
FILOZOFIO
BY LIDJA ZAMENHOF
E N c ~ u. tempoj
j la homa menso levadis sin La naturon, t.e. stataron de la ekzisto, oni
super la aferojn de la tiutaga vivo, par serei povas dividi en kelkajn klasojn, el kiuj eiu
la verojn kaj legojn, regantajn la homojn kaj malpli alta estas Btupo kaj grado, tra kiu
la universon. Grandaj filozofoj postlasadis evoluas la supera klaso. Tie1 sur la plej
sistemojn; tiuj sistemoj ofte bildis la pens- malalta ltupo trovigas la regno de mineraloj.
manieron de la epoko, kaj kune estis ofte Ili havas nek inteligentecon, nek instinkton,
por la membroj de tiu epoko fundamento, nek movkapablon. Ilia sola atributo estas-
sur kiu ili bazis siajn konceptojn. ekzisto. Tamen la mineralo, solvita en la
La pasinta jarcento vidis naskigon de nova tero, donas vivon al klaso pli alta, a1 la
granda penso, kiu aperis en Persujo sub la vegetaja regno. La regno de vegetajoj,
nomo "BahLismo," lraj el sia orienta nasliig- bazita sur tiu de mineraloj, posedas kune
loko disvastikas tra la mondo. La filozofiaj kun ili la atributon de ekzisto, sed ai superas
principoj de tiu movado estas konataj a1 la la mineralan regnon per speciala kapablo, la
okcidentanoj tefe el la verkoj kaj paroloj de kreskokapablo, kiu estas fremda a1 la
'Abdu'l-Bahi, la filo de la fondinto de la mineralo. La vegetaja regno, siavice, pre-
Bahla Movado, Bahb'u'llih. Ofte li re- zentas Btupon, tra kiu evoluas la besta regno.
spondadis a1 diversaj prezentitaj a1 li de- Tiu ?i regno, krom la ecoj de la minerala
mandoj, kaj la Cefaj principoj de la Bahla kaj vegetaja regnoj, sur kiuj gi apogas sin,
filozofio klare elaperas en liaj respondoj. posedas atributojn fremdajn a1 la antaiiaj
Esplorante la eefajn trajtoju de la Bahia klasoj, t.e. movokapablon, instinktojn kaj
filozofio ni turnu ninunue a1 tio, kio nin sentojn.
tirkaiias, a1 la naturo, kaj ni vidu, lrio gi Kaj super tiuj t i klasoj, kiel ilia krona,
estas kaj lria ki estas. trovas sin kreitajo la plej perfekta, la homo.
La naturo, la5 'Abdu'l-Bahi, estas tiu Li heredis de la antaiiaj regnoj iliajn
stato, tiu realajo, kiu konsistas, unuavide, el atributojn-la ekziston, kreskopovon, mov-
viva kaj morto, aii, dirante pli precize, el kapablon kaj sentojn. Per la atributoj de
kombinigado kaj malkombinigado. Ciuj sia fizika ekzisto li ne multe diferencas de la
formoj de la kreitajaro estas rezulto de besta regno. Same kiel la besto, la homo
kombinado. Certaj atomoj, kunligitaj per estas dependa, por sia fizika bonstato, de
la forto de altirado, kreas delikatan kaj aero, akvo, nntrajo, de certa minimum0 kaj
aroman floron, aliaj kreas la homan korpon, maksimumo de temperaturo. Ofte e t la
aliaj amasigas, por doni formon a1 giganta kapabloj de lia korpo malsuperas tiujn de la
suno. Nenin el la forrnoj estas eterna. bestoj. Li ne povas kompari sian flaron kun
Kiam la povo de altirado, kiu cementis la la flaro de hundo, sian vidon kun la vido de
tuton, tesas efiki, la Icombinajo malkombini- aglo, sian lertecon kun la lerteco de simio,
gas kaj venas tio, kion, rilate a1 la vivaj sian forton kun la forto de leono.
estajoj, ni nomas morto. La morto ne estas Kaj la grandegan diferencon inter la besto
tamen por la materio neniigo, nur trans- kaj la homo oni devas serti ne en la ecoj
formigo. La atomoj ne pereas. Kiam de- kaj kapabloj de lia fizika korpo. La dis-
nove ekagos je ili altira forto, ili formos tingajo, lriu levas la homon super eiujn
novajn formojn, kis kiam ankaii tiuj novaj antaiiajn regnojn, estas lia intelekto, tiu
formoj, subiaante a1 la sorto de i.io kom- forto abstrakta sed potenca, kiu permesas a1
binita, iam malkombini~os. Tiun t i princi- la homo, apartenanta fizike al la mondo de
pon la moderna scienco kouas sub la nomo naturo, altigi super tiun t i mondon kaj
"konservigo de la materio." grandparte sklavigi gin al si.
LA BAHAA FILOZOFIO 669

Observante la naturon, ni devas rimarki, Kiamaniere ekestis la naturo? eenerale,
ke bi estas blinda sklavo de la legoj, kiuj oni povas distingi 3 manierojn de kreo aii
gin regas. Vere, tiuj legoj trapenetras bin kombino: 1. akcidentan kreon, 2. senvolan
kun tie1 mirinda precizeco kaj harmonio, ke kreon, 3. volan kreon.
lajnas, kvazaii ili venus de la naturo mem. Se ni volus deklari, ke la naturo elrestis
Sed la naturo ne havas legokrean povon. akcidente, ni estus mallogikaj, tar tio sig-
La tie1 nomataj legoj de la naturo ne nifus akcepti efikon sen kaiizo-tar kreo
estas legoj, per kiuj bi regas; kontraiie akcidenta nepre supozigas antaiiekziston de
-ili estas la lekoj, kiuj regas la naturon. cirkonstancoj, a1 kiuj gi estas auldata. Nek
Elrampi sin el sub ili la naturo ne kap- unu el la sennombraj atomoj de la universo

The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of San Francisco, California, 1931. (First Bah6'i
Spiritual Assembly having representatives of the black, yellow and white races in its
membership.)

ablas. Bi posedas nek la intelekton nek povus kreiki akcidente el la granda "nenio,"
la volon por tion fari. La grandega suno kiu devus esti ekzistinta antaiie.
vole aii nevole, sen la propra iniciativo La dua konstrukoncepto. la koncepto pri
kaj kompreno, devas brili, 5 s konsumigos la senvola konstruo, supozigas, ke la ele-
kia varmo, sed antaii tiu konsu~nibo gi ne nlentoj havas kvazaii denaskan emon a1
kapablas, lac sia plato, favori per sia hrilo kombinigado, unu knn la alia. Tiu t i kon-
unu planedon kaj deteni la radiojn de la cepto ne klarigus la ekekziston de la elemen-
alia. Akvo de meza temperaturo devas flui, toj mem; kaj plie, la kombinajoj vole
kaj ne povas, laii sia plat0 kaj fantazio, kreigintaj, devus esti tie1 daiiraj, kiel la ele-
transformigi en solidan korpon. Tiu giganta mentoj mem, kaj dume plej firma roko, plej
universo, kies senlima grandeco imponas a1 potenca suno iam devas malkombinigi, kaj
nia limhava, horna menso, estas nur sklavo la elementoj, gin konstruintaj, devas disfali.
en la manoj de la Potenco, kiu gin kreis, Restas do la tria konstrt~konce~to-la
konservas kaj regas. koncepto pri la vola kreo. Tio signifas
670 T H E BAHA'i WORLD

ekzirton de iu rupera Volo, de kiu devenas la homa intelekto, rnalgraii tio la Lorno rklavi-
elementoj kaj kiu pSas ilin unujn a1 la aliaj. gas la elektron en telegrafan fadenon kaj
La Bahia filozofio akceptas ekziston de transportas sin de lando a1 lando per potenco
Superega Volo, ltiu regas la Universon kaj de la vaporo. Kaj same, la homo ne povas
estas gia lekodonanto. Tiu Superega Potenco ltompreni la Suyeregan Potencon, sed tiu
estas nomata Dio. supera Potenco ekzistas malgraii kaj super
Multaj homoj neas la ekziston de tiu lia kompreno, kaj tenas lin en sia povo.
Supera Potenco. Ili argumentas, ke ili povas Kia estas la rilato de tiu krea Potenco a1
gin nek percepti, nelr koncepti. Sed tiu la kreajoj? Bi estas kiel tiu de aiitoro a1 sia
argument0 pruvas nur, ke nia homa menso verlto, liiel tiu de suno a1 la planedo, a1 kiu
estas liinigita kaj super la destinitan a1 si gi donas la lumon, varlnon kaj vivon. La
kompreu-sferon ne povas levigi. Por Irom- suno mein restas en sia loko lcaj ne forlasas
preni ion aii iun nefesas, ke la komprenanto kin, por kontaktiki kun la planedo. La
estu almenaii egalgrada kun la komprenato. varmo kaj lumo emanas de la suno a1 la
Plej potenca roko, plej pura diamanto planedo, sed la suno mem ne dispartigas, por
neniel povas koncepti la misteron de la veui sur la teron. Same la skribafo emanas
germanta semo, tar la germokapablo estas de la skribanto liaj kanto emanas de la
freinda a1 mineralo kaj estas super kia sfero. Itantauto, sed la skribanto ne transformikas
Same plej potenca ltverko ne povas ltopreni mem en la skribaion nek la kantanto en la
birdon, kiu nestas en kia foliaro, saltas de kanton. Alie okazas, ni diru, en la ekzemplo
branEo a1 branto kaj kantas melodie, turn- de arbo, kreskanta el la semo. Tiam olrazas
ante la lcapeton por aiidi kantoil de alia birdo ne emanado, sed transformigo, tar la semo
-tar la movopovo de la besta mondo, kiaj rnem transformigas en la lcreslcajon, kiu
instinktoj kaj kapabloj estas fremdaj ei. a1 naskigas el gi kaj je gia kosto. La semo
plej perfekta vegetaro. mem lan &as sian formon, kaj liiel tiu t i
Kaj siaflanke besto, t u formiko, t u ele- semo, tesas ekzisti.
fanto, neniel povas koncepti tiop, kio estas La krea Potenco ne transformigas en la
konceptehla por la homo i n t e l e k t e g i ne kreaIojn. &i restas tiam en sia esenco sende-
komprenas la lekojn, kiuj regas la naturon penda, neelterpebla, nedi~parti~ebla,nedi-
kaj kiuju la homo grandaparte fleksis a1 sia videbla. La rilato inter la krea Potdnco kaj
volo-ki vidas kaj aiidas fulmotondron, sed la kreitajoj estas do la rilato de emanado.
gi ne komprenas la elektron kaj ne scias Tiu krea Potenco estas absolute sende-
apliki &an forton a1 siaj bezonoj. &i vidas penda. Sendependa de tempolimoj, Car t i
hriletojn sur la nokta tielo, sed ne kom- ekzistis tiam kaj daiiros Ciam. Nenia
prenas, ke tiuj briloj estas mondoj, nestantaj komenco kaj nenia fino por gi ekzistas. La
en la senlima spaco de la uuiverso. tempo mem, sekve, rilate al gi ne ekzistas,
Tiel do, t a r nenio, staranta sur uilu grado tar tempo estas mezurata per templimoj, kaj
de ekzisto, povas kompreni tion, kio estas kie la templimoj ne ekzistas, kian signifon
sur pli alta grado, anltaii la homo, kvankam havas la tempo?
li estas plej alta el la kreitoj, sed tamen nur Tiu krea Potenco estas ankat sendependa
kreito, neniel povas kompreni la senkompare en sia Esenco, Ear gia ekzisto ne estas sekvo
superantau lin Krean Potencon. Por povi de iu antaiia ltaiizo, same kiel neniu kaiizo
kompreni Dion, li devus esti egala a1 Dio. povas meti finon a1 ki.
Se li prezentus a1 si ion egalan a1 si mem, tio Kaj tiamaniere, sen komenco kaj fino, sen
ne estus Dio. La homo povas koinpreni nur kaiizo kaj konsnmigo, gi estas la Alfo kaj
tion, kion li povas imagi, kaj povas imagi Omego de la ekzisto.
nur tion, kion li povas kompreni. Dion li Krea Potenco, sinpifas-la Potenco, kiu
povas nek imagi, nek kompreni. Tio, E o n li kreas. La kreado estas Eiama, kiel la krea
kapablus imagi kaj kompreni, ne estas Dio. Potenco mem. La koncepto mem pri la
La mineralo ne povas imagi kaj kompreni Krea Potenco sen la kreo estus nelogika, kiel
la kreskokapablon de la floro-rnalgrat tio koncepto pri instruanto sen instruato, pri
la floro kreskas, burgonas kaj floras. La donanto sen ricevanto, pri suno sen radioj.
besto ne povas kompreni la eltrovajojn de la Sed la radioj de la suno, kvankam tie1
LA BAHAA FILOZOFIO 671

pratempaj, k i d la suno mem, estas tame0 evoluas, pasante dc la originaj prin~itivaj
esence dependaj de la suuo, t a r la suno estas forlnoj a1 for~nojtiam pli perfelrtaj. En la
ilia IcaGzo kaj kondito. Kaj la kreita uni- lcomenco de la evoluado la evoluanta estafo
verso, kvankam rilate a1 la tempo senko- povas ankorati forte malsimili de la poste
menca kaj senfina, en sia esenco, t.e. en sia atingota formo, tamen la evoluado oltazas
kaiizo, dependas de la Krea Potenco, la Unua ?ism en la lradroj de la speco. Nek gi venis
Kaiizo. 6i estas do absoluta rilate a1 la el trans la limoj de la speco, nek gi iam
tempo, sed ne rilate a1 la esenco, tar en sia trapasos tiujn limojn. Tie1 la mza arbusto,
esenco gi estas emanajo de la krea Potenco. lrovrita de florantaj bonodoraj rozoj, forte
Tameu la ekzisto, lrvankam eterna, ne malsilnilas de la senaspekta semo, el kiu gi
estas eterna en sia formo. Kiel ni diris naskigis. Rigardante la semon, la gardenisto
antaiie, t i u formo lronsistas el certa lcom- scias, kion gi Isatas en si kaj lrion t i aperigos,
bino, kaj tio, lcio foje estis lcombinita, nepre sed persono nekompetenta pri la gardenkul-
devas iam esti malkombinita. La daiiro de turo povas kredi, ke el tiu semo naskigos
iu formo povas esti kelkaj tagoj, kiel vivo eble violo, ati eble potenca arbo.
de insehto, aii miliardoj da jarmiloj, kiel Krom la individua evoluado ekzistas speca
ekzisto de sun-sistemo, sed eterneco lraj evoluado-tie1 la rozo povas evolui de la
absoluto rilate a1 la formo neniel elzistas. kvinpetala modesta floro gis la resin0 de niaj
Kiel fenikso, la mondo de ekzisto Eiam gardenoj, dank' a1 la saga flegado de la kul-
renaskigas el la propraj cindroj. Kiel peli- turisto. Sed eiam gi estos rozo. Kiel ajn gi
kano, per la propra sango gi nutras siajn povns evolui, neniam gi igos lilio aii kverlto.
idojn. Kaj kiam ni vidas rozon, ni scias, Ire C.e gia
E n la mondo de kreiteco ne ekzistas halto komenco estis roza semo, dotita potenciale
kaj staro. La konstanta movado, Ir kon- per Eiuj kvalitoj de la roz-speco. N e estas
stanta Pangado estas la leg0 de la naturo. Se eble imagi, lte la roza speco evoluis, ni diru,
birdo ekhaltus en sia flugo, t i falus. Same la el tritilto.
astroj ne povas ekhalti en sia kurado, nek la Kaj ankac Ee la komenco de sia pratempa
organismoj en sia evoluado. Halti, ne iri evoluado la homa gento estis Eiam homa
plu antaiien, signifas iri malantaiien. Tie1 gento, aparta de Eia besta speco. Vere, lafi
la homo kreskas kaj maturigas, gis li atingas sia aspekto, vivmaniero, lingvo gi povis simili
sian plej eblan staton de evoluo. Kaj kiam la beston. Sed simileco ne signifas identen-
plua evoluo ne estas ebla, komenci~as la con. Kiel en la ekzemplo de la rozo, en la
malevoluo, la malprogreso de la korpo t.e. la pmtempo de 1%homa gento ekzistis jam la
maljuniiado, gis venas la morto kaj metas poste aperontaj kvalitoj, lriuj marlcos la
finon a1 tiu i.i formo de ekzisto, kiu estis la diferencon inter homo Icaj besto. Kiel en la
homa korpo. ebzemplo de la rozo, tiuj kvalitoj ne tuj
De kie venas la'homo? e u la homa speco elmontrigis, sed kvanliam ne elmontritaj, ili
dekomence ekzistis kiel speco homa, dis- ekzistis potenciale kaj ekfloris, kiam venis la
tingiganta de la besta mondo, aii 2u gi estas tempo. La evoluado de la homa gento
rezulto de longega evoluado, eliranta el la similas la evoluado~lde la homa individuo.
besta regno? El la anatomia konstruo de la Komence la embrio neniel similas la maturan
homa korpo, el la konstruo de lia vertebra homon. En certa stadio de la evoluo gi et,
kolonaro oni konkludas, ke iam, ell la f r u l similas fiQon. Kaj tamen de la lromenco gi
epoko de sia evoluado, la homo havis voston. estas homa embrio, dotita per tiuj homaj
El tio kaj el similaj premisoj kellraj deduktas, kvalitoj kaj perfektecoj, kiuj elmontrigos en
ke la homo devenas de besto. Sed tiu de- la posta grado de la evoluo de la individuo.
dukto estas erara. e a r tin; premisoj mon- Ne el la besta regno devenas la homo. La
tras nur, ke la homo evoluis, ke en iaj pra- homa speco estis tiam speco aparta, speco
tempoj de sia ekzisto li, homo, havis voston, supera a1 la regnoj minerala, vegetaja kaj
simile a1 la besto, sed lafigrade, kiel la speco besta.
evoluis, tiu organo ne estis plu bezona kaj Krom la korpo, kiu prezentas la fizikan,
iom post iom malaperis. Nenio tuj venas videblan parton de la homa estajo, la bahaa
en la ekziston en sia perfekta formo. e i o filozofio distingas en homo animon, menson
672 THE B A H A ' i WORLD

kaj syiri~o~l.Per la animo oni komprcnas la maturigas je kapabloj, kiuj monisfestiios nur
movantan forton de la korpo. Se la animo poste, kiam gi ne estns plu ligita a1 la korpo,
kro2as sin al la mondo materiala, gi restos same kiel birdido jam en la ova Belo ricevas
malluma, tar gi transprenos eiujn malper- la flugilojn, sed neniel povas flugi antaii la
fektecojn de la materiala mondo, kiel elkovigo.
avidecon, voluptamon, egoismon. Kaj komprenante tiun 6i veron, la homo
La menso estas tiu kapablo, per kin la ne devas, dum sia surtera ekzistoparto, glui
homo malkovras la sekretojn de la ekzisto sian animon al la mondo de argilo kaj koto.
kaj ekkonas ilian esencon. Li devas zorfe flegi la flugilojn de la spirito,
La animo, lumigita per la lnmo de la por ke li povu flngi, kiam venos la tempo.
intelekto, levas sin super la bestan, ma- Tamen, kiagrade la homo estas libera en
terialan mondon. Kaj la esprimo "la homa sia celado? Cu li, kreito, ne dependas entute
spirito" signifas gnste tiun animon, dotitan de la kreinta lii Potenco! Tiu krea Povo,
per intelekto. estante absoluta, havas la scion pri 2in homa
Tiu intelekta animo, estante abstrakta, ne ago, tiuj homaj agoj estas do kvazaii en-
dependas de loko. 6 i ne enltorpigas en la skribitaj en la libro de destino. Cn estas do
hornan korpon ltaj en sia ekzisto ne de- eble kontraiistari la antaiidestinitan sorton?
pendas de la korpo, sed estas knn bi ligita, La antaiiscio ne estas kaiizo de la destino.
kiel lumo, respegulanta sin en spegulo, estas Ekzemple nun ni eiuj scias, ke post kelkaj
ligita kun la spegulo. La lumo ne dependas horoj la sun0 kalos sin sub la horizonto, sed
de la spegulo. Kiam rompigas la spegnlo, la tiu nia antaiiscio ne estas kaiizo de la fakto,
lumo plie brilas. Plie et, se en la mondo kontraiie, gi mem venas de tiu fakto. La
ekzistus nenia lumo, 2u la spegulo entute astronomoj scias de antaiie, kiam okazos la
estus imagebla kaj uzebla? Ankau rilate al eklipso de la suno, sed ilia scio ne estas
la korpo liaj spirito-esenca estas la sp~rito, kadzo de la sun-eltlipso.
tar sen gi la lrorpo ne havus signifon. Kaj Same, ltvankam en la antaiiscio de la Plej
kiel la lumo ne pereas malgraii la rompo de Supera Krea Potenco enskribita estas nia
la spegnlo, ankaii la spirito ne pereas malgraii sorto, tiu antaiiscio ne signifas destinon, Ri
la detruo de la korpo. estas nur unu el la atributoj de la Krea
La korpo en sia esenco estas mortema, Sar Potenco.
estante Icombinita, gi devas malkombinigi. La sorto estas duspeca: nepra kaj akci-
Sed la spirito ne konsistas el atomoj, gi ne denta. Por klarigi la diferencon, ni uzu
estas komlinita, gi ne malkornbinigas, gi ne ekzemplon. Laii sia nepra destina la Fun0
pereas. Malligita de la korpo, i i plue vivos devas brili kaj de la mateno iis la vesper0
en la propra sfero, en la regno de spirito, kie lumigi la teron. Sed sorto akcidenta ail
gi eterne evoluos, celanee la perfektecon. hazarda povas kaiizi, ke nulo aperas inter la
Nia surtera vivo estas por nia spirito sun0 kaj la tero kaj detenas de la tero la
kvazaii la vivo de embrio en la patrina sino. sunajn radiojn.
En la stato de embrieco la homa estajo kapa- Laiidestine, kiam oelo en lampo konsumi-
blas nek kompreni, nek e2 imagi la mondon, gas, la lampo nepre devas estingigi. Sed
en kium gi venos poste. Vere, gi havas jam povas okazi, ke et antaii la konsumigo de la
la okulojn, sed ili ankoraii ne vidas. 6 i oleo hazarde forta vento estingos la flamon.
havas orelojn, sed la aiidopovo manifestigos Ankaii la nepra sorto de la homo estas
nur post la veno en la mondon. La ekstera veni en la mondon, maturiii, atinginte la
mondo atendas gin, plena de beleco, sed vane staton de la matureco, komenci maljunikadi,
Ia embrio en la patrina sin0 demandus, kaj fine, kiam plenumi&os la tempo, redoni
ekzemple, kio estas la "Sielarko?" Ne, tia sian korpon a1 la tero-sed povas okazi, ke
demando mem estas neimagebla! Kaj vane briko falas sur lian kapon kaj pli frue
&i demandus, por kio servas la okuloj. La tran2as la fadenon de lia korpa vivo. La
patrino mem scias tion, sed klarigi a1 la ido nepran sorton ni ne povas eviti, sed ni povas
ne estas eble. Cio, kion si povus respondi, eviti tiujn flankajn katzojn, haj estas saae
estus: atendu, gis vi venos en la mondon. gardi sin kontraii ili.
Ankaii nia spirito dum sia surtera ekzisto La homo estas responda por tiuj siaj agoj,
LA BAHAA FILOZOFIO 673

kiujn li plenumas la6 sia propra elekto. Se amo, ne ekzistoe plu la egoistno. Same
ekzistus nenia libereco de la volo, ekzistus avideco en sia esenco ne estas malbonatar
nenia respondeco-nek merito, nek kulpo. deziro je io plia estas stimulilo de la pro-
Ne estuskulpo de Judaso, se superega fato gress~. La malbono ku3as en tio, ke la
estus iginta lin perfidi sian Majstron, same deziro direkcihas a1 celoj materialaj, anstata3
kiel ne estus merito de Kristo, se tiu sama al la spiritaj. Tie do, kie ni kredas mal-
superega fato igus lin, por la bono de la bonon, estas nur manko de hono, manko de
homaro, elporti persekutadon kaj morti sur harmonio. Tiel ankau la venena serpento
la kruco. Same $tono ne estas respondeca, ne estas io malbona: la veneno estas ja gia
t u j; estas jetita por frakasi ies kranion, a5 armilo, per kit1 gi defendas sin. Sed ear
t u gi estas metita kiel barn de templo. mankas harmonio inter giaj elementoj kaj la
Konscie, libenrole celi a1 la perfekteco-jen niaj, pro tio, rilate al ni, la venena serpento
la merito de la homo. aperas kiel malbona.
Sur sia vojo li ofte renkontas malfacila- La homo devas peni, ke la besta parto de
jojn. Cagreno kaj malgojo akolnpanas lin lia naturo neniel superregu la spiritan parton.
ofte tra la vivo. Sed ili ne venas hazarde. La supereco kaj evoluo de la spirita parto
Ili estas senditaj a1 ni desupre, por ke ni devas esti lia celo, la lrialo de lia vivo.
lernu kaj perfektikadu tra ili. Facile estas Kiel atingi tiun celon? e u forturuante
veli sur trankvila maro-sed vere brava estas la okulojn de tiuj gojoj kaj beloj de la vivo
uur tiu maristo, kiu meze de ondegoj kaj kaj lacigante la korpon per la asketismo?
uraganoj ne perdas la kapon, sed scias kon- Tute ne. La gojoj estas kreitaj por ni, por
duki la dipon a1 sekura haveno. Per la ke ni uzu ilin, kondite nur, ke ni ne donu
malfacilajoj ni lernas kaj hardikas. Sen ili al ili rro da loko, ke ni ne permesu al ili
ni estus neelprovitaj. Ju pli granda estas ekposedi nin. Kaj la korpa malforteco ne
la sufero, des pli granda estas la rikolto de estas virto. Paralizito povas neniun frapi,
la spiritaj virtoj, elmontritaj en la homo. mutulo ne povas mensogi, sed tio ne estas
La gojo ialoje igas la homon memfida kaj virtoj. La homo devas lerni ne bati, havante
forgesema. Sed kiam venas la malkojo, la fortan brakon kaj ne mensogi, havante sanan
homo rememoras sian malgrandecon kaj langon. Tio t i estas la Vera mildeco kaj
senpoveon, kaj turnas sin supren, al la supera boneco.
Potenco, kiu sola havas la povon savi lin el Rigardante la homojn, ni vidas, ke ili tiuj
liaj malfacilajoj. Kaj tiel degelas lia memfido apartenas al la sama, homa, speco. Ciuj ili
kaj kreskas lia spiriteco. estas faritaj el la sama argilo, kiel potfaristo
Doloro ne signifas malbonon. Hirargiisto, el la sama argilo faras ujojn, sed donas a1 ili
trantanta la malsanan lcnrpon, kaiizas dolo- diversajn formojn, destinas por diversaj celoj
ron, sed ne faras malbonon. kaj pentras per diversaj koloroj. S i p l a ,
Pozitiva malbono, la6 la bahaa folozofio, ordinara poto ne rajtas kritiki la potiston
ne ekzistas. Se la krea Potenco escus kreinta kaj riproti, ke li ne donis a1 gi subtilan
malbonon, gi estus neperfekta. En la kreajo formon kaj luksajn kolorojn-tar la potisto
ne ekzistas malbono. Cio estas bona. Tio, plej bone scias, kio estas bezona. Alitlanke
kion ni nomas malbono, estas nur manko a6 eleganta vazo ne rajtas fieri super la ordinara
malforta grado de bono. Homo tiel nomata poto, 2ar en la sama fabriko estas formita,
malbona estas homo, kies pli alta naturparto el la sama argilo, de la sama potisto.
ne estas ankorac disvolvira, dum viglas la Kaj se ni vidas homon simplan, e t krudan,
malpli alta, besta parto de lia naturo. Kiam egale ni ne rajtas fieri super li, Ear se ni e t
disvolvihos la parto yli alta, la aisnuna superas lin, t u per nia inteligenteco, 2u per
malbonulo igos bonulo. Se li estas memama, aliaj kvalitoj, ni tamen apartenas al la sama,
la malbono ne konsistas en lia amo al si mem, homa speco. Kaj nia supereco-se entute ni
tar Eia amo, e t la propra, estas bona. La rajtas paroli pri supereco--devenas ne de ni
malbono konsistas en tio, ke tiu amo estas mem, sed estas a1 ni donita de nia Keinto.
direktita ekslcluzive a1 li mem, ne a1 aliaj. Bah6'u'llih diras: 2u vi scias, kial Ni faris
La malbono konsistas do en manko de amo vin tiujn el la sama argilo? Por ke neniu
a1 la aliaj. Kiam a1 la alija direktigos lia el vi fieru super la alia.
674 THE BAHA'I WORLD
Ciun cl ni kreis, formis, vokis al elrzisto tiuj, kies opinioj diferencas de la niaj. Car
unu sama Povotu ni ne estas do fratoj en ties pensokapablo venas el la sama fouto,
la plej Vera senco de tiu ti vorto? e n ni ne eiuj opinioj estas radioj de la sama sun0 de
estas tiel p t o j en unu maro, folioj sur unu intelekto, radioj, lciuj, kvazau pasante tra
branto, floroj de unu gardeno? diverskoloraj vitroj, yetas diversajn brilojn.
Kiam ni eniras belan bardenon, ni vidas Ciuj homoj estas sertantoj de la Vero, kaj
tie florojn kaj arbojn diversajn. Kaj h s t e multaj estas la vojoj, kiuj kondukas a1 la
tiu diverseco faras, ke la garden0 estas bela, Vero. Tiuj vojoj povas preni la nomojn de
Ear se i i konsistus nur el samaj floroj, ni plej diversaj religiaj, sciencaj, sociaj, filo-
trovus gin monotona. Ankaii en la gardeno zofiaj sistemoj, sed sur kaj tra eiuj vojoj,
de la hemaro kreskas diversaj floroj-blankaj, iie kaj Siam, a1 la sama celo, a1 la progreso
nigraj, flavaj kaj ruiaj. Tiu diverseco devas kaj perfekteco iras la homoj. N i do respektu
esti inter la homoj kaiizo de harmonio, same iiun homon lraj tium opinion. Ni penu
kiel en muziko diversaj tonoj formas unu kompreni tiun nian homfraton, ni amu lin
harmonian akordon. Tiu diverseco faras, tiel, kiel unu frato amas alian, ni vivu en
ke la gardeno de la homaro estas tie1 bela kaj paco kun tiuj homoj kaj en harmonio kun
riEa. tiuj superegaj leioj, kiuj kondukas la stelojn
Same, kiel ni devas esti en harmonio kun sur iliaj orbitoj kaj la homojn en ilia celado
niaj alioloraj, alilingvaj, alinaciaj hom- supren, a1 la perfelrteco.
fratoj, ni devas ankair esti ell harmonio kun
T H E BAHA'I M O V E M E N T

MY first acquaintance with the Bahi'i suggestion or system for the better ordering
Movemcnt and teachings occurred some of world affairs could possibly originate in
years ago when I received a communication f r l n ? Or is it rather that the Bahb'i prin-
from Mr. E. T. Hall of Manchester, Eng- ciples, when only casually examined, are
land. Mr. Hall had happened to see one or regarded as too utterly idealistic-the dream
two copies of the local Journal which I edit, of some would-be new Messiah?
and from the tone of its editorial and other Whatever the explanation may be, the
articles he judged that some indication of Bahh'i principles seem to me to be worthy
Bahl'i principles would not be unacceptable. of the most earnest and sympathetic consid-
His letter was duly published, and ever since eration. It is a trite but true saying that
then an interesting and intimate correspon- Truth is a diamond of many facets, and
dence has been kept up between us. light should be given free scope for clear
Subsequently I had the pleasure of receiv- shining no matter from what direction it
ing many Bah6'i publications-books, maga- may emanate. Even the Christian religion
zines and pamphlets-so that by this time had its origin in Judea. So noble and so
I am probably better informed concerning pregnant with practical suggestions for
the Movement and all it stands for than any world betterment are the Bah6'i teachings
other journalist in the country. (This I that it seems to me the World's Press is
count 3 privilege and an education.) These missing a great opportunity in failing to
publications I reviewed, sometimes briefly give them every publicity while at the same
and sometimes more fully, in the ordinary time inviting all pertinent and relevant
course of my journalistic work. The re- criticism or comment. Would that the
views or notices were kindly spoken of and world's leaders possessed a knowledge of
I fear rather highly appraised by Mr. Hall Bahh'ism in its spiritual and social aspects
and other Bahi'is who did me the honor and seriously set themselves towards hring-
of reading them, and I have been the recipi- ing its fundamental points into actual
ent of many warm-too wann-words of operation.
appreciation. But the reaction of my readers I n perusing Bah6'i publications, what first
to these thoughts was practically nil. struck me most pleasingly was the high spir-
Nothing has surprised me more than to itual tone which permeates the writings of
learn that my treatment of Bahi'i publica- all exponents of the Movement. Bah6'ism
tions as a journalist has been exceptional if is based in the first place on the essential
not unique in British newspapers. Why it unity of the human race. This is fully in
should he so I am at a loss t o understand. harmony with the declaration of St. Paul to
The British Press in general has a world-wide the Athenians: God "made of one every
reputation for the freedom it affords for the nation of Inen for to dwell on all the face
discussion of all shades of opinion emanating of the earth."' Moreover, every moral and
from thoughtful minds. If an exception is spiritual precept set forth by Prophet or
deliberately made in so far as Bahh'ism is Apostle-those whom the Bahh'is refer to as
concerned, it must surely be due to some Revealers or Manifestations of the Divine
strange misunderstanding. Can it be that, Mind and Will-is clearly of universal appli-
as iz was asked of old by Nathanael, "Can cation. Truth has relation to the whole
there any good thing come out of Naz-
areth?" so it is tacitly assumed that no good
-human race, not to any particular section,
' Acts xvii. 26-R. V.
ti75
THE BAHA 'f WORLD
class, race, or nationality, and it is an ac- tianity did not set fnrth any scheme of
cepted axiom that sound principles of ad- administration for universal adoption. Very
vancement and uplift are for all mankind. obviously the world was not then at a stage
Concerning other leading tenets of the of development fitted for the working of
Bahi'i Movement it is unnecessary that I any definite system of social order. Bur the
should enter into any detailed statement in nineteenth and twentieth centuries have
this article. They are set forth with great brought many changes-more, indeed, af-
clarity and beauty in the publications issued fecting international relations than in any
on behalf of the Bahi'i Cause. Though previous period of recorded history. Bahi'is
enunciated and proclaimed by the frlnian claim that Bahi'u'llih was a Prophet for the
sage, Bahi'u'lllh, some seventy years ago, New Age, inspired t o set forth how the
they are entirely fresh and applicable to Christian truths and the truths at the basis
present-day developments, while some of of all other religions can be fitted to admin-
them are still in advance of leadig modern istrative processes the universal adoption of
thought, and are laid down with a states- which would result in bringing into opera-
manlike grasp of affairs that may be re- tion the long-prayed-for Kingdom of God
garded as truly inspired. No lover of upon earth. For myself I see no difficulty in
humanity can afford to set such teachings accepting the suggestion that as there were
aside as mere idealism unworthy of serious great Prophets who pointed forward to the
consideration or concern. So much can be coming of the Divine Teacher to be born in
said without insisting that every claim and Bethlehem, so, from that turning-point in
statement in the Movement must necessarily human history onwards, other great Prophets
be infallibly true. should arise to proclaim t o the world how
Personally, I was raised in the Christian His infallible truths are to be practically
(Protestant) Faith and as a member and applied and administered for the welfare of
office-bearer for many years in the Church mankind. That Babl'u'llhh takes a high if
of Scotland (Presbyterian) I subscribe to its not an altogether unique place among such
confessional standards as sufficiently expres- Prophets or Revealers can hardly be denied
sive of my religious beliefs. But this does by anyone familiar with his writings and
not mean that my mind is foreclosed to fresh teachings. And that he arose in f r l n seems
expository thought-quite the contrary. As to me to have a significance all its own. At
a journalist, too, I naturally welcome high any rate, the student of Bah6'ism who fails
and constructive thinking-immeasurably to be impressed by the nobility and sanity
beyond my own powers-from whatever of Bahb'ullhh's Revelation, safe-guarded by
source it may come. To me, therefore, the successive Guardians of the Cause, must be
Bahi'i publications have proved of profound singularly insensible t o the excellencies and
interest. In particular I appreciate the fact values of great constructive thought.
that it is not a system of priestly orders, I n the summer of 1930, I made a tour of
with elaborate rites and ceremonies. Yet it various cities of the United States and Can-
recognizes that "Religion is the greatest ada. When at Chicago it was my privilege
instrument for the order of the world and to be shown over the Bah6'i Temple at
the tranquillity of all existent beings." This Wilmette, so far as it had then been con-
emphasis on personal religion is, to my mind, structed. Not only so, but I had the honour
all-important, for without the Holy Spirit of an introduction to Mr. Louis J. Bourgeois,
operating in the hearts and lives of men all its architect, who showed me his blue-prints
our social and economic plannings will be and drawings and by means of a model of
largely disappointing and vain. the Temple explained to me the spiritual
Throughout Christendom, apart from de- significance of its design: Never had I seen
nominational differences, it is common anything that so captured my interest and
grobnd that the ethical teachings of Jesus imagination. Here, it was evident, was
Christ of Nazareth are incomparabIy the something original in conception, with a
greatest the world knows. Equally it is wealth of symbolism and beauty far surpass-
common ground that the Founder of Chris- ing anything I had conceived prior to enter-
THI! BAHA'I MOVEMENT 677

ing his studio. I t afforded me an insight for a11 orderly expansion of real Rrotherhnod
into the unifying principle underlying Ba- through a system of administration on lines
hi'ism such as I had not previously realised. of justice and truth universally applicable,
I t was with sincere sorrow that I learned of the sentiment must remain very much in the
Mr. Bourgeois' death a month or two later. region of the abstract.
My visit to his studio and the interview with My plea, therefore, would be for fair and
which he honored me I regard as a veritable impartial consideration of the World Order
red-letter day in my life. promulgated through the Bahi'i Movement.
We all speak of Brotherhood and Unity I t will be found worthy of study by the
and we lcnow that as general sentiments they most highly cultured minds in all nations.
are admirable. Various organizations and If it be what it claims to be-a Revelation
agencies exist for the purpose of giving for this new age-then i t may be likened
effect to the spirit of Brotherhood among to a lens of crystal purity focussing and
men and nations; and for all that has been manifesting the Light that shines from Zion
and is being done in this direction we cannot hill, the Light that is destined eventually to
be too grateful. But until scope is afforded lighten every land.
Some of the Bahi'i Friends in Addis-Ababa, Abyssinia.
Miss Jane Addams, "mother of Hull House," Chicago, and referred to as "the most
useful citizen" of that city.
'ABDU'L-BAHA'S H I S T O R I C M E E T I N G
W I T H J A N E ADDAMS

"Oneness of the world of humanity insz~resthe glorification of nzm. International
peace is the assnrance of the welfare of all mankind. There are no greater nzotives and
Purposes in the human sozll." .. . "Your efforts must be lofty. Exert yourselves with
heart and soul so that perchance through your e,forts the light of Universal Peace may
shine and this dnvkness of estrangement and enmity may be dispelled among m a ; that
all men may bec0m.e as one family and consort together in love and kindness; that the
East may assist the West and the West give help to the East, for all are the inhabitants
of one planet, the people of one original nativity and the flocks of one shepherd."-
'Abdu'l-Bahd.

I T was on a warm, springlike day, April scientious, sensitive, idealistic girl. These
thirtieth, 1912, that Hull House in Chicago qualities developed into high moral courage,
was all astir. For 'Abdu'l-Bahi, a great and the unswerving devotion to duty, and the
holy Personage from Palestine was expected. passion of self-sacrifice for others. These
This important visit was planned by Jane characteristics served to make this frail
Addams, "Mother of Hull House," or "Chi- woman elect to pass her life in an unsavory
cago's Most Useful Citizen," as the people quarter of this great industrial city, Chi-
of Chicago lovingly call her. cago, and to spend there, in behalf of the
Seldom has biographer presented two more poor, her inheritance, which would have
significant and inspiring world figures, both maintained her in comfortable idleness amid
working earnestly for the Unity of Mankind the beautiful things that she loved. Here
and the establishment of Universal Peace she has ministered to and educated those in
than 'Abdu'l-Bahi, the Center of the Cove- dire need and thus worked indefatigably for
nant of the Bahi'i World, and Jane Addams, the establishment of the unity and amity of
the President of the Woman's International mankind.
League for Peace and Freedom: one Who As the years unfolded, Jane Addams re-
had been chosen as a Divine Exemplar to ceived her A. B. degree at Rockford College,
humanity, and the other reflecting the spirit Rockford, Illinois, in 1 8 8 1 . Then she spent
of service. How fitting that Hull House- two years in Europe, 1 8 8 3 - 1 8 8 5 , because of
an outstanding example of the application of imperfect health. In 1 8 8 8 she studied in
the great principle of the Oneness of man- Philadelphia, and the next year opened Hull
kind, should be the place of meeting. House with the assistance of Miss Ellen
Gates Starr, and has ever since heen its Head
During a recent interview with Miss Resident. For three years she served as
Addams, the writer learned that it was in inspector of streets and alleys on the south-
1 8 4 4 that the Quaker father of Jane west side of Chicago. She received her
Addams moved to Illinois. A pinecrowned LL.D. from the University of Wisconsin in
hill is the living memorial of the bagful of 1904 and in 1910 was honored in the same
seeds planted by him in that memorable year way by Smith College. Later she became
of world history. In 1 8 6 0 a little girl was president of the National Conference of
horn at ~edarville,Illinois, in the shadow of Charities and Corrections. Yale University
those pines. As a child, she was a shy, con- granted her its A. M. degree in 1910. h
1912 she became vice-president of the Na- During the year six thousand paid showers
tional Woman's Suffrage Association and and twelve thousand free showers help to
chairman of the Woman's Peace Party. I n keep up the physical, mental and moral
1915 she was elected delegate to the first standards. The Italian, Jewish and Greek
Peace Convention at The Hague, and the nationalities seem t o predominate in the
same year became the founder-president of clubs and classes.
the Women's International League for Peace
and Freedom, and still remains its active I n Miss Addams' high-ceiled living room,
president. She was the delegate to the Peace the writer aslied her, "What has been one of
Conventions at Zurich in 1917, at Vienna, the central ideas of the activities of Hull
in 1921, and at The Hague in 1922. O n House?" Her liindly eyes brightened as
January 12, 1923 she started on a six she said, "The things which make inen alike
months tour of the world in the interests are finer and better than the things that
of world peace. During all these years keep them apart, and these basic likenesses,
many books have come from her pen, and if they are properly accentuated, easily tran-
she has served on numerous state and na- scend the less essential difference of race,
tional committees having to do with social, language, creed and tradition." After a
philanthropic, industrial and international time she continued with an alert enthusiasm.
problems. "Life at the Settlement discovers above
all what has been called the extraordinary
Hull House, one of the first American pliability of human nature; and it seems im-
settlements, stands as a dream fulfilled. I t possible to set any bounds t o the moral
was established in 1889, t o become a spa- capabilities which might uilfold under ideal
cious and hospitable home, tolerant in spirit, civic and educational conditions. I n order
equipped t o care for the pressing physical, to obtain these conditions, the Settlement
mental, social and spiritual needs of a poor, recognizes the need of cooperation, both
alien, complicated community. with the radical and conservative elements.
About fifty men and women of various Hull House casts aside none of those things
races and creeds and backgrounds form the which cultivated man has come t o consider
residenti~l staff, mostly college graduates reasonable and goodly, but i t insists that
who pledge themselves t o remain two years. those belong as well t o that great body of
I n addition, one hundred and fifty others people who because of toilsome and under-
come to Hull House each week as teachers, paid labor, are unable to procure them for
visitors or directors of clubs. About nine themselves. Added t o this is the profound
thousand persons come to the settlement conviction that the colnmon stoclr of intel-
each weeli during the winter months, as lectual enjoyment should not be difficult of
members of the audiences or classes. Miss access because of the econonlic position of
Addams explained that the attractions of- him who would approach it, that 'those best
fered include classroom instruction in Eng- interests of civilization' upon which depend
lish, current topics, typing, arts and crafts, the finer, freer and nobler aspects of living
music, drawing, folk dancing and nearly all must he incorporated into our common life
phases of domestic arts. Public lectures and and have free mobility through all the ele-
clubs of many kinds supply the needs of ments of society, if we would have a true,
men, women and children of all classes, enduring democracy. The educational ac-
beliefs and shades of color. A circulating tivities of a Settlement, as well as its philan-
library of two thousand volumes stimulates thropic, civic and social undertakings, are
mental interest. A well trained, working but differing manifestations of the attempt
boy's band of sixty-two pieces is a source of t o socialize true democracy, which is the
great joy, as are the many tournaments and very existence of Hull House itself. I t is
contests, enjoyed especially by the little cbil- thus that peace and unity are established."
dren of foreign lands. The monthly gym- "Do yon thinlr that the people of the
nasium attendance is three thousand, and world generally are more peaceminded than
the fifteen showers are kept in constant use. before the World War?" she was asked.
THE B A H A 'f WORLD

"Oh, yes. The wlr startled and shocked ever impressed with a finc quality of innate
them into a realization of the need of peace courtesy, a sympathetic sensitiveness, a
as never before. I t has been more discussed queenly dignity and greatest of all the keen-
and written about and has become the most ness of a brilliant intellect expressing a well-
vital probleill before man." balanced and well-ordered mind.
"What do you consider the greatest forces When the author asked her if she had met
of the world today working for peace?" that distinguished Personage of Palestine
"There are three," she replied: "First, psy- Whom Great Britain had knighted as one of
chological; second, political; and third, me- the greatest advocates and establishers of
chanical. First, the psychological includes World Peace and the Unity of Mankind that
all the boolrs, newspapers, magazine articles the world had known, 'Abdu'l-Bahl, she re-
and all the addresses and discussions on the plied with an emphatic "Yes." In a low
subject, but something more than all of pitched, well modulated voice, she spoke of
these, the interest and overwhelming desire inviting 'Abdu'l-Bahl to visit Hull House
in the heart for peace. Second, the political, on April 30, 1912, to speak in Bowen Hall,
even, has become a force for peace. Inter- and although the hall seats 750 people, it
national instruments to take care of the was far too small to hold the crowds that
affairs of all the nations of the world must poured in. I n streams the rich and poor,
be created before peace can be maintained. the educated and ignorant, the managers of
These are only just beginning, in the League business and the industrial slaves came. Hull
of Nations, the World Court, an Interna- House was all astir. So was Halstead Street,
tional Code of Law and an International that bit of cross-section, seemingly, of all
Police Force to enforce the law. Many the markets, bazaars, cafes and wayside
other international instruments of this na- churches of all the races, nationalities and
ture will be required. Third, nothing can creeds of the world.
stay the progress of the machine age, the Miss Addams herself, acting as chairman,
invention, the improved methods of in- welcomed 'Abdu'l-Bahi and graciously pre-
tercommunication and intertransportation. sented Him to the audience. Dr. Bagdadi,
This is also a great force, bringing about a physician of Chicago, served as His inter-
better understanding in the world which preter, having known and loved 'Abdu'l-
is the basis of peace." Bahi years before in the Holy Land.
"You ask what I consider to be the great- To attempt to describe 'Abdu'l-Bahi is
est need of the world today?" she continued. like trying to paint the lily. As he stood
"I would put it in one word, understanding before the sea of hungry upturned faces,
-understanding between individuals, classes, His magnetic personality, His radiance, His
races, nations. Literature, history and me- penetrating potency, the power of His in-
chanics are bringing it about much more spiration, the very purity of His life, and
rapidly today. Are not nations simply the great understanding compassionate love,
families living together, learning t o adjust made an impression upon His listeners that
themselves to each other for the best good they can never forget.
for the greatesr number?'' Because in 1912 racial prejudice and
"Yes, you are right," she said in reply hatred were very intense and because of
to my question. "The problems of the world the outstanding historical work that Miss
which are caused by wrong mental attitudes Addams had achieved, 'Abdn'l-Bahi spoke
are returning t o the heart and mind of man of the races being like many varieties of
and the solution must come through flowers in one garden, all adding t o the
changed mental attitudes." fragrance and beauty of the garden. He
spoke of the benefit to be derived by all
Although having spoken on the same humanity when universal peace and racial
platform with Miss Addams many times and amity have spread over the earth. This
dined as her guest, yet during this interview depends upon the spirit: and intelligence of
at Hull House, alone in the spacious living man. The basis for the establishment of
room with her, the writer was more than world peace and the amity of man cannot
bc based upon color, but only up011 noble may rise t o help in the establishment of
qualities. With an almost overwhelming the New World Order, and of peace and
power, 'Abdu'l-Bahh declared, "The stand- good will t o all maulrind.
ard can be no other than the divine virtues
which are revezled in him. Therefore, every As the writer said farewell t o Miss
man imbued with divine qualites, who re- Addams, who was leaving on an extended
flects heavenly moralities and perfections, trip for her health, she presented her with
who is the expression of ideal and praise- an autographed copy of her photograph and
worthy attributes, is verily in the ;wage and her book, "Twenty Years a t Hull House,"
likeness of God .. . a divine station which 2nd spoke again of being deeply impressed
is not sacrificed by the mere accident of with 'Abdu'l-Bahi, and with the beauty and
color." spirit emanating from the Bahi'i Temple.
She expressed the hope that more people
'Abdu'l-Bahi at the close of the meeting would feel the great need and rise, today
in Hull House went out into the dingy t o help bring amity permanently to the
crowded street, mingled with the little chil- world.
dren and the under-privileged poor, and Gaking at the very building in which
gave t o them freely from a bagful of coins, toolr place the historic meeting of 'Abdu'l-
with many kindly words of encouragement, Bah6 and Jane Addams, and in which
sympathy, love and hope, which brightened 'Abdu'l-Bahi had so perfectly voiced the
the eyes, strengthened the courage and up- note of the Oneness of all ,Mankind, and
lifted the faith and hope of all who met left His spirit lilre a benediction hovering
Him. over all, one saw people of all races stream-
'Abdu'l-Bahi expressed his pleasure at ing in and out of Hull House, honoring the
meeting Miss Jane Addams because she was founder before her departure. With a deeper
serving manhilld. According t o His own conscio~isnessof realization, one recognized
words, He was chosen by His Father, Bahi- the fulfilhnent of those priceless words of
'u'llih (the Glory of God) t o be the Servant 'Abdu'l-Bah6: "Today the most important
of humanity, and because Miss Addams has purpose of the Kingdom of God is the
devoted her life ullreservedly t o others she of the cause of Universal
certainly reflects the beautiful light of servi- Peace and the principle of the Oneness of
tude. One of the bounties of the Bahi'i the World of Humanity. Whosoever rises
Revelation is that women of heavenly capac- in the accomplishment of this preeminent
ities can never more be hindered by the service, the confirmation of the Holy Spirit
ancient stupid form of male supremacy, but will descend upon him."
THE SOUL OF ICELAND
A BAHA'I S A G A

"Maiden with veil of snow, people can read today the sagas of the
Why dost thou haunt me so, twelfth century. Almost a thousand years
Longing thy song t o know ago, Njill Bergthorshvoll of South Iceland
Valiant and sweet." said of Christianity when it was announced
t o his countrymen, "It seems t o me the new
0 ICELAND, fair Arctic Isle, it is your
soul saga that attracts the Bahi'i believers
Faith must be better, and that he is fortn-
nate who possesses it. If the men who
of the five continents today; of all the sagas preach it come t o Iceland, I shall assist them
-those ancient, wonderful tales of these according to my ability." 01af Tryggvason
North lands suug and told and later written of Norway had sent some Christian mission-
-what will be chanted in the new Baha'i aries t o Iceland. During the year 999, just a
sagas down the centuries now that the Ice- few years later, two converts, Gizur White
landic people have heard Bah6'u'llih's great and Hjalti Slteggvason, went over to Norway
Message for the first time in their news- to hear more of the Teachings; when they
papers, over their radios, from their public returned they succeeded in introducing a
libraries and through lectures in the one resolution at the Althing (the Open Air
short month from July 12 to August 8, Parliament) and it was carried, that the new
1931, in Reylijavilt their capital! The pea- religion should be adopted in Iceland.
ple of Iceland are ready for this universal One may with profit to the whole of
Message. humanity tell the Icelanders about these
Some peace workers in other Scandinavia11 Baha'i Teachings because today they are
countries said to the writer of this article. great travelers, as well as long ago when in
"Why do you go to Iceland with these 986 A.D. they fared forth and discovered
Bahi'i peace principles? The Icelanders are Greenland, and this led t o one of their num-
the most real lovers of peace in the whole ber, an Icelander, Lief, son of Erik, the
world." Why go to Iceland? Because this Red, in 1000 A.D., discovering "Vinland"
country of high latitudes morally as well as as he called it, namely "Wineland," but it
geographically deserves t o know the Truth was America. As Iceland (long before
of this New Day of God. They are cour- 1492 Columbus went to Iceland where he
ageous; they possess the Viking spirit and heard about "Vinland") gave us America,
are wide awake; never have they been so is it not only a joy but a sacred duty that
wrapped in superstitions as many other peo- American Baha'is should carry home t o the
ples. Iceland is unique in that it never had "mother-land," Iceland, the Glad Tidings of
a primitive or savage race. Its first colonists the Bahl'i Revelation?
were nobles and chieftains of Norway who The people of this most Northern civil-
came in the ninth century t o colonize Ice- ized state high in the Arctic waters are op-
land because they were dissatisfied with con- timists. They must take so many chances
ditions a t home. with the weather on land and sea that they
The Icelandic language which is prac- have developed strong character, exceeding
tically unchanged since these first settlers kindness to one another and hospitality that
came, is the original of all the Norse comes straight from the heart. One well-
tongues. I t has been kept so pure that its known man wrote in a Reykjavik newspaper
THE SOUL OF I C E L A N D 681

the day of the writer's last lectur~ nn once, "We have a love for frln; what i s
"Bahi'u'lllh's Teachings of Immortality": this spiritual Teaching from frhnl"
". . . our guest will give her last lecture The Broadcasting Station of Iceland-and
here tonight, I do not know what the it is subsidized by the owners of the radio
Teachings of the Prophet of frln are on life sets-on July 15, and later on July 23, sent
after death, but every one who carries in his over the air for the first time two talks
heart the hope of eternal life will wish to about the Bahi'i Cause: one an air interview
hear this significant address. Also, if people and the other a book-review of "Bahi'u'lllh
would go in great numbers it would make and the New Era"; besides they gave other
her memory of Iceland more intinlate, and ,terns of Bah6'i news. These all came in the
that is the kind of hospitality we should like News Hour in the early evening, just at the

Newspapers and Book containing the First Mention of the Bahi'i Movement
in Icelandic Language.

to give to every one who visits Iceland." time when at least fifty thousand people all
The hall was crowded. Icelanders always over Iceland listen in. If the farmers are
come half-way to welcome new truth. worlring late in the fields in this summer
Their spirit, like youth, is ready to seek, to weather in July, they always send some one
know, to accept, to promote. from the family into the house to listen to
Iceland has the distinction of being the the news, and come back to report it to the
first state in the world to announce to all others.
nations and peoples her neutrality. She defi- The "Morgunblab'ii3" in Reykjavilr, on
nitely states she will not take part in any July 14, 1935, printed the first article ever
war whatsoever. The state that has the published in Icelandic language about the
courage to do this is composed of men and Bahi'i Teachings. The editor had said two
women who have capacity to appreciate the days before, "1'11 read this book and these
the principles of the Bahi'i peace Teachings. pamphlets and then I'll write." All the
I t is interesting, too, the Icelanders said at editors as well as the radio director had
686 THE BAHA'i WORLD

received copies of "Bahi'u'llih and the New libraries. Although Iceland is so small, nnly
Era" from the visitor, for "Johanna," a 26,000 people in Reykjavik and 126,000
Bahi'i of Copenhagen, and friends in the population in all-for it must he remem-
United States had sent her copies to he given bered that nine-tenths of Iceland is unin-
during this visit. habitable, being a vast desert of rugged lava
The "Nfja Dagbla8i8" had a long inter- poured forth in ages past from its many
view written by the editor, Mr. Sigfus volcanoes and intersected with mountains
Haldorsson, on July 17, and later on July and great glaciersyet the number of hooks
28, was a second article, "What is the Bahi'i drawn out from the public libraries is ex-
Movement?" T h ~ swas so excellent that a traordinary. From the People's Library in
thousand reprints were made of this one Reykjavik they lend out ten thousand
article in order to give them out to people, hooks a month. Packages containing forty
because there was as yet no Bahi'i booklet hooks each are lent regularly to the fishing
in Icelandic. trawlers when the men go out to sea to
A school principal in Reykjavik, one who remain months at a time.
for years had studied Theosophy deeply, was I heard that even at Hbsavik, a little
introduced to the writer next day on the herring station up on the coast there is a
street and he said, "Oh, so you are a BahCi! splendid library started by a farmer, Benidik
I read the article 'What Is The BahCi Jhsson, now over eighty years old. He has
Movement?' in the 'N$ja Daghla"d8' yester- gathered together nearly five thousand vol-
day and said to my wife, 'A lodge will grow umes. A few are English books; in the
up in Reykjavilr around such a Teaching autumn the farmers come there from remote
as this.' " places to buy their provisions for the winter
He invited us to come with him to his and they call at the library to draw out a
home to coffee, as is the delightful custom large collection of books which they read
in Iceland. We went, and after a long con- during the long winter evenings: for in this
versation about the BahCi Teachings, just land of the summer midnight-sun the win-
as we were about to go, he asked, "Tell me, ters are very long, dark and cold. Often
do you believe in dreams?" The writer re- during the winter one reads aloud in the
plied, "yes," that Bah6'u3116hsaid there may home while the others work at varions kinds
be many mysteries and wisdoms in dreams; of handcrafts. These farmers return the
even there are occasions where it may hap- hooks when they come to the station again
pen that one witnesses outwardly in the in the spring to sell their sheep's wool.
world of time exactly the thing he had seen There is a thirst for knowledge in Iceland
in his dream. and a love of reading is innate; there are no
"Well," said the host, "last night I illiterates in Iceland.
dreamed that a bird came into this room, Esperanto is making progress here. The
and resting on the sofa sang such a beautiful writer lectured in Esperanto before the Es-
melody. I was so happy. This morning I perantists of Reykjavik and was presented
said to myself, 'Who will come?' Then I with the volume, "Alphj6damil og M6lley-
met you in the street, you come with your sur" (International Language and Bad
friend Holmfridur to our house and you Languages) where on page 84 is the first
have talren the seat on the ~ n f awhere the mention ever printed in Icelandic literature
bird came and sang the melody!" He was of the words "Bahgi Movement." I t men-
one of the great souls of Iceland. tions "La Nova Tago," Esperanto magazine
Other newspapers that used excellent arti- devoted to the Bahh'i Movement. The hook
cles were the "Visir," July 18, 193 5 , and is written by an Icelandic author, ThQ-
"Althydubla8i"G" July ZT, 193 1. The news- burger Thbrdarson, and was published in
papers and likewise the broadcasts gave Reylxjavik, 1933, by the Culture Foundation
information where Bah6'i hooks could he of the State. The writer had corresponded
obtained and that any public library wishing with Mr. Th6rdarson and last year sent him
the Danish volume "Bah6'u'llih and the BahCi books in Esperanto, he sent back the
New Era" could obtain one free of charge. word, "Tell her we are waiting for her in
Books were placed in the Reykjavik public Iceland."
THE SOUL CIF ICELAND 687

Another brilliant group in Icelaud are the July 12, 193 5,. and quiclily unpacking her
Theosophists. They have one of the most bags in her upper room, Martha sent a note
beautiful Theosophical buildings in Europe. by messenger to Hohnfridur and 10, she
When the first Bahh'i lecture was given in comes. How smiling she is and yet how
the Chamber of Commerce soon after ar- quiet! She possesses poise and peace, a fine
rival, the inajority of those present were mind, spirituality, and a pleasing sense of
Theosophists. The Secretary of the Theo- humor. I t is Holmfridur who has shown
sophical Society of Iceland who was present "The Bahh'i Magazine" in the Theosophical
invited the Bahi'i speaker to meet a few circles during the past years here, for she is
friends in her home the next week, and later herself a Theosophist but she is very sympa-
she graciously acted as interpreter when thetic to the beautiful Bahi'i Teachings.
the Theosophists extended the courtesy of I t is she who introduced the writer to the
their hall for the lecture: "Bah&'u'llih's thinkers of Iceland and helped daily .to make
Teachings of Immortality." The Theoso- the month so memorable. When the Bahh'i
phists had just had a large Summer School saga is sung a century from now, may
of Theosophy in Reykjavik. Some of them Holmfridur be praised and may Milly's
said they had seen copies of "The BahCi name be chanted high, for her eleven years
Magazine" and thus had learned something of love to her Faith and to her friend
about the Teachings. prepared a clear path for the Bahi'i Cause
And here is where a charming bit of saga here in Iceland.
should be sung: "Milly," a devoted Ameri- One day in Reykjavik, Holmfridur went
can Bahi'i, had come with her husband in with the writer to visit the Leper Hospital
1924, on one of those cruises now becoming far out, where Bah6'i books were given,
so popular, where the passengers stop in some to the nurses some to the patients.
Reylijavili for a few hours. There in the Walking back to the city along the shore
wonderful Einar Jirnsson Museum, an Ice- of the Arctic Ocean where near the town
landic lady, "Holmfridur," had explained the the banks gleamed white with salted cod-
sculptures and the two became friends; fish drying in the sunshine, suddenly Holm-
Milly later asked the ship's guide for the full fridur said: "I think it would interest you
name and address of Holmfridur. From the to know that a leper boy, Christopher
home-land Milly wrote to this new friend in P6tursson, first heard of Theosophy in that
Iceland and regularly has sent "The Bah6'i hospital. He came there a boy of sixteen
Magazine" from that time to the present. years and remained until his death at the age
The next year, 1925, Holmfridur came of forty-three; he is the one who has trans-
to the United States for a few months to lated most of the Theosophical books into
attend an International Congress and study Icelandic."
at Columbia University. Milly entertained What great things they do in Iceland!
her friend for nine days at her summer home One of the greatest hymn writers of this
in Massachusetts, where the guest read the country, Hallgrimur Pjetursson, was a leper
Bahi'i literature several mornings and said too. Mr. Einar Jdnsson, the celebrated
she was delighted to see what 'Ahdu'l-Bahi sculptor of Iceland, whose works are visited
had written about Iceland and Greenland, every year by art lovers from many lands,
and how even the climate would change has a famous piece in his gallery: this sculp-
should the fire of the love of God be ignited ture represents the poet alone, suffering,
there. A decade passed by and a few times sitting on his bed; but just above is the spir-
each year these two exchanged notes of itual Hallgrimur Pjetursson, the glorious
greeting. religious poet of the Passion psalms, with
Then in July, 1935, "Martha," another the crucifix in one hand, the harp in the
Bahi'i, also from the United States, is just other leading the long line of Icelanders up
ready to start from Copenhagen to Iceland and up.
when she is surprised to receive a letter from One should begin any saga, any article
Milly recounting the Iceland incident and about Iceland with the name of Einar
enclosing Hohnfridur's name and address. Jdnsson, he is the greatest soul in Iceland
Arriving at Hotel Island, in Reykjavik, on today. His masterpieces in his museum are
688 THE BAHti'i WORLD
like "scriptures" of art, giving the glad- Winters in Iceland may be dark, but the
tidings of spirit conquering the physical, the warm Gulf Stream flowing up from Florida
immortal rising up from death. The waters winter and summer, is what makes
humblest peasant, as well as the most pro- Iceland a livable land. As one Reykjavik
found scholar, all art lovers who walk doctor expressed it, "Iceland is centrally
through the gallery cannot but be cheered, heated and the furnace is in the Florida
refined, inspired. Just as Raphael could waters." This large island, second in size
paint the soul, Einar J6nsson can release the only to Great Britain in the European isles,
spirit out of marble. is between four or five days' journey by ship
Whatever his religion is, certainly his from Hull, England, three or four days
spirit is "Bahl'i" (light-bearing) ! He said from Leith, Scotland, via the Iceland Steam-
to me, "Everything is from the Higher ship Company line; 1300 miles from Copen-
Plane. It is! The artist only makes it hagen by way of the Danish Steamship
manifest; I am only a servant. The sculp- Company line; it lies 440 miles east of
tor takes away the rough envelope which Greenland, and 610 miles from the West
enwraps the spark of God." coast of Norway, via the route of the
I t may have been only a coincidence, but Bergen Steamship Company. All these
it is like a confirmation from God that it liners pass by Faroe Islands and Vestman-
was in this lofty Einar J6nsson Museum that naeyjar, Westmann Islands, so they gave an
the Milly-Holmfridur flower of friendship excellent opportunity to the Bah6'i to speak
was first planted in Iceland. a little about the Bah6'i Cause on these
What saga could ever tell it all! Those islands which fringe the Arctic Circle.
days in Reykjavik so full of joy and glad- Picturesque Reykjavik-capital of this
ness, those eager questions! One man who land of jagged snowcapped mountain peaks,
lectures in all parts of Iceland said: "I'd great glaciers, and ice fields, magnificent
like to translate 'Security For a Failing waterfalls, boiling hot springs, geysers and
World,' this is a book Icelanders would desolate lava fields, with everywhere that
like!" Another said, "Who is going to wonderful fascination and nameless charm
translate 'Bah6'u'Ilih and the New Era' which is associated with this high a l t i t u d e
into Icelandic? I t should be published in has a climate of extraordinary clearness and
our language." In a word, the Bahl'i purity; pare by reason of its freedom from
Movement was discussed everywhere. the taint of dust-the strong winds keep it
'Abdu'l-Bahi in His Tablet to the be- clean. The fine and generally dry air tem-
lievers of the Bah6'i Assemblies of the pered by the glaciers and the sea, and then
United States and Canada, on April 11, pervaded all day and nearly all night by
1916, wrote, "Show ye an effort, and after vitalizing solar glow is something possible
this war, spread ye the synopsis of these only in a high Arctic land like this. Houses
Teachings in . . . Iceland, Faroe Islands. . . ." are comfortably heated, the air is full of
Also, in His Tablet to the believers in ozone, one does not feel fatigue, and the
the Provinces of the Dominion of Canada, salty breezes from the ocean are most
written April 5 , 1916, 'Abdu'l-Bahi said: bracing. The future will witness many
"Perchance, God willing, the Call of the travelers from all lands coming to "take
Kingdom may reach the ears of the Eskiinos. their cures" and their summer holidays in
-Should in Greenland the fire of the love Iceland; for bodies, minds, souls experience
of God be ignited, all the ices of that con- here something different from what they
tinent will be melted and its frigid climate have ever known before. There is a calm
will be changed into a temperate c l i m a t e too, a repose in the very Icelandic atmos-
that is, if the hearts will obtain the heat phere, and the almost celestial colors of sky
of the love of God, that country and conti- and clouds, mountains and sea, not to be
nent will become a divine garden and a found anywhere e l s e a l l these will bring
lordly orchard, and the souls like onto the one back again to Iceland! Maiden with
fruitful trees will obtain the utmost fresh- veil of snow, now we thy song do know.
ness and delicacy." I t is thy soul we hear, valiant and sweet!
E I N J U N G E R GLAUBE W I R D
BEKANNT
Beitrage zur Ent~ickelungs~eschichte
des Bahi'i-Glaubcns in
Deutschland

VON DR. HERMANN
GROSSMANN
(NECKARGEM~~ND)
B E 1 ent~ickelun~sgeschichtIicher Be- Bihi, "iiber deren Glauben sehr verschiedene
trachtung des Aufkommens neuer Glaubens- uud unsichere Mitteilungen hestehen."
lehren pflegt neben der Geschichte der Aus der Gelehrtenwelt sind hesonders
Grunder die Geschichte der Bewegung im zwei Namen eng mit der Geschichte des
Vordergrund zu stehen. Und doch ist die Bahi'i-Glaubens verlmupft, die zwar nicht
Bewegung in der Regel nur einer, oft nicht den Grenzen des deutschen Vaterlandes
einmal der bedeutsamste, nnter den Fak- entstammen, deren Werke aher grosstenteils
toren, die zum Bekanntwerdeu des jwgen in deutscher Sprache geschrieben sind und
Glaubens beitragen. in Deutschland starke Beachtung und Ver-
So ist auch die Kenntnis des Bahh'i- breitnng erfahren hahen: der ungarische
Glaubens in Deutschland nur zu einem Teil Orientalist Professor Her~nann VambPry
auf die Bewegung und ihre Trager zuriick- und der schweizerische Psychiater, Sozial-
zufuhren, wihrend im iihrigen zahlreiche hygieniker und Ameisenforscher Professor
Veroffentli~hun~en der verschiedensten Art Dr. August Porel. VambPry traf im April,
sowie gelegentliche Berichte und Vortrage 1913, nicht lange vor seinem Tode, per-
von Aussenstehenden den Boden bereitet sonlich mit 'Abdu'l-Bah6 in Budapest
und in hohem Masse zur Verbreitung zusammen und wurde durch diese Begeg-
beigetragen haben. nung so stark beeindruckt, dass er sich
Unter den fremden Veraffentlichungen vollig vom Geiste des neuen Glaubens
sind es vor allem die Arbeiten iiber den angezogen fiihlte. Er schrieh darnach an
Bah6'i-Glauhen hezw. den Bibismus und 'Ahdu'l-Bahi in Erwiderung auf ein von
deren Erwahnung seitens der Wissenschaft, diesem an ihn gerichtetes Schreiben u.a.:
in Lexiken und anderen Nach~chla~ewerken, "Die Zeit meiner Begegnung mit Eurer
Abhandlungen aus christlich-theologischen Exzellenz und die Erinnerung an die Seg-
Kreisen, Notizen und Essays in belletris- nungen lhrer Gegenwart kehrten wieder in
tischeu. Publiationen, insbesondere Rei- das Gedachtnis dieses Dieners ein, und ich
seschilderungen, sowie Zeitungsartikel aller sehne mich nach dem Zeitpunkt, wenn icb
Art. Als ein gewisser Massstab fiir den Sie wiedertreffen kann. Obwohl ich durch
allgemeinen Grad der Verbreitung mag dabei viele Lander und Stndtre des Islims gereist
die Tatsache gelten, dass sich unter den in bin, bin ich doch nie einem so hohen Char-
Frage kommenden Lexiken und Nach- akter und einer so erhabenen Personlichkeit
schlagewerken der letzten Jahrzehnte in wie Eurer Exzellenz hegegnet, und ich kann
Deutschland und Oesterreich keines be- bezeugen, dass es nicht moglich ist, solch
findet, in dem Bahi'i-Glauhe und Blbismus eine zweite zu finden. Aus diesem Grunde
nicht mindestens unter einem Stichwort hoffe ich, dass die Ideale und Bestrebungen
mehr oder minder ausfiihrlich vertreten Eurer Exzellenz von Erfolg gekrbnt sein
sind. Bereits 1866 behandelt Meyers und unter allen Umstanden von Erfolg
Konversations-lexikon unter Persien die begleitet werden mogen, denn hinter diesen
690 THE B A H A 'f WORLD

Idcalcn und Taten erlienne ich leicht das Wiunsch." Gerade diener Testament isr
ewige Wohl und Gedeihen der Menschheit. unter den zahlreichen deutschen Freunden
Dieser Diener trat auf der Suche nach und Verehrern Forels weitgehender Auf-
Quellen-Unterwei~un~en und-Erfahrungen merksamkeit begegnet, und die darin zum
in die Reihen verschiedener Religionen, d.h. Ausdruck kommende Wandlung Ton der
ich wurde Busserlich Jude, Christ, Muham- materialistischen zur religios-wissenschaft-
medaner und Zoroastrier. Ich entdeckte, lichen Betra~htun~sweisehat ihnen dabei
dass die Verehrer dieser verschiedenen Re- neue Bahnen gewiesen und manches Interesse
ligionen einander nur hasseu und verfluchen, fiir den Bahl'i-Glauben geweckt.
dass sich alle ihre Religionen zu Werlizeugen Bei dem vorerwihnten Besuch in Buda-
der Tyrannei und Unterdruckung in den pest kam 'Abdu'l-Bahi auch mit dem be-
Handen van Herrschern und Regenten kannten ungarischen Orientalisten Professor
umgewapdelt haben und dass sie die Ursache Ignaz Goldzihev in engere Beriihrung dessen
des Unterganges der Menschenwelt ge- Feder ein Beitrag uber Bhbismus und Bahl'i-
warden sind. Wenn ich diese iiblen Ergeb- Glauben in der Sammlung "Die Kultur der
nisse betrachte, so muss sich jedermann Gegenwart" e n t ~ t a m m t . ~Ebenso gehort
notwendig auf Seiten Eurer Exzellenz ein- der Orientalist und Diplomat Friedrich
zeichnen und freudig die Aussicht auf eine Rosen, der 192 1 deutscher Reichsaussen-
Grundlage des Glaubens Gottes anerkennen, minister war, zum Kreise derer, die sich ihre
die durch Ihre Bemuhungen im Werden ist. Anschauung uber den Bahb'i-Glauben durch
Ich habe den Vater Eurer Exzellenz von persouliches Zusammentreffen mit 'Abdu'l-
fern gesehen. Ich bin der Selbstaufop- Bahh sowie durch Beriihrung mit Bahl'i im
ferung und des edlen Mutes seines Sohnes Orient bilden konnten. Er brachte wieder-
ansichtig geworden und vergehe in Be- holt seine Wertschitzuug besonders fur
wunderung Fur die Grundsatze und Ziele 'Abdu'l-Bahi zum Ausdruck. Aus der Zahl
Eurer Exzellenz drucke ich die iusserste der sonstigen Auslassungen uber Bhhismus
Ehrerbietung und Ergebung aus, und wenn und Bahii'i-Glauben in der wissenschaft-
mir Gott, der Hochste, langes Lebeu gibt, so lichen Literatur sei noch Professor Dr. H .
werde ich imstande sein, Ihnen unter allen Ritter, ehem. Universitatsprofessor in Ham-
Umstinden zu dieneu. Ich bete nnd flehe burg, erwahnt, der 1923 in der Zeitschrift
darum aus meines Herzens Tiefe." (Inter- "Der Is16m u.a. schreibt: "Das, was der
national Psychic Gazette, Oktober, 1913.) Bhbibewegung fur unser Auge ihre Gross-
Uaber dns Verh'iltnis Fovels zum Bah6'i- artigkeit verleiht, ist wesentlich die gewal-
GIauben berichtete der Verfasser bereits tige Kraft des Glaubens und die unerhorte
ausfuhrlicher in einem friiheren Band.l Opferbereitschaft, mit der ihre Anhlnger
Bekannt ist ein langeres Tablet geworden, fur den Gegenstand ihrer Verehrung in den
das 'Abdu'l-Bahh an ihn sandte und das martervollsten Tod gingen, und beim Bib
insbesondere die Frage des Fortlebens be- selbst die aus den tiefsten Quellen dos
handelt. Mit der Leidenschaft des aufrich- religiosen Gefuhls stammende ehrliche
tigen Wahrheitssuchers tritt Forel an seinem Ueberzeugung von der Wahrheit seiner
Lebensahend in seinen verschiedenen Werk- Mission, die ihm und seinen Nachfolgern
en, in Zeitungsartikeln und durch Grundung ein tatsichliches Zerreissen der Verbin-
des ersten schweizerischen Baha'i-Kreises in dung mit dcr islarnitischen Tradition rn$ich
Lausanne fur die Sache Bahh'u'llah's ein und machte und zur Stiftung nicht einer
legt in seinem Testament eindringliches neuen Selite, sondern einer neuen Religion
Bekenntnis dafur ab: "das ist die wahre fuhrte."
Religion der menschlichen sozialen Wohl- Aus den Kreisen der christlichen Mission
fahrt, dogmen- und priesterlos, die in sich drang bereits vor acht Jahrzehnten, erst-
alle Menschen auf unserem kleinen Erdenball malig wohl 18 9 1: die Kunde von dem neuen
vereinigt. Ich bin Bahh'i geworden. Dass
-
2 Teil I, Abtlg. 111, I , "Die Religion des Orients,"
diese Religion zum Wohl der Menschheit Leiprig, 1923.
leben und gedeihen moge ist mein heissester Band XIII, 1/2, S. 134.
- Zeitschrift der deutnchen m~r~enl'indischen
l"Bahl'i World," N, S. 3 9 3 f. Gesellschaft, 1851, S. 384 ff.
EIN JUNGER GLAUBE WIRD BEKANNT 691

Glauben nach Deutschland. 1894 be- Quakers" a von 'Abdu'l-Bahl: "Der jetzt
richtete der nachmalig Professor in Halle lebende grijsste Profet ist vielleicht 'Abbis
a.S. und Begrunder der Missionswissenschaft, Effendi (= 'Abdu'l-Baht4 Anm, des Verf.)
Dr. Gustav Warneck in der Allgemeinen der Fuhrer der Bahi'is in Persien." Ganz
Missionszeitschrift hochachtend uber den besonders aber durften zur Verbreitung der
Bibismus. Von grosser Bewnnderung und Kenntnis des Bah6'i-Glaubens in Deutsch-
Wertschatzung ist das 1896 in Leipzig land zwei vielgelesene Schriften der evange-
erschienene Buch von Dr. F. C . Andreas, lischen Pfarrer Scheurlen uud Dr. Roemer
dem fruheren Dozenten am Orientalischen beigetragen haben, die, obwohl einer ten-
Seminar in Berlin, "Die Bibis in Persien" denzmassigen Gegeneinstellung entspringend,
getragen, das aus Quellen und eigener in ihren ausfuhrlichen Darstellungen die
Anschauung eine Darstellung der geschicht- Aufmerksamkeit jedes ernstlich nachdenken-
lichen Entwickelung gibt. In einem Vor- den Lesers auf die hohen Ideale des Bahl'i-
wort dazu schrieb Pastor W. Faber: Glaubens hinlenlren nnd so dem Bahl'i-
"Gelingt es der persischen Regierung, die Glauben in hohem Masse den Weg bereiten.
BBbi's auszurotten, so wird viillige geistigc Die eine dieser Schriften hatte bereits 1930
Finsternis das nngluclrliche Persien bedeclren, in vierter A d a g e das 18. Tausend erreicht
denn der Bibismus ist ohne Frage die nnd ist inzwischen in weiterer Auflage
Morgenrote einer besseren Zeit. . . ." und erschienen. Sie hat wiederum bei einer
ferner in einer Schlussnotiz: "In den Augen ahnlichen hollandischen Ver~ffentlichun~
der yersischen Regierung w r e n und sind Pate gestanden, die 192j mit 12.000 Ex-
die Bhbis gefahrliche Umsturzler, die sie mit emplaren gleichfalls die vierte Auflage zu
Feuer nnd Schwert auszurotten sucht, in verzeichnen hatte.
Wahrheit aber sind sie Bahnbrecher fur Betrachtlich ist die Zahl der wahreitd der
Wahrheit, Freiheit und Recht in dem dunk- letzten 21 Jahre und fruher in Deutschland
len Lande Persien, wie sie die Weltgeschichte erschienenen Rei~eschilderun~en,in denen
von gleichem Opfermut und von gleicher Bhbismus und Bahi'i-Lehre erwahnt und
Sterbensfreudigkeit selten gesehen hat. behandelt werden. Unter ihnen und anderen
Moge der neue Schah Muzaffereddin den Ver~ffentlichun~en der belletristischen sowie
Bibis Religionsfreiheit geben, dann wiirde der philosophischen Literatur finden wir
er seineln Lande die griisste Wohltat er- Namen wie Pierre Loti, Alfred Kerr, Armin
weisen." In der Zeitschrift fur Religions- T. Wegneu, Collin Ross, Roda-Roda, ferner
psychologie fasste 1908 Dr. E. Rnnmussen Tolstoi, Graf Keysarling, Oswald SPengler
sein Urteil dahingehend zusammen: "Im u.a. Als ein gewisses literarisches Kuriosum
ganzen muss anerkannt werden, dass die d r e ~ sei erwahnt, dass sich auch Karl May in
Trager dieser Religion (Bib, Bahi'u'lllh seiner Rei~eerzihlun~ "Im Reiche des sil-
und 'Abdu'l-Bah6. Anm. des Verf.) eine bernen Lowen" ausfuhrlicher nit dem
Reihe der humansten Reforinbestrebungen Bibismus auseinandergesetzt hat.
unserer Zeit offenbart haben," und John W.
Weursch von Bertha Siersrorpff, mir einem Geleir-
Graham schreibt in "Der Glaube eines wart
- von Richard Wilhclm, Qi~hkcr-Verlag, Leipzig,
5Band I, Halle a. S. 1 9 0 8 . 1926.
SOUTH A M E R I C A
Journey Taken in the Interest of the Bahi'i Cause

Soum AMERICA can no more be de- and upon reaching the Cathedral one sees
scribed as a whole than can the continent him proudly riding a spirited horse, sword
of Europe. Its vast area comprises variety in hand. This fine statue is the work of the
in language and custom, while its history late Charles Rumsey. Inside the church on
stretches back into a dim past, from whose the right Pizarro's body has been preserved
shadow archaeologists have rescued broken and is visible through a glass casket, awe-
fragments that show mummies embalmed some and hideous, but the proud treasure
after the manner of Egypt, skulls that have of the city of Lima.
been trepanned, geometrical ornaments, As we had journeyed to South America
vases of classic design as well as delicately with a definite Bahh'i program, that of
wrought profiles in silver and gold. Alas! forming groups for the study of the Bahh'i
that no Rosetta Stone has been found to Faith, as well as to find individuals of
enable us to read the characters on the capacity, who could comprehend Bah6'u-
arches and columns that lie prone on the '116h's program for a future civilization, we
sites of the ancient temples. gathered facts about the countries through
Each country of South America has which we were to travel. Thus we learned
written its own separate history. The West that while outwardly the Spanish conquest
Coast, however, may be said to possess a maintained, commerce was slowly drifting
common denon~inator-trade, because of the into alien hands. Canadians, hardy and
depots of fruit, oil, metal, fertilizers and thrifty, were here. Americans also, their
grain. The Humboldt current, an icy heads crammed with schemes for acceler-
stream of water, flowing up from the ating trade. Germans by the thousand,
Antarctic region encounters the Japan cur- driven from the Fatherland by the great
rent, chilling the waters of the Pacific and war. Italians out of sympathy with present
killing thousands of fish upon which the day government. These pioneers were
guano birds feed. Sometimes the shores moulding the environment to suit their
become lush and tropical wherever the needs, while each brought his traditions, his
Current has wandered off into deep waters. culture.
The most interesting city of the West The "Santa Lucia" landed us at Val-
Coast is Lima in Peru. Here in the year paraiso and from there the train carried us
1.538, Pizarro made himself master, not to the capital of Chili, Santiago. The city
alone of what he surveyed, but, like Midas, is set in a bowl enclosed on all sides by
of gold and silver. Having captured the towering Andes mountains. Each hour of
last of the Incas, Pizarro promised him his light throws a mantle of color over the
life if he would fill a lofty chamber with mountains and at sunset the shadows turn
gold, but when this request was complied from pink to blue and taper into a soft
with, Pizarro put him to death with crafty purple that diffuses its imperial color over
haste. The Conquistador then turned his the whole city. The streets of the capital
attention to founding a city that he named are narrow and shabby; here and there a
for Saint Rose. Lima today breathes the richly ornamented building bespeaks a spurt
spirit of Pizarro. From the palace to the of ambition.
Inquisitional Hall his steps may be retraced, My first definite request to present the
69'2
SOUTH AMERICA 693

Bahh'i Cause was at the Y. W. C . A. The Era" and "The Goal of thc Ncw World
proposal met with an instant response. The Order" in Spanish and English.
staff made all arrangements and when the At length the time came when we bade
afternoon arrived the hall was crowded with farewell to our new-found friends, happy
notables-the heads of the Sweet: Memorial in the thought that in the capital of Chili
hospital and clinic; the directors of the there would be a group studying the Cause.
Valparaiso Y. M. C. A,, the leaders of the Study would augment capacity and in time
literary societies as well as President of the an understanding of the principles of the
college and ministers of various denomina- New Civilization would draw these stttdents
tions. Mr. Mathews opened by reading a to become part of the great program of
page from the Bahi'i Scriptures. When he Bahi'u'lllh.
finished, the chairman asked him t c read it I n 1921, 'Abdu'l-Bahh wrote a Tablet to
again. This request became the keynote of Chili and sent it to Martha Root. I t is of

Class for the Study of the fqin, Sprecklesville, Maui, Hawaii, February, 1934.

the occasion, lifting it beyond the ordinary the utmost importance and passages are
meeting and when the talk "Widening Our herein quoted.
Horizons" was finished, questions were "You see how the world is attacking one
asked from every part of the audience. I t another, how the countries are dyed with
was already dark when we left the building; human blood. . . . Heads have become
the whole afternoon had been filled with like grain in a grinding mill. . . . Pros-
heavenly enthusiasm, so much so that we perous countries have been ruined, cities
could scarcely credit: the fact that we, the devastated, villages demolished. Fathers
bearers of a new Message, had been so have lost their sons, sons their fathers,
warmly received in this distant land. mothers have wept blood for the loss of
Immediate results followed, for both the their children. ... The source of all this
head and secretary of the Societi de Femina unhappiness is racial prejudice, national
became students of the Bahi'i Cause. This prejudice, religious prejudice and political
little literary circle of thirty students prejudice. The source of these prejudices
studied literature in both Spanish 2nd is ancient imitation. So long as blind imita-
English and it was therefore arranged that tion lasts, the human world will be in ruins
they should read "Bahi'u'lllh and the New and in peril.
694 THE BAHhr'f WORLD

"Now in such a glorious age, when the this court decides must be accepted and
realities have appeared and secrets of being followed. If a government or nation dis-
have been discovered; the morning of truth obey, the whole world must rise to oppose
hath shone, the world has been illuminated, that government or nation. . . . Now it is
is it permissible to wage these terrible wars, clear that these teachings are the life of the
wars that throw the human world into world and its true spirit. As you are ser-
ruins? No, not by the Lord! vants of the human world you must strive
"From the horizon of frin His Holiness with heart and soul until humanity is
Bahi'u'llih has shone like a sun upon the rescued from darkness, from prejudice and
world and He has declared that the world from the world of nature. Strive to reach
was dark and that this darkness would con- the light of the divine world. Praise be to
tinue with horrible results. From the prison God that you are informed of these teach-
of 'Akki He clearly addressed the Emperor ings. Today without Bahi'u'llih's instruc-
of Germany saying that there will come a tions the world will have no rest. Of itself
great war and that Berlin will weep and the darkness will not disperse, these serious
lament. When the Sultin of Turkey maladies will not be cured, instead condi-
wronged Bahi'u'llih, He wrote him from tions will become worse and more diflicult
the barracks of 'Akkl that Collstantinople day by day. The Balkans will not be
would fall a victim to a great revolution, tranquillized, they will seek means to in-
one extending even to the women and chil- flame the fires of war again. New public
dren so that they would (also) lament, with movements will use their powers to achieve
great cries. I n brief, He addressed all the their own selfish ends. Therefore with
Kings and Presidents of Republics what bright hearts, divine souls, celestial strength
would happen and that which He wrote has and heavenly will, strive to be to the world
come to pass. The Supreme Pen has written of humanity God's bounty and the cause of
how to prevent war and His words have rest and tranquillity to humanity." (Signed,
been scattered all over the world. First 'Abdu'l-Bahi 'AbhL.)
among these councils is the independent
search after truth, because imitation limits There are two ways of reaching the
man. The second teaching is of the one- Argentine from Chili; the first is over the
ness of the world of humanity-all are the Andes, the route Martha Root had taken;
creation of a Creator; God, the kind Shep- the other skirting Chili and Patagonia. We
herd shows kindness to all, He does not determined upon the Southern route where
differentiate. The Clement Lord sees no no Bahi'i had yet been. From the south,
differences between His Creatures. All are winter was already enveloping the whole
His servants and all receive his Generosity. Antarctic region, sending icy winds north-
The third teaching is that religion is a strong ward over Patagonia. We decided, however,
fortress, but it must be the cause of love. to risk these hazards and go to the Argen-
..
. If it causes hatred and enmity, it is tine via the Chilean Lakes.
unnecessary. For Religion is like a cure; if Orsono, the,starting point for this region,
the cure causes illness than it is better to lies a day and night journey from Santiago.
dispense with it. Religious, racial, national In the town of Orsono there was but one
and political prejudices are the destroyers of motor available for reaching Lake Llan-
the world. These are the causes of blood- quihue-an old and rickety Buick; in this
shed, prejudice is the ruin of the world of disqualified vehicle we began our journey,
humanity. As long as they last, frightful swaying over dirt roads furrowed by con-
wars will recur. The cure for these ills is tinuous rains. Here and there the ruts gave
universal peace. way to beds of lava, over which the machine
"For the world to have universal peace a would roll shaking and groaning. After
great world court must be set up by all the four and a half weary hours we descried
governments and nations. . . . The pmb- the welcomc lights of Ensenada. It nestlev
lems of all nations and governments must beside a sheet of still water surrounded by
be turned over to this court and whatever great trees from whose pointed leaves heavy
SOUTH AMERICA 69 5

drops fell rhythmically. Thc tiny cabin that gather on the wharf ahead of time, so wc
received us was as narrow as a box, its single hurried hither accompanied by the German
window nailed against fresh air. Its fur- couple now deep in the study of the Cause.
nishings consisted of a straw mattress laid We skirted a swift running river, now and
on boards covered by turkey red comforters then crossing it at shallow points and taking
that did duty for sheets, blankets and pil- occasional dips under water falls that seemed
lows. No palace, however, could have to occasion no surprise. Arriving well in
seemed more luxurious! Our inquisitional advance we prepared to wait when sud-
ride was soon forgotten in the company of denly the boat decided to start and began
the proprietor who was both cultured and churning white foam in long streaks
charming, and expanded mightily on hearing through the green water. Our friends
Mr. Mathews' fluent German. pressed to the edge of the sand, their arms
In this remote land occurred a great o~rcstretched, calling God's blessing on our
spiritual experience. One of those meetings Bahh'i endeavors. Far out on the water we
of the spirit that make social amenities pale could hear their voices. The afternoon was
by comparison. I t happened that a German bright and still, trees crowded down to the
couple had come from Puerto Varas, Chili. water's edge; snow smooth as frosting
Madame de Burmuihl spoke English. In rounded the tops of the monntains. A
whispers in the corner of the office we tallred thousand rivulets poured snow water into
of the New World Order; as I unfolded the the lake. The atmosphere was laden with
Divine Plan she seemed to read it with me as a kind of thrilling, expectant beauty.
from an open book. Nature occupied in seasonal rounds seemed
Each statement of mine was rounded out indifferent to man's behavior. Crossing the
and completed by this clear-sighted woman. Lake of All Saints was like witnessing a
As I explained the simple form of our fraction of creation.
Administration and the station of the A week we travelled thus. Sometimes
Guardian of the Cause, she repeated my mounting over the crests of rocky promon-
words to her husband: "Listen, Gustave, we tories; sometimes encircling volcanoes where
have a Guardian--one who holds the world we were lost in steam. We made steep
together in this day--one who is preparing descents on foot and once we were ferried
humanity for a new civilization." Very by a crude handmade craft. Physically the
thoughtfully he turned the idea over in his journey was hard, spiritually it was revivify-
mind and then replied in a deep voice: ing, for everywhere were listeners eager to
"Yes, yes, I can understand that. I t is as it hear news of the Great Event. I t was, in-
should be--somewhere a spiritual leader deed, a pilgrimage of the spirit and reflecred
must he making the plan that will guide us a degree of capacity in the Germans of that
out of the wilderness and chaos of the section of South America that is nnfor-
present into a new and better path." gettable.
Madame de Burmuihl explained that they At length we reached Lake Nahuel Huapi
belonged to a large group of Germans who at the far end of which lies Bariloche, the
met and studied under the name of "Liberal town that terminates the lake trip when
Thought Society." But no more literature coming from Chili. The last journey by
from the society was permitted in Germany, watcr is the longest, and that morning
so as Winter approached they were without dawned cold and windy. The tiny steamer
material for study. The Bahi'i Revelation was tossed and tumbled by the waves.
formed the link in the chain and they em- Spray was continually flying overhead, while
braced it eagerly and whole-heartedly. They on the benches it was impossible to avoid
felt sure that the study group would accept a wetting. All through the four and a half
it, as they did. hours' journey our eyes strained towards
The steamers connecting one island with our destination as the wind rose and moaned,
another sail only three times a week. These grew angry, dropped into silence only to
inland mariners pay small heed to schedules repeat its attack on a higher scale. The
and departing passengers find it wiser to pilot hugged the shore and when at last the
696 THE BAHA'f WORLD

l~cadland,behind wllich LILT>Learner was to question alone. The Americana make .I
moor, hove in view a shout of joyous relief weak show of getting together by drinking
rose simultaneously from every throat. tea under the entwined flags of all nations,
Bariloche has one train a week. I t arrives but without the genius of BahB'u'llih who
from Buenos Aires every Friday and returns has given us a purpose for meeting-a
on Sunday. The villagers living along the definite plan that is practical as well as
shore of Nahuel Huapi make of the train's spiritual-these gestures of unity lead no-
departure a fiesta. Women wearing Spanish where. Into this land so uniform in appear-
shawls, pound the pavement with high heels; ance, so separate in consciousness, will come
peasants carry bright-colored dusters with the Supreme Remedy, namely the Bahi'i
which to shine the inscriptions on the sides message. I t will gather up the alien threads
of the train. Passengers embarking for the and weave them into a pattern of universal
capital, forty-two hours distant, are re- design; it will set in motion a spark with
garded with awe. Cameras click, fruit is which mankind will recapture belief in the
vended, tunes hummed, as the crowd gape power of love and suffering. self-interest
at the miracle of machinery that has ended will be merged into larger issues. The
an isolation, inviolate for a hundred years. secrets of Being hidden in the stream of life
At five sharp the whistle blows, the admir- itself, will emerge and man will experience
ing throng stand back. The engine shakes the condition described by Bahi'n'llih in the
itself free of lake and mountain; it turns Seven Valleys. "A servant always draws
and twists until rugged outlines fade and near unto me with prayers, until I become
heavy forests disappear, and then it settles his ear wherewith he heareth. For in that
down for a long trek across the plains of the case the Owner of the house becomes mani-
Argentine. fest in his own house (the heart) and the
Mile after mile of swaying pampas passe- pillars of the house are all illuminated and
the train window, mysterious, uniform, as radiative through His light. The action and
though the world had become suddenly a effect of the light is from the Giver of
planed floor of exact measurements. Through Light; this is why all move through Him
this moving sea of grass stalk cattle flank and arise by His Desire."
high. Up or down, east or west, there is Buenos Aires greeted us with a downpour
pampas; the mind recedes from all forms of cold rain. The stirring events of the
of variety and settles back into the subtle Chilean trip, however, buoyed our spirits
peace of complete monotony. above temperature and fillcd our hcarts with
The Argentine is rich enough and big strong hope.
enough to feed the whole world with heef; I t was a strange coincidence that we
its markets could supply grain and wool as should arrive on the same day as Krishna
well. Prices have fallen in the general Murti, for he had come to Auckland, New
economic depression and growers fasten their Zealand o a the same date as we, of the
hope of recouping diminished fortunes on previous year. Again our arrival in Sidney,
war, war in Europe or, in fact, anywhere. Australia had been simultaneous; now he
Already they are tinning heef, weaving landed by steamer from Brazil as our train
blankets and rolling bandages so that at the pulled into Buenos Aires. Naturally the
first cry of battle these goods can be set three branches of the Theomphical Society
afloat and at the Argentine's own prices. combined on an intensive campaign for him,
Naturally peace is unpopular, kindness and punctuated by flurries of publicity. Martha
brotherhood are looked upon as antiquated Root had been received by them with the
principles. Old animosities live, though utmost cordiality, but I knew I could expect
each nationality within the country deplores nothing for the present. I had, however,
the fact and wish it otherwise. The brought letters to other important organiza-
churches watch each other in jealous alarm, tions as well as to diplomats and high
fearful of the increase in number among officials. Affable conversations, cakes and
opposing denominations. The Argentine tea, followed upon the presentation of these
and the English leave the whole ethical letters but when I spoke of the mission that
SOUTH AMERICA 697

had drawn ~ r shither, invisible barriers de- came known that a new and cons~rucrive
scended barring further advances into the movement had been brought to Buenos Aires
subject. I was encircled by absent-minded and I was asked to address first the Con-
smiles and polite retreats. Even Peace, that temporary Club and later the American,
redoubtable and highly honored topic, fell The Amateur, and the Business Clubs as well
to earth without an echo. as smaller groups. I was elated when ap-
The rain continued. The test of faith proached about addressing the Girls' High
is more faith. When difficulties surround School, but the proposal laid before the
one it is best to draw back from the material board of directors, did not prosper and the
world into the circle of Divine Protection. invitation was withdrawn.
The personal will with its desires nus st be Giving a talk at the Spanish Club I had
folded up and laid away. A realization of to employ an interpreter. This was a veri-
the power within the Cause must be made a table ordeal and I remembered how many
reality, so that the knowledge of Bahh'u- times 'Ahdu'l-Bahi has passed through the
'116h's spirit shining upon the earth filling ordeal of having His words redistributed by
it with unending rejoicings, may manifest an alien tongue.
itself in the individual. One must grasp From a variety of p b l i c tallrs there
the fact that subjectively the whole world emerged certain personalities that made an
is aware whenever a messenger comes to indelible impression. First in order of time
earth. Success, or failure-neither have was Miss Beer, a German from Africa's Gold
anything to do with truth. Under these re- Coast. Tragedies had rained down upon her
flections one may wait for guidance, but ever since the World War. I n an agony of
once convinced of a course of action, go spirit she had battered at the door of ancient
fo~wardunhesitatingly and leave the results theology, only to find herself shut out by
t o the guiding spirit that animates and sus- dogmatic controversies. From the first, she
tains the Cause of God. 'Abdu'l-Bahi says: fell in love with the Bahi'i principles; she
"Know that the blessings of the Kingdom amassed a wealth of quotations from the
of Abh6 are not dependent upon the capac- Writings and studied by night as well as by
ity and worthiness of anyone; the blessings day. After our third lesson she read a
themselves are the worthiness. As the ac- paper on the Bah6'i Movement before the
tion itself, when it reaches the thing acted German Literary Circle. As the inner com-
upon, makes the thing the action, so the motion of soul subsided, she expressed a
blessings themselves become identical with happiness that is impossible to describe.
worthiness.'" A,giant of undaunted courage was Setiora
Opportunity came in the form of an Barnll. Her husband had been a pioneer in
invitation to address the Dramatic Society Argentine finance and from his accumulated
on the modern drama! I accepted. The fortune had built a veritable palace of
afternoon came and dressed in my best I medieval splendor. Then, suddenly, she was
stepped upon my initial platform. The talk left alone. I t was at this period of her life
received wide-spread publicity and the daily that an awakening of soul occurred. All at
papers carried the entire talk. This brought once there flooded her being an iniler con-
the editor of "The Standard" to interview sciousness that a new Message had come to
us. I confided to him my dilemma. He earth, Message that would bind all re-
was so intrigued that he decided to study ligions together. She closed the palace and
the Cause with me and investigate its truth started forth in search of that which her
for himself. After an intensive course of heart foretold. But everywhere she went
reading he was carried beyond journalistic she encountered creeds, old and new. Sad-
impulses and there hegan to appear in the dened by failure she journeyed homeward.
columns of his paper references to the word I gave a talk at the Y. W. C. A. on the
Bnhl'i, its meaning, its origin and finally uaion of all races, religions and creeds.
a two column article on the history of the Though understanding no English she came
movement from its inception. to hear it, with her niece as interpreter.
The bridge of sighs was crossed. I t be- All during the talk I could see that she was
698 THE BAHA'I WORLD

in a statc of agitation; she clasped and un- that Mr. Julius Lay had bccn appointed
clasped her hands continuously. As soon as Minister to Uruguay. This was happy news
I hished she beckoned me. "All over the for me, since they were not only my friends
world I have been seeking the treasure that but Mrs. Lay had studied the Cause with
yon have now placed in my hands this after- me during a visit to a mutual friend. She
noon. 'The New World Order' that you was a woman of purpose and generosity and
have explained, has been ringing in my heart one that could be counted upon to uphold
for many a long day." Often when we sat the Cause and to use her influence in its
together before the fire she would cry out, behalf.
"Let us go spread the good news-let us The visit to Buenos Aires that in the he-
tramp the world over." And though well ginning had been fraught with dark diffi-
over seventy, as we left she was preparing culty, terminated in great enthusiasm for
to depart on a world crusade. the BahPi Principles. Alas, that a rigid
Another wonderful friendship was formed code prevented joining my pupils to-
with a distinguished Argentine family that gether. Nevertheless, as I stood on the
we had met on the train from Bariloche. deck of the steamer that was carrying
There was a widow, her daughters and a us to Brazil, I felt that group consciousness
niece. They came to hear me speak and would be the natural consequence of
presently we found ourselves being enter- BahCi study and would come about as a
tained by the most hospitable of people. result of it.
We saw gardens copies from the palaces of I cannot believe that the door first opened
Europe, where roses grew as high as young by Martha Root and a second time during
fruit trees, beds of lotus in bloom, white our voyage will ever be shut again.
and tranquil beside marble pools. Every-
where were rare tropical plants gathered A journey of four and a half days by
from the far off islands of the Pacific. One water brought us to Santos, Brazil. This
day, while Sefiorita Lavarello and I were low-lying unimportant looking island rep-
driving, she remarked, "You remind me of resents the largest output of coAee in South
someone I met in Geneva-a woman all America. We made a special trip to SBo
spirit." Naturally I asked her name. "Lady Paulo. One is astonished to see a sky-
Blomfield," she replied,-"Like you she is a scraper of twenty-five stories, the largest
BahCi. I t is strange how much this religion concrete building in the world. In fact, the
attracts me, but I know it is not for me, for size and proportion of the buildings is a
should I approach it ever so secretly, the constant surprise. For example, in the Hotel
family would know and every member of Esplanada of SBo Paulo the seating capacity
the clan would arise to save me from Hell of the dining-room is five hundred. Enter-
that they would see yawning to receive me; ing this enormous banquet hall you behold
-you have no idea of the power of Spanish an elaborate display of tropical fruits on
traditions-the Rock of Gibraltar is a weak illuminated cakes of ice; this frosty feast
defense by comparison-I would be imme- makes a welcome contrast to the burning
diately surrounded by an ecclesiastical sun that is forever shining behind the cur-
conference that would go on forever and tained windows. We drove to the Butantan
ever." "Well," I replied, laughing, "if thc snake farms, now world famous, where is
picture you have painted is even half true, distilled the serum that has lowered the
I think you better come to the United States death rate from snake bites from 90 to 40
where no one will be interested in your per cent and they work here night and day
beliefs, nor take heed of the ideas you harbor to fight a menace that constitutes one of the
beneath your charming curls." So we major difficulties in homesteading this vast
planned that she should come in the country.
Autumn and I pray that this free soul may Twelve hours by rail brought us to Rio de
come under the Bahb'f training that will Janeiro; the train winds and slides down,
develop, without curtailing her lovely spirit. down to the sea. I n Rio, Leonora Holsapple
One morning the daily papers announced joined us. She had come following Martha
SOUTH AMERICA

Root's notable visit to South America. impressed us all. I t was evident that there
Settling in Bahia, (which in Spanish means existed a strong spiritual tie between us
hay) she had set herself the task of master- and some day this will be cemented. From
ing Spanish and Portuguese, while earning that moment they did all in their power to
her living in a city directly over the equator. help us spread the Bahh'i Message and sur-
Encouraged by our Guardian, she translated rounded us with every kindness.
and published "Bah&'u'116h and the New Through Miss Holsapple's influence I
Era" and other volumes, thus making an spoke at the Educational League. This
outstanding contribution for all time to the important committee controls the education
Bahb'i Cause. of Brazil as well as the reading matter that
Through the influence of this true Bah6'i goes to schools and libraries. Religion may
friend, we were able to form a class not be spoken from their platform but the
without delay. These people were suffi- breadth of the Cause gave ample oppor-
ciently evolved to draw together for study tunity to outline education from its spiritual
and to meet often. A second class soon standpoint. I also addressed the Y. W. C. A.
followed the first, through important that throughout the journey had treated our
Americans to whom we had brought letters. mission with so much cordiality.
The members of this class enabled me to We held a Bah6'i picnic, on the shores of
place Bahb'i books in the circulating an inland lake. We talked of 'Abdu'l-
libraries. I found only one BahCi book in Bahh's presence at Evergreen Cabin in West
Rio; that was a copy of Mr. Holley's Englewood. We discussed the happy 19-
"Bahh'i, the Spirit of the Age." I t was day feasts that are held throughout the
gratifying,to learn from the librarian that world, their origin and purpose; the day was
it had been widely read. sweet and memorable.
We were invited to spend an evening with I n retrospect it is impossible to number
the SGfis t o address their members. As far the individuals that crossed our path during
as we could learn, they were not connected this voyage of five months. Constalrtly we
with the SGfis of frhn. The movement had were meeting strangers and constantly tell-
been brought from India to London and ing them of the purpose of our visit. By
its leaders, Mr. and Mrs. Cecil Best, land and by sea, over thousands of miles,
were English. The pamphlets describ- the Cause was heralded and its dynamic
ing the belief seemed subjective in char- news spread.
acter though broad and humanitarian in South America needs workers to carry on
design. the Divine Plan. It is not enough that a
Shfi Lodge was built on the top of a teacher crosses the continent every few
mountain, literally above the clouds and years. I t is not enough that one woman
standing on the roof garden the fleecy white gives her life for the spread of the Cause.
clouds floated below while above was the If these two Republics could unfurl the
starry sky. On an opposite mountain carved banner of BahCu'llih's Principles together,
from rock stands a gigantic figure of Christ they might lead the world into a new era of
with arms outstretched in an attitude of peace and happiness. The Guardian is
blessing. Far below the sea was visible, deeply concerned with the spiritualizing of
breaking into white foam that shimmered South America. Whosoever arises to labor
and glistened under the thirty thousand in this field will be rewarded and every
lights that encircle the shore. I t was a traveler will be upheld by the Holy Spirit.
sight of beauty for which no adjectives No sacrifice should be too great to a true
seemed adequate. I spoke on the prophecies believer. For the purpose of life in this day
fulfilled by the Bahh'i Religion and gave a is to extend God's glory through the Message
short outline of the BLb, Bahh'u'llih and of Bahi'u'llhh to the far-flung corners of
'Ahdu'l-BahL. Their reception of the talk the earth.
Plan of Haziratu'l-Quds, Ba&d6d, 'Ir6q.
GLIMPSES SWEDEN

"Verily, tue have ordained zmto every hampered in the execution of decisions
land a destiny, z ~ n t oever21 h o w a fate; reached by the Riksdag.
zbnto every utterance a time, zbnto every I n His Tablet "The Glad Tidings,"
circumstance a word. Consider the Bah6'u'llih makes mention of the ideal
case of Greece! Verily w e n u d e i t the government-a fusion of aristocracy and
center of wisdom for a long keriod. democracy through the medium of consulta-
But w h e n the t i m e of its end came, its tion: "Although a republican form of
throne became veiled, its tongae d n m b , government," He says, "profits all the
its lamp extitzct, and its standard re- people of the world, yet the majesty of
versed. T h v s W e give and take nway. kingship is onc of the signs of God. We
Verily t h y Lord is the Takel-, the do not wish that the countries of the world
Giver, t h e Mighty, the Potent." should be deprived thereof. If statesmen
Bahi'z~~lldh. combine the two into one form, their re-
ward will be great before God."
S W E D E N is the oldest of the three The tradition of the nobility, having its
Scandinavian kingdoms. "When the Ger- impetus under King Gustavus Adolphus,
manic groups went south in great folk has also been of importance. Indeed the
migrations to mingle their blood with the public-mindedness of the nobility, reaching
Mediterranean races," says Hanna Astrup its crest in the seventeenth century, and
Larsen, Editor of the American-Scandinavian which later fell into neglect and abuse,
Review, "the Scandinavians stayed behind created a tradition of noblesse oblige which
and in their isolation developed their own still obtains, although nowadays the nobility
peculiar heritage." as a separate group exercises no influence.
Ancient tradition has etched in the con- But the national development of Sweden
sciousness of her leaders the spirit of public- is unique in the traditions of her peasantry.
mindedness and in the consciousness of her Says Miss Larsen, "The national impulse of
people faith in the Crown. And from the Scandinavian countries turned not only
period of the Wasa Kings, in the sixteenth backward t o the past but also inward t o the
century, when King Gustavus Adolphus study of the peasants, who were thought to
organized state and Crown leadership, em- have carried on the traditions of the fathers
bodying the definite paternalistic attitude of most unbroken." The capacity of the
the state toward the people and the recog- Swede for organization and legislation is
nition of education as an important factor innate but this sense of law and order--
in the life of society, the moral influence of through which far-flung changes have been
the Crown was enhanced. achieved without revolution-grew out of
Today Sweden is a constitutional mon- the early political training and responsibility
archy, with a distinctly democratic repre- imposed upon the peasantry, for the land-
sentation and a parliamentary government. owning peasantry of Sweden has exercised
The left wing is always a strong factor in political rights since early in the fifteenth
the Riksdag, the socialist party having now century. This practice had its inception in
and then risen t o a commanding position. the period when the Wasa Kings, founders
Nevertheless, Royal Committees and ad- of the principles of Swedish statesmanship,
visers appointed by the Crown are un- introduced the severe practice of forcing
I(11
702 'THE B A H A ' i WORLD

the people to participate in decisions of na- of the arts and sciences in t h e drvelopment
tional scope-war, peace, taxation and edu- of civilization and have a keen appreciation
cational reform. Characteristic of the pre- of co-operative activities, of finance and
cision and conscientiousness of the Swede, commerce. Freedom from the consciousness
no one was permitted to remain uncon- growing out of the practice of serfdom has
cerned. Hardship and peril beset the created a peasantry with aristocratic tradi-
traveler in those days and the representative tions and has been a powerful factor in
of a district would, before setting forth on obviating that sharp cleavage between classes
his journey, put his affairs in order and which became accentuated under autocratic
partake of the last communion! Conse- rule.
quently, representation in the Riksdag was The part played by the peasantry in the
a responsibility hardly to be sought after development of Sweden is of unique interest
with enthusiasm! to students of Bahb'i principles, for recog-
Property owners of each district were nition of the fundamental position of the
required to sign the decision of the Riksdag agricultural unit is unequivocally set forth
which their delegate brought back with him. in the writings of Bah6'u'llih and amplified
In later times Swedish peasants have had by 'Abdu'l-Bah6 again and again in his
their seats in the King's cabinet and no unique station as Interpreter of the Revela-
movement or reform can pass the Riksdag tion:
without their influence. This stabilizing in- "In reality," he says, "so far great injus-
fluence of the peasantry has served to tice has befallen the common people. . . .
strengthen the prestige of the Crown and The community needs financier, farmer,
the custom of conferring titles on persons merchant and laborer, just as an army must
of the lower classes distinguished for public be composed of commander, officers and pri-
service, has extended and fertilized the no- vates ... but justness of opportunity for
bility. "The Scandinavians," writes H. G . all. . . . First and foremost is the principle
Leach, editor of The Forum and an out- that to all the members of the body politic
standing authority on Scandinavia in the shall be given the greatest achievements of
United States, in his book 'Angevin Britain the world of humanity. Each one shall have
and Scandinavia,"' are freemen. They the utmost welfare and well-being. To
understand organized democracy. . .. The solve this problem we must begin with the
Norseman belonged to those people who, farmer; there will we lay a foundation for
unlike the destroying Tartar, possess the system and order, because the peasant class
strength and latent power of growth that and the agricultural class exceed other
enable them to adopt a civilization without classes in the importance of their service.
decaying under it. Instead they bettered ... I t is important to limit riches as it is
what they found, advancing rapidly from also of importance to limit poverty. ... A
. .
students to teachers. . The ancient Scan- financier with colossal wealth should not
dinavian rivalled the modern Japanese in exist whilst near him is a poor man in dire
taking on a new material civilization in a necessity. When we see poverty allowed to
day." reach a condition of starvation it is a sure
National and social coalescence are sign that somewhere we shall find tyranny.
further enhanced by racial and religious The rich must give of their abundance,
homogeneity, for with the exception of ap- they must soften their hearts and cultivate a
proximately one and a half percent the compassionate intelligence."
population is Swedish in origin and belongs Religion has initiated in Sweden three dis-
to the Swedish state church. tinct phases of national development: The
The peasantry of Sweden has not only initial phase of exotic influence began in the
contributed to the past, but to the present period of the Vikings, 800-1000; the second
progress of Swedish society. I n contradis- phase might be said to constitute the Me-
tinction to the experience of a people grow- dieval Catholic Church when the intellectual
ing out of serfdom, they are conversant with life fused with that of the continent of
the trend of national affairs, the importance Europe, and the third phase-the Reforma-
GLIMPSES OF SWEDEN 703

tion-from which issued national independ- terial elr~lcnts are transferable from one
ence and entrance upon a new political and form of existence to another, from one de-
economic experience. I t marked the incep- gree and kingdom to another, lower or
tion of interest in elementary education. higher. For example, an atom of the soil
Today school and church are classified under of dust of earth may traverse the kingdoms
one department head with representation in from mineral to man by successive incorpo-
the King's Cabinet. rations into the bodies of the organisms of
The Christian Faith was originally . .
those kingdoms. . Throughout these de-
planted in Sweden by the Crusaders, grees .. . it retains its atomic existence and
Ansgarius and Birgitta, early in the ninth is never annihilated nor relegated to non-
century and while the Scandinavian may existence. ... Death, therefore, is applicable
adopt a material civilization with facility, to a change or transference from one degree
the fact that Christianity was not officially .
or condition to another. . . The purpose is
inaugurated as a state religion till the this:-that the everlasting bestowal of God
eleventh century demonstrates the depth of vouchsafed to man is never subject to cor-
religious susceptibility of the Norseman. ruption. . . . The conception of annihilation
The old "pagan" faith was not subverted is a factor in human degradation, a cause of
till after the conquest of England by the human debasement and lowliness, a source
Danish Kings, Sweyn and Canute. of human fear and abjection. I t has been
Significantly, Ansgarius foresaw a future conducive to the dispersion and wealiening
spiritual glory for Sweden. "A great light," of human thought, whereas the realization
he said, "will emanate from the North." of existence and continuity bas upraised
That was early in the ninth century. Early man to sublimity of ideals, established the
in the eighteenth century, nine centuries foundations of human progress and stim-
later, Sweden gave birth to a spiritual genius, ulated the development of heavenly vir-
Emmanoel Swedenborg. His advent, the tues.... Spiritual existence is absolute im-
spiritual life he released, had the effect of mortality, con~pleteness and unchangeable
refreshing spring showers. He magnified being."
anew the belief in immortality, picturing The philosophical and spiritual teachings
graphically in his interpretative scriptural of Emmanuel Swedenborg penetrated the
writings the continuity of l i f e a factor of West. I n a Tablet addressed to an American
incalculable potency in relieving the ego- Bahi'i, E. E. Wrestling-Brewster, 'Abdu'l-
centric maladies that attack mankind. Bahh gave to Emmanuel Swedenborg the
In the journey of the soul, depicted with significance of minor prophet. "As soon as
transcendental beauty by Bahi'u'llih in a bird is fledged," he said in that Tablet,
"Seven Valleys," He writes, "0 Son, if thou "it cannot keep itself on the ground. . . .
canst overcome sleep thou wilt also be able When the season of spring dawns, a new and
to conquer death and if thou canst prevent wonderful motion and rejuvenation is wit-
thy waking from sleep wilt thou be able to nessed in all the existing things; the moun-
prevent thy rising after death." tains and meadows are revived; the trees
And the scientific exposition of 'Abdu'l- find freshness and delicacy and are clothed
BahL inculcates a clear knowledge of this with radiant and bright leaves, blossoms and
teaching. "The iuunor~alityof the soul," fruit. . . . In reality Emmanuel was the
he says, "is mentioned in the Holy Books. forerunner of the second coming of His
I t is the fundamental basis of divine re- Holiness the Christ and the herald of the
.
ligions. . . Total annihilation is an im- path to the Kingdom. . . . I hope that thou
possibility. At most, composition is ever wilt arise to perform all that which His
subject to decomposition or disintegra- Highness Emmanuel hath predicted. . . ."
tion.. .. This is the law of creation in its
endless forms and infinite variety. As ex- In recent times a movement to recapture
istence can never become non-existence the spirit released by Swedenborg was set
there is no death for man. . . . The rational in motion under the leadership of the late
proof of this is that the atoms of the ma- Archbishop Nathan Saderblom of Upsala,
Sweden. The ancient church of Ansgariua, Whrn he newapapcra of Swedcn an-
situated on the island of Visneg ii outside of nounced that Mrs. Louise Erickson, Swedish-
Stockholm was renovated and in 1930, an American Bahi'i teacher had-in an audi-
exalted spiritual ceremony took place in that ence with the Crown Prince--presented His
church. There congregated the Ruling Royal Highness with literature on the
House of Sweden, Archbishops representing Bahi'i Faith, it was the signal for wide-
most of the nations of Europe, besides spread interest and as it offered a panacea
eminent Inen and women. The late Arch- for the social, religious, national and political
bishop Sderhlom presiding called to mind ills which have beset mankind, it made a
the sacrifice of those early Crusaders in strong appeal to leaders of peace move-
promoting a new Faith-his theme taken ments. T o eager inquirers Mrs. Erickson
from the twenty-fourth Psalm: "Lift up lost no time in declaring the Principles of
your head, O ye gates and be ye lifted up Bahi'u'llih to he the creative source for the
ye everlasting doors; and the King of Glory solution and healing of these problems. She
shall come in. . . . Who is this King of spoke of this new Faith as "a religion not
Glory! The Lord of Hosts, He is the King new but revitalized and freed from dogmas
of Glory!" and rituals. To leaders of Peace organiza-
Undoubtedly the mission of Emmanuel tions Mrs. Ericltson said simply, "Peace can-
Swedenborg was greater than his most de- not he accomplished with a plan. You must
voted adherents imagined, for he was indeed have principles. 'Abdu'l-Bah6 said that
an announcer of the approach of that cycle Peace will come-it is the spirit of the age!"
of reality envisioned by poets in all ages "Today," 'Abdu'l-Bah6 said, "there is no
and promised by Celestial Messengers in suc- greater glory for man than that of service
ceeding cycles, the Era of Universal Peace in the Cause of the Most Great Peace. The
and Enlightenment, initiated by the Bib in powers of the earth cannot withstand the
1844, brought into the full range of its privileges and bestowals which God has
magnificence and power by Bahi'u'll611, ordained for this great and glorious century.
1863-1892, and carried by His Son, 'Abdu'l- I t is a need and exigency of the time. Man
Bah6 in person to the Western continents. can withstand anything except that which
Throughout his arduous career, the late is divinely intended and indicated for the
Archbishop Soderblom devoted his far- age and its requirements. . . . At present
reaching infl~tence to the propagation of Universal Peace is a matter of great im-
spirituvl and humanitarian idcals. Hc in- portancc, but unity of conscicncc is essential
vestigated and endorsed the Bahi'i teach- so that the foundations of this matter may
ings, finding in them the fulfillment of his become secure."
loftiest aspirations. In his later years he Mrs. Ericlrson found that distinguished
worked to establish those principles. His public servant of Sweden, Carl Lindhagen,
efforts have borne fruit. In her recent a strong advocate of peace. In a remark-
travels throughout Northern Europe, the in- able interview granted her by the former
ternational Bahi'i teacher, Mrs. Louise Mayor of Stockholm, Mrs. Erickson received
Erickson, was impressed with a new spirit inestimable support. "When he conceded
permeating her native land, Sweden. the interview," she said, "he invited me to
"Wherever I spoke, wherever I met thinking come and see his home. 'Come out to my
people," she said, "I felt the presellce of a house,' he said, 'I want you to see my home.'
new spirit. Frequently I heard the remark "The house is built on a high rock.
"Our beloved Archbishop Soderbloln was an Viewed as one approaches from below it
ardent advocate of those very principles appears like a great white swan resting
which you are disseminating." And Mrs. against the rock. Mr. Lindhagen met me
Erickson added, "The cultured people of at the door and invited me to the veranda to
Sweden are putting into practice the meet Mrs. Lindhagen and there to view the
Principles revealed by Bahi'u'llih, although scenery. From the veranda the panorama
unaware of their source. The movements is mountains, valleys and water. You gaze
for peace in Sweden are strong." out over Lake MiIir, the most historic spot
GLIMPSES OF SWEDEN 701

in Swrden. It completely surrounds the Era.' He requested me to autograph it and
little town of Mariefred, on a tiny island, seating me at his own desk he said, "Write
and there is Gripsholm Castle built by the my name and yours under it. On my vaca-
great King Gustav Vasa. tion I shall study it."
"Mr. Lindhagen intended that this should "This instructive and refreshing inter-
he an inspiration to me. I t was. The home view-which seemed to pass so quickly-
and the environment were to me the key to had consumed several hours and was the
the personality of my host. 'We are too busy means of my audience with the Crown
with humanitarian work and our writing,' Prince."
Mrs. Lindhagen told me, 'to enjoy onr "Bend your minds and wills," BahB'u'llih
home.' admonished over sixty years ago, "to the
"In the library we had coffee and smor- education of the peoples and kindreds of the
hrod-coffee is the rare treat in Sweden- earth, that haply the dissensions that divide
and the conversation settled on the para- it may, through the power of the Most
mount question-Peace. I outlined the Great Name, be blotted out from its face
principles of Bahi'u'llih, dwelling especially and all mankind become the upholders of
on the oneness of mankind, the abolition of one Order, and the inhabitants of one
all prejudices, harmony between science and City. . . . Ye dwell in one world and have
religion, the equality of privileges for men been created through the operation of one
and women, universal education and a uni- Will."
versal language. My host listened atten- I n a beautiful home an hopr's ride out-
tively and answered, 'I have always thought side of Stockholm, Mrs. Erickson found
along these lines. But if they build on the Harald Thilander, blind Esperantist and
principle of a Universal Lauguage that publisher of Braille books. This remarkable
alone will establish Pence. I t is a medium man has translated into Esperanto and pub-
for universal understanding. I believe in lished in Braille a considerable number of
the Principle, that is why I work for it.' " Bahl'i pamphlets.
Esperanto is becoining increasingly popular Nowadays the ancient democratic spirit
in Sweden. of Sweden is embodied in His Royal High-
"Yon must speak Esperanto very well," ness, Gustav Adolph, the beloved Crown
I ventured, recalling public addresses made Prince. "The Crown Prince," Mrs. Erickson
by Mr. Lindhagen in Stoclcholm at the related, "is required to participate in social
Esperanto Convention in 1934, and at activities ranging anywhcrc from thc dcdi-
Danzig, where he had planted a tree at a cation of universities, public parks, museums
public ceremony given by the Esperantists and schools to cattle conventions. He in-
there. Gathering from all corners of the stils new ideas and practical methods as well
globe, representatives of this organization as the pattern of noble ideals and beauty.
brought with them the soil in which the I believe he is surely one of the busiest men
tree was planted. in all the world. To have met him person-
"No," he answered, "I studied that speech ally is an experience I shall cherish always.
in Esperanto especially for the Convention." That meeting opened every single door and
"Have you seen the Crown Prince?" he was the greatest means for the spreading of
asked. the universal teachings of Bahi'u'llib."
"No," I told him, "I have no acquaint- "In Copenhagen, I telephoned Mrs. Ruth
ance who can open the way to an audiet~ce." Bryan Owen, American Ambassador to Den-
He arose, excused himself with exquisite mark. I had met her distinguished father,
courtesy and left the room. "I have talked William Jennings Bryan, after his pilgrimage
with the Crown Prince on the telephone," to 'AkkL while 'Ahdu'l-Bahi was still in
he announced when he came back, "and he prison there. She arranged for me an op-
will receive you next Tuesday at ten in the portunity to present His Majesty, King of
morning." Denmark, with a copy of 'Bahi'u'llih and
"It was my wish to leave with Mr. Lind- the New Era' in Danish."
hagen a copy of 'Bah6'u'llhh and the New Up from the age of the Vikings, to
706 T H E BAHd'f WORLD
Ar~s~ariua and Birgitta, through the Me- maelstrom of conflicting and unpredictable
dieval Ages to the Reformation and Sweden- events in which the nations of Europe are
borg-destined as the herald of the approach becoming more and more submerged. Is it
of the Promised Age-the influence per- not possible that Sweden, reinforced with
petuating the onward march of Sweden has new spiritual v a l u e s t h e dynamic principles
been, without doubt, superbly spiritual. and teachings of Bah&'u'llih-will not be
This preparation, combined with a natural caught in the disintegrating forces of war
religious yearning, is indeed significant of a and aggression; will keep aloof and stand
spiritual destiny. That spirit it must have ready to lead the way out of the per-
been that sustained her and stayed precipita- plexities and chaos of that old world
tion into the World War and in the present order?

Bah6'i Pioneers of irln.
RUSSIA'S C U L T U R A L C O N T R I B U T I O N
T O THE B A H A I F A I T H

M Rs. ISABEL GRINEvsKAYA, a RUS-
sian poet in Leningrad, gave a great impetus
that He saw the narrative.) When H e held
the manuscript of the drama "Bahi'u'116h"
to the Bahi'i Movement and to world art in His hands, H e blessed it and prophesied
in her three celebrated writings, the two t o the author that these two dramas would
dramas, "Bib" and "Bahi'u'llih," and a he played in Tihrin!
narrative called "A Journey in the Countries The drama "Bib" was published in May,
of the Sun." The last named is an account 1903, and was played in one of the principal
of her visit to 'Abdu'l-Bahi 111 191 1 when theatres in St. Petersburg in January, 1904.
H e was in Ramleh, Egypt. While the last I t was this drama that first brought to
is in prose it has verses introduced so that Count Leo Tolstoy a knowledge of the
we might allnost say that the three form a Bahi'i teachings. He read the book and at
trilogy in poetic form presenting the new once wrote t o Mrs. Grinevskaya his apprecia-
universal religion of the oneness of mankind tion of her great drama and his sympathy
proclaimed by those three heavenly person- with the Bah6'i Movement; the letter was
ages, the Bib the Forerunner, Bahht'll6h printed in the Russian press and the poet has
the Revealer of the Word and 'Abdu'l-Bahh his letter in her possession now.
the Center of the Covenant of the Baha'i
I have before me as I write a clipping
Faith.
from the "Herold" of January, 1904: "The
From the point of view of art the dramas
play Bib appeared in May of last year, 1903,
rank high. Russian critics affirm that these
the most inconvenient time for the appear-
works have proclaimed their author a poet
ance of a book. Nevertheless the pens of
of the first order. One of her countrymen,
the critics began to move in the journals and
Mr. Wesselitzky, President of the Foreign
magazines in order to compose hymn-songs
Press Association of London, said that he
of praise t o the author. Moreover an en-
read the drama "B6b" on a railway train
lightened Persian society sent her an inspired
when he was returning to England from
letter of thanks; and above all, Mrs. Isabel
Russia in August, 1901. His own words
Grinevsky had the spiritual satisfaction that
were: "I was at once attracted by the rare
among those who eulogized her drama was
combination of philosophical thought with
the lion of contemporary Russian literature,
a great power of expression, beauty, imagery,
Leo Tolstoy. The impression was such that
and harmony of verse. I keenly felt the de-
it made us think that amidst the statists rep-
light of reading a new, great poem and dis-
resenting the Persian throngs were real
covering a new first-rate poet. I should
Persians; it seemed as if the scene exhaled the
have felt so on broad, general grounds from
perfume of the roses of &iriz!"
whatever country the poet came! How-
Mr. Wesselitsky, whom I mentioned
ever, my joy was intensified by the fact that
earlier in this story, gave a lecture in London
the poem had been written in my own lan-
in 1907 about this drama and his speech was
guage and that the author was a conntry-
afterwards published in pamphlets in
woman of mine."
English and French.'
- I quote two para-
This article purports to give a little his-
tory of these works, for 'Abdu'l-Bah6 Him- IPamphlets in French and English, London, 1907,
a t the Press of "Chronide," 2 9 Besborough Srreer,
self praised these dramas. (I do not know London, S. W.
708 T H E BAHA'I WORLD

gaphs: "Amidst thc sorrows of disastrous thc Russian Revolution. Pcoplc came cvcn
war and those dreadful inner troubles, that from Moscow and Turkistin to see it.
book 'Bib' was my only happy impression, Diplomats from foreign countries were in
and it remains since a permanent source of the audience; the ambassador from China
joy and comfort as a manifest proof of the was one. A second edition of the drama
vitality of Russia and its creative genius. had been published in 1916, and these books
"The romantic side of this drama, too, is were sold at the entrance of the theater;
quite original. The plot is not based on many spectators sat with the open books in
adultery as in French drama and not on their hands during this performance. I t is
seduction as in 'Faust,' but on renouncement a long drama in five acts, equal in the num-
and self-sacrifice. The romantic side of the ber of verses to "Don Carlos" of Schiller
Bib is closely allied with the metaphysical- and "Cromwell" of Victor Hugo.
ethical side. The drama has so ~ n n c hof the When I wrote asking Mrs. Grinevskaya
latter that every act may seem t o be a about these dramas she sent me several
sermon and the drama itself a suite of letters. I should state that she has written
sermons. Yet all that preaching is relieved many works along different lines of thought
by genuine enthusiasm, eloquence of the and lectured on many subjects in Russia,
heart and real passion. The conflict in the and had often spoken in conferences on these
soul of the hero is not between passion and two dramas, "Bib" and "Bahi'u'llih." She
reason, but between two passions-human was a member of the former Philosophic
love and love d i v i n e t h e latter being Society of the University, an active member
stronger and more ardent than the former. of the former Oriental Society, and is a
I t is that man~festationof the power of the member of the present Bibliological Society
higher aims in the heart of man which is and several literary societies and unions. She
the chief feature of this book and the secret said that before she wrote her poem "Bib,"
of its irresistible charm." the Russian public generally had not heard
Celebrating the decade of the first per- much about the Bahi'i Movement. She
formance of "Bib" in January, 1914, Mrs. herself knew about it only $;om reading.
Grinevskaya gave a great conference on the The critics thought she had traveled much
drama in one of the most beautiful concert in frin, she was so well informed about the
halls of Leningrad. The "St. Petersburg life there, but as a matter of fact she had
Infor~nationsPaper" gives the event a long not been in frin. She had heard that some
review praising the author and her reading Bahi'i believeri from f r i n had been driven
of selections from the poem and her address. out of their land into Turkey and India,
One paragraph particularly I remember: "As and that some had come t o Turkistin and
a characteristic of the frame of mind of were residing in the cities of Ti&kand,
the poetess during the creation of her poem, 'Ishqibdd and Mary and in the city of Bdku
the following words of her own may serve in the Caucasus.
as an illustration: 'A well known professor "Still, I thought," she says, "these be-
told me that the name of my poem, "Bib" lievers in the Bib now called Bahi'is had
does not sound well t o the ears of Russians. mingled with other nations, and perhaps had
I answered that the names of the people who ceased t o exist as a religious entity. The
preached the ideals of love, paying for those description of Professor Edward G. Browne
ideals with their lives, must sound well to seemed t o me a fairy tale. How astonished
all those who have ears to hear. All noble I was when, after my drama 'Bib' made
ideals are so few in these days that it would its appearance in 1903, I received one day
be worth while to renew the performance a letter with the following address: 'To the
of "Bib" in order to awaken the remem- Author of the book "Bib," Mrs. Isabel
brance of these ideals. We, the people of Grinevskaya in St. Petersburg.' Neither
the West, rise too late, we do not know the street nor number of the house was marked,
East where the sun shines!' " yet thanks t o thc carcful postal authorities,
The play was presented again in the Folk that letter, though unregistered, reached me
Theater in Leningrad in April, 1917, after safely."
RUSSIA'S CONTRIBUTION T O B A H A ' ~F A I T H 709

Both the handwriting 2nd signature point them out? I t was like a star falling
proved unknown but she relates: "That from heaven at my feet! As if I had found
letter was from 'Ali-Akbar Mamedkanly a precious stone where I had not expected
from B6ku who wrote that he was a be- t o find one."
Liever in the Bib, that he had read in the The book was mailed to him at once and

Isabel Grinevskaya
News of Biku about my poem, the account she explained t o that Bahi'i that she had
of which had interested him greatly and that had t o deviate just a little from a few of
he would like t o get the book. He asked the historical facts for the sake of a dra-
that if he found any mistakes against the matic whole. She added: "I wrote for a
Teachings of the Bib, could he perhaps public all unprepared t o hear moral, religious
710 T H E BAI-Iil'i WORLD
and philosophical idea* from the stage; it nated by the poem BdL like a youth though
was accustomed to lighter plays, not a theme I am not a youth in years. I have passed
about God, of religion, especially about the two faculties of the university and have in
conception of a new religion or rather, 1 my library all the available works which
would say religion renewed!" appear in the literature of the world.' "
The Bahb'i from Biliu politely replied to "He counselled me," Mrs. Grinevsky says,
Mrs. Grinevskaya's letter as follows: "The "to compose a tragedy about the life of
impression which I received in reading your Bahl'u'llbh. I myself had thought of it but
drama was such that I could not see any had been so occupied I had never attempted
mistalies of any kind, even though I read ~ t now
; I determined t o undertake this big
it many times. We read it in the Bahl'i work. I always remember with gratitude
Assembly (meeting) and the believers send the memory of this Russian gentleman who
you sincerest thanks. They feel sure that was not a Bahh'i but a man of great heart.
the literary world will soon unite in a H e passed on before my work was published,
general solemnizing of your creative and I never met him. His name was Nicolas
powers." Zazuline; he, as I knew, was president of
She said that he also wrote beautifully the nobility in Kishinef and the author of
about the Bah6'i life in Caucasus, stating several philosophical treatises."
among other points: "We live here cherish- She continues: "When my work was
ing the tenets for which our grandfathers, finished and notices about it appeared in
fathers and brothers shed their blood main- the press, a number of people who had
taining the chief principles: pardon, patlence assisted at the representations of my poem
and love to mankind." Mrs. Grioevskaya 'Bib,' and had heard my confereuces about
said that these letters were written in Rus- that poem which I gave many times, asked
sian and showed that the Bahh'is were very me t o prepare a lecture about my new
enlightened in literature and science. She composition. The first address about it was
also added: "It was such a joy t o me to find given in our summer capital Siestroretzk
that there are in the world people so con- and afterwards I also lectured in the capital
genial t o me in feeling and in vision. I itself at the Society of Oratorical Arts'
loved with my soul those spiritual people Hall, in the year 1910."
who, just like the people in my drama, were Mrs. Grinevslcaya explained that when her
holding those principles of pardon, patience Bahi'i correspondent of Biliu, Mirzb 'Ali
and love to all mankind, holding them not Akbar Mameaanly, read in the newspapers
as a dead dogma but as a living truth!" that the work was finished (he had known
from her that it was being written), he
Now I shall speak of the tragedy-poem asked to have a copy sent t o him. She
"Bahl'u'llbh." Mrs. Grinevskaya wrote me mailed to him several excerpts from the
how she received the inspiration to write it. poem. A few weeks later she was amazed
She said: "Among the many letters which to receive a telegram from him saying:
I received from unknown people, all writing " 'Ahdu'l-Bahl permits us to visit Him in
me about my play, 'Bib,' was one from a Egypt." 'Abdu'l-Bah6 was at that time
gentleman who to my astonishment had a making a short stay in Egypt.
profound knowledge not only of the Bib She writes in her letter to me: "That had
but also of Bahi'u'lllh. Like the Bib, until been my secret, my innermost desire, to see
1903, Bahi'u'llih was generally unknown with my own eyes those people whom I had
even among the cultured classes, professors described, who, as my correspondent said,
sometimes asking me who my hero was. 'love all mankind.' I had thought it ab-
Even one (Czarist) politician had once solutely impossible, and yet, unexpectedly,
asked me, 'What is Bahh'u'llih?' N o t who, wonderfully, i t had come t o pass that I
mind you, but what! So I was all the more could go to see even the greatest of those
impressed t o hear from my Russian pro- people! I started from Russia with my
vincial correspondent the name of Bahi- manuscript of the poem 'Bah&'u'llbh' in
'u'llhh. H e said in his note: 'I was fasci- December, 1910, my aim being to see the
RUSSIA'S CONTRIBUTIO N TO BAHA'I FAITH 711

surroundings of my dreamf, nf my fancy, of God-such is the title of the new tragedy
about which my .former respectful corre- with which Mrs. Isabel Grinevskaya has en-
spondent and present fellow-traveler in that riched Russian dramatic literature. We
journey to Egypt had spoken-to see must praise without restriction a work
'Abdu'l-Bahi!" whose high, dramatic significance is com-
bined with admirable form. The author of
Seven years had passed between the ap- the drama 'Bib,' that work of such strong
pearance of the drama "Bib" and the con- thought, has never attained such a powerful
cluding of the tragedy "Bahi'u'IIih" fol- conception as this poem.
lowed by this memorable journey. Mrs. "The mind of the reader, attracted by a
Grinevskaya spent two weeks in Ramleh, rhythm of an unspeakably harmonious
Egypt, as the guest of 'Abdu'l-Bahi. After poetry, rises imperceptibly to summits where
she returned to Russia she had several letters the most grave problems are discussed,
or Tablets from Him. In one of these He problems over which thoughtful humanity
speaks of an article which He had just re- bends with fear and despair, helpless to solve
ceived about her poem "BahB'u'llih." them. The characters are analyzed with
From the Tablet (or letter) addressed to great psychological insight.
Madame Grinevskaya and signed by 'Abdu'l- "BahB'u'Ilih, the central figure, is de-
Bahi, I quote: picted with the clearness and power of an
"The article which was published in the antique high-relief. The complexity of that
Saint Petershurg Journal about thy recent elect-nature is presented with the authority
book (Bahi'u'llih) was in the utmost elo- and truth of the great masters of the
quence and fluency. I t was an indication classical theater. What a lofty lesson, what
of thy praiseworthy services. The publica- eloquence sursum cord2 in that life of pure
tion of such articles is very useful. They bounty, of selflessness in that wide desire
are conducive to the promotion of the divine to spread peace!
Call. Praise be to God that thou art assisted "How not to he moved, fascinated by the
in the service of the world of humanity nobility of this Apostolic character?
and art spreading the sumlnons of the "As in the 'Bib,' the events touch the
Kingdom of God. Day and night thou great religious nloveinent which roused the
must praise God that thou art assisted to country of Persia in the middle of the last
such a great service. Rest thou century. The historical part is exact. Mrs.
assured that that which is the utmost desire" Grinevskaya did not limit herself to the
of thy heart shall come to pass concerning studies of documents, the great quantity of
this matter. which we can hardly imagine; she knows the
"This seed which thou has sowed shall country very well. Her knowledge gives to
grow. If the meaus are not available at the characters an intensive life and a warm
present, unquestionably they will become coloring.
realized. I pray in thy behalf that thou "The origin of a faith analyzed with the
mayest beconle confirmed in the unin- help of true science is carried forward with
terrupted service of the Kingdom of great art beginning with the first thought
God." which moves the heart of the Apostle, who
The article which 'Abdu'l-Bahi mentions loves lnanlrind as He loves His family and
in His Tablet had been published in the His own country.
French newspaper "Journal de Saint-Peters- "The author gives a vision, a revelation
bourg" January, 1912. The headline was of all that is hidden of moving, precious
"Bahi'u'llih." I quote paragraphs from depths in that supreme struggle. The liber-
this review: "Bahi'u'llih means the Glory ating pain, the majesty of effort, the active
bounty-all these elements of that struggle
'In a footnore Mrs. Grinevrkryr adds that her
urmosr deiire which she had expressed in Ratnleh remain ordinarily unattainable for the crowd
had been char ller poems might be iranrlated into which cannot fathom under their austere
European hngungcs. The poem " B W hag been dogmas, one of the beautiful forms of
translrred into Gcr1n.n m d French, bur the poem
"Bahh'u'llih is still unrranslatcd. human unity.

~ -- -- ----- -- - --
712 THE BAHA'i WORLD

"The love, the deep necessity which lives she came again t o Leningrad she immediately
in each human heart passes throughout the began the of the drama "Bahi-
tragedy as an undercurrent, the fountain- 'u'llih" so that it was not until 1914 that
head of which, never drying, remains hidden she completed the manuscript of "A Journey
to the exterior world. to the Countries of the Sun." I t is interest-
"That beautiful and bold worls points a ing to note that when she completed it,
return to the school of majesty and aesthetic three frinians, Assad-Ullah Namdor of Mos-
morality, the aspiration to the eternal truth, cow, 'Ali Akbar Kamalof of T l h k a n d and
which are the indelible character of perma- an old frinian Baha'i friend whom she had
nent works. We foretell for this book a met at Port Said, came t o call upon her and
most merited success. Humanity, be it to she read to them many parts from the
its credit, is tired of the histories of the "Journey," the central figure of which is
impure which spoil the taste and soil the 'Abdu'l-Bahi. This book of 510 pages
mind. I t cannot bur receive with enthusia- has not yet been published because at this
asm a work of which the most civilized time the world war commenced; neither
countries of Europe will be proud." has it yet been translated into other lan-
guages.
Mrs. Grinevskaya, returning from Ramleh May this great Russian poet, Mrs. Isabel
in January, 1911, gave interviews to the Grinevskaya, who has made such a cultural
press at Odessa, the Russian port of the contribution to literature and to the Bahi'i
Blaclt Sea, and as soon as she reached home Movement some day see all her works trans-
she began her book, "A Journey to the lated into European languages! The Eng-
Countries of the Sun," which is an account lish reading world eagerly awaits them, I
of her visit to 'Abdu'l-Bahi. This was in- know, for many inquiries come from the
terrupted because in the summer of 1912 United States asking where it is possible to
she was called to Paris by the French trans- get these books in Russian, in French, or in
lator of "Bib," Madame Halperin. When German!
I N C I D E N T FROM
THE NETHERLANDS
BY LOUISEDRAKEWRIGHT
T H E broad sympathetic outlook, brilliant pressing those aspects of the Cause that had
mentality and executive capacities of particularly attracted her interest, and sent
Madam W. Wijnaendts Francken-Dyserinck it to the publishers, Nijgh and Von Ditmar,
of The Hague, the Netherlands, entitle her who later brought it out in one of their
to he known as one of Europe's leading illustrated magazines, "Wereldkroniek,"
figures in the Woman's Movement and vari- with of 'Ahdu'l-BahQ together
ous national and international affairs. with the Temples at Wilmette and 'Is_hqi-
She is a member of the International hid, Turkistin. At the request of Mrs.
Council of Women, established in 1888, and Stuart W. French of California, this article,
for years has lectured, written and freely which is given below, has been translated
spent her energies in helping to forward into English.
the progressive ideals for which her country Notwithstanding her many public and
is noted. private engagements, throughout the time I
She is a skilful organizer, and established remained at The Hague, Madam Wijnaendts
throughout her native land the Girl Scout Francken, with thoughtful generosity,
Movement, as well as the Soroptomist Club helped in many ways to make known a
for business women, similar to the men's Faith that had been the means of inspiring
Rotary Club. so exalted an example of heroic sacrifice
In the summer of 1933, during the unto death for the upliftment of woman-
Century o f Progress Exhibition in Chicago, hood, as that of the famous disciple of the
she represented her country at the Inter- Bib and Bah6'u'llih, Qurratu'l-'Ayn, and
national Woman's Congress asselnbled there, she hopes to write for the Dutch people a
and spoke to vast audiences. history of that alorious life.
At the request of Shoghi Effendi, the next
winter I returned to thc Netherlands for WHAT DOESB A H MEAN? ~ ~
the third time and endeavored again to make Shining temples, the symbol of world
known Bahl'u'llih's priceless gifts to man- unity for the coming years. The light from
kind. frin.
Soon after my arrival at The Hague, Following the adjournment of the Inter-
Madam Wijnaendts Francken kindly asked national Women's Congress in Chicago, in
me to diile with her and the evening was 1933, many of the foreign and American
largely spent in answering questions as to members were guests at a garden tea-party.
the history of the Founders of the Cause, In spite of the economic depression of that
its principles, and present-day, world-wide summer, American hospitality was, I think,
activities under Shoghi Effendi's great ad- practically the same as that I had experi-
ministrative power. Her quick, enthusiastic enced in 1925 and '26. I t is a regrettable
response to the immense scope and peace- fact that our programs of work and enter-
bringing character of the Faith was indeed tainment left us little time for ourselves.
refreshing, and she asked, "What can I do When preparations were being made for
to help make known this Movement?" the conference, while motoring we saw a
Not long afterwards it was encouraging beautiful building in Wilmette, a suburb of
to learn that she had written an article ex- Chicago. This structure, situated on the
714 THE BAHA'i WORLD

shores o l he jus~l?farnous Lake Michigan, universality and rile principl~aand ~ e a c l i ~ ~ g s
dominates the surrounding scene and many of its two leading irlnian prophets consti-
of the European and other guests would tute a basis for world unity.
hare enjoyed prolonging their inspection of Even as Jesus was preceded by John the
the building. Baptist, so Bahh'dlllh was receded by one
Although our view of it was one of short who called himself the Blb, meaning the
duration, for days afterward it called forth door.
much comment. Seen amidst the lighting The unity which the Bah6'is seek to es-
effectswhich Americans have been for years tablish will, when put into operation, lead
so skilful in producing, and in which the humanity to world peace.
Century of Progress exhibition excelled all I t is a remarkable fact that sixty years
previous displays, one can picture (with the ago Bahh'u'llhh, the prophet of frln, wrote
aid of the accompanying photograph ' of to Queen Victoria stressing the necessity of
the temple) the overwhelming impression establishing a bond of unity among all
this brilliantly illuminated, nine-sided peoples. A copy of this letter is preserved
temple made during the night. Those flying in the British Museum. I t was sent from
over it looked down upon the beauty of a the prison of 'Akki, in Palestine, where
nine pointed star shining far below them. Bahh'u'I16h, with his family, spent many of
The number Nine contains all other num- their forty years' imprisonment. His son
bers and symbolizes unity. 'Abdu'l-Bah6 was his father's constant at-
One of the guests knew the name of this tendant until Bahh'u'llhh died in 1892.
temple, Ma&riqu'l-Aekhr; another, was When, about thirty years later, the son also
su5ciently acquainted with the Bahb'i passed from the world, 10,000 men and
Movement to know that although the women of many races and classes, followed
Temple was not yet finished, meetings were the bier from Haifa, his dwelling place, part
held there by the followers of a prophet of way up Mount Carmel where be was in-
frhn, Bahl'u'lllh, who lived in the previous terred, near the last resting place of the Blb.
century. A third person knew that one of The frinian prophet proclaimed the
the tenets of their teaching was the absolute necessity of a world latlguage. A t a time
equality of the sexes. when the organized woman's movement had
This information was, naturally, sufficient not yet begun to function, he taught that
to arouse our interest, and it was rather mankind has two wings, one, the man, and
extraordinary that in the hegil>ning of the the other, the woman. Both wings of a bird
next winter a follower of Bah&'u'lllh, Miss must he equally well developed before it can
Louise Drake Wright, from Boston, the fly. If one wing remains weak flight is Im-
United States, came to the Netherlands and possible. Not until women are placed on an
that she was willing to grant an interview. equal footing with men in respect to oppor-
We were much impressed by her reserve, and tunities and powers of accomplishment can
the absence of any attempt on her part to success and welfare develop unhampered as
impose her own convictions. She was in the they should.
Netherlands in accordance with the express One of the outstanding doctrines of
wish of the Guardian of the Cause, Shoghi Bah6'u'lIlh was free sharing of one's posses-
Effendi, who residcs in Haifa, Palestine, sions with others. This seems even more
where his grandfather, 'Abdu'l-Bahh, had important than the equality of the sexes, but
lived. If the Bahh'i Movement is to awaken he says this cannot be attained by means of
more than an intellectual curiosity in the any coercive measure.
Netherlands, a person like Miss Drake These teachings also found expression in
Wright, quiet and reserved in manner, a letter written by 'Ahdu'l-Bahi to the
would have to represent it. Central Organization for Permanent Peace
To call the Bahb'i Movement sectarian is at The Hague. The executive committee,
a mistake. The Temple itself represents to whom the letter was addressed, had upon
~ i " s r r l t i o n sf, the Templein its international list two Dutch names, One
of the book.-~ditar. at the beginning and the other at the end-
A B A H A ' ~INCIDENT FROM THE N E T H E R L A N D S 711

H. C . Dresselhiiys, the chairman, and B. de Bah6'i reckoning of time begins with the
Jong, the secretary. revelation of the Bib, 1844, and we must
I t is interesting to note that the Bib, not forget to relate that six years later he
who was much ahead of his time, proposed died a martyr's death.
the adoption of a uniform calendar for the The fact that Bahi'u'116h proposed the
whole world. The year was to be divided establishment of an International Court of
into 19 months having 19 days each, leaving Arbitration is of greater interest t o us. And
extra days as holidays, between February when his son, 'Abdu'l-Bahd, whom Bahb-
>
21th and March 2nd. This can be com- 3
u 116h named as his successor, was lecturing
pared to an attempt made later amongst in Paris in 1913, he proclaimed the necessity
Western peoples who sought to change the of a world Tribunal for the guidance of all
calendar for the sake of greater efficiency. peoples, which was to consist of members
The Bib also proposed new names for the chosen from each land and government.
months: Splendor, Glory, Beauty, Grandeur, All grievances of an international character
Light, Mercy, Words, Names, Perfection, were to be submitted to it, and all causes of
Might, Will, Knowledge, Power, Speech, war were to be settled by arbitration, thus
Questions, Honor, Sovereignty, Dominion, prohibiting war. Upon the eve of the out-
Loftiness. One doubts if such names will break of the world war in 1914, 'Abdu'l-
ever find acceptance. Bah6 was making powerful efforts to bring
I t strikes us as a little strange that the about international disarn~ament.
M R . HARALD T H I L A N D E R A N D
HIS P U B L I C A T I O N S FOR T H E
BLIND I N SWEDEN

D U R I N G our recent brief sojourn in subscribers to his various magazines and a
Stockholm, made interesting and valuable large quantity to Dr. Echner in Praha.
through an unexpected and delightful meet-
ing with Miss Martha Root, Bah6'i lecturer Besides being an accomplished linguist
and teacher, we were able, with her assist- Mr. Thilander is the owner and editor of a
ance, to have an interview with one of number of periodicals. An enumeration of
Sweden's outstanding literary geniuses. Be- these will give an idea of the large amount
cause of certain efforts in behalf of the of work which Mr. Thilander accomplishes.
blind, Miss Root knew that we would have This he does through the aid of a man who
much in common with Mr. and Mrs. Harald reads to him, and an office force consisting
Thilander, and accordingly at an appointed of two blind men and one who sees.
hour, these delightful people came to the One of the Swedish publications has a
Grand Hotel in Stockholm to call on us. circulation of nine hundred fifty. Its title
If we mention here the physical handicaps translated into English is "The Weelcly Re-
under which Mr. Thilander is working it is view for the Blind." Mr. Thilander chooses
because of his amazing accomplishments and and edits all the material which is printed
his beautiful spirit that we venture to do in this weeldy. In this connection he was
so. Totally blind, and seriously crippled in deeply interested in the fact that Miss Helen
both arms he must also depend upon an Iceller had read of the Bah6'i Cause and had
apparatus to convey to him the sound of his received and graciously acknowledged some
wife's voice, for it was through the medium Baha'i books in Braille.
of a conversation in Esperanto with Mrs. His most important publication in Swed-
Thilander that our messages were conveyed ish Braille is "Gefrata Rondo," a religious
to him. Mrs. Thilander herself is nearly paper which is founded on liberal ideas and
sightless, and since she was unacquainted expresses the liberal church. This has a
with the English language we found Es- subscription list of five hundred sixty-five.
peranto our best vehicle, although Mr. A quarterly Esperanto magazine is called
Thilander being master of six languages "Lumo Sur Lavojo." The "Esperanto
modestly replied to us in English. Ligilo" has one thousand readers. Then
there is the "Radio Journal," a Swedish
Our interview naturally turned upon the weekly for the blind. The "Northland
subject of the Bahi'i Faith of which Mr. Musical Gazette," printed in Norwegian,
Thilander had first learned through a small Swedish and Danish has a monthly cir-
booklet which he had received from Miss culation of one hundred fifty. Mr.
Root some time before. So attracted was Thilander also publishes three foreign maga-
he to the spirit and principles of the Faith zines, one Spanish, one Irish and one
because as he puts it, "It is the religion of Bulgarian.
life, built upon deeds-not merely words," Besides the above and "Lumo" which
that he translated the booklet into Esperanto appears semi-annually, there is a "Woman's
Braille, and sent a copy of it to each of the Magazine" published in Swedish Braille in
7 16
MR. HARALD THiLANDER AND HIS PUBLICATIONS 717
which Mrs. Thilander also assists. This has give to his readers, and it was then that our
a monthly circulation of three hundred and modest efforts in Braille transcription seemed
fifty copies. to receive the divine confirmation, and how
joyously we promised that the new National
The accompanying photograph can give Bahl'i Committee for Braille Transcription
but a meagre impressiou of these two re- would send him as soon as possible some

Mr. and Mrs. Thilander.

markable people, the charm of their sincere products of their devoted labors for the
interest and the light in their faces which spread of the Bahl'i Messagethe Message
is expressive of that great inner Light which of the New Day. We told him, too, that
they so beautifully reflect. this interview would be printed in our
"Bah6'i Magazine," and with a radiant smile
At the close of this impressive interview be replied: "Don't say anything about me,
Mr. Thilander asked if he might hope to the person means nothing, it is only the
have something more on the Bahi'i Faith to work which matters."
Plan of the Ha~iratu'l-Qudsof Tihrin, frln.
T H E M O D E R N MIRACLES
OF PALESTINE

A M O N G the "Hidden Words" which heights of Lebanon, 1200 feet above sea-
embody the sacred utterances of Bah6'u'llih level, to the Dead Sea, 1400 feet below
translated from the frinian we find these sea-level, its seasons are divided between six
words, "Be ye as great trees bearing broad months of dry heat and desert winds, and
leaves and fragrant fruits," which is a six months of moderate rain and sunshine
thought peculiarly appropriate to the sub- producing iine fruits and a semi-tropical
ject under discussion. For ours is an age of vegetation.
spiritual springtide in which we see the The tremendous drama of the struggle
miracle of many lands, being simultaneously between the Kings of Israel and the Prophets
reborn before our eyes. of God seems to have impregnated this small
Through evolution and revolution, the portion of earth with a deathless spiritual
whole earth is emerging from age-old in- magnetism that at intervals focuses its
ertias, from prejudices, and from fettering power, and acts definitely and dramatically
traditions into a verdant and vigorous as a lever for the uplift of humanity.
growth of expanded life, quickened mental- Following the early struggles of Israel,
ity, and new outlooks that may well be the Crusades continued the inspiring tradi-
compared to the annual miracle of spring. tions of the Holy Land, and then the Turks
Perhaps some of us take these wonders held it in thrall, for seven hundred years,
of life too much for granted, and because till in the World War General Lord Allenby
we live in the midst of them, we lose the made his historic entry into Jerusalem on
sense of their joy and wonder; others, sub- foot, and Palestine became n British Man-
ject them only to the critical analysis of date.
scientific phenomena, but to world-travelers Such, briefly, is the baclrground against
it is sometimes granted to pass beyond both which the modern miracles of this land are
these stages of perception and to become fulfilling the Bible prophecy that "Carmel
active partakers, as well as eye-witnesses, of and Sharon shall see the Glory of the Lord."
those silent mysteries of growth and fevers I n the year 1868 Bahi'u'llih with His
of spiritual unrest that always precede the family and a small band of disciples were
re-birth of lands and peoples. imprisoned for supposed sedition in the
worst criminal prison of Palestine in 'Akk6
Palestine, more intimately known as the which some chronicles call the "oldest city
Holy Land, is approximately only two on earth." Here he dwelt in close confine-
hundred miles long by one hundred and fifty ment with all its attendant hardships for
wide. I t has taken, and is still playing, several years, and then at the request of the
one of the most powerful and dramatic governor of the city, He was granted a
r6les in the great pageant of world recon- house at Bahji some miles distant, where,
struction. Within its small area it is subject though still under restrictions, He was al-
t o many climatic extremes which have had lowed to pass the remainder of His life,
their influence on its historic developments receiving the pilgrims that visited from all
and peoples. Bounded on the west by the lands, and writing those books of law and
Mediterranean, on the east by the desert of wisdom that are the basis of the New World
Transjordania, and stretching froin the cool Order, that it was His divine mission to
,'19
720 THE B A H A ' ~W O R L D

proclaim! These principles of unity are spiritual volcanos for within its rcstrictcd
painfully but surely becoming operative area Jews, Arabs and the British are trying
throughout the world, and Bahi'i literature to solve the problems of racial amity and
has already been translated into thirty differ- economic understandings.
ent tongues. Simultaneously with the conflagrations
Bahl'u'lllh ascended in November, 1892, that are burning away outworn prejudices,
leaving the promulgation of his work to other constructive forces have been building
His son 'Abdu'l-BahS, and so the first of the new foundations in Palestine, and the sta-
modern miracles of Palestine was achieved, tistics of these are bewildering in their
and the breeze of spiritual freedom began to magnitude.
rise, unobserved, save by the few. Among When He was charged with sedition,
this minority, however, were certain Turkish Bahi'u'llih replied, "We desire but the good
officials, who communicated to their govern- of the world and the happiness of the
ment that 'Abdu'l-BahS was employing his nations, that all nations should become one
comparative freedom and newly acquired In faith, and that diversity of religion
leadership and leisure in the construction should cease and differences of race be an-
of an imposing building on Mount Carmel, nulled. . . ."
which they inferred was destined to become Of all the lands that are inevitably ad-
a fort for operations against Turkey. vancing to the fulfillment of this hope,
In reality, this historic edifice, already Palestine is one of the most spectacular in its
prophesied in Scripture, and whose location promise and achievements, emerging as it
and plan had been selected by Bahl'u'lllh, has done in such a short space of time from
was to be a shrine for the mortal remains a primitive and pastoral community into an
of the Bib. Turkish intrigue, however, re- arena for some of the greatest engineering
fused to interpret its erection otherwise t h ~ n and cultural feats of our day.
in terms of its own suspicions, and so Before the 'JVorld War (1914) Palestine
'Abdu'l-Bahi was once more placed under had few railways or even motor roads; in
strict confinement till again, as by a miracle, fact in 1912, only two motors were regis-
he was freed in 1908, by the coup d'itat of tered and communication was largely de-
the young Turk's revolution! At the mo- pendant on caravan trails. Now, thousands
ment 'Abdu'l-Bahl actually lay under sen- of motor cars are registered, and up to date
tence of death by 'Abdu'l-Hamid, but had railways and air-ways abound.
been secretly offered the means of escape by The shining sea of Galilee surronnded by
an Italian ship that lay in the harbor of its golden sandstone cliffs, is an air and
'Akkl. He refused-saying that the Bib water port for giant planes that, flying at
and Babl'u'lllh had never turned their the rate of 120 miles an hour, make this
backs on danger nor would He. Under point their halt between Europe and Asia,
these unique and historic circumstances after achieving the flight between England
'Abdu'l-Bah6 inaugurated His personal mis- and Palestine in three days.
sion of teaching, and the third phase Till 1933, Haifa, situated on the historic
in the unfolding of the Bahl'i Revelation Bay of 'Akki, had only a port of natural
began. beauty, and ocean liners were obliged to
I t is important to note in thin connection dock some miles out. On October 3 1, 193 3,
that in Turkey, where women had been the British government threw open a port
most fettered, they now come close to lead- which has cost over a million pounds, a fact
ing the world in the rightful enjoyment of that marks a milestone in Haifa's history,
their freedom and privileges. giving the town a new international and
Another significant fact is that the industrial importance, and making it a link
Turkish Revolution was the first of those between the near and far East that has
rapidly succeeding upheavals, spiritual and extensive implications for economic de-
economic that have sincc disrupted nearly velopments.
every inhabited portion of the earth. One of the most important of these is
Palestine is still among these smouldering that Haifa has become the terminal of the
THE M O D E R N MIRACLES OF PALESTINE 721

giant pipc-linc which conducts oil for six in ten years, and that street
hundred twenty-seven miles across the lighting has become prevalent, owing t o the
desert, from Mosul in 'Iriq to be tapped at electrical develop~nent engineered from the
this point into barrels and distributed Jordan by the enterprise of a brilliant
around the world! I n its long wanderings, Russian Jew.
this oil pipe follows for a while the course America and England have also con-
of the Tigris and Euphrates, whose valley tributed slew and notable buildings t o the
legend connects with the Garden of Para- glory of Jerusalem, the former has erected
dise, and it also passes over the cavern a palatial Y.M.C.A. and museum buildings,
where Saul is supposed t o have consulted the the Iatter a new government house, and the
Witch of Endor. The obstacles overcome handsome St. David's Hotel.
in the difficult achievement of its construc- But in conclusion let us drift back to
tion present a fairy tale of science, and one Haifa, which in reality holds the lcey t o all
of the greatest engineering feats of this, or these bewildering activities, for here the
of any age! creative and holy dust of prophet and
Before the war the Dead Sea was still martyr mingle, and are enshrined in a ver-
the Dead Sea, but now owing t o the enter- dant and spell-binding beauty that chal-
prise of Scottish scientists and engineers lenges the world! Half way up on Mount
this vast sheet of water, five times as salty Carmel there is unfolded another miracle,
as any ocean, and lying 1400 feet below a nine-terraced garden which in r few years
sea level, has been made to produce potash has been landscaped from the rocky hillside
and bromine, the latter product being used into a modern Eden, where one is led
extensively in chemical prodncts and dye- through avenues of palm and cypress, and
stuffs. through flowering progressions of almond,
Co-operatively with this industrial ac- fig and pomegranate blooms, through reefs
tivity, picturesque building operations have of roses, stocks, and hyacinths, t o the silence
materialized so that the Dead Sea whose of a golden sandstone shrine. Simple, strong
borders were once the lone retreat of hawlr and majestic in outline this building has
and heron, is now a smiling summer resort two beautiful vaulted chambers. I n one of
for the city dwellers of Palestine, and its these reposes the remains of the Bib, he
blue waters are whitened by the foam of who in 1844 prophesied the coming of the
speed-boats. slew World Redeemer, Bah6'u'116h, ( 1 863 -
Domestic architecture of a new and inter- 1892) and in the other rests 'Abdu'l-Bahi,
esting character is manifesting in both pub- the son of Bahi'u'llih, who traveled and
lic and private buildings, notably in the expounded His Father's teachings through-
model Jewish colony of Tel-Aviv situated out Europe, America and Palestine in a
a few miles from Haifa. Here the Zionist mission that lasted from 1892 to 1921 when
Movement has shown itself well worthy of H e ascended, conferring the furtherance of
the 285,000 ars of land which it has ac- his worlr t o His grandson, Shoghi Effendi,
quired for socialization, and the Jew 113s and t o the body of Bah6'i believers through-
proved himself capable of being as good a out the world.
farmer as he is a business man. Among the countless services which
Thc fine international university, built on 'Abdu'l-Bah6's inspiration rendered to a dis-
the Mount of Olives outside Jerusalem, also illusioned world, the plan for this beautiful
carries on the tradition of Hebrew learning garden was one of the most merciful and
in an expanded spirit. From these three healing. Ships from all lands discharge their
outstanding projects accomplished within travelers at Haifa, and they stream through
seventeen years-I refer t o the development these shrine gardens.
of the Dead Sea, the construction of the I t is not t o be wondered at that this oasis
Port Haifa and the laying of the oil-pip+ of love and beauty inspires inquiry, and a
we can see that even materially Palestine is very serious consideration of the great lives
a land of modern miracles. Statistics show that it commemorates, lives that looked so
that her main towns have doubled their far into the future and that built such a
722 T H E BAHA'I WORLD
symbol of resurrection and joy into the of all creeds and colors in the spirit of the
present. new day, and it distinguishes Palestine with
This garden is the spiritual port of Haifa. a beacon whose searchlights point to ex-
Built by the love of Bahh'i believers panded horizons from which flooding radi-
throughout the world, it welcomes believers ance i s dawning on our ken!
Tentative design of the Ter-
raced Gardens surroundillg
the Shrine of the B6b.
Early and Late Views of the Shrine of the Bib on Mount Carmel.
N E W F U T U R E FOR R A D I O
BY SHIRLEY WARDE
W L L radio some day be the means of lieve, influence the entire future of radio
transmitting the Bahh'i message to millions broadcasting.
of listeners at a time? Will it be a new By the grace of Bahi'u'116h I was
and vaster teaching medium through which privileged to be one of those responsible for
the principles of Bahi'u'llih will infuse the this program. From a germ of an idea that
world? 1 believe it will. came across my desk at the Columbia Broad-
Surely in this age of unity, as proclaimed casting Company the conception of a pro-
by Bahi'~1'116h, the Divine Educator has gram dedicated to World Peace came into
brought not only the Book but the means being, grew and was developed. After se-
of promulgating it. If the Bah6'i teachings curing the co-operation of World Peace-
are for all peoples they must reach all ways, a non-profit, non-political organiza-
peoples and there is no other medium today tion for peace education which has been
whereby humall thought can be so easily doing a splendid work for this cause, we
molded as through radio. Even the printed selected the sponsor we felt should be most
word must suffer in comparison for it laclrs interested, altho~~gheveryone told us that no
the intimacy and conviction of the voice, advertiser would invest in an ideal, and went
and wide though the circulation of some to work to sell our idea.
particular publication may be it cannot pos- That E. R. Squibb & Sons, manufactur-
sibly reach so many persons in a given time. ing chemists, and their advertising agency,
Surely such a powerful instrument for Geyer-Cornell & Newell, immediately saw
the influencing of humanity could not be the timeliness of this program and the tre-
destined to serve solely as a means of selling mendous possibilities of capturing the atten-
produce or of purveying entertainment. tion of the American public on an issue that
The discerning must recognize in radio a was of paramount importance, was a matter
divine instrument designed for a divine pur- of keen business judgment. Rut that they
pose, obscure though that purpose may be at should be willing to risk the large sums
this time. involved in broadcasting in a program which
by its very nature would forbid any direct
Through the enormous success achieved selling of merchandise and the sales results
by manufacturers through this method of of which vould depend entirely upon the
advertising, radio has naturally given more good will the program might promote was
and more time to commercial broadcasts, a decision that took rare courage and sin-
necessarily cutting down on the purely edu- cere devotion to the cause they sought to
cational programs that were more frequent promote. The results have more than justi-
during the early days of radio history. fied that decision.
Sponsors have in turn sought only to enter- "To Arms! For Peace!" at this writing
tain their listeners, feeling that this was the in its eighth week over a coast to coast
surest way of getting an audience for their Columbia network, has received sensational
commercial story. The result has been that acclaim and has started an entirely new
radio has seemed stopped at this point, the trend in radio programs.
only apparent progress being the production Let me quote a few of the press comments
of more lavish entertainment. as an example of what the nation's radio
But the fall of 1931 brought a program critics have had to say:
that opened up a new vision and will, I be- The Women's National Radio Committee
reports: "By unanimous opinion this is thc Thcsc sketches arc our main plea for peace
best radio program which has ever been as they present in dramatic form and from
staged and it would exhaust all our adjec- the human angle the horrors, the futility
tives t o do justice to it." and the sutlering of war. Some depict the
"This peace program is one of the most agonies of .the actual battle front, others
forward advances in constructive educa- the tragedy of those left at home, still
tion by radio that has come across the air." others showing the cruelties, the selfishness
"To radio this striking union of business and greed that go into the making of war.
and humanitarian effort may be more im- We have chosen stories of many nations, of
portant than whether World Peaceways can French soldiers, German, Austrian, Ameri-
keep America out of the threatened Euro- can, English, so that listeners may realize
pean conflict." that mankind is one, living and dying in
"Radio could not be put t o a worthier the same way, and that individuals, be they
purpose. . . . If you missed the first broad- friend or enemy, are all mere pawns in the
cast don't miss the next. If you heard the hands of those who make wars.
first program you won't miss the next." I n our music, too, we have tried to culti-
"A most effective show. . . . The sponsor vate the international heart, showing music
is t o be congratulated and thanked for the as a common language which all people can
splendid reticence that keeps all commercial understand, of whatever race, creed or na-
talk away from the precious half-hour of tionality they may be and pointing out that
time available." if in music we can find a basis of under-
In addition hundreds of papers through- standing, why not in life?
out the country have given the program These are the educational factors of the
editorial space and have written columns program and the entertainment values. In
about it. addition there is a practical feature
The half-hour itself is designed t o appeal which, we hope, may prove of real in-
as high-grade entertainment; at the same fluence in forcing America to exert even
time forcefully putting across its message. greater efforts t o maintain the peace of the
Against a background of a large symphony world.
orchestra and chorus we present each week I n over forty thousand drugstores
a guest star from the operatic and concert throughout the United States the firm of
stages, such as Lucrezia Bori, Jascha Heifetz, E. R. Squibb & Sons has placed a pledge
Richard Bonelli, Rosa Ponselle, Lotte Leh- known a? the "World Peaceways" pledge.
man, Albert Spaulding, Jose Iturbi and Listeners are asked t o sign this statement of
many others. Each week there is a guest their adherence to the cause of peace. The
speaker. These have been national figures, pledge is addressed to the President and
Senator William A. Borah, General Hugh S. the Congress of the United States and
Johnson, R u t h Bryan Owen, Professor Rob- reads:
ert A. Millikan, Senator Gerald P. Nye, "I pledge my wholehearted adherence
Alfred E. Smith among others. Here, on t o the cause of peace, in the firm belief
what is termed the "Forum" these promi-
that an end may be put, by honorable
nent persons present his or her view on means, t o the destruction of life by the
peace, commenting on what steps we should merciless machinery of war."
take towards this goal or what mistakes we
are making. Many interesting and varied U p t o date only a small proportion of the
opinions have been expressed exposing all drugstores have returned signed slips. From
sides of the question for the benefit of en- only four thousand drugstores we have re-
lightened public opinion. ceived over a hundred and fifty thousand
I n each program there is also a short pledges. If the rest are proportionate it
dramatic sketch, either an original written means that in less than eight weeks nearly
for the program by the world's leading two and a half million persons havc signed
authors, or an adaptation of some famous these pledges. We hope t o buila this total
play or book dealing with the war question. t o many millions. The pledges are being
A NEW FUTURE FOR RADIO 727

bound in books of a thousand each and when I hope and pray that tlGs program may
the returns are complete the total will be lead other advertisers to devote their re-
sent to the President just as they are without sources to humanitarian and educational
plea of any sort, for we firmly believe that efforts and already thought is turning along
they will be eloquent evidence that this this trail we have blazed. I await now the
nation demands peace, and we feel that such day when our beloved Cause of Bahi'u'llhh
a voice of enlightened public opinion cannot may be proclaimed along the airways and
fail to be a powerful influence in directing reach the heart of every searching soul
American policy. through this great gift of God-radio.

Bahi'is of Port Said Celebrating Intercalary Days, 1934.
SONG OFFERINGS
O u t of the East, as ever, comes the dawn
Of a new day. Again the wondrous light
RECOGNITION Shines from the horizon of Thy boundlessness,
Only this day in such effulgent power
Hail to Thee, Scion of Glory, whose utterance Ao ne'er before. There leaps into the sky
poureth abroad A sun whtch t o the eyes of groping men
The joy of the heavenly knowledge sod the light Reveals a vista t o rhar perfect day,
of the greatest of Days Nor yet a disrane day, when aU the earth
Poet of mysteries, chancing in rapture the beauty of Bzthed in Its beauty shall be purified
God, And all Thy creatures realize their oneness
Unto thee be rhallksgiving and praise! Wirh all their kind and Thee.
Bahi'u'LL&h!
Child of rhe darkness rhar wandered in gloom bur Gad's Glory! True Revealer of the Sign!
dreamed of the light, For by Thy potent Word, from God rhe Infinite,
La, I have seen Thy splendor ablaze in the The seals have fallen from the hidden mysteries
heavens afar And man stands face t o face with Truth and God.
Showering and glory, and shattering rhc -H. H. ROMER.
shadows of night
And seen no other star!
Thy words are to rnc as fragrances borne from rhe
gardens of heaven, THE BAB
Beams of a lamp char is hid in the height of a
holier world, Immorral Man!
Arrows of fire that pierce and desrroy with the Forerunner of a m a u n , ~things,
mighr of the levin Of things bur shadowed by our pupper-Kings!
Into our midnight hurled! How could'st Thou know the King of Kings wrt
..-"-,
..L*A.

Sword of the Father! none other can rend tbe dark Thau had'sr not seen nor heard
veil from my eyes, And yet did'st see and hear?
None other can bear from my limbs with the * :
; ,,
shearing blade af Gad's might I t was not in ambition's cause thou gavest Thy
Thc sins I am fettered withal and give me the power body;
to :is" Not glary called Thy spirit to be brave.
And come forth to the fulnesl~of light. Was ir for pleasure's use
Thar Thau did'sr welcome venom and abuse?
Lo! Thou hasr brcxihed on my sorrow the sweetness Could aught of happiness remain
of frsth and of hope, In days passed in persecution and in pin?
Thou harr sllaotcrl lliah pacans of joy rhac my What goal of gain was that which beckoned
heart's echoes ever repear T o the martyr's grave?
And the path to the knowledge of Gad begins ro :* Ij

glimmer and ape Ah no!-such music played upon thy mystic lyre
Before my faltering feet. As unsensed thee to wind, ro earrhquake and t o 6re.
Weak and unworthy my praise. Yer as from its How low Olympus must hape seemed,
throbbing throat Haw plain Parnassus!
Some lone bird pours its song to the flamil~g How vain the utmost man attains
infinite sky, Which man's ambition mars?
So unto Thee in rhc zenith I lift from a depth What wanders, therefore, met Thine eyes
remote In the envisioned countenance
This broken human cry. Of Him who Reigns
-GEORGE TOWNSREND. Crowned with the jewelled splendor of the Scars!
H o w gladly did'sr Thou then proclaim IIim
With full sacrifice!
--CHARLES STEELEDAYIDION.

01 Thou Invisible Essence of the Universe
Whence sprang adown the ages glorious orbs IN MEMORIAM-THE GREATEST
T o illume the abysmal darkness of mankind HOLY LEAF
And rnrnifesr on earth the self of God-
What harr Thou now beatowed t o clear the mists 0 Thou pure flame of evanescent light,
Thar rrill u'crhang the cons~iuuanessof soul Thar radianr glows beyond the mystic Gate,
~ n hide
d from it the vision of the Infinite? We lift our souls, sad with the darkened nighr

- - -
Three days He walked beneath a blazing son, l r Gnrl'r own Rrlllry incarnate
From Shimlrln unto this Capital, This is God's Majesry enthroned 'mongrr men!
'Neath galling chains: the sport and victim of If only they would Iisr and heed His Word!
The ciowds of enemies who flocked from far This is Gad's mystery, His treasure ~ n d
T o jeer and vilify chis Blessed One. His Glory and the Source of His Command!"
As He approached this dungeon an old crone,
Decrepit, cursing, thrust her through the crowd,
A heavy stone clurchcd in her trembling hand.
"By him who died on plain of Karbili,"
She cried, "I beg of rhee to let me cast GLAUBE
This stone inro His cursed face!"
"So let Weun fcm in hiishsrcn, rrinsren Himmelsorren
rus Lieb und Lichc ein Seelenkeim enrstmd,
I t be," rhe Blessed Beauty spake, "Do nor
Deprive this soul of char which she esteems dann gab ihn der AllmEchtige mir den Worren
An act of merit in rhe sight of God." "Ich glaube dir" aus seiner Vnterh~nd.

(They now had gone full sixty feet below So gleirer die Seele
The l i g h ~oi day. The foulness and rlhe stench aus herrlichen H6hcn
O'crwhelmed the Seeker, bur rhe Marrcr held hernicdcr rum Lcben
His way serene, as entering a roam im lrd~schenSchilss
Perfumed, and filled with joyous melody. und vereinr sich dem Fleisch,
das in Wehen sich winder,
All suddenly H e stopped and fell upon u r ~ drraimcr sich iauchzend
His knees, while on rheir ears there came such PrPgung und Loi.
cones
Of Lave and Majesty that time stood still.) Dann aber rpannr sich auFw=rts die Spirale.
Noch raugr sie glaubig Ton der Mutter Brost
Bahd'u'lldh, Chattting: die guten wie d ~ eblurverdorbenen Male
To Him be Glory Who doth quicken men und glaubt xhr treuverwandr und unbewust.
By merely saying "Be!" and la, ie is!
Durch der Kindbeit Gefilde
T o Him be Glory Who doth by His Pen l'auft sie dahin,
Cause Verier to descend on knowing hearrs! ihrer himmlischen Heimat
kaum mehr gewnhr.
Blcpr is My God Who on this Servant hat11 Mit froher Beg~erde
Causcd to descend Wards guiding to HISPath! ergreifr sie dar Lebcn
und baut sich die Ringe
Blest is My Gad Who such cnl?imiry Jahre um Jahr.
Hath sent upon rhis Servant thar the hearts
Of those within eternal Gates were rent Bald har sich so gewalrig angesammelr
Wirh anguish, and those near t o Gad wirh pain. in Jugendkraft ein kernig Lebenssrdck.
Und, was das Herze such verworren rtammelr-
Blest is My God Who from the clouds of fare die Seele glaubt an sich U X I ~a n ihr Gluck.
Harh rained the arrows of disasters great,
And yet hath found rhis Semant of His Throne Und rehnt s ~ c hunendlich
In Patience equalled bur by God alone1 hinein in das Dunkel
verheissender Zukunft,
Rlesr is My God from Whore Decree appeara- und findet nichr Ruh.
For which 1 thank Him-deresrarian's spears! Da erlebr sie die Anderc,
T o Him be praise Who on this Servant harh die Schwerrerseele,
Caused to descend the torrents of men's wrath! die Traute, die Eine,
For which I praise H i m y e a , for this I yearn! dar hcrrliche Du.
Bleat are the souls who wirh rheir hearrs discern! So halr die Machr der Llebe sle umschlungen.
For sacrifice suprcme war I create, Sie achliirft der Wonne siisres Elixir
Wherefore I glary aver worlds and fare! und fiihlt "om Andern sich so tief durchdrungen
und glaubt xhm, gleich wie einem Sriick yon ihr.
(Sbokm)
When a t the summir of calamity Da packr sic die Welt,
I raised My eyes and, Lo! there shone ein lockender Garren,
A Light from God, and in thar Ligbt a form- in prschrigen Farben
An angel of surpassing lourliners. .in funkelnd Gewand.
Und sie rreibt sich herum
Upon her face such happiness was wrir- zwischen Laehen und TrBncn,
Such exultation on her brow-that all Zagen und Hogen,
My being was in tumult, and such joy Perlen und Tand,
Possessed Me thar t h e dungeon was forgot.
bis sich die Schxld an ihre Schwdle kauerr,
Then, with her finger pointed a t My head, bis ihr daa Leid durch schwere Trlume ziehr.
She called to all in heaven and earth and said: Da fiihlt sie, wie kein Ding zu lange dauerr,
und wie doch alles-ach!-so rzrch verflieht.
"I swear by God the world's Beloved One
Is here, if men but understand. The Sun So ersrehr ihr der Glaube
Supreme shines in His mirroring hezrt. Lo, rhis an den Einen, den Srarken,
SONG OFFERINGS 731

den nimmerverginglichrn Perchance he might find Him who alone could allay
Varer der Welt. the hunger of his soul.
Und sie liebr wie ein Kind ihn He traveled through many lands;
und sehnr sich ihm niher In every niche, corner and place the rraveler found
und will nor noch leben, signs of his Beloved One;
wie ihm es gefillt. Stately fmes, gleaming shrines in alabaster purity,
Flowers of beaurcous hues wirh delectable fragrance,
Sic suchr, wo sie den Gorr im Glauben fasse, All redolent of the Traceless Riend.
durrhrchweift die prlchrigen Reiche der Narur, In embroidered fabrics of many hues-in ornate
der KSnste Tempel und des Wissens Masse, design and symbols old-
und fiihlt dort iiberall der Heimat Spur. His traces were present on every hand.
Bur still his longing remained unxllayed and, weary
Doch am hellsten ersrrahler of aearcb,
die Sonne der Wahrheit He sat down and wept.
im vallkom~nensten Spiegel,
im Propheten *us Garr: The longing unassuaged, again impelled t o the search
In seinem Geist, of the Friend,
im erhabeoen Beispiel, Again he wenr forth and on the wings of hearing he
im belebenden Worte, traveled.
in Zuchr und Gebot. "Pcrhlps through the kingdom of hearing I may find
Him I love--.
Wie sie auf dies- Pfade rnutig schreitet, Perchance I may hear the melodies of His voice that
lernr sie mit eigenen Augen klarer achauen. will allay the longing of my heart."
Durch reehre Tat wird Hirn und Herr aeweiter, He rravelrd long and far.
Vernunfr und Glaube kdnnen sich vertraun. 111 rolling chsnt and music of many lands, f a i n t
So schwingt sich die Scele echoes of His Beloved's voice he discerned;
dem heilzgen Ruf Bur instead of soothing it increased the hunger that
des Sch6pferr enrgegen, msde his life a fretful dream.
der einsr sie erschuf. His nights were full of unrest, his days but lonsly
Durch Glaube begnadet despair.
zu ewigem Gluck, His longing but grew stronger and more intense;
finder sie wieder He sought again in churches and runples fair.
aum Varer zurhck. Perchance in stately chant and ancient ward the
- A o ~ ~ n m rM~JHLICI(LEGEL. voice of h i Beloved may be heard.
H e listened and from a far off land came wards
That through the circumambient air soothed and
VII calmed his love torn soul:-
"My son, give me thy hesrt."
"Come unto me ye who arc weary and heavy laden
THE REWARD OF THE MARTYRS wirh care."
TO "Love me rhat I may love thee."-
KEITH RANSOM-KEHLER And soothed and comforred he slept conrenr.
Again he hungered for the Friend and his heart's
Lo, for her soul! Behold! It is morn! desire;
Freshness snd fragrance 2nd joy everywhere, Norhing but attainment could allay his inward fire.
After the rose-gold of Life's passing day. "Nor by vision of moiral eye nor by sounds on
Our from s o d windows in rapcure she views fleshly ear,
Glistening dew drops of Assurance and Faith, Can I find my home and my Beloved."
Foretelling endless realms of Unfoldmenr; Again rhe lover pondered, "Nor by viszon,
Round her are fairerr fields of Fulfillmenr; Not by bearing can I find my quest."
Plane beyond plane are swirls of Attainment; Again he set forth, this time on the wings of Love,
Luminous Life, Reward of the Martyrs; That ineffable Love rhat penctrares all space,
Dresms melting in blessed Reality; over came^ all barriers, passes through all veils.
Fellowship wirh the Blessed Perfection Behold as this lover swept through the halls of limit-
In the pure Kingdom of EL Abhi! less space,
-RUTH I. MOFFBTT. Thc Beloved of his hearr from the unattainable
heights of glary
Mer and enveloped him wirh the garment of
VIII His Beauteous Robe-
The was a r m , his hunger forever appeased, his
THE BELOVED eternal home attained,
The journey endcd and the eternal reunion, that
A son of separriion had traveled to a far off country nothing can sever, war made.
and,
Satiared wirh the non-satisfying fruits of desire, "Now what shall be the measure of his devotion?"
Longed wirh an ever-increasing longing for rhe home No longer percurbed by grievous longing and desire,
of hi Belovcd. This disciple hastens forth with shining eyes, an
"Where can I find my heart's desire? undaunted courage, an undying faith.
Where, oh where, is the land of my Reloved?" No longer futile in word and act by hi human
So loving, seeking and longing, on the wings of frailry,
virion he traveled But armed wirh the sword of truth, robed in the
Through many kingdoms and spheres, seeking; garments of devotion,
732 T H E BAHA'I: W O R L D
Crowned wirh t l ~ ccrown o f icveranre, filled with S~hlier'nuf die Tlir zum Herren dein
rhe Holy Spirit, Und lass das Licht nur 7011 hincin.
Encircled by ihe glory of the divine Presence, Dann schwindet Sorg' und ab'le Lust,
. of .
With the tongue power and lowliness of Jesus, Es wird dir ganz und gar bewussr.
And worldly detachment and severance; Von Garr alein der helle Schein
A witness on earth t o ihc Glory of the Most High, Er ffihrt die Menschen wieder heim.
He sets forth to complete his earthly ~ilgrimage, -PAUL KBHLER.
To win the victory wirh the power of the Spirit
over the hearts of men, X
T o be 1 shining scar in the darkness of mortd life,
A trce to guide rhe wanderers of the desert to their THE ADVENT
heavenly home.
Adam was rhe Tree of Life,
Is i t nor told in an Eastern how the Lover
That grew in Paradise.
longed far his Beloved; When The Word moved from the Primal Will
Haw he made a long and arduous journey ro the Branches appeared.
home of his Beloved; Each Branch a mighty Prophet:
EIow when the lover arrived a t the door thar sepa- Enoch and Abraham; Noah and Zuroarter;
rated him from his heart's desire Moses, Krishm, Buddha, Jesus and Mulpmmad.
He knocked once, twice, and once again.
Behind this door thar stood between the lover and Through these Day-stars of rhe inmost heaucur,
his heart's desire, God-the Ancient On-
He heard the Beloved's voice saying in gentle tones, Revives the hearr of man.
"Who is &re? Who is rhere?" "Thus have the signs descended
The lover replied in faltering tones, "It is I," And the matter been decreed."
But no answer came, the door remained closed. For the sincere ones,
Sorrowing, wirh many tears, the laver returned t o His Message is "a Sea of Light."
earthly life. Far the deniers among His creatures
And the impious, "it 1s a Ball of Fire!"
But longing was not appeared, and torn with hope
and despair 0 misery of men! No Messenger has come t o you,
Again he assayed this journey to the home of his But He has been denied, rev~ledand execrared,
Beloued. As no pen dare describe.
Again he knocked with trembling hand, one, twice, That sinless Essence of Hnmiliry,
and once again, Who wears the precious Diadem of God's Command,
Once again was hear the gentle voice, And brings rhc priceless Book,
"Who is there? Who is there?'' T o which rhe hosts of heaven certify.
This rime the lover, with sobbing voice, Through Him mm'r knowledge came-of God;
"It is not I, but Thou!" The vision of obedience and love.
As the 10"- waited ar the threshold of rhis door He did adorn with Faith the conrciousnerr ai man,
That hides the Traceless Beloved from morral eye,- Enkindle reverence m d true submission.
behold-it opened,
Radiant light streamed forth, and, enveloping the Bur only those endowed with hearing
lover, reunited him forever And with "rhe iron sight"
With the Eternal Beloved. May comprehend the Fragrance of rhat Prencnce.
-W. B. GUY. The hrugl~tyseek a sign, a proof!
"What!" cry unbelievers,
"Shall we our godr abandon for a dirtraughr poei?"
And great is their derision!
O the pity rhat man should deprive himself
WEIHNACHTS-LIED Of rhis eternal draught,
Melodie:-0 Tannenbaum And on his iongue the mention of the Name of God
Become an anpry phrase!
O he~ligeNacht du nahest unr und bringsr uns deioe
Lieder. Irs glory and its potency
Gar oft schon war im Welrenrund, wie heure diese
Obscured by superstition, arrogance and giecd,
Feicrsrund. Till unbelief makes chaos in the earth!
0 heilige Naeht du bringest uns auf's neu das Licht Then, from the Glorious Orb, the Primal Will,
nun wieder. Again, Thc Word: "Be." And behold,
The Owner of rhe House is manifest;
0 Menschenkinder hBret all' was diese Nacht xe- For in the earth and in dl the worlds of God,
schehen. A Messenger, Sweet Singer of the Realm,
Der Himmel kehrr beim Menschen ein, damir wir Reiterates: "Remind My people of Mc, God,
sollen seelig sein The King, the Mighty One!"
0 Mcnschenkinder denkt daran, was diese Nacht
geschehcn. With a New Name inscribed upon the Tablet o f hir
heart,
Es isr gar gross das Wunderwerk, dass da vor sich Man builds a new creation.
gegangen. "0 denizens of rhe earth!" "0 gazing questioner!"
In's kleinsre Herzenskdmmerlein. da dringt's mix Rejoice1 For in rhc East a stream of Lighr
hellen Licl~reein. Has reat the horror of satanic
Es ist gar gross das Wunderwerk, dass wir auch heur A Harbinger, at Dawn, proclaims "The Dzy o f
noch nchauen. God!"
SONG OFFERINGS 73 3

Alone, .gainst the world, H r has effaced then, wirh His Book.
Crying the coming of a Mighty One! Like Brother Souls of Light,
Fearlers of consequence! His witness, God. He, too, is Witness of a future Age,
Serene He moves and wirh authority! When Nighringale upon the Tree of Life,
Who in the earrh is able to transcend His power, Shall sing the mystic melodies.
His influence? Nothing can hinder Him, - 0 r r v r ~ KBLSEY.
Nor change rhe destined utterance of His every
Word.
Tragic His days-divine His martyrdom!
His chosen ones abased, slain, burned, betrayed! LIKE A FLAMING SUN
Those twin immortals, Husayn and Quddris!
Thc noble Vibid and the mighty Hujjar! How shall I rell of Him, the Primal One?
And Q~rrratu'l-'Ayn! Has He a parnllel, saving the sun?
Ten, twenty, thirty thousand martyrs Has He a likeness, rave Esulgent Light?
Yield their liver, their love, rheir spirit, Did H e not break our bonds and cleave our night?
T o the Cause that Yourh is heralding! How shall I sing of Him, rhe Beauteous One,
Lord of the Age, the Mahdi, He, Who came a t Midnight like a flaming Sun,
Wirh flaming Name "Yi Slhibu'z-Zamin!" Who came in Winter like eternal Spring
And told us of the coming of the King?
Trembled the earth in shame and grief!
And who amongst rhe Saints that dwell in bliss
Not Since the Day of Adam,
Has known the ecstasy of Love like His?
Had the world witnessed such agitation,
Has ever nighringale more gladly bled
Such violent commotion!
T o rell his tale of love ere night was fled?
Of sacrifice, enough in six short years,
W a r Harbinger of unbeholden days
To speed the universe millenniums!
Sang Hymns of Dawn with such a flood of praise?
"0 traveler in the White Path and in thc Red
Was ever flute or rabret half so cl=zr
Support!
Unless empty-handed, you shall never reachI the As His sweet crying to the dumb and drear?
homestcad!" Was ever harp or psaltery half so sweet
As the Sweet Music of His running feet!
0 Letters of the Living! Were ever lips div~nemorc like s sword
0 Martyrs of Tihrin! Hewing a path for a Beloved Lard?
Heroes of God! Did ever Hands more white bring back again
Where is the pen to your glory? The native loftiness t o bowed down men?
Your blood, your deeds, your ecstasy, Who taught t h e desolate again to dream?
Have wrought a living organism! Had ever Sun of Truth a John like Htm?
And yei, "wcrt thou ro rell there wonders
For a thousand years t o stones, How shall I tell of Him, the Primal One?
Say, would they take effecr?" Has He a parallel, saving rhe sun?
Has He a likeness save all T r u d ~thai be?
Thus came the onslaught, dealing death and desola- Did He nor carve the Second Calvary?
tioll. -SILYIA MARGOLIS.
Only One was left: Bahi'u'llih!
Serene and awe-inqiring!
And H e d e s t i n e d to r e d "the plains of 'Akki,
The Banquet Hall of God!"
Is in a dungeon, in the bowels of earth, GOTT, PROPHET, MENSCH
Where no light can penetrate,
In chains and stocks, Gott hat nicht Not, dass er verherrlicht werde,
Breathing stench with thieves and murderers! Er rhronr erhaben iiber Ruhm und Prelr.
He, rhar shall change the earth into a Paradise! Doch hier, der kleine Mensch auf dleser E r d e
in Augenbliclren, da er pl6rzlich weiss:
Then speaks the Voice of God: jerzr iiberkornmt es mich mir mschtigen Schwingen-
"Thou shalt rriumph by Thyself and by Thy Pen. erzirterr, und er mars ein Loblied singen.
Thou art of them that are secure."
Of Him a swift and noble Pen must sing. Gorr wird van keinem Menschenherz umschlossen,
Hasten. 0 people ro HIS shelter, Er wird von keinem Menschenhirn gcdarhr.
Wirh this Garment of Assurance clothe yourselves, Denn, was alr Seh6pfung Seiner Hand cnrrprossen,
And sail upon the Sea of Glory! rlihrt nisht himn zu Seines Wesenr Machr.
Wohl kannsc du einen Schimmer widerspiegeln,
Por the Books are opened, wide! doch Sein Geheimnis kannsr du nicht enrsiegeln.
The mysteries revealed!
The Resurrection and the Signs made manifest! Darum bedarf die Menschheir iener Grorren,
"0 land of Syria! Where is thy righteousness? die Mirtler reincr Gnadensrrame sind,
Bethlehem! Do the children know the Father!" die sich der Krafr des Varers so erschlosien,
This is the Lord of Hosts! das* sie, sein Ebenbid ~ g l e i c hund Kind,
The Promised One! dar Ubermcnschliche im Blute fassen
The Mighty Counsellor! und andere es durch sich crleben lasren.
The Prince of Peace!
Sic wirken durch die Lehre, die sie spenden,
He "taught the birds of souls another flight," und durch ihr hohes Beispiel und Gesetz.
And after Him, no more shall strife and terror Sie fiihren so mir treuen Hirrenhindcn
Stalk the earth;- die Seelen durch der Lebcnswege Nerz
734 THE BAHb'i WORLD
und Bffnen fiir Jahrrausende die Pfarten And nevermore will Tyranny
zum ewrgen Sunnenglnnz von Gorres Worten. Command the Peoples, or console,
Der Mensch begrcift nicht dies erhabene Walten: Nor greed, 'lor nor bvlishmenr
er rrigt es nicht, ein fruh geknicktes Rohr. Obstruct the Light from any Soul.
In Ehrfurcht muss er seine Hlnde falten, For in our hands will be rhe Power,
vertrauend tastet sich sein Blick empor. And in our hcarts the Emanation.
Er fiihlt, venn er ~ i c hhingibt allcm Guren, The love of Kind rhat hears and haloes
drnn wird ein haheres Leben ihn durchfluten. And blesses with divine creation.
Ihn iibersrramt die Liebe zu dun Vater,
aus ihr entwlchst der Glrubc k l a r und few, And we will heal men of their Blindness
in allcn Fragen treulicher Berater, And they will be like Seers and Sager-
der ihn in keinem K=rnpfe mehr verlissr. A race reborn and rransfigured
So reift der Mensch durch Tar und Uberwindung Returning t o the God of Ages.
ru immer heiligerer Geismerbindung. -Sr~vra Mnnco~rr.
Dann wird er erst, wazu er einsr erlesen:
pin Held und K6nig, der den Drlchen zwingr, Xw
ein Tempel frir die hBchsten Himmelswesen,
aus dem das Wort der Otfenbarung klingr.- T H E COMING O F T H E SON
Das Ziel ist herrlich. Laast uns darum OF MAN
0 , Iasnr uns alles ihm rum Opfer bringen!
-ADELBE~T MOHLSCXLEGEL. LOVE WAXED COLD

("Bernrrse iniq?uty shall oboattd, the love of many
XI11 sbnll wax cold."-J~sus.)
THE NEW YOUTH SPEAKS In the loveless cold of winterrime
Far seems the warmth of Love's June Day.
The Clarion peals, the Trumpet sounds The Son of Man would bring it near
Through every bowed and blasted Isnd; T o souls possessing power to hear
The heavens are a flaming Scroll: And will to walk Love's Wzy.
The Day of Oneness is a t hand.
WINTER PASSED
The Balances are laid in Justice,
(Suggcstcd by the Sorrg of Solmnorr.)
All hidden issues are disclosed:
And we will hold the reigns of government, Lo, the winter even now is passed,
And make the Peace that you oppoxed. The time of soul-depressing dearth;
The cerrain signs of Spring arc clear;
The Night is passing, and rhc morrow The time of singing birds is here,
Will find us with attenrive mind The flowers appear an earth.
A-forgtng and reforging still
Thc broken fortunes of mankind. Though the lirde faxes rpoil the vines
Because of render grapes they bear,
Thc Rivers strained from our rhcir courses They shall be raken soon, and God
T o wash some eonqueror'r domain Shall feed His people with His Rod
Will now forget rheir long abasement And make His Garden feir.
And find the Ocean once
For ours will be rhe Light of Jvstice He will take away the bramblc
And ours the forcirude sublime And bring a beauty before unknown!
TII bring back rivers to rheir sources Earth shall become a garden spor,
And m e n ra men xn every climc. A joyous life the common lor,
With Love upon the throne.
Our task will be n task of grandeur
Supernal and Elysian- "IN T H A T DAY"
For here is * planer to refashion ("Prove me rrow, saith the Lord of Hoiii, if I w i l
Into a peaceful home for man. not open yori the windows of hraven and pour yet,
And here are barriers to sunder, orrt r blerrirg, that them shall not be room enosigh
And hearts to render free and rife, to receive it."--Moi. 3 : l o . )
And souls to teach rhat they are Kindred, In the day when rhe people perforce shall prove
Upon the Ancient T ~ c eof Life- The God of Love who waits to bless,
The windows of heaven shall be opened wide;
The OBpring of one Holy Father, All hungerr shall be sarisfied-
The Children of ooc Mother Earrh: All fed from Love's largesse.
For in the long and drear dispersion
-WALTEK H. B O ~ X A N .
Mankind forgot rheir common birth.
Ah! Ours will be the work stupendous,
And rupcrhuman the Ideal,
Bur We will have the Insting ardor,
And We will know the Martyr's zeal HYMNE
T o end the falsehood and delusion Mein kleiner Blick kann Dich nichi fzsien,
O f many Gods and many Nations, D u gross' Gesicht.
Of many Creeds, and many Races, Doch will ich nimmer von Dir lapsen,
And high and low degrees and srarionr. ich kann es nicht.
THE B A H A ' i WORLD
Thou art a mystery divine, WE HAVE WINGS
But one that all may read We hdve Wings! We may fly, a t last!
Who enter in wirh hesrts made pure, A t last we may search and explore!
Wlrh Fairh and loving deed. We may soar, a t will, like the angels,
We shall chafe in confinement no more!
0 Tcmple of the Beautiful,
0 Miracle sublime! Past the fogs and the mists of tradition
In Thee the nations join as one, Our flipht will be steady and amaoch:
From every land and clime; We have Wings of Faith and of Rclson,
Thou a r t the symbol of God's Peace, At last we shall search our the Truth!
Which comerh from above;
The symbol of His Word Divine, WE ARE FREE
Hls Manifesred Love. We are free! We shall sing t o the world,
--&AHNAZ \VAITE. Wc shall sing t o the sad and the drear!
Wc have Truth and Bezuiy t o giue-
All the nations shall waken and hear!
XIX We shall quicken the dead with our singing,
We shall free all the bound! We are strong:
SONGS OF THE SPIRIT We shall sing of the Oneness of Mankind
And renew all the earth with our Song!
N E W SONGS TO SING OF A NEW REVELATION
Too long have we borne wish rancor Away with all blind imitation!
And wocs of a n ancient we.lving! Away with ancestral beliefs!
Too long have we borne with conflict- \Ve have done wirh the strife they engendered,
And what have they brought us but grieving! We have done wirh humanity's griefs!
Behold! We have cleared our hcarts We sing of a new Revelation,
Of each bitter and withering thing: Of a Cycle untrammeled by rage!
We have seen a Light in the Darkness: We sing of Divine Civilizarion,
We have New Songs t o sing! And Humanity's Coming of Age!

WE CAN SEE A T LAST LIKE T H E FALCONS
Our eyer, thar were blinded wirh groping We shall fly, neath rhe sky, like the falcons
Are healcd! We ran see ar last! And lift up our Voice3 wirh
We c a n see all around n e r y limit, Far and ncar over Valleys and Mounrai~~r
And Beyond our portionless past! We shall cry the Good Tidings a t length!
U17e shall fly, nearh the sky, like rhe falcons
Never more shall we hate a t a bidding, And cry to the dwellers on earrh.
Or slay at a warrior's command! "Lo! the ways of all freedom are opened,
At last we can see thar the earth And the gates t o the ways of rebirth!"
Is really one native land! SILVIA Ma~cans.
ECHOES FROM T H E SPHERES
ECHOES FROM T H E SPHERES
THE B A H A ' f WORLD
ECHOES FROM THE SPI-IERES
742 THE BAHA'i WORLD
ECHOES FIiOM THE SPHERES 743
THE BAHA'i WORLD
THE BAHA'i WORLD

The Day of Certainty.Words & Music
bv L. R. WAITE.

I ;:
-
de

Re
- joice, re-joice be

-
ljoice re-joice be
joice, re-joice be
joice, re-joice be
-
-
lie vers,The night of doubt i s
-
lie vers7.4s k - d r e n of' t i e
-
lie vers,For now1edge;Faithand
lie - vers,With ban- nerswhite un -

led Where .

night must flee,This is the day of CER-TAIN-TY.
night must flee This is the day of CER-TAIX-TY.
night must flee This is the day of CER-TMN-TY.
night must flee This is the day of CER-Ts-TY.
ECHOES PROM THE SPHERES
THE B A H L ' i WORLD

T h e TempIe BeautifuI
C"TFlln4 'rn a-

O h ! ~ k m p ~of e t h e Beauti'ful, O ! Temple of t r u e Unity
O ! Tam~pleof t h e L o r d ; O f Knowledge an,d of Light,
T,hat f o r God's Oneness e'er will stand, O ! Temple of t h e Living G o d ;
And f o r H i s Holy W o r d ; Of day t h a t knows n o n i g h t ;
T h y rarliance shall shine afar T h o u a r t a mystery divine,
As shines t h e s u n above. B u t one t h a t all niay read
A refuge thou t o weary h e s r t s , W h o e n t e r in with hearts inade p o r e ,
A Fortress of God's Lovc. W i t h F a i t h and l o v i ~ l gdeed.
01 Temple t h a t d o t h symbolize, O ! Temple of t h e Beautiful,
God's W o r d made fl'esh t o m a n ; 0 1 Miracle sublime !
T h o u a r t t h e body of H,is Law, Iri T h e e t h e i ~ a t i o n sjoiil as one,
Revealing H i s g r e a t P l a n ; F r o m every land and clime,
A11 nations shall in T h e e rejoice Th.ou a r t t h e symbol of God's Peace.
And g a t h e r f r o m a f a r ; Which cameth f r o m above;
Shall hold aloft t h e Glorious Name, T h e Symbol of His W O R D Divine,
That Name-Bahi'u'llih. His Manifested Love.-Shahnaz Waite
ECHOES FROM T H E SPHERES 749

Anthem of All Nations
Words & Music by
LOUISE R. WAITE.

- -
I 0 ~ h ddf exr 'ry
0 God of ev 'ry-
;a tibn,%
-
-
turn our hearts to Thee.With-
0 Truce of God en . dur ing,Come Thou t o all the world, And
n a tion,Thou fa - ther of us all, Let

s i f e - ty peace and lib- dr - dy.

I
i n Thy love is Is ~ d r
may Thy flag of -
beau ty In -
each land be u n furled. A
now Thy Ben. e - dic - tlon Up - on each coun-try fall. U'ith
THE B A H A ' i WORLD

Awake Ye Nations All.

A-wake ye n a - tions a l l Let a r u - e l warnowoeass,This is the day for
Heoalls i n mighty tones A-wake and hearxis voioo,He bids u s all a s
A-wake ye n a - tions all A-wake andsee t h e light,WhichshinethoJer the

H
-
u - ni ty The day for lave and peace, Spend no more time in strife But
brothersonewithheartsthatdo r e - joice, To g a t h e r roundHisboard And
mountain tops Dis - pel1 - ing dis-cords night, A - wake and sing a - loud Your

he?~.thatola-rian oall,WhiehcomethforthfiomGoda-boveThe f a - t h e r o f is
of the feast par-take,Drinlrdreply of the wine of LoveThe bread of Paoenow
prais-es now in-orease,The knowledgeof our Qod a s OneBringsu - ni-ver-sal

A
all ,Which corn-sth forth from God a - bove the f a - thar of u s all.
brt;ak,Drink deep-ly of the n i n e of Love The bread of Peacenow break.
Peace, The know1edg.e of our God a s One Brings u - ni -ver- sal Peace.
ECHOES FROM THE SPHERES

Song of the Covenant
Words axid Music by
LOUISE R . W.UTE
(~hilhnaah%arnm)
Moderato Marcia

, , ,
I" - -
1. This is the day of fid f i l meut

'Illis is the day of the
,

2. The Kilghath come ia His Pbw - er To j~ldgowithjtlstice the
3. Praise ye ~odbilsmeuitlltha~h-giv-ing Who hat11 prepared theRight

I
Lard Tlie Light of the C,ov - c - uant shill - rth The
earth TO break cap - tive chains fdr a - rrul - drr To
Hath gnid - ed mn old of the dark - ness Un -

I
w - ters of Life have doxm -poured A - wake and a -rise all ye
give to eaoh hope a new birth This is the glad day of Re -
to this His per -fect - ed day A11 glo - ry now be to the
-
na - t i a t ~ b i ~s o d bRes-ur rro-tion d;ly A - wake and be-ltold it's great
demp - tion Let all l i v - iug things re - jaice Be op-ened your ears 0 y e
Fa -
tiler Whorei8.n-eth su-preme a. - bave %"no giv-eth a uew to Hi=

-
I tiov - e-nant of Peace and Love Whose een - ter is Ab -dul-Ba - ha.
ECHOES FROM THE SPHERES 713

Sweet Peace.
Words & Music by
LOUISE R. WAITE.

I
-I
Sweetpeace so pure and ho ly, Come to ourheartsand reign.Sweet
Sweetpeace soblessedand ho - ly, To long-inghearts so dearjThat
-
Sweetpeacethatpass-eth know-ledge,A bide with us , a1 - way. We

peacethatcalmsthe tem-pest,That fol- lows grief and pain. From
bring-eth rest and com-fortjThat -
dri eth eve- ry tearj That
-
need thy ten der pres-enceThrongh-out each corn-ing day. Though

realms of light and beau- ty, Thou com - est a s a dove, And
-
giv eth balm and heal- ing T o eve - rywound-ed ' breastjNow
storms a - round us -
gath er, We know not doubt nor fear. Sweet

in thy s a cred- pres-ence We find God's per-fect love.
lift ourthoughtsand bear them To man-sions of the blest.
-
peace, di vine and ho -
ly, O! be thou ev - er near.
1 A,; ' thou art, And hlv L i a h t is in thee

T h e r e f o r e be i l l u n
ECHOES FROM THE SPHERES
756 THE BAHA'f WORLD
ECHOES FROM T H E SPHERES 717
THE BAHA'i WORLD

Song of Thanksgiviq

, r . , . ,

I heaven and earth and all there-m Re - wive new life and power. All

thank Thk that dur hearts have known Thy Man i fes - - - ted One. Ba -
thank Wee for Thy - -
Cav e nant Which shines with burn - ing ray. To
-
glo ry be to Thee 0 God Whose love doth nev - er wane With

- 'a' - llah the
!I ha
it1 - point - I
King
Gen
of Kings Who
- ter true f i r m
to
we
this world has
o w h m t s each
come.
dav.
CONTENTS
OF

V O L U M E I-BAHAI YEAR BOOK
AND
V O L U M E S 11, 111, I V A N D V
THE BAHA'I W O R L D
YEARBOOK
OF B A H K ~
CONTENTS
VOLUME I

PART ONE
"0 Army of Life!"
A Statement of the Purpose and Principles of the Bahl'i Faith.
Outline of BahVi History.
The Passing of 'Abdu'l-Bah6.

PART TWO
Extracts from Baha'i Sacred Writings.
A Statement on Present-day Administration of the Bahh'i Cause.
Bah6'i Calendar and Festivals.
The Mahriqu'l-Aakir.
Brief History of the Ma&riqu31-A&k6r in America.
Extracts from Mahriqu'l-Aaklr Report.
The Ma&riqu'l-A&klr of 'I&qlb6d.
Impressions of Haif a.
Kunjangoon.
Old and New Paths at Green Acre.
World Unity Conference.

PART THREE
National Spiritual Assemblies.
Leading Local Baha'i Centers.
BahVi Periodicals.
Bibliography.
References to the Bahi'i Movement.
European and American Cities Visited by 'Abdu'l-Bahh.
Transliteration of Oriental Terms Frequently Used in BahVi Literature.
Dr. J. E. Esslemont.

PART FOUR
The Relation of the Bahl'i Cause to Modern Progressive Movements.
The Unity of Civilization.
Equality of Men and Women.
Esperanto and the BahVi Teachings.
Unity of Religions.
Science and Religion.
Universal Education.
Racial Amity.
The Economic Teaching of 'Abdu'l-Bahl.
World Peace.

THE BAHA'i WORLD

V O L U M E I1
PART ONE
" 0 Army of Life!"-Words of 'Abdu'l-Bahl.
A Statement of the Purpose and Principles of the BahCi Faith and Outline of Bahi'i
History.
The Passing of 'Ahdu'l-Bahi.
Survey of Current Bahl'i Activities in the East and West.

PART TWO
Excerpts from Bahh'i Sacred Writings.
Soul, Mind, Spirit and the Essence of Divinity.
A Statement on Present-Day Administration of the Bahl'i Cause.
Excerpts from the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahd.
The Spirit and Form of BahCi Administration.
Declaration of Trust.
By-Laws of the National Spiritual Assembly.
Excerpts from Letters of Shoghi Effendi.
Bahi'i Calendar and Festivals.
BahCi Feasts, Anniversaries and Days of Fasting.
The Ma&riqu'l-Aakir.
Address of 'Abdu'l-Bahl delivered at BahCi Convention, Chicago, 1912.
The Structure of the Bahb'i Temple.
Address delivered by 'Abdu'l-Bah6 at the Dedication of the Mahriqu'l-A&kL
Grounds, May, 1912.
The Ma&riqu'l-Aalcir of 'Ishqlbld.
Impressions of Haifa.
Haifa, 'Aklil and Bahji.
Kunjangoon-The Village of 'Ahdu'l-Bah6.
Through India and Burma.
Green Acre and the Ideal of World Unity.
References to the Bahl'i Faith.
Queen Marie of Rumania pays tribute to the beauty and nobility of the BahCi
Teachings.

PART THREE
BahCi Directory, 1928.
Bahi'i National Spiritual Assemblies.
BahCi Spiritual Assemblies.
BahYi Groups with names and addresse~of correspondents.
BahCi Groups.
Baha'i Administrative Divisions in Persia.
Baha'i Periodicals.
Bahl'i Bibliography.
Section One-List One: BahPi Publications of America.
Section Two-List Two: Baha'i Publications of England.
-List Three: Bahh'i Literature in French.
-List Four: Bahb'i Literature in German.
-List Five: Partial List of Bahh'i Literature in Oriental Languages.
Section Three-Alphabetical List of Baha'i books and pamphlets.
V O L U M E 111 763

Section Four-References to the Bahi'i Movement 111 non-Bahj'i works.
Section Five-References to the Bahi'i Movement in magazines.
Transliteration of Oriental Terms frequently used in Bahi'i literature.
Guide t o the transliteration and pronunciation of the ir6nian alphabet.

PART FOUR
Introduction t o The Promz~lgationof Universal Peace.
Poem-"A Prayer."
The Bahi'i Religion-Papers read at the Conference of Some Living Religions Within
the British Empire, 1924.
Paper I-By Horace Holley.
Paper 11-By Rfihi Effendi Afn6n.
Living Religions and the Bahb'i Movement.
The Bah6'i Attitude Towards Muhammad.
A Modern Interpretation of Muhammadanism.
The World-Wide Influence of Qurratu'lLeAyn.
Souvenir Feast of 'Abdu'l-Bahi.
The Bahl'i Cause at the Universal Esperanto Congresses at Edinburgh and Dan+.
O n the Borders of Lake Leman.
Translation of a Letter from the Israelitish Assembly of Bahi'is of Tihrin, frin.
Inter-Racial Amity.
Appendix-Tablet to America revealed by BahB'u'llih.
Bahi'i Persecutions in irin-An Appeal t o His Imperial Majesty Ridh &dh Pahlavi.
Appendix One-Summary of Bah6'i Teachings.
Appendix Two-Excerpts from Letters of Bahi'u'llhh t o the Sulyin of Turkey and
the S_hih of frill.
Appendix Three-Words of 'Abdu'lLBah6 concerniug frhn.

V O L U M E I11
P A R T ONE
"The City of Certitude"-Words of Babh'u'llhh.
Aims and Purposes of the Bahi'i Faith.
Bahi'u'll6h: The Voice of Religious Reconciliation.
The Dawn of the Bah6'i Revelation. (From Nabil's Narrative.)
Survey of Current Bahi'i Activities in the East and West.

PART TWO
Excerpts from Bahi'i Sacred Writings.
The World Order of Bahh'u'llih.
Present-day Administration of the Bahh'i Faith.
Excerpts from the Will and Tertame~ztof 'Abdu'l-Baha'.
The Spirit and Form of Bahb'i Administration.
Declaration of Trust by the National Spiritual Assembly.
Excerpts from the Letters of Shoghi Effendi.
Text of Bahb'i application for civil recognitioli by the Palestine Administration.
Facsimile of Bahl'i marriage certificates adopted and enforced by the National
Spiritual Assemblies of the Bahh'is of f r i n and Egypt.
764 THE B A H A ' ~W O R L D
Bnhi'i Calendar and Festivals.
The Mahiqu'l-Ad_hkar.
Green Acre and the Bahi'i Ideal of Inter-racial Amity.
References to the Bahi'i Faith.
The Case of Bahi'u'll6h's House in Ba&d6d before the League of Nations.
Hippolyte Dreyfns-Barney.

PART THREE
Bahi'i Directory, 1930.
Bahi'i National Spiritual Assemblies.
BahPi Spiritual Assemblies.
Bahl'i Groups.
Bahi'i Administrative Division in Persia.
Bahh'i Periodicals.
Bahi'i Bibliography.
Bahi'i Publications.
of America.
of England.
in French.
in German and other Western Languages.
in Oriental Languages (partial list).
Alphabetical List of Bahi'i Books and Pamphlets.
References to the Bahi'i Faith in Non-Bahi'i works.
References to the Bah6'i Faith in Magazines.
Transliteration of Oriental Words frequently used in Bahi'i Literature with guide to
the transliteration and pronunciation of the frinian Alphabet.
Definitions of Oriental Terms used in Bahb'i Literature.

PART FOUR
Bahi'u'll6h's Divine Economy: a Letter of Shoghi Effendi.
The Hidden Words of Bahi'u'llih: A Reflection, by G. Townshend.
'Abdu'l-Bahl's Visit to Woking, England.
Impressions of Haifa, by Alaine Locke, A.B., Ph.D.
The World Vision of a Savant, by Dr. Auguste Henri Forel.
The Cultural Principles of the BahPi Movement, by Dr. Ernst Kliemke.
The Relation of the Bib to the Traditions of Isllm, by Wanden Mathews LaFarge.
The Bahi'i Movement in German Universities, by Martha L. Root.
The City Foursquare, by Allen B. McDaniel.
Religion for the New Age, by John Herman Randall.
"Before Abraham Was, I Am!" by Thornton Chase.
The Races of Men-Many or One, by Louis G. Gregory.
Haifa-and the Bahi'is, by Dr. John Haynes Holmes.
A Visit to Rustum Vambiry, By Martha L. Root.
The Bahi'i Cause at the XXth Universal Congress of Esperanto at Antwerp, Belgium,
August, 1928, by Martha L. Root.
Shrines and Gardens, by Beatrice Irwin.
An Audience with King Feisal, by Martha L. Root.
Bahi'u'116h and His Teachings, Reprinted from the Japan Timer and Mail.
'Abdu'l-Bahl and the Rabbi, by Willard P. Hatch.
Some Experiences Among the Poor in Brazil, by Leonora Holsnpple.
A Trip to Tahiti, by Louise Bosch.
VOLUME IV

VOLUME IV
PART ONE
Bah6'u'llih: The Voice of Religious Reconciliation.
Aims and Purposes of the Bahi'i Faith.
Martyrdom of the Bib (From Nabil's Narrative).
Survey of Current Bahi'i Activities in the East and West.
Excerpts from Bahh'i Sacred Writings.

PART TWO
The World Order of Bahi'u'liih.
Present-day Administration of the Bahi'i Faith.
Excerpts from the Will and Testa~ncntof 'Abdu'l-Bahd.
The Spirit and Form of BahB'i Administration.
Declaration of Trust by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of the
United States and Canada.
Certificate of Incorporation by the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of the
City of New Yorlr.
Doculnents related t o the incorporation of the National Spiritual Assembly of
the Bahi'is of the United States and Canada as a recognized Religious
Society in Palestine.
Petition addressed by the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of the
United States and Canada to the Prime Minister of the Egyptian Govern-
ment.
Excerpts from the Letters of Shoghi Effendi.
Facsimile of Bahi'i Marriage Certificates adopted and enforced by the National
Spiritual Assemblies of the Bahi'is of irdn and of Egypt.
Facsimile of the Certificate of the United States Federal Government t o the
Declaration of Trust entered into by the National Spiritual Assembly of
the Bah6'is of the United States and Canada.
Facsimile of the Certificate of the Palestine Government incorporating the
National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of the United States and Canada
as a Religious Society in Palestine.
Facsimile of the Certificate of Incorporation, The Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahi'is of the City of New York.
The Mas_hriqu'l-Ad&khr.
Foreword.
Architecture Expressing the Renewal of Religion.
God-intoxicated Architecture.
The Bal16'i Temple.
A Temple of Light.
A Statement by the Architect.
Dedication of the Temple.
A Glorious Gift-from a Shrine to a Shrine.
The Spiritual Significance of the Mafiriqu'l-Aakhr.
References t o the Bahi'i Faith.
Further Developments in the Case of Bahi'~i'll6h's House: Extracts from the
Minutes of the Permanent Mandates Commission of the League of Nations.
~ilinutenof the Sixteenth Session: November 1929.
Minutes of the Nineteenth Session: November 1930.
Minutes of the Twentieth Session: June 1931.
766 THE BAHA'i WORLD
Letter from the British Government.
Minutes of the Twenty-first Session: November 1931.
Extracts from the Report to the Council of the League of Nations.
Bahh'i Calendar and Festivals.
Foreword.
Bahh'i Feasts, Anniversaries and Days of Fasting.
Additional Material gleaned from Nabil's Narrative (Vol. 11) regarding the
Bahh'i Calendar.
Historical Data gleaned from Nabil's Narrative (Vol. 11) regarding Bahl'u'llih.
Short History of the International Bahi'i Bureau at Geneva, Switzerland.
In Memoriam.
Miss Ethel Rosenberg.
Mrs. C. S. Coles.
Consul Albert Schwarz.

PART THREE
Bahi'i Directory, 1931-1932.
BahP'i National Spiritual Assemblies.
Bahh'i Local Spiritual Assemblies and Groups.
Officers and Committees of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is of
the United States and Canada.
Local Bahh'i Spiritual Assemblies and Groups in the United States and Canada.
Bahh'i Administrative Divisions in frin.
Address of Centers of Bah6'i Administrative Divisions in frin.
List of the Bib's best-known works.
Bahh'i Bibliography.
Bahi'i Publications of America.
Books about the Bahh'i Faith.
Writings of the Bib.
Writings of Bahh'u'116h.
Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahi.
Writings of Shoghi Effendi.
Prayers.
BahPi Literature in Pamphlet Form.
Compilations.
Bahh'i Publications of England.
Bahh'i Literature in French
Baha'i Literature in Italian.
Bahl'i Literature in Dutch.
Bahi'i Literature in Danish.
Bahh'i Literature in Swedish.
Bahh'i Literature in Portuguese.
Bahl'i Literature in Albanian.
Bahh'i Literature in Esperanto.
Bahh'i Literature in Russian.
Bahl'i Literature in German.
Bahh'i Literature in Oriental Languages.
frinian.
Urdu.
Arabic.
Turkish.
Burmese.
Chinese.
Hebrew.
Tartar.
Gujrati.
Japanese.
Armenian.
Tamil.
Bahb'i Literature in Braille (for the Blind).
Bah6'i Periodicals.
References to the Bahl'i Faith in Books by non-Bah6'i Authors.
References to the Bah6'i Faith in Magazines by non-Bahh'i Writers.
'iransliteration of Oriental Words frequently used in Bahi'i Literature with Guide to
Transliteration and Pronunciation of the I'rinian Alphabet.
Definitions of Oriental Terms used in Bahl'i Literature. Glossary.

PART FOUR
The Goal of a New World Order: A Letter of Shoghi Effendi.
The Way of the Master, by G. Townshend.
Italy and the Bahh'i Cause, by General Renato Piola Caselli.
The World Economy of Bahh'u'lllh, by Horace Holley.
Education as a Source of Good Will, by President Bayard Dodge.
Unity through Diversity: A Bahh'i Principle, by Alain Locke, A.B., Ph.D.
A Short Chronicle of 'Abdu'l-Bahl's Visit to London, 1911-1912, by Lady Blomfield.
Professor Auguste Forel and the Bahi'i Teaching, by Stanwood Cobb.
A Tribute from Dr. Edmond Privat.
A Visit to 'Akki, by Mrs. Alexander Wbyte.
The First Fruits of Victory, by Keith Ransom-Kehler.
Where Is the Key to World Unity, by Louise Drake Wright.
A Visit t o Bahji, by Nancy Bowditch.
Religion in Asia, by Herbert A. Miller.
China's Tribute to the Cause of Bahi'u'llih.
Appreciations of the BahCi Movement, by Martha L. Root.
The Supreme Affliction, by Alfred E. Lunt.
The Bahl'i Movement and North American University Circles, by Martha L. Root.
Bahl'i Ideals of Education, by Stanwood Cohb.
Man and Mankind on the Way of Progress, by Lydja Zamenhof.
The Epideinic of the Persian Jews, by A. J. Wienberg.
The Younger Generation, by Mardiyyih Nabil Carpenter.
Light on Basic Unity, by Louis G. Gregory.
The Bahh'i Movement in Japan, by Tokujiro Toni.
Science and Religion, compiled by Loulie A. Mathews.
A Bahh'i Traveler in Palestine, by Walter B. Guy, M.D.
Dr. David Starr Jordan, by Willard P. Hatch.
Song-offerings.
Echoes from the Spheres.

VOLUME V
PART ONE
Aims and Purposes of the Bahi'i Faith.
Survey of Current BahVi Activities in the Easc and West.
Excerpts from Bahl'i Sacred Writings.
The Passing of Bahiyyih @anurn, the Most Exalted Leaf.
768 T H E BAHA'I WORLD

PART TWO
The World Order of Bahb'u'lllh.
Present-day Administration of the Bahb'i Faith.
Excerpts from the Will and Testament of 'Abdu'l-Bahi.
Genealogy of the Bib.
Genealogy of Bahb'u'llih.
Facsimile of Bahl'i Marriage Certificate adopted and enforced by the National
Spiritual Assemblies of the Bah6'is of frbn and of Egypt.
The Spirit and Form of the Bahb'i Administrative Order.
Declaration of Trust and By-Laws of the National Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahb'is of the United States and Canada.
Facsimile of the Certificate of the United States Federal Government to the Dec-
laration of Trust entered into by the National Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahl'is of the United States and Canada.
Facsimile of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahi'is of Chicago, Illinois, U. S. A.
Facsimile of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the
BahYis of Washington, D. C., U. S. A.
By-Laws of the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahb'is of the City of New York.
Facsimile of the Certificate of Incorporation of the Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahb'is of Teaneck, New Jersey, U. S. A.
Certificate of Incorporation, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is of
India and Burma.
Certificate of Incorporation, the Spiritual Assembly of the Bahl'is of Esslingen,
Germany.
Excerpts from the Letters of Shoghi Effendi.
Map of Bahl'i holdings surrounding and dedicated to the shrine of the Bib on
Mt. Carmel and tentative design of terraces.
The Ma&riqu'l-Aakbr.
Foreword.
The Bahh'i House of Worship.
The Spiritual Significance of the Mabriqu'l-Adhklr.
The Spell of the Temple.
A Statement by the Architect.
The Project of Ornamenting the Bahb'i Temple Dome.
Architectural Concrete of the Exposed Aggregate Type.
God-Intoxicated Architecture.
Model of the Madriqu'l-Aakir at the Century of Progress Exposition, Chicago,
1933.
References to the Bahl'i Faith, by:
Archduchess Anton of Austria, Charles Baudouin, Prof. Norman Bentwich, Prof.
.E. G. Browne, Dr. J. Estlin Carpenter, General Renato Piola Caselli, Rev. T. K.
Cheyne, Valentine Chirol, Rev. K. T. Chung, Right Hon. The Earl Curzon of
Kedleston, Prof. James Darmesteter, Rev. J. Tyssul Davis, Dr. Auguste Forel,
Dr. Herbert Adams Gibbons, Dr. Henry H. Jessup, Prof. Jowett, Prof. Dimitry
Kazarov, Helen Keller, Harry Charles Lukach, Dowager Queen Marie of Rumania,
Alfred W. Martin, President Masaryk, Dr. Rokuichiro Masujima, Mr. Renwick
J. G. Millar, Prof. Herbert A. Miller, The Hon. Lifian Helen Montague, Rev.
Frederick W. Oakes, Sir Flinders Petrie, Charles H. Prisk, Dr. Edmond Privat,
Herbert Putnam, Ernest Renan, Right Hon. Sir Herbert Samuel, Emile Schreiher,
Prof. Hari Prasad Shastri, Rev. Griffith J. Sparham, Shri Purohit Swami, Leo
Tolstoy, Prof. Arminius VambCry, Sir Francis Younghusband.
VOLUME V 769

Further Developments in the casc of Bahi'u'llih's IIousr in BabdPd.
Excerpts from the Minutes of the XXII session of the Permanent Mandates Com-
mission of the League of Nations: Nov. 3 to Dec. 6, 1932.
Excerpts from the Minutes of the XXIV session of the Permanent Mandates Com-
mission of the League of Nations: Oct. 23 to Nov. 4, 1933.
Note.
Mandates under the League of Nations.
Bahl'i Calendar and Festivals.
Foreword.
Bahl'i Feasts, Anniversaries and Days of Fasting.
Additional Material Gleaned from Nabil's Narrative (Vol. 11) regarding the Bahh'i
Calendar.
Historical Data Gleaned from Nabil's Narrative (Vol. 11) regarding Bahh'u'llih.
Youth Activities Throughout the Bahl'i World.
In Memoriam.
Mrs. Keith Ransom-Kehler.
Mrs. Agnes Parsons.
Yusuf Khan-i-Vujdani.
Dr. Arastil L h i n Hakim.
George Adam Benke.
Edwin Scott.
Mrs. Alice Barney
Mrs. Lisbeth Klitzing.
Extracts from "Bahi'i News."

PART THREE
Bahh'i Directory 1933-1934.
Bahh'i National Spiritual Assemblies.
Bahl'i Local Spiritual Assemblies and Groups.
Officers and committees of the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahh'is of the
United States and Canada.
Local Bahl'i Spiritual Assemblies and Groups in the Unitdd States and Canada.
Bahh'i Administrative Divisions in frln.
Address of Centers of BahYi Administrative Divisions in fr6n.
Alphabetical List of Bahi'u'lllh's Best-Known Writings.
List of the Bib's Best-Known Works.
Baha'i Bibliography.
Bahl'i Publications of America.
Books about the Bahh'i Faith.
Writings of the Bib.
Writings of Bahh'u'lllh.
Writings of 'Abdu'l-Bahl.
Writings of Shoghi Effendi.
Prayers.
Bahh'i Literature in Pamphlet Form.
Compilations.
Rahh'i Publications of England.
Baha'i Literature in French.
Baha'i Literature in Italian.
Bahb'i Literature in Dutch.
Bahh'i Literature in Danish.
Bahi'i Literature in Swedish.
770 T H E BAHA'i WORLD
BahCi Literature in Portuguese.
Bahl'i Literature in Albanian.
Bahl'i Literature in Esperanto.
Bahh'i Literature in Russian.
Bahl'i Literature in German.
Bahb'i Literature in Bulgarian.
Bah6'i Literature in Rumanian.
Bahb'i Literature in Czech.
Bahh'i Literature in Serbian.
Bahi'i Literature in Hungarian.
Bahb'i Literature in Greek.
BahCi Literature in Maori.
Bahh'i Literature in Spanish.
Bahl'i Literature in Oriental Languages.
f rinian.
Urdu.
Arabic.
Turkish.
Burmese.
Chinese.
Hebrew.
Tartar.
Gujrati.
Japanese.
Armenian.
Tamil.
Kurdish.
Bahh'i Literature in Braille (for the Blind).
Bahi'i Periodicals.
References to the Bahh'i Faith in Books by non-Bahi'i Authors.
References to the Bahb'i Faith in Magazines by non-Bahh'i Writers.
References by Bahi'is in non-Bahh'i Publications.
Transliteration of Oriental Words freque~ltlyused in Bah6'i Litcrature with Guide to
Transliteration and Pronunciation of the frlnian Alphabet.
Definitions of Oriental Terms used in Bahb'i Literature.

PART FOUR
The Administrative Order in the Dispensation of Bahi'u'lIbh, from a letter of Shoghi
Effendi.
The Descent of the New Jerusalem, by G. Townshend.
The Spiritual Basis of World Peace, by Horace Holley.
In the Footsteps of the Pioneers, by Keith Ransom-Kehler.
The Orientation of Hope, by Alain Locke.
La Foie et la Science Unies par I'Art, by Marie Antoinette Aussenac, Princesse de
Broglie.
Religion and Social Progress, by Keith Ransom-Kehler.
Prince Paul and Princess Olga of Yugoslavia, by Martha L. Root.
A Religion of Reconciliation, by Rev. Griffith J. Sparham.
The Men of the Trees, by Richard St. Barbe Baker.
Les ProblEmes du Monde et la Foie Bahi'i, by 'Ali Afdalipur.
The Bahi'i Movement, the Greatness of Its Power, by Martha L. Root.
Der Sinn Unserer Zeit, by Dr. Hermann Grossmann.
VOLUME V 771

Le BahYism, hy Eugen Relgis.
A Visit to Adrianople, by Martha L. Root.
The Re-florescence of I-Iistorical Romance in Nabil, by Mary Maxwell.
William Miller, Student of Prophecy, by Bertha Hyde Kirkpatrick.
A New Cycle of Human Power, by Marion Holley.
An Appreciation, by Dr. Rustum VambCry.
The True Sovereign, by Alfred E. Lunt.
The Nature of the Divine Manifestations, by Glenn A. Shook.
Religious Education for the Young, by Mrs. M. H. Inouye.
Why Do I Espouse the Bahi'i Cause? by Chi Kao Fujisawa.
Count Leo Tolstoy and the Bahb'i Movement, by Martha L. Root.
A Chinese View of the B a h a Cause, by Chan S. Liu.
Vernunft und Glaube, by Dr. Adelbert Muhlschlegel.
Influence of Astronomy on Religious Thought, by Giorgio Abetti.
Haifa Calling, by Florence E. Pinchon.
Taking the Message to the Maori People, by Keith Ransom-Kehler.
Only a Word, by Laura Dreyfus-Barney.
Song-Off erings.
Echoes from the Spheres.
Map of the Bahi'i World.