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 01 (1925-1926), New York: Bahá'í Publishing Committee, 1926, bahai-library.com.
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BAHA~:YEAR BOOK
VOLUME ONE
'ILBDU'L-BAHA
'Abdu'l-MahB, for forty years a W s o n e r in Palestine, because
of raising the Standard of the "Most Great Peace."
YEAR BOOK

Prepared under the supervision of the National Spiritual Assembly
of the E a ~ b ' i sOF THE UNITED STATES AND CANADA
with the approval of SHOCHIE F F E N ~ .

BAH A' I PUBLISHING TRUST
Wilrnette, Illinois
Copyright, 1926, by National Spiritual Assembly of the Baha'is
of the United States and Canada.
Reprinted 1980

Printed in the United States of America
CONTENTS
PART O N E PAGE
"0 A ~ m yof Life!" ~ ~ . . ~ - ~ . ~ ~ ~ 12 ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ - - - - . . . . .
A Statement of the Purpose and Principles of the Baha'i Faith .....----_----
Outline of Baha'i History . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
15. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
The Passing of 'Abduql-BahL - ~ ~ . . ~ . ~ - - - - ~ ~ 19 - - - . . - - . . . . . - - - -

PART TWO
Extracts from BahB'i Sacred Writings _.._._----.--.--..-....-..--..-. 35
A Statement on Present-day Administration of the BahL'i Cause.----------- 45
Baha'i Calendar and Festivals --.-.-.-------...-----..-.--..--.---------- 56
The a s h r i q u - A d . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 59
Brief History of the Mashriqu'l-AdhkPr in America -._-.-----.-----------.--
Extracts from Mashriqu'l-AdhMr Report __-...--.--...------.--.... 71
The Mashriqu'l-AdhMr of 'IshqPbid _..-.--------..---..---------.---.. 79
Impressions of Haifa -....-...... -.--..----------- 81 - - . . . . .
a n . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 84
Old and New Paths a t Green Acre -_.--..-----.--.-..-.---...-------..-..- 87
1 Unity Conference . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 95

PART THREE
National Spiritual Assemblies 101
Leading Local BahL'i Centers-__-___--.-.--.-----------.--..------.-.-.-- 101
Baha'i Periodicals . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 103
Bibliography __.__-.--_...-.__._---...------------.--.--....----.---- 105
References to the BahB'i Movement .....----------..------.---.--.---.---- 115
European and American Cities Visited by 'Abdu'l-BahP --..-..-.--.--.----.- 130
Transliteration of Oriental Terms Frequently Used,in Baha'i Literature._---- 131
Dr. J . E. Esslemont _-___---.-.___...-.-.-..-.----.----..--..-.--..---. 133

PART FOUR
The Relation of the BahL'i Cause to Modern Progressive Movements__.._-_- 139
The Unity of Civilization --..----.---.-----.--------.----....--..--.----141
Equality of Men and Women -------.-..-.+.---..--.--.-..-----.-..-----.- 147
Esperanto and the BahL'i Teachings ----__-__-.---.-.-..-...--...-..-..- 153
Unity of Religions ------.....--__._-.----..-..---.---.-----.-..------..-167
Science and Religion -.-.-.--...-----------..-------------....-..----.-.-160
Universal Education .----_.....-_._------.--------.--------..-.------.. 163
Racial Amity -__._-----._..-.__---------.-----..-..---...--.-.-....-- 165
The Economic Teaching of 'Abdu'l-Bah6 __._-_--....-----.-..-.--.---.-... 170
World Peace -..-_.-----_-_..._-.--------------..--.-------.. 173
NOTE: T,he editors regret that a few Oriental words and
proper names appear with different spellings throughout the
Year Book due to the fact that certain articles were written
before the Oxford standard transliteration was adopted by the
BaG'is. Also in other ways there has been no attempt to
bring up to date the compilation of material, some of which
covered a period of many years.
PAGE
'Abdul-BahL ........................................................ Fromntispiece
Original house occupied by the BLb.......................................... 16
Avenue in Haifa leading to Mt. C a m e l ....................................... 22
Group of BahB'ir in Baghdad, Iraq .......................................... 34
BahB'i Assmbly of Part Said, Egypt .................................... 44
Delegates and friends attending Convention a t Green Acre, Maine.............. 52
The Mashriqu'l-Adhkar ... . 58
Mr. Bourgeois' house-studio-exterior and interior ............................ 76
Terraced descent from Tomb of the B i b and 'Abdu'l-BahB..................... 82
.
BabA'is of Kunjangun. India................................................ 86
Fellowship house and tea house a t Green Acre, Maine.......................... 90
Peace flag-raising a t Green Acre and view of grounds. ............. ........... 92
Floral emblem sent M ~ j o rImbrie. . ... 100
BahB7i students a t Beirut University........................................ 104
Jenab'i-Fadil a t Santa Paula, California.................................... 106
Boys' 'school a t 'IshqBbad, E u s i a ........................................... 110
Girls' school a t 'Ishq&b&d, Rumia............................................116
Annual Feast a t West Englewood, New Jersey ................................ 120
BahB'i Feast given Miss Alexander a t Seoul, Korea. Buddhist College students
a t Seoul ................................................................ 122
Baha'i Messxge carried to Alaska ............................................ 124
BahA'i teachers in Australia and New Zealand ................................ 126
Mi,as Effie Baker of Melbourne, Australia ..................................... 128
Dr. J. E. Esslemont .......................................................132
Conference of Living Religions a t London in 1924 ............................. 138
Dr. and Mrs. K. M. Foujdar of Bombay, India ................................ 148
Esperanto students, Tokyo, Japan ........................................... 156
Baha'i Orphanage a t Tokyo, Japan ..........................................168
To
SHOGHI EFFENDI
Guardian of the BahB'i Cause
this work is dedicated
in hope that it will assist
his efforts to promote
that spiritual unity
underlying and anticipating
the "Most Great Peace"
of BAHA'U'LLAH
INTRODUCTION

D URING February, 1924, the suggestion was made to Shoghi Effendi that the time
seemed opportune for the organization of a committee of BahB'i editors, chosen from
the Orient, Europe and America, to gather together the necessary data, facts, and
other information for an annual reference book on the Bahd'i Cause. During the eighty
years that have passed since the announcement of the Bib, the movement has penetrated
into many countries and made an indelible impression upon the thoughts of the age. If all
the activities of the Bahi'is could be gathered together, and the work of the Cause be
properly edited each year, the result, it was felt, would be to advance the unified thought
and action of the adherents of the Faith and disclose to others something of the signiiicance
of the world-wide movement called into being by the message of BahB'u'UPh.
As the result of that suggestion, the National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahi'is of the
United States and Canada was requested, pending the formation of an international board
of Bahi'i editors, to assume responsibility for the work.
The editors appointed by that body present this first Bahb'i Year Book in full knowledge
that it falls all too short of the ideal. They request its readers to accept the book merely
as a preliminary forecast and simple working model of an annual BahA'i work of reference
the facilities for which can be developed as time goes on.
Particularly do they regret the unavoidable emphasis placed upon the activities of the
BaWis in the,United States and Canada in comparison with those of other countries. I n
future issues of the Year Book equal emphasis can be secured through closer co-operation
with the other National Spiritual Assemblies than could be asked for or received in the
brief space of time at the disposal of the editors this year.
Sympathizers with the ideals of the movement are asked to give special attention :o
Part Four, consisting of a series of contributed articles on those universal principles promulgated so lucidly by 'Ahdu'l-BahA and already generally accepted as the indications and
proofs of a new day stirring in the heart of mankind. I t is hoped that this section of the
Bahi'i Year Book will develop into a true review and analysis of world events from a
spiritual point of view-an interpretation surely most desirable and helpful to students and
workers in all fields.
Suggestions and assistance leading to improvements in future volumes of the Year Book
will he heartily welcomed from any source, particularly from the various National Spiritual
Assemblies throughout the Bahl'i world. Correspondence on the subject should he addressed to Year Book Committee, care National Spiritual Assembly of the Bahd'is of the
United States and Cannda, 48 West 10th Street, New York, N . Y., U . S. A.
NELLIE S. FRFNCH,
MARIAMHANEY,
HORACE HOLLEY,
CHARLES MASON REMEY,
ALBERT WINDUST,
Editors.
PART ONE

1. "0 Army of Life !"
11. A Statement of the Purpose and Principles
of the BahP'i Faith.
111. Outline of BahL'i History.
IV. Passing of 'Abdu'l-BahL.
worship stars of faded splendor and have turned
in prayer unto darkened horizons. Both have utterly neglected the broad foundation of God's sacred laws, and have grown unmindful of the merits
and virtues of His religion. They have regarded
certain customs and conventions a s the immutable basis of
the Divine Faith, and have firmly established themselves
therein. They have imagined Q~hemselvesas having attained the glorious pinnacle of achievement and prosperity
when in reality they have touched the innermost depths
of heedleness and deprived themselves wholly of God's
bountiful gifts.
The corner-stone of the Religion of God is the acquisition
of the Divine perfections and the sharing in His manifold
bestowals. The essential purpose of Faith and Belief is to
ennoble the inner being of man with the outpourings of
grace from on high. If this be not attained, i t is indeed
deprivation itself. I t is the torment of infernal fire.
Wherefore i t is incumbent upon all Baha'is to ponder this
very delicate and vital matter i n .iheir hearts, .that, unlike
other religions, they may not content themselves with the
noise, the clamor, the hollowness of religious doctrine. Nay,
rather they should exemplify in every aspect of their lives
those attributes and virtues that are born of God and should
arise to distinguish themselves by their goodly behaviour.
They should justify their claim to be BahP'is by deeds and
not by name. He is a true BahS'i who strives by day and
by night to progress and advance along the path of human
endeavor, whose most cherished desire is so to live and act
as to enrich and illuminate the world, whose source of
inspiration is the essence of Divine virtue, whose aim in
life is so to conduct himself as to be the cause of infinite
progress. Only when he attains unto such perfect gifts
can i t be said of him that he is a true Bahi'i. For in this
holy Dispensation, the crowning glory of bygone ages and
cycles, true Faith is no mere acknowledgment of the Unity
of God, but rather the living of a life that will manifest all
the perfections and virtues implied in such belief. . . .
'ABDU'L-BAHA.
PART ONE

A STATEMENT OF THE PURPOSE AND PRINCIPLES OF THE
BAHPf FAITH
" The source of all learning is the knowledge o f God, exalted be His
glory! and this cannot be attained save through the knowledge of His divine Manif estation!'-BAHA'U'LLAH.
OR more than eighty years, the llBh bestowed upon humanity a per-
F BahB'i Cause has been steadfastly fect model and criterion of truth,
presented to the world as the expres- first, in His own life, then in His
sion for ithis age of the same univer- written teachings. The life of Basal Spirit which in other ages spoke h&'u'll&h shows f o ~ t the
h same provithrough Zo~roaster, Muhammed, the dential destiny as the lives of those
Buddha, Moses, Christ, one Divine Manifestations who arose in ancient
utterance and continuous purpose, and hater times. I t was the same vicgiving forth one and the same tory of the Spirit beset by ignorance
message, albeit adapted to the con- and hate; the same sacrifice, the
ditions and human capacities of each same glory. But BahB'u'llPh was not
time. In Bahi'u'llBh, according rto slain nor prevented from giving His
His explicit text, the Message of God full message. The written text surhas been revealed to mankind in its viving Him guides the faithful folfullness and universality, and the lower into all truth.
BahB'i Cause accordingly represents The utterances of BahL'u'llfih conthe fulfillment of that which was but veys the spirit of religion throughplartially revealed in previous dis- out the circle of the experiences of
pensations. life. They enlarge the area of re-
The objects of the BahC'i Cause ligion to include reality in all its
are identical with the true objects of forms. From bhem we derive sciall revealed religion: to raise man ence, philosophy and tea~hingson
from the earthly to the heavenly con- economic and governmental probdition; to subs~titutespiritual laws lems, as well as ethics and methods
an8d kealities for natural laws and of spiritual purification and attainrealities operating in the darkness of menit.
unfaith; to initiate a new age and "BahL'u'llLh taught," writes Dr.
era of progress and atitainment in J. E. Esslemont, "that the Prophet,
the world of mind; to transform civ- or 'Manifestation of God,' is the
ilization into the glory of the Icing- Light-bringer of the spiritual world,
.dom-but what has been partially ais the sun i.s the lighbbringer of the
revealed is now made complete and nahural world. Just as the marterial
what has been cherished as We se- sun shines over the earth and causes
cret experience of a few souls is now the growth and development of mateestablished as the determining power rial organisms, so also, through the
molding the life of the world. Divine Manifestation, the Sun of
To achieve these objects, Bahfi'u'. Truth shines upon the world of heart
14 ~ A ~ i i YEAR
'f BOOK

and soul, and educates the thoughts, That which the Bahb'i Cause eonmorals and charadters of men. And tains not revealed in any existing rejust as the rays of the natural sun ligion is the principle of the Oneness
have an influence which penetrates of Mankind.
into the darkest and shadiest corners I t is in the light of this principle
uf the world, givina warmth and life that all the BahB'i writings are to be
even to creatures that have never viewed and the purpose of thils Moveseen the sun ibself, so also, the out- ment considerea. hat a spiritual
pouring of the Holy Spirik through Power has been breathed into the
the Manifestation of God influences soul of humaniky in this age which
the lives of all, and inspires receptive shall remove all causes of difference,
minds even in places and among peo- misunderskan'ding, discord and disples where the name of the Prophet agreement--causes resident in cusis quite unknown. The advent of the toms and institutions as well as in
Manifestation is like the coming of personal opinions and emotionsthe Spring. I t is a day of resurrec- and establish the means and meithods
tion in which the spiritually dead are as well as the desire of unity-is of
l~aisedto new life, in which the Real- the essence of the BahB'i teaching
ity of the Divine Religions is renewed and faith. The rapidly alkering charand re-established, in which appear acter of human life throughout the
'new heavens and a new earth! world is one of the prmfs of the mis-
"But, in the world of nature, the sion of BahPu'llBh.
Spring brings about not only the The principle of oneness involves
growth and awakening of new life, so many rea~djustments,mental, SO-
but also the destruction and removal cia1 and spiritual, that the wars and
of the old and effete; for the same strifes of these latter times have been
sun, that makes the flowers to spring inevitable. In the life and writings
and the trees to bud, causes also the of 'Abdu'l-BahB we have the supreme
decay and disintegration of what is efforlt to prepare humanity for the
dead and ufieless; it loosens the ice understanding of BahA'u'llBh and the
and melts the snow of winter, and power manifest in Him. 'Abdu'lsats free the flood and the storm BahB gave to BahA'u'llBh's message
that cleanse and purify the earth. So an initerpretation directly and immeis it also in the spiritual world. The diately applying to the nature of
spiritual sunshine causes similar those readjuskments. The interprecommotion and change. Thus the tation is one with the message, as
Day of Resurrection is also the Day the sunlight is one with the sun.
of Judgment, in which corruptions 'Abdu'l-BahB has revealed the sigi
and imitations of the truth and out- nificansce of the Bahs'i Cause in setworn ideas and customs are discard- ting forth the following Principles:
ed and destroyed, in which the ice
and snow of prejudice and supersti- 1. Unfettered search afker truth
Ition, which accumulated during the and the abandonment of all superstiseason of winter, are melted and tion and prejudice.
transformed, and energies long fro- 2. The Oneness of Mankind: all
zen and pent up are released to flood are "leaves of one tree, flowers in one
and renovate the world!' gaxden."
Religion renews the spirit of faith 3. Religion musst be a cause of
and confirms the ideals of the pre- love and harmony, else it is no revious Prophets and Messengers; but ligion.
Religion also progresses and in each 4. All religions are one in their
cycle disclosw a new aspeot of truth. fundamental principles.
OUTLINE OF B A H ~ 'HISTORY
~ 15

5. Religion must conform with ment and cqual rights and privileges
science. Faith hnd reason must be for both sexes.
in full aocord. 10. Work for all : no idle rich and
6. Universal Peace: the establish- no idle poor. "Work in the spirit of
mel~tof universal League of Nations, service is worship."
of international arbitrlion and an 11. Abolition of exkemes of pov-
International Parliament. erty and wealth: care for the needy.
7. The adoption of an auxiliary
12. Recogniltion of the Unity of
internakional language which shall God and obedience to His commands
be taught in all the schools of the as revealed through His Divine Manworld. if estations.
The history of the Bah6'i Cause,
8. Compul~soryeducation especial- mirroring as it does the spiritual hisly for girls, who will be the mothers tory of modern times, confirms these
and the fir& educators of the next principles and shows how they have
generation. permeated the minds and hearts of
9. Equ'al opporkunities of develop- its followers throughout the world.

OUTLINE OF BAHA'f HISTORY

T HE history of the past eighty Cause they assume perfect order and
years makes a startling record of fullness of meaning.
momentous ements, radical changes The day will surely come when hisand new world issues emerging ap- torians, working in the light of the
parently without definite order and life and teachings of BahB'u'll&h,
meaning, capable of many conflict- will produce the true and complete
ing interprebations. But if one ob- narrative of these significant years,
serves how action is expressive of a narrative coordinating the visible
thought, lhow thought is move~dby events with their subtler causes, and
will and desire, and how will and de- bringing into unity the mental and
sire are formed by the quality of the moral as well as social issues inpersonal or group understanding, it volved. Meanwhile, )the dimplest
will become evidenit that an era so statement recording the conditions
profoundly aative in d l direatiom under which the Bah2i Movement
an~don all planes can only be ac- was horn and developed will be deepcounted for by the presence of some ly moving to those who would know
Influence felt in the very soul of the life as the pathway to Gold.
world. To read this record aright, one
The history of the Bah8'i Cause is must discern the fruit latent in the
the explanation of this influence- seed and shaping in the bud. Withits swift movement and penetration out BaM'u'llf+h, the episode of the
from the heights to the depbhs of Bhb hals no lasting rasult or outaome;
humanity. The BahL'i Cause is more wibhout 'Abdu'l-BahB, the influence
than an incident in history ;-it is a of Bah6'u'llih has no adequate inclear Light illuminating the spiritual strumed; without the application of
powers t o which peoples consciously 'Abdu'l-BahB's final instructions His
or unconsciously, now respond. Apart sacrifice would not serve to unify and
from the BahC'i Cause, modern world renovate the worl~d.
movements and ltendencies seem sin- The first significant BaM'i date is
ister anarchy; but from witthin the May 23, 1844.
At that time evidences of the dawn The motive animating the faith of
of a new Day were visible on every the Bib's followers was that His behand. Witnesses to this dawn arose ing and mission fulfilled the spirit of
in ad1 coun6ries and among all peo- their own religious prophecy.
ples, testifying in the name of po- With BahB'u'llBh, whose advent
etry, art, science, philmophy and re- the BBb had foretold, the new Moveligion to the presence of a new, trans- ment left behind its peculiar Muslim
forming Spirit. Materialists worked aspect and assumed a world-wide
in hope to reform the body of society, purpose and meaning. Baha'u'llih
while mystics felt the nearness of arose after the death of the Bib, took
their Lord. From farthest East to upon Himself full responsibility for
farthest West the surfaces of habit leadin@ a Movement proscribed by
and tradition broke asunder, and the government, and became the tarpeople tended to center around new get for all the bitterness engendered
and higher ideals. by failure to extinguish the new
The supreme expremion of this light of faith. BahL'u'llih was imuniversal awakening revealed itself prisoned in TIhrLn with murderers
in the heart of a radiant Youth of and criminals, hastinadoed, con-
Persia known now as the Bib (i. e., demned to death, exiled to Baghdld,
Gate or Door). To this Youth came then to Constantinople and Adrianothe clear realization of His mission ple, and finaly confined for life in the
to proclaim the coming of a mighty desolate basracks of 'Akki, a Turk-
Educator, the One longed for by all ish penal colony, facing Mount Carpeoples, who woul~dquicken the souls, me1 in the Holy Land.
illumine the minds, unify the con- On April 21, 1863, in a garden
sciences and remold the customs of outside BaghdLd, BahB'u'llah made
mankind. %he life of the Bib from known to a few followers that He
May 23, 1844, to July 9, 1850, exem- was the One proclaimed and promplified the pure spiritual destiny of ised by the Bib. This announcement
the Prophebs and Messengers of old. was made in His famous Epistles in
Throuph Him a large portion of the Adrianople previous to the journey
Muslim population of Persia became to 'Akki, in 1868.
imbued wi'th true faith, but against By this event the Bibi Movement
Him gathered the fanatic hatred of was fulfilled in the Cause of B a -
the Muslim clergy and the desperate u'llah, the "Glory of God," and the
fear of the civil rulers, and by their streams of Christian and Jewish
combined efforts and influence tihe prophecy united with the inner real-
Bib was soon confined in prison, and ity of the Muslim Religion.
on July 9, 1850, pu~bliclymartyred in Bahi'u'llLh gave the glad tidings
Tabriz. to East and West that the Day of
Those who lament tihat this is an God had dawned, 6hat the power of
age of dominant materialism may the Holy Spirit, encompassed humanwell ponder the results of the BBb's ity in its time of greatest need, that
mission in the heroic sacrifice of His a new and universal cycle had been
faithful followers, many lthousands established-the age of brotherhood,
of whom were tortured and slain with of peace, of the knowledge of God.
incredible brutality. Because these This message was inscribed in Tabevents took place in a Muslim land, lets or Epistles, written during His
and in a land peculiarly remote from forty years of exile and imprison-
European and American experience, ment, to kings and rulers, to reprelittle attention was paid to the BBbf sentatives of the several religions, to
movement in the West. His own followers in response to
18 B A H A ' ~YEAR BOOK

questions they had addressed to Him, developed in relation to the needs of
and in a great number of books con- civilization, and an organic harmony
taining the essence of universal re- is created bebween religion, science,
ligion, ecience and philosophy. In economics and social order. 'Abdu'lbhe annals of the wm-ld, no spiritual BahL expanded the religion of spirit
revelation has been so complete, nor to include all the functions of life,
made under such conditions of per- destroying forever the antagonism
sonal oppression and hardship. bekween "religious" and "secular"
The effect of Bahi'u'llih Himself matters. But this religion of spirit
upon His followers, even upon His bears little resemblance to instituenemies, was unique and indescriba- tional creeds.
ble. About Him emanated a majesty In these addresses also we find
that glorified every suffering, an awe vivid and inspiring pictures of the
that penetrated to the rudest soul, a latent possibilities of the human soul
consecrated love that portrayed man and the new civilization which shall
in his ultimate perfection. Volunta- arise from the influence of the Holy
rily sharing these fateful ordeals Spirit. The adaptability of 'Abdu'lfrom very childhood was the son of Bahi to the particular audience or
BahB'u'llLh, 'Abdu'l-Bahi ("Servant individual inquirer produced a true
of BahL") , whose confinement at unity between groups and interests
'Akki, lasting forty years, was termi- never reconciled before. No such
nated at last in 1908 by the over- source of education in the whole
throw of the old regime by the Young meaning of the word exists in the
Turks. modern world outside the writings of
BahL'u'llLh ascended in 1892, 'Abdu'l-BahO. In these writings the
leaving a Testament naming 'Abdu'l- ideals of Christian, Jew and other re-
Bahi as the Head of His Cause, the ligionists; of philosopher and scien-
Interpreter of His teachings and the tist, of economist and reformer are
Promulgator of His faith. The abundantly realized.
providential spirit guiding and pro- At the time of the passing of 'Abtecting the BahL'i Cause from its be- du'l-BahL, BahL'is existed in many
ginning, centered thereafter in 'Ab- countries of East and West. To these
du'l-Bahi. He left explicit instructions explain-
'Abdu'l-Baha served as the witness ing and applyin~gthe teachings of
and proof of Bahi'u'llih from 1892 Baha'u'llah, concerning the method
until November 28, 1921. By His of unifying the believers and adminsingleness of devotion, purity of life, istering the work of bhe Cause. He
tirelese effort, humanitarian love and appointed in His Will and Testament
unfailing wisdom the BahL'i Mes- His eldest grandson, Shoghi Effendi,
sage slowly but surely spread to as first Guardian of the Cause, and
all parts of the world. From 1911 left directions for the election of an
to 1913, 'Abdu'l-BahL journeyed international Council (Baytu'l-'Adl, i.
through Europe and America, un- e., House of Justice) based on the
folding before numerous audiences universal suffrage of the believers,
the spirit of the alge. His addresses which should in conjunction with him
explore the fundamental problems of guide the development of the Movereligion as an attitude toward God ment and co-ordinate the activities of
reflected in life. In these addresses its followens in accordance with the
we find the message of BahB'u'llLh principles laid dawn by BahA'u'llLh.
PASSING OF 'ABDU'L-BAHA

THE PASSING OF 'ABDU'L-BAHA
Extracts f r o m c o m p l l a t i o a prepared an Ja%%a+-y,1922

B Y LADY BLOMFIELD AND SHCGHIEFFENDI
"When I found myself outside I
IofTofthe1s' well known that the loved ones
'Abdu'l-Bahi, in every part said within myself, 'For what reason
world, are anxiously waiting to came I forth, not having led the
receive some dekails of the closing prayer? But it matters not; now
events of his unique and wonderful that I have uttered the call to prayer,
life. For this reasod the present ac- the vast multitude will of themselves
count is being written. chant the prayer."
We have now come to realize that When the Master had passed away,
the Master knew the day and hour his family pondered over this dream
when, his mission on earth being fin- and interpreted it thus :-
iehed, he would return to the shelter He had called that same vast mulof heaven. He was, however, careful titude-all peoples, all reliaons, al!
that his family should not have any races, all nations and all kingdoms--
premonition of the coming sorrow. to unity and peace, h universal love
I t seemed as though their eyes were and brotherhood; and having called
veiled by him, with his ever-loving them, he returned to God the beloved,
consideration for his dear ones, that at whose command he had raised the
they should not see the significance majestic call, had given the divine
of certain dreams and other signs of message. This same multitude-the
the culminating event. This they now peoples, religions, races, nations and
realize was his thought for them, in kingdoms-would continue the work,
order that their strength might be to which 'Abdu'l-BahL had called
preserved to face the great ordeal them, and would of themselves press
when i t should arrive, that they forward to its accomplishment.
should not be devitalized by anguish A few weeks after the preceding
of mind in its anticipation. dream the Master came in from the
Out of the many signs of the ap- solitary room in the garden, which
proach of the hour when he could he had occupied of late, and said:-
say of his work on earth, "It is fin- <*Idreamed a dream and behold the
ished," the following two dreams lyessed ~ ~ ( B a h y~l l L h ) ~came t ~ ,
seem remarkable. Less than eight and said unto me, ~~~t~~~ this
weeks before his passing the Master room!, 9 ,
related this to his family: The family, who had been wishing
"I seemed be standing wifiin a that he would come and sleep in the
great temple, in the inmost shrine, house, not being happy that he should
facing the east, in the place of the be alone at night, exclaimed, "Yes,
leader himself. I became aware that ~ ~we think
~ yourt dream~ means,
ea&
'eal n ~ m b e rof people were flock- that you should leave that room and
ing into the temple; more and yet come into the house." When he
more crowded in, taking their places heard this from us, he smiled meanin rows behind me, until there was a ingly a s though not agreeing with our
vast multitude. As I stood I raised interpretation. Afterwards we unloudly the 'Call to Prayer.' Suddenly derstood that by the "room" was
the thought came ta me to go forth meant the temple of his body. . ..
from the temple. In the same week he revealed a
Tablct to America, in which is the saying, 'Nay, but I must gather them
following prayer :- with my own hands.' Having eaten
"YB BahB'i-1-Abhi! ( 0 Thou the of the fruit he turned to me and
glory of glories) I have renounced asked 'Do you desire anything
the world and the people thereof, and more?' Then with a pathetic gesam heartbroken and sorely afflicted ture of his hands, he touchingly, embecause of the unfaithful. In the phatically and deliberately said:-
cage of this world I flutter even as 'Now it is finished, it is finished!'
a frightened bird, and yearn every "These significant words peneday to take my flight unto Thy king- trated my very soul. I felt each
dom. time he uttered them as if a knife
" YB Bahi'i-1-Abhi! Make me to were struck into my heart. I underdrink of the cup of sacrifice and set stood his meaning but never dreamed
me free. Relieve me from these woes his end was so nigh."
and trials, from these afflictions and I t was Ismgil AqA who had been
troubles. Thou art He that aideth, the Master's gardener for well nigh
that succoureth, that protecteth, that thirty years and who, in the first
stretcheth forth the hand of help.". . week after his bereavement, driven
After lunch he dictated some Tab- by hopeless grief, quietly disposed of
lets, his last ones, to Rithi Effendi. all his belongings, made his will,
When he had rested he walked in the went to the Master's sister and
garden. He seemed to be in a deep craved her pardon for any misdeeds
reverie. he had committed. He then delivered
His good and faithful servant Is- the key of the garden to a trusted
ma'il AqP, relates the following:- servant of the household and, taking
"Some time, about twenty days be- with him means whereby to end his
fore my Master passed away, I was life at his beloved Master's tomb,
near the garden when I heard him walked up the mountain to that
summon an old believer saying :- sacred place, three times circled
" 'Come with me that we may ad- round it and would have succeeded
mire together the beauty of the in taking his life had it not been for
garden. Behold, what the spirit of the opportune arrival of a friend,
devotion is able to achieve! This who reached him in time to prevent
flourishing place was, a few years the accomplishment of his tragic inago, but a heap of stones, and now i t .
tention. . .
L verdant with foliage and flowers. During the evening 'Abdu'l-Bahti
My desire is that after I am gone We attended the usual meeting of the
loved ones may all arise to serve the friends in his own audience chamber.
divine cause and, please God, so it In the morning of Saturday, Noshall be. Ere long men will arise vember 26th, he arose eaxly, came to
who shall bring life to the world.' . . . the tea room and had some tea. He
"Three days before his ascension asked for the fur-lined coat which
whilst seated in the garden, he called had belonged to BahB'u'llPh. He
me and said, 'I am sick with fatigue. often put on this coat when he was
Bring two of your oranges for me cold or did not feel well, he so loved
that I may eat them for your sake.' it. He then withdrew to his room,
This I did, and he having eaten them lay down on his bed and said, "Cover
turned to me, saying 'Have you any me up. I am very cold. Last night
'of your sweet lemons?' He bade me I did not sleep well, I felt cold. This
fetch a few. .. Whilst I was pluck- is serious, it is the beginning."
ing them, he came over to the tree, After more blankets had been put
on, he asked for the fur coat he had however stayed with Him. That
taken off to be placed over him. ghat night the Master had gone to sleep
day he was rather feverish. In the very calmly, quite free from fever.
evening his temperature rose still He awoke about 1.15 a. m., got up
higher, but during the night the fever and walked across to a table where he
left him. After midnight he asked drank some water. He book off an
for some tea. outer night garment, saying:-"I am
On Sunday morning (November too warm." He went back to bed and
27th) he said:- "I am quite well when his daughter Rirhi Khinum,
and will get up as usual and have tea later on, approached, she found Him
with you in the tea room." After he lying peacefully and, as He looked
had dressed he was persuaded to re- intd her face, He asked her to lift up
main on the sofa in his room. the net curtains, saying:-
In the afternoon he sent all the "I have difficulty in breathing, give
friends to the tomb of the Bkb, where me more air!' Some rose water was
on the occasion of the anniversary brought of which He drank, sitting
of the declaration of the Covenant a up in bed to do so, without any help.
feast was being held, offered by a He @sin lay down, and as some food
PBrsi pilgrim who had lately arrived was offered Him, He remarked in a
from India. clear and distinct voice:
At four in the afternoon being on "You wish me to take some food,
the sofa in his room He said :- "Ask and I am going?" He gave them a
my sister and all the family to come beautiful look. His face was so calm,
and have tea with me!'
His four sons-in-law and Rirhi Ef- His expression so serene, they
fendi came to him after returning thought Him asleep.
from the gathering on the mountain. He had gone from the gaze of His
Thev said to Him:- "The giver of loved ones!
the "feast was unhappy because you
were not there!, H~ said unto The eyes that,had always looked
....,.I+ .
Lll~'ll.-
out with loving-kindness upon hu-
"But I was there, though my body manity, whether friends or foes,
was absent, my spirit was there in were now closed. The hands that had
your midst. I was present with the ever been stretched forth t o give alms
friends at the tomb. The friends to the poor and the needy, the halt
must not attach any importance to and the maimed, the blind, the
the absence of my body. In spirit I orphan and the widow, had now
an), and shall always be, with the finished their labor. The feet that,
friends. even thou& I be far away." with untiring zeal, had gone upon the
~h~ kame H~ asked after ceaseless errands of the Lord of comthe health of every member of the passion were now at rest. The lips
household, of the pilgrims and of the that had so eloquently championed
friends in Haifa. "Very good, very the cause of the suffering sons of
good" He said when told €hat none men, were now hushed in silence.
were ill. This was His very last ut- The heart that had so powerfully
terance concerning His friends. throbbed with wondrous love for the
At eight in the evening He retired children of God was now stilled. His
to bed after taking a little nourish- glorious spirit had passed from the
ment, saying:-"I am quite well." life of earth, from the persecutions
He told all the family to go to bed of the enemies of righteousness, from
and rest. Two of His daughters the storm and stress of well nigh
eighty years of indefatigible toil for sioner, the Governor of Jerusalem,
the good of others. and the Governor of Phoenicia. After
them came the consuls and the no-
His long martryrdom was ended!
tables of the land, followed by the
Early on Monday morning Novem- vast multitude of those who reverber 28th the news of this sudden enced and loved Him.
calamity had spread over the city, On this day there was no cloud in
causing an unprecedented stir and the sky, nor any sound in all the
tumult, and filling all hearts with un- town and surrounding country
utterable grief. throulgh which they went, save only
The next morning, Tuesday No- the soft, slow, rythmic chanting of
vember 29th the funeral took place; Islam in the call to prayer, or the
a funeral the like of which Haifa, convulsed sobbing moan of those
nay Palestine itself, had surely never helpless ones, bewailing the loss of
seen; so deep was the feeling that their one friend, who had protected
brought so many thousands of them in all their difficulties and sormourners together, representative of rows, whose generous bounty had
so many religions, races and tongues. saved them and their little ones from
The High Commissioner of Pales- starvation through the terrible years
tine, Sir Herbert Samuel, the Gover- of the "Great Woe."
nor of Jerusalem, the Governor of "0 God, my God!" the people
Phoenicia, the chief officials of the wailed with one accord, "Our father
government, the consuls of the vari- has left us, our father has left us!"
ous countries, resident in Haifa, the 0 the wonder of that great throng!
heads of the variwdh reli\gfous Lom Peoples of every religion and race
munities, the notables of Palestine, and color, united in heart through
Jews, Christians, Moslems, Druses, the manifestation of servitude in the
Egyptians, Greeks, Turks, Kurds, life-long work of 'Abdu'l-Bahb !
and a host of his American, European As they slowly wended their way
and native friends, men, women and up Mount Carmel, the Vineyard of
children, both of high and low degree, God, the casket appeared in the distall, about ten thousand in number, ance to be borne aloft by invisible
mourning the loss of their beloved hands, so high above the heads of
one. the people was it carried. After two
This impressive, triumphal pro- hours walking, they reached the garcession was headed by a guard of den of the tomb of the Bib. Tenhonor, consisting of the City Con- derly was the sacred coffin placed
stabulary Force, followed by the Boy upon a plain table covered with a
Scouts of the Moslem and Christian fair white linen cloth. As the vast
communities holding aloft their ban- concourse pressed around the taberners, a company of Moslem chor- nacle of His body, waiting to be laid
isters chanting their verses from the in its resting place, within the vault,
Qur'Bn, the chiefs of the Muslim com- next to that of the Bab, representamunity headed by the Mufti, a num- tives of the various denominations,
ber of Christian priests, Latin, Muslims, Christians and Jews, all
Greek and Anglican, all preceding hearts being ablaze with fervent love
the sacred coffin, upraised on the of 'Abdu'l-BahB, some on the impulse
shoulders of His loved ones. Im- of the moment, others prepared,
mediately behind i t came the mem- raised their voices in euldgy and
bers of His family, next to them regret, paying their last homage of
walked the British High Commis- farewell to their loved one. So united
24 B A H ~ YEAR
'~ BOOK

were they in their acclamation of the most profound impression, on
Him, as the wise educator and rec- every tongue most wondrous praise.
onciler of the human race in this And He that leaveth a memory so
perplexed and sorrowful age, that lovely, so imperishable, He indeed, is
there seemed to be nothing left for not dead. Be solaced then, 0 ye
the Bahi'is to say. people of Bahi! Endure and be
The following are extracts from patient; for no man, be he of the East
some of the speeches delivered on or of the West, can ever comfort you,
that memorable occasion. nay he himself is even in greater
The Muslim voicing the sentiments need of consolation."
of his co-religionists spoke as fol- The Christian then came forward
lows:- and thus spoke:-
"0 concourse of Arabians and Per- "I weep for the world, in that my
sians! Whom are ye bewailing? Is Lord hath died; others there are who,
it He who but yesterday was great like unto me, weep the death of their
.
in this life and is today in His death Lord. . . 0 bitter is the anguish
greater still? Shed no tears for the caused by this heart-rending calaone that hath departed to the world mity! I t is not only our country's
of eternity, but weep over the passing loss but a world affliction. . . . He
of virtue and wisdom, of knowledge hath lived for well-nigh eighty years
and generosity, Lament for your- the life of the messengers and aposselves, for yours is the loss, whilst tles of God. He hath educated the
He, your lost one, is but a revered souls of men, hath been benevolent
wayfarer, stepping from your mortal unto them, hath led them to the way
world into the everlasting home. of Truth. Thus he raised his people
Weep one hour for the sake of Him to the pinnacle of glory, and great
who, for well nigh eighty years, hath shall be his reward from God, the rewept for you! Look to your right, ward of the righteous ! Hear me 0
look to your left, look East and look people! 'Abb5.s is not dead, neither
West and behold, what glory and hath the light of Bahi been extingreatness have vanished! What a guished! Nay, nay! this light shall
pillar of peace hath crumbled! What shine with evedasting splendor. The
eloquent lips are hushed! Alas! In Lamp of BahL, 'Abbf~s,hath lived a
this tribulation there is no heart but goodly life, hath manifested in himaches with anguish, no eye but is self the true life of the Spirit. And
filled with tears. Woe unto the poor, now He is gathered to glory, a pure
for lo! goodness hath departed from angel, richly robed in benevolent
them, woe unto the orphans, for their deeds, noble in His precious virtues.
loving father is no more with them! Fellow Christians! Truly ye are
Could the life of Sir 'hbdu'l-Bahi- bearing the mortal remains of this
Abbis have been redeemed by the ever lamented one to His last resting
sacrifices of many a precious soul, place, yet know of a certainty that
they of a certainty would gladly have your 'AbbBs will live forever in spirit
offered up their lives for His life. amongst you, through His deeds, His
But fate haLh otherwise ordained. words, His virtues and all the essence
Every destiny is predetermined and of His life. We say farewell to the
none can change the divine decree. material body of our 'Abbis and His
What am I t o set forth the achieve- material body vanisheth from our
ments of this leader of mankind? gaze, but His reality, our spiritual
They are too glorious to be praised, 'Abbis, will never leave our minds,
too many to recount. Suffice i t to our thoughts, our hearts, our
say, that He has left in every heart tongues.
"0 great revered Sleeper! Thou Bme en nous inculquant les principes
hast been good to us, Thou hast les plus beaux, reconnus comme Btant
guided us, Thou hast tauight us, Thou la base de toute religion e t de toute
hast lived amongst us greatly, with morale pure. Par ses Bcrits, par sa
the full meaning of greatness, Thou parole, par ses entretiens familiers
hast made us proud of Thy deeds and comme par ses colloques cBlbbres avec
of Thy words. Thou hast raised the les plus cultivks e t les fervents
Orient to the summit of glory, hast adeptes des theories sectaires, il a su
shown loving kindness to the people, persuader, il a pu toujours contrained them in righteousness, and vaincre. Les exemples vivants sont
hast striven to the end, till Thou hast d'un autre pouvoir. Sa vie privBe
won the crown of glory. Rest Thou et publique Btait un exemple de dB-
happily under the shadow of the vouement et d'oubli de soi pour le
mercy of the Lord Thy God, and He bonheur des autres. . . .
verily, shall well reward Thee." "Sa philosophie est simple, direz
Yet another Moslem, the Mufti of vous, mais elle est grande par cette
Haifa, spoke as follows:- mOme simplicite, Btant conforme au
"I do not wish to exaggerate in my caractire humain qui perd de sa
eulogy of this great One, for His beaut6 lorsqu'il se trouve faussk par
ready and helping hand in the service les pr6jug6s e t les superstitions. . . .
of mankind and the beautiful and 'Abbis est mort B Caiffa, en Paleswondrous story of His life, spent in tine, la Terre Sacree qui a produit les
doing that which is right and good, prophstes. Devenue sterile et abannone can deny, save him whose heart donnke dequis tant de siicles elle resis blinded. . . . sucite de nouveau et commence & rep-
"0 Thou revered voyager! Thou rendre son rang, e t sa renommBe
hast lived greatly and hast died primitive. Nous ne sommes pas les
greatly ! This great funeral proces- seuls B pleurer ce prophete, nous ne
sion is but a glorious proof of Thy sommes pas les seuls B le glorifier.
greatness in Thy life and in Thy En Europe, en AmBrique, que dis-je,
death. But 0 , Thou whom we have dans tout pays habit6 par des hommes
lost! Thou leader of men, generous conscients de leur mission dans ce
and benevolent! To whom shall the bas monde assoiff6 de justice sociale,
poor now look? Who shall care for de fraternitb, on le pleurera aussi.
the hungry? and the desolate, the I1 est mort a p r h avoir souffert du
widow and the orphan? despotisme, du fanatisme et de l'in-
"May the Lord inspire all) Thy tolbrance. Acre, la Bastille turque,
household and Thy kindred with lui a servi de prison pendant des
patience in this grievous calamity, dizaines d'annBes. Bagdad la capiand immerse Thee in the ocean of His tale Abbasside a BtB aussi sa prison
grace and mercy! He verily, is the e t celle de son phre. La Perse, ancien
prayer-hearing, p r a y e r-answering berceau de la pbilosophie douce et di-
God." vine, a ehassB ses enfants qui ont
The Jew when his turn came, paid concu leurs idBes chez elle. Ne voithis tribute in these words :- on pas 1B une volontB divine et une
"Dans un siecle de positivisme ex- preference marquee pour la Terre
agBrB e t de materialisme effrBn6, il Promise qui Btait e t sera le berceau
est Btonnant et rare de trouver un de toutes les idBes gBn6reuses et
philosophe de grande envergure tel nobles? Celui qui laisse apr&slui un
que le reig~ettk'Abdu'l-Bahl 'AbbiLs pass6 aussi glorieux n'est pas mort.
parler B notre coeur, a nos sentiments Celui qui a Qcrit d'aussi beaux prinet surtout chercher B Bduquer notre cjpes a agrandi sa famille parmi tous
26 BAHA'~YEAR BOOK
yes lecteurs et a passe B la postkrite, de Zoroastre, de Moise, de Mahomet
couronnB par l'immortalit6." et de JBsus. Peut-&re jugerez vous
The nine speakers having delivered que cette unification est la B la fois
their funeral orations, then came the trop nombreuse et confuse. C'est
moment when the casket which held qu'on ne comprend rien aux choses
the pearl of loving servitude passed sacrBes si l'on n'est inspire par la foi.
slowly and triumphantly into its . . . Sous le turban blanc ses yeux
simple, hallowed resting place. reflbtaient I'intelligence e t la bont6.
0 the infinite pathos! that the be- I1 Btait paternal, effectueux et simple.
loved feet should no longer tread Son pouvoir, semblait-il, lui venait de
this earth ! That the presence which ce qu'il savait aimer less hommes e t
inspired such devotion and rever- savait se faire aimer d'eux. Appel6
ence should be withdrawn! B t6moigner de l'excellence de cette
Of the many and diverse journals religion naive et pure, nous purnes
that throughout the East and West honnctement confesser notre foi par
have given in their columns accounts cette Pormule : "Que les religions sont
of this momentous event, the follow- belles quand elles ne sont pas encore."
ing stand as foremost among them: The London "Morning Post," two
"Le Temps," the leading French days after his passing, among other
paper, in its issue of December 19, highly favourable comments, eon-
1921, under the title 'Un Conciliateur' eluded its report of the movement in
(a Peace Maker), portrays graphic- the following words :
ally the life of 'Abdu'l-BahB, the fol- "The venerated Bahs'u'lllh died in
lowing being some of its extracts :- 1892 and the mantle of his religious
"Un prophkte vient de mourir en insight fell on his son 'Abdu'l-BahB,
Palestine. I1 se nommait Abdoul when, after forty years of prison life,
Baha, et il etait fils de Bahaou'llah, Turkish constitutional changes perqui cr6a le bahaisme, religion 'uni- mitted him to visit England, France
fiBe' qui n'est autre que le babisme and America. His persistent mesqu'avait observe le Comte de Gobin- sages a s t o the divine origin and unity
eau. Le Bab, Messie du Babisme, se of mankind were as impressive as
proposait modestement de rBg6nerer the Messenger himself. He possessed
la Perse, ce qui lui couta la vie, en singular courtesy. At his table Bud-
1850. Bahaou"l1ah et son fils Abdoul dhist and Mohammedan, Hindu and
Baha, "I'esclave de son phre", n'am- Zoroastrian, Jew and Christian, sat
bitionnaient pas moins que la r6- in amity. "Creatures," he said, "were
generation du monde. Paris a connu created through love; let them live
Abdoul Baha. Ce viellard magnifique in peace and amity."
et debonnaire repandit parmi nous la The "New York World" of Decemparole sainte il y a quelque dix ans. ber 1,1921 publishes the following:-
I1 Btait vgtu d'une simple robe vert "Never before 'Abdu'l-Bah6 did
olive et coffB d'un turban blanc. . .. the leader of an Oriental religious
Sa parole Btait douce e t berceuse, movement visit the United States. . .
comme une litanie. On I'Bcoutait As recently as June of this year a
avec un plaisir recueilli, encore qu'on special correspondent of "The World"
ne le comprit point; car il parlait en who visited this seer thus described
persan. . . . Le bahaisme, c'est en him :-'Having once looked upon
somme la religion de la charit6 et da 'Abdu'l-BahB, his personality is inla simplicit& C'est en m&metemps, delibly impressed upon the mind: the
amalgam6, le judaisme, le chris- majestic venerable figure clad in the
tianisme, le protestantisme, et la lihre flowing aba, his head crowned with a
pensbe. Abdoul Baha se reclamait turban white as his head and hair;
PASSING OF 'ABDU'L-BAHA 27
the piercing deep set eyes whose He embodied in glorious, triumphant
glances shake the heart; the smile maturity that ideal which in others
that pours its sweetness over all.'. . . lies imprisoned 'behind the veil. Men
"Even in the twilight of his life and women of every race, creed, claw
'Abdu'l-Baha took the liveliest inter- and color are united in devotion to
est in world affairs. When General 'Abdu'l-Baha because 'Abdu'l-BahB
Allenby swept up the coast from has been a pure, selfless mirror re-
Egypt he went for counsel first to flecting only the noblest qualities of
'Abdu'l-BahA. When Zionists arrived each."
in their Promised Land they sought The Sphinx, of Cairo, E,qpt, on
'Abdu'l-BahC for advice. For Pales- December 17th described 'Abdu'ltine he had the brightest hopes. Bahi as a great leader of men. "In
'Abdu'l-Bahi believed that Bolshev- his personality and influence 'Abdu'lism would prove an admonition to the Bahi embodied all that is highest and
irreligious world. He taught the most striking in both the Christian
equality of man and woman, saying: and Moslem faiths; living a life of
"The world of humanity has two pure altruism, he preached and
wings, man and woman. If one wing worked for inter-racial and inter-reis weak, then the bird cannot fly.". . . ligious unity. . . When in the pres-
Nearly all representative American ence of 'Abdu'l-BahC thoughtful innewspapers devoted attention to the quirers soon realized that they were
passing of 'Abdu'l-Baha. The Even- speaking to a man of unique pering Telegram, New York, December sonality, one endowed with a love and
4th, 1921, found in the international wisdom that had in it the divine
peace movement a complete vindica- quality."
tion for the BahC'i ideals. "In all "The Times of India" in its issue
countries of the world today can be of January 1922, opens one of its
found mourners of the prophet 'Ab- editorial articles a s follows :-
du'l-Bahi. . . . Churches of all de- "In more normal times than the
nominations in New York city and present the death of 'Abdu'l-Bahi,
Chicago were thrown open to him which was somowfully referred to at
for, unlike the leaders of many cults, the BahL'i Conference in Bombay,
he preached not the errors of present would have stirred the feelings of
religions but their sameness." The many who, without belonging to the
New York Tribune on December 2nd Baha'i brotherhood, sympathize with
carried an editorial entitled 'Abdu'l- its tenets and admire the life-work of
Bah6. "A prophet, as his followers those who founded it. As it is we
believe, and the son of a prophet, was have learned almost by chance of this
'A~bdu'l-Bah6, who is now a t rest great religious leader's death, but
with all prophetic souls bygone. He that fact need not prevent our turnlived to see a remarkable expansion ing aside from politics and the turof the quietist cult of which he was moil of current events to consider
.
thc head. . . Baha'u'll6h over what this man did and what he aimed
sixty years ago set forth a peace at."
plan not dissimilar to the aspirations Sketching then in brief an account
of today." of the history of the movement it
The magazine Unity, published in concludes as follows :-
Chicago, included an article on the "It is not for us now to judge
Master in its issue of December 22nd. whether the purity, the mysticism
" 'Abdu'l-Bah6 voiced and made elo- and the exalted ideas of Bahi'ism
quent the sacred aspiration that will continue unchanged after the loss
yearns dumbly in the hearts of men. of the great leader, or to speculate
IAR BOOK

on whether EahB'ism will some day Thc loved ones in Germany assure
become a force in the world as great the Greatest Holy Leaf of their
or greater than Christianity or Is- fidelity in these terms :
lam; but we would pay a tribute to "All believers deeply moved by irthe memory of a man who wielded a revocable loss of our Master's
vast influence for good, and who, if precious life. We pray for heavenly
he was destined to see many of his protection of Holy Cause and promise
ideas seemingly shattered in the faithfulness and obedience to Center
world war, remained true to his con- of Covenant."
victions and to his belief in the pos- An official messa& forwarded by
si,bility of a reign of peace and love, the Council of Ministers in Baghdad,
and who, far more effectively than and dated December 8, 1921, reads
Tolstoi, showed the West that reli- as follows:
gion is a vital force that can never "His Highness Sayed Abdurrahbe disregarded." man, the Prime Minister, desires to
Out of the vast number of tele- extend his sympathy to the family of
grams and cables of condolence that His Holiness 'Abdu'l-BahL in their
have poured in, these may be men- bereavement."
tioned : The Commander in Chief of the
His Britannic Majesty's Secretary Egyptian Expeditionary Force sent
of State for the Colonies, Mr. Wins- through His Excellency the High
ton Churchill, telegraphing to His Commissioner for Palestine these
Excellency the High Commissioner words of sympathy:
for Palestine, desires him to convey "General Congreve begs that you
to the Bahb'i community, on behalf of will convey his deepest sympathy to
His Majesty's Government, their the family of the late Sir 'AbbLs alsympathy and condolence on the BahL'i."
death of Sir 'Abdu'l-BahL Abbas K. The Theosophical Society in Lon-
E. E. don communicated as follows with
On behalf of the Executive Board one of the followers of the Faith in
of the BahL'i American Convention, Haifa :
this message of condolence has been "For the Holy Family Theosophireceived : c a l S o c i e t y s e n d affectionate
"He doeth whatsoever He willeth. thoughts."
Hearts weep at most great tribula- The thousands of BahB'ls in Tehetion. American friends send through ran, the capital of Persia, remember-
Unity Board radiant love, boundless ing their Western brethren and sissympathy, devotion. Standing stead- ters in London and New York assure
fast, conscious of his unceasing them of their steadfast faith in these
presence and nearness." words :
Viscount Allenby, the High Com- "Light of Covenant transferred
missioner for Egypt, has wired the from eye to heart. Day of teaching,
following message, through the in- of union, of self sacrifice!'
termediary of His Excellency the And lastly, one of the distinguished
High Commissioner for Palestine, figures in the academic life of the
dated November 29, 1921: University of Oxford, a renowned
"Please convey to the relatives of p r o f e s s o r and an accomplished
the late Sir 'Abdu'l-BahB 'Abbas scholar, whose knowledge of the
Effendi and to the BahL'1 community Cause stands foremost among that of
my sincere sympathy in the loss of his collealgues,.in the message of contheir revered leader." dolence written on behalf of himself
PASSING OF 'ABDU'L-BAHA 29
and wife, expresses himself as fol- into the large central hall, this also
lows : bare of ornament, save only for the
"The passing beyond the veil into portrait of Him they had assembled to
fuller life must be specially wonder- honor and some antique Persian
ful and blessed for one, who has al- tapestries hung upon one wall. Beways fixed his thoughts on high and fore this was placed a platform from
striven to lead an exalted life here which the speeches were made to the
below." wrapt and silent throng, whose very
On the seventh day after the pas- hearts were listening.
sing of the Master, corn was distrib- The Governor of Phoenieia, in the
uted in His name to about a thou- course of his address, spoke the folsand poor of Haifa, irrespective of lowing:. ... "Most of us here have,
race or religion, to whom He had al- I think, a clear picture of Sir 'Abdu'lways been a friend and a protector. BahB 'AbbBs, of His dignified figure
Their 'grief a t losing the "Father of walking thoughtfully in our streets,
the Poor" was extremely pathetic. of His courteous and gracious man-
In the first seven days also from fifty ner, of His kindness, of his love for
to a hundred poor were daily fed at little children and flowers, of His
the Master's house, in the very place generosity and care for the poor and
where i t had been His custom to give suffering. So gentle was He, and so
alms to them. simple that, in his presence, one al-
On the fortieth day there was a m o d forgot that He was also a great
memorial feast, given to over six teacher and that His writings and
hundred of the people of Haifa, 'AkkB His conversations have been a solace
and the surrounding parts of Pales- and an inspiration to hundreds and
tine and Syria, people of various re- thousands of people in the East and
ligions, races and color. More than in the West.". ..
a hundred of the poor were also fed His detailed and powerfully writon this day. The Governor of ten will and testament reveals the
Phoenicia, many other officials and following words of general counsel
some Europeans were present. to all his friends :-
The feast was entirely arranged "0 ye ~belovedof the Lord! In this
by the members of the Master's sacred Dispensation, conflict and conhousehold. The long tables were tention are in no wise permitted.
decorated with trailing branches of Every aggressor deprives himself of
bougainvilliers. Its lovely purple God's grace. I t is incumbent upon
blooms mingled with the white nar- everyone to show the utmost love,
cissus, and with the large dishes of rectitude of conduct, straightforgolden oranges out of the beloved wardness and sincere kindliness unto
Master's garden made a picture of all the peoples and kindreds of the
loveliness in those spacious lofty world, be they friends or strangers.
rooms, whose only other decoration So intense must be the spirit of love
was the gorgeous yet subdued color- and loving-kindness that the stranger
ing of rare Persian rugs. No use- may find himself a friend, the enemy
less trivial ornaments marred the ex- a true brother, no difference whatsotreme dignity of simplicity. ever existing between them.
The guests received, each and all, "For universality is of God and all
the same welcome. There were no limitations are earthly."
''chief places." Here as always in "Thus man must strive Chat this
the Master's home, there was no re- reality may manifest virtues and perspecting of persons. fections, the light whereof may shine
After the luncheon the guests came upon every one. The light of the sun
'EAR BOOK

shineth upon all the world and the Cause. Give them Thy grace to withmerciful showers of divine provi- stand the onslaught of self and pasdence fall upon all peoples. The vivi- sion, to follow the light of divine
fying !breeze reviveth every living guidance. Thou a r t the powerful,
creature, and all beings endued with the gracious, the self-subsisting, the
life obtain their share and portion a t bestower, the compassionate, the al-
His heavenly board. In like manner mighty, the all-bountiful !"
the affections and loving-kindness of For His enemies this is His prayer :
the servants of the one true God "I call upon Thee, 0 Lord, my God!
must be bountifully and universally with my tongue and with all my
extended to all mankind. Regarding heart, not to requite them for their
this, restrictions and limitations are cruelty and their wrong deeds, their
in no wise permitted. craft and their mischief, for they are
"Wherefore, 0 my loving friends! foolish and ignoble, and know not
Consort with all the peoples, kindreds what they do. They discern not good
and religions of the world with the from evil, neither do they distinguish
utmost truthfulness, uprightness, right from wrong, nor justice from
faithfulness, kindliness, good-will injustice. They follow their own deand friendliness; that all the world sires and walk in the footsteps of the
of being may be filled with the holy most imperfect and foolish amongst
ecstasy of the grace of Baha; that them. 0 my Lord! have mercy upon
ignorance, enmity, hate and rancor them, shield them from all afflictions
may vanish from the world, and the in these troubled times, and grant
darkness of estrangement amidst the that all trials and hardships may
peoples and kindreds of the world be the lot of this, Thy servant, that
may give way to the light of unity. has fallen into this darksome pit.
Should other peoples and nations be Single me out for every woe and
unfaithful to you, show your fidelity make me a sacrifice for all Thy loved
unto them; should they be unjust to- ones! 0 Lord, Most High! May my
wards you, show justice towards soul, my life, my being, my spirit,
them; should they keep aloof from my all, be offered up for them! 0
you, attract them to yourselves; God, my God, lowly, suppliant and
should they show their enmity, be fallen upon my face, I beseech Thee,
friendly towards them; should they with all the ardor of my invocation,
poison your lives, sweeten their souls ; to pardon whosoever hath hurt me,
should they inflict a wound upon you, to forgive him that hath conspired
be a salve to their sores. Such are against me and offended me, and to
the attributes of the sincere! Such wash away the misdeeds of, them
are the attributes of the truthful !" that hath wrought injustice upon
" 0 ye beloved of the Lord! Strive me. Vouchsafe unto them Thy
with all your heart to shield the ,goodly gifts; give them joy, re-
Cause of God from the onslaught of lieve them from sorrow, grant them
the insincere, for such souls as these peace and prosperity; give them Thy
cause the straight to become crooked bliss and pour upon them Thy bounty.
and all benevolent efforts to produce Thou a r t the powerful, the gracious,
contrary results." the help in peril, the self-subsisting."
He prays for the protection of His And now, what appeal more direct,
friends : more moving, with which to close this
" 0 Lord, my God! Assist Thy loved sad yet stirring account of his last
ones to be firm in Thy faith, to walk days, than these his most touching,
in Thy ways, to be steadfast in Thy most inspiring words?
PASSING OF 'ABDU'L-BAHA 31

"Friends! The time is coming I yearn to see the friends united even
when I shall be no longer with you. as a string of gleaming pearls, as
I have done all that could be done. I the brilliant Pleiades, as the rays of
have served the Cause of Bahi'u'llah the sun, as the gazelles of one
to the utmost of my ability. I have meadow!
labored night and day, all the years "The mystic nightingale is warof my life. 0 how I long to see the bling for them all; will they not lisloved ones taking upon themselves the ten? The bird of paradise is singresponsibilities of the Cause! Now is ing; will they not heed? The angel
the time to proclaim the Kingdom of of Abha is calling to them; will they
BahS! Now is the hour of love and not hearken? The herald of the
union! This is the dav of the suir- Covenant
. .
is pleading; will they not
itual harmony of the ioved one; of obey?
God! All the resources of my physic- "Ah me, I am waiting, waiting, to
al strength I have exhausted, and the hear the joyful tidings that the bespirit of my life is the welcome tid- lievers are the very embodiment of
ings of the unity of the people of sincerity and truthfulness, the incarnation of love and amity, the living
BahS. I am straining my ears to- symbols of unity and concord. Will
ward the East and toward the West, they not gladden my heart? Will
toward the North and toward the they not satisfy my yearning? Will
South that haply I may hear the they not manifest my wish? Will
songs of love and fellowship chanted they not fulfill my heart's desire?
in the meetings of the faithful. My Will they not give ear to my call?
days are numbered, and, but for this, "I am waiting, I am patiently
there is no joy left unto me. 0 how waiting."
PART TWO
I. Extracts from Bahit'i Sacred Writings.
11. A Statement on Present-day Administration
of the BahL'i Cause.
111. BahVi Calendar and Festivals.
IV. The Mashriqu'l-Adhkar.
V. Brief History of the Mashriqu'l-AdhkLr in America.
VI. Extracts from Mashriqu'l-AdhkLr Report.
VII. The Mashriqu'l-AdhkLr of 'IshqAbAd.
VIII. Impressions of Haifa.
IX. Kunjangun.
X. Old and New Paths a t Green Acre.
XI. World Unity Conference.
BAHA'~YEAR BOOK
PART TWO

EXTRACTS FROM BAHA'f SACRED WRXTINGS

w E exhort mankind in these days
When the countenance of Justice
is soiled with dust, when the flames of
high or low. Beware lest ye sow
tares of dissension among men or
plant the thorns of doubt in pure and
unbelief are burning high and the radiant hearts. 0 ye ,beloved of the
robe of wisdom rent asunder, when Lord! Commit not that which detranquillity and faithfulness have fileth the limpid stream of love or
ebbed away and trials and tribula- destroyeth the sweet fragrance of
tions waxed severe, when covenants friendship. By the righteousness of
are broken and ties are severed, when the Lord! ye were created to show
no man knoweth how to discern light love one to another and not perverand darkness or to distinguish mid- sity and rancor. Take pride not in
ance from error. love for yourselves lbut in love for
your fellow-creatures. Glory not in
0 peoples of the world! Forsake love for your country but in love for
all evil, hold fast that which is good. all mankind. . ...
Strive to be shining examples unto
all mankind, and true reminders of Let your eye be chaste, your hand
the virtues of God amidst men. He trustworthy, your tongue sincere and
.
that riseth to serve My Cause should your heart heedful. . .Set your remanifest My wisdom, and bend every liance on the army of justice, put on
effort to banish ignorance from the the armor of wisdom, let your adornearth. Be united in counsel, be one ing he forgiveness and mercy. . . . .
in thought. Let each morn be better Regard not the children of the world
than its eve, each morrow richer than and all their doings but fix your gaze
its yesterday. Man's merit lies in upon God and His never-ending doservice and virtue and not in the minion. . .. Endeavor to the utterpageantry of wealth and riches. most of your powers to establish the
Take heed that your words be purged word of truth with eloquence and
from idle fancies and worldly de- wisdom and to dispel1 falsehood from
sires and your deeds be cleansed the face of the earth.
from craftiness and suspicion. Dis- Hikmat : BahB'u'llBh.)
.. (Lawh-isipate not the wealth of your preci-
0;s lives in the pursuit of evil and The purpose of every Divine Revecorrupt affection, nor let your en- lation is the knowledge of God and
deavors be spent in promoting your the promotion of amity and concord
personal interest. Bestow in your amidst men; yet behold how in these
days of plenty, be patient in the hour
of loss. Adversity is followed by days the law of God hath been made
success, and rejoicings follow woe. the cause of perversity and hate!
Guard against idleness and sloth, and Many, alas, have clung to their own
cling unto that which profiteth man- ways and remained oblivious and unkind, whether young or old, whether mindful of the Way of God. .Opeo- .
!EAR BOOK

ple of Bahb! Gird up the loins of en- The sovereigns of the world (may
deavor, haply sectarian contention the Lord assist them with His grace)
and strife may be removed, nay ut- must with one accord hold fast unto
terly banished from the face of the the Most Great P e a c e t h e greatest
earth. Arise in the love of God and of all means for the protection of
of His servants for the triumph of mankind. Our hope is that they will
this mighty Cause. Religious enmity arise to promote that which is conand hate are a world-consuming fire ducive to the tranquillity of all peothe flames whereof are hard to ples. I t is incumbent upon them to
quench. What but the Hand of Di- convene a universal assembly, to atvine power can save the peoples of the tend it in person or delegate their
world from this devastating calam- ministers, to enforce such measures
ity?... Beware lest ye be shedders as will secure the establishment of
of blood; unsheath the sword of your unity and concord, and to turn from
tongue from the scabbard of utter- destructive armaments to the betterance for therewith ye shall conquer ment of mankind. Should one soverthe citadels of men's hearts. We have eign rise against another, let all the
annulled the command to slay men for rest arise to withstand him. In this
unbelief; verily His mercy hath en- manner will armies and instruments
compassed all created things could of war be rendered unnecessary save
ye but perceive.... Kindle not dis- in such measure as is needful for
cord on earth, shed not the blood national security. If the sovereigns
of any soul, consume not the sub- of the world attain unto this most
stance of your neighbor and be not great boon, the peoples of every nathe follower of every command and tion will joyfully and in peace engage
clamorous seducer. . .. As the pil- in the pursuit of their own affairs
lars of religion have tottered so hath and the lamentations and wailing of
the power of the foolish, their temer, the many will thereby cease. We beity and arrogance waxed great. seech God that He may lgraciously
Whatsoever doth lower the exalted assist them to do that which is His
station of Religion will surely in- Will and Pleasure, and He verily is
crease the heedlessness of the un- the Lord of the throne above and of
godly, and this in the end can lead the dust beneath, the King of this
but to confusion and chaos. Give world and the next. I t is better and
ear, 0 discerning ones; and ye that preferrable that the honoured soverperceive, take heed. ... Hold fast eigns attend this assembly in person
unto chastity, cling ye to trustworthi- and lay down such measures as are
ness and faith. Show the utmost re- necessary. Whoever among them
gard to the true interests of hu- doth arise to fulfill this command, he
manity, and seek not to gratify your verily is the Prince of sovereigns in
personal desire. 0 ye who follow the sight of God. Happy and blessed
Him whom the world hath wronged! is he. (Epistle to the son of Shaykh
Ye are the shepherds of mankind; Baqir : BahB'u'llBh.)
protect the fold from the wolves of
evil and selfish desires and adorn it 0 peoples of the world! Verily,
with the fear of God. ... By the verily I declare: This wronged One
righteousness of the Lord, the Sword hath not sought neither doth He seek
of Virtue and gooaly behaviour is leadership. His one purpose hath
keener than blades of steel. (Epistle ever been to banish that which causto the son of Shaykh BLqir: Ba- eth difference among the kindreds of
hi'u'llih.) the earth and leadeth to the separa-
BAIiA'i SACRED WRITINGS 37
tion of peoples: that all may have them to bear witness unto this day,
peace and freedom to pursue that and lead the servants unto God, the
which profiteth them. We entreat Mosk Holy. Say, 0 ye divines!
Our friends not to defile the purity of Awake from your slumber, shake off
the Cause with the dust of falsehood, your heedlessness, and be straightnor abase its exalted and sanctified way mindful. (Epistle to Mihrabin:
station by recounting marvels and BahL'u'llih.)
miracles of which they may hear.
Gracious God ! This is the day when The world is in turmoil and its
the wise should seek the counsel of agitation waxeth day by day. Its
this wronged One and supplicate the face is turned toward waywardness
Almighty to grant them that which and irreligion. So grievous shall be
is the cause of abiding tranquillity its plight that to disclose it now
and glory. Yet behold! how on the would not be meet and seemly. Many
contrary they have striven with all a day shall pass ere i t be relieved
their power to extinguish this bril- from its sore travail. And in the
liant and shining light. . . . In the fulness of time there shall appear all
face of all they have spoken We have of a sudden that which will cast terremained patient at all times. We ror into the very heart of mankind;
have left them in the hands of God. then and only then will the Divine
(Epistle to the son of Shaykh BAqir : Standard be unfurled, then will the
BahL'u'llLh.) Nightingale of Holiness warble its
melody upon the Tree of Life. (Pro-
The Luminary of true understand- phetic utterances of BahB'u'llBh reing adorns this day the firmament of vealed in Shawil 1925 A. H.-(circa
knowledge; well is it with him that 1878 A. D.)
beholds and turns thereunto. All that
hath been foretold is made manifest 0 SON OF MAN! If thou lovest
in this day. Say, 0 friends! choose Me turn away from thyself, and if
not to stay afar from the Ocean of thou seekest My pleasure regard not
God's forgiveness for lo! He is so thine own; that thou mayest die in
nigh unto you. He who was hidden Me and I eternally live in thee. (Hidfrom sight is come and now appears den Words : BahL'u'llLh.)
in all His glory. In one hand He
bears the Water of Life, in the other 0 SON O F BEING! My love is
He brings the Message of true lib- My stronghold; he that entereth
erty. Lay down and hold fast: lay therein is safe and secure, and he
down all that pertains to this earth, that turneth away shall surely stray
hold fast unto that which His gene- and perish. (Hidden Words: Barous Hand doth bestow. He, the like hi'u'llih.)
of Whom the eyes of the world have
not seen, is now come. 0 friends! 0 SON OF SPIRIT ! I created thee
hasten, hasten unto Him; hearken, rich, why dost thou impoverish thyhearken to His call. The doings of self? Noble I made thee, wherewith
the divines have turned the people dost thou abase thyself? Out of the
away from God, and in the place of essence of knowledge I manifested
pious devotion malice reigns. They thee, why seekest thou enlightenment
have strayed from God's holy way; from any one beside Me? Of the
they have erred grievously and still clay of love I moulded thee, how dost
claim to lead the way. We have in- thou busy thyself with another?
structed those leaders, called upon Turn thy sight unto thyself that thou
YEAR BOOK

mayest find Me abiding in thee, self over the other. Ponder at all
mighty, powerful and self-subsisting, times in your hearts how ye were
(Hidden Words: BahL'u'llhh.) created. Since We created you all
from one same substance it behooveth
0 SION OF SPIRIT! Vaunt not you to be even as one soul, to walk
thyself over the poor for I lead him with the same feet, eat with the same
on his way and behold thee in thine mouth and dwell in the same land;
evil plight and confound thee ever- that from your inmost being, by your
more. (Hidden Words : BahL'u'llLh.) deeds and actions, the signs of oneness and the essence of detachment
0 SON OF BEING! How couldest may be made manifest. This is My
thou forget thine own faults and busy counsel unto you, O Concourse of
thyself with the faults of others? light! Heed ye this counsel that ye
Who doeth this is accursed of Me. may obtain the fruit of holiness from
(Hidden Words : BahB'u'llLh.) the tree of wondrous glory. (Hidden
Words: BahB'u'll&h.)
0 SON OF MAN! Breathe not the
sins of others so long as thou art a 0 SON OF DUST! Verily I say
sinner. Shouldst thou transgress this unto thee, of all men the most neglicommand accursed art thou and to gent is he that disputeth idly and
this I testify. (Hidden Words: Ba- seeketh to advance himself over his
hL'u'llLh.) brother. Say: 0 brethren! Let
deeds, not words, be your adorning.
0 SON OF MAN! My calamity is (Hidden Words : BahB'u'llLh.)
My providence: outwardly it is fire
and vengeance but inwardly it is 0 SONS OF EARTH! Know
light and mercy. Hasten thereunto verily the heart wherein lingers the
that thou mayest become an eternal least trace of envy shall never attain
light and an immortal spirit. This is My everlasting Dominion, nor inhale
Mv command unto thee. do thou ob- the fragrance of sanctity breathing
s e r v e i t . ( ~ i d d e n ' w o r d s :Ba- from My holy Kingdom. (Hidden
hL'u'llLh.) Words : BahC'u'llhh.)
0 SON OF BEING! Busy not thy- 0 LIVING DUST! I am in comself with this world for with fire We munion with thee, yet thou wouldst
test the gold and with gold We test have no trust in Me. The sword of
Our servants. (Hidden Words: Ba- rebelliousness hath cut down the tree
hP'u'llhh.) of thy hope. I am a t all times near
unto thee but thou art ever f a r from
0 SON OF MAN! Bestow My Me. Imperishable glory have I chowealth upon My poor, that in heaven sen for thee, yet boundless degradathou mayest draw from spheres of tion hast thou chosen for thyself.
unfading splendour and treasures of While there is yet time return and
imperishable glory. But by My life! lose not thy chance. (Hidden Words:
to offer up thy soul is a more glorious BahL'u'llLh.)
thing couldst thou but see with Mine
eye. (Hidden Words : EahB'u'llBh.) 0 YE THAT ARE FOOLISH YET
HAVE A NAME TO BE WISE!
0 CHILDREN OF MEN! Know Wherefore wear ye the guise of the
ye not why We created you from one sheperd yet inwardly are but wolves
clay? That no one should exalt him- intent upon My fold? Ye are even as
BAHA'~SACRED WRITINGS 39
the star that preceedeth thc dawn O MY FRIEND! Thou a r t the
which appeareth radiant and lumi- day-star of the heavens of My holinous yet leadeth the wayfarers of My ness, let not the defilement of the
city astray into paths of perdition. world eclipse thy splendour. Rend
(Hidden Words : Bahi'u'llih.) asunder the veil of negligence, that
from behind the clouds thou mayest
0 FAIR IN SEMBLANCE YET emerge resplendent and adorn all
INWARDLY FOUL ! Ye are even as beings with the robe of Life. (Hidclear yet bitter water which to out-
~ ~
den Words : Bahi'u'llih.)
ward-seeming is crystal pure but
when proved by the Divine Assayer 0 CHILDREN OF NEGLIGENCE!
not a drop thereof shall be accepted. Set not your affections on mortal
Yea, the sunbeam falleth alike upon sovereignty and rejoice not therein.
the mirror and the dust, yet differ Ye are even as the heedless bird that
they in reflectiox even as doth th? with entire abandon warbleth upon
star from the earth, nay immeasur- the bough, when of a sudden the
a b l e is the difference! (Hidden fowler Death doth hurl i t upon the
Words : Bahi'u'llih.) dust. Then will no trace remain of
its melody, its form or colour.
Wherefore, take heed, 0 bond-slaves
0 SON O F DUST! All that is in of passion! (Hidden Words: Baheaven and on earth I have destined hh'u'llih.)
for thee exceot the hearts of men
which I have made the habitation of O MY SERVANTS! Ye are the
My beauty and glory; yet thou didst trees of My garden; ye must bring
give My home and dwelling to an- forth goodly and wondrous fruits,
other than Me. And whensoever the that ye yourselves and others may
manifestation of My holiness re- profit therefrom. Thus i t is encumpaired unto His abode a stranger bent upon everyone to engage in
found He there, and, homeless, hast- crafts and professions, for therein
ened unto the sanctuary of the Be- lies the secret of wealth, O men of
loved. Notwithstanding, I revealed understanding!. . . Trees that yield
not thy secret and desired not thy no fruit have been and will ever be
shame. (Hidden Words : Bahi'u'l- fit for fire. (Hidden Words: Ba-
1ih.) hi'u'llhh.)

O CHILDREN OF DUST! Tell O MY SERVANT! The basest of
the rich of the midnight sighing of men are they that yield no fruit upon
the poor lest negligence lead them the ea,rth. They are counted a s dead ;
unto destruction and deprive them of nay better are the dead in the sight
their share of the Tree of wealth. of God than these idle and worthless
Bounty and Generosity are attributes spuls. (Hidden Words : BahL'u'lof Mine; well is i t with him that lih.)
adorneth himself with My attributes.
(Hidden Words : Bahi'u'llhh.) The source of all good is trust in
God, submission unto His command,
0 RICH ONES OF THE EARTH! and contentment with His holy will
The poor among you are My trust; and pleasure. . .
guard ye My trust, and be not wholly
occupied with your own ease. (Hid- True reliance consists in pursuing
den Words : Bahi'u'llhh.) one's calling and profession in this
(EAR BOOK

world, holding fast unto God and the world to inhale the fragrance of
seeking naught but His grace, inas- love and unity, then will men of unmuch as in His hands is the destiny derstanding learn the meaning of
of His servants. .. true liberty and attain unto perfect
.
tranquillity and peace. .
True courage and power is to promote the Word of God and stand Would to God that His grace and
.
steadfast in His love. . bounty may be vouchsafed unto the
peoples of the world, that He may
The source of true wealth is love guide the kindreds of the earth and
for Me; whoso loveth Me is the pos- direct their steps to the path of His
sessor of all things, and he that loveth good-pleasure. Behold ! Years have
Me not is indeed of the poor and passed away and neither the world
.
needy. . nor they that dwell therein have yet
attained to peace and quiet. At one
The essence of faith is fewness of time they are in the throes of war,
words and abundance of deeds; he at another they fall victims to unwhose words exceed his deeds, know forseen afflictions. Woes and tribuverily his death is better than his lations have encompassed the world,
..
life. . and yet no one doth perceive the
cause. And if the true Counsellor
The root of all learning is the utter a word, they deem Him a stirknowledge of God, exalted be His rer of strife and reject His counsel.
glory, and this can never be attained Man is bewildered and knoweth not
save through the knowledge of His what to think and say. . .
Divine Manifestation. , . .
I t is incumbent upon the leaders
The essence of all that We have re- of the world to observe moderation
vealed for thee is Justice-to free in all things, and whatsoever exone's self from idle fancy and imita- ceedeth this will be rendered void of
tion, to discern with the eye of one- value. Consider: liberty, civilization
ness His glorious handiwork, and look and the like, though acclaimed by
into all things with a searching eye. . men of learning, will if carried to ex-
(Words of Wisdom: BahB'u'llBh.) cess result in the utmost harm. . .
(Epistle to Maqs6d : BahB'u'llBh.)
Consider man even as a mine that
hoIdeth stones of precious beauty. When the Day-star of Wisdom
Education alone can reveal its trea- rose above the horizon of God's holy
sures and bestow its benefit upon Dispensation it voiced this all-glorimankind. . . ous utterance: They that are possessed of wealth and invested with
The Lord, exalted be His glory, authority and power must show the
hath desired naught for Himself. profoundest regard for Religion. In
The allegiance of mankind profiteth truth, Religion is a radiant light and
Him not, neither doth its disobedience an impregnable stronghold for the
,bring Him loss. At every moment protection and welfare of the peodoth the Bird of the realm of utter- ples of the world, for the fear of God
ance voice the call: "All things have impelleth man to hold fast to that
I desired for thee, and thee for thine which is good and shun all evil.
own self." Should the worldy-wise- Should the lamp of Religion be abmen of the day suffer the peoples of scured, chaos and confusion will en-
BAHA'f SAGRED WRITINGS 41
sue, and the lights of fairness and in the place of the trustworthy.
justice, of tranquillity and peace cease (Ishriqit : Bahi'u'llih.)
t o shine. Unto this will bear witness
every man of true understanding. From the beginning of time the
(IshrLqP : Bahi'u'llih.) light of unity hath shed its Divine
radiance upon the world, and the
We have enjoined upon all man- greatest means for the promotion of
kind the Most Great Peace-the sur- that unity is for the peoples of the
est of all means for the protection of world to understand one another's
humanity. The sovereigns of the writing and speech. I n former
world should with one accord hold Epistles We have enjoined upon the
fast thereunto, for this is the su- Trustees of the House of Justice
preme instrument that can ensure the either to choose one language from
security and welfare of all peoples among those now existing o r to adopt
and nations. They verily are the a new one, and in like manner to
manifestations of the po~werof God select a common script, both of which
and the daysprings of His authority. should be taught in all the schools of
We beseech the Almighty that He the world. Thus will the earth be remay graciously assist them in that garded as one country and one home.
which leadeth to the well-being of The most glorious fruit of the Tree
t h e i r subjects. (Ishriqfit : Bahb- of Knowledge is this exalted Word:
'u'llBh.) "Of one tree are all ye the fruit, and
of one bough the leaves." "Let not
It is incumbent upon everyone to man glory in that he loves his
observe God's holy commandments country, let him rather glory in this
inasmuch as they are the well-spring that he loves his kind." (IshrLqit:
of life unto the world. The firma- BahB'u'llLh.)
ment of Divine Wisdom is illumined
with the twin orbs of Counsel and The Pen of Glory counselleth
Compassion, and the canopy of world every one regarding the instruction
order is upraised upon the two pillars and education of children. . . . It
of Reward and Punishment. (Ish- is enjoined upon every father to proriqbt : Bahb'u'llbh.) vide for the instruction of his sons
and daughters in the a r t of learning
The triumphant hosts of this Di- and writing and in that which hath
vine Dispensation a r e laudable deeds been prescribed in My Epistles. He
and praiseworthy character, and the that neglecteth that whereunto he is
leader and marshal thereof is the bidden, if he be wealthy, the Trusfear of God. Verily this compre- tees are to take from him that which
hendeth and ruleth all things. (Ish- is required for their education, and if
rLqLt : Bahi'u'llih.) he be poor, the matter shall devolve
upon the House of Justice. Verily
Governments should fully acquaint have We made it a shelter for the
themselves with the conditions of poor and a refuge for the needy. He
those they govern, and confer upon that bringeth up his own son or the
them positions according t o desert son of another, it is as though he had
and merit. I t is enjoined upon every brought up a child of Mine own;
ruler and sovereign to consider this upon him rest My glory, My lovingmatter with the utmost care that the kindness and My mercy that encomtraitor may not usurp the position p a s s e t h all mankind. (IshrLqbt :
of the faithful nor the despoiler rule BahL'u'llhh.)
EAR BOOK

The Lord hath ordained that in which will refrmh and animate the
every city a House of Justice be es- earth. . . . Ponder God in your
tablished, wherein shall gather coun- heart, reflect on His Manifestations,
sellors to the number of Bahfi ( 9 ) , and be not of them that are devoid
and should this number be exceeded of understanding. . . . I came not
i t shall not matter. When gathered to proclaim that which ye already
together they should remember the possess. Verily, verily, this day is a
Presence of God in their midst. I t be- new day; He that hath come is the
hooveth them to be the trusted ones of Wondrous, and His bidding the wont h e Merciful amongst men and the der of all that is in heaven and on
ministers of God t o all that dwell on earth. . . . We have desired naught
earth. It is incumbent upon them to for ourselves, but desired for you that
take counsel together and care for which will profit you in the Kingdom
the interests of the servants of God, of God, the Gracious, the All-Bountifor His sake, even a s they care for .
ful. . . Glory is not his that protheir own and to choose that which claimeth his faith, but glory is his
God hath chosen. (Kitib-i-Aqdas: that doeth that which the All-Merci-
BahC'u'll6,h.) ful hath revealed in His wondrous
Book. . . . 0 people of the world!
0 servants of the Merciful ! Arise Hearken to the call of the Lord, the
to serve the Cause of God in such wise King of eternity. He biddeth you to
that cares and sorrows caused by follow righteousness, to do that which
them that have disbelieved in the giveth you peace and exalteth your
Dayspring of the signs of God may station. He verily is the faithful
not afflict you. . . . Lament not in Counsellor.... Regard not the
your hours of trial, neither rejoice world and its fleeting shadows, but
therein; seek ye the middle way fix your gaze upon God and His signs
which is remembrance of Me in your that have encompassed all creation. .
afflictions and meditation on that Detachment is as the sun ; in whatsowhich may hereafter befall you. . . . ever heart i t doth shine i t quencheth
(KitAb-i-Aqdas : Bahi'u'llLh.) the fire of covetousness and self. He
True liberty lies in observing My whose sight is illumined with the
commandments, did ye but know. light of understanding will assuredly
Were men to follow that which We detach himself from the world and
have revealed unto them from the the vanities thereof. . . . Let not
heaven of Revelation, they would of the world and its vileness grieve you.
a certainty attain unto absolute free- Happy is he whom riches fill not with
vain-glory, nor poverty with sorrow.
dom. Well is i t with him that hath
known the purpose of God in that ... 0 concourse of rulers! Turn
which hath been revealed from the unto the poor; verily God hath creheaven of His will that transcendeth ated them and you from the selfsame
all mankind. Say: the liberty that substance. Let a portion of your
profiteth you is to be found only in wealth be shared by them. This is
servitude t o God, the True One, and that which will profit you throughout
whoso hath tasted the sweetness all times and ages. Bestow a part of
thereof will never barter i t for all that which God in His grace bath
the dominion of heaven and earth. .. given you; for thereby will your
wealth be increased. . . . Unfaithful
(Kitab-i-Aqdas : BiuhL'u'llCh.)
is the world. . . . Were i t worthy of
0 people of BahC ! Be as the cloud regard o r acceptable in the sight of
that from you may be showered that God, they that were the Manifesta-
BAHA'~SACRED WRITINGS 43
tions of Justice would not have fallen brave whose hearts the power of the
victims to the talons of tyranny. oppressor cannot daunt; happy are
What greater proof of the baseness the clear-sighted that have learned to
of the world and its degradation in distinguish the transitory from the
the eyes of the Almighty?. . . Ex- eternal, that have turned their faces
alted is the station of man, if he be to the Imperishable and are named
adorned with the true attributes of among the Immortals in the realm of
humanity; otherwise he is counted power and glory. . . . 0 friends!
as the basest of all creatures. . . . The thief and the traitor are lying in
0 My loved ones! Ye are the world's wait; beware lest ye be heedless, 0
spiritual physicians. I t is incumbent bearers of God's trust ! Protect from
upon you, through the power and the robber's hand the pearls of the
might of God, to heal by the sover- love of God. . . . In this day, whosoeign remedy of the Most Great Name ever rendeth not asunder the veil of
the soul-sickness of the kindreds of his idle imatginings will assuredly
the earth and clarify the vision of all fail to hear the Voice of God. Well
mankind. ... Give ear to the voice is it with them that with the aid of
the power of God have shattered the
of the Ancient Beauty calling you
aloud from this most great Prison; idols of their fancies and, with ears
Forsake oppression and cruelty, cling attentive to His call, have risen from
to the fear of God. Purge yourselves the dead. . . . Words must be folfrom satanic deeds, be adorned with lowed by deeds; words without deeds
the virtues of God. Verily, strife and are as bees that yield no honey, as
sedition beseem not the people of trees that bear no fruit. .. Regard
God. Eschew wicked works, and not the Cause of God as child's play,
walk in the ways of holiness, of resig- neither be unmindful of His all-emnation and contentment. . . . Be bracing, all-discerning wisdom. Discalm and self-dependent in your rela- tinquish yourselves one and all
tions with your fellow-men, and deal among mankind by the radiance of
with them in fairness and justice. your countenance, the sincerity of
Turn treachery to trust, slander to your speech, the purity of your heart,
brotherly counsel, oppression to just- the steadfastness of your purpose,
ice, heedlessness to the remembrance the trustworthiness of your conduct,
of God. (Extracts from the Epistles the sanctity of your soul, the blameof Bahi'u'llih.) .
lessness of your life. . (Extracts
from the Epistles of BahVu'llih.)
I t behoveth him that desireth to
teach the Cause of his Lord to adorn 0 ye beloved of the Lord! In this
his head with the crown of detach- sacred Dispensation conflict and conment and the temple of his body tention are in no wise permitted.
with the fear of God. . . . Happy Every aggressor deprives himself of
are the righteous that have attamed God's grace. I t is incumbent upon
unto the most great truth; happy are every one to show the utmost love,
the wise that have recognized the righteousness, straightforwardness
straight path of God and turned unto and heartfelt kindliness unto all the
His Kingdom ; happy are the glad and peoples and kindreds of the world, be
sincere, the lamps of whose hearts they friends or strangers. Nay, the
bum with the knowledge of the All- spirit of affection and loving kind-
Merciful and are protected by self- ness must so prevail that the stranger
abnegation from the rough winds of may find himself a friend, the enemy
test and sorrows; happy are the a true companion, and every least
44 BAHA'~ YEAR BOOK
ADMINISTRATION OF B A H ~CAUSE
~ 45
trace of difference he removed. For be turned into the light of unity.
universality is of God and all limita- Should other peoples and nations be
tions earthly. Hence man must unfaithful show fidelity unto them,
strive to show forth such virtues and should they be unjust be just unto
perfections as may illumine all man- them, should they avoid you attract
kind. The light of the sun shineth them, should they show enmity be
upon all the world and the merciful friendly, should they poison you
showers of Providence fall upon all sweeten their lives, should they inpeoples. m e life-giving breeze re- flict a wound upon you be a salve to
viveth every soul and all living their sores. Such are the attributes
creatures obtain their share and por- of the sincere! Such are the attrition a t His heavenly board. I n like butes of the truthful !. ..
manner the affections and loving
kindness of the servants of the Ohe The disciples of Christ fongot them-
True God must be bountifully and selves and all earthly things, foruniversally extended to all mankind. sook all their cares and belongings,
Regarding this, restrictions and limi- purged themselves of self and pastations are in no wise permitted. sion, and with absolute detachment
Wherefore, O my loving friends! scattered f a r and wide, and engaged
Consort with all the peoples and kin- in calling the peoples of the world to
dreds and religions of the world with the light of Guidance, till a t last they
the utmost truthfulness, uprightness, made the world another world, ilfaithfulness, kindliness, good-will and lumined the surface of the earth, and
friendliness; that all the world of even to their last hour proved selfbeing may be filled with the holy sacrificing in the pathway of that beecstasy of the grace of BahB, that ig- loved One of God. Finally in various
norance, enmity, hate and malice may lands, they suffered glorious martyrvanish from the world and the dark- dom. Let them that are men of acness of estrangement amidst the peo- tion follow in their footsteps! (The
ples and kindreds of the world may Will and Testament: 'Abdu'l-BahB.)

A STATEMENT ON PRESENT DAY ADMINISTRATION OF THE
BAHA'f CAUSE
B Y HORACE HOLLEY

I T has been the general character- fact, no founder of a revealed religion
istic of religion that organization has explicitly laid down the prinmarks the interruption of the true ciples that should guide the adminspiritual influence and serves to pre- istrative machinery of the Faith He
vent the oriiginal impulse from being has established.
carried into the world. The organ- In the BahB'i Cause, the principles
ization has invariably become a sub- of world administration were expresstitute for religion rather than a sed by Bahi'u'llih, and these prinmethod or an instrument used to give ciples were developed in the writings
the religion effect. The separation of of 'Abdu'l-Bahi, more especially in
peoples into different traditions un- his Will and Testament.
bridged by any peaceful or construc- The purpose of this organization
tive intercourse has made this in- is to make possible a true and lasting
evitable. Up t o the present time in unity among people of different
46 B A H K ' ~YFAR BOOK

races, classes, interests, cbracters, definitely enjoined upon all BahP'is
and inherited creeds. A close and by 'Abdu'l-BahL, but this authority
sympathetic study of this aspect of carries with it nothing of an arbithe Bahl'i Cause will show that the trary or personal character, being
purpose and method of BahB'i ad- limited as to purpose and method by
ministration is so perfectly adapted fthe writings of Bahl'u'llih and 'Abto the fundamental spirit of the du'l-Bah6. The Guardian unifies the
Revelation that it bears to i t the efforts to bring into complete applisame relationship as body to soul. cation those principles of world ad-
In character, the principles of BahVi ministration already clearly defined.
administration represent the science To assist the Guardian in his maniof co-operation; in application, they fold responsibilities and duties and
provide for a new and higher type of particularly in the promotion of the
morality world-wide in scope. In the Teaching work, 'Abdu'l-Bahi proclash and confusion of sectarian vided for the appointment of a group
prejudice, the BahP'i Movement is of co-workers to be known as "The
impartial and sympathetic, offering a Hands of the Cause of God." The apfoundation upon which reconcilation pointment of this body is a function
can be firmly based. Amid the com- of the Guardian, and these from their
plex interrelations of governments, own number are to elect nine persons
the Movement stands absolutely who will be closely associated with
neutral as to political purposes and the Guardian in the discharge of his
entirely obedient to all recognized duties. It is the function of the
authority. It will not be overlooked Guardian also to appoint his own
by the student that BahL'u'llLh is the successor, this appointment to be
only religious teacher making obedi- ratified by the nine Hands of the
ence to just governments and rulers Cause.
a definite spiritual command. I t is the genius of the BahB'i Cause
In this brief analysis of the several that the principle underlying the adfeatures of the BahB'i system of ad- ministration of its affairs aims to imministration the purpose is rather to prove the life and up-build the charplace in the hands of the believers acter of the individual believer in his
themselves a convenient summary of own local community, wherever it
the available instructions than to may be, and not to enhance the presclarify this aspect of the Movement tige of those relatively few who, by
to the non-Bahi'i. Until one has election or appointment, hold posimade contact with the spirit of the tions of higher authority. Bahi'i
Bahi'f teachings and desires to co- authority is measured by self-sacrioperate whole-heartedly with their fice and not by arbitrary power.
purpose, the administrative phase of This fundamental aim can be seen
the Movement can have little real clearly on studying the significant
meaning or appeal. emphasis which 'Abdu'l-Bah8 placed
At the time of the passing of upon the local BahB'i communfty.
'Abdu'l-Bahi, the organization was The local group, involving a s i t does
fully defined but not yet established men and women in all the normal
among his followers. The responsi- activities and relations of life, is the
bility for carrying out the instruc- foundation upon which rests the entions was placed by 'Abdu'l-Bahi tire evolution of the Cause. The
upon his grandson, Shoghi Effendi, to local Bahi'i community is given offiwhom was assigned the function of cial recognition only after its num-
Guardian of the Cause. Obedience ber of adult declared believers exceeds
to the authority of the Guardian was nine. Up to this point, the comrnunity exists as a voluntary group cations of division. To enter the
of workers and students of the Bahi'i Movement is to leave these
Cause. sanctions behind, an experience which
In this connection, the word 'com- a t first invariably exposes one to new
munity' is not used in the sense of trials and sufferings, as the human
any locality exclusively Bahi'i in ego revolts against the supreme sancmembership, nor of any manner of tion of universal love. The scientific
living differing outwardly from the must associate with the simple and
general environment, such as has unlearned, the rich with the poor,
been attempted by religionists and the white with the colored, the mystic
also members of philosophic and wibh the literalist, the Christian with
economic movements in the past. A the Jew, the Muslim and the Parsee:
Bahi'i community is a unity of minds and on terms removing the advantage
and hearts, an association of people of long established presumptions and
entirely voluntary in character, es- privileges.
tablished upon a common experience But for this difficult experience
of devotion to the universal aims of there are glorious compensations.
BahP'u'llBh and agreement as to the Let us remember that art grows
methods by which these aims can be sterile as it turns away from the comadvanced. mon humanity, that philosophy like-
A Bahi'i community differs from wise loses its vision when developed
other voluntary gatherings in that in solitude, and that politics and reits foundation is so deeply laid and ligion never succeed apart from the
broadly extended that it can include general needs of mankind. Human
any soul. Whereas other associa- nature is not yet known, for we have
tions are exclusive, in effect if not in all lived in a state of mental, moral,
intention, and from method if not emotional or social defense, and the
from ideal, Bahi'i association is in- psychology of defense is the psychoclusive, shutting the gates of fellow- logy of inhibition. But the love of
ship to no sincere soul. In every God removes fear; the removal of
gathering there is latent or developed fear establishes the latent powers,
some basis of selection. In religion and association with others in spirthis basis is a creed limited by the itual love brings these powers into
historical nature of its origin; in vital, positive expression. A Bahi'i
politics this is party or platform; in community is a gathering where this
economics this is a mutual misfortune process can take place in this age,
or mutual power; in the arts and slowly a t first, as the new impetus
sciences this basis consists of special gathers force, more rapidly as the
training or activity or interest. In members become conscious of the
all these matters, the more exclusive powers unfolding the flower of unity
the basis of selection, the stronger among men.
the movement--a condition diamet- Where the community is small and
rically opposed to that existing in insignificant, in comparison with the
the Bahi'i Cause. Hence the Cause, population of the city or town, the
for all its spirit of growth and first condition of growth is underprogress, develops slowly as re- standing of the Manifestation of Bagards the numbers of its active ad- hi'u'll5h, and the next condition is
herents. For people are accustomed that of true humility. If these two
to exclusiveness and division in all conditions exist, the weakest soul beaffairs. The important sanctions comes endowed wfth effective power
have ever been warrants and justifi- in service to the Cause. The result
!EAR BOOK

of unity, in fact, is to sharc the account feel hurt, for not until matpowers and faculties of all with each. ters are fully discussed can the right
The responsibility for and super- way be revealed. The shining spark
vision of local BahL'i affairs is vested of truth cometh forth only after the
in a body known as the Spiritual As- clash of differing opinions. If after
sembly. Tliis body (limited to nine discussion a decision be carried
members) is elected annually on unanimously, well and good; but if,
April Zlst, the first day of Ridvfin the Lord forbid, differences of opi-
(The Festival commemoratin~g the nion should arise, a majority of
declaration of Bahi'u'llih) by the voices must prevail.
adult declared believers of the com- "The first condition is absolute
munity, the voting Iist being drawn love and harmony amongst the memup by the out-going Spiritual As- bers of the Assembly. They must be
sembly. Concerning the character wholly free from estrangement and
and functions of this body, 'Abdu'l- must manifest in themselves the
BahL has written as follows: Unity of God, for they are the waves
"It is incumbent upon every one of one sea, the drops of one river, the
(every believer) not to take any step stars of one heaven, the rays of one
(of BahB'i activity) without consult- sun, the trees of one orchard, the
ing the Spiritual Assembly, and they flowers of one garden. Should harmust assuredly obey with heart and mony of thought and absolute unity
soul its bidding and be submissive be nou-existent, that gathering shall
unto it, that things may be properly be dispersed and that assembly be
ordered and well arranged. Other- brought to naught. The second conwise every person will act independ- dition :-They must when cominfgtoently and after his own judgment, gether turn their faces to the Kingwill follow his own desire, and do dom on high and ask aid from the
harm to the Cause. realm of Glory. . . . Discussions
"The prime requisites for them must all be confined to spiritual matthat take counsel together are purity ters that pertain to the training of
of motive, radiance of spirit, detach- souls, the instruction of children,
ment from all else save God, attrac- the relief of the poor, the help of the
tion to His divine fragrances, hu- feeble throughout all classess in the
mility and lawliness amongst His world, kindness to all peoples, the difloved ones, patience and long-suffer- fusion of the fragrances of God and
ing in difficulties and servitude to His the exaltation of His holy Word.
exalted Threshold. Should they be Should they endeavor to fulfill these
graciously aided to acquire these at- conditions the grace of the Holy
tributes, victory from the unseen Spirit shall be vouchsafed unto them,
Kingdom of Bahfi shall he vouchsafed and that assembly shall become the
to them. In this day, assemblies of center of the divine blessings, the
consultation are of the ,greatest im- hosts of divine confirmation shall
portance and a vital necessity. Obe- come to their aid, and they shall day
dience unto them is essential and ob- by day receive a new effusion of
ligatory. The members thereof must spirit."
take counsel together in such wise The letters of Shoghi Effendi quote
that no occasion for ill-feeling or dis- the fundamental instructions concord may arise. This can be attained tained in the writings of Bahh'u'llah
when every member expresses with and 'Abdu'l-Baha on the character of
absolute freedom his own opinion BahL'i administration, and give them
and setteth forth his argument. definite application. "A careful study
Should anyone oppose, he must on no of BahL'u'llBh's and 'Abdu'l-BahB's
ADMINISTRATION

Tablets will reveal that other duties "They must supervisc in thcsc days
(besides teaching the Cause), no less when the Cause is still in its infancy
vital to the interests of the Cause, de- all BahL'i publications and translavolve upon the elected representatives tions, and provide in general for a
of the friends in every locality. dignified and accurate presentation
"They must endeavor to promote of all Bahi'i literature and its distriamity and concord amongst the but~onto the general public.
friends and secure an active and "These rank among the most outwhole-hearted co-operation for the standing obligations of the members
service of the Cause. of every Spiritual Assembly. I n
"They must do their utmost to ex- whatever locality the Cause has suftend at all times the helping hand to ficiently expanded, and in order to inthe poor, the sick, the disabled, the sure efficiency and avoid confusion,
orphan, the widow, irrespective of each of these manifold functions will
color, caste and creed. have to be referred to a special Com-
"They must promote by every mittee, responsible to that Assembly,
means in their power the material a s elected by it from among the friends
well as spiritual enlightenment of in that locality, and upon whose work
youth, the means for the education the Assembly will have to exercise
of children, institute, whenever pos- constant and general supervision.
sible, BahL'i educational institutions, "In every locality, be i t city or
organize and supervise their work, hamlet, where the number of adult
and provide the best means for their declared believers exceed nine, a
prngress and development. local Spiritual Assembly must be
"They must make an effort to forthwith established.
maintain official, regular and fre- "As the progress and extension of
quent correspondence with the vari- spiritual activities is dependent and
ous Baha'i centers throughout the conditioned upon material means, i t
world, report to them their activities, is of absolute necessity that immediand share the glad tidings they re- ately after the establishment of local
ceive with all their fellow-workers in as well a s national Spiritual Asthe Cause. semblies, a Bahi'i Fund may be es-
"They must bend every effort to tablished, to be placed under the expromote the interests of the Mash- clusive control of the Spiritual Asriqu'l-Adhkar*, and hasten the day sembly. All donat~onsand contribuwhen the work of this glorious edifice tions should be offered to the Treaswill have been consummated. urer of the Assembly, for the ex-
"They must encourage and stimu- press purpose of promoting the inlate by every means a t their com- terests of the Cause throughout that
mand, through subscriptions, reports locality or country. I t is the sacred
and articles, the development of the obligation of every conscientious and
various Bahb'i magazines. faithful servant of Baha'u'llih, who
"They must undertake the arrange- desires to see His Cause advance, to
ment of the regular meetings of the contribute freely and generously for
friends, the feasts and anniversaries, the increase of that Fund. The memas well as the special gatherings de- bers of the Spiritual Assembly will
signed to serve and promote the so- a t their own discretion expend i t to
cial, intellectual and spiritual inter- promote the teaching campaign, to
ests of their fellowmen. help the needy, to establish educational Bahi'i institutions, to extend
'Referring ~artiou:arly to Assemblies in America. in every way their sphere of service.
YEAR BOOK
"Nothing whatever should be given moniously can the hope for the terto the public by any individual among mination of this period of transition
the friends, unless fully considered be realized. . . . Bear in mind that
and approved by the Spiritual As- the keynote of the Cause of God is not
sembly in his locality; and if this (as dictatorial authority, but humble felis undoubtedly the case) is a matter lowship; not arbitrary power, but the
that pertains to the general interests spirit of frank and loving consultaof the .Cause in that land, then it is tion. Nothing short of the spirit of
incumbent upon the Spiritual As- a true Baha'i can hope to reconcile
sembly to submit i t to the considera- the principles of mercy and justice,
tion and approval of the national of freedom and submission, of the
body representing all the various sanctity of the right of the individual
local assemblies.. Not only with re- and of self-surrender, of vitggilance,
gard to publication, but all matters discretion and prudence on the one
without any exception whatsoever, hand, and fellowship, candor, and
regarding the interests of the Cause courage on the other."
in that locality, individually or col- Experience in the life of a Bahb'i
lectively, should be referred exclusi- community and participation in the
vely to the Spiritual Assembly in that details of its several activities imlocality, which shall decide upon it, presses one with the fact that Bahs'i
unless it be a matter of national in- unity has in i t new elements which
terest, in which case i t shall be refer- work powerfully to expand one's area
red to the national (Baha'i) body. of sympathy, deepen one's insight, de-
With this national body also will rest velop one's character and bring order
the decision whether a given question and stability into all of one's affairs.
is of local or national interest. (By There can be no higher privilege than
national affairs is not meant matters the experience of attempting to serve
that are political in their character, faithfully upon a Spiritual Assembly,
for the friends of God the world over conscious as its members are of the
are strictlyl forbidden to meddle with unique standard upheld by 'Abdu'lpolitical affairs in any way whatever, Bahb and bringing as it does the opbut rather things that affect the portunity of dealing with a large
spiritual activities of the body of the range and diversity of human probfriends in that land.) lems from an impersonal point of
"Full harmony, however, as well view. I t is inevitable that the nine
a s co-operation among the various elected members shall exemplify dilocal assemblies and the members verse interests and types of charthemselves, and particularly betweer. acter, with the result that unity of
each assembly and the National body heart and conscience with the other
is of the utmost importance, for upon eight members is a direct training
it depends the unity of the Cause of to enter into spiritual unity with the
God, the solidarity of the friends, the langer body of mankind. No such
full, speedy and efficient working of schools of discipline and inspiration
the spiritual activities of His loved exist on earth today, for one must
ones. bear in mind that a BahB'i com-
"The various Assemblies, local and munity can never be an exclusive
national, constitute today the bedrock group nor a closed circle of interests
upon the strength of which the Uni- but, on the contrary, its fundamental
versal House is in future to be firmly purpose is to unify and co-operate
established and raised. Not unltil with every possible element in the
these function vigorously and har- surrounding population.
ADMINISTR~TIONOF BAHA'I CAUSE 51
The local Spiritual Asscmbly after this number is fulfilled by assigning
election organizes by electing from to each local community the number
its own number a chairman, corres- of delegates called for by its relative
ponding secretary, recording secre- numerical strength. These National
tary and treasurer. It should appoint Conventions are preferably held durfrom its own members or from the ing the period of Ridvin, the twelve
local Baha'i community working com- days beginning April 21st which committees responsible for the various memorate the Declaration made by
permanent activities of the Cause. BahP'u'llPh in the Garden of Ridvin
Since a Spiritual Assembly is estab- near Baghdad. The recognition of
lished upon a new and higher ideal, delegates is vested in the out-going
the character, knowledge and purity National Spiritual Assembly.
of its members is essential to success. A National Convention is an occa-
Wherever personal ambition, narrow- sion for deepening one's understandness or impurity enters a Spiritual ing of Baha'i activities and of shar-
Assembly, the results are invariably ing reports of national and local acto check the growtb of the Cause and, tivities for the period of the elapsed
if these conditions are prolonged, to year. It has been the custom to hold
destroy the foundation already laid. a public Bahi'i Congress in connec-
The careful student of the teachings tion with the Convention. The funcwill accept this result a s one more tion of a Baha'i delegate is not limited
vindication of the all-surrounding to attendance a t the National Conspirit protecting this Faith. The vention and participation in the elecelimination of an unworthy group tion of the new National Spiritual
from the Bahi'i Cause would be a Assembly. While gathered together,
bitter disappointment but not an the delegates are a consultative and
evidence that the Cause had failed. advisory body whose recommenda-
On the contrary, the Cause could tions are to be carefully considered
only be declared a failure if personal by the members of the elected
ambition, pride, narrowness and im- national assembly. Even after the
purity should so prevail as to build a Convention, this consultative funcworld-wide organization able to per- tion continues throughout the year,
vert the original purpose. and by the close and intimate asso-
The local Spiritual Assemblies of a ciation of the deliberations of the
country are linked together and co- National Spiritual Assembly with the
ordinated through another elected delegates, the national body is enbody of nine members, the National abled to be more representative of
Spiritual Assembly. This body comes the entire Bahi'i community of the
into being by means of an annual land. Delegates unable to attend the
election held by elected delegates rep- Convention in person are permitted
resenting the local BahP'i communi- to vote for Che new National Spirties. The delegates are elected by all itual Assembly by mail.
the adult declared believers of a com- The relation of the National Spirmunity in which a Spiritual Assembly itual Assembly to the local Spiritual
exists. The National Convention in Assemblies and to the body of the bewhich the delegates are gathered to- lievers in the country is thus defined
gether is composed of an elective body in the letters of the Guardian of the
based upon the principle of propor- Cause :-
tional representation. The total "Regarding the establishment of
number of delegates is fixed by National Assemblies, i t is of vital im-
Shoghi Effendi for each country, and portance that in every country, where
ADMINISTRATION OF BAIIb'f CAUSE 53
the conditions are favorable and thc the full jurisdiction of the National
number of the friends has grown and Assembly.
reached a considerable size-that a "It will have to refer each of these
National Spiritual Assembly be im- questions, even as the local Assembmediately established, representative lies, to a special Committee, to be
of the friends throughout that elected by the members of the Nacountry. tional Spiritual Assembly from
"Its immediate purpose is to stimu- among all the friends in that country,
late, unify and co-ordinate, by fre- which will bear to i t the same relaquent personal consultations, the tions as the local committees bear to
manifold activities of the friends as their respective local Assemblies.
well as the local Assemblies; and by "With it, too, rests the decision
keeping in close and constant touch whether a certain point a t issue is
with the Holy Land, initiate meas- strictly local in its nature, and should
ures, and direct in general the af- be reserved for the consideration and
fairs of the Cause in that country. decision of the local Assembly, or
"It serves also another purpose, no whether i t should fall under its own
less essential than the first, as in the province and be a matter which ought
course of time i t shall evolve into the to receive its special attention.
National House of Justice (referred "It is the bounden duty, in the into in 'Abdu'l-BahL's Will as the terest of the Cause we all love and
"secondary House of Justice") which serve, of the members of the incomaccording to the explicit text of the ing National Assembly, once elected
Testament will have, in conjunction by the delegates a t Convention time,
with the other National Assemblies to seek and have the utmost regard,
throughout the BahP'i world, to elect individually as well as collectively,
directly the members of the Inter- for the advice, the considered opinion
nation1 House of Justice, that Sup- and the true sentiments of the asreme Council that will guide, or- sembled delegates. Banishing every
ganize and unify the affairs of the vestige of secrecy, of undue reticence,
Movement throughout the world. of dictatorial aloofness from their
"This National Spiritual Assembly midst, they should radiantly and
which, pending the establishment of abundantly unfold to the eyes of the
the Universal House of Justice, will delegates by whom they were elected,
have to be re-elected once a year, ob- their plans, their hopes and their
viously assumes grave responsibili- cares. They should familiarize the
ties for it has to exercise full author- delegates with the various matters
ity over all the local Assemblies in its that will have to be considered in the
province, and will have to direct the current year, and calmly and conactivities of the friends, guard vigi- scientiously study and weigh the
lantly the Cause of God, and control opinions and judgments of the deleand supervise the affairs of the Move- gates. The newly elected National
ment in general. Assembly, during the few days when
"Vital issues, affecting the inter- the Convention is in session, and
ests of the Cause in that country, after the dispersion of the delegates,
such as the matter of translation and should seek ways and means to cultipublication, the Mashriqu'l-AdhkLr, vat2 understanding, facilitate and
the teaching work, and other similar maintain the exchange of views,
matters that stand distinct from deepen confidence, and vindicate by
strictly local affairs, must be under every tangible evidence their one de-
54 B A ~ l i ' f YEAR BOOK

sire to serve and advance the corn- up thc voting list to be used a t the
mon weal. annual local Bahl'i elections, the res-
"The National Spiritual Assembly, ponsibility for this is placed upon
however, in view of the unavoidable each local Spiritual Assembly, and as
limitations imposed upon the con- a guidance in the matter the Guarvening of frequent and long-standing dian has written the following:
sessions of the Convention, will have "To state very briefly and as adeto retain in its hands the final deei- quately a s present circumstances persion on all matters that affect the in- mit, the principal factors that must
terests of the Cause-such as the be taken into consideration before deright to decide whether any local As- ciding whether a person may be resembly is functioning in accordance garded a true believer or not. Pull
with the principles laid down for the recognition of the station of the Foreconduct and the advancement of the runner, the Author and the True
Cause. Exemplar of the BahQ'i Cause, as set
"The seating of delegates to the forth in 'Abdu'l-BahB's Testament;
Convention, i. e., the right to decide unreserved acceptance of and subupon the validity of the credentials mission to whatsoever has been reof the delegates a t a given Conven- vealed by their Pen; loyal and steadtion, is vested in the outgoing Na- fast adherence to every clause of our
tional Assembly, and the right to de- Beloved's sacred Will; and close ascide who has the voting privilege is sociation with the spirit as well as
also ultimately placed in the hands of the form of the present day BahB'i
the National Spiritual Assembly, administration-these, I conceive, to
either when a local Spiritual Assemb- be the fundamental and primary conly is for the first time being formed siderations that must be fairly, disin a given locality, or when differ- creetly and thoughtfully ascertained
ences arise between a new applicant before reaching such a vital decision."
and an already established local As- 'Abdu'l-Bahi's instructions prosembly. vide for the further development of
"Were the National Spiritual As- Bahl'i organization through an Intersembly to decide, after mature deli- national Spiritual Assembly to be
beration, to omit the holding of the elected by the members of the Na-
BahQ'i Convention and Congress in a tional Spiritual Assemblies. This ingiven year, then they could, only in ternational body has not yet come
such a case, devise ways and means into existence, hut iCs special charto insure that the annual election of acter has been clearly defined :
the National Spiritual Assembly "And now, concerning the Asshould be held by mail, provided it sembly (Baytu'l-'Adl) which God
can be conducted with sufficient thor- hath ordained a s the source of all
oughness, efficiency and dispatch. good and freed from all error, it must
I t would also appear to me unobjec- be elected by universal suffrage, that
tionable to enable and even to require is, by the believers. Its members
in the last resort such delegates as must be manifestations of the fear of
cannot possibly undertake the jour- God, and daysprings of knowledlge
ney to the seat of the Bahb'i Couven- and understanding, must be steadtion to send their votes, for the elec- fast in God's Faith, and the welltion of the National Spiritual As- wishers of all mankind. By this assembly only, by mail to the National sembly is meant the Universal As-
Secretary." sembly: that is, i n each country a
Concerning the matter of drawing secondary Assembly must be insti-
OF B A H & ~ CAUSE 55
tuted, and these secondary As- acteristics of Baha'i administration.
semblies must elect the members of The first is its completely successful
the Universal one. reconciliation of the usually opposed
"Unto this body all things must be claims of democratic freedom and unreferred. I t enacteth all ordinances answerable authority. The second
iand regulations that a r e not to be is the entire absence from the Bahi'i
found in the explicit Holy Text. By Cause of anything approaching the
this body all the difficult problems are institution of a salaried professional
to be resolved, and the Guardian of clergy. The BahL'i conception of rethe Cause is its sacred head and the ligion is one which combines mysdistinguished member, for life, of ticism, which is a sacred personal exthat body. Should he not attend in perience, with practical morality,
person its deliberations, he must ap- which is a useful contact between the
point one to represent him. . . This individual and his fellow man. I n
Assembly enacteth the laws and the the nature of things, some souls are
executive enforceth them. The legis- more advanced than others, and the
lative body must reinforce the execu- function of spiritual teaching is
tive, the executive must aid and as- given special importance in the writsist the legislative body, so that, ings of BahB'u'llah and 'Abdu'l-Baha.
through the close union and harmony The Baha'i teacher, however, has no
of these two forces, the foundation of authority over the individual confairness and justice may become firm science. The individual conscience
and strong, that all the regions of the must be subordinated to the decisions
world may become even a s Paradise of a duly elected Spiritual Assembly,
itself. but this relationship is entirely dif-
"Unto the Most Holy Book every- ferent in character and results from
one must turn, and all that is not ex- the relationship of an individual with
pressly recorded therein must be reminister or priest.
ferred to the Universal Assembly. The third characteristic is the ab-
That which this body, either unanimously or by a majority, doth carry, sence of internal factionalism, that
that is verily the truth and the pur- bane of all organized effort, and the
pose of God Himself. Whoso doth surc sign of the presence of spiritual
deviate therefrom is verily of them disease. The predominant spirit of
that love discord, hath shown forth unity which distinguishes the BahB'i
malice, and turned away from the Cause in its relation to the world,
Lord of t'le Covenant!' making its followers strive for recon-
Even a t the present time, the Ba- ciliation rather than partisan victory,
hL'is in all parts of the world main- creates a n internal condition, unlike
tain an intimate and cordial associa- that which exists in movements
tion by means of regular correspond- which accept partisan victory, i n one
ence and individual visits. This con- or another form, as their very reason
tact of members of diffcrcnt races, for 'being. Such movements can but
nationalities and religious traditions disintegrate from within; the Baha'i
is concrete proof that the burden of Movement can but grow.
prejudice and the historical factors Silgnificant also is the fourth charof division can be entirely overcome acteristic, namely that the BahB'i
through the spirit of oneness estab- Cause has within i t an inherent
lished by BahP'u'llih. necessity operating slowly *butsurely
The general student of religion will to bring its administration into the
not fail to note four essential char- hands of those truly fitted for the na-
56 B A H A ' ~YEAR BOOK

ture of the work. The lesser vision numbers, not by the mere exposition
gives way invariably for the larger of a set of new and noble principles,
vision, itself replaced by the still not by an organized campaign of
larger vision in due time. The re- teaching-no matter how world-wide
sult is an inevitable improvement in and elaborate in its character-not
the qualities placed at the service of even by the staunchness of our faith
the Cause, until the highest attributes or the exaltation of our enthusiasm,
of humanity will be enrolled. I n the can we ultimately hope to vindicate
Bahi'i Cause we are actually witnes- in the eyes of a critical and sceptical
sing the fulfilment of that strange and age the supreme claim of the Abhh
cryptic saying: The meek shall in- Revelation. One thing and only one
herit the earth. thinlg will unfailingly and alone se-
That the administrative machinery cure the undoubted triumph of this
is not an end in itself but merely the
sacred Cause, namely the extent to
means to spread everywhere the light
of faith and brotherhood, is fre- which our own inner life and private
quently expressed by the Guardian in character mirror forth in their manihis general letters, and this brief s'ur- fold aspects the splendor of those
vey may well close with one of those eternal principles proclaimed by Bapassages: "Not by the force of hC'u'll&h."

THE BAHA9f CALENDAR
Fvom "Bahd'u'lldh and the New Era," pages 1 5 5 1 5 6
B Y DR. J. E. ESSLENIONT

WONG different peoples and a t "Intercalary Days" (four in ordinary
A different times many different and five in leap years) between the
methods have been adopted for the eighteenth and nineteenth months in
measurement of time and fixing of order to adjust the calendar to the
dates, and several different calendars solar year. The Bab named the
are still in dally use, e. g.,the Grego- months after the attributes of God.
riau in Western Europe, the Julian in The EahL'i New Year, like the ancient
Persian New Year, is astronomically
many countries of Eastern Europe,
fixed, commencing at the March
the Hebrew among the Jews, and the equinox (March Zlst), and the Baha'i
Muhammadan in Muslim countries. era commences with the year of the
The B5b signalized the importance Bib's declaration (i. e., 1844 A. D.,
of the dispensation which He came 1260 A. H.)
to herald, by inaugurating a new cal- In the not f a r distant future it will
endar. In this, as in the Gregorian be necessary that all peoples in the
Calendar, the lunar month is aban- world agree on a common calendar.
doned and the solar year is adopted. I t seems, therefore, fitting that the
The BahC'i year consists of 19 new age of unity should have a new
months of 19 days each (i. e., 361 calendar free from the objections and
days), with the addition of certain associations which make each of the
THE B A H ~ CALENDAR
'~ 57
oldcr calendars unacceptable to lange ity and convenience that proposed
sections of the world's population, by the BBb.
and it is difficult to see how any other The months in the BBb's Calendar
arrangement could exceed in simplic- are as follows :

M ON TH ARABIONAME TRANSLATION FIRST DAYS
l.st Bahi Splendor ' March 2 1 1
2nd Jalhl Glory April 9th
3rd Jamal Beauty April 28th
4th 'Aeamat Grandeur May 17th
5th N6r Light June 5th
6th Rahmat Mercy June 240h
7th Kailimat Words July 13th
8th AsmA' Names August 1st
9th Kamhl Perfection August 20th
10th 'Izzat Miglht September 8th
11th M~~shiyyat Will September 27th
12th 'Ilm Knowledge October 16th
13th Qudrat Power November 4th
14th Qawl Speech November 23rd
15th MasB'il Questions December 12th
16th Sharaf Honor December 31st
17th SultLn Sovereignty January 19th
18th Mulk Dominion Felsrutairy 7th
19th 'Uli Loftiness March 2nd

Intercalary Days, Feb. 26th t o March lst, inclusive

BAHA'f FEASTS AND ANNIVERSARIES

Feast of Nawr6z (New Year), Martyrdom of the Bib, July 9,
March 21. (1850).
Feast of Ridvan (Declaration of Birth of Bahi,u711ih, November 12,
Bahi'u'llhh), April 21 to May 3, (1817).
(1863).
Declaration of the B&b, May 23, Fete Day of 'Abdu'l-BahA, No-
(1844). vember 26.
Ascension of BahB'u'llPh, May 28, Ascension of 'Abdu'l-Bahi, No-
(1892). vember 28, (1921).
58 B A H A ' ~YEAR BOOK

Mashriqu'l-Adhkhr in course of constructw~zat Wilmette, suburb of
Chicago, Illilcois.
THE MASHRIQU'L:ADHK~

THE MASHRIQU'L-ADHKAR
"The Dawning Place of God's Pvaiss"

R ELIGION in its fullest develop- artifice of ritual. There will be the
ment, its perfection, will have music of voices but not of instrument.
the outward and visible form in com- Those who enter the Mashriqu'lplete correspondence wilth the in- AdhkBr will do so most frequently in
ward invisible spirit. Its institu- order to meditate and pray.
tions, its philosophy, and its essen- The BahL'i House of Worship betial spiritual purpose will be in full comes new and unique in that the
harmony and agreement. central edifice will be surrounded
The Mashriqu'l-AdhkBr, the sym- with accessory buildings of humanibol and embodiment of the Bah&i' tarian intent, and the relation of all
Revelation, is the outcome and fulfill- these buildings one with another and
ment of the teachings of Bah&'ulllBh with the central edifice discloses the
in the world of action. I t embodies relation of the organic functions of
those teachings in a manner applying society with the spirit of religion.
them to daily life. I t makes unity a The Mashriqu'l-AdhkBr perfectly
practice and habit as well as an ideal. symbolizes thq two-fold nature of re-
It identifies religion with the social ligion--one aspect the turning to
body, not by materializing religion, God, the other aspect service to man.
but by inspiring society. The ap- As 'Abdu'l-BahB has said: "Religion
pearance of an institution of this is an attitude toward God reflected in
character in the world today is a life."
proof of the re-birth of religion ac- The writings of the BahB'i Moveceptable to those who have lost faith ment contain many references to the
in the evidences of doctrine. Mashriqu'l-Adhkir.
The present age is moving toward In the KitBb-i-Aqdas BahQ'u'llAh
the Mashriqu'l-AdhkBr in its realiza- said : "0 Concourse of creation ! 0
tion of the need to co-ordinate the people! Construct edifices in the
churches with the fundamental prob- most beautiful fashion possible, in
Jems of civilization, and in the will- every city, in every land, in the name
ingness to abandon unnecessary of the Lord of Religions. Adorn
duplication of religious effort. Corn- them with that which beseemeth
munity churches have come into ex- them. Then commemorate the Lord,
istence which foreshadow the BahL'i the Merciful, the Clement, in spirit
Temple in many respects, but none and fragrance.
possesses the whole range of its sig- "Teach your children what hath
nificance. been revealed through the Supreme
In the Mashriqu'l-Adhkir we have Pen. Instruct them in what hath dea house of worship and devotion open scended from the Heaven of greatto people of all religions, races and ness and power. Let them memorize
classes without distinction. Its serv- the Tablets of the Merciful and
ices consist of reading and chanting chant them with melodious voices in
the holy Word. The purpose is to the galleries built in the Temple of
turn the heart directly to the divine the Mashriqu'I-AdhkBr. m e pray-
Source, and this purpose is not eom- ers of the Lord should be chanted in
patible with human sermons or the a manner to abtract the hearts and
60 BAHA'~ YEAX BOOK

souls. Blessed is he who listeneth meet under the dome of the Mashunto the River of Life." riqu'l-Adhkar and adore the One God
From Tablets and addresses of in the same Spirit of Truth, for the
'kbdu'l-Baha : ages of darkness have passed away
"Temples are symbols of the Re- and the century of Liight has arrived.
ality and Divinity of God-that is, The imaginary prejudices are in
the Manifestation of God is the real arocess of diswersion and the Lizhtdivine Temple and Collective Center of Unity is shking.
of which the Church is a symbol. "In the days of the Manifestation,
"The real Temple is the very Law any city wherein a Temple was
of God, for to that all humanity must founded, afforded the means of
resort, and that is the center of unity promulgation (of the Cause), the
for all mankind. That is the Collec- confirmation of the hearts and the
tive Center. That is the cause of ac- confidence of souls; for in those
cord and unity of the hearts. That buildings the Name of God is ever
is the cause of the solidarity of the commemorated. For the tranquillity
human race. That is the source of and repose of the hearts there is no
life eternal. Temples are symbols other means save the commemoraof that unifying force, in order that tion of Almighty God.
when the people gather there, in a "The original purpose is this: that
given edifice of God, they may re- is why His Holiness BahO'u'llLh has
call the fact that the Law has been commanded that a place be built for
revealed for them and that the Law all the religionists of the world. Not
is to unite them. That just as this only does the Mashriqu'l-AdhkBr have
edifice was founded for the unifica- an effect upon those who built i t but
tion of mankind, the Law preceding upon the whole world."
and creating this Tempde wa: issued "The Mashriqu'l-Adhkir must have
therefore. nine sides, doors, fountains, paths,
"In the Templc of the Lord man gateways, columns and gardens, with
must be submissive to God. 'He must the ground floor, galleries and domes,
enter into a covenant with His Lord and in design and construction must
in order that he shall obey His Com- be beautiful. The mystery of the
mands and be unified with his fellow- edifice is great and cannot be unmen. He must not consider diverg- veiled yet, but its erection is the
ences of races nor difference of na- most important undertaking. of this
tionalities; he must not view varia- Day.
tion in denomination and creed, nor "The Mashriqu'l-AdhkAr has imshould he take into account the dif- portant accessories, which are acfering degrees of thoughts ; nay counted of the basic foundations.
rather, he should look upon all man- These are :-school for orphan chilkind and realize that all must become dren, hospital and dispensary for the
united and agreed. He must recog- poor, home for the incapable, colle*
nize all as one family, one race, one for higher scientific education and
nativity; all the servants of one God, hospice. In every city a great Mashdwelling beneath the shelter of the riqu'l-Adhkar must be founded after
Mercy of God. Just as the external this order. In the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar
world is a place where various peo- services will be held every morning.
ples of different hues and colors, of There will be no organ in the Temple.
various faiths and denominations In buildings near by, festivals, servmeet; just as they are submerged i n ices, conventions, public meetings
the Sea of Favors, likewise, all may and spiritual gatherings will be held,
THE MASHRIQI

but in the Temple the chanting and this Templc will bc liltc thc hundred
singing will be unaccompanied. thousand gigantic Temples you see
Open ye the gates of the Temple to about you. Know ye that when this
all mankind. Temple of God shall be built in Chi-
"When these institutions, college, cago i t will be to the spiritual body of
hospital, hospice, and establishment the world what the inrush of the
for the incurables, university for the spirit is to the physical body of man,
study of higher sciences, giving post- quickening it to its utmost parts and
graduate courses, and other philan- infusing a New Light and Power.
thropic buildin)gs are built, t h e doors Should the believers undertake (the
will be opened to all the nations and erection of the Temple) in many
religions. There will be absolutely places, it will not become completed
no line of demarcation drawn. Its anywhere; and as in Chicago they
charities will be dispensed irrespec- have preceded every other place t o
tive of color or race. Its gates will plan the erection of the Temple, unbe flung wide open to mankind; doubtedly to co-operate and help them
prejudice towards none, love for all. is nobler and a necessity. Then when
The central building will be devoted it is built in one place i t will become
to the purpose of prayer and worship. erected in many other places. God
Thus. ... . .rellglon will become willing, in all the states of America
harmonized with science, and science in the future there will be erected
will be the handmaid of religion, both Temples, with infinite architectural
showering their material and spir- beauty, with pleasing proportions and
itual gifts on all humanity." handsome and attractive appear-
"Now the day has arrivcd in which ances."
the Ediflce of God, the Divine Sanctu- "Praise be to God that, a t this
ary, the Spiritual Temple shall be moment, from every country in the
erected in America. I entreat God to world according to their various
assist the confirmed believers In ac- means, contributions are continually
complishing this great service and being sent toward the fund of the
with entire zeal to rear this mighty Mashriqu'l-Adhkir in America. In
structure, which shall be renowned reality this magnanimity of the bethroughout the world. The support lievers is worthy of great praise and
of God will be with those believers in thankfulness. This donation in the
that district, that they may be suc- path of the Orb of Religions is concessful in their undertaking. For ducive to the happiness of the souls
this cause is great because this is the of the spiritual ones. From the day
first Mashriqu'l-AdhkCr in that of Adam until now, such an event has
country. never been witnessed by man that,
"Verily the founding of the Mash- from the fanthermost country of
riqu'l-AdhkLr will mark the incep- Asia contributions were forwarded to
tion of the Kingdom of God on earth. America. This is through the Power
I t is the evident standard waving in of the Covenant of God.
the center of that great continent of "Verily this is a cause of astonish-
America. Make the erection of the ment to the people of perception.
Temple in America conducive to the "The debt on the land of the Mashunity and oneness of the believers, riqu'l-AdhkLr is clear. This news
of the maid-servants and servants 01 made the hearts happy. Collect conthe Merciful, so that in one thought, tributions for the building and then
one aim, they engage themselves in think about the plans. I t is hoped
building the Temple. Think not that that the believers of God may show
62 FiAHL'f YEAR BOOK

magnanimity and raise a great sum Thc symbolism of the Temple has
for the building, that the foundation been sympathetically interpreted by
of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar may be laid Mary Hanford Ford :
by the hands of 'Abdu'l-BahB. I "The Temple model is a nonagon,
want everyone left free to act as he or nine sided structure, with nine
wills. If anyone wishes to put money doors, nine ribs in the dome, nine
into other things, let him do so. Do openings on each side, etc. All the
not interfere with him in any way, dimensional numbers of the temple
but be assured that-the most im- are related to nine.
portant thing at this time is the build- "Nine is the number of perfection,
ing of the Mashriqu'l-AdhkLr. . . ." both in the ancient numerology of
"When the Mashriqu'l-Adhkir is Pythagoras and the cabala, and in
completed, when the lights are eman- .
that of the present day. . . In the
ating therefrom, the prayers are per- older systems 9 represented the highformed with supplication toward the est perfection of man, while 10 stood
Mysterious Kingdom (of Heaven), for God and man united, as in the
the voice of glorification is raised to Messiah. In the BahL'i symbolism,
the Lord, the Supreme;-then the be- 9 adds to its own power that of 10,
lievers shall rejoice, the hearts be because i t stands for the Glory, or
dilated and overflow with the love BahL, which is God.
of the All-living and Self-existent "It is actually formed by the word
(God). The people shall hasten to Bahi, the Glory, because in the
worship in the heavenly Temple, the Arabic langua~eletters are numerical
Fragrances of God will be elevated, symbols also. B is 2 ; A is 1;H is 5,
the Divine Teachings will be estab- and A is 1 again, and the consensus
lished in the hearts like the estab- of all makes 9. So the nine doors of
lishment of the Spirit in mankind; the Temple symbolize the perfect
the people will then stand firm in the number of paths to God, and thus
Cause of our Lord, the Merciful. unity in the Glory of BahB, and the
Whosoever arises for the service of prevalence of 9 in the numerical
this building shall be assisted with structure of the temple creates heavgreat power from His Supreme King- enly unity in its vibration.
dom, and upon him spiritual and "19 is the BAb's number for unity,
heavenly blessings shall descend and 5 is the number of the Bab himwhich shall fill his heart with won- self. So these numbers reappear conderful consolation and enlighten his stantly. There are 18 steps at each
eyes by beholding the Glorious and of the nine entrances of the Temple,
Eternal God." which with the completing doorway
I t may be questioned whether any make 19-and each door (a 19) bemodern edifice has attracted such comes a recurring symbol of the BBb
Widespread interest as the Bourgeois himself, because as we remember, BBb
design of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkir, is a title meaning a door between
descriptions and illustrations of heaven and earth. There are nine
which have appeared in newspapers openings on each of the nine sides of
and magazines throughout the world. the Temple on the first and second
Even in China and Japan the press stories, producing the number 81 or
gave details of this universal reli- spiritually 9, and 3 small doors on
gious structure, and in architectural each side of the third story, making
and engineering journals the design 27--or again 9. There are 9 columns
has been acclaimed a s the inaugura- on the first story, 9 buttress ornation of a new style and period. ments on the second, 9 ribs to the
THE MASHRIQU'L-ADHK~R 63
great dome, so that one can never pointed star, the Messiah.' The five
escape the heavenly presence of pointed star has been for ages the
the 9. I t becomes the emblem of symbol of the earthlp Messenger.
perfection, more definitely exempli- 'Albdu'l-Bahi says in the Tablet of
fied in the Bahb'i teaching than ever the Ringstone: 'The two stars reprebefore; as the 9 reflected through the sent the divine origin and also the hu-
Bahi or the Glory, i t becomes the man personality of the Bkb and Baemblem of the divine messenger upon hi'u'llbh, because the human being
earth, BahB'u'llAh, Christ, Zoroaster, like the star has five points, the head,
Moses, et al. the two arms and the two legs.'
"The surfaces of the Temple are <'The triangle has another symbolcovered with a geometrical ornamen- ism, and a very b eau tiful one, that of
tation, exquisite in character, and humanity with its base upon the
~ufficiently interesting from its earth and its point reaching up to
beauty alone. These traceries, when heaven, and this is also a part of the
examined, are made up of the most heavenly meaning of the six pointed
beautiful combinations of the tri- star. The five pointed star was used
angle, the square and the circle: The by the early Christians as the symbol
Swastika cross of the Egyptian of Christ, and the cross came later
hieroglyphics is one, the five pointed with the introduction of theology
star, the six pointed star,the glorious into Christian teachings.
nine pointed star, and last but not ' ' ~ h ~ has been from very
least the looped life symbol of the old periods the of infinity
E'mptian hieroglyphics, which was d, eternity, and is commonly seen
carried by the priests in the sacred the temple of xndia,
processions of the worship of Di- associated with the serpentof the
onysos in Greece. past. The square is the old cabalistic
"The Swastika cross is the oldest of realization or
religious symbol known. I t became tion in earthly form for the microindicative of the divine creative fire, human, while 8 or the cube
and life, and the looped cross, the co m orsymbol
is sthe of realization for the
Greek cross, the Roman Cross are its M~~~~~~~~ or ~ i M ~~ ~~h~ i. ~ ~
modifications. The Roman cross with glorious nine pointed star is of course
the elongated arm has become the the symbol of divine manifestation
symbol of sacrifice through its rela- belonging to the new day. ~h~
tion to Christ. There is a lovely row Temple itself is a nine pointed star.
Swastikas around the base of the Looked at from an aeroplane i t would
dome, repeated again toward its seem a great star dropped upon the
and these will show brilliantly when ground, and when li,ghted at night all
i t is lighted a t night. itsnine points will appear brilliantly.
triangle
, ' T ~ ~ has ,been from time
immemorial the symbol of the great The nine pointed star forms the
trinity, the Essence, the Orb snd the beautiful roselike top of each window
M ~ or ~ ~~ thed ~ , ~ t orh ~
and
~ door~ , of~ the temple's
~ lower
~ story, ~ ,
Logos, and the Son, as Christ puts it. while at the center of each star
~h~ six pointed star or double tri- gleams the decorative lettered form
angle is thus the symbol of the heav- of t h e Greatest Name. This will be
enly Sun or Logos behind the earthly always illumined and shining, so that
Messenger. So that the old orthodox the Glory of the Most Glorious will
Jewish Rabbis say today: 'We have penetrate every worshipper who enalways had the six pointed star, but ters the temple. A larger replica of
we are now looking for the five the same illumined symbol forms the
64 BA~tl'fYEAR BOOK
center in decoration above the doors circles, and Bourgeois says that, in
and speaks again of the meaning of drawing the dome especially, he
the great Temple. would begin to think of the orbits of
"There is a charming story in the planets and their whirling spaces,
Hindu mythology to the effect that, and then his fingers would create
when the great God Brahm finished these wonderful lines, a s his thoughts
his avatar on this earth, he did not roamed among the stars. Thus a new
ascend, but went t o sleep in a lotus symbol has been added to those of the
flower until it should be time for him past, which might be called that of
to awaken for another mission to the unity of the heavens.
mankind. Over the low archway of "The structure of the Temple is
each entrance to the Temple is a deli- such that at night all its surfaces will
cate and graceful tracery which at- be a blaze of light. Its decorations
tracts the eye and, when one ex- are cut completely through the terra
amines it, there is revealed a succes- cotta (or other) substance, which is
sion of lotus flowers, and in the cen- to be lined with transparent glass, so
ter of each is the looped symbol of that a t night each column and butlife, which comes to us from Egypt tress ornament as well as the stars
and Greece, and appears here again and crosses and 'milky way' of the
a s the note of awakening, of resur- dome, will shine forth like an emrection in the lotus flower of the broidery upon the darkness. So the
world. I t is singularly fitting that Temple will be veritably a temple of
the story of Brahm should be recalled light in this day of resurrection, of
in the decoration of the Temple of brotherhood and new civilization.
mankind and should arise there under "The nine ribs joined above the
the symbol of life, because the surface of the dome are like hands
Temple contains in its glorious en- clasped in prayer, Bourgeois says,
semble the unity of all faiths and and in the space between their union
the aspirations of all hearts. and the rounded top of the dome
"There is an ornament in the proper, will shine a great electric
dome which appears also in the upper light sending forth nine bars into
part of the columns and is unlike any the darkness of the night, and formother portion of the decoration. It ing a glorious illumined climax to the
is a whirling succession of elongated beautiful nonagon structure."

BRIEF HISTORY OF THE MASHRIQU'L-ADHKAR IN AMERICA
TO 1915

heard enthusiastic re- sion for the second Mashriqu'l-Adh-
H AVING
ports of the building of the first kLr to be built in America.
Mashriqu'l-AdhkBr in 'IshqLbLd, On June 7, 1903, a tablet was re-
Russia, the members of the Spiritual vealed in Acca by 'Abdu'l-Baha saycommittee (better known as the ing, "Now the day has arrived in
"House of Spirituality" ) of the Chi- which the edifice of God, the divine
cago Assembly were inspired to sup- sanctuary, the Spiritual temple, shall
plicate t o the Center of the Cove- be erected in America."
nant, 'A~bdu'l-Baha, to grant permis- The following words from the pen
of 'Abdu'l-BahA clearly indicatc thc ing is thc most important of all
erection of a material building: "The things. This is the spiritual founda-
Mashriqu'l-Adhkdr, t h o u g h o u t - tion, for that reason i t is the most imwardly a material foundation, is pos- portant of all foundations; from that
sessed of spiritual effect and causes spiritual foundation will come forth
the union of hearts and the gather- all manner of advancement and prog-
.
ing of souls. . . Praise be to God ! ress in the world of humanity.
The erection of the Mashriqu'l- Therefore, how great is its import-
Adhkar has a great effect in all ance."
grades (or states). It was tested in To Mrs. Helen S. Goodall and Mrs.
the east and so evidently and plainly Ella G. Cooper, 'Abdu'l-Bah6 said :
was i t proved good (that) even when "To have it built is most important.
in a village a house was called the Some material things have spiritual
Mashriqu'l-AdhkAr, it possessed a effect, and the Mashriqu'l-AdhkBr is
different effect. How much more its a material thing that will have great
building and organization." Further- effect upon the spirits of the people.
more, he says, "The Mashriqu'l- Not only does the building of the
AdhkBr is the most important matter Mashriqu'l-AdhMr have an effect
and the greatest divine institute. upon those who build it, but upon the
Consider how the first institute of whole world." "In the Mashriqu'lhis holiness Moses, after his exodus AdhkBr, services will be held every
from Egypt was the 'Tent of Martyr- morning and the words of BahL'-
dom' which he raised and which was u'llah only are to be read."
the traveling temple. I t was a tent While in Ramleh, Egypt, 'Abdu'lwhich they pitched in the desert Bah& assured Mr. Percy Woodcock
wherever they abode, and worship- that "The most important thing in
ped in it. Likewise, after his holi- this day is the speedy erection of the
ness Christ-May the spirit of the edifice. Its mystery is great and canworld be a sacrifice t o Him-the first not be unveiled as yet. In the future
institute by the disciples was a i t will be made plain."
temple. They planned a church in During the sojourn of Mr. and Mrs.
every country. Consider the Gospel, Charles Haney in the prison home of
(i. e., read i t ) , and the importance 'Abdu'l-Baha, he said: "When the
of the Mashriqu'l-Adhar will be- Mashriqu'l-Adhkar, with its accescome evident. I hope thati all the be- sories, is established in the world,
loved of God, collectively, on the con- aside from its religious or spiritual
tinent of Amerlca, men and women, influence, i t will have a tremendous
will strive night and day until the effect upon civilization. Aside from
Mashriqu'l-AdhkBr is erected i n the the religionists, who will feel its inutmost solidity and beauty." fluence, materialists will not be ex-
And again: "Today, the establish- empt therefrom. Moreover, i t conment of the Mashriqu'l-AdhkAr is of tains divine wisdom, spiritual effects
paramount importance, but hereafter upon the intellects and thoughts.
i t shall not be so. This is the begin- Subsequent to its erection these will
ning of organization; it is like unto become evident."
the first church founded in Chris- This important point was made
tianity; i t is an expression of the ele- clear to a pilgrim visiting him,
vation of the Word of God." namely, that "The organization of
While in London, on his first Eu- worshipping places is not simply for
ropean trip, 'Abdu'l-BahB told Mr. drawing near to God, but i t is to con-
Charles Mason Remey that "its huild- centrate the word of spirit of God
66 B A H A ' ~YEAR BOOK

and cause the power of unity and one- a second temple undertaken, neither
ness among the people." of the two would be accomplished and
Regarding the locating of this edi- this failure would weaken the Cause."
fice of God, 'Abdu'l-Baha wrote to the Mr. Mountfort Mills received a
friends of New York City : "Concern- tablet from 'Abdu'l-BahA saying:
ing the erection of the temple; now "The Mashriqu'l-Adhkir of Chicago
alb the believers must become united, is of the greatest importance. This,
so that the temple may be built soon Baha'i temple is a supreme house of
in one place. For should the be- worship, a place of spiritual gatherlievers undertake (the erection of the ing and of the manifestation of ditemple), in many places, i t will not vine mysteries. The friends of God
become completed anywhere; and a s must endeavor with all their hearts
in Chicago they have preceded every and souls that this structure may be
other place to plan the erection of raised and completed."
the temple, undoubtedly to co-operate The Center of the Covenant has
and help them is nobler and a neces- written : "One must first grasp those
sity. Then when i t is built in one affairs which will make growth (in
place i t will become erected in many the Cause) and also be in time and
other places, God willing in all the season."
states of America, in the future, there From the foragoing quotations i t
will be erected temples, with infinite is manifest that the Mashriqu'larchitectural beauty and art, with Adhkir is founded on the "Rock of
pleasing proportions and handsome Ages," the eternal Word of God, as
and attractive appearances, especi- to its object, location and appropriate
ally in New York." time for its erection.
Also to Dr. Edward Getsinger, A brief sketch of the work ac-
'Abdu'l-Baha wrote: "Regarding the complished may prove interesting :
building of the temple in Chicago, In the spring of 1907, while
both of you (Dr. and Mrs. Getsinrger) Messrs. Chase, Agnew and Schemer
display the utmost effort in encourag- were in the prison home of 'Abdu'ling and inspiring the believers and BahL, he said to them: "Concerning
the maid-servants of God, so that the temple, the Mashriqu'l-Adhkir is
they may assist in the matter with a very important matter, the most imgenerosity, and thus soon this temple portant thing now in America is the
will be erected. This matter is of building of the temple. You and your
great importance." ("Utmost im- friends must endeavor in this matportance" in 'Abdu'l-Bahi's own ter. This building will be the cause
handwriting). of the confirmation of the believers.
When Eshte'al-Ebn Kalanter wrote I t has a great effect because i t is the
regarding a Mashriqu'l-Adhkar on beginning of the, foundation. After
Monsalvat (Green Acre, Maine), centuries i t is not so important as i t
'Abdu'l-BahB replied : "Concerning is now, but now i t is very important.
the building of a Mashriqu'l-Adhkar At first they build the temple and
on Monsalvat: It is certain that be- worship in it and grow. I n past
fore long this shall be built; and this times they could not build i t so outis an ordained (or fixed) matter ; but wardly. This building will be the
in Chicago i t is two or three years cause of unity and prosperity of the
since a number of people are making Cause. The unity comes ; from every
efforts. Now while the building of part the believers will assist. This
this temple is not yet started or en- is a heavenly society and also i t will
gaged in, if there be the founding of be the cause of strength. The be-
HISTORY OF MASHRIQU'L-ADHK~R 67

lievers will get blessings and hn~~nties.consist of fourteen lots. The spir-
I t cannot be compared with the itual meeting of the Chicago Assembchurch of the old time. You have ly, after bringing the matter before
only to begin, everythin~gwill be all the assembly for approval, took title
right!' to two of the lots in the name of the
When this message was brought treasurer of the assembly, Mr. Carl
back to America a new activity in the Schemer, and arose to obey the Cen-
Mashriqu'l-Adhkir resulted through- ter of the Covenant when he said:
out the country and contributions "You have only to begin, everything
from various assemblies and indivi- will be all right." The sum of $2,000
duals were received. A convention was paid fur those two lots on April
was called for November 26, 1907, to 9, 1908.
be held in Chicago. This was the On June 19, 1908, a tablet was refirst Mashriqu'l-AdhkBr convention, vealed by 'Abdu'l-Baha and transregarding which 'Abdu'l-Baha wrote lated by his daughter Moneveh
to Mr. Charles Sprague: "Thou hast Khanum, in which he wrote, "Ask
written concerning the organization every spiritual meeting in the other
of a council for the building of the cities that they will each select one
Mashriqu'l-Adhkir. T h i s n e w s and send him, and from these selected
brought much spirit and fragrance, ones and with those who are selected
for the nine delegates sent by the from the Chicago meetings, establish
various assemblies gathered in that a new meeting for the provision of
meeting and consulted concerninig the the means of the temple. If this is
building of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkar." established with perfect fragrance
Several possible tracts of land on and joy, it will produce great results.
both the south and north sides of the In this new meeting, especially for
city had been investigated, as 'Abdu'l- the establishment of the temple,
Baha had said to a pilgrim that it women are also to be members!'
must be near the lake. The morning In compliance with these instrucof the day of November 26,1907, the tions from 'Abdu'l-Bahi, the House
delegates visited the south side tract. of Spirituality of the Chicago Asnoting carefully the surroundings, re- sembly called the second Mashriqu'lturning to . the home of Mrs. Grace AdhkBr convention for March 22nd
Foster for a sumptuous (Thanksgiv- and 23rd, 1909, the proceedings of
ing day) feast, prepared in the name which were accurately recorded by
of the Center of the covenant by the Miss Gertrude Buikema and Mr.
Chicago maid-servants. I t was a t Charles Ioas, duly elected to act as
first feared that such a feast of good secretaries, and afterwards printed.
things had incapacitated the dele- Thus the tiny mustard seed of nine
gates to visit the north shore tract in delegates grew in the two interventhe afternoon but it made them ing years to four times nine. The
stronger for the trip, both spiritually Baha'i Temple Unity resulted, as an
and physically. That evening a spir- organization, with full power and
ited meeting was held over the loca- authority to provide ways and means
tion and it was unanimously voted for the erection of the Mashriqu'lthat the north shore tract was most AdhkBr. A constitution was predesirable. Miss Gertrude Buikema sented and adopted and the first
took the minutes of this meeting. executive board of BahB'i Temple
Upon closer investigation the north Unity was elected and authorized by
shore tract (now the site of the the convention to close and complete
Mashriqu'l-Adhkar) was found to the purchase of the land, recom-
'EAR BOOK

mended by the first convention, 1907, The third Mashriqu'l-AdhliLr conof which two lots had been bought vention convened in Chicago, April
and paid for, with an option secured 25 and 26,1910. Report of the work
on the remaining twelve lots. Im- done during the year was given by
mediately after the close of the con- the secretary, Mr. Jacobsen, and the
vention the newly appointed execu- financial secretary's report showed
tive board went into session, selecting contributions for the fiscal year :
its officers in accordance with the con- From the Orient ..$ 7,092.85
stitution. The treasurer of the Chi- F r o m America
cago Assembly, Mr. Scheffler, in and Europe......... 7,638.66
whose name the title to the two lots Turned over by
was held, turned over to the BahB'i Mr. Scheffler...... 5,666.44
Temple Unity all official documents
and all monies held by him for the Total .............................. $20,397.95
Mashriqu'l-Adhkir, as follows :
($2,000 of this being land)
Monies on hand. ...$ 3,666.44 Contributions had come from
Land values.................. 2,000.00 India, Persia, Turkey, Syria, Palestine, Russia, Egypt, G e r m a n y ,
Total ................................. $5,666.44 France, England, Canada, Mexico,
When the two lots had been pur- Hawaiian Islands, and a little island
chased, Mr. C. E. Brush, one of f a r out in the Indian Ocean, Maure-
Chicago's architects, kindly made a tius. Besides from sixty different
plat of the tract and its surroundings, American cities. The words of the
which was sent to 'Abdu'l-Bahd. A Center of the Covenant had literally
beautiful txblet flowed from his pen, been fulfilled: "You have only to be-
"To the friends and maid-servants," gin-everything will be all right."
saying that on the anniversary of the The fourth Mashriqu'l-Adhkir condeclaration of his holiness the SU- vention was held in Chicago, May 1
preme, the Bib, the map of the Mash- and 2, 1911. A command having
riou'l-Adhkhr had been presented, come from Acca to hold the conventhat "great joy was obtained thereby tion during the Ridvdn days. Durand with the ercatest care it was con- ing the fiscal year, April 23, 1910, to
sidered," thag "it is indeed a delight- April 29, 1911, the total contribuful spot worthy of this edifice and tions were:
building." (Date of this tablet July
4, 1908). The Orient and
Europe .................. $ 1,190.83
The members of the Executive America .................... 9,210.76
Board of BahL'i Temple Unity appointed Messrs. Mills, Hall and
Total ............................. $10,401.76
Jacobsen, a committee to attend t o
the land negotiations, and an offer of The fifth convention in Chicago,
$32,500 for the remaining twelve lots April 29th to May 1, 1912, will eterwas made and accepted with a con- nally wear the glorious crown of betract providing for the payment of stowal because of the presence of the
$5,000 every six months, with inter- Center of the Covenant and his dediest, commencing July 1, 1909. A re- cation of the Mashriqu'l-AdhkLr
ligious corporation was effected un- grounds, May 1, 1912. During this
der the laws of Illinois in the name fiscal year the lake shore tract of 293
"Bahd'i Temple Unity" and the title feet frontage had been contracted for
to the land secured. and payment made on it, the pur-
HISTORY OF MASHRIQU'L-ADHK~R 69

chase price being $17,000. The con- 1913. The contributions for the year
tributions for the year having been having been $14,206.42.
$7,292.45. Another year soon rolled around
The sixth convention was enter- and Chicago was again blest with a
tained by the friends of New York Mashriqu'l-Adhkir convention, which
City, April 28 and 29,1913. Regard- was the seventh convention. I t also
ing this wonderful convention 'Ab- marked the fiftieth anniversary of
du'l-Baha wrote to Mr. Wilhelm, the Declaration of BahP'u'llih.
saying : At the close of the year 1913 the
"Praise be to God, that the New money came literally rolling in for the
York believers became confirmed in cancellation of all land debts and a
the accomplishment of a great serv- cablegram was sent to 'Ahdu'l-BahA
ice and held in that city the consulta- announcing that the BahL'i Temple
tion convention for the erection of Unity had completed its land obligathe Mashriqu'l-AdhkBr. They dis- tions. Thus the new year, 1914,
played the utmost of effort until that dawned free of any clouds for the
convention was inaugurated with in- Mashriqu'l-AdhkAr work so that the
finite perfection. They exercised the building fund might be started. The
greatest love and kindness towards financial secretary reported contribuall the delegates who had come from tions for the year $13,503.79 and the
the different states. They united and Unity entirely out of debt with land
entertained the delegates in their holdings for which $51,500 had been
homes. With perfect affection they paid and which was worth almost
spread before them the banquet of double the price paid. Complete
hospitality. Every one became grate- unity and harmony marked the sesful and happy. This event will adorn sions of this seventh convention.
an important and blessed page in the And now the eighth Mashriqu'l-
BahB'i history." AdhkLr convention and first BahL'i
A t this convention the commemo- congress has convened in San Franration of the ninth day of every cisco. Thus our conventions held in
month as Mashriqu'l-AdhkBr day was the United States of America have
proposed and afterward confirmed by travelled from coast to coast.
'Abdu'l-BahL and has proved a very Almost immediately after the secgreat impetus to the Mashriqu'l- ond convention, when the BahL'1
AdhkBr work. The friends of other Temple Unity resulted, the president
countries join with us in observing of the first Executive Board, Mr.
the day ; very beautiful are the letters Mountfort Mills, of New York City,
from our four American sisters i n visited the Center of the Covenant
TeherBn telling of their holding this who was still a prisoner of the Turkninth day with us. ish Government, though liberated in
The first contribution for the fiscal July of that same year, 1908. Mr.
year April 30, 1912 to April 19,1913, Mills wrote: "At the temple convenwas a gift from the Center of the tion, he seemed most pleased and
Covenant a t the closing session of the satisfied and assured us that the fuprevious convention in Chicago. ture would see many more, constantly
Also this year marked the completion increasing in numbers, attending and
of the payment on the site dedicated bringing together representatives
by 'Abdu'l-BahL and an indebtedness from all parts of the world. He said
of $9,000 on the Lake Shore tract re- that these gatherings would be to the
mained only, its entire liquidation spiritual body of the world what the
being urged before the expiration of inrush of the spirit is to the physical
70 B A ~ l i ' f YEAR BOOK

body of man, quickening i t to its ut- Sixth Convention 13,503.79
most parts and infusing a new light Seventh Convenand power." tion ........................... 6,597.65
One of the most touchin,g gifts to
the building fund was a check for Grand Total .......... $72,399.85
$1,000 addressed to "The BahL'i
Temple of Peace" and saying in the Of the above amount $11,159.75
letter, "In Europe, fathers and was from countries other than United
brothers have been torn from their States, as follows:
wives and little children, and many
left at home are in want of dire Enlgland: St. Ives, Cornwall;
necessities. ourbeloved ones are not Springfield, Broadway ; Manchester ;
facing mutilation, acute suffering and London ; Sussex, Bright0n ; Wardeath. I send this as s thanksgiving wicke; C1iftonl Bristol.
offering, though it seems min te in- Ireland : Warrington, C 0 u n t y
deed toexpress what I feel." Down.
France: Paris; Dinan, Brittany.
During the fiscal year beginning
April 27, 1914, the monthly contribu- Germany : Berlin ; Stuttgart ; Estions have been as follows: slingen ; Zuffenhausen.
Italy: Sienna ; Ravenna, Erba.
April 27 to May 1 $ 258 00
European Turkey : Constantinople.
May 388 60
June 351.09 Palestine : Acca; Haifa.
July 483 31 Russia : Baku ; IshqBbLd.
August 344.22 Persia : Teheran ; Esphahan ; Gan-
1,533 88 gelie; Shiraz; Yahromi ; Resht; Ker-
557.99 manshah ; Sanstan ; Meshed ; Tiflis;
519.50 Yazd ; Arabelli.
December 614.66
India : Rangoon ; Bombay ; Manda-
January 768.72 lay.
February 247.10
March 278.76 Egypt: Cairo; Port Said; Alexan-
April 1 to April 18 251.82 dria.
South Africa; East Rand; Transvaal ; Capetown.
Total to April 18,
1915 .......................... $6,597.65 New Zealand : Davenport ; Auckland.
Total receipts of subscriptions Brazil : Sao Paulo.
from August, 1907, to April, 1915.
Canada: Montreal ; Brockville ; St.
First Convention $ 5,666.44 John's, N. B.
Second Conven- Islands of the Sea: Isle of Pines;
tion ........................... 14,731.51 Isle of Mauretius; Hawaiian Islands.
T h i r d Conven-
Respectfully submitted,
tion ........................... 10,401.59
Fourth Conven- CORINNETRUE,
L'
ion ........................... 7,292.45 Financial Secretary, Bahh'i Temple
Fifth Convention 14,206.42 Unity.
MASHRIQU'L-ADHKAR REPORT

EXTRACTS FROM MASHRIQU'L-ADHKAR REPORT
JUNE 15, 1925
BY CARL SCHEFFLER

T the Convention called by the the stones themselves upon their
A Secretary of the National Spir- backs, while attracted by the love of
itual Assembly to discuss ways and God and for the glory of God. Soon
means for raising funds necessary that great Temple will be completed
for the construction of the first story and the voice of prayer and praise
of the Mashriqu'l-AdhkLr, which was shall ascend to the Sublime Kingdom.
held in Chicago, October 19-20, 1924, "I was rejoiced through your enthe Temple Committee was instruct- deavors in this glorious Cause, made
ed to draft a compleke report on the with joy and good interest. I pray
status of the Temple b o r k to be suh- God to aid you in exalting His word,
mitted to the National Spiritual As- and in establishing the Temple of
sembly for approval and to be sent Worship, through His grace and
t o the BahB'is of the United States ancient mercy. Verily, ye are the
and Canada. first to arise for this Glorious Cause
I t is the purpose of this report to in that vast religion. Soon will ye
deal specifically only with matters see the spread of this enterprise in
that have transpired since the selec- the world, and its resounding voice
tion of the design of the building, but shall go through the ears of the peoin order to refresh the memories of ple in all parts.
the friends regarding the wonderful "Exert your energy in accomplishaccomplishments of the previous f n g what ye have undertaken, so that
years, we a r e presenting a brief r6- this glorious Temple may be built,
sum6 of the various early stages of that the beloved of God may assemble
the work. therein and that they may pray and
EIARLYHISTORY offer glory t o God for guiding them
The inception of the Mashriqu'l- to His Kingdom."
Adhkbr in the West dates back to the Since that time the work has prospring of 1903, twenty-two years ago, gressed intermittently. During the
a t Which time the corner-stone of first six years the members of the Asthe Mashriqu'l-Adhkbr in 'IshqLbLd, sembly in Chicago strove enthusias-
Russia had been laid and photo- tically so that in the spring of 1909
graphs of the event sent to the mem- when the first Convention met in Chibers of the House of Spirituality in cago, having been called by the House
Ohicago, inspiring that body to arise of Spirituality for the purpose of
for the erection of a Mashriqu'l- establishing the work of the Temple
Adhkiir in America. I n response to on a national basis, the Chicago Astheir supplication, 'Abdu'l-BahL sembly was able to report the acquisigranted permission for the undertak- tion of two lots a t a cost of $2,000.00,
ing in the following wonderful Tab- and a cash fund of $3,666.44.
let :
"I send you the glad-tidings of the PURCHASE O F SITE
erection of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkbr
(The Bahfi'1 Temple) in 'IshqLbfid, As before stated the purchase of
with all joy and great happiness. two lots in the main tract had been
The friends of God assembled to- completed by the House of Spiritualgether with rejoicing and conveyed ity of Chicago, the deeds for which
72 BAHA'~YEAR BOOK
were in doe time turned over to the lievers should sclcct the design at the
Bahh'i Temple Unity when i t was or- 1920 Convention. A number of archiganized just after the first Conven- tects submitted designs, some in the
tion. The remainder of the main form of drawn plans and Mr. Charles
tract bounded by Linden Ave. on the Mason Remey and Mr. Louis Boursouth, Sheridan Road on the north geois submitted plaster models.
and east, and by the property of the After careful deliberation and dis-
Sanitary District of Illinois on the cussion, after hearing the opinion of
west was purchased a t a cost of $32,- disinterested men of standing i n the
500.00. The final payment on this architectural profession, the Bourwas made on October 1, 1912. The geois model was chosen. Mr. Remey,
purchase of the lake shore tract was who had submitted the other model,
completed February 2, 1914. I t cost made the motion that made the choice
$17,000.00. There also is a small tri- unanimous. The selection of the Conangular plot of land across Sheridan vention was confirmed by 'Abdu'l-
Road, north of the main tract in- BahL in numerous Tablets. We qoute
cluded in these purchases. one of these written to Mrs. Corinne
The main tract measures on its True, as follows:
south boundary, Linden Ave., 607.55 "Thanks be unto God that this Conft., on its west boundary where i t ad- vention was supported by the confi~-
joins the property of the Sanitary mations of the Kingdom of Abha.
District of Illinois, from Linden Ave. Praise be unto God that the model of
north to a point where the line strikes Mashriqu'l-AdhkLr made by Mr.
a slight angle, it measures 257.80 ft. ; Bourgeois was approved by his honor,
on the same boundary another angle Mr. Remey, and selected by the Con-
135.52 ft., still another angle on this vention. The model of Mashriqu'lline measures 138.06 ft. The Sheri- AdhkLr is, however, too big. It
dan Road line also turns slightly needs several million dollars for the
several times, the sections of the line cost of construction. If possible Mr.
beginning a t the northwest measur- Bourgeois may reproduce the same
ing east and south are 129.92 ft., 219.- model on a smaller scale, so that one
47 ft., 166.46 ft., and 271.46 ft. The million dollars may suffice for its contriallgular section measures on Sheri- struction. This should be recondan Road 141.49 ft., on the east 131.- sidered only if possible."
78 ft., and facing the Canal 141.49 ft. The design of the Bourgeois model
The lake shore tract on Sheridan being a new and unique conception
Road measures 291.40 ft.; 3 ft. a t the does in its main character depart
south end of this line are in dispute, somewhat from recognized architecdepth a t that point is 168 ft., and a t tural standards, cheifly in the manthe north end i t is 183 ft. to the water ner in which the upper stories conedge. nect with the lower part of the building. It is usual for the main ribs of
THE BOURGEOIS DESIGN a structure to ascend directly from
The facts regarding the selection of the ground. In this design the main
the model of the Temple by the be- ribs of the upper stories and dome
lievers a t the 1920 Convention are were shifted so that they connected
too well known to require much eluci- midway between the main or first
dation; i t might nevertheless be well story buttresses, immediately above
if some points regarding this are the doorways. This caused considermentioned. able adverse criticism from laymen
'Abdu'l-BahB directed that the be- and architects, so that the Executive
MASHRIQU'L-ADHKh REPORT 73

Board of BahA'i Temple Unity or- tween the Convention, which was
dered Mr. Bourgeois to prepare a set held in April 1920 and the first of
of drawings altering this particular January 1921. The size of the strucfeature. This work was in the na- ture was reduced from 450 ft. in diture of an experiment to assure the ameter to 153 ft. in diameter, and
members of the Board in whose hands the estimated cost reduced to about
the responsibility rested, that the Ba- $1,200,000.00. This includes a rough
ha'is were not making a mistake in plaster interior, an ornamental iron
building a structure that thus radi- rail on the balcony, but no decoracally departed from recognized archi- tions for the interior.
tectural standards. The result of the
experiment justified Mr. Bourgeois, ENGINEER'S REPORT
for i t was found that the life and "My contact with the BahC'i Tembeauty of the original model was not ple project in Wilmette started in the
in the building shown in the experi- fall of 1920. I met some members of
mental drawing. "It became a rigid the Board a t that time in connection
structure a n d 1a c k e r l motion." with the discussion of some municipal
(Bourgeois). plans of the Village of Wilmette in
The Executive Board also felt i t their relation to the Temple project.
necessary to submit the design to I also conferred with Mr. McDaniel
'Abdu'l-BahB, and since it was obvi- regarding the foundation plan, which
ously impossible to send the model to he was preparing a t that time, and
Haifa they directed Mr. Bourgeois to gave some assistance to the Board in
prepare drawings showing a front securing bids and letting the contract
elevation and a cross section of the for the caisson foundations which
building intending that the architect supported the central portion of the
himself should take these to Haifa building. This contract was let to
and there receive 'Abdu'l-BahB's in- Mr. Avery Brundage on the 17th day
structions regarding the building. of December, 1920.
This was done. About the middle of "On January 5, 1921, I entered in-
January, 1921, Mr. Bourgeois sailed to a contract with the BahB'i Temple
to the Holy Land. The drawings Unity to serve as its structural engiwere left with 'Abdu'l-BahiL, and they neer and superintendent of construcnow hang in the shrine of 'Abdu'l- tion. By this contract I undertook to
BahB. prepare the structural, mechanical,
I t will also be noted that 'Abdu'l- electrical and sanitary engineering
BahB in the Tablet just quoted di- plans and specifications and to superrected that if possible the size and vise the entire construction. This
cost of the building should be consid- contract is still i n effect. It was
erably reduced. To comply with this stipulated in the contract that I was
instruction the Executive Board di- authorized to proceed with the preparected Mr. Bourgeois to make experi- rations of the plans for the foundamental drawings to determine tions and basement structure and that
whether or not the design would lend I should not prepare any plans of the
itself a s i t stood to the necessary re- superstructure until further authoriduction. I t was in the main found to zed.
be feasible, the only notable change in "It was further contemplated that
the building being in the number of i t would not be necessary for me to
windows on either side of the en- make plans of the caisson foundations
trance doors. All of this work was so that on this item my conlpensation
done in the period intervening be- would be for supervision only. How-
74 B A H A ' ~YEnR BOOK

ever, a modification of this arrange- nine caissons, amounting to $76,350.-
ment was made soon after because i t 00, and with McCarty Brothers for
became necessary to make certain the general basement section,
structural plans of the superstruc- amounting to $108,500.00. I n additure i n order to get a building permit tion to these, there have been several
and in doing this work i t proved miscellaneous items which are shown
necessary to revise the caisson foun- on your records and which, with the
dation designs which had been made above aggregate a total of $187,-
previously. 876.35. Payments made to me
"Only so much additional work was amount to $8,000.00, which includes
done as was necessary to serve the payments to apply on account of the
two purposes cited. extra work of preparin~g plans for
"As stated above, a contract was permit and for caissons.
let to Avery Brundage on December "The Brundage contract for cais-
17, 1920, for nine caisson founda- sons was completed early in the sumtions under the central portion of the mer of 1921, having been quite seribuilding with the intention of pro- ously delayed because of the large
ceeding immediately with this por- amount of water encountered in digtion of the work. ging the wells for these foundations.
"An informal application was made These wells were approximately 120
to the Village of Wilmette for a per- ft. deep and extended about 90 ft.
mit on December 21, 1920. No ac- below the level of the water in the
tion was taken but on the contrary, lake and the drainage canal near by.
some opposition developed and it was "Soon after the completion of the
necesary to file a formal application caisson contract, plans were subfor permit, which was done on Janu- mitted to contractors for the baseary 7, 1921. Permit was refused a t ment structure. This covered the
this time because plans of the build- foundations other than nine caissons,
ing structure were not submitted as which were required for the outer
required by ordinance. This situa- portions of the building and the comtion made i t necessary to proceed with plete enclosure of the basement strucpreparation of general structural ture up to and including the first
plans sufficient to comply with the floor. I t did not include the baseordinances of the Village. ment floor, the subdivision of base-
"These plans were drawn as rapidly ment space, the finishing of baseas possible and were filed with a ment nor the installation of any of
formal application on March 4, 1921, the mechanical appliances.
and the building permit was issued "A contract was made with MC-
on the 19th day of March. This per- Carty Brothers of Chicago for this
mit covered not only the work then work on August 24,1921. The startunder contract but the construction ing of the work was somewhat deof the entire building. Under the or- layed by the time required t o get the
dinances of the Village this permit necessary signatures to the contract.
would probably be considered as still Also the work occupied considerable
in effect, although the Village more time than was anticipated but
authorities could require the taking was finally completed in the fall of
out of a new permit on account of 1922.
the long suspension of operations. "Since the completion of the base-
"Two contracts of considerable ment contract, no work of importamount have been carried out from ance has been done on the structure.
my plans and under my supervision, As it now stands, the structure comnamely, with Avery Brundage for prises the entire basement enclosure,
which consists of the main enclosing on the architectural plans. This conwall of concrete, about 200 ft. in sisted principally in determining
diameter and 20 ft. high; the sloping some of the governing dimensions
concrete deck. which is to support and in some instances the relation of
the steps encircling the main struc- the structural members to the architure; and the reinforced concrete tectural members. The plans which
deck which will be the first floor of were made for permit purposes were
the main structure. Within this en- very useful for the architect in this
closure are all of the supporting connection.
columns required for superstructure "The architectural plans show all
and beneath it are all of the founda- of the exterior treatment of the buildtions required for the entire struc- ing and in lange measure the interior
ture. arrangement. There are some details
"Some work has been done to make that could not be completed on acthe interior of the basement partially count of the absence of the strucusable, such as the installation of tural plans, as mentioned, and also bewater, temporary lights, sewer con- cause the exterior material had not
nection, furnaces, floor in the central yet been determined.
portion and other miscellaneous "No specifications have been writitems. Some of this has been under ten.
my supervision. "The architectural plans are in
"Some filling material has been ob- such condition that the essentials are
tained from other operations in the all given so that the work could be
neighborhood without expense, but carried on by some other competent
so f a r i t amounts to only a small frac- architect in case Mr. Bourgeois should
tion of the total filling that is re- be incapacitated.
quired. "At the request of the Board I ex-
"The structure in its present con- amined the architectural plans and
dition is rather unsightly and has re- reported substantially as above.
cently been the subject of some ad- "Before work can proceed with
verse comment. This is probably a the superstructure, i t will be necescontinuance of the opposition which sary first to make the structural plans
was in evidence when the work was for it. The plans which were made
started. The structure has necessar- for permit purposes, having been deily deteriorated somewhat on account veloped from only preliminary archiof exposure in its unfinished state, tectural drawings, will not be servbut this has not developed to a serious iceable. They will have to be done
extent and can be overcome when over and completed in very much
the general work proceeds, or soonel; greater detail. Then i t will be necesif need be. sary for a number of additional
"The Board authorized Mr. Bour- drawings to be prepared in connecgeois, Architect of the BahB'i Temple tion with the architectural work in
to proceed with his plans in 1921. order to correlate the architectural,
He did so and carried them to com- structural and mechanical elements.
pletion in 1922 to such extent a s they Also some additional work may be
could be completed without having necessary on the architectural drawthe structural plans to co-ordinate ings, dependent upon the selection
with the architectural plans. Inas- of exterior material. This will not
much as I was not authorized to pro- effect the design of ornamentation
ceed with the structural plans, I did but will affect the jointing of the maonly such work on them as was ab- sonry materials. When these outsolutely necessary to permit carrying standing questions are settled, the
76 BAHA'~YEAR BOOK

M T . Bourgeois' house-studio o n the lake shore property as seen from Sheridan Road
Wilmette, Illinois. T h e building i s about 40 feet above the water and f r o m the rea;
affords a commanding view over Lake Michigan. T h e openings shown o n the roof
walls and window balustrades are t o have beautifully modeled punels w h e n completed.

Interior o f Mr. Bourgeois' hwse-studio. T o the right are the living rooms below and
sleeping rooms above. Mr. Bourgeois is holding several rolls of drawings made b y
h i m for the Maehriqu'dAdhkar. O n the floor and wall u p to the ceililzg D antended
a full s i e detail drawing 92 feet i n length. T h e large photograph to the l e f t i s taken
from t h e modeled door section used t o test materials for the structure.
MASHRIQU'L-ADHK~REPORT 77

specificatiol~scar1 be written. A large ridian through the center of the Tempart of the specification work will fall ple and from this the correct posito my lot but some of it will be archi- tion of this entrance established.
tectural. "The original model of the Temple
"Early in 1921, the Board appoint- was exhibited by special permission
ed a materials committee, consisting in the Art Institute of Chicago from
of Mr. W. S. Maxwell, Mr. E. R. March 8 to April 5, 1921, and by
Boyle, Mr. A. E. McDaniel, Mr. Louis shifting its location the exhibition
Bourgeois and Mr. H. J. Burt, Chair- period was extended from April 5 to
man, to study the questions of mater- May 2.
ials to be used in the construction of "A common field stone to mark the
the Temple, having particular refer- location of the Temple building was
ence to the exterior material. planted at the site by 'Abdu'l-Bahh
"A preliminary report was made at the time of his visit to Chicago in
on April 22, 1921, and a final report 1912. The location of the stone has
on February 18, 1922. These reports been carefully preserved so that a
are on file with the Board. Mr. Bour- suitable marker can bc placed at the
geois and myself visited St. Louis spot in the completed structure.
and Nashville and I visited Washing- " ~ should
t be borne in mind that a
ton and New York, as well as a num- considerable amount of work is reber of points at and near Chicago, quired to prepare plans for proeeedgathering information regarding ma- ing with the construction and that I
terials. Some samples of terra cotta am not at this time authorized to proand artificial stone have been ex- ceed with this work so ample notice
posed to the weather at the Temple should be given.
site since 1922. "I think I need say nothing regard-
"There are a number of miscella- ing the desirability of proceeding
neous items in connection with the with the work as soon as arrangework that are worth recording: ments can be made for SO doing, for I
"About the time construction was know that all connected with it, as
started, the Village of Wilmette was well as the residents of the North
cpntemplating a change jn the loca- Shore district, are anxious to see this
tlon of Sberidan Road In order to magnificent structure carried forpartially eliminate the dangerous ward to completion.
curve along side of the Temple property. A shifting of the Road approxi- ARCHITECT'S STATEMENT
mately 30 ft. westward a t the maximum point was substantially agreed "Regarding the work done on the
upon by all parties a t interest but plans for the Temple. I would say
was not put into effect. The Temple that I have drawn a full set of plans
building was located, however, to pro- as follows : Floor plans, basement
vide for the possible contingency of and gallery sections; a full set of
this change being made at some fu- detail drawings three-quarters inch
ture date, so that when made, it ( 3 / 4 " ) scale for one-ninth (1/9)
would not detract from the general part, first, second, third story and
plan of the Temple grounds. dome. Also all section and profile
"It was desired that the most used for one-ninth (1/9) part of the
entrance to the Temple should be to- Temple from floor to top of dome,
ward Acca. In order to establish this full size. Comprising altagether
accuratcly, astronomical observations about thirty-six (36) rolls of drawwere made to establish the true me- ings that vary in size from ten feet
78 BAHA'I YEA& BOOK

(10') long to onc hundred and nine from which the various sections of
(109') feet. the building are cast.
"For iastance, one twenty-seventh "This required considerably more
(1127) section of the dome is drawn drawing and of exceptional difficulty
on two rolls of paper four feet six because of the large size that is done
inches (4'6) i n width by forty-five on even highly ornamented build-
(45') feet in length. All of this work, ings where more or less stock ornabecause of the unusual size, had to be mentation is used.
laid out and drawn on the floor. I t "The Mashriqu'l-AdhkBr will rerequired a space two hundred and quire much more supervision than
fifty (250') feet long by forty (40') any other building of even greater
feet wide. size or cost because the character of
"The full size drawings of the out- the ornamentation is entirely new
e r structure of this building were and the modellers will have to be inrequired because all of the design structed constantly. The drawings
and tracery on this structure are en- clearly show full size detail of the detirely new. From these drawings the sign, but the depth and pitch of the
modellers under by supervision will modelling will have to be determined
have to make the original moulds by me as construction proceeds."

ESTIMATED COST TO COMPLETE STRUCTURE
The original esltimates given for the entire structure were as follows:

Actually expended on Ca'
Actually expended on Ba
EXPENDITURES APRIL 1, 1909-MARCH 31, 1925
Real Estate and Temple Building
Land (purchase price) ................................................. $51,500.00
and ....................................................... .. 5,706.76
204,828.46
8,932.50
8,728.10
36,700.00 259,189.06
$316,395.82
MYRONH. POTTER Respectfully submitted,
Chairman BahB'i Temple Committee.
CORINNETRUE CARL SCHEFFLER
Financial Secretary Secretary.
A. F. MATTHISEN
Accountant
A L ~ E E.
D L UNT
AIBERT WINDUST
MASHRIQU'L-ADHK~ REPORT

THE MASHRIQU'L-ADHKAR OF 'ISHQABAD

one of the chief cities of the Cause in that city. The Rus-
IofSHQABQD,
of Russian TurkistBn, is just north sian authorities took the matter in
the Elburz mountains, which sepa- hand and condemned to death all of
rate the desert plain of western the seven men. The BahB'is then pe-
Turkistan on the north from Persia titioned the governor to spare their
on the south. The city lies on a plain lives. He not having authority to do
a short distance from the mountains, this, a petition to the same effect was
which here are quite rugged and sent to the Czar, who granted it, and
rocky. The town is quite modern in thus the prisoners were sent in
aspect, being laid off with gardens chains to the mines of Siberia. Here
and broad streets meeting a t right is but another instance of the growth
angles. Rows of trees along the side- of the Cause through persecution, for
walks remind one of a western city, from that time on the government
while the low buildings, walled gar- not only allowed the Bahb'is to wordens, and waterways, which flank the ship as they chose, but i t protected
streets and a r e fed with water com- them and showed them special favors.
ing from streams from the nearby Durin~g all of the governmental
mountains, are strikingly oriental in changes in Russia the BahB'is have
character. continued in safety there since i t is
This city was but a huddle of mud understoo~d that they are obedient
huts when Bahb'u'llhh first directed servants of the government and harsome of His followers to settle there bor no sedition against the law of
during the days of the most severe the land.
Bahb'i persecutions in Persia. At about the close of the first
There in 'IshqBbBd these friends decade of the Ministry of the Master
found a refuge of peace and tranquil- 'Abdu'l-BahB, some of the friends in
ity where the Russian government the Orient arose fired with spiritual
protected them allowing them the fervor to build the first great Mashfree exeicise of their faith; thus the riqu'l-Adhkar. Following the guidcity became in reality as well as in ance of the center of the Covenant,
name the City of Love*. 'IshqBbBd was the place chosen for
The BahB'is of 'IshqBbiLd form a this service, and to direct this vast
strong element in the life of the place, undertaking HBji MirzB Muhammad
and they are highly thmght of and Taqi Afnan one of the most tried and
protected by the government. The Ba- venerable of the friends of the Cause
ha'i Cause was first brought to the pub- was chosen by the Master.
lic notice in 'IshqBbBd some thirty- The Master 'Abdu'l-BahB Himself
five or forty years ago by a martyr- establishes the style and the general
dom. I t was the case of a learned lines upon which the Temple was
man of some prominence, who met built--namely, that i t should be built
his death through receiving wounds upon the plan of a regular nine sided
a t the hands of two assassins. These polygon surrounded by loggias and in
two individuals had been hired to do the midst of a garden a t the interthe deed by five Moslems, who took section of nine avenues, with its
this measure to t r y to stop the spread principal entrance facing the Direc-
*Ishqabad meens City ot Love.
tion of the Holy Land-the composi-
YEAR BOOK

tion of the building being similar to luxuriant semi-tropical vegetation
that of some of the great temples of which fills the garden.
Persia and India. The principal feature of the inte-
The services of an engineer and rior is the rotunda beneath the dome,
architect were secured, and the Ba- which latter is the dominant feature
ha'is throughout the Orient arose of the exterior. On the main floor
with fervor to give of their means the principal entrance is through the
toward the building and within a large doorway, but there are also
very few years the building was several minor doors, which connect
completed. the ambulatory with the loggia. An
The Mashriqu'l-AdhkLr stands in abundance of light is admitted
the heart of the city; its high dome through the windows in the upper
standing out above the trees and pontion of the rotunda, as well as
house tops being visible for miles to through the windows of the upper
the travelers as they approach the gallery and ambulatory, which open
town. I t is in the centre of a garden upon the loggias.
bounded by four streets. In the four The interior walls of the rotunda
corners of this enclosure are four are treated in five distinct stories.
buildings. One is the BahP'i school; First, a series of nine arches and
one is the traveler's house, where pil- piers which separate the rotunda
grims and wayfarers are lodged; one from the ambulatory. Second, a
is for the keepeiis, while the fourth similar treatment with balustrades
one is to be used as a hospital. Nine which separate the triforium gallery
radial avenues approach the Temple (which is above the ambulatory and
from the several parts of the grounds, is reached by two staircases in the
one of which, the principal approach loggias placed one on either side of
to the building, leads from the main the main entrance) from the well of
gateway of the grounds to the prin- the rotunda. Third, a series of nine
cipal portal of the Temple. blank arches filled with fretwork, be-
In plan the building is composed of tween which are escutcheons bearing
three sections; namely, the central the Greatest Name. Fourth, a series
rotunda, the aisle or ambulatory of nine large arched windows. Fifth,
which surrounds it, and the loggia a series of eighteen bull's eye winwhich surrounds the entire building. dows. Above and resting on a corn-
I t is built on the plan of a regular ice surmounting this last story rises
polygon of nine sides. One side is the inner hemispherical shell of the
occupied by the monumental main en- dome.
trance, flanked by minarets-a high The interior is elaborately decoarched portico extending two stories rated in plaster relief work. The
in height recalling in arrangement writer is under the impression that
the architecture of the world famous eventually it is the intention to treat
Taj Mahal a t Agra in India, the de- the interior in colors and gold, but
lilght of the world to travelers many when he visited 'IshqBbBd an 1901
of whom pronounce it to be the most it was still in the simple white stucco.
beautiful temple in the world. Thus The exterior is also done in stucco,
the principal doorway opens toward which in that climate resists quite
the direction of the Holy Land. The well the action of the elements. The
entire building is surrounded by two walls, which are of brick, are masseries of loggias-one upper and one sively built, while the floors and dome
lower-which open out upon the gar- are of concrete and iron. The whole
den giving a very beautiful architec- structure impresses one by its mass
tural effect in harmony with the and strength.
IMPRESSIONS OF HAIFA 81
The rearing of this temple in the before. Who ran estimate the effect
east has been a great source of that is produced by this building?
strength to the Bahi'i people the I t is the cause of great strength and
world round for through thus expres- unity among the Bahi'ls of the world,
sing their unity through sacrificing being the House of Unity open to all
to build this temple of God, the Ba- peoples, i t is a haven of rest t o many
U'is of the Orient have become a soul and a beacon t o guide those
stronger and more united than ever who seek the Kingdom of God.

IMPRESSIONS OF HAIFA
BY ALAINELOCKE

w. HETHER Baha'i or non-Bahh'f,
Haifa makes pilgrims of all who
visit her. The place itself makes mysconcentrate the view upon themselves,-this one turns itself into a
panorama of inspiring loveliness. I t
tics of us all,-for it shuts out the is a fine symbol for a faith that
world of materiality with its own wishes to reconcile the supernatural
characteristic atmosphere and one in- with the natural, beauty and joy with
stantly feels one's self in a simple morality. I t is an ideal place for the
and restful cloistral calm. But it is reconciliation of things that have
not the characteristic calm of the been artificially and wrongfully put
monastic cloister,-it is not so much asunder.
a shutting out of the world as an The shrine chambers of the BBb
opening up of new vistas,-I cannot and Abdu'l-Baha are both impresdescribe it except to say that its in- sive, but in a unique and almost modfluence lacks the mustiness of ascet- ern way: richly carpeted, but with
ism, and blends fihe joy and natural- austerely undecorated walls and
ness of a nature-cult with the ethical ceilings, and flooded with light, the
seriousness and purpose of a spir- ante-chambers are simply the means
itual religion. of taking away the melancholy and
Every thing seems to share the gruesomeness of death and substitutcustody of the message-the place ing for them the thought of memory,
itself is a physical revelation. I shall responsibility and r e v e r e n c e .
never forget my first view of i t from Through the curtained doorways, the
the terraces of the shrine. Mount tomb chambers brilliantly lighted
Carmel, already casting shadows, create an illusion which defeats even
was like a dark green curtain behind the realization that one is in the presus and opposite was a gorgeous cres- ence of a sepulchre. Here without
cent of hills so glowing with color,- mysticism a n d supernaturalness,
gold, sapphire, amethyst as the sunset there is dramatically evoked that lescolors changed,-and in between the son of the Easter visitation of the
mottled emerald of the sea, and the tomb, the fine meaning of which
gray-toned house-roofs of Haifa. Al- Christianity has in such large
most immediately opposite and pick- measure forgotten,-"He is not here,
ia up t h e sun's reflection like polish- He is risen." That is t o say, one is
ed metal were t h e ramparts of Akk6, strangely convinced that the death of
transformed for a few momen%sfrom the greatest teachers is the release
its shabby decay in60 a citadel of their spirit in the world, and the
of light and beauty. Most shrines responsible legacy of their example
BAHA'I YEAR BOOK

The terraced descent from the Tomb o f the Bdb and
'Abdx'l-Bahd dowlz M t . C a m e l t o the sea.
IMPRESSIONS OF HAIFA 83

bequeathed to posterity. Moral ideas Expoundcr of thc tcaching. I t taught
find their immortality through the me with what purely simple and
death of their founders. meager elements a master workman
I t was a privilege to see and ex- works. I t is after all in himself that
perience these things. But i t was he finds his message and i t is himself
still more of a privilege to stand there that he gives with i t to the world.
with the Guardian of the Cause, and The household is an industrious
to feel that, accessible and inspiring beehive of the great work: splendid
a s i t was to all who can come and will division of labor but with all-pervadcome, there was available there for ing unity of heart. Never have I
him a constant source of inspiration seen the necessary subordinations of
and vision from which to draw in the organized service so full of a sense of
accomplishment of his heavy burdens dignity and essential equality as here.
and responsibilities. That thought I thought that in the spirit of such
of communion with ideas and ideals devoted co-operation and cheerful
without the mediation of symbols self-subordination there was the poseemed to me the most reassuring and tential solution of those great probnovel feature. For after all the only lems of class and caste which today
enlightened symbol of a religious or so affect society. Labor is dignified
moral principle is the figure of a per- through the consciousness of its place
sonality endowed to perfection with and worth to the social scheme, and
its qualities and necessary attributes. no Bahii' worker, however humble,
Earnestly renewing this inheritance seems unconscious of the dignity and
seemed the constant concern of this meaning of the whole plan.
gifted personality, and the quiet but Then there was the visit to the
insistent lesson of his temperament. Bahji, the garden spot of the Faith it-
Refreshingly human after this in- self and t o 'Akkh, now a triumphant
tense experience, was the relaxation prison-shell that to me gave quite
of our walk and talk in the gardens. the impression one gets from the
Here the evidences of love, devotion burst cocoon of the butterfly. Vivid
and service were as concrete and as as the realization of cruelty and hardpractical and as human a s inside the ships might be, there was always the
shrines they had been mystical and triumphant realization here that opabstract and super-human. Shogi posite on the heights of Carmel was
Effendi is a master of detail as well enshrined the victory that had suras of principle, of executive foresight vived and conquered and now was iras well as of projective vision. But repressible. The Bahji was truly ori-
I have never heard details so re- ,ental, as characteristically so a s Mt.
deemed of their natural triviality a s Carmel had been cosmopolitan. Here
when talking to him of the plans for was the eastern vision, full of its
the beautifying and laying out of the mysticism, its poetry, its spirituality.
terraces and gardens. They were im- Not only was sombreness lacking,
portant because they all were meant but even seriousnes seemed converted
to dramatize the emotion of the place into poetry. Surely the cure for the
and quicken the soul even through the ills of western materialism is here,
senses. I t was nilght in the quick twi- waiting some more psychological molight of the east before we had ment for its spread,-for its destined
finished the details of inspecting the mission of uniting in a common mood
gardens, and then by the lantern western and oriental minds.
light, the faithful gardener showed There is a new light in the world:
us to the austere retreat of the great there must needs come a new day.
BAHA'I YEAR BOOK

KUNJANGUN-THE VILLAGE OF 'ABDU'L-BAHA

IliesNfortythe heart of the jungle, some of his distress, he was told that the
or fifty miles from Rangoon, man was in search of a legal adviser
a little Burmese village-Kun- and had come in a great hurry to the
jangun. Of so little importance is i t city-only to find himself at an utter
to natives and Europeans alike that loss.
no one seems to have heard of it, and The jungle-man had been accused
yet one feels confident to say that of a criminal offense by his sister-inthis small corner of Burma holds so law, in a passion of jealousy, and
dynamic a force that before long i t shortly afterward convicted by the
must make itself felt at a great dis- magistrate, who had received a bribe
tance. of two hundred rupees from the
This dynamo of spirit is created by sister-in-law. The Baha'i said that
eight hundred BahB'is living and he would lead the man to one who
working as a unit-a thing thrilling would advise him (Syed Mustafa)
to the heart and imagination. Pic- and help in any way possible.
ture this, if you can, in a country so On hearing the story Syed Mustafa
steeped in the religious superstitions said that he knew this magistrate and
of the past, and whose people in this they would return together a t once to
quarter still remain so primitive that the jungle. By chance on the riverit would appear almost futile to boat they met the magistrate, who
even carry the great Bahb'i Message was indebted t o Syed Mustafa for
of this age to them. To see this is to past favors, and when asked why he
behold a miracle-for has not 'Ab- had convicted this man he said : "But
du'l-Bahb called i t His village? the courts are a t your disposal, do
Seventeen years ago the first seed with them as you will." Syed Muswas planted by Jinabi Syed Mustafa tafa assured him that only justice
Roumie that selfless servant of 'Ab- was desired and that he himself
du'l-BahA, who has seen this wonder- would plead this man's case a t anful work grow through submitting other trial. This was done and the
himself entirely to the Master and re- accused one freed.
flecting His love to these people. After that several families of Kun-
It is worth while to repeat the story jangun came to the city a t various
as i t was heard, of how the first step times, and were always entertained
was taken, for i t shows that if the de- by Syed Mustafa. For two years he
sire be strong enough to serve the was a t this service, never during this
Cause-in no matter how small a de- time mentioning the Cause. Finally
gree-we can make no estimate of they asked why he took so much
its ultimate goal. trouble for them, saying that they
One day in the streets of Rangoon had never met anyone like this bea man from the jungle was seen run- fore. Then he told them that he was
ning breathlessly along, looking ut- a BahB'i, and they asked to be taught,
terly desperate and a t the point of so that they might become as he was.
exhaustion. A EahB'i happened to be There were ten to be taught a t
passing a t this moment and was at- f i r s G a n d these ten instructed others,
tentive a t once to this poor man's and so on. Syed Mustafa visited
condition. Asking if he might help, them ragularly and helped with all
and to hear something of the cause their affairs. A school was started,
WNJANGUN 85

then a Mashriqu'l-Adhklr, and later sionary (Mr. Spcar) rushed on board
ground was given them for com- and told Mr. Jones that plans had
munity cultivation-the proceeds t o changed and they were both to go to
be used for the Cause. There are Kunjangun. We had met Mr. Spear
sixty-five acres in all and last year in one of the shops a few days before,
the rice sold from this netted almost and when he saw us in this out-ofone hundred pounds sterling. the-way place his amazement was
We had a great desire to see this ridiculous. "What," he said, "are
Bahl'i village and decided to make you American ladies doing in this
the trip, in spite of all the discourage- jungle place-jt is too curious!"
ment we received from the English We asked them to follow in their
residents of Rangoon. They told us car and have luncheon with us and see
of all the hardships of the trip, which our eight hundred Bahb'is--a still
must be made in one day, and as- more unexpected sight.
sured us that we probably would not We were met in a Ford car by two
return from the jungle alive and they of the friends and driven to the vilknew nothing of the BahB'is and lage-twenty-six miles away. What
thought we were a lot of quite mad a marvelous sight to see all our Ba-
Americans bent on sight-seeing. h8'i sisters and brothers awaiting us,
Syed Mustafa sent a man to Kun- dressed in holiday attire of most
jangun a day ahead of us bearing colorful materials. Lined up on both
food, cooking utensils, etc., as these sides of the road as we approached,
friends are unprepared for visitors their joyous welcome of "Allah-oor to do our sort of cooking. Abha" rang forth. Such shining
We were up before dayhreak and faces and eager curiosity combined
on the river by sunrise. The life of would be difficult to picture.
the East begins early, so already the There were four in our party, and
little ferry was crowded with natives before tnis the only Western Bahs'i
taking the river journey. They made they had ever seen was Mrs. Schopa picturesque group-s q u a t t i n g flocher. Everyone seemed anxious
amongst their gaily colored robes that to be of some service to us, the only
rival the sunrise in crimson and one for the moment being to reach
blues. for our wraps and parasols. They led
In our tiny, first-class compart- us to the school-house (of course, this
ment there were already two men, a was a holiday for the one hundred
Burman and an American missionary and fourteen children who attended),
who had been in the East twenty-one and grouped themselves about us on
years. Syed Mustafa lost no time in the floor-the men and old BahB'is
giving them the BahB'i Message, and taking precedence in front and the
we wondered how he had contained women and children in the rear.
himself for two years when getting to Then they sang Bahl'i hymns to welknow and understand the people of come us-taught them in Persian by
Kunjangun ! Syed Mustafa. The rafters rang with
Mr. Jones, the missionary, was to the pure joy afloat; and where the
meet a co-worker at our stop, Twante, chorus was caught up by all the men
and then proceed to another village one could almost see the volume of
by the same boat. But we think 'Ab- sound floating through the open
du'l-BahB had this trip in hand, and doors, on through the sun-baked air
other things had been planned for to the nearby houses-just as one sees
this day. heat vibrations. Or was it just the
When we landed, the second mis- tumult of my heart, and the mist in
86 ~aail'iYW BOOK

my eyes, that made the air seem vi- mean to the villagers, who have had
brant? heretofore bullock carts as their only
Mr. Jones and his friend arrived in means of transportation.
time for luncheon and seemed aston- Then we made our farewells and
ished to find things just a s we had left, with regret, for the long trip
pictured them. They could not be- home. I t had been made possible to
lieve until they saw i t themselves that remain this long only by the generous
this work had been accomplished loan of a private steam launch by one
right in their territory-where years of the Bahi'is of Rangoon, as the last
of effort had brought them so little ferry left Twante long before our arreward by comparison. They ap- rival there.
peared to be a s interested in taking Mingled with our joy of this day
snapshots of the group as we did, but was an undercurrent of sadness which
for what purpose they did not say. came as we talked to Syed Mustafa

Kun jangun (India) Bahh'is gathered to meet the American
Bahic'6 visitors.

However, they left with promises to on the homeward trip. To quote his
come again and give talks to our words as nearly as possible will give
friends, which will be most useful, as the best idea: "I am an old man now
the Bahi'is are diligently studying and who will carry on my work?
the Bible. Any day I may be called and who will
After luncheon we were shown the educate these beautiful children? I t
village proper-which boasts a court, breaks my heart to come and see them
jail and hospital. Most astonishing and to be able to do so l i t t l e w e need
of all in this progressive community, teachers and money to help them now.
they have now a jitney service of When you leave don't forget my peo-
Ford cars between Kunjangun and ple of Kunjangun."
Twante, twenty-six miles distant. And who having seen Kunjangun
One cannot imagine what this must could forget it!
GREEN ACRE

OLD AND NEW PATHS AT GREEN ACRE
B Y MARIAM HANEY

"In the future, God willing, Green Acre shall become a great center, the
cause of the unity of the world of humanity, the cause of uniting hearts, the
cause of binding together the East and the West."
"Should Green Acre follow jirmlg i n this path and continue the annual
holding of its impartial, universal Conferences,-there is no doubt that
that region will become illumined with the light of unity."-'ABDU'L-BAHh.

for sit- be to provide a universal platform
G .
REEN ACRE,
uation,"
RE beautiful
has been the subject of for the comparative study of the difmany a talk, a lecture, an article, in ferent religious systems, the various
the past few years, and therefore Ea- speakers to expound their views in a
hi'is the world over are more or less spirit of tolerance toward all.
familiar with its history. "Lest we Miss Farmer was successful beforget," however, the links in the yond her fondest hopes, and the
story connecting it with the present Green Acre yearly conferences beday activities let us record once again came widely known, and attracted to
those stirring events which have been this unusual gathering place religionthe harbingers of the New Day and ists, scholars and others famous in
which very clearly foreshadowed that the world of religion, arts and let-
Hour of Unity for which so many ters. Among them was the poet
hearts yearned. John Greenleaf Whittier who, upon
Green Acre is situated in Eliot, one of his visik, said: "We have
Maine, and incidentally, i t has put heard of 'God's Acres,' but I call this
the otherwise obscure and almost un- Green Acre," and thereafter Miss
heard of little town on the map of the Farmer used this name.
world. I t seems truly a place ever Thus began the "Search for
green, as the name implies. The Truth" in Green Acre; and from
fieldls stretch out from the main- year to year thereafter the programs
traveled road to the river like a soft changed to coincide with the onward
green carpet, with only the one road march of events until i t was clear
running through i t from the now and evident that what the people
famous Teahouse a t the entrance, to wanted and needed was to find the
the Green Acre Inn situated on a Solvent which should unite all in one
knoll overlooking the Piscataqua Brotherhood.
river (almost lovingly and quite cor- Miss Farmer, in the course of a
rectly termed "The River of Light"). few years, became a BahB'i and re-
Briefly then, Green Acre was alized fully that in the BahB'i Teachfounded by Miss Sarah J. Farmer of ings could be found the great Force
Eliot, Maine, who, after attending the and Power which would unite the
Congress of Religions a t the Colum- people of the world and make of
bian Exposition in Chicago in 1893, them one family regardless of race,
conceived the idea of establishing a creed or color.
Summer School on the property after- In those early pioneering days one
wards named Green Acre, and started of the events which is enormously
almost immediately to set the wheels outstanding is the period when Mirza
in motion for the organization of such Ahul Fazl, the distinguished Persian
a school, the object of which should BahB'i teacher visited Green Acre,
rEAFt BOOK

and gave the teachings of God with religion, and said; "In Green Acre
such force and clarity to many a you must concentrate your forces
weary traveler on the path. 'Abdu'l- around the one all-important fact,
BahB has designated him as the the investigation of reality. Expend
greatest religious teacher of his all your efforts on this, that the union
time, and those who realized his sta- of opinions and expressions may be
tion and capacity felt that i t was a obtained."
privilege to be taught by him. He From that time down through
loved all, and served all alike. What these succeding years, many an ada bounty he was! And how he en- vanced soul has at times scaled the
joyed walking to the pines, there to spiritual heights in contemplation of
give hie illumined t d k s to the eager the precious hours spent with 'Abgroups who gathered around him! du'l-BahL in Green Acre; they have
Thereafter the pines became known seen once again h,is majestic figure,
as the "Persian Pines," and though and heard his peerless voice ringing
it was in the summer of 1904 that our out the Words of God, teaching the
revered teacher visited Green Acre, children of men how to attain spiryet those radiant services of his are itual maturity, how to live the sancever fresh and fair in the memory. tified life.
His season at Green Acre was one of The old order passed, and the founparticular c h a r m and spiritual dation of the new life became apgrowth. Blessed Mirza Abul Fazl! parent to all. Thereafter the Green
The writers of the future ages will Acre conferences were to revolve
record the real story in detail of his around teaching the reality of the
sanctified life of severance and serv- Word of God.
ice! About the year 1912 Miss Farmer
But nothing of course can be com- became too ill to serve as the head
pared to the season of 1912 when and moving spirit of Green Acre,
'Abdu'l-BahB himself visited Green and soon thereafter it passed into
Acre for one week. "Blessed is the the possession and under the control
ground which has been pressed by of the Green Acre Fellowship, with
his feet." From that time Green Mr. and Mrs. Wm. H. Randall of
Acre has been considered by some as Boston contributing largely of their
holy ground, not in the fanaticd resources in every way to furthering
sense, but because the Lilght of spir- the great plan of this beautiful cenituality burned brightly there, be- ter, and they built wisely and well
cause the Light of the World shed a around the Principle of the Investiradiance beyond the description of gation of Reality.
any words, and because the hearts of This period covering some ten or
all who contacted with this Divine twelve years, has often passed
Servant of God were quickened with through severe storms and stress,
such happiness and love of the King- after which would come invariably
dom, and were so spiritually con- the "clearing." The "Gales of the Infirmed that they were ready to give finite" dissipated the debris of man's
up all in service to humanity. He ideas as the winds gather up and
was the Divine Exemplar who was scatter f a r and wide the sands of the
himself treading the path of servi- roads. No one save the Lord himself
tude and holiness, and being Perfect is able to measure the mighty works
he could direct others to the Perfect that have been wrought during these
Way. He summoned all to devote years. Many and varied are the
their time to the spirtual reality of stories that could be written of the
GREEN ACRE 89
beauty of service a t Green Acre; of The summer of 1921 is also notable,
the many hundreds who have found for the Teahouse and Gift shop were
themselves at this Center, made holy opened for the first time. This addiby the presence of 'Abdu'l-Bahii and tion to the life and activities of the
his divine spirit, and who have list- place was planned and arranged by
ened to the message of Life with ears Mrs. Ruth Randall, who for the past
attuned to celestial anthems, there- four years has successfully managed
after returning to their homes alive this attractive branch of the work
and keen to continue on the path and likewise beautified the surroundwhich leads to the Goal of all our ing grounds, making the entrance to
hopes. When these stories are gath- Green Acre most inviting.
ered some day and compiled, they Gradually from that time to the
will make a book of such interesting present the growth has been toward
spiritual experiences a s will charm the fulfillment of the prophetic utand truly enlighten those who read terances of 'Abdu'l-Bahi in regard
it. The readers will likewise be in- to the future of Green Acre, one of
spired "to investigate reality." which carries with i t a special sig-
Another summer seems particu- nificance and is here quoted:
larly outstanding as we recall the "Thy desire to serve Green Acre
many beautiful summers through is i n reality a very important matter.
which we have journeyed to this This name (Green Acre) must aptime, namely the season of 1916, pear with all its significant meaning,
when two important events took that is, Green Acre must become the
place. One the dedication of Fellow- reflection of the plain of Acca (spelship House, the gift to Green Acre led AkkA in the new transliteration),
of Mrs. Helen Ellis Cole of New and attain to the utmost verdancy,
York, a Bahfi'f, a devoted friend and greenness and artistic beauty. I t s
sister to Miss Farmer, and a loyal charms and wonder lie in this,-that
supporter of the beautiful life and i t may become the center of the Baspirit of Green Acre. And, secondly, hii'is and the cry of Ya-Bahii'u'l-
Miss Farmer returned after her years Abhi (0thou the Glory of the Most
of separation because of illness. Her Glorious!) be raised from all its diheart was overflowing with grati- rection."
tude to her Baha'i brothers and sis- The season of 1924 then is another
ters "who have raised Green Acre to particularly outstanding one in the
this pinnacle of spiritual unity and growth and life of Green Acre. At
peace. She had lived to see her early the annual Fellowship meeting in
dream realized, to see many nations August of that year the friends
and sects, races and religions joined gathered together were realizing
together under the Flag of Peace." more than ever the meaning iand
Soon thereafter she passed into the deep significance of the law of colife eternal and radiant. operation and co-ordination and en-
Another important season was the visioned the Greater Green Acre to be
summer of 1920, when Jenabi-Fadil, brought into the realm of visibility.
a renowned Persian Baha'i teacher At this meeting Dr. M. A. Cohn of
who had been sent to this country by Brooklyn, N. Y., thrilled the friends
'Abdu'l-Bahii, taught a t Green Acre. with his suggestion that t h e Annual
He brought a fresh impetus to the BahB'i Convention and Congress be
Conferences, and during his stay held in Green Acre 1925. He said in
there was a very marked spiritual part:
advancement. He again served a t "I suggest that we call a great con-
Green Acre in the succeedincg years. gress in Green Acre for the summer
90 BAHA'~YEAR BOOK

Fellowship House, Green Acre, Maine.

Tea House, Green Acre, Maine.
r

GREEN ACRE 91
of 1925, inviling all the I3ah6'is of "All of life seems to follow definite
this country and Canada to meet with stages: the infant period, that of
us on this beautiful and consecrated adolescence, and again the period of
ground. This Congress of 1925 if maturity. Miss Farmer was the
carried forward in unity, harmony great loving mother who brought
and love will stand out as a Beacon into being a child-Green A c r e a n d
Light in the annals of the BahO'i with love and tender care she carried
Cause in this country in general, and it forward, rearing the foundation
of Green Acre in particular." for the future work. When she was
But that which furnished the dyn- unable to continue, the care of Green
amic for action was the instruction Acre passed into the hands of the Felof Shoghi Effendi, Guardian of the lowship and a number of Trustees,
BahO'i Cause which was received in and for some ten or twelve years the
1924 and contained these stirring affairs of Green Acre have been conwords : ducted along this line, until now i t
"I was delighted to hear of the has come to another stage of its
progressive activities of that dearly growth, i t has come to its maturity.
beloved spot, Green Acre, upon . . . Green Acre has survived and
which the Master has bestowed His g own through its spirit of unity and
tender care and loving kindness, and and service, and through its spirit of
of which we are all hopeful that it love. . . . I think now that Green
may become, whilst the work of the Acre is approaching another period
Mashriqu'l-Adhkir is in progress, of its growth; it must be apparent to
the Focal Center of the devotional, all that new life is coming to this
humanitarian, social and spiritual center and is bringing to i t a vision
activities of the Cause." of new resources and of great growth.
Thus i t was that the friends voted Therefore we should be ready to take
to hold the Bahi'i Convention and this next step forward in the life of
Congress of 1925 in Green Acre the Green Acre. .. . We grow by unitfirst week in July, providing this ac- ing ourselvs to the larger needs.
tion received the approval of Shoghi Man progresses from one level of
Effendi. All who have read the pre- consciousness to another, and as
ceding numbers of the Star of the growth toward the higher conscious-
West know that this sanction was re- ness comes, he sees the higher world,
ceived in due time, and that the Con- and that this vision unfolds before
vention and Congress held this year him the plan of God. And so Green
brought many new faces to Green Acre must pass, in spirit anyway,
Acre, and i t already stands out a s a from a center in itself t o a greater
"beacon light" in the path of prog- center, and go forward in the unity
ress. of its own greater work. I feel there-
Now once again we have just had fore that we are going to have a maranother Annual Fellowship meetin'g velous meeting, that we have gathheld a t the Green Acre Inn on August ered here with nothing but unity in
10th. our minds, and the desire and pur-
Mr. Wm. H. Randall, Chairman of pose of our heart is to unite the
the Board of Trustees of Green Acre, past with the interests of the larger
in his opening address, spoke with and greater Green Acre, that in time
deep feeling, with sincerity, with love to come we may be so proud to be
and with a tenderness which touched members of this Fellowship that i t
all hearts. Among other things he will be our summer happiness to
said : unite here each year, contributing
Groups around the Peace Flag at Green Acre showing Mr. Randall with hat
in hund and Mr. Schopflocher i n the foregrozind directly back of the small boy.

Part of the ''owssy slope" and the ~ i v e rflowing to the sea.
GREEN ACRE 93
our part toward the success of this sible? I thought to myself i t i n not
beautiful spiritual center with i t s possible for such a place to exist!
manifold activities to be developed But I looked around and discovered
year by year, its life of agriculture, i t was not only possible, but i t was
its educational system, its means of almost finished, almost accomplished
recreation and happiness, indeed we in truth and in fact. . . . The great
know the ideals of Green Acre re- joy is in serving, is in accomplishing,
volve around the whole world of hu- and today i t is in giving a helping
manity for i t i s an expression of the hand to Green Acre. I became ac-
Word of God. I welcome you all with quainted with this universal platthe greatest happiness, and I am form, but I did not know at first exso glad to see some of the faces of actly what a universal platform
the dear old friends of the days of meant. So I referred to our dear
Miss Farmer who worked so hard friend. I thoroughly appreciated the
for Green Acre,-to see them again closer touch and learned more about
sitting in this body uniting with us, the great Truths which were stirring
and now confident that the inner life this group of people into action, and
of Green Acre has been assured." I came to the conclusion that it was
Mr. Siegfried Schopflocher spoke not the outer Green Acre, even with
in behalf of the Trustees and gave a its beautiful setting and surroundbrief resume of the work which has ings, but that it was the deep meanbeen accomplished. He gave the fol- ing of Green Acre, its ideals, its unilowing heartfelt testimony: "What versal platform, its deep spiritual
has been done is only due to the co- significance, its standards of unity
operation of the members of this and human solidarity that I loved so
Fellowship without which the Board much and which I have tried to folof Trustees cannot do anything. I t low, which many succeed in followis the spirit of co-operation and co- ing, and all of us will succeed in this
ordination which has brought about endeavor through co-operation and
the material and physical improve- selfless service, and i t will be our
ments in the last few years,-an ex- privilege t o lift up others, and see
pression also of my gratitude toward that they also enjoy this happiness
Green Acre, for here I have experi- and the loving friendships. There is
enced real and loving friendships the mysticism of Green Acre, and
which I have never known before, there is the true mysticism. There
and I tried to put into the work the is the demonstration of the spirit of
spirit of love and service. There is love in action. I t was this Bahh'i
no greater mysticism to be experi- spirit which attracted me. . . There
enced I think than that which a man is to come before you a resolution
or woman finds for the first time which the Board of Trustees has prewhen they really contact that true pared in absolute unity with the
spirit of loving service which is self- greatest consideration realizing its
less and ideal and promoted by the importance. With the adoption of
heart which has been touched with such a resolution, we will be able
the love of God; only for the sake of surely to have the support of all the
God do they serve and for the ad- Green Acre people of the world, and
vancement of His Cause; and this is which will bring all of us definitely
my debt to Green Acre. When I first into relation with Green Acre."
came here I was presented with a Miss Roushan Wilkinson, Secretary
little booklet which told of the ideals of the Fellowship, read a comprehenof this center, and I said: I s i t pos- sive annual report, clearly setting
94 s a ~ l i ' iYEAR BOOK
forth the proceedings of the last Fel- gloriously assured; somc of the most
lowship meeting and bringing fresh stirring prophecies of 'Abdu'l-BahA
to the minds the activities of the have( been fulfilled; and with the
year. hoisting once again of the beautiful
Mr. Mountfort Mills, Dr. M. A. white Peace Flag on the Green Acre
Cohn, Mr. Stanwood Cobb and others grounds amid the united prayers and
spoke feelingly of the services of all songs of the assembled friends, there
those who had contributed such a passed into history one of the most
vital part of the work and of the deeply significant and most glorious
possibilities and future plans for the meetings in the whole life of Green
Green Acre activities.
Acre, for the decisions arrived a t sig-
The resolution referred to by Mr.
Schopflocher provided that Green nify the expansion of Green Acre
Acre should be definitely correlated eventually into a beautiful "City of
to the National Spiritual Assembly God"'-for such i t will be when every
of the BahA'is of the U. S. and Can- activity is for the sake of God, and
ada, and that it should come directly cvtry man, woman and child is listenunder its control and supervision as ing with the ear of the spirit to the
soon as all technical points i n connec- inner voice which calls t o prayer, t o
tion therewith could be adjusted. unity to "living the life" of a real
The resolution was joyously accepted Brotherhood,-a life which functions
by a large majority and i t was in and for God, and which can be
adopted unanimously. led by the spirit because filled with
Thus the future of Green Acre is the spirit.
C(rL .- FOR WORLD UNITY 95

A CONFERENCE FOR WORLD UNITY AT SAN FRANCISCO,
MARCH 20-22, 1925

C IVILIZATION emerged from its better inter-racial, inter-religious and
cradle somewhere in Asia and international understanding and costarted on its march following the operat;ion was conceived. Through
sun around the world. It gathered the untiring efforts and irresistible
its arts, religimons, wars and languages enthusiasm of Mrs. Charles Miner
as i t journeyed into Northern Africa Cooper these ideas began to crystaland Southern Europe. It built cities, ize into a very definite plan. A brief
organized states and went on in its survey revealed the fact that many
cycles of failure and success. North- prominent workers in the field of
ern Europe and the British Isles soon international relations could be found
became the abode of a culture. The in this region and that there was a
final episode of this encirclinsg move- wealth of material that should be
ment was the colonization of the made available to the public. Mrs.
American continents. Now the great Cooper, in her spirit of service, genwestern outpost of this moving civi- erously contributed time and money
lization is at the Golden Gate of Cali- to bring this conference into existfornia. Across the Pacific we again ence. She invited an interested
meet some of the oldest organized group to meet with her, and out of
social groups. The elder brothers, this meeting a committee on arrange-
Mongol, Malay and Aryan Sr., along ments was organized, consisting of
with their numerous friends and the following members: Dr. Rudolph
relatives, are somewhat disturbed a t I. Coffee, chairman; Professor Kenthe remarkable activity, egotism and neth Saunders, Professor J. V. Breitblustering of the young runaway wieser, Mrs. Kathryn Frankland,
Aryan Nordic, Jr., yet they are wil- Mrs. Ella Goodall Cooper and Mr.
ling t o listen to his story of adven- Leroy C. Ioas, secretary.
ture. They have heard rumors to As the result of the work of the
the effect that he has been very quar- committee, a "Conference for World
relsome with his cousin Slav. He Unity" was organized and an interseems to be somewhat erratic like an esting program was given before
adolescent youth. At times he is large and enthusiastic audiences.
highly idealistic, sometimes cruel, The first address, by Professor
often selfish, yet at times showing Kenneth Saunders, dealt with India's
signs of great generosity. contribution to World Peace. Pro-
The 'great meeting place of the fessor Saunders has been an intense
civilizations of the world is on the student of the influence of Oriental
shores of the Pacific. This thought thought and philosophy on the civilihas been in the minds of the social zation of the world, and in a very
students who have been observing scholarly manner presented the ideals
the meeting of the Orient and the of peace, contentment and non-re-
Occident. Early in April the idea of sistance as they are taught by the
making San Francisco the center for Hindoo writers and philosophers.
a conference that should be organ- Dr. Ng Poon Chew, the genial
ized for the purpose of promoting a editor of Sai Yat Po, pointed out
that the old China had been a peace- "Whereas, Through the genernsity
ful nation "that was wont to sit in of Mr. Raphael Herman, a prize of
isolation musing : $25,000.00 was offered, under the
auspices of the World Federation of
"Far from the maddening crowd's ignoble
strife,
Education Associations, for the best
Her sober wishes never learned to stray.
plan to accomplish this purpose; and
Along the cool sequestered vale of life, "Whereas, Fsom over 6,000 plans
She kept the even tenor of her way." submitted the prize was awarded to a
Californian, Dr. David Starr Jordan,
But a new China is coming, a new Chancellor Emeritus of Stanford
China is in the making, a new China University; and
with new life, new spirit, and new "Whereas, The citizens of Santa
blood. A new China with new ambi- Clara County, the home of Dr. Jortion, with new inspiration and with dan, have arranged to give him a
new aspiration; a new China with public reception on Tuesday, April
new ideas, new ideals, and new con- 14, a t San Jose, in recognition of his
ception of world relations; a new constructive services in the cause of
China awakened to the consciousness world peace; therefore be i t
of her potential power of her four "Resolved, By the Senate of the
hundred fifty million living souls; a State of California, the Assembly
new China jealous. of her rights,, concurring, that we extend felicitasmarting under the consciousness of tions to Dr. Jordan on this signifiwrong inflicted upon her by the cant occasion.
powers in the past." "We join in honoring Dr. Jordan-
He pointed out that if China is to the Man-the California Citizenbe made the pawn of European greed the World Citizen.
and agression, she may become the "As a man he has come to be unifertile ground in which to sow the versally recognized a s possessing
seeds of war. those qualitites of heart and mind
"On the other hand, if the nations that we regard as the ideal of Amerof the world will change their policy ican character.
in their treatment of China. and "As a citizen of California his
adopt justice and equity in place of years of labor in his own chosen promight and greed, the result will be fession and in the advancement of
peace and amity and good-will among the state's welfare, have placed the
the nations for ages to come." young men and women of California,
Some of the gifts western civiliza- and the entire state, under obligation has brought to China are stand- tion that can never be fully voiced.
ing armies and national debts, un- "As a world citizen, his broad viknown to Chinese people before 1842. sion and his humanitarian impulse
The audience was thrilled a t its have induced him to devote years of
good fortune in seeing and hearing study to this greatest of international
the honorary-chairman of the meet- p r o b l e m s t h e riddance of this
ing, Dr. David Starr Jordan, who mighty scourge of war, and the evenpresented in perseon the Essentials tual achievement of international
of his Peace Plan. In the words of amity and good-will."
the resolution adopted by the Senate On the second evening of the meetand Assembly of the State of Cali- ing Dr. Aurelia Henry Reinhardt,
fornia, Dr. Jordan's contributions to President of Mills College, pointed
world unity can be described as out how most of the differences of
follows : mankind are due to ignorance and
CONFERENCE FOR WORLD UNITY 97

misunderstanding. She urged a children thc ways of peace. He debroader, deeper study of humanity plored the work of jingoists and false
for the sake of a broader and more prophets who would develop hatred
permanent happiness. and strife.
Dr. W. J. J. Eyers, who represented Then came the scholarly and gentle
the negro race in the conference, Jinab-i-Fadil, so well qualified to
spoke of the numerous attitudes and unify the ideas presented in all the
situations in society which have addresses. His deep sympathy with
caused hardship and misery to his and knowledge of all humanity was
people. He proclaimed a faith in the soon recognized by all who were
capacity of the negro race to carry present. I n simple, clear language he
its share of the burdens of humanity, pointed the way to real peace, to
and the willingness of the negro peo- final unity. This address was a fitple to render Cheir share of service. ting unification of the thoughts that
The closing address, by the Honor- had been gathered together in the
able Clinton N. Howard, was a plea conference for world unity.
for the realization of the peaceful The closing address of the conferelements in Christ's teaching. He ence was given by Dr. Rudolph I.
pointed out how warlike elements Coffee, who traced the ideas and
had been injected into many of our ideals of peace through the prophsongs, sermons and rituals. He ecies of Old Testament times, the
called for the introduction of peaceful writings of the philosophers and
elements. the social consciousness of the pres-
The climax of the meetings was ent time. He subsequently expresprobably reached in the addresses of sed the hope that conferences of this
the Honorable Torao Kawasaki and kind may be held every year and
Jinab-i-Fadil on the third evening, that an organization will be mainthe former speaking on Japan's Con- tained looking forward to definite
tribution to World Peace and the lat- objectives and plans for the next
ter on the Conquest of Prejudice. meeting.
The address by the able represen- Musical numbers added to the
tative of the Japanese people made beauty of the program and the pleassuch a profound impression on the ure of the auditors. They were all
audience that the speaker has been artistically rendered and enthusiaskept busy repeating the address to tically received.
many clubs in the San Francisco Bay When the era of peace on earth
region. He presented the stand of shall have become a reality; when the
Japan in all of the conferences for
world peace. He assured the audi- Fatherhood of God and the brotherence that his country is ready to co- hood of man shall have become the
operate with all of the other great creed of humanity; when the harsh
nations in coming to an understand- reverberations of the din of war shall
ing by peaceful methods in the set- have died in the past,-this Confertling of all disputed questions. He ence for World Unity will be numpointed out that Japan had already bered as one of the incidents, as a
gone through her text books and re- part of the contributions that made a
organized them so as to teach their more universal happiness possible.
PART THREE
I. National Spiritual Assemblies.
11. List of leading local Bahi'i centers.
111. BahL'i Periodicals.
IV. Bibliography.
V. References to the BahB'i Movement.
VI. European and American cities visited by 'Abdu'l-Bahi.
VII. Transliteration of Oriental terms frequently used in
Bahb'i literature.
VIII. Dr.J. E. Esslelnont.
Floral emblem of red roses at Major Znzbrie's
funeral, sent by the National Spiritual Assembly in the name of the BUM'& of Persia
and America.
BAHAI YEAR BOOK
PART THREE

NATIONAL SPIRITUAL ASSEMBLIES
The Natianal Spiritual Assembly of the The National Spiritual Assembly of the
Balui'is of Persia. Bal~b'isof Egypt.
Care The Secretary, Mirrl 'Ali-Akbar Care The Secretary, 'Ahdu'l-Jalil, Bey
Milani.
Care M i r d Ghullm-'AJi Ihavachi, Sa'ad.
Avenue Nasiriyyih, Teheran, Persia. Care Muhammad EffendS Taqi Isfahini,
The National SpirLual Assembly of the Rue Marjdsh, Cairo, Egypt.
BaM'is of the United States and The National Spi~ltual Assembly of tk
C a d .
Bahd'is of Turkistbn,
Care The Secretary, Mr. Horace Holley,
48 West 10th St., New York City, Care The Secretary, Mahmid-Zldih.
U. S. A. Care Mr. Z. Asphlr-Zldih,
The National Spiritual Assembly of the 96 Houndsditch, London, E. C. 2, E n p
Bahb'is of Germany. land.
Care the Secretary, Mrs. Consul Schwarz The National Spiritual Assembly of the
3 Alexandersstrasse, Stuttgart, ~ e r :
many. Bahd'is of Caucasus.
The National Spiritual Assembly of the Care The Secretary, Mirzi Rahim KB-
Bahri'is of Great Britain and Ireland. zim-Zldih.
Care The Secretary, Mr. Geo. Simpson, Care Mr. Z. Axhlr-Zldih,
58 North End Road, Golder's Green, 96 Houndsditeh, London, E. C. 2, Eng-
London, N. W., England. land.
The Natioml Spiritual Assembly of the
Bahb'is of India and Burma. The National S?n'ritaal Assembly of the
C~areThe Secretary, Mr. Hishmatu'lllh. Bahb'is of 'Irhq.
Care Mr. N. R. Vakil, Havadia Chakla, Care The Secretary, Mr. Munir Vakil,
Surat, India. Siqi'l Maydan, Baghdad, Irlq.

LEADING LOCAL BAHA'f CENTERS
Tha Spiritual Assembly of the Bahd'is of The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahd'is of
ConstantinopJe. Beirut, Syria.
Care The Secretary, Mirzl J a l l l Ahma- Care The Secretary, Mr. Ali-Akbar Khudoff Milini rasani:
P. 0. Bdx 410, Stamboul, Constan- Care Dr. SulaymPn Raf'at Bey,
tinople, Turkey. Ra'si'n-Nahi' (Ras-El-Nabeh), Beirut,
Syria.
The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahd'is of
Paris. The BaM'is of Austmlia.
Care Mr. and Mrs. Dreyfus-Barney, Care Miss Amy Thornton,
16 Rue Greuze, Paris, France. 428 Punt
bourn e Road, South Yarra, Mel-
The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahb'is of ' Australia.
Haifa, Palestine. The Bahri'is of New Zealand.
Care The Engli'sh Secretary, MirzP Badi' Care Miss Margaret Stevenson
Bushrd'i, "Clunie," 3 Cowie Road, ~ a r n h l Auek-
,
Persian Colony, Haifa, Palestine. land, New Zealand.
The Spiritual Assembly of the Bahd'is of The Bahd'is of Switserland.
Alexamdretta, Syria. Care Mrs. J . Stannard,
Care The Secretary, Mr. Hasan Klshini, 19 Boylevard Georges-Favon, Geneva,
P. 0. Box 25, Alexandretta, Syria. Switzerland.
102 B A H A ' ~YEAR BOOK

The Bahd'is of Japan. The Bahd'is of Italu,
Care Mr. Sanuo Nisawa, Care Mrs. E. R. Mathews
40 B. Sonnomiya Nichume, Kobe, Ja- Villa San Martino, ~ r t b f i n o(Mare),
pan. Italy.
The Bahd'is of the Hawaiian Islands. The BahB,is of Afrim.
Care Mrs. J. G. Augur
435 Beretania ~ t r e L t , Honolulu, Ha- C a ~ ~ O$"I,;: ~ ~ Assembly,
~ , "
waii Island's. Arcadia. Pretoria, S. Africa.
The Baha'is of China.
Care Mfrzi H. A. Ouskudi, The Bahd'is of Brazil.
41 A. Kiangse Road, Shanghai, China. Care Mi= Leonora Hfolsapple
Baixa da Graea 26, E+ahia,'~razil.
The Bahri'is of Austria.
C a r a Herr F. Pollinger
Grillparzerstrasse 14,' Wien, Austria.
The BuM'is of Rw.asia.
T:afieag2,
, ; ' ","I", , , : Boviken, Sweden.

Care Mr. Dhabihu'llih Ndmddr, The Bahd'is of Tunis.
Care Mr. Z. Asghal-Zddih, 96 Hound* Care Shaykh Muhyi'd-Din care M. T.
dltch, E. C. 2, London, England. Isfahdni, Rue Marjdsh, 'Cairo, Egypt.

International Bureau BahB'i,
19 Boulevard Georges-Favon,
Geneva, Switzerland.

Local Bahd'i Assemblies in the United Baha'i Groups in the United States and
States and Canada Carzada

Canada: Montreal. Santa Barbara, Cal.; San Diego, Cal.; St.
California: Berkeley, Geyserville, Glen- John, N. B.,Canada; St. Auguatine, Fla.;
dale, Hollywood (+ Angeles) , San Atlanta, Ga.; Maui, T. Hawaii; Peoria,
F~ancisco,Oakland, Vlsaha.
Ill.; Springfield, Ill.; Indianapolis,, Ind.;
Colorado: Denver.
Keokuk, Iowa; Beverly, Mass.; Haver-
Connecticut: New Raven.
hill, Mass.; Somerville, Mass.; Fruitport,
Distriet of Columbia: Wa*-hington.
Mich.; St. Paul, Minn.; Omaha, Neb.;
Florida: Miami.
Asbury Park, N. J.; Jersey City, N. J.;
Georgia: Augusta.
Montclair, N. J.; Johnstown, N. Y.; Ith-
Hawaiian Islands: Honolulu.
aca, N. Y.; Itochesrter, N. Y.; Dayton,
Illinois: Chicago, Urbana.
Ohio; Sandusky, Ohio; Spokane, Wash.;
Maine: Eliot (Green Acre).
Vancouver, B. C., Canada.
Maryland: Baltimore.
Massachusetts: Boston, Springfield, Worcester. Foreign Bahb't Centers
Michigan: Lansing, Detroit, Muskegon.
Minnesota: Duluth, Minneapolis. Aus.tria: Graz, Vienna.
Missouri: St. Louis. Australia: Adelaide, Melbourne, Perth,
Montana: Helena. Sydney, South Yarra.
New Jersey: Newark. Caucasus: h k u , Tiflis, Ganjih, Batum,
New York: Buffalo, New York Citr, Yon- Saliyan, BQlA-Khdn& N a f t i E n , h r -
kers, Geneva. hand, Kdk-chiy, Shakki, Burda',
Ohio: Akron, Cleveland, Cincinnati. Egypt: Cairo, Port Said, Alexandria, Is-
Oregon: Portland. ma'iliyyih, Assiut.
Pennsylvania: Philadelphia, Wttsbulrgh. England: Londfon, Bouxnemouth, Manches-
Washington: Seattle. ter.
Wisconsin: Kenosha, Milwaukee, Racine.
B A H L ~ CENTERS
'~ 103
G e m n y : Berlin-Charlottenburg, Berlin- Switzerland: Lausanne, Gcneva.
S c h n e n e b erg, Berlin-Schmargendorf, Syria: Alexandretta, Beirut, Aleppo, Da-
Dresden, Esslingen, Fellbach, Fre~hurg, mascus.
Freundendrudt, Gera-Reuzs, G r o s s- Tasmania : Hobart.
Strehlitz, Goppingen, Hamburg, Heilbronn, Jena, Karlsruhe, Krewzweg, Lau- Turkey: Adana, Canstantiuople.
dan, Leipzig-Ghoholis, Neuenburg, Reutlin- TurkistLn: 'IshqaMd, Tbshkand, Qahqahih,
gen, R o s h k , Schorndod, Schwerin, Marv, Tajan.
Stuttgart, Warnemunde, Zuffenhausen. Italy: Rlome, Florence, Como.
India (and Burma) : V. Daidanaw-Kala- Persia: Tihran, Qazvin, Rasht, Zanjin,
zoo, Bombay, Calcutta, Karachi, Kunjan- Yazd, Slhahr6d, Q6chan, Tabriz, Hamgun, Poona, Mandalay, Rangoon, Surat. adin, KirminshLh, Sultin-AbPd-i-IrAq,
New Zeaknd : Auckland. Sari, SahzivLr, Birjand, Qum Klshdn,
Isfahan, Shirlz, SimnBn, Nishapdr, Si-
Palestine: IEaifa, 'AkkL.
s i n , BurG-jird, KirmLn, R a f ~ i n j d n ,
Mesopotamia: Baghdad, Avashiq, Hunay- Abadih, Bandar-'Ahbas, Mashhad, Najafdar, Basrih. AbPd.

MAGAZINES
Published by Bahi'i Institutions

The Bahd'i M a g a z i n e S t a r of the West. The World Fellowship Magazine and The
Printed in Chicago f a r many years: re- Magazin,e of the C h i l d ~ e nof the Kingcenbly moved t o Washington. S t a n m d dom (combined)-Pwblishcd a t Mont-
Cobb, Editor; Mariam H a n e ~ ,Associate clair, N. J., and edited under t h e direc-
Editor; Allen B. KcDaniel, Business tion of Victoria Bedikian and Ella Ro-
Manager. Address: 106 Otis Building, harts. Addremss: P. 0. Box 179, Mont-
Washington, D. C. Per year, $3.00. clair, N. J.
Die Sonne dsr Wahrrheit--Official manazine of the BehL'is of Germany. Pub-
Bahd'd Weltzemeinschaft-Publi5hd quarliehed a t Stuttgart. F r a u Alice Schwarz,
terly by the Committee on Education of
Editor. Address: Alexanderstrasse 3.
P e r year, $2.00. the National Spiritual Assembly of t h e
BahL'is of Germany.
T I L ~Dawn-A monthly Baha'i Journad of
Burma. Edited and published by Syed
Mustafa Boumie. Contents in English, Bahb'd News Letter-The bulletin of the
Persian and Burmese. Address: No. Nationa,l Spiritual As~semhlyof the Ba-
2-B, 418t Street, Rangoon, Burma. Per ha'is of the United Skates and Canada.
year, $2.00.
The Herald of the S o u t k T h e Bahi'i Das Rosengaertlei%Publjshed for children
magazine for New Zealand and Austra- by the Committee on Education of
lia. Address: Care Hyde Dunn, Box the National Spiritual Assembly of the
3116 G. P. O., Sydney, Australia. Bah&'i,s of Germany.
L a Nova Tago (The New Day)-The International Baha'i-Esperanto Magazine, Mitteilungen-The bulletin of the BahP'i
published four times a year by the Es- Asmsembly of Hamburg, Gemany.
peranto Committee of the BahP'i Assem--
bly of Hasnburg, Germany. Address:
Friedrich Gerstner, Oelmuhlenweg 66, Khurshid-d-KMwar - Magazine published
Wandsbek (H'amburg), Germany. Per by the BahB'i Spiritual Assembly of
ysar, 20 cents'. 'Ishqibid, Turkistan.
B A H A ' ~ YEAR BOOK

Bahfli Students at Beirut, Syria, University.
BIBLIOGRAPHY 105

BAHA'f BIBLIOGRAPHY
PART ONE
Books and pamphlets published under Bahh'i auspices or approved by a responsible Bah8'i body.
LIST ONE Tablets of 'Abdu'l-BahB (comuiled bv Albert
Publications of the Publ~ivhingCommittee of the American National Spiritual As ~ ~ &%ed-i%,,ing
y ~ ~
Yidual,s ,and groups. volume T ~ (vol-
* q
~ .
~ ~ ~ ~ f ~ ~
sembly. (Corrected t o February 1, 1926.) umes One and Three ~~- - - temnorarilv
---~ out of
------------_.__:
~

WRITINGS OF BAHA'U'LLAH print) "--.$1.75
-----.
Hidden Words, the essence of t h e teachings Mysterious Forces of Cizr;lization, a work
of all the Prophets. Translated by Shoghi addressed to the people of Persia nearly
Effendi. Paper covers -___-------- $ .25 forty years ago to show the way t o true
I n 'leather _.--.--..___-__------- 1.00 progress .-.--..._-_------.------ $1.75
The Book of Assurance (Book of Iqan), Divine Philosophy (compiled by Isabel
explaining t h e oneness of all t h e Pra- Fraser Chamberlain), selected addresses
uhets and their sipnificance as the ex- --delivered in Paris on the eve of the Great . --
iression of th e win of G O__.._-.
~ $1.50 War --------------.----------.-- $ .75
Tablets of Bahoi'u'lldh (TarLzit, the Tah- 'Abdz~'GBahoiin New Y w k , containing selet of the Worla, Kalimit, Tajalliyat, lected a d d r w e s delivered a t Columbia
Bishirit, IshrBqit), social and spiritual University and various churches and
principl~sof the new age -_..---- $1.75 public meetings in 1912 ._---..__-- $ .25
Three Tablets of BahB'u'lloih (Tablet of Tablet to The Hague, a Lehter written in
the Branch, Kit4.b-i-'Ahd, Lawh-i-Aqdas), 1919 to che Central Organization for a
the appointment of 'Abdu'l-Bahi as the Durable Peace --____.__..-.--.__ $ .05
interpretm of the teachings of Bahi'u'- Wisdom. Talks of 'Abdu'l-Eahci, selected
llih, the Testament of Bashi'u'llah, and addresses on spiritual and scientific
his memage ito the Christians_._-.$ .25 subjects delivered in Chicago during
Seven Valleys, the stages passed by travel- 1912 ---------_..______----.----$ .10
ers on the path of spiritual prog- Prayers and Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahoi colress -_.__-.__-...--..-.--------- $ .25 lected and translated by Shoghj Ef-
Prayers, containing also Prayers by 'Ab- fendi ---.-..-----------.-.-----. $ .15
du'l-Baha -------------------.--. $ 20
Szirat ul-Hwkal, on the myr~tery of the COMPILATIONS
manifestation of the Spirit in the hu- B&'i Scriptures (compiled by Horace Holman temple. (Out of print.) .._ $..50
--
ley), selected from all available writings
WRITINGS OF 'ABDU'L-BAH~ of Bnhi'u'llih and 'Abdu'l-BahB and
arranged in nine chapters according
The Promulgation of Universal Peace (com- t o subject; with Glossary and Index.
piled by Howard MacNutt), public ad- 576 pages
dresses delivered throughout the United
Sltates in 1912. This work contains No. s Compilation, available in different
'Abdul-Bahi's spiritual niessage t o t h e languages, 16 pages ___-------._.. $ .03
Amelrican peaple, whom he summoned to Miniature No. 9 Compilation, 100
establish the "Most Great Peace," which copies -----------.--------------$l-OO
is the consummation of the iaeaeals of all
religionists, scientists and hnmanitar- The Bahd'i Message, 20 pages -----.- $ .05
ians. In two volume6, per vo1.__-- $2.50
The Wisdom of 'Abdu'l-BaM (compiled by
Lady Blomfield, and published in London
under the title of " Paris Talks"), a
brief hut comprehen&ive presentation of
his mesisage. Paper covers .------- $ .40
I n cloth ---.------------..-----. 1.00
Some Answered Questions (compiled by R:oial A?1Yity. Words of Bahh'u'll8h and
Laura Clifford B,arney), a n exposition of
fundamental spiritual and philosophic Abdu'l-Bahi on t h e subject of harproblems $2.00 mony and underetanding between the
races. Compiled by M. H. and M. M.
Chapter m Strikes, a supplement to the wibh speed1 reference %Q conditions in
above ..-.--..----..-.----------.$ .05 the United States. 20 pages ------$ .05
BAHA'~ YEAR BOOK

Jenab'i-Fadil at Santa Paula, Califorma.
Lessoan in. Religion, by Shaykh Muhammad-'Ali Qb'ini, prepared especially for
children. Translated by Edith Rookie
Sanderson -.--.-_.___-__--._-_-- $ .75
The Oriental Rose, by Mary Hanford Ford,
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LIST TWO Loftus Hare (published by Duckworth,
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PubYshed by Kegan, Paul. British Empire held a t the Imperial Institute, London, England, from Septem-
HixEden Words of Bahd'u'lfih. (See List ber 22 t o October 3, 1924. Inoludes
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ered by 'Abdn'l-Baha during his visit
in London, with description of his life LIST THREE
and activities. BAHA'~LITERATURE IN F RENCH
Paris Talks. (See List one, "The Wisdom Le Beyan Arabe, traduit p a r A. L. M.
of LAbdu'l-BahB.") Puhlished by G. Nieolas. Editions Laoux, Paris--fr. 10
Bell & Son. L'oeuvre de Bahri'u'llrih, traduit p a r Hippolyte Dreyfus. Edition, Leroux, Paris.
The Mysterious Forces of Civilization. Deux volumes. (A suivre.) Le vel-
(See List one.) m e -..-.--------.---------------fr.6
A Travellm's Narrative,. The Episode of Les Lecons de St. Jean d'Ame, traduction
the Bab translated by Prof. E. G. Browne, francais de "Some Answered Questions"
M. A,, F. B. A., M. R. A. S. Cambridge by Laura Clifford Barney. Editions Le-
University Press. ronx, Paris ---.------.---------- fr. 10
BIBLIOGRAPHY 109
Essai s u r le Behaisme, son histoire l a por- Wilhelm Herrigel: Die Bahh'i-Reque.
tee sociale, par Hippolyte ~ r e ~ f hEdi- a gun9 im allgemeinen und ihre grostions Leroux, P a m -----------____ fr. 5 sen Wirkungen i n Indien. (enthal-
L ' E @ ~ au ~ ~F& du L ~ ~ ~~h ~ ~, ~ qtra-,l d h , tend: S. S.: Ein J a h r unter den Baduction franpais par Hippolyte Dreyfus. hL'i in Indie11 und B i m a . ) ----M 0.50
Librarie Champion, Paris f r , 10 Alice T. Sehwan: Die uniwe~saleWeltreligion. Ein Bliek in die Baha'i-
Le Behaisme, sa mission dans le monde, Lehre ...................... M 0.50
par Hippolyte Dreyfus, Chez TimJthei
Paris -_-_-----_.__._._._--.--.-- fr. i Dr. Grosmann: Die Soziale
Frage und ihre Losung im Sinne der
Le Beyan Persan, tradnit par A. L. M. Balui'ilehre __._..._____-_--- M 0.20
~,"a"~,","vol~~,",ir~e v $ ~ , " ~ ~ - ~ I _ _ ~ f Rahd'i-Perlen:
" Herrigel
~i Deubsch von Wilhelm
.-_.-_------___-__-- M 0.20
Das Hhscheide?t Abdu'FBahd's. (The
LIST FOUR Passing of 'Abdu'l-Baha.) Deuts,ch
BAHL'~LITEUTUREIN GERMAN von Alice T. Sehwarz _____.__ M 0.50
1. rm verlag des deutchen ~ ~ h ~ z f .2. ~im~ ~Verlage d ~ ~ der, Weltgemeinschaft.
stuttgart, ~ ~ l d ~ ~ l 35. i ~ erschi.
~ t = . Deutseher Zweig, W,anabek, &hi]-
enen : lerstr. la, ersehienen:
Dr. Helrmann Grossmann: Bahd'i-Er-
Bah B,h, llLh: Das heilige
Sendschreiben an die Christenheit. Tablet, ein ziehung (Schriften znr BahB'i-Erzie-
Deutseh von Wilhelm HerrislLM 0.20 Nr. Kostenlos.
Jos. der Schiiferlcnabe. 'Abdu'l-BahB
B'ahBru'llah: V e r b o r g e n e Worte. nacherziihlt. (Rosengirtlein-Jugend-
Deutsch von A. Sehwarz und W. bueher Nr. I ) , 1924. Kostenlos.
Herrigel. Nach der endkchen Bear- ~i~ ~ ~ ~ ~ h kleinen. i ~ h vogelt ~ und
beitung von Shoghi Effendi------MI ?,,dere ~ ~ ~ aus adem h~~b~~l ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
Baha'u'llah: Frohe Botschaften, Worte Abdu'l-B,ahavs. (Rosengahrtlein-Judes Paradiesess, Tablet Tarasat, Tab- gendbueher Nr. 2, 1925.) Kostenlos.
f f von
~ u t ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ l ~ i l h e ~ ~ , " r r i ~ , " ~ l " h ~ 3. ~ ~ der Bahl'i-Bewegung Hamburg heraus~gegeben:
Ab~du'l-B,ahP: Eine Botschaft a n die Deutseh:
Juden. Deutsch von Wilhelm Herri- Dr. Herman Grossmann : Gotteser
gel kenntnis und Gottesbegriff, ~m
Abdu'l-Bahd: Ansprachen uber die Sinne d a Baha'i-Lehre erlautert.
Bahd'ilehre. (Ansprachen in Paris.) 81. Kmtenlos.
Deutsch von Wllhelm Herrigel__-M3 Was ist die Bahd'i-Bewegung? Flugblatt.
Thornton Chase: Ehe Abraham war Kostenlos.
war Ich. Deutseh von Wilhelm Her: Es'perantO:
rigel ___.._..__.____.._~____ M 0.20 Hermann Gvssmann: Historw,
instncoi k a j valwro de la Bahri'i-
Thornton Chase: Die Bahk'i-Offenba- movado. (Publikajoj de la Esperrung. E i n Lehrbuch. Deutsch von anto-komitato de la Baha'i-movado
Wilhelm Herligel - - _ _ _ M 4_ _ _ ham-- bur^
_ ._
Nr. 1.) -81-1925. Kosten-
I. D. Brittingham: Die Off~nbarung 10s.
Bahb'u'llbh's. Deutsch von Wilhelm 4. sonstige Veroffentlichungen:
Herrigel _._..______.__.___-_ M 0.50
Deutsch:
Mirza Ahnl Fazl: Geschlchte nnd E i n Brief won Bahb'iyyih Khanum.
Wahrheitsbeweise der Bahd'i-religion. Aua dem Englisehen ubersetzt von
Deutsch van Wilhelm Herrigel-M 4.50 A. Schwarz, Stuttgart, 1924.
Dr. jur. H. Dreyfus: Einheitsreligion. Dr. Adelbert Muhlsehlegel: Melo-
I'hre Wirkung iauf Staat, Erziehung, drama zum dritten deutsehen Ba-
Sozialpolitik, Frauenrechte und die hi'i-Kongress 80. Stuttgart, 1924.
einzelne Pers6nliehkeit. Deutseh von Dr. Adelbert Miihlschlegel: Ridwan 81
W. Herrigel _-.__.__..______ M 0.50 Festspiel. Stuttgart, 1925.
Ch. M. Remey: Das neue Zeitdter. Eeperanto:
Deutsch von Wilhelm He,rrigelLM0.50 Dro. Adelbert Muhlsehlegel: Paro-
Myron H. Phelps: Abdu'LBahd-Abbas' lado en Za dua Bahaa-lncnveno en
Leben und Lehren. Deutsch van WWil- Genewo. Flugblatt. Stuttgart, 1925.
helm Herrigel ------___..____._ M4 Kostenlus.
S. S.: Die Geschichte der Bahd'iBewe- Engliseh:
gung. Deutsch von Wilhelm Herri- Bahd'i-Congress Stuttgart, 19d0.
gel -----------.__-_--------- M0.20 Shuttgart, 192'4.
110 B A H ~ 'YEAR
~ BOOK
GRAP HY 111
6. Friiher ersehienene, jetzt vergriffene 14. The Will o,wd Testament of 'Abdu'l-
Veroffentlichungen: Bahli. Bombay.
BahP'u'llbh: Das Tablet vow Zweiy. 15. The Epistle to the Son of the Wolf,
Aua dem Englischen ubersetzt von BahA'u'llah. Cairo.
Fr. Schweizer. Zuffenhauren. 16. Seven Valleys, Four Vallays, and
'Abdu'l-Baha Abh'as: Tablette allge- Poetry of Bahd'u'lllih, Cairo.
meiner Belehrung. Deutsche Ueberset- 17. The Tabkt8 of 'Abdu'l-Baht%, Vol. 1.
zung vou Fanny A. Knobloch. 1906. Cairo.
- - -.
'Abdu'l-Bahi: Tablette a n die Gelieb- 18. The Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahli, Vol. 2.
ten Gottes des Abehdlandes. Deutsche Uebersetzung von Fanny A. Cairo.
Knobloch. 1906. 19. The Tablets of 'Abdu'GBahri, Vol. 3.
Mirza Abul Fazl Gulpaygan: Glanzen- Cairo.
der Beweis. Aus dem Englixhen 20. Some Answered Questions. Cairo.
iihersetzt von Friednich Sehweizer, 21. AdFam'id, by Abu'l-Fadhl. Cairo.
Zuffenhausen.
Wilhelm Herrigel: Universaler Friede, 22. Dwer'LBahigyeh, AUu'l-F a d h l .
universale Eleligion. Die Baha'i-Be- Cai~.
wegung, ihr Zweck und Ziel. 2. Au- 23. The Letters of Abu'LFadhl. Cairo.
Rage Suttgart, 1915. 24. The History of Haji Muhammad Ta-
Wilhelm Herrigel: Die Zeichen un- hir. Cairo.
serer Zeit Crn Lichte der Bibel und 25. Dala'il-el-'Irfan, Haider Ali. Cairo.
der Bahri'ilehre. Stu'ttzart.
- . 1916.
26. Bihjet'l-Sudur, Haider Ali. Cairo.
Religwse Liohtblicke: Einige ErliuterunKen zur Baha'i-Bewegung. Aus 27. Hujaj'l-Bakiyyeh, A b u ' l-F a d h 1.
dem Fraueosiacheu iibersetzt Ton Al- Crairo.
bert Renftle. S t u t k a r t , 1916. 28. Bahr'G'Irfan, by Muhammad Afishax.
Die Bau'i-Bewegung. Flugblatt. Karls- Bombay.
ruhe. 29. The History of Tahireh. Cairo.
Pastor Dr. Riimor: Die Babi-Bahd'i. 30. The Travels of 'Abdu'GBaha, Vol. 1
Verlag der deutsohen Orienbmission, and 2, Mahmud Zarqani. Bom-
1912. (Gegenschrift.) bay.
Dr., F. C. Andreas: Die Babi's i n Per- 31. The Early Tablets of Bahli'u'lllih,
szen. Ihre Geschichte nnd Lehre edited by Baron Rosen, St. Peters-
Leipzig, 1896. bure.
LIST FIVE 32. Memorials of the Faithful, 'Abdu'l-
PARTIAL LIST OF BARIZ'i LITERATURE IN Baha. Haifa.
ORIENTAL LANGUAGES
Persian: Urdu:
1. The Book of IqcEn. Bombay. 1. The T~alzslativnof Ishraqrit, TajaG
2. The Book of Mubin Tablets of Ba- liat, 'l'arazat, and Kalamat. Bomhd'u'lllih. ~ o m b a i . bay.
3. The Book of Iqtdhr, Tablets of Ba- 2. The Translation of the Tablet to the
hd'u'lluh. Bombay. World of Bah$u'llah. Bombay.
4. The Book of Aqdas. Bombay. 3. The Seven VaLkus. Bombay.
5. The Ishraqdt, Taraxat, Tajalliat,
Bombay. 4. The Hidden Words. Bombay.
6. Tablets from Bahd'u'llcih. Cairo. 5. The Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Bahli.
7. The Book of IqcEn. Cairo and Bombay. Arabic:
8. Tablets and Prayers from Baha'u'-
1Idh. Cairo. 1. The Ish~aqdt, Tajalliat, Taraxat,
9. The Will and Testement of BahBi'- and Kahrnat. Cairo.
ZlcEh. Russia. 2. The Talks of 'Abdu71-BUMin Europe
10. Some Answered Questions. London. a d America. Translation anony-
11. The Traveller's Narrative. London. mous. Cairo.
12. The Muduniyueh, by 'Abdu'l-BahB.
Cairo and Bombay. Tu~kish:
13. The Siasiyyeh, by 'Ahdu'l-BahB. 1. ''Soma Answered Questions" lnstruc-
Cairo and Bombay. tions of 'Abdu'l-Bahi.
A& BOOK

PART THREE Letter to the Friends in Persia. Beh6'i
Publishing Society, Chicago, January
Compiled by BISHOP B ROWN 21, 1906.
ALPHABETICAL LIST Definition of Love by 'Abdu'dBahxi. Re-
The B6b (The Writings o f ): ceived a t New York, December 7, 1902.
Le Beyan Arabe; Le Livre Sacre du Mysterious Forces of Civilization. Trans-
Babysme de Seyyed Ali Mohammed lated by Johanna Dawud. Bahh'i Pub-
Dit le B6b. French translation by A. lishing Society, Chiago, 1918.
L. M. Nicolas. Ernest Leroux, Paris,
1905. The Promulgation of Universal Peace.
2 Vols. Compiled by Howard MeNutt,
Le Beyan Persan. French translation Baha'i Publishing Society, Chicago,
by A. L. M. Nicolas. Paris Librairie. 1922 and 1925.
1 Vol. Paul Geuthner, 1911.
Tablets of 'Abdu'l-BUM. 3 Vols. Com-
Le Livre des Sept Preuves de la Mlssiun piled by A l ~ e r tWindust. B#ahB'i Pubch Bhdb. French translation by A. L. lishing Society, Chieago, 1909, 1915,
M. Nicolas. Paris,, 1902. 1916.
Bahri'u'll6h (The Writings o f ): Tablet to the Beloved of God i n America.
The Book of Assurance (Book of Ighan) , Translated by Ali Kuli Khan. Cam-
Brentano's, New York, 1925. bridge, Mass,., J a n u a r y 3, 1906.
Hidden Words from the Arabic and Per- Tablets by Abdu'l-BahP Abbas to Home
szan. Translated by Shoghi Effendi. of Justice of Chicago, to the Ladies'
BahO'i Publishing Committee, New Assembly of Teaohings, and Others.
York. 1924. Translated by Ali Kuli Khan. Chicago, September 12, 1901.
Seven Valleys. Translated by Ali Kuli
Khan. Chicago. Tablet to the Beloved of God of the Oc-
Tablets of Bahhd'u'lldh (Tarwat, Tablet ctdent. Translated by Ahmad Esphaof the World, Words of Paradise, Ta- hani. Washington, D. C., September 8,
jalleyat, The Glad Tidings, Zshrakat- 1906.
The Most Great Infallibility). Trans- Tablets to the East and West. Translated by Ali Kuli Khan. Baha'i Pub- lated by Ahmad E.sphahani. T h e Balishing Society, Chicago, 1906. hi'i Assembly of Washington, D. C.,
Three Tablets of BaM'u'llbh (The 1908.
Branch Kitab-el-Ah'd Lawh-edAkdas. Tablets Containing Instructions. Trans-
~ r a n s l L t e d by Ali , ~ u l ic h a n . Chi- lated by M. A. E. Washington, D. C.,
cago Bahi'i Publlshlng Somety, 1918. August 29, 1906.
Surat 'ul HykE. Translated from the Tablets Containing General Instructions.
Arabic by Antotn IEaddad. C~hica~go, Translated by Ahmad Esphahani. The
1900. Baha'i A4sociation of Washington, D.
The Soq~rcenf Spiritual Qualities. Four- C., 1907.
p,age leaflet. BahB'i Publishing So- Tablets to Some American Believers i n
ciety, 1924. the Year 1800. The B'oard of Council,
L'Oeuvre de Bahd'u'lkih. 2 Vols. French New York, 1901.
translation bv Hippolyte Dreyfus. Prayers and Tablets. 1906.
Lenonx, Paris, 1924. The Will and Testament of Ab&'d
L'Epitre au Fils du Loup. French trans- Bahhd.
lation by Hippolyte Dreyfus. Honore Same Answered Questions. Translated
Champion, B r i e , 1913. by Laura Clifford Barney. Baha'i
Abdu'l-Bahhd (The Writings o f ): Publishing Society, Chicago, 1918.
Abdu'l-Bahhd on Divine Philosophy. Com- Unveiling of the Divine Plan. Transpiled by Isabel Chamberlain. Tudor lated by Ahmad Eiahrab. Tudor Press,
Press, Boston, 1916. Bmoston, 1919.
Abdu'l-Bahhd in London. Edited by Eric Utterances to Two Young Men. Board of
Hammond. Eahi'i Publishing Society, Council, New York, 1901.
Chicago, 1921. Visiting Tablets for Martyrs Who S u f -
Abdu'l-Bahhd i n New York. Baha'i As- fered i n Persh. Translated by Ali Kuli
sembly, New York, 1922. Khan. Baha'i Board of Council, New
York, 1901.
Letter and Tablet to the Central Organization for a Durable Peace, The The Reality of ReliglovTablet of Ab-
Hague. BahB'i Publis~hing Society, du'l-Bah6. Four-page leaflet. BahA'i
Chieago, 1920. Publishing Society, 1924.
BIBLIOGRAPHY 1183
Wisdom of Abdu'l-Bahd (Paris Talks). Fazl, Ahul: The Baha'i Proofs. Trans-
Edited by Lady Blomfield. Brentano's lated by Ali Kuli Khan. Bahi'i Publish-
New York, 1924. ing Soci~ty,Chicago, 1914.
Wisdom Talks of Abdu'l-BaM. chicago Fazl, Abul: The Brilliant Proof. Bahi'i
Baha'i News Service. News Service, Chicago, 1912.
Woman's Great Station. An address Fitzgerald, Nathan Ward: The New Revegiven in New York in 1912. lation; Its Marvelous Message. Tacoma,
1905.
Shoghi Effendl (The Writings o f ):
Letters from Shoghi Effendi. Baha'i Finch, Ida: Rays from the S u n of Truth.
Publishing Committee, New York, Flnwers Culled From the Rose Garden of
1924. Acca by Three Pilgrims i n 1908.
dgnew, Arthur S.: Table Tallcs a t Acca. Ford, Mary Hanford: The Oriental Rose.
By Abdn'l-Baha Abhas. Baha'i Publish- BahA'i Publishing Society, 1910.
ing Society, Chicagc, 1907.
Fraser-Chamberlain Isabel: From the
Ali, Radji Mirza Heider: Bahd'i Martyr- World's Greatest 'Prisoner to His Prison
doms i n P e r s h i n the Year 1903 A. D. Friends. Tudor Press, Bmton, 1916.
Translated by Youness Khan. Baha'i
Publishi~igSociety, Chicaeo, 1907. Gwd'all, Helen S., and Cooper, Ella G.:
Daily Lessonv Received at Acea-1908.
Blomfield, Lady: The Passing of Abdu'b Baha'i Publishing Society, Chicago, 1908.
Bahk.
G r e-~ o.r y ,Louis G.: A Heavenlw Vista.
Brittingham, 1,aa'rella D.: The Revelation
of Bahd'u'lkih. Baha'i Publishing So- Grundy, Julia M.: Ten Days h the Light
ciety, Chicago, 1902. of Acca. Baha'i Publishing Society, Chicago, 1907.
Brittingham, James F.: The Message of
the Kingdom, of God. 1907. Haddad, Anton,:, Divine Revelation, the
Basis of Citnlzzation. Board of Council,
Campbell, Helen: The Bahri'i Movement New York, 1902.
i n Its Saciul-Economic Aspect. Baha'i
Publishing Society, Clicago, 1915. Haddad, Anton: Message from Acca.
Chase, Thornton: The BahQ'i Revelation. Haddad, Anton: M,azims of Balzri'ism.
Baha'i Publishing Slociety, Chicago, 1909. Board of Council, New York.
Chase, Thornton: What Went Y e Out for Haddad, Anton: Station of Manifestation.
to See? Haney, Charles and Mariam: A Heavenly
C'hase, Thornton an,d Agnew Arthur: I n Feast.
Galilee. ~ a h l ' i~ u b l i s h i n ~ ' ~ o c i e Cbity, Harris, W. Hooper: Lessons on the Bacago, 1908. hd'i Revelation.
Dealy, Paul Kingston: The Dawn of Holley, Horace, and Ruh'i Afnan. The
Knowledge and the Most Great Peace. BuhQ'i Relipion. BahB'i Publishing Com-
Bahi'i Board of Couuscl, New York, mittee, New York, 1924.
1903.
Holley, Horace: Bahd'Gthe Spirit of tha
Dodge, Arthur Pillsbury: The Truth of It. Age. Brentano's, New York, 1981.
Mutual Publishing Company, New York,
1901. Holley, Horace: Bahd'ism-the Modern
Social Religion. Mitchell Kennerly, New
Dodge, Arthur Pillsbury : Whence? Why? York, 1913.
Whither? Man! Things! Other Thtngs!
Ariel Press, Westwand, M a m , 1907. Holley, Horace: The Social PrLnciple.
Laurence J. Gomme, New York, 1915.
Dreyfus, Hippolyte: The Universal Rsligion; Bahri'ism, Baha'i Publishing So- Hus-sein, Mirza Abdul: Letter written on
ciety, London, 1909. behalf of the "Friends7' of Isfahan, Persou. to the A m e n m n Believers. April 25,
Esslemont Dr J. E.: &LhQ'u'lkLh and the 1902.
New .kra.'~rentano's,New York, 1923.
Karim, Abdel Effendi: Address dehvered
E~slemont,Dr. J. E.: What I s a Bahd'i? before the New York and Chicago As-
American edition published by Louis semblies. Translated hy Anton Haddad.
Bourneois, Chicano, 1921. BahA'i Publishing Board, Chicago, 1900.
Fadil, Jinab-i: Addresses. 6 Vols. Pam- Khanunn, Moneemh: Episodes i n the Life
phlet size. Translated by Ahmad Soh- of. Translated by Ahmad Sohrab. Perrab. Seattle, 1921. sian American Publishing Co., Los An-
F a d , Ahul: Knowing God Through Love. geles, 1924.
Farewell address. BahA'i Assembly, Latimer, George Orr: The Call of God.
Waslung.ton. Baha'i Publishing Society, Chicago.
114 BAHA'i YEAR BOOK

Light of tha World. By a group of Pil- Sassi, M. Gabriel: Martinists Report. An
gnms. The Tudor Press, Boston, 1920. address concerning the Bahi'i Religion
Lucas, Mary L.: A Brief Account of My delivered a t the Paris Exposition of
Visit to Acca. BahB'i Publishing Society, 1900.
Chicago, 1905. Table Talks-Regarding Reincarnation and
MacNutt, Howard: Unity Through Love. other subjects.
BahB'i Publishing Society, Chicago, 1906. Thompson, Juliet: Abdu'l-Bahri's First
Maxwell May: A n Early Pilgrimage Days in America. Roycrofters, East Au-
1898. ' Bahi'? Publis~hing Smiety, chi: rora, N. Y., 1924.
cago, 1917. True, Corinne: Notes Taken a t Acca.
Mohammed, Ali Alkany: Lessons in Re- EahL'i Publishing Society, Chicago, 1907.
ligion. English tramlation by Edith Universal Principles of the Bahri'i Move-
Sanderson. BahB'i Publishing Sueiety, ment. Persian American Bulletin. Wash-
Chicago, 1923. ington, D. C., 1912.
Peak, Margaret B.: My Visit to Abbas Vail, Albert: BahB'i Movement-Its Spir-
E f f e d in, 1899. Grier Press, Chicago, itual Dynamic.
1911. Vail, Albert: Heroic Lives. Beacon Press,
Phelps, Myron H.: Life and Teachings of Boston, 1917.
Abbm Effendi. G. P. Putnam, New Winterburn, Mr. and Mrs. George: Table
York, 1912. Tulles with Abdu'l-Bahb. Bahl'i Pub-
Prayers, Tablets, Instructions, etc., gath- lishing Sooiety, Chicago, 1908.
ered by American visitors in Acca, 1900.
COMPILATIONS
Remey, Charles Mason: Twelve articles
intnoduetory t o the study of BahB'i Bahd'i Message. Compiled by Horace Holteachings. ley, Chicago, 1920.
Bemey, Charles Mason: Universal Con- BahriT Scriptures. Compiled by Horace Holsciousness of ths Bahd'i Religion. ley, Brenbano's, New York, 1923.
Remey, Charles Mason: Letter from Hon- Compilation No. 9. Concerning the Mo%t
olulu. Privately printed. February 17, Great Pence. Tudor Press., Boston, 1818.
1917. Compilation of Utterances from the Pen of
Remey, Charles Mason: The BahB'i Move- 'Abdu'l-Bahd Regarding His Station.
ment. Washington, D. C., 1912. 19 pages. November 26, 1906.
R ~ ~ M ~ ~ ~~h~~ ~, ~ ~h c iaeve-
'~i : Divine Pearls. Compiled by Victoria Belation and Reconstruction. BahB'i pub- dikian.
lishing Society, Chicago, 1919. God a d His Manifestations. Compiled by
Remey, Charles Mason: Cmstructive Mrs. M. H. Gift.
Principles of the B a W i Movement. Ba- Number 3 Compilation. A~ailable in difha'i Publishing Suciety, Chicago, 1917. ferent languages.
Remey, Charles Mason: Observations of o Prayers Revealed by Bahd'u'llhh and Ab-
Bahd'i Traveller. Washington, D. C., du'dBahd.
1914. Prayers Revealed by Bahci'u'lldh and Ab-
Remey, Charles Mason: The New Day. du'l-Bahb. Translated by SZloghi Ef-
BahL'i Publishing Society, Chicago, 1919. fendi. Boston, 1923.
Remey, Charles Mason: The Peace of tho Racial Amity. Compiled by M. H. and
World. Bahh'i Publishing Society, Chi- M. &I. 1924.
cago, 1919. The Most Great Peace. From the utter-
Remey, Charles Mason: Bahci'i Teachings. ances of Bahi'u'llBh and 'Abdu'l-BahL
(Seven-bound pamphlets.) Washington, Tudor Press, Boston, 1916.
D. C., 1917.
MI~CELLANEOUS
Remey, Charles Mason: B a W i Indexes.
'Newport, R. I., 1923. BahriL6 Cause. Eight-page pamp:Het prepared #by lthe National Teachlng Com-
Remey, Charles Mason: Baklc'i Manu- mittee. BahL'i Publishing Society, 1924.
scripts. Newport, R. I., 1923. Bahri'i Calendars. Daily excerpts from the
Remey Charles Mason: Through Warring writings of Bahi'u'll&h and Abdu'lc o u ~ t r j e sto the Mountain of God. Pri- Babi. Privately printed in Honolulu,
vate printing. New York and other cities.
Roy and M. J. M.: Knock, and It Shall Be Bahd'i Temple. Reprints of press cam-
Opened Unto You. ments and Temple Symbolism. Pub-
REFERENCES TO BAHA'~ MOVEMENT 115
lished by Louis Bourgeois, Chiwago, PERSIAN
1921.
An-N6ru'l-AbhP-Fi-Muf1wad&t'Ahdu'l-Ba-
Barney, Laura Clifford: God's Heroes. A ha. Table Talks. Collected by Laura C.
drama. Llppineott, London and Phila- Barney. Kegan, Paul, London, 1908.
delphia, 1910.
Masson, Jean: The Mashriqu'l-Adhkar 'ani, Mirza, of Kashan: Kitlb-i-Nuqtatu'-
and the Bakd'i Movement. BahL'i Puh- L'Kaf. Edited from +he Unique Paris
lishing Society, Chicago, 1921. M.S. by Esdward G. Browne. Lusac &
Co., London.
Remey, Charles Mason: Prospectus of a
Series of Five Lectures upon the Bah&'i
Movement.
Remey, Charles Mason: Mashriqu'l-Adhkar. Five preliminary sketches. Privately
printed.
Remey, Charles Mason: Mashriqu'l-Adhkar. (BahP'i house of worship.) Priv 3 e l y printed. Bahi'i News Letter. The Bulletin of the
National Spiritual Assembly of the
Remey Charles Mason: Bahd'i House of United States and Canada.
wor;hip. Description of the Bahd'i Tern
ple with Illustrations. BahB'i Publishing The RahQ'i Magn,sins (Star of the West).
Soeiety, Chicago, 1917. (Vol. 1, Bahd'i News.) 16 Vol. with
Storer, Rev. J.: Thoughts That Build. current year 1925.
MacMillan Co., New York, 1924. Thw BaM'i World Fellowship.
Waite, Louise R.: Baha'i Hymns and
Poems. Baha'i Publishing Society, Chi- The Magazine of the Children of the Kingcago, 1904. dom.
Waite, Louise R.: Hymns of Peace and The D m n . Burma.
Praise. Chicago, 1910.
HeraZd of the East. (Baha'i Newss of
Watson, Albert Durrant: The Dream of India).
God. A poem. BahL'i Publishing Society, Chicago, 1922. Sonne der Wahrhit. Germany.
Views of Haifa, Acca, Mt. C a m e l and L a Nova Tago. (Esperanto), Germany.
other places. Baha'i Publishing Society,
Chicago. The Herald of the South. Australia.
GERMAN P ~ I O D I C A L S Khurshid-e Khawar. Askahad, Russia.
S m n e der Wahrhdt. Albaha.
L a Nova Tago (Esperanto). Kaukeb-e Hind.

MISCELJANEOUS EXCERPTS OF THE BAHA'I MOVEMENT
1. By Profes~sor E. G. Browne. more Western than Christian, more racial
a. Introduction t o M. H. Phelps' "Ab- than religious; and by dallying with docbas Effendi." P. XV-XX: 1903 trines plainly incompatible wikh t h e obvi- g
rev. 1912. ous meaning of i t s Founder's words, such
a s the theories of "racial supremacy,"
I have often heard wonder expressed by "imperial destiny," "survival of the fittest,"
Christian ministers a t ehe extraordinary and the like, grows steadily more rather
success of Bahi mis,&onaries, a s contrasted than less ma.teria1. Did Christ belong t o a
with the almost complete failure of their "dominant race," or men t o a European
own. "How is it," they say, "that the o r 'Iwhite race?" ... I a m not arguin
that the Christian religion is true, hut
Christian doctrine, the highest and the noblest which the world has ever known, merely t h a t it is in manifest conflict with
though supported b y all the reeources of several other theories of life which prac-
Western eivjlization, can only count its tically regulate the conduct of all States
converts in Muhammedan lands by t w w and most individuals in the Western world,
and threes, while Barbism can reckon them a world which, on ,ihe whole, judges all
by thousands?" The answer, to my mind, things, including religions, mainly by mais plain a s the sun at midday. Western terial, o r t o use the more popular term,
Christianity, save in the rarest cases, is '~racticdl," standards. ... There IS,
of roume, another factor in the success of thusiasms' but in this case a t least time
the Bruhi propagandist, as cosmpared with has so far' vindicated my jnhgment against
t h e Christian missionary, in the conversion t h a t d my Oxford Rev~ewerthat he could
of Muhammedans to his faith: namely, that scarcely now maintain, as he formerly asthe former admits, yhile the latter rejects, serted, that the Babi religion "had affected
the Divine inspirat~onof the Quran and the least important part of the Moslem
t h e prophetic function of Muhammad. The World, and that not deeply." Every one
Christian missionary must begin by at- who is in the slightest degree conversant
tacking, explicitly or by implication, both with the actual state of things (Septemthese beliets; too often forgetting that if her 27, 1903) in Persia now recognizes that
(as happens but rarely) he succeeds in de- the number and influence of the Babis in
stroying them, he destroys with them that that country 1s immensely greater than it
recognition of former prophetic dispensations (inclnding the Jewjsh and the Chriswas fifteen yeans ago. . ..
tian) which Muhammad and the Quran b. "A Traveller's Narrative," P. 309.
proclaim, and converts his Muslim antagonist not t o Christianity, hnk to Skepti- The appearance of such a woman a s
cism or Atheism. What, indeed, could be Kurratu'l 'Ayn is in any country and any
more illogical an the part oi Christian age a rare phenomenon, but in such a couomissionaries t o Muhammedan lands than t r y as Persia it is a prodigy-nay, almost
to devoae much time and labour to the a miracle. Alike in virtue of her marvelcompasition of controversial works which lous beauty, her rare intellectual gifts, her
endeavor to prove, in one and the same fervid eloquence, her fearless devotion and
breath, first, t h a t the Quran i j a lying her glorious martyrdom, she stands forth
imposture, and, secondly, that it oears wit- incomparable and immortal amidst her
ness to the truth of Christ s mission, as countrywomen. Had the Bahi religion no
though any value attached to the testnnony other claim to greatness, this were su&-
of one proved a I ~ a r ! The B a ~ i(or Ba- eient--that it produced a heroine like Kursh&'i) prupa.gandist, an the otner hand, ad- ratu'l 'Ayn.
mits that llluhammad was the prophet of
God and that the Quran is the Word of Introduction to "A Traveller's Narrative."
God. denies nothina hut their finality, and P. IX. X.
doe; not d i ~ ~ c r e d i t ~ hown
i s w i t n e s - wnen
he draws from that source arguments to
prove his falth. To the Western observer,
however i t i s the complete sancerity of the
BaSis {heir fearless disregard of death
and tArture undergone for the sake of their
religion, their certain conviction as to the
truth of their faith, their generally admirable conduct towards mankind and especially towards their fellow-believers,
which constitute t h e n strongest claim on
his attention.
Introduction to Mr. M. H. Phelps' "Abhas
Effendi." P. XII-XIV.
I t was under the influence of this enthusiasm that I penned the introduction to
my translation ob the "Traveller's Narrative.". . . . This enthusiacun, condoned,
if not shared, by many kindly critics and
reviewers, exposed me to a somewhat savage attack in the "Oxford Magazine," an
attack concluding with the assertion that
my Introduction displayed "a personal attitude almost inconceivable in a rational
Rammean.
- -. and a stvle nn~ardonahlem a
nniv&siti te,aeher." " he-review in question appeared in the Oxford Magazine of
May 25 1892 P. 304 . ..
"the prominence &en td the Bbh in this hook is a n
absurd violation of historical perspective;
and the translation of the "Traveller's Nar- Introduction t o "A Traveller's Narrative."
rative" a w a t e of the powers and oppor- P. xxxv, XXXVI.
tunities of a Persian Scholar.") Increasing age and experience (more's the pity!) Seldom have I seen one whose appearare apt enough, even without the assistance ance impressed me more. A tall, stronglyd the Oxford Magadne t o modify our en- built man holding himself straight a s an
118 B A H Y
~ EA
~ R BOOK

arrow, wiL11 white turban and raiment, seouted life: his pnrity of conduct and
long black lacks reaching almost to the youth; his courage and uncomplaining pashoulder, broad powerful forehoad, indi- tlence under misfortune: his complete selfcating a strong intellect, colnbined wibh an negation; the dim ideal of a better state
unswerving will, eyes keen as a hawk's, of things which can be discerned through
and strongly marked hut pleawng features the obscure mystic utterances of the Be-
-such was my first impression of "Ahbas yan; but most of all, his tragic death. all
Effendi," "The master" (Aki) as he par serve to enlist our symmathies on hehalf of
excellence is called by the Babis. Subse- the young prophet of Shiraz."
quent conversation with him served only "I1 sentait Ie besoin d'une reforme prot o heighten the respect with which his ap- fonde a introduire dslns les moeurs pubpearance had from the first inspired me.
One more eloquent of speech, more ready
...
liques~, I1 s'est sacvifie p o w 1 % ~ -
manitie; pour elle il a donne sou corps et
of argument more apt of illustration, more son ame, pour elle il a suhi les privations,
intimately icquainted with the sacred les affronts, les injures, la torture e t le
books of the Jews, the Christians and the martyre." (Mans. Nicolm.)
Muhammadans, could, I should think, be
scarcely found even amongpt the eloquent, If there has been any prophet in recent
ready and subtle race to which he belongs. times, it is to Bahi'u'llih that we must go.
These qualities combined with a hearing Character is the final iudge. Bahi'u'llih
+t once majestic and genial, made me cease was a man of the hirhest class-that of
tb wonder a t the influence and esteem prophets. But he was free from the last in-
~ h i c hhe enjoyed even beyond the circle of firmity of noble minds. and would certainly
his father's followers. About the great- not have separated himself frnm others.
ness n t this man and his power no one who He would have understood the saying,
had seen him could entertain a doubt. "Would God all the Lord's people were
prophets!" What he does sag, however, i s
11. By Dr. J. Estlin Carpenter. just as fine, " I do not desire lordship over
a. "Comparative Religion." P. 70, 71. others; I desire all men to be even a s I
am."
From that subtle race i,ssues the most The day is not f a r off when the details
remarkable movement which modern Mohammedanism has produced. . . . Disciples gathered round him, and the movement
of 'Ahdu'l-Bahi'ms missionary journeys will
he admitted to be of historical imuortanee.
How gentle and wise he was, hundreds
was not cheeked by his arrest, his impnsan- could testify from pensonal knowledge, and
ment for nearly six years and his final execution in 1850. . . .It, too, claim's t o be
I, too, could perhaps say something. ...
I will only, however, give here the outward
a universal teaohing; i t has already its framework of 'Abdu'l-Bahi's life, and of
noble army of martyrs and its holy books; his apostolic journeys, with the help of my
has Persia, in the midst of her miseries,
g.iven birth to a religion which will go
friend Lotfullah. ...
During his stay in London He visited
rounsd the world? Oxford (where He and His party-of Per-
111. Extracts from "The Reconciliation of sians mainly-were the guests af Professor
Races and Religions." By T. K. and Mm. Cheyne), Edinburgh, Clifton and
Waking. I t is fitting to notice here that
Cheyne, 1914. the audience a t Oxford, though highly aca-
There was living quite lately a human demic, seemed to he deeply interested. and
being* of such consummate excellence that that Dr. Carpenter made a n admirable
many think i t is both permissible and in- speech. ...
evitable even t o identify him mystically
with the invisible Godhead. , ..
combination of mildness and power is so
Kist 1V. Professor Vambery's Testimony to the
Religion of 'Abdu'l-Bahl.
rare that we have to place hisn in a line
with supernormal men. . . . We learn I forward this, humble petition to the
that, a t great points in his career after sanctified and holy presence of 'Abdu'lhe had been in a n ecstscy, such radiance of Baha Abbas, who is the center of knowlmight and majesty streamed from his edge, famous thrau hout the world and
countenance that none oould bear to look loved by all manknd, 0 , thou 'noble
upon the effulgence of his glory and friend who a r t confernng gu~danceupon
beauty. Nor was it a n uncmmon occur- humanitv, .. may . my - life be a ransom to
rence for unbelievers involuntarily to bow thee!
down in lowly Ubeisance on beholding His The l a ~ i n gepistle which you have con-
Holiness. descended to write to this servant, and the
The gentle spirit of the B&b is surely r u g which you have forwarded, came
high up in the cycles .of eternity. Who can bafely to hand. The time of the meeting
fail, a s Professor Browne says, to be at- with your Excellency, and the memory of
tracted by him? "His sorrowful and per- the benediction of your presence, recurred
-
- t o bhe memory of thiw servant, and I am
*Bahi'u'llih is meant. longing f o r the bime when I shall meet you
t B i b is meant. again. Alth,ough I have travelled through
h

REFERENCES TO B A H A ' ~MOVEMENT 119

many countries and citios of I,slam yet thing which may revivify Islam, and make
have I never met so lofty a character) and great ch,anges on the face of the Asiatic
MI exalted a personage a s your Excellency, world."
and I can bear witness that i t is not possible to find such another. On this account VI. Extract from "The Middle Eastern
I am hoping that the ideals and amom: Question or Some Political Problems
plishments of your Excellency may be of Indian Defence," by Valentine
crowned with succeso and yield results un- Chirol. Chapter XI, page 116 (The
der all condibions; because b'ehind these Revival of Bahmiism).
idea18sand deeds I easily discern the eter- When one has been like Sa'di, a great
nal welfare and urosneritv of the world of
humanity. - - "
This servaut, in order to gain firsbhand
per6onage and then a common soldier
and then) a prisoner of a ~ h r i s t i a i
information and experience, entered into feudal chief; when one has worked
the ranks of various religions that is out- a s a navvy on the fortifications of the
wandly. I became a Jew, irish hi an:
hammedan and Zoroastrian. I discovered
Mo- Count of Antioch and wandered back
afoot to Shiraz after infinite pain and lathat the devotees of these various religions bour, he may well he disposed to think that
do nothing else but hate and anathematise not ing that exists is real, or, a t least, has
emh other, that all their religions have be- any substantial reality worth clinging to.
come the instruments of tyranny and op- Today the public peace of Persia i r no
pression in the hands of rulers and gov- longer subject to such violent perturbaernors, and that they are the causes of the tions. A t least, as f a r as we are eondeskruetion of the world of humanity. cerned, the alppearanees of peace prevail
Considering tho3e evil results, every per- and few of us care or have occasion td
son is forced by necessity to enlist himself look beyond the appearance;. But for the
on bhe side of your Excellency, and accept Persians themselves, have the conditions
with joy the prospect of a fundamental very much changed? Do they not witness
basis for a universal religion of God, being one day the mdden rise of this or that falaid through your efforts. vourite of fortune and the next day his
I have seen the father of your Excel- sudden fall? Have they not seen the Atalency from afar. I have realized the self- beg-Azamm t w i ~ ehold sway ax the Shah's
sacrifice and nable courage of his son, and all-powerful Vlzier, and twice hurled down
I am lost in admiration. from that pinnacle by a bolt from the blue?
For the principles and aims of your Ex- How many other nlinisters and governors
cellency, I express the utmost respect and have ,sat for a time on the x a t s of the
devotion, end if God, the Most High, con- mighty and been swept away by some infens long lde, I will be able to serve you trigue a s sordid a s that to which they
under all conditions. I pray and suppli- owed their own exaltation? And how many
cate .this from the depths of my heart. in humbler lstations have been in the mean-
Your servant, time the recipients of their unworthy fa-
(Mamhenyn.) vours or Dhe victims of their arbitrary
VAMBERY. oppreslsion? A village which but yesterday was fairly prasperaus is beggared to-
(Translated from the Persian by Mirza day by some neighbouring landlord higher
Ahmad Sohrah. Published m Egyptian u p the.valley, who, having duly propitiated
Gazette, September 24, 1913, by Mrs. J. those m authority, diverts for the benefit
Stannard.) of his own estates *he whole of its rlender
- -.- - - -..
arles Lukach. ary retinue o f ravenous hangers-on eats
Lon, 1913.) out the countrvside throuzh whirh :t
"BahA'ism i s now estimated to oount passes more effectually than a fl&i;t oi
more than two million adherents mostly locusts. The visitation is a s ruinous and
cwnpwed of Persian and 1ndian' Shiahs, a s unaccountable. Is i t not the absence of
hut including also many Sunis frmn the all vioible moral correlation of cause and
Turkish E~m~pire and North Africa, and not effect in thes,e phenomena of d.aily life that
a few Brahmans, Buddhists, Taoisbs, Shin- has gone f a r t o pronure the stolid fataltoists and Jews. I t possesses even Euro- ism of Dhe masses the scoffing skepticism
pean convertis, and has made some head- of the more eduched classes and from
way in the United States. Of all the re- time t o time the revolt of .&me nobler
ligions which have been encountered i n the minds? Of such the most recent and percourse of .this journev-the stagnant ~ o o l s hap? the noblest of all became the founder
of Oriental Cliristianitv, the siranre-sur- O1
vivals of sun-worship and idolatry-tinged
with ~ahammedanlsm' the immutable rellc Chapter pqe
of the Sumerians-it Is the only one which The B i b was dead but n& Babiism He
is alive, which 1s aggressive which i s ex- was not the first, an; still less the lait, of
tending its frontiers instead of secluding a long line of martyrs who have testified
itself within its angient haunts. It is a that, even in a country gangren e d with eor-
B A H ~ YEAR
' ~ BOOK

Annual ~neetingand feast in the Pine Grous, West Englswood, N . J., Jxne, 1925,
c o v ~ m a o r a t i n gthe Unity Feast given b y 'Abdu'l-Bahri on June 2 9 , 1912.
REFERENCES TO BAHA'~MOVEMENT 121
mption and atrophied with indifferentism From its inception it has been identified
like Persia, the soul of a nation survives, with BshC'u'llLh, who paid the price of
inarticulate, perhaps, and in a way help- prolonged exile, imprisonment, bodily sufless, but still capable of sudden spasms of fering, and mental anguish for the faith he
vitality. cherished-a man of imposing personality
as revealed in his writings characterized
VII. Extract from "The Middle Eastern by i n t e n ~ emoral earnes~tness'and profound
Question or Some Political Problems spirituality, gifted with the selfsame power
of Indian Defence" by Valentine so conspicuous in the character of Jesus
Clhirol. Chapter ~ 1 , ' p a g e124. the power to appreciate people ideally that
Socially one of the most interesting fea- is, t o see them a t the level of their) best
tures of Babiism i s the raising of women and. to make even the lowest: types think
t o a much higher plane man she is usually well of themselves because of potentialities
admitted to in the Eawt. The Bbb himself within them t o which he pointed but of
had no more devoted a disvciple than the which .they were wholly una$are. a
beautiful and gifted lady known a s Ky; prophet whose greatest contribution 'was
trat-ul-Ain the "~onsolatibnof the Eyes not any specific doctrine he proclaimed
who, havin'g shared all the dangers of tde hut an informing spiritual power breathed
first 'apostolic missions i n the north, chal- into the world through the example of his
lenged and suffered death with virile forti- life and thereby quickening souls into new
tude, as one of bhe Seven Martyrs of Te- spiritual activity. Surely a movement of
heran. No memory is more deeply vener- which all this call be said deserves-nav.
ated or kindles greater enthusiasm than compels-our respectful recwnition agd
hers, and the influence which ehe yielded sincere appreciation.
in her lifetime still inures ta her sex. . .. Takin'g precedence over all else in
its gospel is the m w a g e of unity in re-
VIII. Extract from "Heroic Lives," by Al- ligion. . . It is the crowning glory of
bert Vail. P. 305. the BahP'i Movement that, while depreeat-
Prof. Jowett of Oxford, Master of Bal- ing sectarianism in its preaching, ~t has
liol, the translator of Plato, studied the faithfully practiced what it preached by
movement and was so impressed thereby refraining from becoming itself a sect.
that he said: "The Babite (BahB'i) .
. . I t s representatives do not attempt
to impomse any beliefs upon others, whether
movement may not impossibly turn out to
have the promise of .the future." Dr. J. by argument or bribery. rather do they
Estlin Carpenter quotes. Prof. Edward seek to put beliefs that h&e illumined their
Caird, Prof. Jowett's succe,ssor a s Master own livw within the reach of those who
of Balliol, as saying, "He thought Bahism feel they need illumination. No not a
(as the Bahl'i movement was then called) sect, hot a part of humanity cut dff from
might prove the most important religious all the rest, living for itself and aimins to
movement since the foundation of Chris- convert all the rest into material for its
tianity." Prof. Carpenter him'self gives a own growth; no, not that, but a leaven
s,keteh of the Baha'i movement in his re- causing piri ritual fermentation in all re:
cent book on ''Comparative Religion" and ligions, quickening them with the spirit of
asks, "Has Pensia, in the midst of her catholicity and fraternalism.
m~series,given birth to a religion that will
go around the world?"

X. Extract from "Perda .and Parsis."
P a r t I, edited by G. K. Nariman. Published under patronage of the I r l n
League, Bombay, 1925. The Marker
Literary Series for Persia, No. 2.
"The political reprieve brought about by
the Sulk did not result in the regeneration
of thought. But the last century which
marks the end of Persia h a had its revival and twofold revival, literary and religious. The funeral ceremonies by whioh
Persia celebrates every year for centuries
122 B A H ~ 'YEAR
~ BOOK

The kahri'i Feast given to Miss Agnes A l e z a n d ~ r .September 9, 1921,
in Seoul. Korea. Miss Alexander is the illurnanad pioneer who first
brought the Glad Tidings to Korea.

Buddhist College Students who attended the Bahd'i address given by
Miss A m e s Alesander in Seoul. Korea. Octamber 18. 1986. &ring her
nccond visit to Korea.
REFERENCES TO BAHA'I MOVEMENT 123
the fatal day of the 10th o f Mnhornlm, now inclined t o listen more attentively to
when the son of Ali breathed his last a t whispers from the East. Our self-compla-
Kerbela, have developed a popular theatre eency has been disturbed by sueh utterand prodwed a sincere poetry, dramatic ances as that of Rahmdranath Tagore,
and human, which is worth all the rhetoric who, lecturing a t the Imperial University
of the poets. During the same times a n of Tokio on June 18, 1916, foretold a great
attem,pt a t religious renovation was made, future for Asia;' The political civilization
the religion of Babiism. Demoralized for of Europe was carnivorous and cannibalcenturies by ten foreign conquests, by the istic in its tendencies." The East was payoke of a composite religion in which shz tient, and could afford to wait till the West,
believed just enough to persecute, by the "hurrying after the expedient," had to halt
enervating influence of a mystical philoso- for want of breath. "Europe, while busily
phy which disabled men for action and speeding to her engagements, disdainfully
divested life of all aim and objects, Persia casts her glance from her carriage window
h a s been making unexpected efforts for the a t the reaper reaping his harvest in the
last 55 years to re-make for herself a vi- field and in her intoxication of speed, can
rile ideal. Babiism haw little of original- not but think him as slow and ever recedity in its dogmale and mythology. It8 mys- i r g backwards. But the speed comes. t o its
tic doctrine takes its rise from Sufism and end, the engagement lases its meaning, and
.the old sects of the Aliides formed around the hunary heart elamours for food, till
the dogma of divine incarnation. But the zt last sxe-comes to the lonely reaper reapmorality it inculcates is a revolution. I t ing his harvest in the sun. For if the ofhas the ethics of the West. It suppre,sses fice can not wait, or the buying and selllawful impurities wbich are a great bar- ing, or the craving for excitement, love
rier dividing Imslam from Christendom. I t waits, and beauty, and the wisdom of sufdenounces polygamy, the fruitful source of fering and the fruits of patient devotion
Oriental degenerat~on. I t seeks to reeon- and reverent meekness of aimple faith.
stitute the family and it elevates man and And thus shall wait the East till her time
in elevating him exalts woman up to h ~ s comes."
level. Ba'biism, which diffused itself in Being thus led to turn our eyes towards
l a s than five years from one end of Per- Asia we are astonished to find how much
sia to another wbich war bathed in 1852 we have misunderstod i t ; and we blush
in the blood df its martyrs, has been si- when we realize our previous ignorance of
lently progressing and propagating itself. the fact that, towards the middle of the
If Per,sia is to be a t all regenerate it will nineteenth century, Asia gave birth to a
be through this new faith."-(Extract from great religious movement-a movement
Art. By Prof. Jamm Darmester. Perwa: signalized for its spiritual purity, one
A Historical and Literary Sketch. Trans- which has had thousands of martyrs, one
lated by G. K. Nariman.) which Tolstoy has described. H. Dreyfur,
the French historian of this movement,
XI. Extr:cts from "Contemporary Stu- says that i t i s not "a new religion," but
dies, by Charles Baudouin, 1924. "religion renewed," and that i t provides
P a r t 111, pp. 131. Publishers: Allan "the only possible basis for a mutual nn-
& Durwin, London. derstanding between religion and free
We Westerners are too a p t to imaglne thought." Above all, we are impressed by
that the huge continent of Asia is, sleeping the fact that, in our own time, such a
a s soundly as a mummy. We smile a t the manifestation can occur, and that the new
vanity of the ancient Hebrews, who be- faith should have undergone a developlieved themselves t o be the chosen people. ment f a r more extensive than that under-
We are amazed a t the intolerance of the gone in the same space of time nearly taro
Greeks and the Romans who looked upon thowand years ago, by budding Christhe members of all ra6ns a s barbarians. tianity.
Nevertheless, we ourselves are like the He- . At the present time, the majority
brews the Greeks and the Romans. As of' <he inhabitants of Persia have, to a
~uro,;eans we believe Europe to be the varying extent, accepted the Babiat faith.
only world that matters, though from time In the great towns of Europe, America,
to time we may turn a paternal eye to- and Asia, there are active centers for the
wards America regarding our offspring in propaganda of the liberal ideas and the
the New war16 with mingled feelings of dodriue of human community, which form
condescension and pride. the foundations of Bahi'ist teaching.
Nevertheless, the great cataclysm of We shall not grasp the full significance
1914 i s leading some of us t o undertake a of this tendency until we pass from the
critical examination of the inviolable desmeription of Baha'ism a s a theory t o that
dogma that the European nations are the af Bahi'ism as a practice, for the core of
elect. Has there not been of late years religion is not metaphysics, but morality.
a demonstration of the nullity of modern The Baha'ist ethical code is dminated
civilization-the nullity which had already by the law of love taught by Jesus and by
been proclaimed by Rousseau, Carlyle, all the prophets. In the thousand and one
Ruskin, Tolstoy, and Nietzsehe? We are details of practical life, this law is subject
BAIiL'f YEAR BOOK

The Bahd'i Message carried to Alaska by Mr. and Mrs. 0.R. Gregory.
to manifold interprrtat,inns. That of Ba- While adopting and developing the
ha'u'llih is unquestionably one of the most Christian law of love, BahP'n'llih rejected
oomprehensive of these, one of the most the Christian principle oh ascetism. He
exalted, one ob the most satisfactory to the discountenanced the macerations which
modern mind. .. .
That is why Baha'u'llih i s a severe critic
were a nightmare of the Middle Ages, and
whose evil effects persist even in our own
of the patriotism whjch plays, so large a days. .. .
part in the national l ~ f eof our day. Love Bahi'ism, then, is an ethical system, a
of our native land is legitimate, but this system of social morality. But it would be
love must not he exclusive. A m'an should a mistake to regard BahL'ist teaching a s
love his country more than he loves his a collection of abstract rulee imposed from
house (this is the dogma held by every without. Bahi'ism is permeated with a
patriot); but Bahd'u'llih adds that he sane and noble mysticism; nothlng could
should love the divine world more than he be more firmly rooted in the inner life,
loves his country. From this standpoint, more beniguly spiritual; nothing could
patridism is seen to be a n intermediate speak more intimately to the soul, in low
stage on the road of renunciation, an inco~mplete and hybrid religion, something
tones, and a s if from within...
Such is the new voice that sounds to us
we have to get beyond. Throughout his from Asia; such i s the new dawn in the
life BahB'u'llPh regarded the ideal univer- Ea~st. We should give them our close at-

. ...
sal ueace a s one of the most important of tention; we should abandon our customary
his aims. mood of disdainful superiority. Doubtless,
. . Bahl'u'llLh is in th?s respect Bahi'ulldh's rteaehing is not definitivc.
enunciating a novel and f r u ~ t f n l ldea. The Persian prophet does not offer it to u s
There is a better way of dealing with so- a s such. Nor can we Europeans assimilate
cial evlls than by trying to cure them after all of it; for modern science leads us to
thev have come to pass. We should t r y to make certain claims in matters of thought
prevent them by removing their causes, -claims we can not relinquish, claims we
which act on the individual, and especially should not t r y to forego. But even though
on the child. N'othing can he more plastic Bahi'u'llah's precepts (like those of the
than the nature of the child. The goveru- Gospels) may not fully satisfy all these
ment's first duty must he to provide for intellectual demands; they are rarely in
the careful and efficient education of chil- conflict with our scientific outlooks. If
dren, remembering that education iesame- they are to become our own spiritual food,
thing more than instruction. This will he they must be supplemented they must he
a n enormous step towards the solution of relived by the religious spikits of Europe,
the social problem, and to take such a step must be re-thought by minds schooled in
will ,be the first task of the Baitu'l Adl. the western mode of thought. But, in its
"It is ordained upon every father to rear existing form, Bahi'ist teachingmay serve,
his son or his daughter by means of the amid okr present chaos, to open for us a
sciences, the arts, and all the command- road leading to solace and to comfort;
ments. and if any one should neglect to do may restore our confidence in the spiritual
so, thdn the members of the council, should destiny of man. I t reveals to us how the
the offender be a wealthy man, must levy human mind is in travail; i t gives us an
from him the sum necessary for the educa- inklinn of the fact that the grsatest h a y
tion of his child. When the neglectful par- penings of the day are not the ones we
ent i s poor the cast of the neces3ary educa- were inclined to regard a s the most motion must 'be borne by the council, which mentous, not the ones which are making
will provide a refuge for the unfortunate." the loudest noise.
The B,aitu91Adl, likewise, must prepare
the way for the establishment of universal
peace, doing this by organizing courts of
arbitration and by influencing the governments. Long before the Esperantists had
begun their oampaign and more than
twenty years before ~ i ; h o l a sI1 had summoned the first Hague congress, BahP'u'-
l l i b was insisting. on the need f a r a universal language and courts of arbitration. He
returns to these matters again and again. (From Dr. Je.;sup's Talk.)
"Let all the nations become one in faith,
and let all men be brothers, in order that This then is our mission: that we who
the bonds of affection and unity between are mkde in' the image of God should rethe mns.of men may be strengthened. . . . member that all men a r e made in God's
What harm can there be in that? . .
I t is going to happen. There will be an
. image. To this Divine knowledge we owe
all we are, all we hope for. We are rising
end to sterile conflicts, to ruinous wars; gradually toward that image, and we owe
and the Great Peace will come!" Such to our fellowmen to aid the,m in returning
were the words of BahP'u'll6h in 1890, two to it in the Glory of God and the Beauty
years before his death. of Holiness. I t is a celestial pnvdege and
BAHA'~YEAR BOOK

A t right, Mr. and Mrs. Hyde Dun?, Bahri'i
teachers in Australia. A t left, Mws Amy
Stevenson, a BahB'i of Auckland, New
Zealand.
REFERENCES TO BAHA'I MOVEMENT 127
with i t rnrnes a high responsibility, from whose namcs wcre &aji Miraa IIasan and
which there is no escape. H a j i Mirza Huseyn, have been r e n a m d ~by
I n the Palace ob Behjeh or Delight, just the Ba,bis Snltanes-Shahada, or King of
outside the Fortress of Acre, on the Syrian Martyrs and Mahbuh-es-Shahada or B e
coast, there died a few months slnce a loved of' Martyrs-and their nakeh graves
famous Persian sage the Babi Saint in the cemetery have become places of pilnamed ~ah~'u'1lih-th; "Glory of ~od": primage where many a t e a r is shed over
the Head of t h a t vast reform party of the fate of the "Martyrs of Isfahan.". . . .
Persian Moslems, who accept t h e New Tes- It i s these little incidents, protruding from
tament a s the Word of God and Christ a s time to time their ugly features, t h a t prove
the Deliverer of men, who regard all na- Persia t o be not as yet suite redeemed. and
tions a s one, and all men a s brothers. t h a t somewhat staggers the tall-talkers
Three years ago He was visited by a Cam- about Iranian civilization. If one conclubridge scholar and gave utterance to sen- sion more than another has been farced
timents so noble, so Christ-like, t h a t we upon our notice by the retrospect in which
repeat them a s OUT closing words: I have indulged, i t is t h a t a sublime and
"That all nations should become one in murmuring devotion bas been inculcated
faith and all men as brothers. t h a t the by this new faith, whatever i t be. There
bonds of affection and unity hltween the IS, I believe, but one instance of a Bahi
sons of men should be strengthened. t h a t having recanted under pressure of menace
diversity of religions should ceasd and of suffering, and he reverted to the faith
differences of race be annulled. What and was executed within two years. Tales
harm is there in this? Yet so i t shall be. of magnificent heroism illumine the blood-
Thes,e fruitless strifels, these ruinous wars stained pages of Babi history. Ignorant
shall pass away, and the 'Most Great and unlettered as many of its votaries are,
Peace' shall come. Do not you in Europe and have been, they are yet prepared to
need this also? Let not a man glory in die for their religion, and fires of Smiththis, t h a t he loves his country; let him field did not kindle a nobler courage t h a n
rather glory in this, t h a t he loves his has wet and defied t h e more refined torkind." ture-m~ongers of Teheran. Of no small
account, then, must be the tenets of a
XIII. Excerpts from ' P e r s i a" hy the creed t h a t can awaken in its followers so
Right Hon. The Earl curlon. Vol. I, r a r e and beautiful a spirit of self-sacripp. 496-504. Written in 1892 A. D. fice. From the facts t h a t Babism in i t s
Beauty and the female sex also lent earliest years found itself in conflict with
their consecration to the new creed and the civil powers and t h a t a n attempt was
t h e heroism of the lovely but ill-fated po- made by Babis upcn the life of the Shah
etess of Kasvin Zerin-Taj (Crown of i t has been wrongly inferred t h a t t h e
Gold) or ~ u r r a i - e l - A i n (Solace of the movement was political in origin and Ni-
Eyes), who, throwing off the Veil, carried hilist in character. I t does not appear
the missionary torch f a r and wide, is one from a study of the writings either of the
of t h e most affecting episodes in modern B i b or his successors t h a t there i s a n y
history. .. . The lowest estm~nte places foundation for such ' a suspicion. ..
t h e present number of Babis in Persia a t The charge of immorality seems to have
half a million. I am disposed t o think arisen partly from the malignant invenfrom conversations with persons well qualil tions of opponents, partly from the much
fled to judge, t h a t the total i s nearer one greater freedom claimed for women by the
million. They a r e to be found in every Bah, which in t h e oriental mind i s scarcely
dissociable from profligacy of conduct.
walk of life, frosm t h e ministers and nobles of the Court to the scavenger or the .
. . If Bahiism continues t o grow a t iDs
groom, not the least arena of their activity present r a t e of progression, a time may
being the Mussulman priesthood itself. I t conceivably come when i t will oust Mohamwill have been noticed t h a t t h e movement medanism from the field in Persia. . . .
was initiated by Syids, Hajis and Mullahs, Since its recruits a r e won from the best
1. e., persons who, either by descent, from soldiers of the garrison whom i t is attacking, there is greater reason t o believe t h a t
pious inclination, or by profession, were
intimately concerned with the Mohamme- i t may ultimately prevail. .. . The pure
and suffering life of the Bib, his ignomidan creed; and i t is among even the professed votanes of the faith t h a t they con- noue death, the heroism and martyrdom
tinue to make their converts. . . . Quite of his followers, will appeal to many others
recently the Babis have had great success
in t h e camp of another enemy, having contemporaneous records of Islam. ...
who can find no similar phenomena in t h e

secured many proselytes among the Jewish po ulations of the Persian towns. I XIV. Extracts from "The Gleam" by S i r
hear tKat during the past year (1891) Francis Younphusband, 1923:
they are reported t o have made 150 Jew- The story of t h e B i b as Mirza Ali Noish converts in Teheran, 100 in Hamadan hammed called himself' was the story of
50 in Kashan, and 75 per cent, of the ~ e w ; spiritual heroism unsLrpassed in Soaha t Gulpaigan. . . . The two victims, hava's experience; and his own adventur-
B A H ~ YEAR
'~ BOOK

Miss Efie Baker of Melbourne, Australia,
who travelled with Miss Martha Root
Bahb'i teacher and lecturer, on her notable)
trip through that country.
REFERENCE TO B A H A ' ~ MOVEMENT 129
nus soul was fired by it. That a youth of reveal all mysteries and all riddles. This
no social influence and no education should, was t h e humility of true insight. And i t
by t h e simple power of insight, be able t o h a s had its effect. His movement h a s
pierce into the heart of things and see the grown and expanded, and it has yet a great
real truth, and then hold on t o i t with future before it.
such firmness of conviction and present it During his six years of ministry, four
with such suasion t h a t he w a s able t o con- of which were spent in captivity, he had
vince men t h a t he was t h e Messiah and permeated all Persia with his ideas. And
get them t o follow him t o death itself, was since his death the movement h a s spread
one of those splendid facts in human his- to Turkey, Egypt, India and even into Eutory t h a t Svabhava loved to meditate on. rope and America. H i s adherents are now
This was a t r u e hero whom he would wish numbered by millions. The spirit w h k h
to emulate and whose experiences ha would pervades them, says Professor Brown, 1s
profit by. The Bib's pasionate sincerity such t h a t i t can not fail to affect most
could not be doubted, for he had d v e n his wowerfullv all subject to its influence."'
life for his faith. Ahd t h a t t h e r e m u s t be
something in his message t h a t appealed to XV. Extract f y m "The Christian Commen, and satisfied their souls was witnessed monwealth, January 22, 1915. Abto by the fact t h a t thousands gave their d u l - B a h i a t Oxford.
lives in his cause and millions now follow 'Abdn'l-Baha addressed a large and deeply
him. interested audience a t Manebester Col-
If a young man could, in only six years lege, Oxford, on December 31. The Perof ministry, by the sincerity of his pur- sian lea'der spoke in his native tongue,
pose and the attraction of his personality, Mirza Ahmed Sohrab intenpreting. Prinso inspire rich and poor, cultured and 11- cipal Estlin Carpenter presided, and inliterate, alike, with belief in himself and troduced the speaker by saying t h a t they
his doctrines t h a t they would. r e u ~ a m owed the honour and pleasure of meeting
staunch, though hunted down and without Abdu'l-Bahi to their revered friend, Dr.
trial sentenced t o death, sawn asunder, Cheyne, whq was deeply interested in the
strangled, shot, blown from guns; and i f BahB'i teaching. The Movement sprung
men of high position and culture in Per- up during the middle of the last century
sia, Turkey and Egypt in numbers to this in Persia, with the advent of a young Moday adhere to his doctrines, his life must hammedan who took to himself the title
t e one of those events in the last hundred of the Bbb (meaning door or gate through
years which is really worth study. And which men could arrive a t the inowledge
t h a t studv fortunatelv has been made bv or truth of Gd), and who comn~enced
the ~ & n & m a n ~ o b i n e a uand by profess& teaching in Persia in the year 1844. The
E. G . Brown, sa t h a t we are a'i?le to have purity of his character, the nobility of his
a faithful representation of its main fea- words, aroused great enthusiasm. He was,
however, subjected to great hostility by
the authorities, who secured his arrest and
imprisonment, and he was finally executed
in 1850. But the movement went on and
the, writings of the Bbb, which had 'been
copious, were widely read. The movement
has been brought into India, Europe, and
the United States. I t does not seek to
create a new sect but to inspire all sects
with a deep fundamental love. The late
Dr. Jowett once said to him that he had
been so deeply impressed w i t h the tsachings and character of the Bcib that he
testimony. . .. thought Babism, as the pTesent movement
He himself was but "a letter out of t h a t w a s then known might become the greatmost mighty book, a dewdrop from t h a t est religious mobement since the birth of
limitless ocean." The one to come would Christ.
130 BAH6'f YEAR BOOK

CITIES OF EUROPE AND AMERICA VISITED BY 'ABW'L-BAHA
1911-1913
Thonon-les-Bains, Switzerland
Paris, France
Stuttgart, Germany
Budapest, Hungary
London, England
Clifton, England
Byfleet, England
Oxford, England
Edinburgh, Scotland
New York, N. Y.
Brooklyn, N. Y.
Washington, D. C.
Baltimore, Md.
Chicago, Illinois
Kenosha, Wi8.
Cleveland, Ohio
Cincinnati, Ohio
Pittsburgh, Pa.
Montclair, N. J.
West Englewood, N. J.
Jersey City, N. J.
Cambridge, Mass.
Boston, Maas.
Malden, Mass.
Medford, Mass.
Fanwood, N. J.
Morristown, N. J.
Philadelphia, Pa.
Dublin, N. H.
Green Acre, Eliot, Maine
Montreal, Quebec
Minneapolis, Minn.
St, Paul, Mimn.
Denver, CoLo.
Oakland, Calif.
Palo Alto, Calif.
San Francisco, Calif.
Sacramento, Calif.
Los Angeles, Calif.
Salt Lake City, Utah.
Pasadena, Calif.
LIST OF ORIENTAL TERMS FREQUENTLY USED IN BAHA'f LITER-
ATURE, WITH MODERN T'RANSLITERATION AND
ARRANGED ALPHABETICALLY
'Abidih Dhahih Kitib-i-Aqdas Rahim
'Ahhas Duzdab Kurdistan Rahman
'Abdu'l-Bahi b'aran Lihijin Rahmat
'Ahdu'l-Hamid Fars Lar Rasht
'Abdu'l-Husayn Firdawsi Lawh Rawhani
'Abdu'llih Ganjih Luristan Ridvin
Abu'l-Fadl Ciilan MahAbu'sh-Shuhadh Ruhu'llih
'Adasiyyih Gul Mahmitd Sa bzivar
Adhirnayjin Gulastan Maqim Sadratu'l-Muntahi
Afnan Habib Makh Samarqand
Aghsan Hadith Maliyir Sangsar
'Ahd Haji Marighih Sari
Ahmad Hamadan Marhaba Shah
Ahsi'i Haydar'Ali Shahid
Ahv4z Haykal Shahmirzid
'AkkP Himmat-AbAd Shihrtd
'Ali Husayn Mashiyyat Sharaf
Allih-u-Ahhi Huvaydar Mashriqu'l-Adhkir Shaykh
Alvah I~rihim Mazindariiu Shi'ih
Alvah-i-Salitin 'Ilm Mihdi Shiraz
Amin Imam Milin Shushtar
Amru'llih Iqan Mirzh Simnlu
Anzali Ir Ln Mishkin-Qalam Sisan
~ q i 'Iraq Muhammad Sistan
Aqdae 'Iraq-i-'Ajam Muhammarih Siyyid
'ArabistPn fsfahan Mujtahid Sufi
+mi Ishqahid Mulk Sulayman
Avashiq Ishrhqat Mulli Sultin
Ayidi Ishtihard Munirih Sultin-Abid
Azal Isl&?n,, MustaghBth Sultanu'sh-Shuhada'
'Azamat Isma ihyyih Nahil Sunni
'Aziz Istaribad Najaf Suratu'l-Haykal
Bib '~zzat Najaf-Abid Tabriz
Babu'l-Bib Jalil Ndqidin Tdhirih
Baghdad Jamal Nasiru'd-Din Tajalliyat
Bah$,, Jamal-i-Mubarak Nawrdz Taki
Baha i Jd:b, Nayriz TLkur
Baha'u'llah Ka blh NishAb6r Tarazit
Bahiyyih Kalimit Ndr Tarhiyat
Bahji Kami1 Pahlavi Tashkand
Baluchist6n Karand Qadiyan Tawhid
Bandar'AbbBs Karhila Qahqahih Thurayya
Birfurdsh Kishan Oa'im Tihran
Basrih Kawmu's-Sa'ayidih Qmsar 'UlA
Bitdm Kawthar Qasr-i-Shirfn 'Ulami
BayLn KPzim Qawl Urdmiyyih
Bayt Kazimayn Qayydm Vahid
Birjand Kirmin Qazvfn Vahid
Bismi'llah Kirminshih Q6chPn Vali
BukhBrA Khalkhal Quddus Varql
Buritjird Khaniqayn Qudrat Vazir
Bushir Khayli-Khdb Qum Ya-BahP'u'l-Abhi
Bushruyih Khurbsin Qur'bn Yahya
Bushrd'i Khuy Qurratu'l-'Ayn Yazd
Chihriq Kitah-i-'Ahd Raf sinjin Zanjan
DawlabAbad Zaynu'l4uqnarrahin
132 BAHA'I YEAR BOOK

Dr. J. E. Esslamont, distinguGhed Bahri'i teaclzer and author.
DR. ESSLEMONT 133

DR. J. E. ESSLEMONT
The following brief biographical sketch o f the life of one d f our most distinguished
EahrE'i teachers and authors, is cont&buted b y the BaM'i Natianal Spjritual Assembly
of Ewland. Attached to and made a part of it is the appreciative ezpresswn of Shoglui
Effendi, Guardian of the Baha'i Cause.-EDITORS.

Ebenezer Esslemont, who Home Sanatorium, Southbourne,
JOHN
passed away a t Haifa November Bournemouth, which he continued to
22, 1925, was born on May 19, 1874, hold until 1923, when, owing to the
the youagest son of John E. Eesle- death of the proprietor, the Sanatomont of Fairford, Cults, Aberdeen- rium was closed and Esslemont found
shire. himself without medical occupation.
He received his preliminary educa- In 1924 he received a warm invition a t Ferryhill public school and tation from Shoghi Effendi, Guardcontinued his studies a t the Robert ian of the BahL'i Cause, asking him
Gordon College and ultimately a t to spend the winter a t Haifa, and
Aberdeen University, where he grad- early in November he left London,
uated with honors in April, 1898, ob- proceeding direct to Port Said.
taining not only the medical degrees Writing from Malta, the only port
of Bachelor of Medicine and of Sur- of call, on November 15th, Esslemont
gery, but also a Philip Research spoke of a delightful voyage and of
Scholarship a t the University. He feeling much improved in health.
spent the second half of 1899 a t He spent a day or two in Port Said,
Berne and Strasburg, at both of where he was most warmly received
which places he wrote papers on his by the friends, and arrived at Haifa
research work, which were published on November 21st. Here he a t once
and considered valuable. devoted himself to the work of as-
Returning to Scotland in Decem- sisting Shoghi Effendi in his multiber, 1899, Esslemont took up the po- farious correspondence, which work
sition of assistant to Professor Cash he continued in spite of ill-health una t Aberdeen University, which posi- til the end.
tion he held until 1901, when he went Such is a brief account of the mato Australia, remaining there two terial side of Esslemont's life; it reyears. During this residence in Aus- mains now to say something of the
tralia, he married on December 19, spiritual side, which continues and
1902. will continue for evermore.
Early in his life Esslemont's health Whilst a t Bournemouth in 1912 Esproved a cause of trouble and anx- slemont, in association with several
iety, and in 1903 he was obliged to other doctors, took up the question of
leave Australia, returning to Aber- State medical service and in 1914 he
deenshire, where he spent the sum- read a paper on this subject before
mer, but found it necessary in the the British Medical Association at its
winter of that year to proceed to meeting a t Bournemouth, which by
South Africa, the climate of which the attention i t aroused helped greatcountry i t was hoped would prove ly the deliberations of the Advisory
beneficial to his pulmonary ailment. Committee on Public Health. The
He remained in South Africa for five wife of one of Esslemont's associates
years, returning to his native coun- in this work, who had met 'Abdu'lt r y in 1908, when he obtained the BahL in London in 1911, first menpost of resident medical officer a t the tioned the BahA'i Cause to Esslemont
134 B A H A ' ~YEAR BOOK

in December, 1914, and lent him the outward appearance. It means
some pamphlets. He had been search- that our interest in and love for
ing for Truth in many directions, but everything in all God's universe
without finding that which could sat- should vastly increase, but that we
isfy his innate religious feeling; on should regard all outward appearhearing, however, the EahB'i mes- ances but as the garments of the insage he was at once impressed by its ner realities, as dawning places for
beauty and thoroughness; so much the Glory of God. Oh! may people
so that without delay he procured all all over the world soon turn to God,
books in English which dealt with the as revealed in BahO'u'llBh, with humsubject. Most truly applicable to ble and contrite hearts, begging for
Esslemont are the words of the Be- His forgiveness and blessing and imloved Master: "Blessed is he that the ploring His mercy and bounty!
Word of God had reached him and Then shall His Kingdom come in
had found his soul 'awake.' " men's hearts and the whole world be-
His progress in the study of the come one home and all mankind one
Sacred Books was therefore rapid, family."
for already in 1915 he was writing This extract from one of Essleto the lady above-mentioned recom- mont's early letters shows so clearly
mending what books she should read ; the spirit which illumined. all his
and in February, 1916, little more words and actions, that its insertion
than a twelve-month after he him- here will be forgiven by those who
self first received the Glad Tidings, read his stirring admonition and aphe wrote at length to a Bahi'i friend peal. That he himself did in very
in Manchester in terms which show truth turn to God as revealed by
how thoroughly he had accepted the BahB'u'llih, and that having so
BahB'i teachidgs and how profoundly turned, he never deviated by one
he had already studied them. Thus hair's breadth from the path of love
he writes: and righteousness is a fact known to
"We can each become like our those who had the privilege of meetfriend if we make the great surren- ing him and listening to his glowing
der of self and selfishness and be- talks as well as to those who are accome willing channels for the Divine quainted with him only through his
Spirit. There is no limit to what the writings inspired as they are with
human spirit can achieve in the that same loving spirit which was so
strength of Divine Inspiration. The apparent to those who knew him pergerm of the Divine Nature is in nnnallv.
- -------"
every man; only most of us are not Esslemont's work as a personal
manifesting it. Instead, we are teacher, apart from his letters, besmothering it. I t is like a plant, gan in Bournemouth, where a group
which needs sun and rain for its of adherents to the Cause gathered
growth, the Sun and Rain of the Di- under his auspices, resulting in the
vine Love and Bounty. We have the fnrmatinn of a Soiritual Assembly of
power either to open our hearts to
that h v e and Bounty or to reject
&z-&-& L -
the first
position he continued to ocupy until
a
them. Only by turning our attention he left England in 1924. In this eonand interest away from the world neetion it may be mentioned that he
and turning them to God can we was also thi representative of the
grow in spirit. Such turning means Bournemouth group on the National
attending to the reality and inner Spiritual Assembly of England, of
significance of things instead of to which body he became Vice-Presi-
DR. ESSLEMONT 135

dent, and which benefited much by had been prepared for t h meeting
~
his counsel and advice. of the Universal Esperanto Congress
Not satisfied with studying the a t Geneva in August of that year.
Baha'i writings for himself alone, Another work on which he was also
which led him to learn Persian so as engaged towards the close of his
to read them in the original language, earthly career was the translation
Esslemont set about writing for the into German of his large book.
instruction of others. The first nine These evidences of Esslemont's lachapters of his justly celebrated bors in the service of the Cause rebook, "Baha'u'llah and the New Era," main open to all, but of the loving
which were written during the services which he so gladly and self-
World War, were submitted to the lessly rendered to all with whom he
Beloved Master when peace led to the came into personal contact, only they
reopening of communications with can give full account from the inmost
Haifa, with the result that Esslemont recesses of their hearts; but surely
received an invitation from 'Abdu'l- all whom he helped will forever bear
Bahl to visit Haifa, which he did in in mind the inestimable benefits conthe winter of 1919-20. During this ferred upon them by his words, and
visit the Beloved Master discussed more, perhaps, by his living example
the hook with the author, making of what a true Bahi'i should be, for
suggestions for its improvement, and he was nigh unsurpassed in selflessindeed read through and revised ness, In utter devotion and obedience
some three and a half chapters, to the EahB'i teachings, in love and
which had been translated into Per- trustfulness to all his fellows.
sian for the purpose. No better appreciation of Dr. Es-
The third chapter relating to Ba- slemont and of his services to the
hL'u'llLh was first published as a sep- BahVi Cause can be given than that
arate pamphlet, and it was proposed contained in the following letter
to issue a new edition on the occasion which the Guardian of the Bahi'i
of the Conference on some living re- Cause wrote after the passing of him
ligions within the British Empire who loved the Cause so well and
which was held in London in the served it so faithfully:
autumn of 1924; on consideration, "It is with feclings of overwhelmhowever, it appeared that a more ing 'sorrow that I communicate to
general pamphlet would be both more you the news of yet another loss
appropriate and more useful, land which the Almighty, in His inscrutathus "Bahi'u'llih and His Message" ble wisdom, has chosen to inflict upon
came to be written by Esslemont, our beloved Cause. On the 22nd of
who also wrote the small leaflet, November, 1925-that memorable
"What Is the Bahi'i Movement?' and sacred day in which the Bahi'is
I t was not only by his printed of the Orient celebrated the twin
works that Esslemont became known Festivals of the Declaration of the
to the Bahi'i world, for he was an B&b and the Birthday of 'Abdu'lindefatigable and voluminous corre- Bahi-Dr. John E. Esslemont passed
espondent not only in English, but on to the Abha Kingdom. His end
also in Esperanto, of which universal was as swift as i t was unexpected.
language he was a complete master. Suffering from the effects of a
Amongst his last labors during his chronic and insidious disease, he fell
stay at Haifa in 1925 was the re- at last a victim to the inevitable comvision of the Esperanto translation plications that ensued, the fatal
of the above-mentioned leaflet which course of which neither the efforts of
136 BAHA'~YEAR BOOK

vigilant physicians nor the devoted acter the noble qualities of which
cares of his many friends could pos- will live and live forever after him.
sibly deflect. To me personally he was the warmest
"He bore his sufferings with ad- of friends, a trusted counsellor, an
mirable fortitude, with calm resigna- indefatigable collaborator, lovable
tion and courage. Though convinced companion.
that his ailments would never hence- "With tearful eyes I supplicate a t
forth forsake him, yet many a time the Threshold of BahB'u'llBh-and
he revealed a burning desire that the request you all to join-in my ardent
friends residing in the Holy Land prayers, for the fuller unfolding in
should, while visiting the Shrines, the realms beyond of a soul that has
implore the All-Merciful to prolong already achieved so high a spiritual
his days that he may bring to a fuller standing in this world. For by the
completion his humble share of serv- beauty of his character, by his knowlice to the Threshold of BahL'u'llLh. edge of the Cause, by the conspicuous
To this noble request all hearts achievements of his book, he has imwarmly responded. But this was not mortalized his name, and by sheer
to be. His close association with my merit deserved to rank as one of the
work in Haifa, in which I had placed Hands of the Cause of God.
fondest hopes, was suddenly cut "He has been laid to rest in the
short. His book, however, an abid- heart of that beautifully situated
ing monument to his pure iniiention, BahL'i burial ground at the foot of
will, alone, inspire generations yet Carmel, close to the mortal remains
unborn to tread the path of truth of that venerable soul, Haji Mirza
and service as steadfastly and as Vakilu'd-Dawlih, the illustrious
unostentatiously as was trodden by cousin of the BLb and chief builder
its beloved author. The Cause he of the Mashriqu'l-Adhkkr of 'IshqL
loved so well he served even unto his bkd. Pibrims visiting his grave
last day with exemplary faith and un- from far and near will, with pride
stinted devotion. His tenacity of and gratitude, do honor to a name
faith, his high integrity, his self- that adorned the annals of an immoreffacement, his industry and pains- tal Cause.
taking labors were traits of a char- "May he eternally rest in peace."
PART FOUR
I. The Relation of the BabA'i Cause to Modern
Progressive Movements.
11. The Unity of Civilization.
111. Equality of Men and Women.
IV. Esperanto and the BahB'i Teachings.
V. Some Tendencies Toward Unity in Religion.
VI. Science and Religion.
VII. Universal Education.
VIII. Racial Amity.
IX. The Economic Problem.
X. World Peace.
PART FOUR

THE RELATION OF 1WE BAHA'f CAUSE TO MODERN PROGRESSlVE
MOVEMENTS
B Y RU'III AFN'AN

0 NE of the problems that oonfront Holy Spirit. On the other hand,
a student of the Bahb'i Cause is reaching beyond this small circle of
the position i t occupies among the disciples, We inspired receptive souls,
other modern progressive movements. in all quarters of the globe and among
"Why is it," he asks, "that we see so all races and religions, to further the
many societies, more or less con- work by rending the veil of prejudice
temporary with the Cause, which up- and opening the eyes to the need of
hold similar views and aims? I t can- Divine help and fundamental reform.
not be a case of conscious plagiarism, The Divine Power is behind all profor in most cases the leaders of these gressive movements. BahB'u'llLh's
societies were absolutely ignorant of teachings would have remained a
the BahP'i Movement, its founders utopia, never to be realized, if His
and principles. Can i t be then that spirit, that is God's hand, had not
the Cause is merely eclectic, a move- stirred some souls to establish new
ment that has achieved nothing more movements and work, although in apthat to gather up ideas originated by parent independence, yet for similar
others and to adopt them as its own?" aims. These souls are the enlight-
To answer this difficult, yet legiti- ened teachers who have been showing
mate question, we have to remember the world that material prosperity
that the principal teaching of the should not be the aim of life; that
Cause is that its founders were di- through appropriate taxation and
vinely inspired. I t is not a man- education the rich can help the betmade Movement. I t is "the Cause of terment of the social and economic
God." Man's affairs have fallen into conditions of the poor; that war
such a tangled condition, his prob- should cease; that nationalism should
lems have become so complex and give way to a higher and nobler
difficult, his motives so selfish and policy of internationalism; that a
his aims so material, that no real League of Nations should be estabsolution is possible without a funda- lished to settle international disputes ;
mental and complete reform. that an international language should
God, therefore, having thegood of be created to become a universal
His people a t heart, undertook this medium of communication and elimgigantic task, and dealt with i t in two inate misunderstandings.
ways. On the one hand, He sent His In a word, these progressive move-
Prophet with a perfect code of laws ments which have sprung up during
to teach some chosen disciples, raise the ninteenth century have been inthem to whole-hearted devotlon and struments used by God to make the
obedience, and make them active world more receptive to His Cause.
leaven to permeate the world with the They have been like the plowing and
140 BAHA'~ YEAR BOOK

harrowing by which the farmer pre- solved and class hatred cease to breed
pares the ground for his crop. And internecine war ; unless inter-rewe can measure the extent of this ligious disputes be forgotten; unless
preparation if we take the pains to man become more religious and the
find out how much nearer now are the idea of the League be planted in his
popular views to the Teachings of the heart.
Cause, than they were at the begin- Two alternatives are, therefore,
ning of the last century. Since Ba- left to us. Either to accept the Cause
h6'u'llLh first proclaimed His prin- and thereby uphold all these teachciples, the world has, through the ings in their purest and most practiwork of these progressive teachers cable form, or to unite all the other
and the various societies they have progressive movements under one
founded, advanced so much towards banner, reform their principles, and
the BahL'i teachings that we would marshal them for the great Armagednot be in the least astonished, if from don. The latter alternative is imnow on people would join the Cause practicable, not only because of the
in whole ,groups rather than a s iso- jealousy and want of harmony belated individuals. As some one aptly tween these various movements, but
said, "if the Bahl'is do not make the also because it lacks two important
world BahL'i, i t will, through its factors. In the first place there is a
natural development, become so." want of that dynamic power, that out-
This view may give rise to an- pouring of the spirit, which is so conother question, namely, "If these s~icuous in the Bah6'i Movement.
movements aim a t the same thing, This executive Power is the only
could we not join them rather than thing that can save a high principle
the Cause, and through them bring from remaining a mere theory, an
about the Millennium?" Though ideal never to be realized.
many points may be advanced in In the second place the Cause has
answer to such a suggestion we need a brilliant history behind it, the hismention here only a few. tory of Divine Founders and noble
First, these movements have taken and valiant martyrs. No one can
up only one or two of the principles deny the effect past achievement has
and focused attention upon them. in determining the development of a
They therefore could not do more nation. It forms a source of ideals
than partially improve the social con- and examples on which future genedition of the world. Moreover, in rations can draw. What Cause shows
many of these movements we find a more brilliant history and greater
that the teachings are either pre- heroes to inspire its followers and
sented in a less perfect form than the rouse them to glorious effort?
Cause, or are incorporated with other Why has not the Bahl'i Cause
less desirable doctrines. spread more quickly? "If the Cause
BahQ'i Teachings are inclusive. If occupies such a high and sure posiwe study the principles laid down by tion," it may be said, "why has it not
BahL'u'llLh, we will see they are in- spread as quickly as the other, less
terdependent and have to be taken important, movements?" Before
up all together in order to achieve answering this question we may rethe desired result. His ideal League mind ourselves that the rapidity with
of Nations, for example, cannot be which a movement spreads is no sure
realized unless the Unity of Man- measure of its importance. History
kind be proclaimed ; unless the spirit shows us quite definitely that the
of narrow nationalism be abolished ; movements which spread most rapunless the economic problems be idly were not generally the ones to
UNITY OF CIVILIZATION 141

last longest. Christianity, on the to identify themselvcs with it. I n the
other hand, which after twenty cen- majority of cases the reason is that
turies still retains its millions of the people have come to he suspicious
votaries, had to take f a r slower steps of any movement that has a religious
and await a century or two before at- element in it. They have seen so
tracting much attention from the much lack of sincerity in certain proworld. fessedly religious people that they are
Moreove , how could we expect the apt to generalize and attribute this
people to understand and appreciate characteristic to all. I t is for the
in a short period of time such a num- Baha'is, therefore, to live up to the
ber of teachings and accept so high life their leaders have so perfectly
a claim as the Baha'i Movement puts exemplified for them, and by actual
forward ? deeds prove to these people that this
Other movements in most cases up- generalization is unwarranted and
hold only one or two principles, the that they must set aside this suscomprehension of which is f a r easier. picion and render to the Cause its
One short leaflet is enough to con- due honor and support.
vince one that the League of Nations, In conclusion I may quote 'Abdu'lthough far from being perfect, is a Bahfi, who said: "The spirit of the
step towards the ideal. On the other Cause is pulsating in the arteries of
hand, months and perhaps years of mankind." I t is the spirit of the
continuous study and meditation may Cause that has aroused responsive
be needed to awaken a soul to the im- souls to throw aside their antiquated
portance and greatness of the Bahd'i beliefs, found new schools of thought,
Cause. This i s not due to anv inher- give their lives for progressive aims
ent defect in the teachings but to the and serve noble Causes. But should
magnitude of the issues involved. their adherents continue to follow
Those of the Bahi'is who have had these leaders once the greater and
some experience in teaching the more comprehensive movement is
Cause and advocating its principles proclaimed? Should they he satisfied
will agree, that though many become with small and limited things when
great admirers of the movement, the nobler and greater Cause comcomparatively few are willing fully mands their allegiance?

THE UNITY OF CIVILIZATION
BY Y. S. TSAO
1'. S. Tsao, the President o f T s i w Hua College, i s a Y a l e graduate a d his w l f e n
charming. American lady. T s C g H z ~ aC o l l e u e ,was founded i n 1911 as the result of the
return to Chiina, b y the United S t a t e s gocernment, o f t h s Boxer indemnity.- EDITORS.

A FEW weeks ago I had the privi- sality of Religion." Civilization
lege of hearing an address by Dr. without unity is not civilization-but
Luce, entitled "Interpreting the Signs superficiality; religion without uniof the Time." The speaker, dream- versality is not religion but supering of a Utopia, asked himself what stition or dogmatism.
are the signs leading to a millennium One of the most' remarkable moveon earth. I thought these signs ments toward the unity of civilizashould at least first lead to "The tion was the World Conference on
Unity of Civilization and the Univer- Education held in San Francisco.
142 BAHA'I YEAR BOOK
The sessions were devoted to a dis- armed forces thirsting for the fray.
cussion of education as a means of But there is a quiet but well founded
eliminating the ignorance and injust- belief that the forces tending to unity
ice causing hatred and misunder- in the world are different in quality,
standing amony nations. The call incomparably greater in scope than
which went out to one thousand con- those which make for disruption.
tacts in 73 different countries con- Discord is explosive and temporary;
tained the following objectives; to harmony rises slowly but dominates
promote friendship, justice and good- the final chord.
will among the nations of the earth; The great World War has certainly
to bring about a world-wide tolerance brought home the lesson of economic
of the rights and privileges of all na- interdependence among nations, and
tions, regardless of race or creed; to althoutgh President Wilson's ideal was
develop an appreciation of the value not fully realized in the League of
of inherited gifts of nationality Nations, subsequent events have dethrough the centuries of development cidedly brought back to the thinking
and progress; to secure accurate and minds such works as Norman
adequate information in textbooks Angell's "Great Illusion," Fayle's
used in the schools of the different "The Great Settlement ' and Keyne's
J

nations; to produce a national com- courageous attacks against the repradeship; to inculcate in the minds aration provisions of the Treaty of
and hearts of the rising generations Versailles, and recently even Kant's
the spiritual values necessary to carry Perpetual Peace had new editions
forward the principles emphasized brought out.
a t the Washington Conference; and In a more recent work published by
finally, to emphasize the essential the Cambridge University Press, enu n i t y of mankind, making clear the titled, "The Wider Aspects of Edusuicidal nature of war, and the ne- cation," which contains papers by
cessity of peace. Dr. G. P. Gooch, he as a historian
The opening meetings were at- called the doctrine of the unfettered
tended by from ten to eighteen thou- sovereignty of the individual state
sand people interested in this move- a s "the curse of the modern world."
ment. An eye-witness said: "To He said in part, "For a thousand
stand before the plenary conference years roughly from St. Augnstine to
and look into the faces of the world, Machiavelli, from the fifth century
a representation wide-spread, not a to the fifteenth, the conception of the
few leading countries but the nations unity of civilization dominated Euof the world who sat together and rope. They called Europe the Res
earnestly deliberated, not for selfish Publica Chrigtiana-the Christian
interests but for a great humanistic Chmmonwealth-and they believed
motive, sent a thrill through one. in this 'great conception of the unity
Constantly one felt that i t was here, of civilized mankind. I t was only
-the greatest fundamental truths, about 400 years ago, when the great
the potent forces which can make hu- political thinker Machiavelli taught
manity better, more tolerant, more the conception of the sovereignty of
faithful, more virtuous, more devout the State, making every State su-
-will be set in motion." preme, responsible only to itself,
Many will be found to ridicule the without any obligations to other
idea that any real progress in unity States, without any obligations to the
has ever been made, or that the community of mankind, and without
world can ever be envisaged except paying any more than lip homage
as an irksome enclosure of rival either to a divine ruler of mankind
UNITY OF CIVILIZATION 143
or to the divine voice within. What to those whose training is given into
Machiavelli began was continued by our bands.
men like Hobbes in England and Recently, I was profoundly stirred
Hegel in Germany, and i t has become by a passage which appears in a book
something like an established prin- meant to train military leaders. I t
ciple of statesmen and of publicists says, "Under the old idea, patriotism
in every country in the world. For consisted in doing one's utmost to
the last four centuries therefore there bring power, honor and glory to one's
has been a struggle going on for the own nation, even, if expedient and
soul of man between the doctrine of necessary at the expense of other naworld-citizenship and the newer doct- tions. The true conception of parine of purely secular and national triotism is of a higher order-to
politics." bring power, honor and glory to the
He regards the Great War as the state through honest effort, through
inevitable result and the final dis- good government, through unselfishproof of the truth and value of nar- ness and not conquest, through
row-headed and narrow-minded na- friendship toward the other nations
tionalism and he believes that the of the earth and especially the
best thought and the best mind of the weaker, through making the name
day in all countries without excep- and flag of the state honored and retion is turning to the conception of spected among all nations-and all
world-citizenship, brought up-to-date, this not alone for its own sake but for
transferred from a theological to an the benefit of humanity and the race.
ethical foundation, and enlarged un- Such a conception does not belittle
til it embraces, at any rate, all the patriotism, it ennobles it. Neither a
civilized countries of the world. This man nor a nation can exist worthily
process has been assisted not only by for his own or its own sake alone.
the bankruptcy of the doctrine of Both have a part and a duty toward
sovereignty which was revealed by others in lifting civilization to a highthe Great War, but also by our ex- er plane and in contributing permaperience of the results of the struggle. nent values to the life of the civilized
He believes it will take a very long world. This is the true conception
time for this conception to work it- of patriotism-and nationalism."
self into the consciousness and the Two years ago, the writer had the
sub-consciousness of statesmen, of the opportunity to address the leading
man in the street, and of the school- educators of the country at an anmaster and of the author of school nual conference and the conclusion
history; but it has got to come, and it was a revised version of a Confucian
will come. He is, perfectly certain passage so-called "The New Great
that those of us who are connected Learning." Confucius said:
with teaching and the teaching pro- "The ancients who wished to illusfession will be gravely neglecting our trate illustrious virtue throughout
duties if we do not do all that lies in the world, first ordered well their own
our power first to convince ourselves states. Wishing to order well their
of this fundamental fact of the unity states, they first regulated their
of civilization and the mutual obliga- families ; wishing to regulate their
tion of all the members of the civil- families they first cultivated their
ized family of man, and in the second persons ; wishing to cultivate their
place, to pass on this great revealing persons, they first rectified their
and inspiring conception to those hearts; wi~hing to rectify their
with whom we come in contact, and hearts, they first sought to be sin-
YEAR BOOK

cere in their thoughts ; wishing lo be Religion must quicken its pace, othersincere in their thoughts, they first wise man will not wake in time t o
extended t o the utmost of their save himself from the nightmare of
knowledge, such extension of knowl- war."
edge lay in the investigation of As illustrations of religion applied
things." to human affairs, Mr. Rockefeller
In the light of modern knowledge, cited hospitals, schemes for housing,
I advocated the employment of child labor laws, factory laws. "In
Science in the investigation of things back of these manifestations, whether
and in the completion of knowledge; consciously or not," he said, "is the
the use of religion, ethics and philos- Christian spirit. The operation of
ophy of life to make sincere one's man's sympathy is the flower of our
thoughts, to rectify one's heart and spiritual idealism. If men are to
to cultivate one's person; the adop- continue to live together in our modtion of social sciences for the regula- ern closely knit society," Mr. Rocketion of one's family and the govern- feller declared, "they must be guided
ment of a stale; and to adopt the by principles springing from love of
conception of Unity of Civilization God, hence love of our brother. Aland the Universality of Religion in though civilization may temporarily
order to illustrate illustrious Virtue have outstripped its religion, it has
throughout the world. not outgrown it."
While the idea of the sovereignty Let each one ask himself or herself,
of the state has limited the scope of "Has intellect or civilization, modern
civilization by petty nationalism, necessities of life and nervous pasmost great religions claim to be uni- sions outstripped my own abiding reversal. However, the religions have ligious faith?" To be more concrete,
not made good their claim. "If your faith is the Fatherhood of
God of Love, can you love mankind as
Mr. Rockefeller, Jr., before a Bible your b r o t h e r ? ' W h y cannot this
Class of two hundred men in New text continually ring in our ears:
York, said that modern intellect has "Forgive them, for they know not
outstripped religion in the headlong what they do." Has it not been said
progress of modern times. He quoted of a great soul that when his pet dog
from a recent article by Winston upset his candle in his library and
Churchill, present Chancellor of the burnt his manuscript upon which he
Exchequer of the British Empire, as had devoted many years of study to
follows: "The ideas of 1924 are complete, his only displeasure was
marching on and are being perfected the exclamation, "Diamond, Diain the armies of the world under the mond! Little do you know the missurface of peace. Mankind has got chief you have done!" If we cannot
into its hands the tools by which i t get this forgiving and sympathetic
can unfailingly accomplish its own spirit to permeate our being then reextermination." ligion becomes only a Sunday suit.
"Why is this so?" Mr. Rockefeller Since the war, German thinkers
asked, and he answered his own ques- have been busily occupied in develoption. ing new philosophies, and in spite of
"Because the development of man's starvation and social chaos, with a
spiritual character has not kept pace certain part of the German people,
with his intellect. Civilization, the the physical discomforts of life seem
accumulation of mind and matter, to have created a spiritual need more
has temporarily outstripped religion. urgent than the want of food. Phil-
UNITY OF CIVILIZATION 145

osophical works were purchased by wings 01eagles and unconsciously igthe members of the middle class by noring formal lines of division bethe hundreds of thousands. For in- neath. Meantime, the advancing
stance, the sale of Chamberlain's philosophy of religion, the enriching
"Foundations of 19th Century Civili- discoveries of history and archzation" has reached 150,000 copies. aeology, the pressure of social prob-
Vaihinger's "Philosophy of the As lems, the new cosmopolitanism, and
If" 50,000, Spengler's "Decline of above all the constructive results of
Western Civilization" 70,000 and Biblical criticism are bringing to-
Keyserling's "A Philosopher's Log" gether many of the best minds and
50,000. of the most consecrated souls upon a
Count Keyserling is a member of a platform of Christian belief and efnoble German family of the Russian fort incompatible with aggressive
Baltic provinces dispossessed by the sectarianism, and independent of de-
Revolution. The social and moral nominational subdivision. The tenor
chaos of his generation drove him to of this sentiment is not revolutionary
despair, so he undertook a trip but evolutionary ; not destructive but
around the world as a student of constructive. This crystallizing of
creeds and philosophies. "He tried unorganized sentiment into a reinterto feel and think like a Buddhist in pretation of the church on non-sec-
Ceylon, a Brahman in India, a Con- tarian lines must be through the
fucianist in China, a Japanese in centralizing power of the Eternal
Japan and an American in the United P u t h lifted up and drawing all men
States." The record of his spiritual unto itself, with the vitalizing power
metamorphoses was first published in of the Eternal Spirit giving liberty
1918 as "A Philosopher's Log." His unto every man.
conclusions might be summarized as After prophesying the gradual
follows: " All facts-and all creeds- breaking down of the artificial barare but differer~tezpressions of one riers of sectarianism and denominaspiritual meaning; they are the only tionalism, thereby giving religious
means by which we can gain cogni- life a freer development in a wider
zance of the real world of spiritual field, Dr. Hall described his hopes enfacts; deeper understanding of their tertained towards the people of the
meaning will lead to greater power East. "When one stands in the heart
and perfection; and there is no hu- of the venerable East; feels the atman progress but this improvement mosphere charged with religious imof our understanding." pulse; reads on the faces of the peo-
This philosophical acknowledgment ple marks of the unsatisfied soul ; conof the universal origin of spiritual siders the monumental expressions
life is quite recent, but even as early of the religious idea in grand and enas 1905, Dr. Charles Cuthbert Hall, during architectural forms, then the
the President of the Union Theologi- suggestion, that all this means nothcal Seminary, observed the growing ing-that i t bears no witness to the
repugnance on the part of ministers Divine in man seeking and finding a
and laymen, to old forms of denomi- partial and inadequate self-fulfillnational subscription. I n circles of ment-that i t is but to be stamped
culture there is coming a truer sense out and exterminated before Chrisof proportion touching the legitimate tianity can rise upon its ruins-befunctions of the church, he declared. comes an unthinkable suggestion. I
Undeveloped conceptions of unity look with reverence upon the hopes
and movements of life and love are and y e a r n i n g s of non-Christian
in the air, moving freely as on the faiths, believing them to contain
EAB. BOOK
flickering and broken lights of God," ment; the teachings of all religions
and "And nothing is more certain and societies a r e found here. Christhan that the common essence of tians, Jews, Buddhists, Muham-
Christianity lends itself to expres- madans, Zoroastrians, Theosophists,
sion in the terms of the East. Our Freemasons, Spiritualists, et al., find
Lord Himself was an Oriental, and no their highest aims in this Cause.
imagination can picture Him, with- Socialists and philosophers find their
out violence to the sense of truth, theories fuliy developed in this reveexcept in the garb and manner of lation."
the East. Christianity would have The Bahl'i revelation, which had
overspread the East ere now had i t its rise in Persia in the year 1844,
not been forced upon the East in today has become known throughout
unwelcome identification with the the world. "It is not so much a new
manners and customs and tempera- religion as Religion renewed and uniments and dogmas and military fied."
governments of an alien and inex- This unique movement for social
plicable West." and spiritual reconstruction was first
"Finally, the Christianization of centered in a radiant youth called
the world suggests a more complete the Bib, whose mission i t was to proand full-orbed interpretation of claim the coming of a great world
Christianity for the world, when the messenger. Many European his-
E~astshall supplement and fulfill the torians have described the wonderful
West by contributing truth seen from charm of this pure-hearted hero of
her point of view; mediated through progressive religion, who was marher experience." tyred in 1850 after six years of bril-
I have quoted lengthily in order to liant teaching.
show how even twenty years ago re- Bahl'u'lllh, a Persian noble, then
ligious thinkers were aiming a t unity appeared as the one heralded by the
in civilization and universality in re- Bib. He announced the dawn of a
ligious life. More recently, the reli- new age, an age when brotherhood
gious views are growing even more and peace should cover the earth even
liberal, to wit, the teachings of Dr. as the waters cover the sea. The prin-
Fosdick of New York and the ser- ciples he advocated, however, were
mons of Dean Inge of London. too universal for the limited minds of
The prophecy of Dr. Hall, has in a his contemporaries. He and a few of
measure been realized in the teach- his follov~erswere driven by the reings of many well known move- actionary powers of Persia into exile
ments, more or less religious, which and prison, and a t last, in 1868, were
have been organized in recent years, immured in the desolate barracks of
but I shall confine myself here to the Akka in Syria.
teachings of the BabP'i Movement as But the persecutions of men cantaught by Bahi'u'llih and 'Abdu'l- not extinguish the light of God's holy
Bahi, which mean "The Glory of spirit when it shines from the heart
God" and "The Servant of God." of his prophets. From the "Most
"The BahP'i revelation is not an Great Prison" of Akka, Bah6'u'lllh
organization. The Bahb'i Cause can spread his gospel of unity and love
never be confined to an organization. throughout Western Asia. I n 1892,
The Bahl'i revelation is the spirit of a t the end of forty years of exile and
this age. I t is the essence of all the imprisonment, he passed away, leavhighest ideals of this century. The ing his eldest son, 'Abdu'l-Bahl as
Bahl'i Cause is an inclusive move- the appointed expounder of his word
EQUALITY OF MEN AND WOMEN 147
and the promulgator of his Cause, I have marshalled forth evidences
the "Center of the Covenant." to prove that the conception of Unity
Under the guidance of 'Abdu'l- in Civilization and Universality in
BahL the BahB'i message has been Religion are already in existence.
carried to all lands and all religions. These comprehensive conceptions are
I t has bound Christians and Muham- very satisfying, although i t may take
madans, Buddhists and Parsis, Jews a long time before they are fully
and Hindus, into the most spiritual realized in the world.
brotherhood the world has ever
Mueh suffering and aamage have
known.
The BahL'is believe that inis is the been caused to the world and hubeginning of that Golden Age upon manity in the name of civilization
earth, the age of universal peace and and religion, which are too much a
love when, as Cnrist foretold, men heterogenous conglomeration of in-
"shall come from the east and from consistencies. Without order, systhe west, and from the north and tem, comprehensibility, consistency,
from the south, and shall sit down and unity, the best civilization and
in the Kingdom cf God." the best religion can but be partial
"The BahC'i teachings unify the re- and inadequate truths, containing
ligions of the world into one uni- only flickering and broken light of a
versal religion. I t proves that the divine purpose. Such conceptions
essence of the original teaching of cannot satisfy the questing soul, nor
all those religions was the same, can they give that unruffled serenity
though they have grown f a r apart of outlook upon life as a whole. Only
because of additions in the form of Civilization with Unity and Religion
dogmas, theology and rituals com- with Universality can have the ring
bined with the ambitions of different of finality.
leaders."

THE EQUALITY OF MEN AND WOMEN
B Y DR. ORROLHARPER

Humanity, beinz roused from its
IN this day of universal awakening
t h e sediment of old ideas is brought sleep of stagnation, is gradually
to the surface, and revealed in un- awakening to the consciousness of a
garnished nudity. I t is as if a clarify- limitless self. It sees in potential
ing prod had stirred to its depths the possibility manifestations of all life.
ocean of life and brought into view I t makes the discovery that all pheall the debris that human ignorance nomena are produced by a varied
and misconception have collected for combination and balance of negative
ages. and positive charges of electronic
Placed in bold relief by the sun- energy.
light of analysis and reason the crude Humanity ranges its study from
barrenness of ancient ideas unfolds. the smallest simple element to the
Opinion takes on perspective and vi- largest and most complicated bodies
sion, understanding becomes more and planets, and through such invital, reality more clear. vestigation i t becomes known that
B A H ~ 'YEAR
~ BOOK

Dr. and Mrs. K. M. Foujdar of Bombay, who were married February
2, 1925. Mrs. Foujdar was Miss S h i r i n M. Irani. S h e holds a unique
position as the first Eastern woman to be able to speaio i n public i n the
East.
EQUALITY OF MEN AND WOMEN 149
the same law that governs the snnal- do all the hard labor of the day, while
lest particle of matter applies also he sat around and smoked or fought
to the largest bodies in creation. in battle.
The principle of opposites is the What a difference exists today!
law by which all manifestations of Civilization has advanced. Woman
life on this earth plane exist and be- is awake to her identity. She is become known. Contrast is the means coming conscious that she is the equal
used to make us appreciate the true and complement of the masculine
worth of all things. element of humanity.
Would we appreciate sunshine if it Education is freeing her from the
never rained? If hatred and ani- bondage of ignorance. The unmosity did not exist would we under- trained, uneducated, inexperienced,
stand love and kindness? If there suppressed half of the body of man
were no ignorance would we be con- has shaken off its paralysis. As
scious of knowledge? If poverty did woman receives the intellectual
not exist would we be able to enjoy stimulus that can only come by conwealth? If woman had not suffered tact with other minds, she is developfrom the cave-man would she be able ing strength and learning how to fulto appreciate the co-operative man? fill her purpose in life, that of being
If woman did not exist would man the equal and complement of man, in
be in existence? No! fact the mother of all men.
Man and woman are the two com- Lack of development of either half
ponent parts of humanity. With of the human race delays progress.
either element lacking the human If either wing of the bird of humanrace could not exist, and with either ity is weak or broken the bird canelement undeveloped the race as a not soar to its greatest heights.
whole stagnates. But the fact that woman has not
In centuries past woman has been always been conscious of her powers,
the helpless, uneducated, unhonored has not always been the life and inpart of mankind. As f a r back as spiration that she is today, has not
historical records go woman's chief always contributed her intellectual
sphere of activity has been the home. gifts to the intelligence of the race,
Her time has been so completely makes her even more appreciated,
taken up with household duties and now that she is learning how to
the rearing of children that her in- strengthen that weakened wing of the
tellectual growth has suffered. human bird.
Formerly in the Orient women A sweeping survey of woman's acwere not even considered as human tivity in the world proves i t to he
beings. Certain Arab tribes counted extensive. A large group of progthem in with their livestock. I n their ressive mothers are to be seen, who
language, the noun for "woman" also are educating themselves so that
meant "donkey"; that is, the same they in turn can adequately train
name applied to both, and a man's their children.
wealth was accounted by the num- A second class of women is desber of these beasts of burden he pos- cribed by an author in The Living
sessed. The worst insult one could Age, who writes, "Although home
hurl a t a man was to call out, ''Thou duties may be the appropriate funcwomail !" tion for tke majority of women, there
The American Indian in an un- is in the social life of today a very
civilized state allowed his squaw to large class of young women who are
rear a family and at the same time perfectly capable of doing what was
once supposed to be man's exclusive cleaners, hotel proprietors, men garwork-and doing i t well." ment cutters and fitters, apartment
Some specific examples of this house superintendents, men bakers,
class are: chefs, pickle makers and brewers, it
Margaret Kelly, Assistant Director is they who are the usurpers-not
of the United States Mint. the women, who are but following
Mrs. J. C. McRee, business their traditional pursuits from home
woman of Atlanta, Ga., who in 1918 to factory.
bought the fixtures of a tea room A fourth class is made up of women
going out of business for $200. Two who are demonstrating the dynamic
years later she refused $150,000 for ability to have babies and careers
it. both. Lady Astor, a member of the
Dr. Alice Hamilton, one of Amer- British parliament, and also a mother
ica's most distinguished physicians, of five children is an interesting exfor six years traveled over the ample. Lady Astor says, "The pearl
country for the United States De- of a great price that I am striving for
partment of Labor, and later spent is to take into public life what every
one half of each year a t Harvard Uni- man gets from his mother-unselfishversity where she was one of the ness, vision, courage, cleanness-the
faculty. real kind which helps them to live up
In reply to the opponents of to what is best in them. There is so
woman's new activity, Gertrude Ath- much good in all men, but only good
erton in the Yale Review says, "You women can bring it out."
forget that no woman can hold a Henry Norman in the Forum says,
man's job if she is inefficient and that "Women are among the truly great
many men are cheerfully permitting artists of the world; some of them
their wives to support them." are great musicians, many o'i them
Women of a third class have been great fiction writers."
accused of being industrial usurpers. Every cause that is of lasting bene-
But this idea has been proved fit to the race is usually watered with
faulty by C. P. Neil, Commissioner the blood of martyrs. The cause of
of Labor, who listed four of the six the awakened woman is no exception.
great divisions of modern industry Kurratu'l-Ayn, a beautiful Persian
a s woman's industry, by right of her poetess, was the first woman to give
priority in them. Look a t the range her life to help establish freedom for
of the four :- all women. I n 1863, in a land where
1. Textile industries (c o t t o n , girls received no education, in a
woolen, linen manufacturers.) country where custom demanded
2. Cloth and serving trades (all thick protecting veils for all women
garment manufacturers.) a t all times, among a people who considered i t a disgrace to be the parents
3. Manufacturers of food and kin- of a girl baby, Kurratu'l-Ayn arose
dred products (including bever- and throwing aside her veil, fearlessly
ages, bakeries, pickle factories, proclaimed the dawn of a New Age
candy kitchens, etc.) in which superstition, fanatical cus-
4. Domestic service (supervision tom and ignorance would be done
of hosteleries, a p a r t m e n t away with. For her action Kurratu'lhouses, restaurants.) Avn was killed, her body was thrown
If "usurpation" is the word i t is igto a well, and stones-were heaped
the men carders and weavers, men upon her. Like a seed that human
who come to the house with vacuum body was buried, so that the spirit
EQUALITY OF MEN AND WOMEN 151

of progress that animated i t might raised his head and must pcrforce be
come forth as a new plant to carry recognized.
freedom, courage, intellectual and I looked the fellow straight in the
spiritual growth to all women. eye and am surprised to discover that
The most important question of he has a goodly countenance. He
this age is the establishment of Uni- whom I have suspected of being a
versal Peace. Since 1888 an Inter- destroyer smiles benignly, and before
national Council of Women, represen- I can analyze the thrill of pleasure
ting 42 countries and 36,000,000 that permeates my being he begins to
women, has been meetinlg; once every speak, "I am that force which awakfive years to promote unity and mu- ens in all men and women the contual understanding between all as- sciousnes of a better self. I t is I who
sociations of women, working for the stimulates undeveloped talent into accommon welfare of humanity. Its tivity. It is I who promotes true
watchwords are peace, co-operation happiness, harmony and co-operation.
and progress. I t is I who helps to fulfill the plan of
To him who considers man superior creation. I am called "Sex-Antagonto woman, Professor Burton, late ism," I should be named "Competi-
President of the Minnesota and Wis- tion in Self-expression." Sex-Anconsin Universities said, "Both male tagonism is the seen and unseen conand female elements are to be found flict which exists between the sexes
in all people-the predominance of for supremacy and self-expression.
one determining the sex. The differ- "When man was a barbarian and
ence between men and women is not a woman was his slave, the qualities of
question of infenority or superiority, the better self found very feeble exbut a difference in kind and func- pression!'
tion." This brings to my mind an idea
Gertrude Atherton in the Yale Re- obtained from Vance Thompson in
view says, "Man and woman are one his book, "Woman." Thompson
heing split in two, differently sexed finds the explanation of the modern
for the benefit of the race. Men and feminist movement in the sex-specialwomen are made up of the same in- ization man has imposed upon
gredients. The preponderance of woman. He says that for ages man
good or bad, weakness or strentgth, is has insisted that woman be a "female
in the individual not the sex." being" rather than a "human being."
An author in the Living Age says, The voice of Sex-Antagonism in-
"What women lack in weight and terrupts my train of thought, "Today
muscular power they make up in as- civilization has advanced. The femsiduity, conscientiousness and keen inist movement has demonstrated
endeavor." that the feminine is the equal and
'Abdu'l-BahS, the Center of a complement of the masculine element
world wide movement to establish of humanity."
universal peace, said that this is the A quotation from W. L. George in
age of woman and that there is not "Woman and Tomorrow" is reflected
a position held a t any time by man, on the mirror of my mind. Mr.
that certain women will not occupy. George says, "Feminism is broadly
At this point I see some scholarly the furthering of the interests of
gentlemen, who still have their noses women, philosophically the leveling
buried in the musty emptiness of the of the sexes, and specifically the sopast, shake emphatic objection. The cial and political emancipation of
monster called Sex-Antagonism has woman."
152 BAHb'f YEAR BOOK

"I," Sex-Antagonism continues, crn woman wants a partner not a
"Am the one who ushers in the great- master."
est happiness in life-for I stimulate ~ f this tburst~ of ~ the
an expression of the innate talents voice of ~ ~ ~grows sud-
- ~ ~ t ~ ~ ~
of a better self. I t matters not denly deep and serious, y,ex-~nwhether the Person be a laborer, a tagonism helps to fulfill the plan of
housewife, a politicion, a professional creation. One of the objects of ereaor business man or woman,-each is tion is production. The antagonistic,
happy in proportion to the innate the law of opposites is used for creaperfections he or she is expressing. ti ve purposes. ~h~ feminine and
"The feminist movement is an ef- masculine, the negative and positive
fort toward expression, where before opposing elements; their union
there has been suppression. Woman produces a new
wants to be happy along with the
reality of man has two asrest of the world.
"When modern man recognizes p e ~ t s . One aspect attaches him to
~ d , " a!:;pcS:'
~ ZI;'~;
~ ~
thls world, its thoughts and affairs.
~ The~other~ aspect ~ directs
, his attention
found for both. Sex-Antagonism will to the ideals of a spiritual existence.
then stimulate the better talents of $ ~ ~ e ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ ~ $ , g O
each into activity.
harmony and co-operation of the two opposing elements in man,
the material and t h e spiritual, results
can only be found through mutual
in an individuality that is eternal.
in selfexpression We Say such a man has character' In
and preventspromotes understanding,
the sacrifices of one in- the same way, the illumination radidividuality for another. Modern ating from an incandescent bulb has
maintains her individuality, resulted from the union of the negaunderstands and is understood tive and positive poles of electricty.
Just so the two opposite poles that
than were her ancestors.
ancient man, who was represent the human race, when properly united, will produce an illumined
of all he surveyed, and his slave
understanding that will become unino constructive conflict
isted. I t takes two opposing elemerits to cause a conflict. ~h~ man .
A silence of thought ensues. . . .
was sufficiently aggressive to find a The message of Sex-Antagonism
means of expressing his talents; but awakens me to s new realization of
undeveloped completely sub- !ife. I see all the conflicting forces
merged her individuality to man. in the world-negative and positive,
~~~k of respectfor was the male and female, constructive and deeffect on man. structive, material and spiritual cont of sex-antagonism is stantly contributing their individual
' ' ~ a~tide
risinmg! ~ ~talents
t are~develop-
~ t
energy toward the equalization, the
ing ! Co-operation hetween the sexes realization Of fuller and more Peris in sight. The modern woman has f ect life.
arrived. She expresses her senti- A vision appears before my eyes.
ments in the Delineator : "The mod- I see a mysterious valley hidden in the
ern woman wants a common share darkness of ignorance and misconcepin all her husband's interests, in his tion. From its tangled depths there
failures as well as his successes, his rises a t dawn of day a beautiful
love a s well as his money. The mod- white bird. Its two well developed
ESPERANTO AND BAH&i TFACHINGS 153
wings glisten in the sunlight, and in the school of earth expcriencc.
move with equal strength and Now that its two wings are equally
rhythm. The bird carries in its strong, the equality of men and
mouth a gem of great price-the gem women is realized, and the bird of
of knowledge. I hear a voice say, humanity, with a free spiritual con-
"It is the bird of humanity which has sciousness, can soar from summit to
been educated, trained and developed summit of progress."

ESPERANTO AND THE BAHA'f TEACHINGS

T HE need of an international lan- cation or other scheme of adaptation.
guage has long been felt among Hence i t can never be made neutral,
the forward-looking mcn and women in such a way that all people shall
of all lands. Both ideal and utilitarian feel equally at home in it. Moreover,
considerations urgently demand the the adoption of such a language, inestablishment of such a language a t stead of allaying the causes of misthe earliest possible moment. The understanding and ill will, would in
practical handicaps in connection some measure intensify them, since
with all international intercourse and it would arouse the strongest jealousespecially in all international con- ies and suspicions on the part of the
gresses and similar gatherings, aris- greater nations whose tongues had
inlg from lack of a common tongue, been passed over for the favored one.
are becoming more manifest each The international use, then, of any
year. The growth of the international national language must in the nature
spirit makes more glaring the lack of the case be a very limited one. I t
of an efficient vehicle through which cannot be assumed that even the foreit may function. most men of all nations are skilled
I t is obvious that national lan- linguists, even when they are placed
guages, no matter how widespread, in a position where ability to comprewill not serve the turn. The objec- hend one another perfectly would be
tion to them lies deeper than their of the utmost importance to themcomplex structure, their abundant ir- selves and to the world. No man can
regularities, their numerous idioms. tell how serious has been the conse-
Each of them embodies centuries of quence of the lack of a common lanthe separate history and experience guage in a single case. When the
of a race, with the past and present foremost representatives of the
phases of racial psychology that have United States, Great Britain, France,
developed. Into each natural lan- Italy and Japan met a t Versailles, to
guage the spirit of a people has been develop principles by which the peace
wrought. Its wonderful power of ex- of the world should be established
pressing the thoughts, sentiment and and the course of all future history
ideals that particularly distinguish determined, it was found that there
its own group, is precisely the impas- was not one language which all of
sible barrier against its adequacy to them could understand; and the premeet the needs of other groups. A cision of tlie ideas expressed and disnational bias is so deeply lodged in it cussed suffered accordingly with seras to be irremovable by any simplifi- ious effects from which i t is probable
154 BAHP~
YEAR BOOK
that thc world is today suffering and ever, were long unsuccessful. Somemust suffer for a long time to come. thing like 150 abortive experiments
I t is obvious that no international preceded the invention of Esperanto,
language can take the place of a only one of which, Volapuk, seemed
natural language for the special pur- for a short time, in spite of its glarposes of everyday use within a na- ing faults, destined to find acceptance
tional group. The respective affec- on account of the increasing realizations, with accompanying obligations, tion of the crying need. The main
belonging to family, neighborhood, trouble with all these undertakings
town or city, state and nation, repre- was apparently their concentration
senting an ever-widening circle of in- upon utilitarian aims, and their interests and duties, are all to be cor- difference to the larger ideals of the
related, and in no sense conflict with unity of mankind. Hence the best of
one another. I n the same way, none them inevitably turned out to be meof these, in a properly ordered world, chanical and lifeless. There was no
can ever conflict with the still wider spiritual instinct in the minds of their
circle of love and duty toward man- creators ; and no soul could appear in
kind as a whole. The natural lan- the languages themselves.
guages have grown in accordance In the mean time, in the middle of
with fixed principles planted in the the ninteenth century, the divine meshuman mind and disposition, and ex- sage of BahB'u'llah suddenly brought
actly fit the local and national needs a sublime radlance to dispel the
of complete expression. Each one of clouds of ignorance and prejudice by
them, even the least widely used, which the minds of men had been
ought to be perpetuated, and its his- darkened. The bigoted mullzis of
tory and literature preserved as a Persia were aghast a t the audacity
permanent part of the cultural of one who spoke with the conscioustreasure of the human race. The ness of divinely bestowed authority,
adoption of an international language and who dared to substitute for their
will not have the slightest tendency partial vision of theological doctrine
to weaken or destroy any one of the "strange innovation" (actually
them. Its function will be to pro- referred to by one of them in some
mote effective intercommunication such term) of the Brotherhood of
among men and women of different Man. A new age was opened; and
lands. To do so, it must ignore the the influence of the God-sent messeparate characteristics of particular senger permeated receptive souls
races, and possess simply the uni- everywhere, even among those who
versal human qualities, which will be lived and died without hearing the
recognized by all as held in common name of the divine teacher. Among
by them and their fellows of every the clear instructions of BahB'u'llBh,
land. put forth with the same urgency as
For several hundred years, there any other of his teachings, was that
have been some in every generation of the selection or creation of an inwho have not been blind to the need ternational language for the promoof such a medium. First to voice tion of unity among mankind. This
this need in clear accents was the was no thought of a mere utilitarian
great Bohemian pioneer of sound project, but a direct command for the
educational principles, known and services of God by the creation of an
honored by the whole world under instrument for bringing the thoughts
the name of Comenius. Attempts to of his children into closer harmony.
put the conception into practice, how- Over and over again in the sacred
ESPERnNTO AND B A H ~ TEACHINGS
'~ 155
Tablets, this is insisted on as a duty, him ready to follow its guidance, was,
"so that the whole world," a s de- though he knew i t not with his intelclared in the Tablet of IshrBqLt, "may lectual realization, the divine radithereby be considered as one native ance. As a result, his work remains,
land and one part." bringing forth constant fruits for
The ultimate choice of such a uni- good. I t would take many pages to
versally accepted international lan- enter into detail regarding Esperanto
guage, which is to be taught "to the and its accomplishments. Suffice it
children in the schools of the world," to say here that its followers are
must be made by agreement among found in every land, and constitute a
the nations of the world, either cross-section of every branch of huthrough their present rulers, or if man society. It is being used for
they fail to do so, by the House of myriads of purposes by an ever-in-
Justice, when, in the divine provid- creasing number of adherents. I t
ence, the duties of universal adminis- breathes in itself a spirit of intertration shall be placed upon its national fellowship; and the feeling
shoulders. I n the mean time, how- of comradeship among Esperantists
ever, there is an obvious step to be everywhere is almost incredible in
taken, if in any way possible, in the its intensity.
creation and voluntary use by all who That the mission of Esperanto is
recognize the principle of one inter- in harmony with the divine teachnational language, to be thoroughly ings, is manifest by a multitude of
tested in every way; that when the proofs. Chief of all is the repeated
time comes for final official choice expression by 'Abdu'l-BahL of his apand universal instruction in the proval of the Esperanto cause and his
chqsen tongue, those who are to earnest wish that all followers of the
decide shall have abundant experi- BahB'i truth shall adhere to it. I n
ence to guide them, whether they are his message to Esperantists in 1912,
to ratify the language already in wide he wrote: "All through America I
use, to accept it with modifications or have encouraged the BahL'is to study
to decide upon a different one. Esperanto; and to the extent of my
In the creation of Esperanto, this ability I will strive in its spread and
condition has been fully met. Dr. promotion." Again, in 1913, He said
Zamenhof, its author, grew up from in Paris: "Now, praise be to God
boyhood with an inborn love of man- that Dr. Zamenhof has invented the
kind and longing to bring about a rec- Esperanto language. I t has all the
onciliation among its conflicting ele- potential qualities of becoming the
ments. His lifework was inspired, international means of communicanot like the efforts of his unsuccess- tion. All of us must be grateful and
ful predecessors, by a mere desire to thankful to him for this noble effort;
facilitate commercial, scientific or for in this way hz has served his feldiplomatic activities, or to promote lowmen well. He has invented a lanthe comfort and pleasure of trav- guage which will bestow the greatest
elers, desirable and valuable a s these benefits on all people. With untiring
and other uses of an international effort and self-sacrifice on the part of
languasge certainly are, but primarily its devotees it will become universal.
to destroy the causes of misunder- Therefore every one of us must study
standing and hate among his fellow- this language, and spread i t as f a r as
men by furnishing them with a means possible, so that day by day i t may
of coming to a better understanding. receive a wider recognition, be ac-
The light that reached him. and found cepted by all nations and govern-
UNITY I N RELIGION 157
ments of the world, and become a part ever lightly or indiflerenlly uttered,
of the curriculum in all the public declares: '%very one o f u s must
schools. I hope that the language of study this language, and spread it as
all the future international confer- f a r as possible." The blessing for
ences and congresses will become Es- faithfulness rests not in mere a o
peranto, so that all people may ac- quiscence, but in strict and active
quire only two languages-one their obedience. The Esperantists, who
own tongue and the other the inter- are toiling night and day in a cause
national auxiliary language. Then thus carrying into action the preperfect union will be established he- cepts of Bahl'u'lllh, and in which
tween all the people of the world." 'Abdu'l-BahB has specifically com-
The foregoing are not isolated ex- manded the professed followers of
pressions by the great Teacher, but the Revelation of this age to partiare typical of repeated utterances, cipate, are looking intently a t the
which indicate how deeply his heart actions of those who name themselves
was concerned on the subject. In a Baha'is, and are wondering why so
Tablet addressed to the writer of few among them have responded to
these lines in 1920, i t is written : "As this injunction of the Master.
to thy attendance a t the Esperanto Universal obedience to this di-
Conference. . . . i t is very advisable. vinely given command will mean the
Thou shouldst show utmost efficiency installation of a deeper spiritual conthereat, in order to spread the divine sciousness into the Esperanto moveteachings, one of which is the one- ment, and the intensive spread, by
ness of language." this great vehicle, of the divine Teach-
Incumbent as it is on all intelligent ings throughout the most progressive
well-wishers of their kind to lend groups of lovers of their kind in every
their aid to the furtherance of this land on earth. It will also hasten
vital factor in promoting conscious- the speedy execution of this one of
ness of unity among the peoples, the original principles enunciated at
there is a special burden laid among the very beginning of the great Revethe followers of the Bahl'i Teach- lation; and when the world has once
ings, for whom the repeatedly ex- adopted and put into action a single
pressed wish of 'Abdu'l-BahL should one of the precepts of the Manifestamark the path of a duty not to be tion 01the age, the way for acceptshirked under any conceivable pre- ance of the companion truths will
text. He, no one of whose words was have been made f a r more easy.

SOME TENDENCIES TOWARD UNITY IN RELIGION

Inominational
T must be obvious to even the most man today entertains religious becasual observer that the old de- liefs that make such eminent Unilines separating the tarians as Channing and Martineau
sects are fast lasing all intellectual appear exceedingly conservative. Dr.
meaning. It is no longer possible to Harry Emersor, Fosdick delights to
differentiate Baptists, Methodists, speak of himself a s "a Nondescript."
Congregationalists, Presbyterians, as Dr. Joseph Fort Newton has been a
i t was at the close of the nineteenth Congregationalist preacher a t the
century. Many an orthodox clergy- City Temple in London, a Universal-
'EAR BOOK

ist ministcr in New York. and now he Churches of Christ in America. This
is an Episcopalian clergyman at was organized in 1908, and bands to-
Overbrook, Pa., yet the successive gether twenty-eight Protestant detransitions have been made with no nominations. From the latest offifriction whatsoever, so easy has the cial document of this Federal Council
passage been made from one Chris- we learn that during sixteen years of
tian communion to another. service i t has conclusively proved
During the last decade i t has hap- that "the ideal of religious unity in
pened again and again that when two service is practical."
churches had forgotten why they The Federal Council, through the
ever separated, and neither of them Commission on Social Service "carwas able to pay a minister a living ries on a steady program of helping
wage, they bethought themselves local churches to work out any pro-
"how good and pleasant a thing i t is posal for building a better communfor brethren to dwell together in ity life." Inter-racial conferences,
unity,"-and promptly a merger en- "bringing together leaders of the
sued. Thus one of the immediate and white and negra people in a program
spontaneous results of economic con- of co-operative effort, have already
ditions and of the breakdown of sec- been held in many of the leading
tarian boundary-lines is the revival cities." The campaign "to create
of a demand for union, for the con- public opinion for the entrance of the
solidation of religious forces anal- United States into the permanent
ogous to that which has already been Court of International Justice has
consummated in the industrial world. been pursued with such vigor that i t
The most recent of these mergers is generally agreed that the churches
is that known as The United Church a r e the greatest single factor in
of Canada. After twenty years of bringing this about."
agitation and negotiation we find that The Federal Council has estabthe Presbyterians, the Methodists and lished a Department of Research and
the Congregationalists have agreed to Education, "in order to secure and
ignore their differences and their sec- publish the necessary data from
tional separations for ever. This is which a correct moral judgment on
what happened: First, the govern- contemporary issues can be formed."
ing assemblies of these three sec- Universalist leaders are just now
tarian groups endorsed the merger. making fresh attempts at uniting
Next, the individual churches voted their denomination with the Unitarfor i t by large majorities, the Cana- ian, proposing a new basis upon
dian parliament then sanctioned it, which a consolidation may be sucand the Canadian courts legalized it. cessfully consumated. Our Episco-
As a result the Presbyterian, Metho- palian brethren have been actively
dist and Congregational churches as engaged for the past fifteen years in
such have disappeared, and in their laying the foundations for a worldplace stands The United Church of wide fellowship of all "who accept
Canada, with an inclusive member- the Lord Jesus Christ as God and
ship of two and a half million, repre- Savior." At the General Convention
senting thirty per cent of the total in 1910, i t was unanimously voted to
population of the Dominion. invite all churches which accept this
The nearest approach to such a doctrine to attend a "World Confermerger within the limits of the ence on Faith and Order," to the end
United States, but signalizing no less that it might culminate in a fellowthe tendency to unity, is what is ship "absolutely unprecedented in
known as The Federal Cuuncil of Christian history." The plan was
UNITY IN RELIGION 159
financially supported by a gift of one come of the "world conference'' may
hundred thousand dollars by the late be (the date set for it is 1927) i t is
J. Pierpont Morgan. The plan was certain to result in an increase of
officially endorsed by sixty distinct mutual charity, mutual understandcommissions representing all the ing, mutual tolerance and teachableleading, branches of the Christian ness. I t will mark another milestone
church throughout the world. In the on the road to that ideal religious
official statement published by the fellowship which is the much deoriginal commission we read : sired goal ere a divine civilization
"A disunited Christendom cannot can be established. For assuredly
effectually achieve the work of the it is not enough that we be brothers
Christian Church. So long a s we are and sisters in Christ, we must be
disunited controversy and rivalry will brothers and sisters in Humanity,
continue, and these things cannot but with all the rest of mankind, that is
make charity more difficult and bit- what an ideal fellowship stands for
terness more prevalent. Every effort and nothing less can ever fully
to secure Christian unity will prove satisfy. At Benares in India plans
disruptive and futile if vital convic- have been consummated for the erections are compromised or Christian tion of a "Hall of all Religions" a t
consciences stultified ; rather must which the study of comparative relithe aim be the frank recognition of gion is to be pursued under the
the things in which Christians differ broadest and most catholic auspices
as well as those in which they agree. ever known. Lectures are to be de-
The fact is that Christians are not livered on the great religions by auagreed as to what is essential in thorities drawn from all the historic
Christianity, and the sense of stew- faiths; a library is to be constructed
ardship of the essential truth is not and stocked with the best literature
peculiar to any single Christian com- in all tongues on comparative relimunion, but is felt in each of the sun- gion ; a dormitory is to be erected for
dered parts of Christendom. Therefore we need to confer together, in a the benefit of the resident studentspirit of loving candor to discern body. An appropriation of about
what is true and vital in the position $5,000,000 has been set aside for the
of each communion in the hope of at- fulfilment of the plan as agreed upon
taining to a common mind, in which by a board of trustees including repeverything that is precious shall be resentatives of all of the seven extreasured, and be given its just and tant great religions. Thus in India
proportionate value." and other parts of the world there
Surely such a project, narrowly will be demonstrations of an organic
restricted in scope as i t is, yet ani- fellowship of faiths-as there has almated by a most noble spirit is cer- ready been in Persia-that ideal retain to produce permanent, beneficial ligious unity of Eahh'u'llhh-and the
results. Whatever the ultimate out- goal of all BahL'i religious endeavor.
B A H A ' ~ YEAR BOOK

SCIENCE AND RELIGION

Note: The follaving passages have been taken f r m Chapter XII of "Bahai'u'El6h and
the New Era."

c. OMPLETE
. . harmony with science
1s evident in the BahB'i teachings
regarding the way in which we must
then we shall be able to arrive at our
goal.'
The Baha'i teaching is at one with
seek the truth. Man must cut him- science and philosophy in declaring
self free from all prejudice so that he the essential nature of God to be enmay seek after truth unhindered. tirely beyond human comprehension.
'Abdu'l-BahB says: "In order to As emphatically as Huxley and
find truth we must give up our preju- Spencer teach that the nature of the
dices, our own small trivial notions; Great First Cause is unknowable,
an open receptive mind is essential. does BahB'u'llBh teach that "God com-
If our chalice is full of self, there is prehends all; he cannot be compreno room in it for the water of life. hended." To knowledge of the Di-
The fact that we imagine ourselves vine essence "the way is barred and
to be right and everybody else wrong the road is impassable," for how can
is the greatest of all obstacles in the the finite comprehend the Infinite;
path towards unity, and unity is es- how can a drop contain the ocean or
sential if we would reach Truth, for a mote dancing in the sunbeam em-
Truth is one. . . brace the universe? Yet the whole
"No one truth can contradict universe is eloquent of God. In each
another truth. Light is good in what- drop of water are hidden oceans of
soever lamp it is burning! A rose meaning, and in each mote is conis beautiful in whatsoever garden it cealed a whole universe of signifimay bloom! A star has the same cances, reaching f a r beyond the ken
radiance if it shines from the East of the most learned scientist. The
or from the West! Be free from chemist and physicist pursuing their
prejudice; so will you love the Sun of researches into the nature of matter,
Truth from whatever point in the have passed from masses to molehorizon it may arise. You will real- cules, from molecules to atoms, from
ize that if the Divine Light of Truth atoms to electrons and ether, but at
shone in Jesus Christ, it also shone every step the difficulties of the rein Moses and Buddha. This is what search increase till the most profound
is meant by the search after truth. intellect can pelletrate no further,
"It also means that we must be and can but bow in silent awe before
willing to clear away all that we have the unknown Infinite which remains
previously learned, all that would ever shrouded in inscrutable mysclog our steps on the way to Truth; tery.
we must not shrink if necessary, If the flower in the crannied wall,
from beginning our education all over if even a single atom of matter, preagain. We must not allow our love sents mysteries which the most profor any one religion or any one per- found intellect cannot solve, how is it
sonality so to blind our eyes that we possible for man to comprehend the
become fettered by superstition. universe? How dare he pretend to
When we are freed from all these define or describe the Infinite cause
bonds, seeking with liberated minds, of all things? All theological specula-
SCIENCE AND

tions about the nature of God's es- Thus they become the great educators
sence are thus swept aside as foolish of mankind. . . .
and futile. Bahi'u'llih teaches that the uni-
But if the essence is unknowable, verse is without beginning in time.
the manifestations of its bounty are I t is a perpetual emanation from the
everywhere apparent. If the first Great First Cause. The Creator alcause cannot be conceived, its effects ways had His creation and always
appeal to our every faculty. Just will have. Worlds and systems may
as knowledge of a painter's pictures come and go, but the universe regives to the connoisseur a true knowl- mains. All things that undergo comedge of the artist, so knowledge of the position, in time undergo decomposiuniverse in any of its aspects-knowl- tion, but the component elements reedge of nature or of human nature, main. The creation of a world, a
of things visible or of things in- daisy or a human body is not "makvisible--is knowledge of God's handi- ing something out of nothing," it is
work, and gives to the seeker for Di- rather a bringing together of elevine Truth a real knowledge of His ments which before were scattered,
Glory. a making visible of something which
All things manifest the bounty of before was hidden. ...
God with greater or less clearness, Bah&'u'llLh also confirms the bioloas all material objects exposed to the gist who finds for the body of man a
sun reflect its light in greater or less history reaching back in the developdegree. A heap of soot reflects a ment of the species through millions
little, a stone reflects more, a piece of of years. Starting from a very simchalk more still, but in none of these plc, apparently insignificant form, the
reflections can we trace the form and human body is pictured as developing
color of the glorious orb. A perfect stage by stage, in the course of untold
mirror, however, reflects the sun's generations, becoming more and more
very form and color, so that looking complex, and better and better orinto the mirror is like looking at the ganized until the man of the present
sun itself, so it is with the way in day is reached. Each individual huwhich things speak to us of God. The man body develops through such a
stone can tell us something of the Di- series of stages, from a tiny round
vine attributes, the flower can tell us speck of jelly-like matter to the fully
more, the animal with its marvellous developed man. If this is true of the
senses, instincts and power of move- individual, as nobody denies, why
ment, more still. In the lowest of should we consider it derogatory to
our fellowmen we can trace wonder- human dignity to admit a similar deful faculties which tell of a wonder- velopment for the species? This is a
ful Creator. In the poet, the saint, very different thing from claiming
the genius, we find a higher revela- that man is descended from a
tion still, but the great prophets and monkey. The human embryo may at
founders of religions are the perfect one time resemble a fish with gillmirrors by which the love and wis- slits and a tail, but it is not a fish. I t
dom of God are reflected to the rest is a human embryo. . . .
of mankind. Other men's mirrors 'Abdu'l-Bahi says: "It is clear that
are dulled by the stains and the dust this terrestrial globe in its present
of selfishness and prejudice, but these form did not come into existence all
are pure and without blemish- at once, but gradually passed through
wholly devoted to the Will of God. different phases until i t became
BAR BOOK

adorned with its present perfection. rock of selfishness and materialism.
... Man in the beginning of his Its attempts to use its wings have
existence and in the womb of the been timid and tentative. I t has had
earth, like the embryo in the womb restless longings for something still
of the mother, gradually grew and unattained. More and more i t has
developed, and passed from one form been chafing in the confinement of the
to another, until he appeared with old dogmas and orthodoxies. But
this beauty and perfection, this force now the era of confinement is a t an
and this power. It is certain that in end, and i t can launch on the wings
the beginning he had not this loveli- of faith and reason into the higher
ness and grace and elegance, and that realms of spiritual love and truth.
he only by degrees attained this I t will no longer be earth-bound as
shape, this form, this beauty and this it was before its wings had grown,
grace. . . . Man's existence on this but will soar a t will to the regions of
earth from the beginning until i t wide outlook and glorious freedom.
reaches this stage, form and condi- One thing is necessary, however, if
tion, necessarily lasts a long time. . . its flight is to be sure and steady. Its
but from the beginning of man's ex- wings must not only be strong, but
istence he is a distinct species. . . . they must act in perfect harmony
Admitting that the traces of organs and co-ordination. As 'Abdu'l-BahB
which have disappeared actually says: "It cannot fly with one wing
exist (in the human body), this is alone. If i t tries to fly with the wing
not a proof of the impermanence and of religion alone it will land in the
the non-originality of the species. At slough of superstition, and if i t tries
the most it proves that the form and to fly with the wing of science alone
fashion and the organs of man have i t will end in the dreary bog of maprogressed. Man was always a dis- terialism."
tinct species, a man, not an animal." Perfect harmony between science
The BahB'i teachings with regard and religion is the sine qua non of
to body and soul, and the life after the higher life for humanity. When
death, are quite in harmony with the that is achieved, and every child is
results of psychical research. They trained not only in the study of the
teach, as we have seen, that death is sciences and arts, but equally in love
but a new birth-the escape from the to all mankind and in radiant acprison of the body into a larger life, quiescence to the Will of God as revealed in the progress of evolution
and that progress in the after-life is
limitless. . .. and the teachings of the prophets,
+hen and not until then, shall the
All the signs of the times indicate Kingdom of God come and His Will
that we are a t the dawn of a new era bs done on earth as i t is in Heaven;
in the history of mankind. Hitherto then and not until then shall the Most
the young eagle of humanity has Great Peace shed its blessings on the
clung to the old eyrie in the solid world.
UNIVERSAL EDUCATION

UNIVERSAL EDUCATEON
QUOTATIONS FROM THE Ba~h'iTEACHINGS

K NOWLEDGE is like unto wings is e v i d e n t and incontrovertible.
for the being (of man) and is Could the student be brilliant and aclike a ladder for ascending. To ac- complished if the teacher is illiterate
quire kntrwled$e is incumbent upon and ignorant? The mothers are the
all, but of those sciences which may first educators of mankind; if they
profit the people of the earth, and not be imperfect, alas for the condition
such sciences as begin in mere words and future of the race. . . There- .
and end in mere words. The pos- fore, they (the mothers) must be
sessors of sciences and arts have a capably trained in order to educate
great right among the people of the both sons and daughters. There are
world. Indeed, the real treasury of many provisions in the Words of Baman is hi,s knowledge. Knowledge is hi'u'llih in regard t o this. . . When
the means of honor, prosperity, joy, all mankind shall receive the same opgladness, happiness and exultation. portunity of education and the equal-
He who educates his son, or any ity of men and women be realized,
other children, i t is a s though he the foundations of war will be uthath educated one of My children. terly destroyed. ('Abdu'l-BahA in
(Tablets of BahA'u'llah.) "Promulgation of Universal Peace.")

NO INDIVIDUAL should be de- EDUCATION holds a n important
nied or deprived of intellectual train- place in the new order of things.
ing although each should receive ac- The education of each child is comcording to capacity. None must be pulsory. If there is not money
left in the grades of ignorance, for enough in the family to educate bot'n
ignorance is a defect in the human the girl and the boy the money must
world. All mankind must be given be dedicated to the girl's education,
a knowledge of science and philos- for she is the potential mother. If
ophy; that is, as much a s may be there are no parents the community
deemed necessary. All cannot be sci- must educate the child. In addition
entists and philosophers but each to this widespread education each
should be educated according to his child must be taught a profession,
needs and deserts. art, or trade, so that every member
The education of woman is more of the community will be enabled to
necessary and important than that earn his own livelihood. Work done
of man, for woman is the trainer of in the spirit of service is the highest
the child from its infancy. If she form of worship. ('Abdu'l-Baht4 in
be defective and imperfect herself "Divine Philosophy.")
the child will necessarily be deficient ;
therefore imperfection of woman im- ALL THE CHILDREN must be
plies a condition of imperfection in educated so that there will not reall mankind, for i t is the mother who main one single individual without
rears, nurtures and guides the an education. In cases of inability
growth of the child. This is not the on the part of the parents through
function of the father. If the edu- sickness, death, etc., the state must
cator be incompetent the educated educate the child. I n addition to
will be correspondingly lacking. This this widespread education, each child
164 B A H ~ 'YEAR
~ BOOK

must be taught a profession or trade nacles of spiritual development. The
so that each individual member of philosoplqers, too, are educators along
the body politic will be enabled to lines of intellectual training. At
earn his own living and a t the same most they have only been able to edutime serve the community. . . From cate themseves and a limited number
this universal system of education about them, to improve their own
misunderstandings will be expelled morals and, so to speak, civilize
from amongst the children of men. themselves; but they have been in-
('Abdu'l-BahA, in "BahB'i Scrip- capable of universal education. They
tures," v. 574. have failed to cause an advancement
for any lgiven nation from savagery
BAHA'UJLLdH has announced to civilization.
that inasmuch as tgnorance and lack I t is evident that although educaof education are barriers of separa- tion improves the morals of mankind,
tion among mankind, all must re- confers the advantages of civilizaceive t r a i n i n g and instruction. tion and elevates man from lowest
Through this provision the lack of degrees to the station of sublimity,
mutual understanding will be reme- there is nevertheless a difference in
died and the unity of mankind fur- the intrinsic or natal capacity of inthered and advanced. Universal edu- dividuals. Ten children of the same
cation i s a universal law. I t is there- age, with equal station of birth,
fore incumbent upon every father to taught in the same school, partaking
teach and instruct his children ac- of the same food, in all respects subcording to his possibilities. If he is ject to the same environment, their
unable to educate them, the body- interests equal and in common, will
politic, the representative of the peo- evidence separate and distinct deple must provide the means for their grees of capability and advancement ;
education. ('Abdu'l-BahP, in "Pro- some exceedingly intelligent and promulgation of Universal Peace," p. gressive, some of mediocre ability,
294.) others limited and incapable. One
may become a learned professor
THE NECESSITY OF education while another under the same course
for all mankind is evident. Children of education proves dull and stupid.
especially must be trained and taught From all standpoints the opportuni-
. . . . Through the broadening spirit ties have been equal but the results
of education, illiteracy will disappear and outcomes vary from the highest
and misunderstandings due to ignor- to lowest degree of advancement. It
ance will pass away. . . . He (Ba- is evident therefore that mankind
hh'u'llih) has proclaimed the prin- differs in natal capacity and intrinsic
ciple that all mankind shall be edu- intellectual endowment. Neverthecated and that no illiteracy be allowed less although capacities are not the
to remain. This practical remedy for same, every member of the human
the need of the world cannot be found race is capable of education. . . . .
in the text of any other sacred books. the holy Manifestations of God, the
('Abdu'l-Baha in "Promulgation of Divine Prophets are the first teachers
Universal Peace.") of the human race. They are universal Educators and the fundamen-
THE PROPHETS OF GOD are tal principles they have laid down
the first Educators. They bestow are the causes and factors of the aduniversal education upon man and vancement of nations. ('Abdu'l-Bacause him to rise from the lowest ha in "Promulgation of Universal
levels of savagery to the highest pin- Peace.")
RACIAL AMITY

RACIAL AMITY
BY LOUIS
G. GREGORY
Report of an A&ress given at the W r s t Convention for Amity between the white and
colored races, held a t Washington, D. C.

"All races, tribes, sects and classes share equally in the bounty of their Heavenly
Father. The only real difference lien in the degree o f faithfulness, of obed:kma t o the
laws of Gold. There are some who are as lighted torches; there are others who shine as
stars in the sky of humanity.
"The lovers of wmnlcind, these are the superior men, of whatever nation, creed or color
they may be."-'ABDU'L-BAHA.

T HE new springtime is the spir- ity of truth, to the great law that huitual springtime, with the flow manity is one, even as God is one, to
of the light and the love of God, the the elevation of the station of
Divine Unity, into the hearts of man- woman, who must no longer be conkind. When the springtime comes, fined to a limited life but be everythe winter, with its decay, degrada- where recognized as the equal and
tion, and death, has passed away, helpmeet of man. These pertain to
and we find the sun shines with bril- the universality of education, to the
liancy and splendor, and that clouds oneness of language, to the solution
of mercy shower their drops upon of this economic problem which has
humankind. We feel these zephyrs vexed the greatest minds of the
of divinc providenec waft upon all. world and its noblest hearts, and to
!Phe light of reality gleams. The hu- that supreme dynamic power, the
man heart becomes more tender and Holy Spirit of God, whose outpouring
sympathetic to the needs of its fel- upon the whole world of flesh will
low beings, and all these vibrations make this a world of light, of joy,
of love that are transmitted from and of triumph. "In His Name," as
the Kingdom of God have their play the Herald proclaimed, "In the name
in the hearts of men and make more of God, the victor of the most victorcertain and real this thought of ious, proclaim! God will assist all
brotherhood. We have our problems those who arise to serve Him. No
to solve in this country, but let us one is able to deprive Him of His
not become despondent over them, majesty, His dominion, His soverrealizing that today the whole world eignty; for in the Heavens and the
is having its problems and difficulties. earth, and in all the realms of God,
There is no country in the world to- He is the victorious and the conday that has not difficulties equaling, queror!" If we follow the Creator
if not surpassing, our own. I do not in all His marvelous work, we shall
say this with the suggestion that find that it is characterized by infinite
misery loves company, but in order diversity and variety. Wherever the
that we may not be despondent and human eye moves in creation we see
think that these difficulties are hin- variegated forms. In the mineral
drances. The divine springtime has kingdom if you should bring together
appeared and the great enlightened a number of jewels, the diamond, the
principles, which are the light and emerald, the ruby, the sapphire, the
progress of the whole world of hu- pearl, you will find that their commanity, are set in motion. These re- bined beauty is greater than any
late to the great peace, the universal- single element. They enhance each
YEAR BOOK

other's valuc. Traveling through
r the principles and self-interest differ in
f a r western country one may see every stage of their growth; but, tothousands of sheep gathered together day we need a harmony which is so
in a peaceful fold, one shepherd and universal that i t will bind together
one fold. The fact that some of these the hearts of all these struggling elesheep are black and others are white ments which make up creation. Let
does not make the slightest differ- us follow the guidance and the wisence in that community of interest, dom of God! Have you stopped to
for they know each other not by their observe that the clouds of His mercy
color (but by their kind, and they love shower upon all the world of humaneach other in response to that spirit ity; t h a t the air we breathe is not
of God which vibrates in all c eation. confined to one church, o r one syn-
One star differs from another in mag- agogue, or one mosque, but the uninitude, but each and all of these versal bounty of God supports all
stars contribute to the brilliancy of life and creation? The sunshine,
the heavens. We have heard, the with its great splendor, is not limited
wonderful harmony of an orchestra. to this class or that class, o r this
We have heard those rich strains. race or that race, or one nation or
Have you ever stopped to consider another, but i t beautifies and glorithat in an orchestra the words, the fies the whole realm of existence.
music, the voices, the instruments God's is the universal bounty and He
may be different; and yet exquisite loves all of His children. He has
harmony, under the guidance of a provided for them out of that great
great master, may come from that love. Shall men, therefore, reverse
orchestra? The world has had a note the purposes of God? Shall we reof discord for many thousand years, ject the divine wisdom and initiate
and i t must impress itself upon every a different plan? If the divine plan
reasonable man that war, force, and is one of light, shall we make ours
violence, are the greatest calamities one of darkness? If the divine plan
that alflict the ~vorld of mankind. is one of providence, shall we devise
But now we are striviulg for the note a plan of greed? If the divine plan is
of harmony. The thought of har- one of altruism, shall we make ours
mony, itself, is a happy thought, the plan of selfishness? If the disomething that makes the hearts of vine plan is universal tolerance, shall
men joyful, something that makes we inaugurate a plan of prejudice
their minds flash with the gems of and pride? How can man escape
reality. For our own peace, safety, disaster and humiliation if he is so
and salvation, we should make every self-centered and so self-satisfied that
effort to bring harmony out of these he attempts to reverse the principles
discordant notes that h a v e b e e n of God?
struck for time and ages throughout The races living side by side have
the world. a common origin and a common des-
The races living side by side need tiny. From God we came and to Him
each other. If even two communi- we return, and we have many things
ties which are near each other co- in common. We live in the same
operate, i t works to the commercial favored land; we are warmed by the
development and the happiness of same sunshine; we strive for those
both. We know the advantage and same virtues and ideals which adorn
benefit which comes through co- and beautify the home; we have the
operation when i t affects two great same virtue of patriotism (and may
nations, even though their ideals and this embrace the world!) ; we speak
RACIAL AMITY 167

the same language; and, most sig- bowed by the weight of 80 years, who
nificant of all, we profess the same had come from his home in Florida,
religion. If we but put our religion leaving a sick bed, and had taken a
into practice, and do not quarrel journey to Washington to speak upon
about its form, this alone would be this very question. The subject
sufficient to solve any human prob- which he selected was the golden rule
lem. But there is more than this to applied to the race question, and the
consider. I n the past the white peo- eloquent speech which he delivered
ple of America have done a very was a vibration of love. He said
noble service to the colored people more for us, that ex-confederate vetof our land, and this is something eran, than we are willing, in our
we should stop to consider. About most sanguine moments, to claim for
the time of the civil war you fought ourselves. So I say to you that these
each other for our freedom. That enlightened souls saw the relationis one thing which we should not ships of these races to each other.
wish to forget. The eloquent Sen- I t is only by co-operation, mutual apator has referred to the progress preciation, and good will that we can
made by the colored people in Amer- get anywhere in the solution of these
ica as distinguished from their back- problems that vex us. If this room
ward condition i n Africa. This, LOO, were filled with darkness we could
is a service which has come to us not remove that darkness by inthrough you, from contact witin your tensifying the darkness, nor can we
civilization. This is something h a t remove discord from the lace of
we should appreciate. This is some- the earth by increasing discord.
thing that all thoughtful people must Darkness has no reality. Darkness
appreciate. On the other hand, if is only the absence of light. When
you stop to consider the other sid.3 the light comes in, darkness disapof the question you may find that pears of its own motion. So all the
there are some services which are turmoil, and distress, and hatred in
valuable which the black people of the world are only the absence of this
America have rendered the white divine, perfect love.
people. Lest I, who am outwardiy Therefore let us shed the light of
identified with one racial group divine love, a real love, upon all of our
should be thought to be claiming .too fellow beings, a love for the sake of
much for my own, I wish to quote to God, a love which has no limits, no
you the ideas of two distinguished boundaries of race, or country, or
southerners : Passing through the clime, or color, or creed, but is a unicity of Atlanta a few months ago I versal reality of the Sun of Truth
saw the statue to the Hon. Henry W . shining from the very Throne of God.
Grady, a statesman of the New Such a love will remove all these
South, and one of its most brilliant questions from the world and will
advocates, now passed away. I t was make us realize our relations to each
this enlightened statesman and friend other as we realize first of all our
of men who declared that one of the relations to God. Without knowing
greatest mistakes ever made was that the divine bounty and the divine love
this country did not erect a monu- a man cannot know even himself. I
ment to commemorate the loyalty and believe that under the providence of
fidelity of black men and women dur- God this Nation of ours has a bright
ing that awful period of the civil war. destiny-it may reach i t through
About a year ago it was my pleasure sorrow, I hope it may achievc it
to listen to an ex-confederate soldier, through joy-and that is, as has
Doctor Boags of Florida, a man been so eloquently expressed by our
RACIAL AMITY 169

noble friend, thc nations of thc wholc t h r o u g h o u t the world. If our
earth are looking to America for thoughts, and our aims, and our
peace, for the example of ideal ideals are constructive, they will be
brotherhood. If they are asking us supported in this day by divine confor bread, shall we give them a stone? firmation and will bring this light 01
I believe that America, under the in- peace and brotherhood to all the peospiration of divine Guidance, will ful- ple of the world. Let us not for a
fill the high ideal of this noble destiny moment be despondent, for the gloriby fusing with the fire of love, into ous Sun of Reality has dawned and
one harmonious brotherhood all the the light of that Sun now illumines
variegated elements of which this the whole world. I t is only for us to
world is composed, and i t is incum- discover what a great bounty God
bent upon each individual, just in so has provided for us. "To the state of
far as he can, to contribute to this holiness He calls us!" To the exideal brotherhood; and not only the- alted state of peace and ideal brotherorize about such a condition, but put hood he sumomns us! If we bring
his thoughts into action; for the wise the best treasures of our minds and
man today is the man who makes his the noblest resources of our hearts,
knowledge practical. coming to the aid of the Lord against
Speaking about the interrelations the mighty support this happy conbetween the white and colored peo- dition, He wili give to us that inward
ple; some months ago, traveling peace which shall leave its bright
through the city of Monroe I met a traces in all the realm of existence.
friend who travels much and uses his I t will make us true men and women;
eyes. He told me one of his impres- i t will make us the torch-bearers of
sions. He said that if, traveling the light of God and will enable us
through a section of the South, he
came into a community and in this to transmit a radiance by which the
community saw nothing but white peace and pleasure and happiness of
people, he could .immediately form a the whole world of existence will be
correct impression by their general adorned. And there is nothing more
bearing and manners, about the hab- glorious for man than to realize this
its of their colored neighbors. But if, bright destiny. God is with us! We
on the other hand, he saw nothing can not fail if we are firm in His
but colored people of the community, covenant and steadfast i n His comhe could also form a very vivid and mands. This gloomy age will pass
corect impression of the habits and away and the radiance of the divine
manners of the white people. Now love will penetrate the whole earth,
this may seem somewhat far-fetched, for as 'Abdu'l-Baha the Great Teachbut you can see that i t is the logical er says, "There is a mysterious powcondition with regard to these civil- er a t work in the hearts which moves
izations so closely associated for cen- the rocks, which rends the mounturies, that one should be but the reflex of the other. Therefore, instead tains, which creates new spiritual
of being critical toward our fellow worlds, which administers all combeings, we can most happily occupy plicated and difficult affairs." This
our time by considering what contri- power will not fail, for i t is the vibrabution we can ourselves make to the tion that emanates from the Kingspirit of peace and brotherhood dom of God.
B A H ~ 'YEAR
~ BOOK

THE ECONOMIC TEACHING OF 'ABDU'L-BAHA
B Y MARY H. FORD
HE world vision of 'Abdu'l-Bahi of the concern for which they
T.lncluded in every way the better- worked so that they could estimate
ment of mankind. This betterment the justice of any change contemmust be physical as well as spiritual plated in the wage scale.
for the enlightened individual can He declared that strikes could
not continue to exist under condi- never acomplish the end desired by
tions that a r e only suitable for a the workers for until they underprimitive creature. .stood the financial conditions of the
'Abdu'l-BahL says the day of force firms employing them they would
has passed, the day of love has keep on demanding more and more
dawned. In the ages behind us force wages in ruinous degree, while if
and competition constituted the laws they comprehended the financial situof being, but in the period we are ation they would themselves propose
entering love and co-operation will reasonable measure. 'Abdu'l-Baha
be the dominating principles. The taught moreover that violent action
Messenger of God, always the Divine invariably produces reaction, thus
Educator in each new age, reveals defeating the end in view, and colleclaws for the founding of a divine tively or individually brutal force
civilization. destroys its own purpose.
While in the United States 'Abdu'l- He said the workers must become
bahi told us how an ideal community owners of stock in the centers that
might be established. He also out- employed them and have a share in
lined definitely the changes that the profits which accrued so that in
would manifest in business methods the end they would no longer be paid
reflecting the New Era. These he ex- wages but would receive their porplained would gradually eliminate tion of the return on work and capital
competition, and substitute co-opera- invested. He said also that in such
tive means of conducting all sorts of a plan the employee must be proindustrial and commercial enter- tected from loss, because as he did
prises. He said that employer and not possess capital in cash but rather
employee must be brought together in his industry there would come lean
so that the management of affairs years in which the financier could
would not rest solely in the hands of wait comfortably for his delayed divithe owners of a factory or insti- dends, on acount of his accumulated
tution, but would permit of consulta- wealth, but at such periods the worktion between worker and director, so e r endowed only with hands and
that all decisions would result from brain, must receive the stipend necesmutual understanding. Strikes arise sary for his expenses.
he declared because neither worker When the worker has his seat upon
nor manager feels the point of the board of management and can
view and temper of the other. He vote on the rate of wages, the disinsisted that workmen must always position of surplus capital, dividends,
be represented on the boards of the employment individual and collective,
companies employing them, that and all questions involving the conthey must have access to the books trol of the enterprise, then the
and understand the financial status worker and manager will understand
one another and strikes will be com- to have help and looking over the
pletely eliminated. This has been union field was immediately attracted
the result wherever such a method by the shop committee plan of the
has been inaugurated and i t is sur- Amalgamated a s one which ensured
prising to observe its rapid increase a continuous understanding between
in adoption. 'Abdu'l-Bahh's plan is employers and workers. It is planpractically that of the shop commit- ned to create harmony and therefore
tee system applied many years ago must eliminate strikes. Perhaps the
by Hart Schaffner and Marx the great most brilliant illustration of such harclothing firm. I t was initiated after mony is the immense Cochrane
a terrible strike during which the Carpet Factory of Yonkers, where
members of the concern discovered to this method was introduced many
their amazement that they did not years ago by Alexander Cochrane,
understhnd a t all the conditions of with the most beneficent results.
their employees, and being kindly The establishment is a t present on
people they wished to guard against what is practically a co-operative
the return of a similar situation. basis with the best possible relation-
Since then they have had no strikes. ship between owners and employees.
Sidney Hilman has established the 'Abdu'l-Baha spoke of a new con-
Amalgamated Garment W o r k e r s sciousness that would arise in man-
Union on the same system. This in- kind that would render i t impossible
volves an elected board of workers for men in future to enjoy great
and employers which in case of wealth selfishly. At present a man
failure to arrive a t a majority deci- lives in a palace in London or New
sion in any question selects a finan- York, and within a stone's throw of
cial expert from the outside in whom him are people who never in their
both sides have perfect confidence, lives have fully satisfied hunger. The
who casts the majority vote to which man in the palace enjoys his own
all submit. comforts feeling no responsibility for
The commercial world has recently the others; but by and by he will bebeen much interested in the fact that come so uncomfortable in the knowlthe Nash Garment Factory of Cincin- edge of other men's sufferings that
nati whose owner has become famous he can no longer endure his luxury.
under the title of "Golden Rule Nash" Then he will devote his energies to
as a result of his endeavor to follow changing the laws of the community
the Golden Rule in dealing with his so that henceforth no One can be
employees, has invited Sidney Hil- hungry and poverty will be abolished.
man to organize a branch of the The day must come, 'Abdu'l-Bah6 de-
Amalgamated in the Institution. clared, when no city will tolerate
Nash never permitted union member- slums, when all children will have
ship among his employees, declaring equal rights of education, and when
that his own methods and authority the rich will even begin to give away
were sufficient to ensure justice their wealth because of the new conand fair dealing with his people. In sciousness of other's needs which
the last two years however his busi- penetrate them.
ness has grown so immensely that he We are able to see the fulfillment
could no longer keep in personal of this last prophecy, a t least in its
touch with his workers and through comrneneement, in the immense Carthe constant intervention of foremen negie and Rockefeller Foundations,
and superintendents injustice crept and in the numerous cases already in
in. He realized that i t was necessary evidence of people like Dix the gar-
E A R BOOK

ment maker, who having acquired a family. Only the surplus is taxed,
fortune of several millions through and each is allowed perfect freedom
the assistance of his faithful em- g s to his expenses; but if his surplus
ployees, decided that he had enough is large it is quite heavily taxed on
money and he would like to offer his the principles of an ascending tax for
employees an opportunity to be individual wealth.
equally fortunate in business. So This last is easily comprehensible to
with the co-operation of his son, he us from the point of view of the input his factory into the hands of his come tax with which we are familiar,
workers a t a temporary and nominal but the application of the tax and its
royalty, and with his son served the existence as a fluid income in the
new company for a year with no village is not so easily appreciable.
salary, so that the firm should have I t is an expression of the new econthe benefit of experience in its in- omic consciousness. There will be
auguration. Within the past year at some producers, comments 'Abdu'lleast a dozen manufacturing estab- Bahh, whose return will not provide
lishments have followed the example sufficient income for their needs. For
of Dix which plainly indicates that instance if a farmer has expenses of
another feeling is arising in the five thousand dollars and an income
world about the possession of money. of twenty thousand, he can pay a con-
'Abdu'l-Bahk said that in the fu- siderable tax on the fifteen thousand
ture all economic conditions would be surplus which comes to him. But if
ameliorated, and the law of brother- a man has expenses of five thousand
hood would become the basis of life. dollars and only returns of three
As an illustration of future pos- thousand, then he must meet a deficit
sibilities he sketched the business of two thousand.
methods of an agricultural village, In such a case, says 'Abdu'l-BahB,
saying he chose agriculture because he draws two thousand dollars from
its proper regulation is the basic the exchequer of the community, and
factor in all economic life. He ex- in this way taxation becomes a fiuid
plained that the organization of the source of wealth flowing back and
village would apply to any commun- forth among all citizens, banishing
ity. According to this system each poverty and assuring comfort for
citizen of the town owns and tills his every one. Certainly in such a comown fields without jurisdiction or
limitation of acreage, but the village monwealth there could exist no
elects a committee of citizens to slums, there could exist no prejudice,
market the product of the entire com- nor suspicion, nor hatred. To image
munity and when the harvest is sold it gives one a sense of sympathetic
the committee levies a tax on each brotherhood which is almost inconproducer according to the amount of ceivable at the present moment. But
surplus he has, beyond the amount its reality lies in the new consciousnecessary for the support of his ness that is developing.
WORLD PEACE

WORLD PEACE
B Y HARLAN OBER

humanity and an unnecessary institu-
14EE'P in the heart of the world
lies the desire for peace. War,-
vivid, relentless, destroying, has
tion. They seek a better way of settling disputes and of providing for
quickened this desire. progress.
The-Sun of Peace is in the ascent. The agreements, treaties and un-
The march of events reveals the derstandings entered into between
growth of a greater and greater urge. the various nations, rest upon the ac-
The world is becoming more sensi- tive and expressed interest and suptive and more responsive to those port of these peoples.
surging spiritual forces that are a t One of the most interesting octhe heart of the new civilization that curences relates to the practical mois being builded. bilization of the forces of idealism,
The war brought desolation. Its through the c h u r c h e s, colleges,
destructive instruments, and its women's clubs and similar organizapoisonous gases exceeded the endur- tions, and their successful efforts in
ance of men. The bodies, the nerves, overcoming the hosts of doubts, susthe souls of men suffered irreparable picions and self interest.
losses because of the tortures that The world is like a great arena in
were inflicted. which ideas are going forth to battle.
Prostration of countries, disturb- A searching light shines down and
ances of commerce, distress of inhabi- under its rays, the truth appears.
tants, destruction of sacred relation- Nations that have slumbered are
ships, annihilation of the ideals of awakening, races of people that have
established standards resulted from been waiting for centuries are taking
this cataclysmic affair. We are now up their march. The new freedom
in the period of recovery with its has gripped the souls of millions.
slow and studied progress, its uncer- Ancient superstitions have lost their
tainties and gropings, its search for compelling hold. Men who have
treasures that have been lost. And walked with crutches are stumbling
with i t all has been added another along a path that will soon see them
search, and that is, for treasures running gracefully with stalwart and
that have never been held in the beautiful limbs.
hands, but only i n the hearts of the Clouds follow the brilliant sun, opseers and the poets, and the singers positions arise and are temporarily
of divine melodies. victorious, hut the sun shines on,
The song of the divine singer has while the clouds disappear.
found lodgement in millions of res- Never was such a brilliant drama
ponsive hearts. The world is becom- staged before. Mankind is beholding
ing internationalized, for in every a world in process of education, the
country large groups of people are nerves of humanity being stirred by
found whose vision transcends the the outer and the inner power, old
artificial boundaries of nations and moulds broken and cast away enenfolds the people of all the earth. tirely. Every invention has become
These peoples are entirely convinced an instrument in this mighty, soul
that war is against the welfare of stirring spectacle, for is i t not a part

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